North Brunswick Magazine Summer 2022 Issue

Summer 2022 Summer 2022

+

LELAND'S FIRST BREWERY COASTAL CAROLINA OUTREACH FOR KIDS AND TEENS BIRDING AT HALYBURTON PARK

oy J

Mimi & Papa's Gourmet Popcorn & Homemade Ice Cream opens in Leland.

SWEET

C O M PL IM E N TA RY

Discover your place to call

Home Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage has been Southeastern North Carolina's #1 real estate company for the past 22 years.

Put the power of our proven performance to work for you.

We’d love to help you find your place to call home.

Leland (910) 371-1181 Southport (910) 457-6713 Downtown Southport (910) 477-6118 Oak Island (910) 278-3311 Boiling Spring Lakes (910) 294-0700 St. James (910) 363-8024 South Brunswick (910) 754-6782 Calabash (910) 579-8471 Holden Beach (910) 842-1555

SeaCoastRealty.com

Beautiful Dentistry with a Gentle Touch

Your trusted Leland Dentist for over a decade.

Dr. Jonathan S. Ludwig, DMD, FAGD Dr. Melissa Owen, DDS

Come check us out in Magnolia Greens today and see why!

V I S I T U S AT 1 1 0 8 E A S T O W N E C O U R T, L E L A N D , N C

w w w. Te e t h B y T h e B e a c h . c o m | 9 1 0 . 3 7 1 . 5 9 6 5

6

North Brunswick Magazine

SHOULDER

BACK, NECK & SPINE

ELBOW & ARM

If It Hurts Here,

HAND

& WRIST

HIP

Come See Us Here: LELAND

SUNSET BEACH

WILMINGTON

1168 E. Cutlar Crossing

7495 High Market St., Ste 6 (Therapy only)

2716 Ashton Dr.

SHALLOTTE

BURGAW

8115 Market St., Ste 108

5160 Ocean Hwy. West (Includes AccessOrtho)

209 US Hwy 117 North, Suite B

SOUTHPORT

JACKSONVILLE

CAROLINA BEACH

1517 N. Howe St. (Therapy only)

2000 Brabham Ave., Ste 100 (Includes AccessOrtho)

6419 Carolina Beach Rd.

3787 Shipyard Blvd

KNEE

6019 Oleander Dr. (Includes AccessOrtho)

(Therapy Only)

EmergeOrtho provides an exceptional level of care to the residents of Brunswick, New Hanover, Onslow and Pender Counties. Patients benefit from the expertise

FOOT & ANKLE

of highly trained physicians, including fellowship-trained, board-certified specialists, performing both non-surgical and minimally invasive procedures; including robotic-assisted joint replacement. Physical therapy and advanced MRI are also available in most locations.

Call 910.332.3800 for same-day appointments or visit EmergeOrtho.com to request an appointment online.

Outside referrals are welcome. © EmergeOrtho 2022

Emerge Stronger. Healthier. Better.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

D FEATURES

FEATURES

SUMMER 2022 D VOLUME 16 ISSUE 4

40 CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

50 PHOTO BY LAURA GLANTZ

40 SOMETHING'S BREWING IN LELAND

Leland’s first brewery is on the horizon for 2023.

by Kurt Epps, The PubScout

8

North Brunswick Magazine

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

72

50

SWEET JOY

72

EYE FOR DESIGN

With the opening of Mimi & Papa’s Gourmet Popcorn and Homemade Ice Cream, George and Phyllis Murray are fulfilling their longtime dream of working side by side.

by Annesophia Richards.

Lauren Wilbun creates one-ofa-kind experiences through her al fresco dining business, Collective Law.

by Emory Rakeshaw

HARDWOOD

TILE

CARPET

VINYL

LAMINATE

Our Floor Coverings International team of design experts, flooring contractors and project coordinators make installing new, high-end floors a stress-free experience. We know this isn’t something you do every day, so we’ve made it our mission to simplify the flooring installation process in three easy steps:

1 Schedule a free in-home design consultation.

2 Explore thousands of samples from our mobile flooring store in the comfort of your own home.

Bringing Flooring Straight to You!

3 Enjoy the best value in flooring with top quality brands.

910.575.5248 SERVING ALL OF CAPE FEAR AREA!

shallotte.floorcoveringinternational.com

4902 Main St. | Shallotte Summer 2022

9

TABLE OF CONTENTS

D IN EVERY ISSUE D DEPARTMENTS

55

31

IN EVERY ISSUE

DEPARTMENTS

16 PUBLISHER’S NOTE

31 SPIRITS

18 CONTRIBUTORS 22 WHAT’S HAPPENED What’s been going on around town.

27 SOUTHBOUND

Finds in the Summer 2022 edition of South Brunswick Magazine

28 ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

Extras you’ll only find online

79 BUSINESS PROFILE Aesthetic Dentistry at Magnolia Village

81 SNIPPETS

Baby Boomers Woodstock Revival at Compass Pointe, Belville Founders Day, Leland’s Spring Art Market, British Motor Club of the Cape Fear Annual Car Show

85 FACES & PLACES

89 ADVERTISERS INDEX

10

North Brunswick Magazine

32 WHAT’S COOKIN’

Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Cucumber, Onion Salad with Feta

By Sandi Grigg

35 NATURE

Nature is calling at Halyburton Park in Wilmington.

By Theresa Ravencraft

45 LOCAL

Crust N.C., a mobile woodfired pizza truck, reinvents the traditional pizza party.

By Ashley Daniels

55 NONPROFIT

Through good, old-fashioned outdoor fun, Coastal Carolina Outreach helps improve the health and well-being of kids and teens.

By Melissa Slaven Warren

61 PEOPLE

Meet Patricia Dew, the multitalented new director of Brunswick County Library System.

By Beth A. Klahre

67 SPORTS

A Winnabow family is reviving its property into The Golf Barn, a golf utopia with family-style fun, professional golf instruction and much more.

By Kathy Blake

35 PHOTO BY THERESA RAVENCRAFT

Spring Fling at Paws Place, North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner, “Gimme Shelter” at The Barn at Rock Creek

Spicy Watermelon Sangria

By Sandi Grigg

PHOTO B YBILL RITENOUR

PHOTO BY JAMES STEFIUK

PHOTO BY GLENN GUIAO

45

General Dentistry Cosmetic Dentistry Endodontics Oral Surgery Sedation Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry Dental Implants Orthodontics Periodontics Prosthodontics

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL

99

$

Adults

79

$

Kids

Exam, X-rays & Cleaning

Local offices in Shallotte, Southport, Leland & Wilmington!

Summer 2022

11

North Brunswick Magazine – Summer 2022 Volume 16, Issue 4 Full Time REALTOR/BROKER & TOP PRODUCER

SOLD

AD SOLD

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

SOLD

COPY EDITOR: Molly Harrison CONTRIBUTING GRAPHICS: Paula Knorr Teresa Kramer Samantha Lowe Elizabeth Dale Niemann

“Thank you to all my clients who have purchased or sold since 2004.”

If experience matters, I’m here to help!

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Brian Wilner CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Megan Deitz Kurt Epps Laura Glantz Glenn Guiao Jo Ann Mathews Matt McGraw John Muuss Theresa Ravencraft Bill Ritenour James Stefiuk

#1 FOR 22 YEARS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Kathy Blake Ashley Daniels Kurt Epps Sandi Grigg Beth A. Klahre Emory Rakeshaw Theresa Ravencraft Annesophia Richards Melissa Slaven Warren

SERVING SOUTHEASTERN COASTAL NC OVER 18 YEARS

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.

© 2022 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.

Summer 2022

+

LELAND'S FIRST BREWERY COASTAL CAROLINA OUTREACH FOR KIDS AND TEENS BIRDING AT HALYBURTON PARK

Joy

Mimi & Papa's Gourmet Popcorn & Homemade Ice Cream opens in Leland.

SWEET

C O M PL IM E N TA RY

12

North Brunswick Magazine

About the cover: Craving ice cream yet? Photographer Laura Glantz is a pro at food photography, as you can see from the cover image she captured at Mimi & Papa's Gourmet Popcorn and Homemade Ice Cream. See Annesophia Richards' story about this new Leland business starting on page 50.

THE AREA’S BEST REAL ESTATE APP

EVER WONDER WHAT HOMES SOLD FOR IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD? Our HomeSpotter App shows SOLD properties for the past 12 months!

To view SOLD listings, simply touch the Filter button on the top right, and select “SOLD” under Status. SOLD properties will show as red pins!

Download our FREE App at App.IntracoastalRealty.com or search “Intracoastal Realty” in your App store.

North Brunswick’s #1 Choice for Real Estate 910-201-2200 | www.IntracoastalRealty.com Summer 2022

13

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 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.

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 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.

14 14

North Brunswick Brunswick Magazine Magazine North

EVER WONDER WHAT HOMES SOLD FOR IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD? Intracoastal Realty’s HomeSpotter App NOW shows SOLD properties for the past 12 months!

THE AREA’S BEST REAL ESTATE APP Find Homes for Sale View Properties that have SOLD in the past 12 months To view SOLD listings, simply touch the Filter button on the top right, and select “SOLD” under Status. SOLD properties will show as red pins!

Download FREE App at App.IntracoastalRealty.com or search “Intracoastal Realty” in your App store.

Leland Office: 910-201-2200 Ocean Isle Beach Office: 910-579-3050 IntracoastalRealty.com

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Welcome to Summer

W

When you live in a coastal area, the stretch of time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is a somewhat conflicted state. On one hand, it’s summer — the most blissful three months of the year, filled with trips to the beach or lake, leisurely al fresco suppers and afterdinner ice cream runs. On the other hand, it’s the busy season, with even more traffic, longer lines at your favorite businesses and more competition for restaurant seats.

But when you live in a coastal area, sharing your hometown with visitors for part of the year is a trade-off you’re willing to make. You appreciate that visitors are helping to keep the local economy churning, and, very often, you find that you enjoy meeting new people from around the country and helping them find their way around your town.

So, to all you summer visitors out there — welcome to North Brunswick County! Whether you’re stopping through on your way to the beach or Wilmington or here visiting friends and family, we hope that you enjoy reading our summer issue of North Brunswick Magazine and enjoy experiencing the taste of the coastal life it offers.

In this issue we’ve got stories of interest for locals and visitors alike. We introduce a few new businesses in the

16

North Brunswick Magazine

area, including Collective Law, Lauren Wilbun’s al fresco dining venture; Mimi & Papa’s Gourmet Popcorn and Homemade Ice Cream, Phyllis and George Murray’s latest Leland business; and Crust N.C. , an innovative mobile wood-fired pizza kitchen. We tell you about two businesses that are coming to the area soon, including The Golf Barn in Winnabow and what will be Leland’s first brewery. We meet some of the people shaping the region for the better, including the new director of Brunswick County Library System and the team behind Coastal Carolina Outreach programs for youth. As always, Sandi Grigg shares tasty seasonal cocktail and food recipes, both featuring watermelon in this edition.

Whether you’re relaxing on the beach, by the pool or in the back yard, we hope that you can find the time to read all the stories in this issue of North Brunswick Magazine. Please support the advertisers you see on these pages so we can keep this magazine coming to you. Enjoy your summer!

Justin Williams Owner/Publisher Publisher@NorthBrunswickMagazine.com

Your One-Stop-Shop For All Of Your Outdoor Living Needs

Your local and trusted outdoor living center Walkway & Patio Pavers Flagstone & Wallstone Retaining & Seat Walls Mulch & Topsoil River Rock & Decorative Gravel Trex Decking Firepit & Grill Enclosures Brick, Block, & Rebar

910-253-7663  @bianchibrickyardandlandscape BianchiBrickyard.com 39 Edgewood Ln NE Winnabow, NC 28479 veteran owned & operated

Brickyard & Landscape Supply, Inc. Summer 2022

17

CONTRIBUTORS

Glenn Guiao CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

I am the owner and photographer at Pink Penguin Studios based in Wilmington. I like Bitty and Beau’s coffee, speak three languages and am a Filipino home cook.

Beth A. Klahre CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Two years ago, after retiring from a career at a major food-manufacturing corporation in Pennsylvania, with technical and leadership roles in engineering, information technology and global shared services, my husband, Jeff, and I moved to Southport. While he’s golfing, I spend time on my new passions, including writing stories about the amazing people I meet and walking the beach with our dog, Betsy. I am learning to play the harp, and my love of books has led me to join the board of directors of the Friends of the Library of Southport and Oak Island. Our son, Matthew, and his fiancé, Angie, live in Philadelphia, where both are lawyers.

Emory Rakestraw CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Growing up in North Carolina, I’ve always found the state and its many landscapes fascinatingly beautiful. Mixing my love for writing and photography, I love to share experiences, scenery and history found throughout the state, especially on the coast, which I now call home. In my nine years as a journalist, I’ve covered many sectors including politics, business, features and travel. Yet my love for writing will always exist in being a storyteller, sharing the unique journey of others, the history and lore of the places we visit or reside and what connects us all.

18

North Brunswick Magazine

SHOP OUR 50,000 SQFT SHOWROOM FOR IN STOCK FURNITURE OR SPECIAL ORDER THE PERFECT PIECE FOR YOUR HOME & STYLE!

LIVING ROOM DINING ROOM BEDROOM OUTDOOR & MORE! 3514 S College Rd, Wimington, NC

Your one stop shop for furniture & decor!

910-799-4010

BRANDS YOU LOVE AT OUTLET PRICES!

shopcustomhome.com

Let’s get your listings staged to SELL!

BUY ITY. TODA IT HAVE Y! TODA

3501 Oleander Dr #11, Wilmington, NC

2062 Old Regent Way, Leland, NC

Contact us to book a consultation!

910-769-8839

910-399-4229

910-399-4017

nichebycustomhome.com

shopcustomhomeoutlet.com

customhomestaginganddesign.com

20

North Brunswick Magazine

A Local Custom Home Furnishings Store.

Choose From Over 5,000 Fabrics & Finishes

Offering The Largest Selection Of High Quality Name Brand Furniture, Mattresses and Full Interior Design Staff For In Home Consultation.

Labor Day Furniture & Mattress Sale Save 30% - 60 % Storewide Plus We will Pay Your Sales Tax Clearance Items 50% - 70% off Huge In Stock Inventory 0% interest Up To 5 Years Sales starts August 1 and ends September 5

ALL STORES OPEN SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4TH, 12 PM - 5 PM

Summer 2022

21

WHAT’S HAPPENED

Brunswick County Public Schools Announces Employees of the Year

Burney’s Sweets and More Opens in Leland

Belville Elementary School: • TOY: Janell Spencer • IAOY: Terry Stackhouse • ROY: Brianna Barnum

Waccamaw School: • TOY: Crystal Davis • IAOY: Elaine Gaskins • ROY: Bailey Barrett

Bolivia Elementary School: • TOY: Kristen Quinn • ROY: Julia Creech

Cedar Grove Middle School: • TOY: Patricia Gilliland • ROY: Rob Michel

Jessie Mae Monroe Elementary: • TOY: Tarshal Wilson • IAOY: Michelle Miloszar • ROY: Aimee Sasser

Shallotte Middle School: • TOY: Sandy Creech • IAOY: Delwood "Tremayne" Johnson

Lincoln Elementary School: • TOY: Kristin Eaddy • IAOY: Keya Clemmons • ROY: Emily Reynolds Southport Elementary School: • TOY: Colleen Rupkalvis • IAOY: Norfrette Bellamy • ROY: Julie Wintsch Supply Elementary School: • TOY: Emerlyn Stevenson • IAOY: Gialeen Antinori • ROY: Ashley Jarvis

South Brunswick Middle School: • TOY: Lynn Streeter Leland Middle School: • TOY: Ellen Andrews Town Creek Middle School: • TOY: Justin Garza • ROY: Brad Myers The COAST: • TOY: Marc Pardee Early College High School: • TOY: Leah Perkins Brown North Brunswick High School: • TOY: Stiofan Luitar • IAOY: Blake Hobbs • ROY: Patrick Barrett

Union Elementary School: • TOY: Lisa Cheers • IAOY: Melisia Wheeler • ROY: Taylor Davis

West Brunswick High School: • TOY: Sarah Britton-Ruiz • IAOY: Glen Croy • ROY: Iris Reyes

Virginia Williamson Elementary School: • TOY: Sharon Warren • IAOY: Sara Callaghan • ROY: Elizabeth Hewett

South Brunswick High School: • TOY: Traci Leonard • IAOY: David Hatcher • ROY: Hailey Esakov

22

North Brunswick Magazine

Brunswick County residents are drooling after Burney’s Sweets and More held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new location at 503 Old Waterford Way in Leland on May 1.

The Cape Fear-area favorite serves deliciously flavored fried croissants, cakes and cookies. Popular in North Carolina for the past 10 years, the bakery began in Elizabethtown then opened in Southport and now has franchises across the state, including in Wilmington and Hampstead.

Brunswick County Public Schools Announces New Leadership Roles Brunswick County Public Schools is proud to announce the following leadership promotions for the 2022-23 school year: • Rebecca Heitz will be leading the Town Creek Middle School Coyotes as principal beginning June 1, 2022. Heitz was formerly the assistant principal of the South Brunswick Middle School Cougars.

• Dr. Jonathan DeBerry will be leading the career-building Center of Applied Sciences and Technology as principal beginning June 1, 2022. Dr. DeBerry was formerly the principal of the Town Creek Middle School Coyotes.

• Sam Jennings will be leading the Union Elementary School Dolphins as principal beginning August 1, 2022. Mr. Jennings was formerly the assistant principal of the Union Elementary School Dolphins.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Town Creek Elementary School: • TOY: Raine Morgan • IAOY: Phelesia Daniels • ROY: Kayleigh Kent

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

In April 2022 Brunswick County Public Schools announced the 2022-23 Employees of the Year. The list below features the following abbreviations: TOY: Teacher of the Year; IAOY: Instructional Assistant of the Year; and ROY: Rookie of the Year.

Rebecca Heitz, Dr. Jonathan DeBerry and Sam Jennings

WHAT’S HAPPENED

Waves4Kids Hosts Summertime Fun Event Waves4Kids, a nonprofit organization that helps foster children, held its Summertime Fun Event on June 5 at The Barn at Rock Creek in Leland. Tickets were $75. The event featured dinner, dancing and a live auction.

Brunswick Community College Holds Employment Extravaganza Brunswick Community College held its Employment Extravaganza, sponsored by NC Works, on April 13 at Odell Williamson Auditorium in Bolivia. Job seekers met employers in hospitality, tourism, manufacturing, healthcare, construction, retail and more and participated in workshops such as Modern Resume Creation, Interview Etiquette and many more.

and Gene McLaurin, board chairman of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), in Raleigh on April 6. They discussed issues and challenges related to economic development in North Carolina as well as ways that counties can more effectively partner with EDPNC and their local economic development professionals.

Chamber Hosts Industry Cruise with Wilmington Water Tours Many guests joined North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce and Josh London State Farm Insurance on an Industry Cruise with Wilmington Water Tours on March 29. They met at 212 S. Water Street in Wilmington to board, and a great time was had by all.

Chamber Holds Kids Expo Burkentine Breaks Ground for Beckington in Leland

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Burkentine recently welcomed guests to the site of their new luxury rental community, Beckington, in Leland. Beckington will offer 143 townhomes with spacious 3-bedroom, 2½ bath floorplans, all featuring kitchens with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops and many with a singlecar garage. The community will also offer grand amenities including a clubhouse, an outdoor fitness center and an abundance of green space with Adirondack chairs, hammocks, a BBQing area, walking/biking paths and a dog park. The new community is slated for completion by the end of 2023.

Commissioner Frank Williams Meets with Economic Development Partnership of N.C. Leadership Brunswick County Commissioner Frank Williams, who currently serves as president of the N.C. Association of County Commissioners, met with Christopher Chung, CEO

North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce held its Kids Expo on May 7, giving young people ages 7 to 17 the opportunity to spread their entrepreneurial wings and get a head start on promising business careers. This event was held at Brunswick Riverwalk Park in Belville. Kids were able to develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy and then open for business. Each age group received awards.

Domin & Schwartz Real Estate Group Hosts American Red Cross Blood Drive On May 20 RE/MAX Executive - Domin & Schwartz Real Estate Group held an American Red Cross blood drive at their office at 497 Olde Waterford Way Suite 107 in Leland.

Since the pandemic, the American Red Cross has seen a shortage in donations and needs blood more than ever. To find a blood drive near you visit redcrossblood.org.

Arbor Landing at Compass Pointe Opens in Leland With the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce, Arbor Landing at Compass Pointe held a grand-opening celebration on May 26. Guests enjoyed heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music and local entertainment to welcome the new independent and assisted living community to North Brunswick County.

Arbor Landing at Compass Pointe is located at 2771 Compass Pointe South Wynd NE in Leland.

Summer 2022

23

Life is better

24

North Brunswick Magazine

with a healthy Life-changing. Patient-centered.

Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry.

"We have lived in this area for four years. After making the big move from where we lived for over 30 years, finding a new dentist was scary.

However, we found BlueWave Dentistry right in our neighborhood, and from the time we both made our appointments they were so welcoming and comforting and even took a lot of extra time with us. I have a dental phobia, and the hygienist and Chad made the experience wonderful. We couldn't recommend them more!"

- Mark & Robin Yezioro Actual BlueWave Dentistry Patient

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 Summer 2022

25

26

North Brunswick Magazine

SOUTHBOUND

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

Pick up SBM at grocery stores in Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Calabash, Shallotte, Holden Beach, Oak Island or Southport.

Or view stories online at LifeinBrunswickCounty.com/sbm | E 

Back to Nature | SouthBrunswickMagaz

Summer 2022

Ocean Isle Beach residents Jason and Lauren Gore appreciate the old-fashioned way of doing things at Huckleberry Farm.

ine.com

By Beth A. Klahre

Jason and Lauren Gore are the perfect pair for running a farm.

Next Stop:

Oak Island ARE BRINGING THEIR WIFE, BRITTANY, BURRIS AND HIS .

ERS PLAYER JUSTON TIVE, TO OAK ISLAND CAROLINA PANTH THE NEXT STOP COLLEC AIRBNB BUSINESS,

COMPLIMEN

TA RY

ING RED HARE BREW

|

MARK ETPL ACE SUNS ET RIVER

AT 20

|

HUCK LEBE RRY

FARM

As a child, Lauren learned to quilt and can food from her grandmother. As a teen, she worked for family-owned Graystone Farm in Reidsville, North Carolina. She competed and showed palomino quarter horses on a national level and was involved in 4-H and in the national Future Farmers of America (FFA). She grew tomatoes to sell for her college fund.

Next Stop: Oak Island Carolina Panthers player Juston Burris and his wife, Brittany, are bringing their Airbnb business, The Next Stop Collective, to Oak Island.

Creative License Sunset River Marketplace in Calabash celebrates 20 years of being at the heart of artistic expression in southeastern North Carolina.

By John L. Cardillo

By Pat Fontana

A passion for traveling has inspired a growing business for Juston and Brittany Burris.

The Next Stop Collective is positioned to “be everyone’s next stop when planning their next getaway,” Brittany says.

For Brittany and Juston, their next stop is a beach home they are building on Oak Island.

Their venture began in 2019, as an idea based on their travels throughout the state of North Carolina from their home in Charlotte.

Strolling through the front door of Sunset River Marketplace in Calabash is akin to Dorothy stepping into the Land of Oz or Charlie crossing the threshold of Willy Wonka’s magical chocolate factory. The explosion of colors, shapes and textures assaults your senses in the most pleasant of ways.

Music Maker With a simple invention, career musician James Lenger, now a resident of Sunset Beach, puts his students on the fast track to learning guitar.

By Melissa Slaven Warren

Career guitar teacher James Lenger put his alone time during the pandemic to good use.

He learned how to sew and finalized a couple of patents for his inventions, including Strum Perfect.

Summer 2022

27

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

D EXTRAS YOU WILL ONLY FIND ONLINE D LIFEINBRUNSWICKCOUNTY.COM

NEVER FEAR AT CAPE FEAR

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

Cape Fear Seafood Company in Leland impresses the PubScout.

You won’t see creepy Robert DeNiro (or equally menacing Robert Mitchum before him) at the Cape Fear Seafood Company.

But even those two villains from the famous movie Cape Fear might have changed their murderous ways after sitting down to a bowl of Cape Fear Seafood Company’s phenomenal Shrimp and Grits.

If they could get a table, that is. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE

|

SPARKLING WATERMELON SLUSH

by Theresa Ravencraft

Mocktail or cocktail? It’s your choice with this recipe for a refreshing summer drink.

Enjoying sweet, ripe watermelon is truly the essence of what summer has to offer.

Watermelon lovers won’t think twice about taking a big bite and letting the juice escape from the corners of their mouth and trickle down their chin. It’s part of the delicious tradition of devouring summer’s finest fruit. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE

A GROWING CHURCH

By Elise Seifert

To serve its growing congregation, the bridge Presbyterian church has purchased a new location on Lanvale Road.

On May 22 the bridge Presbyterian church broke ground on its new church property at 1444 Lanvale Road in Leland.

Pastor Dr. Doug Cushing said, “Since we launched the bridge Presbyterian church in 2014, our mission has been to be a blessing, the tangible touch of God to our neighbors. I’m very excited about the possibilities our new facility will open up for us to fulfill our mission.” | CONTINUE READING ONLINE 28

North Brunswick Magazine

|

|

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

D EXTRAS YOU WILL ONLY FIND ONLINE D LIFEINBRUNSWICKCOUNTY.COM

A GOOD NEIGHBOR TO OCEAN CURE

by NBM Contributor

Local State Farm Agent Josh London presents a $5,000 grant to Carolina Beach-based Ocean Cure.

Local State Farm agent Josh London has a long history of demonstrating what it means to be a Good Neighbor by stepping up to help the community. On June 16 London presented Ocean Cure with a $5,000 grant on his behalf from State Farm® in recognition for being a 100 for Good® Champion. London was among 100 State Farm agents recognized for their dedication of time and resources to serve local communities. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE

|

POLICE DEPARTMENT RECOGNIZED

by NBM Contributor

North Carolina League of Municipalities (NCLM) recognizes Leland Police Department for completing the Law Enforcement Risk Review Process.

During the May 19 Leland Town Council meeting, North Carolina League of Municipalities (NCLM) Public Safety Risk Manager Matthew Selves acknowledged the Leland Police Department’s efforts in completing the Law Enforcement Risk Review Process and adhering to recognized industry standards related to risk reduction. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE

|

WELCOME STATION 53

by NBM Contributor

The Leland community celebrated the town’s new fire station on June 18.

The Town of Leland officially opened its new Leland Fire/Rescue Station 53 with a dedication and open house on Saturday, June 18. The community helped the town celebrate with a short ceremony featuring a traditional hose uncoupling and tours of the new station. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE Summer 2022

| 29

30

North Brunswick Magazine

SPIRITS

Riff on a

Classic

Sangria made with watermelon juice and a kick of ancho chili? It works, and you’ll love it.

S

BY SANDI GRIGG PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES STEFIUK

Summertime in my household means all things watermelon.

I’ve made watermelon drinks and many variations of sangria but never a watermelon sangria. So here goes ...

When I was a kid, we used to go to my aunt and uncle’s house almost every weekend because they had a pool. My dad would swing by the farmers market and grab a watermelon and when we arrived at the pool, he would immediately throw it in the water to keep it cool. I would roll around the pool with that watermelon, the whole time anticipating cutting it open. That memory has stuck with me throughout my adulthood.

My spouse, our son and I recently went to a friend’s house for a pool party. Everyone was assigned something to bring for the late lunch/early dinner, and I was asked to make sangria.

As is my cooking style, I have an idea of what I want to make, but I build off of what I have on hand and develop it as I go through the grocery store. I went to our bar and bagged Grand Marnier and brandy. We stopped by the grocery for me to grab the staples for sangria: wine, fruit, club soda and some sort of herb. I also picked up a watermelon and strawberries. I decided to add some flair by rimming the glasses with a kick of chili powder mixed with sugar.

When we arrived, I threw the watermelon in the pool and the kids went wild. When it was time to create the sangria, I used a portion of the watermelon to make watermelon juice, which is essentially pureed watermelon and then strained for the juice. I put it all together in a pitcher and set it in the fridge to marinate the fruit for half an hour or so.

I rimmed glasses, added ice and started serving it up. The unique combination of flavors and refreshing yet spicy finish was the talk of the pool party. Try this sangria at your next pool party and be sure to throw the watermelon in the pool — it will be a gas!

Spicy Watermelon Sangria Makes 1 pitcher

INGREDIENTS 1 750 ml bottle of dry rose 1 cup watermelon juice (pureed or smashed and strained watermelon) ½ cup brandy ½ cup Grand Marnier 2 cups lime flavor club soda 2 cups watermelon balls (or cubed)

1 pint of strawberries (topped and halved) 1 bundle of fresh mint For the rimmed glasses lime wedges 2 tablespoons ancho chili powder 1 tablespoon sugar

METHOD Add the watermelon balls and strawberries to the bottom of a pitcher.

Pour the wine, watermelon juice, brandy, Grand Marnier and club soda over the fruit and stir. Let the pitcher sit in the fridge to marinate for a bit.

On a plate, stir the ancho chili powder and sugar together.

To serve, rim a glass with a lime wedge and dip it into the chili and sugar mixture and add ice to the glass. Spoon out a few pieces of fruit from the bottom of the pitcher and add to the glass. Pour the sangria over top to fill up the glass and garnish with fresh mint. Cheers!

Summer 2022

31

WHAT’S COOKIN’

I

Summer Salad

The most refreshing fruits and vegetables come together for this colorful and flavorful salad that’s perfect for lunch or a light side dish.

BY SANDI GRIGG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES STEFIUK

I know we’ve all had cucumber and tomato salad, and I bet you have even had a melon fruit salad, but have you ever had a salad that combined versions of the two with a delicious dressing to bring it all together?

That is precisely what this recipe does.

My family and I were invited to a covered dish barbecue held at a friend’s house last summer. It was to be held outside on a very warm and humid evening.

I wanted to make something refreshing so I combined my favorite summer flavors including watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber and onions into one summer salad and intertwined bits of tangy feta cheese.

I prepared this simple recipe to serve alongside the provided pork barbecue and the beans, potato salad, pasta salad, chips that the others brought. Basically, it was all very heavy and warm dishes, and we were already pouring sweat. The dinner guests must have liked my salad because I made enough for an army and it was all gone at the end.

This salad is not only cooling, but also good for you. Watermelon is sweet and juicy, making it the perfect treat to quench your thirst during the summer heat. It also provides antioxidants and vitamins A and C. Cantaloupe provides fiber, vitamin C and potassium, which can help lower high blood pressure. Cucumbers are best picked ripe in the peak of summer and offer beta carotene, which can help fight free radicals in the body. Purple onions are pretty and add a pop of color, but they also contain anthocyanin, which helps improve heart health.

Together these fruits and vegetables offer a beautiful salad that will be appreciated on any summer day. I hope your family and friends enjoy it as much as mine did.

32

North Brunswick Magazine

Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Cucumber, Onion Salad with Feta Serves 4

INGREDIENTS For the Dressing 3 tablespoons lime juice 1 tablespoon maple syrup ½ teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

For the Salad 2 cups diced watermelon (or scooped with a melon ball tool) 2 cups diced cantaloupe (or scooped with a melon ball tool) 1 cup diced cucumber ½ cup finely diced purple onion Juice from half a lemon 3 ounces feta cheese 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

METHOD Combine all the dressing ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk together. Set aside.

Combine the watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber, purple onion, dressing and mint. Toss gently to mix.

Plate by spooning the salad into four separate bowls.

Top with feta cheese and extra mint to garnish.

Enjoy!

WHAT’S COOKIN’

Summer 2022

33

Where Farming is a Family Thing.

Heritage Fresh Market Family Favorites

Brunswick County residents are flocking to Heritage Fresh Market in Supply for fresh produce and local specialty foods. The large, rustic market, owned by Jody and Lauren Clemmons, opened in November 2020 and offers a variety of goods that pay homage to their North Carolina roots.

After farming row crops for four generations, the Clemmons family added fresh produce to their farm production and the customer excitement is evident, in-store and on social media.

We invite you to make Heritage Fresh Market part of your shopping routine. It’s so much more than a 9-5 for The Clemmons...it’s a commitment, a mission, a lifestyle. Their tagline says it all – Heritage Fresh Market: Where Farming is a Family Thing.

L AU R E N ’ S FAVO R I T E SU M M E RT I M E CU CU M B E R & V I DA L I A SA L A D YOU’LL NEED:

4 English cukes or 8 medium size pickling or burpless cukes 2 small Vidalia onions 1 teaspoon salt 3 heaping tablespoons sour cream Black pepper to taste - Peel and slice cucumbers and onions thinly.

- Place in large bowl. Add salt and stir to coat.

- Place in refrigerator covered for 30 minutes.

- Remove from fridge and drain all excess water from bowl.

- Mix in sour cream.

- Add pepper to taste and enjoy!

- Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container. *Serves 4-6 This easy salad is one of our go-to summer sides.

Be sure to try it and tell us what you think!

– With Love, Lauren

follow us

www.heritagefreshmarket.com 20 Sellers Road ∙ Supply, NC ∙ 910.253.1330

NATURE

Birds like this brown-headed nuthatch frequent Halyburton Park on S. 17th Street in Wilmington.

In Search of Birds Nature is calling at Halyburton Park in Wilmington.

STORY & PHOTOS BY THERESA RAVENCRAFT

Summer 2022

35

NATURE

N

North Carolina is home to more than 440 bird species, and every year nature enthusiasts enjoy birdwatching at many of the parks, preserves and forests statewide. Birdwatching is an easy way to connect with nature and observe birds in their natural habitats, whether done in your backyard or in a park setting.

If you’d like to learn more about the birds of southeastern North Carolina, Halyburton Park in Wilmington offers Free Bird Hikes on the first Friday of every month. A staff member guides visitors through the preserve, and birdwatchers can expect to see and hear a wide variety of birds on their stroll through the

36

North Brunswick Magazine

NATURE

60-acre park maintained by the City of Wilmington’s Parks and Recreation Department.

The program began approximately 10 years ago and stemmed from the third Thursdays birding programs offered by the North Carolina Bird Trail, a driving trail that connects birders with birdwatching locations across the state.

“Our program is a great way to introduce beginning birders to birdwatching,” says Andy Fairbanks,

recreation supervisor at Halyburton Park. “We have identified almost 120 species in the park. It’s an opportunity to connect with nature and learn more about birds.”

Depending on the season, birders can expect to see year-round species as well as migrant birds at Halyburton Park.

“Consistently we see cardinals, chickadees, titmice, pine warblers and mockingbirds,” Fairbanks says. In the winter, we might see kinglets, red-

breasted nuthatches and blue-headed vireos. And in the spring, we often spot red-shouldered hawks, mallards and gray catbirds.”

The majority of the park is a xeric sandhill scrub habitat, a very dry, sandy terrain with swampy areas and trees. A 4-acre pond surrounded by cypress trees is just behind the nature center, which is where the bird hikes are conducted.

“On some mornings, we’ve spent 45 minutes to an hour just watching birds

More than 120 species of birds have been identified in William D. Halyburton Jr. Memorial Park, an oasis of nature within the busy city of Wilmington.

Summer 2022

37

NATURE

910.722.3225

38

1029 Lake Park Blvd N, Carolina Beach, NC 28428

North Brunswick Magazine

near the pond. It’s an easy, enjoyable walk,” Fairbanks says.

The water level in the pond is currently 5 to 6 feet below normal, due to a lack of precipitation over the past year.

“The weather has changed the pond habitat; we are seeing more heron and white ibis this year due to the drier conditions at the park,” Fairbanks says.

Birdwatching is easily accessible and doesn’t have to be expensive. All you really need is a pair of comfortable shoes and the desire to spend time outdoors exploring nature.

Pick a nearby location and give yourself ample time to explore.

Binoculars can help you spot birds and wildlife, but they are not necessary. Taking a smartphone along will allow you to document and identify some of the interesting birds you see and hear.

“It can be done anywhere and it is low budget,” Fairbanks says. “Whether you go on trips or you do it in your backyard, you are learning about birds and the places they live.”

For those who want to take birdwatching one step further, Fairbanks recommends putting up a bird feeder in your backyard, becoming a member of your local Audubon Society and attending birding workshops offered at the park.

“Take notice of different birds you see when out and about, even during a trip to the grocery store,” he says. “You’ll start noticing things, and birdwatching will become part of your life.” 

NATURE

Want to go birding?

Halyburton Park 4099 S. 17th Street, Wilmington (910) 341-0075 wilmingtonnc.gov/departments/parks-recreation/ halyburton-park Free Bird Hikes are held the First Friday of every month from 9 to 10:30 am.

Halyburton Park has a nature and event center that is open to visitors Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. It also has nature trails, a playground, two picnic shelters and a 1.3-mile paved, handicap-accessible path that circles the park.

Additional Birding Resources: North Carolina Bird Trail Map: ncbirdingtrail.org/sites/ Cape Fear Audubon Society: capefearaudubon.org/

Summer 2022

39

PUB SCOUT

O S

HING T E M EST.

2023

'S

BREWING IN LELAND

Leland’s first brewery is on the horizon for 2023.

BY KURT EPPS, THE PUBSCOUT

40

North Brunswick Magazine

I

CONTRIBUTED RENDERINGS

t sounded like a pretty mundane assignment when this magazine's publisher contacted me. Meet a guy named Chris LaCoe and find out what’s behind his latest business project, which is establishing a new brewery in Leland called 7twenty6 Brewing. So, I arranged to meet Chris at an Irish pub in Leland.

The interview was anything but mundane, and Chris LaCoe may be one of the most interesting men in Leland, if not all of the Tarheel State.

This 47-year-old married father of two sons has “lived a life that’s full,” to quote Paul Anka in “My Way.” LaCoe worked diligently building a company thanks to 60- to 80-hour work weeks from ages 24 to 30. Most men that age are sowing their wild oats and not giving too much thought to the future, but not LaCoe. He was fully acquainted with real work long before that, though. He knew hard, back-breaking work at an early age, growing up in a rural area of North Carolina where his nearest neighbor was a mile away. At the age of 12, he was cropping tobacco and working hog and turkey farms. And work like that will teach you what you don’t want to do for the rest of your life.

His hard work — and savvy business knowledge — allowed him to buy franchises with Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries (formerly Andy’s), and he became the largest franchisee, with 14 franchises is North Carolina and 400 more in Texas and South Carolina.

The concept of Leland Brewing Company (originally planned to be named 7twenty6 Brewing) includes a large brewery building with plenty of indoor and outdor gathering space.

Summer 2022

41

The owners have decided to change the name from

their original idea of 7twenty6 to Leland Brewing Company.

It will sit about 30 yards in front of the Leland Town Hall.

He’s also a licensed Realtor with Wicker Properties, and he may be one of the most well-connected businessmen in Brunswick County, having once owned Grape and Ale in Southport. He is a board member on the Leland Tourism Development Authority (LTDA), which helps him in his quest to make Leland “a destination location.”

In the brewery, LaCoe and partner Mark Said own about 84% of the company; Nick Floyd is a partner as

42

North Brunswick Magazine

PHOTO BY KURT EPPS

Chris LaCoe, one of the owners of the future Leland Brewing Company

well. Floyd, with whom LaCoe started the business, was a top sales guy at Coastal Beverage for 20 years.

So, while LaCoe knows the ins and outs of business, Floyd has the beer side covered. The Brewmeister, Ethan Hall, and three other couples have pieces of the business too.

The owners have decided to change the name from their original idea of 7twenty6 to Leland Brewing Company. It will sit about 30 yards in front of the Leland Town Hall. The Town of Leland is trying to revitalize the Gateway District, and Leland Brewing Company could wind up playing a key role in helping to make

PUB SCOUT

CONTRIBUTED RENDERING

that happen. In addition to a laser-like business acumen, LaCoe clearly has some good contacts.

But the road to the eventual opening of the brewery’s front door has not always been smooth. As you might expect, back in March of 2020, COVID threw a gigantic monkey wrench into LaCoe and Co.’s plans, as loans for startups dried up considerably when the pandemic hit. LaCoe’s project was known as an SBA 7a, and the Small Business Administration put all loans to companies like his on a back burner.

That type of delay costs money — big money. LaCoe’s project costs doubled in one year. Fortunately, his bank believed in his business model and told him as much. If he would just have the patience to let things take their course, he would see his project move.

LaCoe not only had great patience — he also knew some people. A banker out of Salt Lake City who was very versed in SBA lending practices guided his strategy. And before too long, the project was back in business.

There was also an issue with the trademark of 7twenty6 Brewing. The idea for that name came originally from a friendly argument between LaCoe and Floyd about which was harder to hit — a baseball or a golf ball. Having long ago given up the game that had me playing that witch doctor game (one who beats the ground with sticks and curses violently), yours

truly knew where my vote was going. But it turns out the distance between a pitcher’s mound and home plate is 726 inches. And the name — they thought — was born.

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

After a multimillion-dollar investment, LaCoe, Said and Floyd, all well-known Leland men with lots of local support, hope to open up their doors sometime in January 2023.

“Actually, any time before St. Paddy’s Day will work,” LaCoe says.

Leland Brewing Company has future plans to make bourbon-infused beers on a regular basis, though that style is not being considered for the immediate future. In addition, the brewery will produce IPAs, Pilsners and other standards.

Leland Brewing Company will also distribute in South Carolina and Tennessee. They hope to employ 25 to 35 people at the business.

Hall will be tasked with producing about 1,800 bbl in the first year of operation. They plan to release their first batch of beer on July 26, if LaCoe has his way. Why July 26?

7/26, of course.

Opening up a brewery is a monumental undertaking, even under the best of circumstances, and COVID’s deleterious impact on all the project’s facets cannot be overstated, either in effect on costs or on the mindsets of those involved.

“We couldn’t just walk away, either,” LaCoe says. “It would have meant an unacceptable loss.”

But a guy who, up until recently, did skydiving and Ironman triathlons as recreational pastimes is not likely to be deterred by obstacles. He was also a biker (crotch rocket rider), so he knew how to take life by the throat. “But I also came to realize, after getting married and having a family, that I could not afford to get hurt either,” he admits. “The situation necessitated that I rearrange my priorities. So, I did just that.”

Whenever Leland Brewing Company opens its doors, you can bet it will likely be a star-studded event. Many folks in LaCoe’s wide circle of friends and acquaintances will likely be in attendance. Maybe even his granddad, who is perhaps North Carolina’s oldest living WWII veteran, will be on hand. And as yours truly has been personally invited to attend, it will be my honor to hoist a pint — or three — with Granddad.

And with Chris LaCoe, of course.

He has a lot of stories, and I want to hear more.  Summer 2022

43

44

North Brunswick Magazine

LOCAL

Jeff and Sheree Verderame

Upper Crust Crust N.C., a mobile wood-fired pizza truck, reinvents the traditional pizza party.

BY ASHLEY DANIELS

|

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GLENN GUIAO Summer 2022

45

LOCAL

I

If you’re from in and around the New Haven, Connecticut, area, pizza is what you live, eat and breathe. In a town nationally recognized for its pies, you never settle for less than the best.

Jeff Verderame and his wife, Sheree, went to a party about seven years ago in New Haven, where they were introduced to another level of pizza (even for New Havenites): a mobile wood-fired pizza truck.

“I was just overwhelmed and I was so taken with it,” Verderame says. “I think I spent the whole party hanging around next to where they were preparing the pizzas and watching the process. I talked about it for about a year and a half to the point that my wife simply said, ‘Either do something or just shut up about it,’ so I went out and researched it.”

The 60-year-old retired marketing entrepreneur reinvented the next chapter of his career by starting his own mobile wood-fired pizza truck business, Crust. He imported a wood-fired pizza oven from Italy, had a trailer for it custom-built and dove right into business.

“I thought, ‘What’s the worst that could happen?’” Verderame says. “I

46

North Brunswick Magazine

LOCAL

have this beautiful brick Italian oven. If the business doesn’t take off, I’ll always have it for my own personal use. I started out as a hobby to see if I could make a go of it, and it turned into a full-fledged business.”

Crust took off with a bang for the next five years, as they were fully booked for private and corporate events in the New Haven area.

“We were very fortunate,” he says.

Verderame grew up in an Italian family with a mother and grandmother who were phenomenal cooks.

“What I did was try to employ some of the things that they taught me on how to cook,” he says. “I always loved cooking. I always loved feeding people, so it was sort of a natural progression for me to go into and make a business out of it.”

Crust launched into such a fullfledged business that it was renowned across the state, and Verderame was catering mobile pizza parties for up to 350 people or more.

But in 2020 when the Verderames decided to move south to Wilmington, North Carolina — away from the cold temperatures and high taxes of Connecticut — he sold Crust to a local restaurateur, who today carries on the legacy in Connecticut.

While Verderame was waiting for their home to be built in The Bluffs on The Cape Fear, he began planning the Southern version of his former business: Crust N.C. - Wood Fired Pizza Events.

“I wanted to build a smaller version of what I had up in Connecticut,” he says. “I promised my wife that I would accept only catering jobs that were of a particular size, so we scaled that back and our sweet spot is anywhere from 50 to 100 people, with our parties starting at 25 guests.”

What can you expect from an event catered by Crust N.C.? Each one is a

fun, delicious experience showcasing pizza that’s not your traditional pizza, but instead loaded with fresh ingredients and refreshing twists. For instance, Verderame created a lobster mac and cheese pizza, one with a marinated tenderloin with crispy potatoes, pizza topped with barbecued

baby back ribs soaked in a sweet sauce that’s spiked with a pop of hot cherry peppers, brisket pizza, white oyster pizza and more. Crust offers a lengthy list of options, including the standard toppings of fresh meats and vegetables, like local heirloom tomatoes.

“I typically offer to my hosts

Community Community means Community means everything. means everything. everything.

That’s why we’re proud to be here to help life go right ™ – and to support Brunswick County.

If there’s anything you need, call us.

That’s why we’re proud to be here to help life go right ™ – and to support Brunswick County.

If there’s anything you need, call us.

That’s why we’re proud to be here to help life go right ™ – and to support Brunswick County.

If there’s anything you need, call us.

Josh London Ins Agcy Inc Josh London, Agent 1112 E Cutlar Crossing Ste 104 JoshLeland, LondonNCIns28451 Agcy Inc Bus: London, 910-383-1303 Josh Agent 1112 E Cutlar Crossing Ste 104 JoshLeland, LondonNCIns28451 Agcy Inc Bus: London, 910-383-1303 Josh Agent 1112 E Cutlar Crossing Ste 104 Leland, NC 28451 Bus: 910-383-1303

Rouse Insurance Agency Inc Franklin Rouse Jr, Agent 1107 New Pointe Blvd NC 28451 RouseLeland, Insurance Agency Inc Bus: 910-371-5446 Franklin Rouse Jr, Agent 1107 New Pointe Blvd NC 28451 RouseLeland, Insurance Agency Inc Bus: 910-371-5446 Franklin Rouse Jr, Agent 1107 New Pointe Blvd Leland, NC 28451 Bus: 910-371-5446

1601492

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

1601492

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

Summer 2022

47

LOCAL

whatever they’d like or they can trust that I’m going to show up with the right ingredients for their guests after I talk to them and get a sense of what they want,” Verderame says. “We’ll make anywhere from 10 and 12 different pies, not just one or two.”

The pizza crust itself, he says, is unique and one of the things folks enjoy most.

The dough has a high water content, and Verderame ferments it for two or three days prior to each event. The thin crust is baked in an oven that climbs close to 900 degrees, resulting in a crust texture that’s light, airy and crispy-chewy.

Also, complete with every Crust N.C. catered event comes one of Sheree’s fresh seasonal salads featuring mesclun greens, candied pecans, feta, apples or pears (depending on the season) and a house-made balsamic dressing. Each meal is finished off with either Italian

48

North Brunswick Magazine

ice or gelato for dessert.

“It’s my therapy in a lot of ways,” Verderame says. “I love the cooking and the prep, but the parties are my favorite part because I get to interact with people. … The oven is right there, and I love the guests coming up and talking to me while we’re stretching the pizza dough and making the pies and putting them in the oven only a couple of feet away. If there are children around, they’re always fascinated, and if I have the opportunity, I throw a little apron on them and they come back and help me make a pizza or two.”

Depending on the size of the event, the Verderames staff most Crust N.C. parties themselves. If needed, they will call on more staff to help out, but, regardless, you can count on Verderame to be at every event, from birthdays to anniversaries to surprise

parties and anything in between.

Word-of-mouth marketing from guests who have experienced their pizza parties seems to be a successful generator for business, as they’re booked out through October, but it’s nothing like the back-to-back party days of Connecticut.

“We’re taking a little bit more of a slow roll,” Verderame says. “I became a grandfather a few months ago, and my daughter moved from the West Coast to the Raleigh area, so I’ve spent a lot of time seeing her and my grandson.” 

Getting hungry?

For more information on Crust N.C. or to book a party, call (910) 779-3500 or visit nccrust.com.

WE’RE EXPANDING!

New 12x50 covered parking spaces and climate-controlled units coming soon.

We have on-site management, 24-hour digital video surveillance, and each tenant has their own personal gate code.

Our 12’x35’ covered parking spaces have 110 amp or 30-amp outlets to keep your baaery charged. We also have a dump staaon and wash down area on site.

We have drive up standard units, ideal for contractors or vehicle storage. Our ennre property is easily accessible by tractor trailers and moving trucks.

We are taking reservaaons for our new climate-controlled building and covered parking spaces.

Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm Saturday, 8am-2pm

Healthy, confident smiles make a difference

Cornerstone Home Lending is refreshingly different

FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT...

MAKE YOUR SMILE MEMORABLE.

Here’s why you and your clients will love Cornerstone Home Lending.

BRACES FOR ALL FACES

• Constant Communication • Instant Accessibility

AND INVISALIGN CASES WWW.CHERUBSMILES.COM • BRACES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS • INVISALIGN® PLATINUM PLUS PROVIDER • GUIDED FACIAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT • PREFERRED PROVIDER FOR MOST INSURANCES • TREATMENT OF TMJ DISORDERS • COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION, NO REFERRAL NECESSARY

NOT ALL LENDERS ARE ALIKE • More Mortgage Options • Swift Service to Close Fast

MAKE MORTGAGE EASIER FOR YOU & YOUR CLIENTS. Make Cornerstone Home Lending your partner!

TROY WILLIAMSON

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS 910.371.2323

Senior Loan Officer | NMLS ID #117934 | C 910.262.2613 twilliamson@houseloan.com www.WilmingtonNCMortgage.com Cornerstone Home Lending, Inc. | Branch NMLS 1967558 | Company NMLS #2258 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | Not a commitment to lend. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Summer 2022

49

With the opening of Mimi & Papa’s Gourmet Popcorn and Homemade Ice Cream, George and Phyllis Murray are fulfilling their longtime dream of working side by side.

BY ANNESOPHIA RICHARDS

|

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA GLANTZ

oy J S WE E T

50

North Brunswick Magazine

A

At this point in his career, there seems to be little George Murray hasn’t done. His many accomplishments range from early days serving in the Air Force, to decades working in the corporate world, followed by many years spent as a Leland-area business owner. Now with retirement on the horizon, Murray is finally getting the chance to check one last item off of his personal bucket list: working alongside his wife, Phyllis.

With the opening of the couple’s new shop, Mimi & Papa’s Gourmet Popcorn and Homemade Ice Cream, life couldn’t be sweeter for these high school sweethearts as they bring a little bit of sugar and a lot of smiles to Leland.

Murray first began dreaming of opening an ice cream shop 17 years ago, when he decided to leave his longstanding career in financial

accounting and start his own business.

As residents of Magnolia Greens, he and Phyllis saw a need in the community for a place to buy their favorite frozen treat.

However, the timing didn’t feel right, so Murray instead opened a custom

framing shop, which became the first commercial business in Waterford.

Inspired by his love of art and lucrative hobby of pencil drawing (he’s gained notoriety over the years as the licensed artist for the Andy Griffith

Not yet ready to retire, Phyllis and George Murray are celebrating their 54 years together with a new business venture.

Summer 2022

51

Show as well as for his other celebrity portraitures,) a framing business seemed like a good fit. The shop later moved locations from Waterford to Brunswick Forest to Village Road, eventually transforming into what is now Murray’s Signs and Graphics.

Through all these business changes, however, the thought of one day opening an ice cream shop never left Murray’s mind. When Phyllis retired from her job as a dental office manager last November, the couple saw an opportunity to finally take the leap.

52

North Brunswick Magazine

“We knew we wanted to work together, so I decided to sell the sign business this past spring,” Murray says. “We just wanted to do something different. We should be retired, but neither one of us wants to sit home. We want to stay active, and we want to have fun.”

The name of Murray’s new shop stems from the nicknames their two granddaughters used as children when referring to him and Phyllis. As for the popcorn part, the couple decided to add the offering to their menu because of their shared passion for the snack.

“Phyllis and I can’t watch a movie without eating popcorn, we just love it so much,” Murray says.

They will cook all the popcorn in-house and offer flavors like butter, caramel, cheese, salt and vinegar, sweet and salty, Old Bay and others.

“We’ll be asking our customers what flavors they’d like to see,” Murray says. “If you can imagine it, we’ll try to make it.”

The shop offers 21 flavors of locally made ice cream ranging from traditional vanilla, chocolate and strawberry to favorites such as salted caramel, double chocolate, coconut, coffee and peanut butter. Mimi & Papa’s also serves milkshakes, slushies, sundaes and waffle Want to go? cones made in-house. Lucky visitors might even get a Mimi & Papa’s Gourmet chance to see a little magic or Popcorn and Homemade get a personalized balloon Ice Cream adorned with Murray’s 324 Village Road NE, artwork.

Leland “My grandchildren grew up (910) 408-1170 with my antics of doing card mimiandpapaspopcorn.com tricks and making things disappear, and they and their friends would call me the ‘magic man,’” Murray say. “I used to keep a bag of balloons in the cabinets at my businesses, and if kids came in, I’d pull out a balloon, blow it up and then draw a Peanuts character or something else they wanted on it. I told Phyllis that selling popcorn and ice cream means we’ll have a lot of kids in here, so I’ll be able to do some of my silly stuff again. I sure do enjoy that.”

As the past president of the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce and founder of the Leland Area Rotary Club, Murray is no stranger to the ins and outs of running a business. His ties to the community run deep, as do the friendships he’s made over the years through his business interactions and desire to help entrepreneurs succeed.

“I’ve always enjoyed running my own business, because I’ve met so many young, professional people trying to start businesses here in the community,” Murray says. “They ended up in my framing shop, and we would become good friends over the years, even though I was the old man of the group, and we shared a lot

of advice on different things. It’s been a great thing being a part of this community.”

Brunswick County District Attorney Jon David is excited to support his longtime friend’s new venture.

“George is a pioneer in the Leland community who opened up one of the first commercial establishments long before Walmart and Harris Teeter came to town,” David says. “As a longtime resident of Leland and a founder of the Leland Area Rotary Club, I know George has deep roots that will serve the business well on the road ahead.”

In the 54 years Murray and Phyllis have been married, they’ve never had the chance to work side by side until now. Opening up Mimi & Papa’s Gourmet Popcorn and Homemade Ice Cream is all about finding joy in life and having fun together, something the couple has been dreaming of for quite a while.

“The best part is having Phyllis by my side,” Murray says, “She’s my partner, and we’re happy to be working together for the first time.

We are grateful to our daughter, Misty, our granddaughter, Jordan, and our son, Chris, for their help in getting us started. We could not have done it without them,” says Murray.

Phyllis is also very excited about embarking on this new adventure with her husband, and she believes opening their new shop is the perfect way for them both to keep busy.

“After 54 years together, George still makes me laugh every day,” Phyllis says. “We hope we can put a smile on people's faces as they come in for our sweet and salty treats. We look forward to serving our friends and hope to make many new ones through this journey.” 

Your best friend.

Our best care.

Sign up for Pet Portal today on our website and manage your pet’s health online.  910.371.3440  Emergency: 910.791.7387  508 Village Rd. Leland  LelandVetHospital.com

Dr. David Beauchamp Dr. David Brazik Dr. Jaime Collier Dr. Alexia Nogueira Dr. Nicole DeAngelis



LELAND VETERINARY HOSPITAL

YOUR DREAM HOME IS IN OUR SHOWROOM

FRONT ROW: Shelby, Edna, Asbury and Alton Milliken.

MENTION THIS AD

IN THE SHOWROOM AND RECEIVE

(Edna and Alton are the founders, Shelby and Asbury are Justin’s daughters)

OFF!

BACK ROW: Justin Milliken

(nephew of Edna and Alton, son of Jamie)

ON SELECT ITEMS

Al Milliken

(son of Edna and Alton)

Jamie Milliken

(son of Edna and Alton)

SHALLOTTE

·

SOUTHPORT

W W W. S H A L L OT T E E L E C T R I C . C O M

·

910.754.6000

Summer 2022

53

Everything you need to get the job done.

Leland T N I K

Mon - Fri 7:30-6 | Sat - 8-4 | Sun 10-3 117 B Village Road behind BB&T and CVS Pharmacy Leland Ace Hardware

(910) 383-6688

LelandAceHardware.com

L

SG ’ T E

E

North Brunswick Magazine

ME

C BA U O 910.371 .1200 TY

Waterford Medical Center 509 Olde Waterford Way Suite 201

LelandChiro.com

910.550.1167 | L e g a c y H o m e s B y B i L L c L a r k . c o m 54

H

A EG

NONPROFIT

Back to Nature Through good, old-fashioned outdoor fun, Coastal Carolina Outreach helps improve the health and well-being of kids and teens.

BY MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN

A

|

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL RITENOUR

Are you of a certain age where you have fond childhood memories of playing outdoors with friends or family from sunup to sundown? Riding bikes, hiking trails, creating adventures in which your mind and body could run carefree?

Carrie and Brian Higgins are. That’s why they started their new nonprofit, Coastal Carolina Outreach.

While they admit the world isn’t the same as when they were kids, they know that being outside still has the same

Carrie Higgins, left, and Brian Higgins, right, with four of their nine children, Maddie, Heather, Kage and Zoe, at home in Ash.

Summer 2022

55

Grand Opening 8/5/22 from 3 to 7pm

Swell-Home, is bringing a fresh concept in window treatments to the Coastal Carolinas.

Contact us to explore the wide variety of fabrics, textures, styles and colors for your home. We provide the expert guidance you need when designing the home of your dreams.

Swell-Home

497 Olde Waterford Way, Ste 105 Belville, NC Please join us for our Grand Opening 8/5/22 from 3 to 7pm Please contact store for hours (910) 769-4980 Info@swell-home.com

Silhouette® window shadings

©2022 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.16405499

Proudly serving Leland for 14 years.

www.Hwy55.com 1114 New Pointe Blvd. | 910.371.2707 Fresh, never frozen burgers, shrimp, chicken, sandwiches, salads, frozen custards & more!

56

North Brunswick Magazine

NONPROFIT

Simple outdoor activities are the hallmark of Coastal Carolina Outreach. Left, Kage and Maddie practice archery; below, Heather does some gardening.

value. Studies show that kids who play outside are more likely to develop better cognitively and physically. Not only does being active outdoors challenge kids’ physical endurance, but also “it has the ability to inspire, calm, rejuvenate, connect and bring a person into the present,” Carrie says.

In 2018 the couple purchased nearly 20 acres in Ash, North Carolina, with the idea of giving children, including their own, a safe, inviting space to experience nature.

“I've always had this philosophy to raise free-range children,” Brian says.

The couple met in 2015 and found they had mutual commitments to family, faith and an inner drive to help others, especially kids. Carrie taught at the elementary level for more than 15 years, and Brian, a Navy veteran and former detective with Ocean Isle Beach Police Department, has opened his home to numerous foster children in addition to adopting children.

Combined, Carrie and Brian have nine children. Brian has six children, five of whom are adopted and one biological child. Carrie has two biological children. They have another child they call a “daughter by choice.” Though she’s not legally their child, they provide the love, guidance and support she needs to be successful. They also have three grandchildren.

Last spring Carrie made the decision to leave her teaching career to stay home and help address the health difficulties of two of their children.

“It hit us hard when some of our kids began struggling with mental health,” Carrie says. “Besides traditional routes, we were looking for ways promote a healthier lifestyle for all of our kids.”

With the idea of providing “good, old-fashioned outdoor fun,” their nonprofit was born.

Coastal Carolina Outreach’s mission is to improve the overall well-being and mental health of kids and teens in our community through nature, connection, art and education.

Summer 2022

57

NONPROFIT

“

My original thought was foster kids, but we realized that there was a real need of programs for teens in our community. So that is the group we are focusing on first.

The idea for Coastal Carolina Outreach began even ahead of COVID. Carrie and Brian watched as their own children were spending more time indoors on their smartphones and less time being active outside.

The goal is to promote simple programs like hiking, fishing, archery, camping, horseshoes, gardening and arts and crafts that bring a sense of simple joy back into the lives of kids and teens.

“During the pandemic, Carrie and I were able to get more of a direction on which groups of kids we wanted to focus our time and energy on, and who would get the most use of our programs,” Brian says. “My original thought was teenagers, but the need is there for everyone.”

Right, Zoe working on arts and crafts; below left, Kage practicing archery; below right, Brian and Carrie, the founders of it all.

Summers are great for some families who can afford to send their children off to camp. But for kids who are stuck at home during their summer vacations, their time isn’t always spent in meaningful ways.

“Regardless of a family’s financial situation, we want to provide youth in the area access to programs that can help improve the well-being and mental health of kids and teens,” Carrie says.

Still in its infancy, Coastal Carolina Outreach launched its first program in April 2022. Called Hope Rocks, it is designed to help teen girls learn healthy ways to cope with the stress and 58

North Brunswick Magazine

NONPROFIT

struggles of life, giving them the opportunity to build plants and just enjoy nature,” Carrie says. “We’re also positive relationships with their peers. Carrie, who has a working on raised garden beds and a sunflower garden. We master’s degree in curriculum, instruction and supervision dream of a space where people can enjoy the simple pleasures and is a certified group life coach, has also implemented Hope in life and get back to nature.”

Rocks 2 this summer, which is the next step for girls who Additionally, Carrie and Brian have a longterm goal of completed the first program. A new Hope creating camp sites for families who don't Rocks fall session will begin September 12, normally get to experience camping, 2022. particularly for foster kids and their families.

Want to learn more?

Coastal Carolina Outreach’s next “It’s tough to be able to get away and do a program, Fly True Archery, will begin in lot of things that are within the constraints Coastal Carolina Outreach the fall of 2022 and is open to all teens ages of foster care,” Brian says. “We’ll provide the coastalcarolinaoutreach.org 12 to 17. It will involve clinics to learn the space, the equipment and the food for these (910) 617-7219 basics of archery, followed by a club to families so they can experience being practice and build positive peer outdoors and spend quality time together.” relationships.

As for what Carrie and Brian envision While Carrie is focusing on the programming, Brian enjoys for the future, they have some wonderful ideas they would spending time outside preparing the property. Plans for 2022 like to see come to fruition, including a fishing pond and into 2023 include constructing the archery range, building a playground equipment including tree swings, balance campfire ring and installing picnic tables, benches and swings. beams and large rocks to climb on. They are planning a “Our plan is to create different nature trails where kids can carnivorous plant garden and an indoor structure for walk through and identify the different types of trees and meetings and groups. 

We’re not just advisors, we’re

Community Leaders. Coaches. Parents.

 910.371.0366 1022 Grandiflora Dr. Ste. 110, Leland jon@signaturewealth.com SignatureWealth.com/Leland Summer 2022

59

OPEN DAILY! YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD STORAGE FACILITY

 9820 Blackwell Rd. SE Leland, NC 28451

 910.371.2331

www.GoStoreIt.com

COLD BEER GREAT FOOD LIVE ENTERTAINMENT KARAOKE TRIVIA MUSIC BINGO

50 Locations and Growing Including traditional non-climate control, climate controlled, and parking We sell boxes and moving supplies New climate control units now available

Locations in Wilmington    

60

5135 Market St. Wilmington  1113 South 17th St. Wilmington 5811 Market St. Wilmington  3311 Enterprise Dr. Wilmington 9121 Market St. Wilmington  9611 Blackwell Rd. SE Leland 7135 Market St. Wilmington

North Brunswick Magazine

1107 New Pointe Blvd » Leland, NC 28451

www.localstavern.com 910.769.1289

PEOPLE

A New Chapter

for Brunswick County Library Meet Patricia Dew, the multitalented new director of Brunswick County Library System.

BY BETH A. KLAHRE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MUUSS

Summer 2022

61

I

PEOPLE

It’s no surprise that Patricia Dew, recently named director for Brunswick County Library System, is right at home in any library.

“My mom has told me she was prepared to read the first book I brought home from my elementary school library to me. Instead, I sat down and read it to her,” Dew says.

It was the beginning of a lifelong love of books. And libraries.

Dew got her first public library card from the North Durham Branch of Durham County Library in Durham, North Carolina, at age six.

Mrs. Scott, the children’s librarian, encouraged her to read anything and everything and introduced her to her first book without pictures.

“It was a biography of Annie Oakley,” Dew recalls. “I loved that book and the ‘don’t tell me what a girl can’t do’ story.”

Dew volunteered at that library throughout her teen years, which eventually led to a summer job during college.

Dew’s bachelor of music degree with a concentration in music education from the Brunswick County Library System Director Patricia Dew (left) with Heather University of North Carolina Greensboro and a Donnell, manager of the Margaret & James Harper Jr. Library in Southport. master of library science with a concentration in public libraries from North Carolina Central Brunswick County: Margaret & James Harper, Jr. Library, University demanded many days in college Southport; Rourk Branch Library, Shallotte; Leland Library, libraries.

Leland; G.V. Barbee, Sr. Library, Oak Island; and Southwest “I spent a lot of time in the music library using print and Brunswick Branch Library, Carolina Shores. Dew is audio resources,” Dew says. “And I spent a semester with an responsible for budgeting, developing employment and honors professor working on bibliographic research.” service policies, strategic planning, public and governmental In 20-plus years of public library service, including her relations and reporting, ensuring compliance with laws, most recent position as Supervising Librarian for New fundraising and staffing.

Hanover County Public Library Pine Valley Branch, Dew has Driven by the 3.84 percent population growth in performed almost every possible library role, including Brunswick County in the past year, Dew says the libraries are shelver, assistant, local history assistant, interlibrary loan on the edge of a great opportunity. assistant, reference librarian and branch manager. The “Our sleepy, rural beach towns are transforming into positions have given Dew a broad perspective of public vibrant communities with more social, educational, artistic librarianship. She considers it a privilege to have experienced and recreational possibilities,” she says. “I want to bring all of these roles, and library director was her dream job and Brunswick County libraries fully into the 21st century.” career goal.

In addition to her library-focused proficiencies, Dew “This position was the right opportunity for me at the right attributes her ability “to take charge and lead no matter time,” Dew says. what” to her U.S. Army career. She attended Army NonHer role oversees the operations of the five libraries in 62

North Brunswick Magazine

Angie Wilkie Team named Real Trends

Top 1.5% of Teams In America

SERVING BUYERS & SELLERS ON THE NC & SC COASTS

 “Angie was recommended to us by another member of her team out of Wilmington to help us in Holden Beach. From the first contact we were extremely satisfied with Angie and her support staff! She worked hard and professionally guided through the process…. We highly recommend Angie Wilkie to be your agent. In addition to being professional and knowledgeable and effective, she is also a very nice person!”

- C. C Lackey

 “My wife and I have worked with Angie and her team on several real estate transactions over the last 5-years. Angie is very experienced and was able to handle all aspects of the transactions with ease. We wouldn't consider working with another agent and recommend Angie to anyone who inquires.”

Angie Wilkie

- J. Webster

Broker/REALTOR®

 (336) 451-9519  (910) 777-7945 

angiewilkie@kw.com Jill Walsh

Russ Adams

Rick Brewer

Serving Topsail, Wrightsville, Wilmington, Southport, Oak Island, Holden, Ocean Isle, Sunset, Cherry Grove, & North Myrtle Beach areas

Summer 2022

63

PEOPLE

LIBRARY? brunswickcountync.gov/library/ Facebook & Instagram @BrunswickCountyLibrary Visit the Brunswick County Library on Facebook and Instagram for more information on events and updates.

HARPER LIBRARY 109 W. Moore Street, Southport (910) 457-6237 ROURK LIBRARY 5068 Main Street, Shallotte (910) 754-6578 LELAND LIBRARY 487 Village Road, Leland (910) 371-9442 BARBEE LIBRARY 8200 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island (910) 278-4283 SOUTHWEST BRUNSWICK BRANCH LIBRARY 9400 Ocean Highway W., Carolina Shores (910) 575-0173

64

North Brunswick Magazine

“

WANT TO GO TO THE

Commissioned Officer Education hours and locations, enhanced e-book System schools, where she studied basic collections, access to online services through advanced leadership. She and new programming, all in a friendly intends to take the masters level class in and welcoming environment. the near future.

The Brunswick County Library As an accomplished clarinet, bass Board of Trustees is also under the new clarinet and saxophone player, Dew leadership of Brunswick County spent 17 years in the 208th Army Band resident Jeff Mount as of January. The serving as musical performance team board is excited to welcome Dew as the leader and small ceremonial band new director, Mount says. leader.

“The trustees will take a much more “I started taking music lessons in proactive role as an advisory council to fourth grade,” Dew says. “I can play any Ms. Dew,” Mount says. “Together they woodwind instrument. But will strive to create a no strings.” vibrant, lively and Recorder, pennywhistle enriching patron and Irish flute are also in experience. A listening her repertoire of campaign throughout the instruments. In the perfect Together they county will be launched to fusion of her two favorite uncover how to increase will strive things, books and music, library services, and a to create a Dew was awarded an county literacy summit will Army Achievement Medal vibrant, lively be formed joining together for her work organizing teachers and nonprofits and enriching hundreds of concert band, engaged in literacy patron jazz band, brass quintet initiatives. The trustees and ceremonial pieces of will research the feasibility experience. sheet music in the music of a bookmobile and will library. continue to leverage Dew is now a Sergeant existing partnerships with First Class in the U.S. Army Reserve, nonprofit groups including Friends of serving as the North Carolina Nonthe Library, Kiwanis, Smart Start and commissioned Emergency Preparedness Brunswick County Literacy Council.”

Liaison Officer, the go-between the Dew says she and Mount have gotten Department of Defense officers and off to a good start with their working civilian decision-makers to coordinate, relationship and that the Board of plan and respond to emergency Trustees is already working on updates situations. In January 2023, she will to library policies. have served 20 years.

“Libraries are for everyone,” Dew Dew hit the ground running in her concludes. “I’m excited to have so many first 60 days as library director. She opportunities to grow the library implemented OverDrive, giving readers system and create friendly, welcoming, access to hundreds of e-books online, useful community centers and places of and started a presence on Facebook, ‘yes’ that meet the needs of everyone in Instagram and Nextdoor. She is actively the community.” updating the county library website.

And this may be the best news of Dew’s longer-term goals include all: It’s free! For everyone!  adding staff and resources, expansion of

Flooring, Storage & More Book your free estimate today!

Call 1.888.59.GARAGE or visit HelloGarage.com.

Summer 2022

65

save TIME and

money

Four Seasons Dry Cleaners and Laundry in Leland provides the highest quality care at the lowest prices…

$1.17 per shirt on orders of 10+ Conveniently located in Waterford’s commercial plaza at 497 Olde Waterford Way #106

910.859.8394

Always

1 30 Di vision Dr Uni t A, Leland, NC 28451

910.769.3060

3-dimensional-fi tness-leland.business.si te

CUSTOM INTERIOR DESIGN Residential

|

Commercial

|

Retail

From full service interior design to the finishing touches, our team

PERSONALIZE YOUR SPACE

of designers can help you create the home or office of your dreams.

Get in touch to learn more about our design service packages!

5815 Oleander Drive | 910.793.3992 | bigskydesignonline.com |

66

North Brunswick Magazine

@bigskydesign | @bigskyshopandstudio

SPORTS

Another Shot A Winnabow family is reviving its property into The Golf Barn, a golf utopia with family-style fun, professional golf instruction and much more.

BY KATHY BLAKE

|

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GLENN GUIAO

Summer 2022

67

SPORTS

O 68

North Brunswick Magazine

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

On Highway 17 southbound in Winnabow, at the corner of Bell Swamp Connection NE, a 7-foot chicken named Hennifer Lopez guards a miniature golf course under construction. And the white, yellow and red fiberglass chicken is stuck. Two predecessors flew the coop and bit the dust, says Brad Phillips, one of Hennifer’s caretakers, but this bird will not budge.

“She’s here to stay. She’s been reinforced,” he says.

Hennifer’s 15-acre domain is about to become The Golf Barn, a family entertainment venue with minigolf, a driving range, professional instruction using Toptracer technology, evening games with glow-in-the-dark golf balls, along with a restaurant and a fire pit.

Phillips, a PGA Class A professional, which means he can teach golf and run a golf facility, is director of the venue. He and partners Ed Burnett and Burnett’s son, Edwin, plan to open the facility by September 2023.

Ed Burnett, 71, has owned 70-plus acres at the site for several decades. Edwin, 27, and Phillips, 28, were childhood best friends growing up in Brunswick County.

Which brings us to the 7-foot chicken.

“She’s keeping the legacy,” Burnett says.

“We grew up in Southport and Oak Island, and this is before Oak Island exploded (in population), and we were working and had the beach and a boat, and that’s pretty much what the area had, the water,” Edwin says. “So, we needed something else to do.”

Hennifer Lopez stands guard over the future site of The Golf Barn, a family golfing and entertainment venue, in Winnabow.

SPORTS

Seeing a long, Wilmington-toMyrtle gap in “something to do,” Burnett invited families to his farm to enjoy a pumpkin patch, a corn maze and hay rides. A giant chicken stood guard over the former soybean fields but, Burnett says, “It got stolen. It inexplicably went missing.”

Burnett bought a replacement, a 9-foot metal chicken, at a garden center in Wilmington.

“We painted him gold, and people loved seeing him out there, but he rusted out and went head-first into the dirt,” Burnett says. “We took him inside but told people he was vacationing in Florida.”

A few years ago, the Burnetts and Phillips came up with the idea for a golf center on the property.

Phillips played high school golf at South Brunswick and attended Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina. He studied golf management and is a certified personal trainer and certified nutritionist. “That’s where golf is going right now,” Phillips says.

“Those PGA Tour guys spend a lot of time in the gym.

“I always knew I wanted my own space to teach, because most of your traditional country clubs don’t allow personal trainers and nutritionists with golf coaching.” Phillips says. “So, I partnered with the Burnetts, and they had all this land, so we thought why not make it not just a driving range but a whole golf utopia? So that’s how we got from Point A to Point B.” Edwin attended UNC-Chapel Hill, where he was a management and society major, which focuses on the inner workings of companies. He thought he might follow his dad into the real estate business.

“I came back home after college,” Summer 2022

69

SPORTS

“ The Golf Barn will be a family entertainment venue with a restaurant, fire pits, minigolf, a driving range, professional instruction using Toptracer technology and evening games with glow-in-the-dark golf balls.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Edwin says, “and got my real estate license, but I’ve been working on The Golf Barn. We have a good idea of what it’s going to look like, even though it isn’t completely laid out yet.

We are going to include a fireplace and some picnic tables where people can sit out and enjoy the atmosphere, play some corn hole and listen to live music.”

Burnett sold much of the land to a housing developer, but saved 15 acres for The Golf Barn. The trio plans to build about 20 bays on a 360-yard driving range, with 15 equipped with Toptracer. If you don’t know what that is, think graphics that follow a tee shot with a colored line in the air displayed on a screen, showing a golf shot’s ball speed, height, hang time and other stats.

“Serious golfers can aim for pins 300 yards away and, similar to a bowling experience, the names and scores will be lit up on the screen above them. It’s very interactive,” Edwin says.

The range, they emphasize, will aim for the trees, not Highway 17.

The restaurant will be a burgers-chicken-fries-onion rings type place, though the ink isn’t quite dry on the menu.

The golf segment will have memberships available, Edwin says. “It’s not completely nailed down, but we plan some type of memberships in which people can get unlimited balls for the 70

North Brunswick Magazine

Ed Burnett, standing, along with his son, Edwin Burnett, right, and family friend Brad Phillips, are the creators of The Golf Barn.

driving range or discounts on the Toptracer.”

“The Toptracer is by the hour,” Phillips adds, “so members might get unlimited balls for the range, and half-price per hour for Toptracer.”

Children can utilize Toptracer, as well.

“Aside from tracking golf balls, which is what the serious golfer wants, the technology also allows you to play mini games like Go Fish, because each driving bay will have a little screen on it,” Edwin says, “and kids can see different fish swimming around and different targets lit up.”

The Golf Barn will have a little of everything for a familyoriented day or night out. And no matter what happens to Hennifer Lopez the 7-foot chicken mascot, The Golf Barn's logo of a chicken atop a red barn will ensure that a bird is always here to stay. 

Summer 2022

71

EYE FOR

D E S I G N Lauren Wilbun creates one-of-a-kind experiences through her al fresco dining business, Collective Law.

BY EMORY RAKESHAW

PHOTO BY EMORY RAKESTRAW

72

North Brunswick Magazine

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

73

Summer 2022

fter Lauren Wilbun (aka Law) graduated from Johnson & Wales University in 2015, she interned at Gigi’s Cupcakes.

While she loved baking and pastries, the 2 am wake-up calls led to the realization that she was in the wrong field. Even after a total career change, ironically, these days her alarm is usually set for 2:30 am.

“If I have a picnic session at 6 am, I need to leave the studio by 5 am, start prepping the charcuterie boards by 4 am, pack the items for the picnic by 3:30 am. So, 2:30 am is when my alarm goes off. It’s funny, though; sunrise picnics are for sure my favorite. I just love the mornings, it’s a fresh start.”

As the saying goes: Do what you love and you’ll never work 74

North Brunswick Magazine

PHOTO BY EMORY RAKESTRAW

A

a day in your life. Perhaps for Wilbun, that’s how this 2:30 am wake-up call differs from the ones of the past.

Wilbun did not go straight from pastry to picnics, it was a winding road that nods to her business’ namesake.

In 2018 she graduated from UNC Wilmington with hopes of going into interior design. After working in the interior design field, she then became the wedding day-of planner and venue coordinator for The Barn at Rock Creek in Leland.

Upon finally finding a career she genuinely loved, the universe (of course) had other plans.

“During COVID, weddings came to a halt,” Wilbun says. “I sat still for about three months then birthed the idea of Collective Law, doing charcuterie boards and picnics. There’s

Why cross the bridge if you don’t have to?

Leland

1003 Olde Waterford Way, Suite 1A Leland, NC 28451 910-794-2266

1107 New Pointe Blvd » Leland, NC 28451

www.localstavern.comWilmington ACROSS THE BRIDGE LOCATION

3505 Converse Drive, Suite 175 910.769.1289 Wilmington, NC 28403 910-794-2266

Summer 2022

75

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

PHOTO BY EMORY RAKESTRAW

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

North Brunswick Magazine

76

accents is propped above a wooden picnic table built by her dad. Draped linens, unique candle holders and vases filled with pampas grass are stylishly displayed about.

“My inventory has absolutely grown, but 60 percent of the stuff I have now I already had,” Wilbun says. “Most are antiques or vintage.”

She purchases new decor from everyday retailers but notes that some

items find her in the process. She points to two oversized throw pillows, “I saw these at T.J. Maxx and practically ran to check-out. I had to have them.”

Much the way Wilbun’s picnics are styled her unique taste, so are her charcuterie boards. She calls them “American style” due to the hearty portions and nontraditional provisions.

Her favorites include black pepper

PHOTOS BY EMORY RAKESTRAW

a ton of those businesses on the West Coast, but no one here was doing it. I put my own spin on it. I have a background in food, interior and events. I combined it all.”

With no manual for how to learn a picnic business, she just figured out things as she went along.

Today, Collective Law’s picnics come styled beachside. There are antique wicker tables and delicate linens in neutral patterns juxtaposed by colorful fresh flowers. Candles set the mood, and plush pillows serve as seats. The showstopper is the overflowing charcuterie board of cheese, fresh fruit and cured meats.

These aren’t your average picnics.

They feel special, curated, well styled and, of course, Instagram-worthy.

Wilbun’s eye for design has led to larger events for picnic-patronsturned-clients.

Picnic options include an hour-anda-half sunrise or sunset session. Each is decorated by Wilbun herself and comes equipped with everything one would need. To-go boards are also available for events and get-togethers.

“Collective Law was one of those businesses that did well during COVID,” Wilbun says. “It was private, it was new and I’ve really enjoyed it.

I’ve always loved hosting and planning parties for friends and family. Coming from the wedding industry, I have such a history with vendors, photographers, florists and rental companies. They’ve encouraged me and helped me along the way. It’s been really great.”

In the beginning Wilbun was operating out of her home in Leland, then Mayfaire contacted her about renting a space. In July 2021 Collective Law moved into its own studio equipped with a full kitchen and appointment-only storefront.

Along the walls, there are dozens of pillows in subtle colors and patterns.

An umbrella with orange and fringe

Summer 2022

77

OF PUBLICATIONS — ROOTED IN

COASTAL NORTH CAROLINA

Topsa il Maga zine Topsa ilMag .com

+

Summ

er 2021

TR AI LER BA PR LI VIES ERVI R NG NG ONSL SHORE LIN OW BOAT ES WO BAY RKS O CE BE ACAN CI TY H

SUM MER

2021

|

COM PLIM ENTA

RY

Summer 2020 | SouthBrunswickMagazine.com Summ er 2021

S

MA LL B MIG T HTUY DIS

Volu

TH E

me e3

of

2, Issu

ZZLE

SI ER SUMM

COVE

RE OF D AT AG HA MP E 4, SE VEST EA 11-YE RA L D HA S AR-OL D AL TV SE RIE RE AD ACTO S AN Y ST R EL LE D FIL ARRE GR MS D IN AH AM .

No place like home

shrimp with fresh tasty rs loaded for a Skewe ple make grill. and pineap meal on the summer

COM

PLIM

E AGLE

E N TA

RY

S ISL AND

|

HON OR

FLIG HTS

FOR VETE

RAN S

|

LEL AND

Marine veteranS and local photographer Jason Shanahan ONER finds his way to a career and place he loves.

AMA RATH

ULTR

C O M PL IM E N TA RY

CARS4THECOUNTY

|

SHEAD’S BRITISH COTTAGE GARDEN

|

MODEL RAILROAD CLUB

ADVERTISE NOW! Reach readers from Little River, SC to Sneads Ferry, NC and all the places in between.

910-207-0156 info@CarolinaMarketingCompany.com 78

North Brunswick Magazine

PHOTO BY EMORY RAKESTRAW

Our family

Toscano, merlot-infused cheese and Manchego.

Pre-ordering from retailers keeps items continuously stocked, which is smart considering she’s averaging one picnic per weekday and three picnics a day on weekends.

“Thank goodness for culinary school,” Wilbun says. “It taught me how to be efficient, and I learned so much I use in my everyday life. My first lab at Johnson and Wales was on hot and cold desserts,” she says. “We wrote a paper on Muda (a Japanese term for futility); it entails taking the least steps as possible and creating the least amount of trash. I use that every day.

If it’s not efficient and doesn’t work for my business, it’s cut.”

While Wilbun has practiced Muda in some areas, she’s expanded in others. A collaboration with Northwest Land and Cattle brings her picnics to the farm. A wooden table with two benches, provisions and plenty of decor sets the scene.

“It’s a totally different clientele than the beach clients,” Wilbun says.

“These people want the wild and tall grass; they love it on the cornfield.”

Her clients’ events range from engagement sessions to a girlfriends’ picnic or anniversary date. Collective Law has also expanded into event styling, providing grazing boards and all the decor. Everything one sees behind the business is exclusively created by Wilbun, with the exception of part-time help for larger picnics.

“It’s been crazy to think about the clients I’ve worked for,” Wilbun says.

“They’ll send me an address, and I don’t think about it that much, and I get there and it’s a beautiful home on

the waterway. I can’t believe this is my client, it’s so surreal. I’m very humble, I take it for what it is. A lot of people don’t know who the face of Collective Law is and I like that. My product speaks for itself.”

Collective Law is growing by the day. Wilbun has tested the waters by hosting events in the storefront. An engagement client recently turned into a booking for a 100-person wedding in 2022. With her wheels turning, she sees the future as exciting and full of ideas.

Branded items could turn into a storefront, and she’s toyed with the thought of opening the studio for grab-and-go boards. With every item down to mini boards and to-go boxes customized, it’s an almost predetermined path. For now, Wilbun remains humble in the success of her business, even as similar ones pop up in the area.

“I started Collective Law in 2020, and now it’s full-blown,” she says.

“It’s very exciting. I walk into my studio every day thinking, ‘Who gave me the keys to this place?’”  Go to collectivelaw.co to learn more.

Dr. Melissa Owen

Business Profile

at Aesthetic Dentistry

BY MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN

PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ

or Dr. Jon Ludwig, owner of Aesthetic Dentistry at Magnolia Village, dentistry has always been about building relationships with patients.

“Many people have fears and anxiety when they think about having a dental procedure done,” explains Dr. Ludwig.

“That’s why the dental profession is as much about people as it about teeth.”

Having the right people in place to help alleviate patients’ concerns is a top priority for Dr. Ludwig. That’s why he recently made Dr. Melissa Owen a partner in his practice.

“Upon my initial introduction and interview with Dr. Owen, it was clear that she was completely personable and had the important attribute of being able to put patients at ease,” Dr. Ludwig says.

“She excels as it. And she has proved this to be true during the 1.5 years that she spent with the practice prior to becoming a partner.”

You could say that dentistry is in Dr. Owen’s genes. Her dad was a dentist, and her mom managed his practice in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Additionally, her two siblings are both dentists.

On being made a partner at Aesthetic Dentistry at Magnolia Village, Dr. Owen

is “excited and happy to be at a practice where I have a great relationship with Dr. Ludwig and a team that communicates and functions so well together,” she says.

“It really is a great environment where people enjoy being at work.”

Dr. Owen received her undergraduate degree from James Madison University and then attended dental school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

After graduating from dental school in 2015, she completed her General Practice Residency in the Veterans Administration near Los Angeles, California.

As a partner, Dr. Owen will take on more management responsibilities but will continue doing what she loves the most: working with patients.

“I genuinely love working with people and getting to know them and learning about their children or grandchildren and their travels," explains Dr. Owen. “It’s not just about talking about teeth; it’s about establishing relationships.”

There are so many reasons people become dentists, like keeping patients healthy and pain-free. But for Dr. Owen, what she loves about being a dentist goes beyond the physical.

“I really love the creativity behind

PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ

PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ

PHOTO BY LAURA GLANTZ

F

dentistry. Building and molding and creating new smiles,” she says. “Being able to take something and make it better — and make people feel better about themselves physically and emotionally.

It can even be just one tooth, but that one tooth can make all the difference in someone’s smile.”

Being made a partner is just one of Dr. Owen’s professional and personal highs this year. In November, she and her husband, Conally, are expecting their second daughter, who will join her big sister, Harbor Grace.

Dr. Owen’s compassion for her patients and commitment to her profession are just what Dr. Ludwig was looking for.

“I've owned this practice for 15 years now and have had other associates,” Dr. Ludwig says. “It was definitely worth the wait to find someone of Dr. Owen's caliber, and we are thrilled to have her as a permanent fixture in the practice moving forward!”

Aesthetic Dentistry at Magnolia Village 1108 Eastowne Court, Leland (910) 371-5965 teethbythebeach.com

Summer 2022

79

2021 Entrepreneur of the Year North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce

^Custom

Framing

^Shadowboxes ^Custom

^Artworks

Paintings

- Originals & Prints

^Artists’

Workshops ^Art Classes

Earn an Associate in Arts degree in BCC’s two-year accelerated program. All it takes is one night a week for two years and you’ve done it.

YOU can BCC! LEARN MORE



Leland's Expert at Custom Framing & Art Industry Solutions Since 2006

80

NEW IN LELAND!

North Brunswick Magazine

brunswickcc.edu OneStop@brunswickcc.edu

SNIPPET

Baby Boomers Woodstock Revival at Compass Pointe  More than a thousand Compass Pointe residents participated in the Baby Boomers Woodstock Revival on May 15.

Hippie attire and attitude, tie-dyes and peace signs were found everywhere as Compass Pointe neighborhoods gathered to create their own hippie commune, relive their memories and dance to the tunes of the 1960s.

Milan Dedek and Daphne Cole kicked off the event with “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and the Harmony in Paradise Glee Club performed songs from the Woodstock era and the Ukrainian anthem. The biggest attraction was the musical talent within the Compass Pointe community. Eight bands composed of resident musicians played throughout the day including Analog Beach Gang, Riverside, Flashback, Winston Hammer Project, Jim Ferris, Banjo Steve & Downtown and JB & Milan Acoustic Duo. Rose Hill REsurrection Band closed the event with a tribute to the Allman Brothers Band.

Compass Pointe residents donated to several causes throughout the day.

Harmony in Paradise raised more than $1,500 for Ukrainian efforts, Compass Pointe Survivors raised more than $1,400 for cancer causes, and the musicians raised $560 for the local food bank.

Summer 2022

81

SNIPPET

Belville Founders Day  To celebrate 45 years since its incorporation, the Town of Belville hosted a Founders Day event on May 7. The event took place at Belville Riverwalk Park on 580 River Road, and there was fun for the entire family including live music, magic performances, giant slides, an obstacle course, a balloon creator, raffle items and various local vendors. Food and dessert trucks were also at the Riverwalk for participants and vendors to enjoy.

Leland’s Spring Art Market  Held on May 7 in Founders Park, Leland’s Spring Art Market drew a great turnout of local residents and visitors. The juried market featured unique, handmade creations from local artisans and makers, and many people stopped by to shop among the pottery, home goods, fine art and more. Attendees also enjoyed Poor Piggy’s food truck, crafts, a community art project and live music.

82

North Brunswick Magazine

SNIPPET

British Motor Club of the Cape Fear Annual Car Show  British Motor Club of the Cape Fear, a group dedicated to the preservation, appreciation and enjoyment of British cars and motorcycles, held its 22nd annual car show at the Villages at Brunswick Forest on May 7. With beautiful vehicles, live music, raffles, activities for kids and more, great fun was had by all. Look for the event again in the spring of 2023.

Summer 2022

83

ut

Cur

an

d

p ku

ide Pic bs

Takeo

SEIDOKAN D O J O Teaching since 1969

Shihan Mike Holmes

Ruby Holmes

KARATE I KOBUDO I AIKIJUJUTSU

Brandon White

I GOSHINJUTSU

“Sekai Dentokan Bugei Renmei” (World Traditional Martial Arts Federation)

Adult & Children’s Classes Summer Program I After School Program

9387 Old Mill Rd. (In Leland) 910.616.7470 I www.lelandkarate.com 84

North Brunswick Magazine

FACES & PLACES

Spring Fling at Paws Place On April 30, Spring Fling at Paws Place in Winnabow raised funds to care for rescued dogs.

Crystal Moore, Kathryn Scott, Brittany Burke

PHOTOS BY BILL RITENOUR

Peggy Durso, Lisa Addertion, Jackie and Steve Matyasovski

Sue Kaiser, Grace Bradley, Terri Young

Maya Depasquale, Alex Mitchell and Molly

Nikki Ballard, Andrea Bigler, Chandler Sacik

Jackie and Joshua Gullett with sons Jayden, Quentin and Jaxon

Summer 2022

85

FACES & PLACES

North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner July 29 at Leland Cultural Arts Center

Natalya Amos, “Rising Star Youth Award” winner presented by Katie Samsel

“Young Professional of the Year” winner Zach Drennan

“Entrepreneur of the Year” Jeremy Gunn

Dana Fisher

Elle Thomas of Brunswick Family Assistance presented the “Nonprofit of the Year” award by sponsor Leland Mayor Brenda Bozeman

86

“Entrepreneur of the Year” winner Jeremy Gunn and sponsor Mark Ellenberg of State Farm Insurance

North Brunswick Magazine

Sam Puschaver

“Woman of the Year” award presented to Debra Pickett by Jeff Moss of College H.U.N.K.S.

Emily Miller of Focus Broadband presents the ”New Chamber Member Business of the Year “ award to Brunswick Beer Xchange owners Monique Haslam and Shannon Mims

Katie Samsel

Jeff Moss, the new President of the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce

Natalya Amos

Suzanne West with sponsor First Bank, presents the “Business of the Year” award to Family Dog Naturals owners Betsy and David Head

PHOTOS BY BILL RITENOUR

Margie Steve presented with a “Rising Star Youth Award” by Gerald Decker of Teen Scene, Inc.

Summer 2022

87

88

North Brunswick Magazine

FACES & PLACES

“Gimme Shelter” at The Barn at Rock Creek A fundraiser for the Good Shepherd Center held March 25

Lauren and Nicholas Suggs

Nora and Alex Hargrove

PHOTOS BY BILL RITENOUR

Janerfer Oliver and Kathy Denlinger

Jane Birnbach

Katrina R. Knight

Janet and Andrew Beal

Tiffany Graham

Doug and Mary Gregorio

Tony and Donna Finkbeiner

Sarah Stoloff and Trey Bowen

Angela MacKinnon and Jim Conner

Rob and Christine Maiorini

Janet Beal and Kathy Porter

Sharon Dresbach, Karen Edwards, Terry Dresbach, Jerry Edwards

Summer 2022

89

ADVERTISERS INDEX Advertiser

Phone#

Page#

Advertiser

Phone#

Page#

3 Dimensional Fitness.......................................................910-769-3060

66

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

20 & 21

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

39

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

47

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

49

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

80

Advanced Orthopedics...................................................... 910-641-8670

IBC

Legacy Homes by Bill Clark................................................910-550-1167

54

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

5, 79

Angie Wilkie – Keller Williams.........................................910-777-7945

63

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

54

FOCUS Broadband...............................................................910-755-8202

14

Bianchi Brickyard Supply.................................................. 910-253-7663

17

Big Sky Interior Design...................................................... 910-793-3992

66

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

24 & 25

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

53

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

60

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

44

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

65

80

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

9

Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation..........800-842-5871

4

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

BC

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

90

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

19

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

69

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

75, 86

Cavik Insurance..................................................................... 910-722-3225

38

North Brunswick Chiropractic ........................................ 910-371-1200

54

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

49

Novant Health........................................................................ 910-754-5988

BC

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

15

Coastal Integrative Health.................................................910-408-1778

26

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

14

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

38

P.T.’s Olde Fashioned Grille............................................ 910-399-6808

84

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

84

Brunswick Community College..................................... 910-755-7300

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage........................... 910-371-1181

3

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

63

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

71

Custom Home Furniture Galleries................................910-799-4010

19

Curley Implants & General Dentistry........................... 910-463-2267 Dimock, Weinberg & Cherry Coastal Carolina Pediatric Dentistry............................ 910-794-2266

Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry...................... 910-663-1223

11

IFC

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

44

75

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

12

Domin & Schwartz Real Estate Group.........................910-202-3638

83

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

84

EmergeOrtho.......................................................................800-332-3800

7

Shallotte Electric Stores................................................. 910-754-6000

53

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

30

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

59

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

87

Splish Splash Dog Wash.................................................... 910-399-3426

78

Floor Coverings International Shallotte...................... 910-575-5248

9

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

66

Swell Home............................................................................ 910-769-4980

56

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

46

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

44

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

60

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

75

Heritage Fresh Market........................................................910-253-1330

34

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

6

Triad Power Wash LLC...................................................... 910-599-7798

69 49

Hello Garage.................................................................... 1-888-59-Garage

65

Home James Realty............................................................ 910-524-2562

60

Troy Williamson — Cornerstone Home Lending..... 910-262-2613

Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes and Fries................................. 910-371-2707

56

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

88

IAC Kids...............................................................................................................

80

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

65

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

13

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

12

Healthy Pets, Happy People. }   

BRUNSWICK FOREST VETERINARY HOSPITAL

Mon - Fri 8am - 6pm

(910) 777-2107 BrunswickForestVet.com Brunswick Forest, Leland

FULL VETERINARY SERVICES | INTERNAL MEDICINE | IN HOUSE LABORATORY | SURGERY | DENTISTRY | THERAPEUTIC & SURGICAL LASER | EXOTIC MEDICINE

90

North Brunswick Magazine

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR

JOINT PAIN Advanced Orthopedics in Leland, NC provides the latest in surgical technologies for the

replacement of knee, hip, and shoulder joints.

Our team also offers a variety of non-surgical treatment options. If you are experiencing joint paint, give us a call.

Services + Treatments • Robotically-Assisted Total Knee Replacement • Hip Replacement • Shoulder Replacement • Dislocations, Ligament + Tendon Tears, Hyperextension • Minimally Invasive, Arthroscopic Surgery • Sprains, Strains + Fractures

Schedule Your Appointment:

910-641-8670

• Meniscus Damage + Contusions • Tendinitis + Bursitis • Arthritis + Joint Pain • Musculoskeletal Issues in Shoulders, Elbows, Hips + =Knees • Sports Medicine/ Sports-Related Injuries

Craig N. Lippe, MD

David Fox, MMSc, PA-C

Joseph Norris, MD

509 Olde Waterford Way Suite 102, Leland, NC 28451 | 910-641-8670

Summer 2022

91

This perfect day made possible by his knee surgery and her hip replacement.

Expect world-class joint care experts.

Expect a treatment plan designed for you.

Expect Remarkable.

Talk to us about the care that’s right for you.

NovantHealth.org/JointWellness or call 833-751-6027.

© Novant Health, Inc. 2022 ECM1060466