North Brunswick Magazine Summer 2023 Edition

A TEAM OF NINE SPINE SPECIALISTS TO HELP YOU EMERGE STRONGER.

EmergeOrtho’s team of board-certifi ed, fellowship-trained spine surgeons and pain management specialists bring decades of experience and expertise to the coastal region. Consult with the experts, o ering surgical and nonsurgical solutions in conditions and injuries of the back, neck and spine.

Young Lu, MD Spine Surgery

To request or self-schedule an appointment, visit EMERGEORTHO.COM, call 910.332.3800 or text APPT.

Ruth K. Anderson, MD Anesthesiology Pain Management

Mark D. Foster, MD Spine Surgery

Jeremy J. Ho , DO Interventional Pain Management / PM&R

Lawrence A. Montalto II, DO Anesthesiology Pain Management

Francis S. Pecoraro, MD Interventional Pain Medicine

R. Mark Rodger, MD Spine Surgery

D. Todd Rose, MD Spine Surgery

David W. Zub, MD Anesthesiology Pain Management

42 F ERMENTATION STATION

Panacea Brewing Company, Wilmington’s only kombucha brewery, is celebrating seven years in business.

33 S PIRITS

Watermelon Margarita Popsicles

34 W HAT’S COOKIN’ WITH SOUTHERN SANDI

58 SMALL BUSINESS LIFE SUPPORT

Heather McWhorter, director at UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, loves helping local dreamers and changemakers succeed.

68 A FINAL ACT OF SERVICE

The Memorial Reef Foundation buries veterans at sea in aquatic urns that benefit the state’s artificial reef program.

Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise Sauce

Smoked

49 P EOPLE

Retired NYC Fireman Gerry Amitrano brings a much-needed blade-sharpening service to Leland.

53 A ROUND TOWN

North Brunswick High School’s Army JROTC air rifle team earns top awards in a national competition.

63 T EE TIME WITH LARRY Brunswick Forest’s Cape Fear National Golf Club has transitioned from a public to a private course, and that’s not the only change at the 15-year-old course.

PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ

PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ

PHOTO BY BILL RITENOUR

PHOTO BY MATT MCGRAW

SHIFT TO SAVE!

Benefits of Switching to Time-of-Use

1 Time-of-Use rewards members with a lower electric rate for shifting energy-intensive tasks.

2 Time-of-Use rate plan gives our members more control over their energy bill.

3 Time-of-Use members help reduce peak demand, which reduces wholesale power costs.

North Brunswick Magazine – Summer 2023

Volume 17, Issue 4

CEO/PUBLISHER: Justin Williams

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Sandi Grigg

COPY EDITOR: Molly Harrison

CONTRIBUTING GRAPHICS:

Teresa Kramer S amantha Lowe

Elizabeth Dale Niemann

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES:

Megan Henry Brian Wilner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS:

Megan Deitz K urt Epps

Jo Ann Mathews M att McGraw

Bill Ritenour James Stefiuk

Ava Williams

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

A nna Beth Adcock Johanna Colburn Hamilton

A shley Daniels K urt Epps

C hristine R. Gonzalez S andi Grigg

L arry Herschoff

Meredith Littlejohn

Jo Ann Mathews A nnesophia Richards

Melissa Slaven Warren

PUBLISHED BY:

CAROLINA MARKETING COMPANY, INC. PO Box 1361, Leland, NC 28451 (910) 207-0156 • info@northbrunswickmagazine.com

Reproduction or use of the contents in this magazine is prohibited. © 2023 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.

Photographer Matt McGraw captured this photo of kayakers on the docks at Belville Riverwalk Park. See more of Matt’s photos and read writer Anna Beth Adcock’s story about Riverwalk Rentals starting on page 37.

MAGAZINE NBM

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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.

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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.

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Dr. Jonathan S. Ludwig, DMD, FAGD

Dr. Melissa Owen, DDS

The Places We Love

SSpeaking for the locals, many of whom are working, raising kids, volunteering and going about their busy lives here in paradise, a lot of us don’t take enough time to appreciate the beauty of the natural environment around us. Sure we have our moments, but we are not steeped in constant appreciation like the people who are here on vacation.

As this occurred to me the other day, I made a list of a few of the places that people sometimes forget about in our area. As a quick reminder, here they are:

1Belville Riverwalk Park

Relax on a park swing, take some kayaks out on the water (see page 37). Or take your dog for a stroll on the boardwalk. Seaview Crab Company and Little Boys Produce also set up here at designated times. Grab some stuff to take home to cook dinner!

2Brunswick Nature Park

Just down Highway 133 on your way to Southport, you will find tucked away Brunswick Nature Park. This park is good for being one with nature whether its hiking or taking your bicycle off road in the trails.

3Our Islands

Don’t forget you are within a 30 to 45 minutes of about seven islands. Choose one! Go out to the west end of Sunset Beach or Oak Island for a sunset. Catch a sunrise on the Southport Waterfront or over at Fort Fisher. It’s a very mesmerizing experience that everyone should do at least once!

Speaking of things in southeastern North Carolina that are pretty cool, we have some great stories in this issue. You’ll learn more about the Memorial Reef Foundation, which buries veterans at sea in aquatic urn that benefit the state’s artificial reef program. You’ll meet some of the area’s movers and shakers, like Heather McWhorter, director at UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, as well as the owners of Panacea, a kombucha brewery and all-vegan restaurant. We also highlight some of

the favorite outdoor activities, like golfing at Cape Fear National and kayaking at Belville Riverwalk Park. We also have some exciting news. Starting this fall we have a new product for the area — SPT OKI Magazine, covering only Southport and Oak Island. We previously covered this area in South Brunswick Magazine, but now we’ve given the area it’s own publication! We look forward to providing the same quality and content in this area that we have in our other areas for more than 15 years. Please do not hesitate to shoot me

a message if you have any questions. What are some of your favorite places in our county? Tag us on Instagram (@northbrunswickmagazine), and we may feature your photos in our Tagged section (see page 20).

Happy reading and happy summer!

Justin Williams Owner/Publisher Publisher@NorthBrunswickMagazine.com

 justinw13

PHOTO BY MATT MCGRAW

Where Farming is a Family Thing.

MAKE

IT FRESH

with Heritage Fresh Market. Did you know we grow our own tomatoes year-round in our greenhouse? Our tomatoes get hand-picked and come directly to the market. It doesn’t get any fresher than that. They taste terrific in a variety of recipes, including soups, salads and sauces.

SWEET CORN AND TOMATO SALSA

INGREDIENTS

• ¼ cup chopped red onion

• 2 cups chopped tomatoes

• 2 cups chopped grilled corn kernels (about two ears of corn)

• ½ cup diced green pepper

• 1 small jalapeño, seeded and chopped (optional)

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (or fresh parsley)

• 1 tablespoon canola

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• lemon wedges, avocado slices

INSTRUCTIONS

• Husk the ears of corn and place them on a grill heated to mediumhigh heat. Brush each ear with canola oil. Grill corn for 10-12 minutes, turning at least twice during the process. Remove corn from the grill and allow to cool. Using a sharp knife, cut the kernels from the cob.

• Chop the tomatoes into ¼ inch pieces and place them on a towel to drain excess juice. Rub the chopped tomatoes gently with a paper towel to remove most of the seeds.

• Place all ingredients in a medium bowl and gently mix to combine. Add additional salt to taste. Cover and refrigerate salsa until ready to serve. Best served within 24 hours. Serve with crispy tortilla chips, lemon wedges and avocado slices.

Heritage Fresh Market offers canning tomatoes by the box, sweet cherry tomatoes, heirlooms, and our famous beefsteak tomatoes at the market. Whether you want to preserve them or eat them fresh, we’ve got you covered!

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SPRING & SUMMER HOURS:

Monday - Friday 9 am - 5:30 pm

Saturday 9 am - 5 pm

Closed Sunday

Johanna Colburn Hamilton

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I am a Wilmington-based freelance writer with more than 25 years of experience in communications. I graduated from UNCW with a Master of Science. An avid reader with a passion for travel and outdoor adventure, I hope to immerse readers in all the many adventures our area has to offer. I live in Wilmington with my husband, young daughter and rescue dog.

Megan Deitz

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

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

Q megandeitz_photography

Megan Henry

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

As a North Carolina native and 16-year resident of Wilmington, I value the people and culture of the Southeast. I am thrilled with the opportunity to work with a company that seeks to shine a light on local stories and strives to provide an elevated platform for promoting local and regional businesses. A practicing yogi for 10 years, I can often be found on my mat, teaching at Pineapple Studios in downtown Wilmington. In my free time, I love to travel and am approaching the halfway mark of traveling to each of the seven continents.

Coastal Carolina’s Leading Furniture and Design Firm For Over 26 years.

Labor Day Sale

BCC Hosts Nursing Disaster Response Training

On April 19 Brunswick Community College hosted a successful Disaster Response Training for its nursing students. The training involved second-year ADN students serving as emergency responders in three intense scenarios, with first-year ADN students acting as mock patients. The event also saw the participation of eight LPN students, five CEWD Advanced EMT students and Curriculum Paramedic students, who played vital roles as actors and assisted the ADN students.

BCC Holds Student Awards Recognition Ceremony

Brunswick Community College celebrated the achievements of its students at the 2nd Annual Student Awards Recognition Ceremony on April 18. The event was a resounding success, with students being recognized for their dedication and outstanding achievements in academics, athletics, leadership and community service. Fifty-one awards were presented to students including William Gibbs (Academic Excellence Award), Amy Locklear (Dallas Herring Achievement Award) and Lena Devlin (Governor Robert W. Scott Student Leadership Award). Parents, family members, friends, faculty and staff joined in to congratulate the outstanding students. The ceremony concluded with a message of hope and encouragement to the students, reminding them that with perseverance, anything is possible.

FOCUS Broadband Awarded Best in Customer Service

FOCUS Broadband is pleased to announce that once again the company has been recognized as providing the Best in

Customer Service in the Brunswick Beacon’s 2023 Best of Brunswick Awards, in which readers cast their votes for their favorites in a variety of categories. This is the 15th year that FOCUS Broadband has received this recognition. As part of the company’s mission to add value to the lives of their customers through the services they provide, FOCUS Broadband is working on a multi-year, $100 million project to build fiber optic-delivered broadband throughout its entire service area. Recent work on the project has made fiber optic service available in many areas of Seaside, and construction is currently underway in Calabash and Shallotte.

North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce Holds Kids Expo

On May 6 North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce’s Kids Expo gave students the opportunity to spread their entrepreneurial wings and get a head start on promising business careers. The Annual North Brunswick Chamber Kids Expo hosts young entrepreneurs at Brunswick Riverwalk Park at Belville. This event is free and open to the public. To be in the expo, kids create a product or service, develop a brand, build a marketing strategy and open for customers for the one-day marketplace. The kids do all the setup, sales and interacting with customers. Prizes are awarded in each of the age groups (7-10, 11-12, 13-17) for Most Original Business Idea, Most Creative Booth Presentation and Highest Business Potential Idea.

Olde Waterford Way Extension Opens to Traffic

The Olde Waterford Way Extension from the roundabout at Olde Regent Way to Palm Ridge Drive is now open to all

traffic. The road extension will alleviate traffic congestion along Olde Waterford Way and better serve the developing areas within Waterford. The project has been in the works since May 2021, with construction starting last September. Residents are reminded to use caution, as there is a new traffic pattern coming into Waterford and vehicles coming from the extension have the right-of-way.

NFL Star Alex Highsmith Attends Derby Event at Marina Grill

Air Rifle Team is the 2023 Army JROTC Sporters National Champion. The North Brunswick High JROTC Rifle team earned first-place honors for the Army and 5th in the nation across all services in the JROTC National Air Rifle Championship Sporters Division in Ohio on March 25. The team is coached by 1SG George Williams. He trains and guides the North Brunswick High School JROTC team throughout the year.

Ploof Road Business Park Ribbon Cutting & Business After Hours

Many folks came out in support of the Ploof Road Business Park ribbon-cutting ceremony and business after-hours event hosted by the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce and Creative Commercial Properties, Laurence Nadeau. The event took place on April 27 at Ploof Road Business Park, 9600 Ploof Road in Leland.

BCC Job Fair Generates Success for Employers and Job Seekers

The second annual Derby-style soiree held at Marina Grill on April 15 had a special guest of honor: Wilmington native and Pittsburgh Steelers star Alex Highsmith. The event benefits the Alex Highsmith Family Foundation and the Barbara Highsmith Reading Academy of Wilmington. Named The Signature, the event rolled out a red carpet and encouraged attendees to dress in their Derby best, sporting fascinators, seersucker suits and bow ties. Guests enjoyed a VIP cigar lounge, food, signature drinks, networking, music and dancing. Sponsors for the 2023 event were Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux, South State Bank, Customers Bank, Brooke Premium Cigars, Marina Grill, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Smile Straight Orthodontics.

Local Veteran’s Group Supports North Brunswick High School Army ROTC Air Rifle Team

John E. Jacobs American Legion Post #68 Leland has supported the North Brunswick High School Air Rifle Team for eight years. Dale Todd, past commander and lead for the Americanism Committee, has worked to support the high school students. This year the North Brunswick High School

The Brunswick Community College (BCC) Job Fair, held on April 20, was a tremendous success with a fantastic turnout of job seekers and 80 top-notch employers. Held in the Dinah E. Gore Sports & Aquatics Complex, the event was a collaborative effort, made possible by the support of BCC’s partner NC Works and sponsors Novant Health, Lowes Foods, Pinnacle Trailer Sales, Blue Sponsors First Citizens Bank, No Place Like Home Caregivers, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, Tri-Tech Forensics, Monarch Roofing and We Help at Home Care. The BCC Job Fair provided an opportunity for job seekers to connect with employers in a variety of industries, including healthcare, engineering, construction, food service and more. Participants had the chance to learn about job openings, network with professionals in their fields,

participate in workshops and even have a professional headshot taken.

JROTC Cadet Angel Webber Honored

JROTC First Lieutenant Angel Webber of North Brunswick High School was recently honored by the Brunswick Town Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution. The Outstanding JROTC Award is given annually to a cadet at each county high school who exhibits academic excellence, patriotism and leadership. The award was presented on behalf of the chapter by Kathy Johnson, who chairs the JROTC CAP committee as well as the National Defense committee.

Local Veterans Train to Assist Other Veterans

On April 18 several members of the John E. Jacobs American Legion Post #68 Leland attended a training session presented by members of the Lower Cape Fear Life Care organization and the Rivers Edge Veterans Association to qualify as Vet-to-Vet volunteers. This program partners veteran patients with veteran volunteers to recognize their service with honor and respect through pinning ceremonies, which acknowledge and show appreciation for those who have served as they face end-of-life or serious illness. Volunteer coordinators Jenny Todd and Laura Long assisted in filling out the necessary paperwork and showed a film of a pinning ceremony. Three members of the Rivers Edge Veterans Association attended: Nick Micale, Larry Shapiro and Bruce Goins. They work closely with Life-Care to coordinate the visitations and assist with training of volunteers.

FOCUS Broadband CEO Keith Holden Named to 2023 Business NC Power List

FOCUS Broadband is proud to announce that CEO Keith Holden has been named to the 2023 Business NC Power List, an annual publication recognizing the most influential business leaders in North Carolina. Holden was also named to this list in 2022, making this his second consecutive year of being recognized for his vision and determination to bring highspeed internet access to underserved and unserved areas in the southeastern region of the state. The Power List is compiled by Business NC Magazine, which evaluates hundreds of business leaders across the state based on their achievements, leadership and impact in their industries and communities. The 2023

Power List features honorees from across various sectors, and Holden was recognized in the Media and Communications category. Holden, a native of Brunswick County, has been with FOCUS Broadband since 1998.

Belville’s Founders Day

Many locals came out to Belville Riverwalk Park on May 6 to celebrate Belville’s 46th Anniversary and Founders Day. Everyone enjoyed live entertainment, music, arts and crafts, inflatables, food trucks and vendors. Look for the event again next year!

Cape Fear Solar Systems Holds Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening

North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand-opening celebration for Cape Fear Solar Systems. You can find the new Cape Fear Solar Systems facility at 901 S. Front Street in Wilmington.

John E. Jacobs American Legion Post #68 Donates to Veteran Suicide Awareness

John E. Jacobs American Legion Post #68 Commander John Hacker recently gave a PowerPoint presentation on Veteran Suicide Awareness to the Honor America’s Veterans committee. After his presentation, the committee presented a $1,000 grant to support the Veteran Suicide Awareness Program.

Connected Home Holds Grand Opening & Business After Hours

On May 25 North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce hosted a grand-opening and business after-hours event at Connected Home Inc. Find Connected Home at 128 Division Drive in Leland.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Shuckin’ Shack Live Music Concerts

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

Shuckin’ Shack, Leland’s popular restaurant for fresh and raw steamed seafood, is proudly offering live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights all summer long. The music starts at 7 pm.

Information: facebook.com/ ShuckinShackLelandNC/

Wonderland Farm Summer Camp

June, July and August

At Wonderland Farm Summer Camp, all campers have a fun and educational experience with horses. Each camper participates in getting the horses ready to ride and spends the mornings riding as a group in the arena. Students receive English Hunt Seat instruction on individual and group levels. All levels are welcome, from first-time riders through advanced. Camps are kept small to maintain a 3 to 1 student to instructor

ratio. After lunch campers do a variety of activities such as learning horsemanship, games, swimming with the ponies and bareback riding.

Information: wonderlandfarm.net

LCAC Movie Matinee and Cinema Series

Matinees: June 24, July 8, July 22, August 12

Cinema: June 21, July 13, August 23

Avoid the heat this summer and set up an indoor picnic at the Leland Cultural Arts Center while you watch movies in the cool air conditioning. The movies will begin at 12:30 pm. The cinema series movies will begin at 6:30 pm. All movies are free to attend. Registration is not required.

Matinees

June 24: Cars

July 8: Shrek

July 22: The Lion King

August 12: Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets

Cinema Series

June 21: Top Gun Maverick

July 13: National Treasure

August 23: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Information: townofleland.com/parksrecreation-cultural-resources/programs-events/ movies-center

Leland Green Sweeps – Sturgeon Creek Park

July 19

Help keep Leland beautiful by volunteering to work alongside other citizens to clean up Sturgeon Creek Park. Meet at Leland Cultural Arts Center for a presentation about stormwater and drainage at 9 am followed by the clean-up.

Information: townofleland.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF WONDERLAND FARM

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHUCKIN’ SHACK

PHOTO COURTESY OF TOWN OF LELAND

Wonderland Farm Summer Camp

Leland Green Sweeps

Shuckin’ Shack Live Music Concerts

Purse Bash

July 20

North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce’s annual Purse Bash will be held on Thursday, July 20 at 6 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center. The ladies’ night out features appetizers, a cash bar, vendors and more. Purchase a $30 ticket for two chances to win purses by Michael Kors, Coach, Kate Spade and more. Tickets can be purchased in person at the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce, 497 Olde Waterford Way, Suite 202.

Information: northbrunswickchamber.com/ purse-bash/

Leland Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Open House

August 5

Join Leland PRCR for their annual Open House from 10 am to 1 pm. There will be fun for the entire family, and you can get to know their instructors and participate in a variety of familyfriendly activities — all for free.

Information: townofleland.com/event/ open-house-0

Live @ The Center: Luau

August 18

Listen to the sound of the islands played by Da Howlies. This event will include a limbo contest, a hula hoop contest and more. Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased online or in person at the Leland Cultural Arts Center. The fun starts at 7 pm.

Information: townofleland.com/event/ live-center-luau

Purse Bash

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 and Holden Beach. Or view stories online at LifeinBrunswickCounty.com/sbm |

A TOP-NOTCH TRIFLE

A simple berry trifle is the perfect light summer dessert.

By Sandi Grigg

“WOW!” we all said in unison when my Aunt Cyndi set her colorful fruit trifle on the counter.

My family and friends met at our house on Easter Saturday in preparation for my son’s baptism that evening at the Holy Service. We were gathering to eat dinner before we headed to the church. I had fried chicken, my mom made slaw, my mother-in-law made cucumber salad and a friend brought chips. Sitting alongside all that was my aunt’s most beautifully layered fruit trifle.

ROVING FOR ROVER

Dr. Lauren Gallagher and her team at Coastal Care Mobile Veterinary Services think outside the box when it comes to caring for pets.

By John L. Cardillo

When veterinarian Dr. Lauren Gallagher decided to start her own practice, her intent was to have a traditional office with a street address. Instead, her office moves daily and can be found all along the streets of southern Brunswick County.

A DREAM COME TRUE

At Ocean Fired Studio Pottery, Holly Scott makes and displays her whimsical and functional pottery on busy Mineola Avenue in Little River.

By Claire Lynch

Holly Scott’s lifelong desire to run her own business was a long time coming, but it has finally come to fruition in Ocean Fired Studio Pottery LLC in Little River.

FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC

The Peggy Hughes Summer Concert Series in Ocean Isle Beach is named for a resident who founded and spearheaded the town’s popular series for nearly 20 years.

By Theresa Ravencraft

As I enter the door of Peggy Hughes’ Ocean Isle Beach house, the first thing I notice is music playing, a mix of jazz and big band.

“You really do love music, don’t you?” I ask.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

PHOTO BY JOHN L. CARDILLO

PHOTO BY JAMES STEFIUK

SECRETS OF DESIGN PROFESSIONALS

Get the inside scoop on Dwelling Place Interior’s latest project in Compass Pointe.

By Rochelle Grass

The creative team at Dwelling Place Interiors recently completed a renovation of a home they called the Bostonian, named for their clients who divide their time between Leland and Boston. The professional couple decided to build their forever home in the location of their dreams while finishing out their careers up north. The timing of their new build coincided

PLANTS FOR POLLINATORS

Brunswick County Extension Master Gardeners held a Pollinator Plant Sale on June 22.

with the pandemic, making all things just a bit harder. The end result was a beautiful home, but there were a few installation issues. Dwelling Place Interiors loves problem solving and finding creative solutions, and here are a few of the ways they fixed this home to the satisfaction of the owners.

In conjunction with National Pollinator Week and just in time for the Monarchs, numerous butterflies and other pollinators, the Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers Association held its Pollinator/Native Plant Sale, which featured milkweeds, summer blooming perennials and other critical pollinator-beneficial plants to celebrate the importance of pollinators in the food chain.

LEADERSHIP NORTH CAROLINA

Leland resident Frank Williams graduates from Leadership North Carolina’s 30th class.

Frank Williams, a Leland resident and founder of Brunswick County-based Pioneer Strategies, recently completed the 2022-23 class of Leadership North Carolina, the state’s premier leadership deployment program. Leadership North Carolina (LNC) is made up of top leaders from the government, business, nonprofit and education sectors.

BCAR CARES TASK FORCE

Brunswick County Association of Realtors® donates to support childhood hunger.

The Brunswick County Association of Realtors® BCAR Cares Task Force recently collected donations for a local nonprofit dedicated to helping meet the needs of hungry children. During BCAR’s recent Membership Extravaganza event, BCAR members collected 158 jars of peanut butter, 218 cereal cups and 769 cereal bars for Wings Ministries, which provides free food for less fortunate children in Brunswick and Columbus County schools.

LEADERSHIP TRAINING

Seven Brunswick County residents graduate from the 2022-23 Leadership Brunswick County program.

After a three-year break due to COVID-19, Leadership Brunswick County celebrated the graduation of seven individuals from the nine-month program. Joe Stanley, vice president of Joe & Moe’s Auto Services and president of Joe’s Photography, gave an inspiring keynote address during the 2022-2023 Leadership Brunswick County Graduation Ceremony. His message focused on the importance of listening to those with viewpoints other than your own, leading from the trenches and the importance of giving back to your community.

Watermelon Margarita Popsicles

Makes roughly 10 popsicles – depending on your cup size. You will need a pitcher with a spout for easy pouring

INGREDIENTS

15 limes

½ cup tequila (or more if you want to kick it up a notch)

1 cup watermelon puree (simply blend or mash watermelon chunks until smooth)

1 can sweetened condensed milk

Livin’ the Dream

Livin’ the Dream

Margarita salt

Dixie cups – I use the small ones

Popsicles sticks

Freeze up a batch of these tequila-based popsicles, and you’ll be more popular than the ice cream man.

Freeze up a batch of these tequila-based popsicles, and you’ll more popular the ice cream man.

METHOD

BY SANDI GRIGG

BY SANDI GRIGG

Squeeze 10 limes into a pitcher and add sweetened condensed milk, tequila and watermelon puree. Stir well.

IIt has always been a dream of mine to own an adult ice cream truck. I would drive from neighborhood to neighborhood selling boozy popsicles, liquor-soaked frozen fruit, wineflavored ice cream and bourbon-laced ice cream sandwiches out of a truck blasting “Ice Cream Man” by Van Halen.

I may never actually make that dream come true, but I like to create recipes that I would sell from that imaginary truck, and this is one of them. These

Watermelon

Margarita Popsicles are creamy, lime-y, salty and sweet — and they have tequila in them so what’s not to like?

When I think of summer, I think of watermelon. North Carolina ranks seventh among watermelon-producing

states, and our coastal towns are rich in the fruit’s growth. Thanks to watermelon, the pink color in these popsicles is so vibrant and the fresh fruit just screams “Summer!”

Feel free to experiment by using mango puree instead of watermelon or try coconut cream instead of condensed milk. You could even add a splash of Grand Marnier or triple sec — the options are endless.

The first time I made these, I was sitting on my patio and ate it so fast I got brain freeze. It was so delicious that I forgot there was tequila in them. No matter how you take your summer popsicles — on the patio, by the pool, on the beach or from a truck — these Watermelon Margarita Popsicles are sure to please.

Place the dixie cups on a baking sheet and pour the mixture into each cup, filling each about 2/3 of the way. The baking sheet will allow you to easily transport them into the freezer.

Using the remaining limes, cut ¼-inch thick slices and stick a popsicle stick through the middle of each slice. Then place them into the margarita mix and stabilize the stick with the lime floating on top. Put in freezer to harden. (Slide the lime slice up the stick so when you put it in the cup it creates a seal over the margarita mixture)

Once the popsicles are frozen, cut the cups from around the popsicle and sprinkle coarse salt on them. (You can also dip the cups into warm water until the cup slides off.)

Serve them in a dish or bowl with crushed ice to keep them from melting too quickly.

Note: For a non-alcoholic version, omit the tequila; they will still be a crowd favorite.

Poaching Perfection

Eggs Benedict with a properly poached egg and a blanket of homemade Hollandaise is breakfast heaven.

BY SANDI GRIGG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES STEFIUK

One of my favorite breakfast dishes is Eggs Benedict, which typically consists of Canadian bacon, a poached egg and Hollandaise sauce on an English muffin. For this recipe, however, I have taken a different approach and created a more coastal and elegant version of Eggs Benedict. By incorporating smoked salmon, Brie, asparagus and red onion with the English muffin, poached egg and Hollandaise sauce, this is an elevated breakfast.

While experimenting with this recipe, I kept having a difficult time creating the perfect poached egg. I tried the whirlpool technique in which you swirl the simmering water and then crack your egg, but nine times out of 10 I would bust the yolk. I tried the method of adding vinegar to the simmering water and still, my egg seemed to just dissolve and fall apart in the water. I even tried the oven manner of poaching, but the egg didn’t look anything like a poached egg; instead, it resembled a fried egg over easy.

One day while I was discussing my poaching troubles with a family member, I was told to try breaking the egg into a bowl of equal parts water and white vinegar and let it sit for 10 minutes before cooking.

Not too long after I obtained this tip, we hosted our best friends overnight. I was going to try this new poached egg suggestion on them for breakfast, and I knew they would be brutally honest with me about how it turned out. I found that by letting the egg sit in the water/vinegar mixture, it creates an invisible sheath that holds the egg together and makes it much easier to scoop up and lay into the simmering water. After a few minutes in the simmering pot, I gently scooped it out. I had made the perfect poached egg. Success!

This dish came together well with the smoked salmon, crisp asparagus, creamy Brie and perfectly poached egg, all blanketed with warm Hollandaise sauce. Our houseguests loved it!

I love smoked salmon for breakfast, but you could substitute Canadian bacon if you prefer. If you do not like asparagus for breakfast, feel free to substitute avocado. If Brie is not your cup of

Shhhhh!

Topsecrettipforperfectly poachedeggs!

cheese, you can use cream cheese instead. Feel free to toy with ingredients if you want to make it your own. Whatever you decide, I can attest, you will have the perfectly poached egg sitting on top.

Have a recipe request for Southern Sandi?

Shoot a message to Sandi@ CarolinaMarketingCompany.com

Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise Sauce

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

8 cups of water

2 cups of white distilled vinegar

4 large eggs

2 English muffins, cut in half and toasted

4 ounces Brie, sliced

3 ounces smoked salmon

¼ lb. asparagus, trimmed

Thinly sliced red onion

Fresh dill sprigs for garnish

For the Hollandaise Sauce

2 large egg yolks

2 tablespoons water

2 tablespoons butter, room temperature

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Salt

METHOD

For the Hollandaise Sauce

Add the egg yolks and water to a small frying pan.

Holding the pan 2 inches above the heating element on medium-high heat, whisk the eggs until they are frothy and warm.

Add the butter to the pan (do not place the pan on the element) and continue to whisk until the Hollandaise is thick.

Whisk in the lemon juice and a pinch of salt and set the pan aside.

For the Eggs Benedict

In a large bowl mix 2 cups of water and 2 cups of distilled vinegar.

Gently crack the eggs into the bowl as so not to bust the yolk. Let the eggs sit in the water/vinegar mixture for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring a skillet of 2 cups of water to boil on the stove. Add the asparagus and cook until crisp-tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Drain and set aside.

In a pot, add 4 cups of water and bring to a simmer over medium

heat. (You want to bring the water to a simmer but not boil. Bubbles will form on the bottom and sides, and steam will start to rise)

Using a ladle, scoop one egg at a time out of the water/vinegar mixture and slowly lower each into the pot of simmering water –be careful not to bust the yolk.

Simmer the eggs for 2 to 3 minutes then use a skimmer or straining spoon to scoop each out.

Plate by dividing the asparagus among the two plates and place the toasted English muffins (open face) on top of the asparagus.

Divide and lay the Brie slices on top of each English muffin half (should have 2 to 3 slices per half).

Top the Brie with pieces of smoked salmon and gently rest the poached egg on top of the salmon.

Spoon a portion of the Hollandaise sauce over each egg and top with sliced onion and fresh dill sprigs.

Enjoy!

Paddle Up

Riverwalk Rentals at Belville Riverwalk Park helps people get on the water and connect with the natural world.

BY ANNA BETH ADCOCK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT MCGRAW

W

With warm weather comes great responsibility — to be out and about in the sun and on the water, of course! Riverwalk Rentals in Belville is here to help with that. With a mission of getting people outside and active, the business rents single and tandem kayaks, premium fishing kayaks and inflatable standup paddleboards and offers many other gear options like GoPros and fishing gear.

Paddlers can pick their own adventure. Choose from two-hour to full-day lengths of rental time and launch onsite from the dock or take your rentals on the go

(they’ll help load your rentals onto your vehicle, if needed). Riverwalk Rentals also offers automatic pumps for its inflatable paddleboards (your arms will thank you!).

Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate Riverwalk Rentals’ premium kayaks, which have a wider bow that’s stable enough for standing and makes fishing easier. Anglers will find ideal oases for both salt and freshwater fishing with calm water and minimal boat traffic.

“There are options for people to go deeper into the brackish water and get into bass fishing if they want or to stay nearer for the saltwater fish that people really like to catch,"

says Riverwalk Rentals Owner Mario Barron.

Barron was born and grew up in Brunswick County and fondly remembers his youth spent on the water via surfing, kayaking and fishing. Now the coastal native encourages others to embrace the outdoors, especially the younger generation. He wants the community to go outside, move and embrace an active and healthy lifestyle.

“We strive to have everyone enjoy the water as much as we do, whether that’s just escaping for a bit and relaxing on the water, fishing or just fun exercise,” Barron says.

“We would love to be a part of your enjoyment of the water and help you explore

Mario Barron (in the blue shirt), owner of Riverwalk Rentals, grew up surfing, fishing and kayaking in Brunswick County and enjoys helping others be active outdoors.

We strive to have everyone enjoy the water as much as we do...

OUTDOORS

other water activities.”

Riverwalk Rentals touts free parking, comfortable, high-quality kayaks and a secluded locale.

They offer paddle route recommendations stacked with vital information about length, estimated duration and tides. Those who want to prepare can find the courses mapped out on the company’s Facebook page.

For paddle and fishing experts or newbies alike, Riverwalk Rentals has a wealth of events to look forward to this season, from fishing training classes for kids and adults to water safety classes. Barron also hopes to implement group camping trips in the future.

“Lots of people just moved to the Leland area,” Barron says. “They’re trying to explore and see how they can mingle with the locals and build friends in the community. One of the things we want to do is get fishing groups together and organize camping trips where we can go out and kayak on some of the lakes and rivers and make a weekend out of that.”

When Barron isn’t making rapid strides at work, you might find him playing in the great outdoors with his wife, 4-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son. The family enjoys hiking, camping and hitting the beach together, with Long Leaf Park and Carolina Beach being among the family’s favorite spots. And inspiring others to love the great outdoors is a big part of their lives.

“I hope everyone in the community sees the value and will want to get out and love nature,” Barron says. 

Panacea Brewing Company, Wilmington’s only kombucha brewery, is celebrating seven years in business.

BY JOHANNA COLBURN

DEITZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN

anacea Brewing Company, a family-owned business featuring the area’s most loved kombucha, is celebrating its seventh anniversary, and the owners are thankful to still be serving the community their probiotic goodness.

The adventure began in 1993, when husband and wife team Artie and Robin Hill began experimenting with fermentation in upstate New York. After college, Artie began home brewing beer, wine and coolers while Robin decided to start brewing her own ferments. After a few years of battling over her open ferments cross-contaminating his beers, Robin decided to try another probiotic ferment – kombucha.

Growing up on a farm and being a natural plant enthusiast, Robin discovered her key to success naturally. Finding a ferment they could both agree on (and resolving Artie’s lifelong acid reflux issues), the couple began getting rave reviews about their nonalcoholic homebrew kombucha beverage with its delicious, tart and tangy taste and also packed with probiotics, antioxidants, amino acids and enzymes. Always raw and unfiltered, using only organic teas and fermenting naturally, Panacea’s kombucha keeps stomachs and guts happy and healthy.

After 20 years dabbling in fermentation and focusing on kombucha for the last three, the Hills knew they were ready to share their home brews with the community. In 2016 the couple began brewing from the Burgaw Incubator Kitchen and started selling their product at farmers markets from Artie’s custom-built tap system on the side of their 1975 Volkswagen Westfalia, fondly referred to as the Boochbus.

In 2017 Panacea expanded into a space off Eastwood Drive,

opening the first kombucha brewery in coastal North Carolina. The business continued to grow until it was time to relocate again. In 2020 Panacea opened its plant-based kitchen and taproom at 4107 Oleander Drive. Patrons can now enjoy their lounge area, full-service restaurant and outdoor seating.

Taking vegan to whole new level, the earth- and ocean-friendly establishment branched out to create healthy restaurant choices featuring fresh and veggie-based foods. Panacea’s creative menu features comfort food that appeals to a wide variety of tastes. Chef Dennis Myers offers a plant-based menu with fermented fruits and veggies, vegan meats and cheeses, all made from scratch. It’s hard to believe everything

on the menu is vegan. Menu items such as the Pimento Burger and Bavarian Dog are sure to please even the most hard-core meat lover. Vegan or not, patrons will struggle to tell the difference and relish discovering new tastes.

Panacea’s friendly and knowledgeable staff is on hand to answer any questions and enhance an already unique dining experience. Just visiting their location is not only a tasty experience but also a visual one. The vibrant floor-to-ceiling murals are painted by local artist Erica Nelson of Mural Modern. The eclectic interior further showcases the free spirit nature of their enterprise.

True to their ever-evolving spirit, Panacea began creating an “elevated” hard kombucha around four

Artie and Robin Hill are the owners of Panacea Brewing Company in Wilmington.

years ago and released it last year. Hard kombucha, a boozy version of regular kombucha, is fermented longer with more sugar and yeast to bump up the alcohol content. What makes hard kombucha different from other brews are probiotic cultures. Flavors include Raspberry Lemonade, Blueberry Blackberry Basil Hops, Peach Basil and Pineapple Hops.

All the food served for lunch, dinner and brunch at Panacea is plant-based and pleasing even to hardcore meat eaters.

Panacea’s natural-colored and flavored non-alcoholic kombucha selection includes a multitude of rotating flavors. The taproom features eight active taps with staple and seasonal brews including housebrewed kombuchas, immunityboosting elderberry syrup, hard kombucha, local beer and a full bar. You can also take home a brew pack of their colorful cans designed by Wilmington-based Creature Theory.

“Business is always evolving and we

Executive Chef Dennis Myers

try to grow organically,” Robin says. “Art and I are always open to change and above all, we remain a family business.”

The Hills pride themselves on their continued efforts to provide sustainably processed products and constantly find ways to improve their systems and decrease their carbon footprint. Customers are welcome to purchase a growler and bring it back to have it refilled for free. Panacea’s growler refill program saves thousands of pounds of glass each year and lowers greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the need for shipping.

Opening a restaurant and brewery has been a fun challenge for the couple. When asked what she loves most about the Wilmington business community, Robin is quick to point out how supportive the community is of small local businesses. Opening in their current location three months before COVID-19 pandemic hit proved to be a true test in resiliency.

When Panacea opened in 2016, very few people on the East Coast knew what kombucha was. Robin and Artie educated the community by holding an assortment of events to introduce the community to the vegan lifestyle and kombucha.

“It’s also fun to be more than a restaurant,” Robin says.

They host special events, yoga on Saturday mornings, community drumming on Thursday mornings, run club on Thursday nights and live music is featured throughout the week and at Sunday brunch. Quickly becoming one of Wilmington’s hottest brunch scenes, Panacea boasts a special Sunday menu. Plans for Panacea include expanding their brewery and continuously refreshing their menu. They still participate in local farmers markets in season including the Wrightsville Beach Farmers Market, The Farmers Market at Poplar Grove and The Wilmington Farmers Market at Tidal Creek. You may even see Robin serving customers at the bus!

In addition to the taproom and farmers markets, customers can find Panacea’s probiotic fermented tea around

Wilmington at local restaurants, coffee shops and breweries as well as at small grocers that serve as refill stations for people to fill up empty growlers.

Stop by the taproom for a pint, a brewery tour or a growler to go. Panacea is open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. The taproom and kitchen are open 11 am until 8 pm. They are closed on Tuesdays and have extended summer hours. Follow their social media channels to see where the Boochbus is headed next, check out daily specials, upcoming events and discover what’s on tap.

has a new name. Same service, same people, same location.

Sharp Skills

Retired NYC Fireman Gerry Amitrano brings a much-needed blade-sharpening service to Leland.

BY THERESA RAVENCRAFT PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT MCGRAW

Gerry Amitrano retired from the New York City Fire Department after working as a firefighter for 23 years. In 2015 he moved to Compass Pointe in Leland, where he lives with his wife, Jeannie, and operates a small business, CP Knife Sharpening.

Amitrano grew up in Queens, New York. After high school, he knew he wanted to be a firefighter.

“Everybody I graduated with were either cops, firemen or attorneys. Civil service was what I wanted to do,” he says.

But it wasn’t easy for him. Amitrano took the test to become a firefighter and failed. Until he could complete further training, he needed to find a job.

“It was kind of like Rocky. I started in the meat market on the west side of New York City. I was a delivery driver, and eventually a butcher, for Yankee Meat Company in Chinatown,” he says. “Most of my friends had passed the test and were working in the fire department. I knew I wasn’t going to be a butcher all my life.”

Determined to succeed, Amitrano trained to be a firefighter for three years while working as a butcher, ultimately passing the firefighting test in 1986 with a score of 98%. When he was not at the firehouse, he kept working as a butcher. This allowed him to hone his skills

Gcutting meat, and he learned how to sharpen knives that were used at the meat company. After retiring, he used those skills to start his own business, CP Knife Sharpening, serving Leland and Wilmington.

“I did not have a golf cart in the beginning, so I used my bicycle,” Amitrano says. “I would ride through the neighborhood with a laminated sign on my bicycle’s basket, and people would come out if they wanted me to sharpen their knives.”

Over time the business grew, and he bought a mobile knife-sharpening machine that fits in the back of his truck. Amitrano sharpens lawn mower blades, hedge trimmers, hand pruners and kitchen knives of all sizes.

He has a wide variety of customers, including neighbors, landscapers and some local restaurants.

“I also run a fishing club, and I sharpen filet knives for the captains of charter boats,” he says. “A lot of my business comes by word-of-mouth. It’s always the best way to get customers.”

But Amitrano doesn’t work full time.

“I took on knife sharpening as a hobby,” he says. “It helps to subsidize those things that I like to do, like boating, fishing and golfing.”

While he enjoys being retired, he stays active in his

community in many ways. He is also an umpire two days per week for a local baseball league for kids.

Honoring the bravery of New York City firefighters and first responders is very important to him. Amitrano says he will always remember his colleagues and the work they did in the fire department in New York City. “We will never forget. Especially 9/11, we never forget that day or the firefighters who lost their lives. I always thought it was the worst we could ever live through.”

In April of 2020 Amitrano traveled to Ireland on a family vacation. Without his knowledge, his wife, Jeannie, made arrangements for him and his family to visit the Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance in Kinsale.

The garden is in southern Ireland and features 343 trees that were planted to honor each of the fallen firefighters who died in the line of duty on September 11. Kathleen Murphy, a nurse in New York City during the Twin Towers disaster, created the Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance after retiring and returning to the family farm in her home country of Ireland.

Amitrano remembers, “The first tree I walked up to in the garden was planted for a friend of mine, Vinny Halloran.” Vincent Halloran was from North Salem, New York, and was serving as a lieutenant with the FDNY. “I read his name and I couldn’t believe it. It was such a moving experience for me and my family.”

While visiting the garden in Kinsale, Amitrano felt there was something missing. “We wrote a letter and asked the NYC commissioner for a large piece of steel from the Twin Towers,” he says. “We have it now, and we’re making plans to place it in the garden in Ireland. There will be a plaque on it to recognize Kathleen Murphy, who has since died, and the work she did to honor these fallen heroes.”

The Amitranos are enjoying retirement and grateful to be living near family in Brunswick County.

“I love Leland and Wilmington,” Amitrano says. “It’s beautiful. We have been here for almost eight years and enjoy being a part of this community.” 

Giving It Their Best Shot

North Brunswick High School’s Army JROTC air rifle team earns top awards in a national competition

BY JO ANN MATHEWS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT MCGRAW

What makes the 11 members of the JROTC rifle team at North Brunswick High School sharpshooters?

“Practice,” says senior Jasmine Lopez.

After winning and qualifying in local competitions then the regional competitions in Anniston, Alabama, the team went to Camp Perry, Ohio, to compete in the two-day JROTC National Air Rifle Championship Sporters Division. At this national event, 220 cadets across all services — Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines —competed. North Brunswick High School (NBHS) won first place for the Army Sporter Division.. In addition, the team earned fifth-place honors across all services.

The NBHS team shot 20 rounds of .177 pellets from an air rifle in the prone position, standing position and kneeling position. The maximum

Left to right: Valerie Alvarado, Tiffany Martinez, Coach George Williams, Jose Gonzalez and Jasmine Lopez

Jose Gonzalez and Tiffany Martinez

score at each position is 200 points, thus 600 total points or 1,200 over two days.

1st Sgt. (ret.) George Williams, who has coached the team for 24 years, says consistency is the key to being a good shooter, doing it the same way over and over.

“They have put in many hours practicing,” Williams says. “The seniors show the underclassmen how important it is to practice.”

Senior Jose Gonzalez is the number one shooter in the Army JROTC Sporter Class and the number five shooter in the Sporter Class in the nation across all services. He scored 1,109 points at the national championship.

“I developed my own way of shooting,” the marksman says.

He explains that in the standing position, he bends his right leg while the official stance is to keep the legs straight.

“He’s mastered that position,” Williams says. “I don’t try to change it.”

Gonzalez says what he likes most about the rifle team is competing in other cities and towns where he meets fellow rifle team members. He already has gone through Army basic training, is in the Army National Guard and will take Advanced Individual Training in July. He enters East Carolina University (ECU) in the fall and at ROTC plans to enroll in ROTC and major in Criminology.

Lopez scored 1,083 points in the final competition. She has a three-year ROTC scholarship to ECU and plans to major in criminology. She enjoys the

rifle team because it is like a family community.

“The sport is mentally draining,” she says. “We give each other support. We are the same age group and having the same struggles. We can share our problems and concerns.”

Sophomore Tiffany Martinez scored 1,079 points and says when she started shooting, she did not like the rifle team. Williams encouraged her to give it a chance. “I decided to stay,” she says. She plans to become a veterinarian.

Freshman Chelsea Saunders says she likes the rifle team because it is different.

“When I started shooting, I liked it and stuck with it,” she says. “I like the team and the environment. We are all very

Back row, Julian Seda, Jasmine Lopez, Chelsea Saunders, Hannah Gore and Jose Gonzalez, Front row, Lizeth Dominguez, Ilene Rodriguez, Coach Williams, Tiffany Martinez, Valerie Alvarado and Julissa Bojorquez

Instructors

SFC William Bass and COL Steven Baker with Coach 1SG George Williams

The JROTC U.S. Army Sporter Class Air Rifle National Champion 2023 trophy

close and support each other to be our best.” She plans to enter the Air Force.

Williams states that “Our program is designed to help students be better citizens,” he says. JROTC instructors are not recruiters; however, from 5 to 10 percent of the JROTC cadets at NBHS enter the military due to the family history of military service or a desire to serve.

Marksmanship is just one of many opportunities that our cadets are exposed to in JROTC. As the rifle team coach, “I teach them how the rifle works. I initiate the teaching, but these kids train each other. I make sure they follow the rules. The shooter are also learning the importance of being a productive member of a team, self-discipline, focus, perseverance, and good sportsmanship.”

Senior Hannah Gore says she was interested in JROTC from the time she started at NBHS, and her stepfather encouraged her to join the rifle team.

“I like the family aspect,” she says. She also enjoys meeting freshman, sophomore and junior students. Her goal is to

attend Western Carolina University and study mechanical engineering.

Senior Julissa Bojorquez says she wanted to be on the rifle team for reasons of sibling rivalry: “My goal was to be better than my older brother, who was on the rifle team.” She achieved her goal and plans to enter UNCW and study nursing.

Each of the Brunswick County high schools has an indoor facility for the rifle team. Team members shoot at an electronic target of 33 feet, and their scores are transmitted to a monitor at their shooting station. All the scores are relayed to Williams’ monitor.

When they are ready to shoot, Williams announces, “The range is hot. You may load and start.” He says personnel emphasizes safety as the first priority, and no one has ever been hit by a pellet.

A Gulf War veteran, Williams earned a multitude of awards including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and Army Achievement Medal. He retired after 20 years of active service. Growing up in Longs, South Carolina, Williams says he always wanted to be a soldier. He earned his bachelor’s degree in leadership from Bellevue University in Nebraska.

Williams denies he is a superior marksman. Instead, he says, “I am a better coach because of the knowledge I have about shooting as a sport.”

The team traveled back to Camp Perry, Ohio, June 23- 24 to compete in the CMP National Championship and the National Junior Olympic 3-Par Championship. The team placed 3rd in the CMP National Championship and 5th in the Junior Olympics.3-Par Championship. 

Cadet Jasmine Lopez

SMALL BUSINESS LIFE SUPPORT

BY ASHLEY DANIELS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN DEITZ

T

The entrepreneurial spirit is rooted in the heart of Heather McWhorter, current director at the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW).

“I love to support entrepreneurs,” she says. “This was an accidental career path that I just fell in love with because I love helping other people and I love helping individuals succeed and communities succeed.”

McWhorter had her first brush with entrepreneurship while on maternity leave with her middle child, a daughter who is now 23 years old and working on her PhD in archeology before she travels to Tanzania for a dig.

Before McWhorter started her job at the CIE in July 2022, she worked at Penn State University, supporting programs like the Penn State Global Entrepreneurship Week, Happy Valley LaunchBox, Invent Penn State and The Investment.

Originally from Wheeling, West Virginia, she lived in Happy Valley for 30 years. She earned several degrees from Penn State: a B.S. in chemical engineering, an M.S. in energy and mineral engineering, and a Professional Engineer (PE) license in environmental engineering. And she did not always work for Penn State; she was also traveling as a military contractor for a while and still remains licensed as an environmental engineer in Pennsylvania, with a focus on

chemical engineering and energy and mineral engineering.

“Again, I just really love helping the entrepreneurs and to me, I see a lot of parallels between engineers and entrepreneurs because we both take an idea or a concept and build something from nothing,” McWhorter says. “So, while it might not seem similar, it actually is.”

UNCW’s CIE is a catalyst for programs, services and events to promote and support entrepreneurship and the creation of innovative new ventures in southeastern North Carolina. Located south of the main campus at 803 S. College Road, the center serves as an extension of the school, partnering with public and private organizations to bolster regional economic development and the growth of innovationbased businesses. It’s a healthy ecosystem of UNCW students, faculty, staff and alumni plus entrepreneurs and youth throughout the community and region.

“We’re really a community-focused center that’s all about elevating entrepreneurship and innovation and helping our entrepreneurs succeed in a variety of ways,” McWhorter says. “First, we’re an ecosystem builder, which means that we work with everyone to facilitate something called the coalition.”

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

She explains that there are 15 organizations that support entrepreneurs and small businesses in the region in just about any field, from education, health and IT technologies to coastal and marine sciences, digital arts and media production and more. They collaborate monthly to make sure no one slips through the cracks — something that is unique to southeastern North Carolina and which they pride themselves on.

UNCW Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship 803 S. College Road, Wilmington m (910) 962-2206 k cie@uncw.edu

In September CEI will be celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special event that was still in the planning phase at press time. For updates and more information on the CEI at UNCW, visit uncw.edu/cie.

“Where we’re focusing right now, based on the landscape of other entrepreneurial providers, are emerging startups — the highimpact startups that are venture backable,” McWhorter says.

The CIE hosts a co-working space comprised of about 20 offices for startups and small businesses to work and network. It also serves as an event space for community organizations and charities in the area. Another service provided by

the CIE is its mentor program.

“I have almost 150 mentors who volunteer their time,” McWhorter says. “When you think about the dynamics of our region, there are many past CEOs, past startup founders, who have retired to the area — and they kind of retire here young and then realize that maybe there’s more to life than playing golf and going to the beach every day. I have been blessed with this knowledge and experience, our new entrepreneurs have been blessed with this, and we have this incredible mentoring network that works with our entrepreneurs.”

McWhorter says she moved from Pennsylvania to Leland, where she is on the Leland Economic Development Committee, six years ago and couldn’t be happier.

“I have vacationed in North Carolina my whole life since I was a wee baby, but usually in the Outer Banks,” she says. “But once my parents sold their beach home in Kitty Hawk, I started vacationing in Sunset Beach, which I can now drive to from my home. I feel like I’m on vacation all the time. I love Leland! I love its potential and I love the direction that it is going and that it has a strategic plan now.”

McWhorter’s three successful grown children are scattered up and down the East Coast from Texas to Florida to Pennsylvania. She jokes that she has replaced her human children with fur babies.

“I’m a big dog lover,” she says. “I actually have four dogs, which is ridiculous, but I love my dogs.”

She also loves sunrises. “I am at the beach at sunrise,” she says. “My hobby the last couple of years has been sunrise photography, so I just grab my camera and go in the morning to see what I can find.” 

1176

Getting Better All the Time

Brunswick Forest’s Cape Fear National Golf Club has transitioned from a public to a private course, and that’s not the only change at the 15-year-old course.

BY LARRY HERSCHOFF

A few of the Heritage Golf Group team members leading the change at Cape Fear National, left to right, CRO Andy Miller, General Manager Dustin Graf and Membership Director Grant Miller.

PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ

While many public golf courses are being closed and developed into housing, Heritage Golf Group has bucked the trend by purchasing Brunswick Forest’s renowned Tim Cate masterpiece and taking Cape Fear National private. The past year has been a whirlwind of activity at Cape Fear National (CFN), and I recently discussed all this with Chief Revenue Officer Andy Miller and visited the property to see it for myself. I was welcomed by General Manager Dustin Graf and Membership Director Grant Miller.

If you’re not familiar with it already, Brunswick Forest is the 4,500-plus acre Master Planned Unit Development just off U.S. Highway 17 in Brunswick County, about 7 miles southwest of Wilmington. It is now 15 years old and boasts well over 2,500 residences plus shops, public dining facilities and healthcare venues. It is growing by leaps and bounds. CFN is the golf course on site at Brunswick Forest.

Heritage Golf Group (HGG) is a threeyear-old Reston, Virginia, group that has 31 private clubs and/or resort golf courses in its portfolio, with more in the works. Most of these are in the South and East, but three of them are in Colorado. HGG is an owneroperator that has roughly 3,000 employees

managing these facilities, and it locally acquired Cape Fear National in February 2022. Since that acquisition, CFN has morphed from a public access course with members to a fully private course. HGG is in the process of completely renovating The Forest, CFN’s onsite dining facility, as well as making improvements to the 18-hole championship course and driving range. Members of the club are mostly Brunswick Forest property owners, but members include some who do not own real estate at Brunswick Forest.

I met with Graf and Miller at CFN on a beautiful February afternoon and witnessed the flurry of activity as they prepared for the upcoming golf season. The pro shop and

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRUNSWICK FOREST

CAPE FEAR

restaurant were being operated out of massive tents as the golf shop was being completely reworked and The Forest restaurant was being entirely redone with the addition of a new menu, bar, 60-plus seats and private dining room. The staff was also preparing for new golf and social programming, aided by the input of their newly created Board of Advisors.

HGG spent more than a million dollars on all this, and they noted a strong cooperative relationship with the Brunswick Forest HOA as well. The new clubhouse and restaurant opened Memorial Day weekend as a private retreat for its members and their invited guests.

The golf course is abuzz, and the parking lot is chock full.

Obviously, members have embraced these significant changes. Many safety and aesthetic improvements have been made to the property and golf course, such at steps up to the tees and liberal re-sodding plus clean-up of wetlands within environmental requirements. If you get a chance to play CFN, be ready for frequent forced carries, challenging par threes and a walk through nature.

While Brunswick and New Hanover counties may have lost a spectacular public access course, the draw of this private enclave can only improve the allure of golf in this area. And, frankly, it gives you a great reason to make friends with a club member, so you can experience the wonders of Cape Fear National. 

The Forest, the on-site dining facility at Cape Fear National, has recently been renovated.

CONTRIBUTED RENDERINGS

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRUNSWICK FOREST

THE VETERANS MEMORIAL REEF

BURIES VETERANS AT SEA IN AQUATIC URNS THAT BENEFIT THE STATE’S ARTIFICIAL REEF PROGRAM.

A FINAL ACT

Service of

BY CHRISTINE R. GONZALEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL RITENOUR

In a May 20 ceremony at Battleship Park in Wilmington, the founder of Veterans Memorial Reef suggested that deceased Military Veterans could still perform one last act of service to others.

“These fallen heroes are about to continue their duty to their nation,” said Veterans Memorial Reef (VMR) Founder Thomas Marcinowski. “By placing their ashes on an artificial reef off the coast of Wilmington, their placement will provide an augmentation to increase our dwindling ecosystem.”

Marcinowski, a retired U.S. Army Major, had an unusual idea that is taking hold. The ashes of Veterans are placed inside an aquatic urn, encased in a marker with an indelible plaque, then placed, facing sunrise, on an artificial reef.

He and fellow servicemen Joe Irrera and Alex Cupernall launched the nonprofit Veterans Memorial Reef in 2019. VMR was granted access to artificial reef AR-372 by

the North Carolina Department of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF) and began laying Veterans to rest in 2019. Twenty-three remains have been placed on AR-372. Marcinowski hopes to place nearly 2,000 Veteran remains on

the artificial reef, which is located on a 160-acre site about 5 miles out from Carolina Beach.

“The state guys (NCDMF) have been great, they want to see this thing succeed,” Marcinowski said. “If we start expanding, we estimate we can get 2,000 Veterans on that reef site. They will help us expand that site or create a new reef.”

The organization usually holds memorial services around Armed Forces Day, the third Saturday in May. The memorial process is typically a three-day event. First family members place the Veteran’s remains in an aluminum aquatic urn. Then they can attach mementos or leave handprints in the wet cement of the outer marker.

On day two, a ceremony is held in which full military honors are rendered for each Veteran, usually at

THOSE WHO SERVED, CONTINUE TO SERVE.

The Bayberry carries the fallen heroes memorial markers to an artificial reef off the coast of Wilmington.

Wilmington’s Battleship Park, with a flag detail, a rifle detail if warranted and a bugler to play “Taps.”

On a third day, family members are invited to take a charter boat out to the burial site, meeting up with a barge carrying the markers. Another short observance is held, allowing family to say a final farewell as the 1,200 lb. markers are placed on the reef. The sea dedication can take one to three hours.

There are a couple of reasons that sea burials are worthwhile.

Working with

“Part of the rationale is it is eco-friendly,” Irrera, president of VMR, said. “An artificial reef attracts marine habitat and combats erosion. Also, we have four national cemeteries in North Carolina and five state cemeteries for Veterans. They are filling up. Some are not accepting more burials. This is another alternative to alleviate the strain on land burials.”

Another perk of the sea burial, aside from its uniqueness, is the cost is much lower than a typical funeral. Each marker is also given a geographic coordinate

from Veterans Memorial Reef, family members

crew

of fallen heroes prepare memorial markers for Specialist James L. Bloodworth Jr. USAR and Private First Robert G. Rosthauser and daughter Margaret “Peggy” Rosthauser, who passed away one week prior.

so the family can visit, fish or dive near their loved one’s final resting place.

Since the first burials in 2021, there are now 20 Veterans, two spouses and one daughter buried on the reef. One of the 20 includes a service canine, Felix Bigalke, who served in the Coast Guard special operations.

Marine Special Operations divers out of Camp Lejeune have repositioned nine of 15 markers to face east, “so the sun rises on that Veteran every morning,” Marcinowski said.

In the May 2023 ceremony, five Veterans and their families were honored. A 21-gun salute, flag ceremonies, “Taps” on trumpet and “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes were performed in memory of Col. Douglas Beach, U.S. Army; Specialist James Bloodworth Jr., U.S. Army; Private First Class Ethan Eldridge, U.S. Marine Corp; Gerald Lardner, Machinist 3rd Class, U.S. Navy; and Private First Class Robert Rosthauser, U.S. Army.

Rosthauser’s daughter, Margaret “Peggy” Rosthauser, passed away one week prior to the ceremony, and her remains were also interred with her father’s marker. She had served in Veteran’s Affairs for 30 years. Each marker can hold two sets of remains and will often be the final resting place of a Veteran and his or her spouse.

Family member Scott Rosthauser said that his father was a proud Veteran and would have loved the entire ceremony, especially hearing “Taps” played. The sea dedication was delayed a few days due to rough weather.

“The trip out to the reef was

At the artificial reef, memorial markers are lowered into their final resting places by the U.S. Coast Guard. During the sea dedication, family members take a moment to honor their loved ones. Above, family of Specialist James L. Bloodworth USAR and volunteer MaDonna Dawkins.

pretty pleasant,” Scott Rosthauser said. “The charter boat stays some distance from the barge for safety reasons. They want to be able to give you a view of the barge as it lowers the monuments, so they have to keep circling it since we are out in open water and everything keeps moving.”

He described the ceremony as touching. “Each family is brought to the front of the boat,” he said. “I put

flowers in for my sister and my father, I said a silent prayer and it was very meaningful.”

The barge carrying the remains of the servicemen was a retiring buoy tender out of Oak Island, the Bayberry. The U.S. Coast Guard saved the reef internment for the ship’s final mission, to honor those who served.

Wilmington dignitaries, groups such as Combat Vets Association,

Friends and family of Machinist Mate Gerald M. Lardner USN at the sea dedication.

family and military supporters attended the most recent public ceremony at Battleship Park, at the foot of the USS North Carolina. Irrera weaved in several patriotic remarks to denote the sacrifices that each of the deceased Veterans made as well as their families and to those Veterans who were attending the ceremony.

He quoted from the Bible, “John 15:13 states that no greater love hath a man than to lay down his life for his friends.” He also likened the Veterans to patriot Nathan Hale, quoting his famous line from September 22, 1776: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

Marcinowski asked attendees to reflect on this motto, “Those who served continue to serve.”

A service member from any military branch who honorably served the United States is eligible for the Veterans Memorial Reef program. VMR verifies eligibility by reviewing a DD214, the document that provides proof of military service and cites any certifications and awards granted. 

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KARATE I KOBUDO I AIKIJUJUTSU I GOSHINJUTSU

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

Scott Rosthauser, son of Private First Class Robert G. Rosthauser and brother of Margaret “Peggy” Rosthauser.

BlueWave Dentistry Business Profile

BY MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN

Dr. Chad Biggerstaff, owner of BlueWave Dentistry in Leland, has always had a love for the profession of dentistry. You could say it is “in his blood.” His father, Charlie, was a dentist in Wilmington from 1974 until he retired eight years ago.

Biggerstaff began practicing in Leland in 2008 shortly after graduating dental school at UNC Chapel Hill. He joined Dr. John Sweeney, who had established a general dental practice at the entrance to Waterford in 2005. The two became business partners and together built what has become BlueWave Dentistry in 2010. When Sweeney decided to open a specialty practice in Wilmington focusing on TMJ patients, Biggerstaff brought on junior partner Dr. David Vurnakes.

For the past five years, BlueWave Dentistry has grown organically, primarily through internal referrals. With the population increase in Leland and the surrounding communities, however, they came to the realization they would have to grow in other ways. And thanks to a chance meeting between Biggerstaff and Dr. Andy Gould, BlueWave is about to do just that.

“It’s a big deal for me to bring on another doctor,” Biggerstaff says. “I am not the type of person who likes change. I am a comfort-zone kind of guy. But in the spring of 2022, I got a call from Dr. Andy Gould in Pennsylvania, and things changed.”

Gould, who was born and raised in Hershey, Pennsylvania, has been practicing dentistry for 27 years. He and his business partner established and recently sold four practices. Gould’s wife, Ami, has family who moved to Leland in 2018, and after many visits to the area, they decided to relocate to southeastern North Carolina as well. But Gould was not ready to retire; he knew he still wanted to practice once he arrived.

“I came for a visit and was scouting for practices where I might work,” Gould says. “I went into offices, shaking hands, having conversations. When I walked into BlueWave Dentistry, Chad and I just hit it off as far as our backgrounds, energy and philosophies. Most importantly, Chad shares the same love for people and the profession that I do.”

That weekend, Biggerstaff got a text from Gould. “It said, ‘I want to come live there but I only want to work with you guys,’” Biggerstaff remembers. “Obviously, I was flattered, and my wife and I thought and prayed about it and decided we could make this work with three doctors.”

In July 2023 Gould will officially become BlueWave Dentistry’s newest doctor. Collectively, Biggerstaff, Vurnakes and Gould offer 50+ years of combined clinical experience.

“We’ve always had a comprehensive practice with a wide array of services and state-of-the-art technology, but Andy brings a

new level of experience and expertise,” Biggerstaff says. “He’s very seasoned and able to provide several services that David and I don’t currently provide. With Andy on board, we will have more services and more capacity, giving us the ability to care for more people in new and different ways.”

Gould does all facets of dentistry, including surgery, root canals and even Botox. “With the expansion of services, in a modern facility, we don’t have to send our patients anywhere else,” Gould says. “They can stay with one practice and have the advantage of having three doctors with collective ideas, experiences and perspectives to come up with the perfect treatment plan.”

BlueWave Dentistry’s mission is to make sure that patients young and old have a dental home where they feel like part of the family.

“I want patients to know I am not coming down to work part-time,” Gould says. “I’m in this to become a member of the community and the practice.”

The Goulds, who have two daughters who’ve both graduated from college, look forward to living in Brunswick Forest. They enjoy being outdoors and playing golf and are excited to be part of Leland’s growth.

BlueWave Dentistry

1300 S. Dickinson Drive, Leland (910) 383-2615

bluewavedentistry.com

PHOTOS BY MEGAN DEITZ

Left to right: Dr. Andy Gould, Dr. Chad Biggerstaff and Dr. David Vurnakes

Leland Middle School Family Fun Day

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL RITENOUR

 On April 1 the Leland Middle School Athletic Booster Club hosted its first Family Fun Day Fundraiser at Belville Riverwalk Park. Everyone enjoyed delicious food-truck fare by A & M’s, Chocolate & S’more’s, Donut Bus, Tacos by El Jefe, Lobster Dog’s, Slice of Ice, Summer Sips and Tasty Tees. More than 15 vendors were on site selling exceptional merchandise, and there was live music by the incredibly talented H.U.E.Y., Chris Pearson and Emily Burdette. Kids of all ages enjoyed the inflatable obstacle course and face painting. It was an amazing community event, and the Boosters look forward to doing it again next year!

H2GO

Aquifer-Sourced Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant Progress Tour

 H2GO Board of Commissioners and members of the media were invited to tour the new, fully operative aquifer-sourced reverse osmosis water treatment plant, which, on May 30, began pumping aquifer-sourced RO treated water into the distribution system.

The hour-long tour on June 1 included a site visit and concluded with a question and answer session. For more information on the prgress of H2GO’s Aquifer-Sourced Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant, water line flushing and distribution of contaminate-free public water, visit h2goonline.com/RO_ Progress.

3rd Annual Fallen Heroes Ceremony

May 20 at Battleship Park in Wilmington honoring fallen heroes Colonel Douglas J. Beach USAR, Specialist James L. Bloodworth, Jr. USAR, Private First Class Ethan K. Eldridge USMC, Machinist Mate Gerald M. Lardner USN, Private First Robert G. Rosthauser USAR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL RITENOUR

Scott Rosthauser, son of PFC Robert Rosthauser

Lauren Eldridge, sister of PFC Ethan K. Eldridge

Family of Specialist James Bloodworth Jr.

Jonathon Rosthauser, grandson of Robert Rosthauser

Joe Irrera Anita Riddy, Carol Bloodworth, Katrina Bloodworth

Family members of Machinist Mate Gerald M. Lardner

WE Perks of the Wilmington Police Dept.

Leland Area Rotary Club

Wine Tasting and Silent Auction

May 25 at Leland Cultural Arts Center benefiting several programs at Lincoln Elementary School, the Senior Basket for Meals on Wheels, litter pick-up on Village Road, Brunswick Family Assistance and Habitat for Humanity, to name a few.

Bernie Janoson serving at Table 12 sponsored by Dream Finders Homes

Cathy Camac serving at Table 8 sponsored by Meineke Car Care

Deb Pickett & Gini Binnie

Mark Grim Jr., Andy Methven, Frank Williams

John Row

Billie Gunn serving at Table 6 sponsored by First Bank

Emily Kammerer & Michaela Schneider

Linda Bolduc

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL RITENOUR

Chris Camac serving at Table 8 sponsored by Frank Williams Media

Leland Brewing Company Opening Weekend

Grey & Lynne Lewis, Betty & Ed Weihs

Leland Brewing Company Owner, Mark Said

Bob Tinms & Lowell Puckett

Blain & Maddie Floyd

Cory & Stacey Brietzke, Sarah Harris

Frank Williams & Michael Braddock

Dana Fisher & Justin Stegall

George & Phyllis Murray

Sunny & Ben Felner Mike Fluhre & Shana Barclay

PHOTOGRAPHY BY AVA WILLIAMS

Business After Hours

Nicole Weller

Matt Early & Brandon Hill

Debbie Hicks & Cody Hombs

Bailey & Dana Fisher

Kerry Kasotski, Dave Bailey, Devon Parish

Moore & Jayne Clark

Happy Hour Meet & Greet

May 22 at Brunswick Beer & Cider — Rhodes Law Offices, PLLC name transition to Nelson & Galbreath Real Estate Law

Valirie Lewis, Randy Rhodes, Jennifer Marsh, Holly Schneider

John Avera, Jerry Helms, James Diaz

Glenn Humbert & Jan Lydon

Ellis Forrest, Michael Groseclose, Colin Wilson

Kerry & Bryan Shaleuly

Brenda & James Bozeman, Linda Rhodes

Randy Rhodes, Gary Vidmar, Barnes Sutton, Bob Campbell

Jayne Kipke & Seth Robbins

Jim Kyker & Julie Stubblefield

J. Nathan Galbreath & Dana Fisher

Chicken Salad

Chick Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

April 12 at 503 Olde Waterford Way, Leland

Bob Campbell, Wyatt Richardson, Veronica Carter, Bill McHugh

Seth Robbins & Kerry Kasotsky

Shane and Haley Pinder, Kate Lewis, Mike Saccon, Joey Bledsoe

Andrea & Riley Gerald & Sonya Pinder

Kylie & Tara

Stephanie Blair & Rick Paxton

Dana Fisher, Rita Tatum, Heather McWhorter

Steve Deviney & Bobby Banzhof

Tisha Ruffin & Crystal Ruffin

Brunswick Medical Plaza Ribbon Cutting

Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center opened a 34,000-square-foot medical office building at 257 Hospital Drive in Bolivia on June 14

Rona Watson & Joanne Henley

Jon Tait & Heather King

Chris Thorn, Nick Slobozien, Harrison Wales, Ivan Batts

Kerry Matthews, Debby Worth, Pat Sykes

Mark Jones & Tim Daniels

Dr. Richard Scallion & Shelbourn Stevens

Becky Whiteside, Ivan Batts, Heather King, Shelbourn Stevens

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BROKEN BEACH BEAUTY

Photo captured by Tina Vucci BROKEN BEACH BEAUTY

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