North Brunswick Magazine Winter 2021/22 Edition

Winter 2021-22 Winter 2021-22

Epic

DAYNELLE SOUSA AND MINDY PEREIRA LOVE SETTING UP THE ULTIMATE IN OUTDOOR MEALS

PICNICS

C O M PL IM E N TA RY

A U D I O M E LT

|

R E C YC LO P S C O M E S TO L E L A N D

|

N.C. R I C E F E S T I VA L

THERE’S NO

REPLACEMENT FOR EXPERIENCE.

TRUST THE JOINT REPLACEMENT SPECIALISTS AT EMERGEORTHO. The board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic specialists at EmergeOrtho

Emerge Stronger. Healthier. Better.

perform nearly 3,000 joint replacements every year— the third highest volume in the United States, and the majority on an outpatient basis. We’re also regional leaders in robotic-assisted knee replacements.

Studies show high volumes of surgery are associated with better outcomes, so call us for a consultation. Because the more experienced your orthopedic surgeon, the better your surgery experience.

E MER GE O RT H O. C O M | 9 10. 3 3 2 . 3 8 0 0

© EmergeOrtho 2021

Complete Dental Care for the Whole Family Accepting New Patients!

Complimentary second opinion • Complimentary Implant Consultation

Call us for Specials

No Insurance, No problem!

3 Convenient Locations to Serve You

1215 W Gate Dr Suite 180, Leland, NC 28451 (910) 663-1223 301 S Willis Dr, Shallotte, NC 28470 (910) 754-7700 1124 Gallery Park Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28412 (910) 218-1222

YOURCOMPLETEDENTAL.COM

COMPLETE

D E N TA L

6

North Brunswick Magazine

New Homes Starting in the High

$300’s to $1.5 Million +

Live Relaxed AT Kingfish Bay

A Riverfront Gated Community in Calabash, NC Overlooking the Calabash River, Kingfish Bay is a private gated Caribbean Resort Village located on 60+ acres of scenic nature preserves, wetlands, and coastal bluffs. The breath-taking views and natural setting is just the beginning of your new journey.

Resort Style Amenities include a Clubhouse & Pool, Fitness Center, Riverfront Park, and an Oceanfront Clubhouse at Sunset Beach. Call and discover a “Live Relaxed” lifestyle at Kingfish Bay. Call 910-579-4657 for information.

910-579-4657 + KingfishBayDevelopment.com

Winter 2021-22

7

TABLE OF CONTENTS

D FEATURES

FEATURES

WINTER 2021-22 D VOLUME 16 ISSUE 2

PHOTO BY BILL RITENOUR

58 40 EPIC PICNICS

Daynelle Sousa and Mindy Pereira of Dixie Rae Events love setting up the ultimate in outdoor meals.

By Melissa Slaven Warren

52 DRIVE-BY RECYCLING

A new service called Recyclops offers a recycling solution for Leland residents.

By Kathy Blake

8

North Brunswick Magazine

PHOTO BY AMANDA BACON

40

58 YOUNG GRUNGE

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

By Annesophia Richards

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

Your trusted Leland Dentist for over a decade.

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

Beautiful Dentistry with a Gentle Touch

www.TeethByTheBeach.com

|

910.371.5965 Winter 2021-22

9

TABLE OF CONTENTS

35

IN EVERY ISSUE

DEPARTMENTS

16 PUBLISHER’S NOTE

31 SPIRITS

18 CONTRIBUTORS 24 WHAT’S HAPPENED

What’s been going on around town.

27 SOUTHBOUND

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

28 ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

Extras you’ll only find online

71 SNIPPETS

The Bluffs Annual Property Owner Weekend, Town of Leland to Open Loblolly Park, Leland Trunk or Treat, Leland Homecoming Celebrates Community

Boozy Pumpkin Spice Latte

By Sandi Grigg

32 WHAT’S COOKIN’ Cottage Pie

By Sandi Grigg

35 EVENTS

Honoring Gullah Geechee culture is central to the North Carolina Rice Festival, which is slated to occur in northern Brunswick County on March 4 and 5 of 2022.

By Teresa A. McLamb

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

PHOTO BY BILL RITENOUR

47

D IN EVERY ISSUE D DEPARTMENTS

31 47 NONPROFIT

The Boot Camp Babes of Compass Pointe don outrageous fashions in The Cheesy Thrift Shop Runway Fashion Luncheon Extravaganza.

By Beth A. Klahre

65 SPORTS

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

By Ed Beckley

76 BUSINESS PROFILES

Trinity Wellness Center, Domin & Schwartz Real Estate Group, Advanced Urology Center for Robotic Surgery

79 FACES & PLACES

Veterans Day Breakfast, 4 Ever 24 Fit’s 10th Anniversary Celebration

82 CAPTURE THE MOMENT

10

North Brunswick Magazine

32

PHOTO BY JAMES STEFIUK

81 ADVERTISERS INDEX

Thinking of Selling Your Home?

Work with the Area Leader.

It’s a Seller’s Market! Buyer demand continues to outpace the amount of homes for sale, making it a great time to sell. All price points are needed!

If you have any interest in selling, contact one of our market experts today.

INTRACOASTALREALTY.COM | LELAND OFFICE: 910-201-2200

Through its network affiliations Intracoastal Realty is a global - not just local real estate firm. We market your property to the world.

Winter 2021-22

11

WITH Since 2004

North Brunswick Magazine – Winter 2021-22 Volume 16, Issue 2

Full Time REALTOR/BROKER & TOP PRODUCER

Local Specialist in 28451 & 28479

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

SOLD

SOLD

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.”

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: George Jacob Brian Wilner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Amanda Bacon Ed Beckley Ashley L. Hafer Bill Ritenour Mark Steelman James Stefiuk

#1 FOR 21 YEARS

SERVING SOUTHEASTERN COASTAL NC OVER 17 YEARS

Why cross the bridge

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Sandi Grigg Kathy Blake Dennis Hetzel Beth A. Klahre Joan Leotta Teresa A. McLamb Annesophia Richards Melissa Slaven Warren Brian Wilner

PUBLISHED BY:

if you don’t have to?

Leland

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

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

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

© 2021-22 Carolina Marketing Company, Inc.

Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. strives to bring correct, accurate information that is published in the magazine. However, Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. cannot be held responsible for any consequences resulting from errors or absences. Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. also cannot be held responsible for the services provided by any and all advertisers in our publications.

All material in this magazine is property of Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. and may not be reproduced without authorization from the publisher. North Brunswick Magazine – A Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. publication is published four times per year and is distributed to residents and businesses in North Brunswick County, NC, to subscribers and to select areas of New Hanover County, NC and Horry County, SC.

About the cover: Winter 2021-22

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

12

North Brunswick Magazine

Epic

DAYNELLE SOUSA AND MINDY PEREIRA LOVE SETTING UP THE ULTIMATE IN OUTDOOR MEALS

PICNICS

C O M PL IM E N TA RY

A U D I O M E LT

|

R E C YC LO P S C O M E S TO L E L A N D

|

N.C. R I C E F E S T I VA L

Photographer Amanda Bacon of Bits O Bacon Photography captured our cover image of a decadent s’mores setup created by Dixie Rae Events, a pop-up picnic planning service based in Leland.

Writer Melissa Slaven Warren met Dixie Rae’s founders, Daynelle Sousa and Mindy Pereira, to learn about their business, and you can see the story and more photos on page 40.

Winter 2021-22

13

14 NORTH BRUNSWICK

NBM M A G A Z I N E Reader/Advertising Services Subscriptions

Snatch it up quick with our

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

Not available in all areas.

Call 844.755.1814 or visit atmc.com

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 Expanding HomeSpotter App orthopedic care right NOW shows SOLD here in Brunswick properties for the past 12 months!

Ted Parcel, DO, and Benjamin Browning, MD are accepting new patients

THE AREA’S BEST REAL ESTATE APP

Joint, bone and muscle pain can interrupt your life. Are you ready to get back to doing what you love?

Like walking, tennis or golf?

Then it’s time to meet our experts at Novant Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Supply.

Board-certified surgeon Ted Parcel, DO, is fellowship-trained in adult joint replacements.

Benjamin Browning, MD, is fellowship-trained in sports medicine and arthroscopy. Both are experienced in providing high-level care for sports injuries and orthopedic conditions.

Services include: • Hip and knee joint replacements

Find Homes for Sale View Properties that have SOLD in the past 12 months • Total hip and knee revisions

• Fracture repairs • Tendon repairs

Ted Parcel, DO, FAAOS

• Knee arthroscopy • Shoulder surgery

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!

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

Benjamin Browning, MD

Download FREE App

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

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

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

Leland Office: 910-201-2200 Ocean Isle Beach Office: 910-579-3050 Call 910-721-4370 or visit NovantHealth.org/orthospinebrunswick to make a same-day or next-day appointment. © Novant Health, Inc. 2020 9/20 • ECA-627232

IntracoastalRealty.com

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Welcome

2022

I

I don’t know about you, but I was ready for the calendar to flip to 2022. 2021 was one heck of a year for me personally, and that’s probably the understatement of the year. I’m ready for a reboot.

As I mentioned in the last edition’s publisher’s note, I spent the better part of 2021 bouncing between Florida and North Carolina, helping take care of my mom, who was ill. I finally moved her to North Carolina in October, and she passed away just before Thanksgiving. I never realized how insanely grateful for her I was until that moment.

Most of my life I took my mom for granted, as we all do, I guess. She shaped me into the person I have become, and I certainly would not be writing this today without her special grace in my life. Hug your people extra tight today and tell them you love them.

Meanwhile, life in North Brunswick County is moving right along, and thanks to my hardworking staff and freelance contributors, we have a great winter magazine for you. In this edition you’re going to meet a whole lot of great people. We introduce you to the Boot Camp Babes of Compass Pointe, two women who will soon compete in the Special Olympics on the national level, the young rising stars of a rock and metal band called Audiomelt and the enterprising picnic planners behind Dixie Rae Events. We tell you about the upcoming North Carolina Rice Festival, which will celebrate Gullah Geechee culture, and about a new recycling solution known as Recyclops.

16

North Brunswick Magazine

Thank you for reading North Brunswick Magazine. We could not do this without the support of our advertisers, so please visit them and tell them you saw their ads here.

I have a feeling that 2022 is going to be a great year! I hope you all find plentiful time to enjoy the beauty in North Brunswick County.

Justin Williams Owner/Publisher Publisher@NorthBrunswickMagazine.com

North Brunswick Magazine Publisher Justin Williams with his late mother, Jo Ann, and daughter, Ava.

You Belong Right Here

Presenting our brand new clubhouse We’re excited to announce the grand opening of our brand new stateof-the-art Clubhouse in early 2022. This magnificent facility overlooks our signature golf hole and will feature club member amenities such as a fitness center, golf simulator, exclusive dining area, and an adjacent pool and outdoor bar. At Compass Pointe, you can enjoy year-round golf, resort-style amenities, and neighbors you can call friends.

Call 888.717.6468 today or stop by to tour our amenities and new builder showcase homes. Agents on duty Monday- Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 1-5.

Leland, NC Call Today

888.717.6468 Find Us Online

CompassPointeNC.com

Homesites priced from the $100s | Homes priced from the high $400s

Winter 2021-22

17

CONTRIBUTORS

Amanda Bacon CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Bits O' Bacon Photography is an award winning portrait photographer located here in Leland, North Carolina. Amanda specializes in maternity, family & boudoir photography.

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.

Teresa A. McLamb CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I have been a professional journalist since high school. My love of storytelling and the written word led me to earn a BA in journalism from UNC Chapel Hill and an MA in English from UNC Wilmington. I feel very fortunate to be a native of coastal North Carolina. My love of art, animals and travel often leads to articles in magazines and on the web. I am also a real estate developer and licensed broker.

The mother of two, I live in Carolina Beach and Hickman Cross Roads with my cats.

18

North Brunswick Magazine

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

Your local and trusted outdoor living center Landscape Supply Garden Center Mulch Stone Outdoor Kitchens Outdoor Fireplaces

Patios

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

Brickyard & Landscape Supply, Inc.

Life is better

20

North Brunswick Magazine

with a healthy Life-changing. Patient-centered.

Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry.

"I have been a patient of Blue Wave Dentistry for several years and have had such a wonderful experience. Dr. Biggerstaff is very kind, honest and straightforward. His team is exceptional and have always provided excellent care. If you are looking for a high quality, professional and friendly dentist office, I recommend Blue Wave Dentistry!”

- Melanie (left) Actual BlueWave Dentistry Patient

"Hands down the best dentist office ever! The atmosphere is absolutely amazing. The staff is so kind and the positive energy throughout the office is infectious. I’m so glad I found Blue Wave Dentistry for all of my dental needs.”

- Amanda (right) 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

Winter 2021-22

21

22

North Brunswick Magazine

Winter 2021-22

23

WHAT’S HAPPENED

Intracoastal Realty Holds Grand Opening of the New Leland Office

Domin & Schwartz Real Estate Group Holds Grand Opening Domin & Schwartz Real Estate Group, a RE/MAX Executive agency, held a grand-opening ceremony on October 21. The office is at 497 Olde Waterford Way, Suite 107 in Leland. Food and beverages were provided.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Intracoastal Realty held a grand-opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Leland office on September 15.

Attendees enjoyed refreshments, music and a tour of the new office, which is at 2028 Olde Regent Way, Suite 160 in Leland

First Responders Enjoy Lunch

Many attendees came out to welcome Brunswick Beer XChange to Leland at their grand-opening ceremony on October 23. The doors opened at 11 am, and the ribbon cutting was at 3 pm. The first 30 people to make a growler purchase received a free t-shirt. There was also live entertainment. Brunswick Beer XChange is at 113 Village Road in Leland.

Knights of Columbus Hosts Charity Golf Tournament

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Brunswick Town Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) monthly luncheon meetings offer a catered lunch to first responders.

Food is delivered to a different fire station each month by the chapter’s hospitality committee. September’s lunch was delivered to the Supply Fire Station. Carol Jutte, hospitality chair, delivered wraps, tea, dessert, fruit and more to the crew.

Brunswick Beer XChange Holds Grand Opening

Local Firefighters Respond to Fire Leland fire crews were dispatched to a commercial building fire at the Citgo gas station on Village Road on September 23. The first unit arrived in three minutes to find heavy smoke coming from the gas station. Crews forced entry into the building and initiated a fire attack to quickly knock the main body of the fire down. New Hanover County Fire Rescue, Navassa Volunteer Fire Department, Northwest Volunteer Fire Department and Brunswick County EMS and Emergency Services assisted Leland Fire/Rescue.

On September 29 more than 200 golfers enjoyed a beautiful, sunny day of fun, food and friendship as part of the 22nd annual Charity Golf Tournament held at the Carolina National Golf Club in Bolivia and run by the Knights of Columbus, Sacred Heart Council 12537 of Southport. With the support of local business sponsors, more than $20,000 was raised for charities in Brunswick County. Knights of Columbus offers a huge thank you to the golfers, volunteers and businesses who made the event a success.

Business After Hours and Ribbon Cutting Held at Katie’s Art & Frame

Brunswick County Showcase of Bands

Katie’s Art & Frame celebrated its official ribbon-cutting ceremony during a Business After Hours event on October 7.

Everyone enjoyed live music, food, drinks and art. Katie’s Art & Frame is at 324 Village Road NE, Unit C in Leland.

The Brunswick County Showcase of Bands took place at North Brunswick High School on October 26. Marching bands from West Brunswick, South Brunswick and North Brunswick high schools performed free of charge for the public.

24

North Brunswick Magazine

WHAT’S HAPPENED

Ribbon-Cutting Celebration Held for Old Fayetteville Road Multi-Use Path

ATMC Announces Name Change to FOCUS Broadband

After years of effort to develop a safe route for students to walk and bike to school, the Town of Leland officially opened the Old Fayetteville Road Multi-Use Path with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 18. The nearly one-mile paved multi-use path, separated from traffic, is open to pedestrians, bicyclists and wheelchairs. It runs along the north side of Old Fayetteville Road from Leland’s Founders Park to North Brunswick High School.

Eighty percent of the $2.6 million project cost was funded by the Federal Highway Administration, with a 20 percent match coming from the town. The project also included repaving a one-mile stretch of Old Fayetteville Road. The project was a collaboration between the Town of Leland, NCDOT and the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO). This path will be an important link to other recreational facilities and trails planned for Leland, including Founders Park, the new Sturgeon Creek Park and other regional trails such as the proposed North Carolina Gullah Geechee Greenway/Blueway Heritage Trail linking Navassa, Leland and Belville to Southport and the North Carolina portion of the 3,000-mile East Coast Greenway, which extends from Maine to Florida.

Representatives from WMPO and NCDOT joined Mayor Brenda Bozeman, members of Leland Town Council and town staff for the ribbon cutting to celebrate the collaboration that made this project possible. The North Brunswick High School Cross Country Team opened the trail with a run through the finish line. Attendees were invited to walk or bike the path.

ATMC is rebranding itself and will begin doing business as FOCUS Broadband at the start of 2022. The change in name is being made to reflect the company’s evolution from that of a traditional telephone and cable TV provider to one that specializes in providing fiber optic delivered, high-speed internet service. The rebranding also coincides with the launch of a multi-year project that will connect all members to fiber optic broadband along with further expansion into new markets in southeastern North Carolina. Along with the new name, the company will adopt a new logo and will change its corporate web address from atmc.com to FOCUSBroadband.com. Additional updates regarding the change to the new name will be provided to customers and business partners in the coming weeks.

On November 4 Lower Cape Fear LifeCare hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Veterans Memorial Garden at its SECU Hospice House of Brunswick in Bolivia. Less than a week later, construction began on the garden. While the local nonprofit already offers tributes to remember and honor loved ones, the agency felt a special need to recognize and honor the service provided by men and women who have served our country. With 12.8 percent of residents in Brunswick County being veterans, LCFL wanted to create a designated Veterans Memorial Garden. The garden will offer a place of solace and remembrance. Plans for a similar Veterans Memorial Garden addition are in the works for the John T. Dees, M.D. and Jenny L. Dees Heritage Garden in Wilmington.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Veterans Memorial Garden Begins at Hospice House

Brunswick County Association of Realtors® Exceeds Donation Goal in Holiday Giving Program

Brunswick County Association of Realtors® (BCAR) and its affiliate members raised $19,550 during the association’s annual Holiday Giving Program in November, exceeding their goal by more than $2,000. All donations received during the Holiday Giving Program benefit Brunswick Family Assistance, BCAR’s community partner. The donations were used to purchase bikes, tricycles, scooters, skateboards or a meal for less fortunate children in Brunswick County. For more information about Brunswick Family Assistance, visit brunswickfamily.org.

Winter 2021-22

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 

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

By Jo Ann Mathews

Why does Jim Hoffman want to be executive director of the Ocean Isle Museum Foundation, Inc.?

“Why would I NOT want this job?” he asks.

Mover & Shaker James Lane, the restaurateur behind four of southern Brunswick County’s most popular eateries, spills some of his secrets to success.

By Rich Mina

Owning and operating two Italian restaurants in southern Brunswick County — Angelo’s and Maria’s — qualifies James Lane as a successful restaurateur. Opening two additional eateries in the summer of 2021 elevates him to extraordinary businessman in extraordinary times.

For Art’s Sake Future 10 2021 Meet the young leaders of Brunswick County.

By Melissa Slaven Warren

There is no shortage of definitions for what a great leader is. But in the simplest terms, it’s someone you want to follow. In this annual feature, we share the stories of those leading by example in our communities. Meet this year’s Future 10 under 40.

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

By Carolyn Bowers

Once in a while the stars align, and life gives us a very improbable coincidence. That is what happened to Joseph Bardani and how his new artists’ studio and gallery in Southport came into being.

Bardani has been an art instructor at Brunswick Community College (BCC) in Southport for the last four years, and he also has several private students in the area. Until recently he lived in Little River and had his studio in his home.

Winter 2021-22

27

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

D EXTRAS YOU WILL ONLY FIND ONLINE D LIFEINBRUNSWICKCOUNTY.COM

HELP FOR THE HELPERS

by NBM Contributor

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation awards Leland Fire/Rescue a grant for lifesaving equipment.

The past year and a half has been difficult for many, impacting first responders and communities across the country. As we continue to battle health crises and natural disasters, front-line heroes constantly expose themselves to dangerous situations, creating a need for updated lifesaving equipment. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE

|

NEW YEAR’S NOON

by NBM Contributor

Little ones celebrated New Year’s Eve with a bedtime-friendly daytime event at The Children’s Museum of Wilmington.

Families celebrated the new year with The Children’s Museum of Wilmington for New Year’s Noon on Friday, December 31. Kids were be able to create a streamer wand, decorate a party crown, make glitzy slime and reflect on the year that was 2021. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE

|

TRAINING TOMORROW’S CHEFS

by NBM Contributor

The Grand Opening for BCC’s Douglas Terhune Center for Culinary Arts was Thursday, October 21.

Brunswick Community College (BCC) is excited to announce that the Douglas Terhune Center for Culinary Arts celebrated a grand-opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, October 21. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE 28

North Brunswick Magazine

|

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

D EXTRAS YOU WILL ONLY FIND ONLINE D LIFEINBRUNSWICKCOUNTY.COM

AMAZING YEAR FOR REAL ESTATE

by NBM Contributor

Brunswick County surpasses $2 billion in year-to-date residential sales, and the market is ahead of the record 2020 pace.

Brunswick County’s residential real estate market saw record sales in 2020, topping $2 billion for the first time. 2021's market is well ahead of last year’s record pace, and total sales in 2021 crossed the $2 billion threshold. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE

|

A BOOST FOR FOUNDERS PARK

by NBM Contributor

NNOVATION & LEADERSHIP RECOGNITION

Town of Leland receives a $489,000 grant for Founders Park renovations.

H2GO Executive Director Bob Walker receives Technology Innovation Leadership Award.

The Town of Leland is excited to announce that the N.C. Parks and Recreation Authority has approved $489,000 in grant funding for Founders Park renovations. The N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant will go toward Founders Park Phase I, which includes an inclusive playground, a splashpad, picnic shelters, fitness stations, an amphitheater, a natural play area, walking trail renovations, a veterans memorial, additional parking, restrooms and associated site furnishings.

by NBM Contributor

Government Technology Magazine and AT&T recognized Brunswick Regional Water and Sewer H2GO Executive Director Bob Walker as a Special Districts Program Award Winner in the Leadership Category for 2020.

The Special Districts Awards Program recognizes innovation and leadership within special district agencies across the country. Walker’s exceptional leadership guiding H2GO and its staff through the Aquifer-Sourced Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant project helped him standout in the crowd of nominees in the Leadership category. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE

| CONTINUE READING ONLINE

|

| Winter 2021-22

29

Introducing Andrew Phillips, D.P.T DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY Dr. Andrew Phillips (Drew) grew up in Southampton, NY. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA and Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Neumann University in Aston, PA. After a high school sports injury, Drew became enthralled with the healing process he experienced through his own PT journey. This led him to pursue various positions within the field before becoming a PT. Drew started as a Physical Therapy Technician in NY, then became a Clinical/Administrative Manager in MD. He then worked as a Marketing Manager in VA before starting PT school. Drew has found his final home in NC and is excited to bring his skills, passions, and energy to Coastal Integrative Health. Drew loves working with patients of all ages and most enjoys building relationships. He aims to support his patients by learning about their motivations for healing, then partnering with them to achieve their specific health goals.

In his free time, Drew enjoys spending time with his wife, Zoie, as well as his family and friends. He loves relaxing on the beach, playing pickleball and basketball, traveling, fishing, and cooking.

I

Congratulations Dr. Paul Hrvol for being voted #1 Chiropractor to our very own

in 2021 Star News Best of the Best Shore picks

Request an appointment today!

1175 Turlington Avenue #103 | LELAND (910) 408-1778 728 Village Road SW | SHALLOTTE (910) 755 5400

COASTALHEALTHNC.COM

CHIROPRACTIC  PHYSICAL THERAPY  MASSAGE THERAPY  SPORTS PERFORMANCE

30

VOTED BEST OF BRUNSWICK #1 CHIROPRACTOR 2011  2012  2013  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021

North Brunswick Magazine

SPIRITS

Pumpkin Paradise Jazz up your pumpkin latte with the addition of RumChata.

I

BY SANDI GRIGG

I don’t consider myself basic, but I love a nice hot cup of pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks, especially on a cold day. I don’t purchase them often; typically, I will splurge for a special occasion or while on vacation.

Recently my family took a trip to Asheville, and we rented an Airbnb that was right downtown where we could walk to everything. It was technically the basement of the hosts’ residence, and it had hand-painted stepping stones leading around to the back of the home, which guided us to our own entrance.

Upon opening the old green door, the small but funky area offered one bedroom, one bath and a kitchenette with a den and a fireplace. It was exactly what you would expect from an Asheville Airbnb.

We, like many vacationers on a budget, brought our own food, snacks, alcohol and coffee. I am one of those who never leaves home without coffee.

The cupboards had lots of spices and mixers and staple items. To my surprise, however, there was not a coffee maker; there was only a French press.

I found sugar, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice in the cupboard and decided I could make a boozy pumpkin spice latte after we put our son to bed. It was the first time I had ever used a French press, and it made the most excellent cup of coffee — I was super surprised. The coffee was so good I have since purchased my own French press.

With the addition of a few of the ingredients I found in the Airbnb and alcohol we purchased, this was a nice treat. We snuggled on the sofa in front of the fire, watched a movie and enjoyed our mug of pumpkin paradise.

Boozy Pumpkin Spice Latte Serves 2

INGREDIENTS 1 cup brewed coffee ¼ cup milk ¼ cup RumChata 2 Tablespoons pumpkin pie vodka 1 Tablespoon sugar 1 / 8 teaspoon ground cinnamon whipped cream pumpkin pie spice

METHOD Pour hot coffee into two mugs.

Stir in sugar and cinnamon, half in each cup, until dissolved.

Add the half the milk, RumChata and vodka to each and stir to combine.

Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice.

Winter 2021-22

31

WHAT’S COOKIN’

Winter Warmer

Whether you make it with lamb, beef or venison, this recipe for cottage pie, aka shepherd’s pie, is a comfort-food classic.

S

BY SANDI GRIGG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES STEFIUK

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

During the winter months I find myself cooking more casseroles and one-pot meals — nothing like filling bellies and warming hearts with a big bubbly dish of meat and vegetables. The first time I prepared this cottage pie for my family I was trying to imitate a menu item my spouse frequently orders from a local Irish-themed restaurant, but it is called shepherd’s pie on their menu.

It makes sense that shepherd’s pie originated in sheep country in the United Kingdom and Ireland. This pie was originally created as a way to use leftover lamb or stew and vegetables. If you have leftover vegetables, this recipe is a great use for them.

We have family friends who are hunters, and they use ground venison in their cottage pie. To me, venison and lamb have a gamy flavor that I am not fond of, so I stick to the store-bought ground beef. You can use whatever meat you prefer or have on hand.

This recipe is rich with gravy, meat, vegetables and cheesy mashed potatoes. My favorite part is the creamy and cheesy mashed potatoes. They bake crispy on top thanks to a sprinkling of cheese, and the potatoes are all creamy underneath.

I find the easiest way to make this dish is to work ahead. You can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time or even used leftovers from a previous meal. You could even make the beef mixture ahead of time if you wanted to simply assemble the casserole, and bake it later.

Whether you take the time to make this cottage pie in one evening or you use leftover premade components, this meaty, savory comfort-food classic is hearty, filling and sure to warm up the hungriest crowd.

If you have leftover vegetables, this recipe is a great use for them.

32

North Brunswick Magazine

WHAT’S COOKIN’

Cottage Pie Serves 6 to 8

INGREDIENTS 2 lbs. ground beef 1 yellow onion, chopped 2 cups frozen peas and carrots

/ 3 cup frozen corn 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 Tablespoons flour 2 Tablespoons tomato paste 1 cup beef broth 1½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ½ teaspoon dried oregano ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper

2

FOR THE TOP: 4 large russet potatoes 3 Tablespoons butter ½ cup milk 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

METHOD Peel and chop potatoes and place in a large pot of water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender (15 to 20 minutes). Drain water from the pot and mash the potatoes. Add butter, milk and garlic powder and stir until smooth. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Grease a 9x13” baking dish.

In a large skillet cook ground beef, onion, garlic, salt and pepper over medium high heat until meat is crumbled and browned (about 10 to 12 minutes). Drain off the grease.

Sprinkle flour over cooked meat mixture and stir for a couple of minutes while still cooking. Stir in tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce and oregano. Bring it all to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the peas and carrots and corn and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

Scoop the meat mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes and spread them out evenly with a spoon or rubber spatula. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the potatoes.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the casserole is bubbling. Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Winter 2021-22

33

34

North Brunswick Magazine

EVENTS

Education through

Celebration Honoring Gullah Geechee culture is central to the North Carolina Rice Festival, which is slated to occur in northern Brunswick County on March 4 and 5 of 2022.

BY TERESA A. MCLAMB

A

At its apex, Brunswick County rice production accounted for 90% of that grown in North Carolina. It was the same superior strand grown in the Low County of South Carolina and Georgia — Carolina Gold.

Its cultivation and export to Europe, especially England, accounted for much of the wealth of the agricultural antebellum South. Rice plantations existed all along the Cape Fear River, with several being in the area that would become Leland.

Rice plantations were an integral part of the culture among African-American slaves and their ancestors, which came to be called Gullah Geechee. The Gullah Geechee culture was once associated primarily with the Charleston

area, but studies of the culture — its food, language, religion and more — have resulted in recognition of its existence from Florida to North Carolina.

A celebration of the Gullah Geechee culture is central to

Winter 2021-22

35

36

North Brunswick Magazine

EVENTS

Renowned authors, performers and educators Ron and Natalie Daise shared Gullah stories and songs at the inaugural Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Dinner Gala in March 2020.

“

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

the North Carolina Rice Festival, which is slated to occur in northern Brunswick County on March 4 and 5 of 2022.

North Carolina Rice Festival chairman George Beatty says a gala will take place on March 4 at Leland Cultural Arts Center. A festival will be held on March 5 at a location yet to be determined and on a scale that is dependent upon COVID restrictions.

Central to the celebration is education about the Gullah Geechee culture. Many descendants of slaves who lived and worked on the rice plantations still live in the county. As Beatty points out about himself, they may have little knowledge of the culture. He grew up on land that was a former rice plantation but was unaware of it as a young person. He remembers riding along the Cape Fear River with his father and being told that the collapsing piers were remnants of rice fields. He also recalls that it meant little to him at the time.

“Keep in mind that the whole purpose of the rice festival is education on Gullah rice culture, which has been overlooked," he says.

Focusing on a motto of “education through celebration” the committee seeks to have all venues present an educational message.

“For instance, we hope to have food trucks, Gullah Geechee themed and others,” he says. “At each we plan to have banners that would have a ‘did you know?’ type of fact on them. Did you know that in Leland there were several rice plantations? Belleville, Woodburn?”

As food is a central part of the culture, the festival committee has engaged award-winning chef Keith Rhodes as consultant. His work is highlighted in one of two documentaries produced by the festival

The whole purpose of the rice festival is education on Gullah rice culture, which has been overlooked.

and available on the website — northcarolinaricefestival.org.

Rhodes explains that much of Gullah Geechee cuisine is vegetarian and seafood based. Rhodes presided over the previous gala, which took place just before the COVID shutdown, and will be integrally involved again in 2021.

Entertainment at that event included the stars of Nickelodeon’s Gullah Gullah Island, Ron and Natalie Daise.

The committee hopes to have entertainment of a similar caliber for

the upcoming event.

They’re also pursuing performers of the traditional song and dance known as ring shout, believed to be the oldest African-American performance tradition on the North American continent, according to the National Park Service website. “This compelling fusion of counterclockwise dance-like movement, the call-andresponse singing, the percussion of hand clapping and the stick beating of a drum-like rhythm on a wooden floor is clearly African in its origins,” Winter 2021-22

37

EVENTS

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Left, Rice Festival board members were treated to a talk and lunch of Gullah Geechee cuisine by Keith Rhodes, owner of Catch Restaurant in Wilmington. Right, The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Dinner Gala in March 2020 raised awareness and funds for the upcoming festival.

according to NPS.gov.

The performers perpetuate Gullah Geechee culture through shouting and ceremonies, Beatty says. Several groups are under consideration, and the committee is working with a concert manager to select and book the performers.

“Several entertainment groups are culturally based, but we understand we’re not living in the 1700s or 1800s anymore so we would also like to have several local bands that would draw everyone,” Beatty adds. “In addition, we’re trying to put together a children’s program such that children would have a good time at the festival.”

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the festival is a search for the ancestry of Brunswick County’s AfricanAmerican population.

“We know that the origin of most of us is West Africa,” Beatty says, adding that some people came directly here, while others went first to the Caribbean, including Barbados.

“That’s one of the things we’re going to try to explore.”

To make that happen, the festival committee is hoping to have people volunteer for DNA testing through a company called African Ancestry, which can identify tribal origins.

Beatty hopes individuals who would like to participate will contact him or other committee members. Because the test is 38

North Brunswick Magazine

$300 per person, he also hopes to procure sponsorships. The resulting information would be revealed at the festival.

Beatty’s own testing revealed that his father’s family is from the Igbo tribal group of Nigeria. His mother’s origins are in neighboring Cameroon.

“But they had to come all the way to Brunswick County to meet each other,” he quips.

Learning the origins of ancestors can reveal a long line of experience and affinity to rice production, Beatty says.

Beatty and the committee are grateful for funding from Leland Tourism Development Authority, Brunswick Arts Council, Orton Foundation and others. For now, they’re proceeding with plans for a home-grown celebration of culture.

“We’re planning to do a festival knowing that everything could change quickly,” Beatty says. Stay tuned. 

Want to be a sponsor or learn more?

Sponsorships for North Carolina Rice Festival are available from $1,000 to $7,500.

More information is available at northcarolinaricefestival.org or by emailing northcarolinaricefestival@gmail.com.

We’re not just advisors, we’re

Community Leaders. Coaches. Parents.

b ’s

est chiropr r to ac

ww ay

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

A

FEA

20

20

EC

&2

021

IN TH

PE

R REGION FOR

WE CAN HELP! YOUR Wellness is OUR Passion.

Seaside Wellness of Shallotte 4748 Main Street Text "iPELLET" to 72000

910-754-2273 SeasideWellnessofShallotte.com Winter 2021-22

39

Epic

PICNICS

Daynelle Sousa and Mindy Pereira of Dixie Rae Events love setting up the ultimate in outdoor meals.

BY MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA BACON

40

North Brunswick Magazine

B

Back in the day, picnics were unassuming affairs,

often an impromptu inspiration on a gorgeous day. All of your essentials fit in a single basket: blanket, simple sandwiches, beverages of choice and maybe some cookies for dessert. It took less than five minutes to set up and even less to pack it.

Of course, you can still go that route, but if you are looking to up your game and create a truly epic picnic experience, let Danyelle Sousa and Mindy Pereira of Dixie Rae Events take care of the details.

Dixie Rae Events is a pop-up picnic planning service in Leland that will dream up the picnic of, well, your dreams.

They design and supply everything you need for a memorable proposal, rehearsal dinner, baby shower, girls’ night out, children’s birthday party, corporate gathering or any other

occasion — special or not. The best part is, they do all the setup and pack up!

The idea for the business venture was born from Sousa’s desire to do something special for her mom’s birthday last year.

“She already has everything she wants or needs, so Mindy, my sister-in-law and I were trying to do something unique for her,” Sousa says. “I thought about a picnic on the beach, and I looked at other businesses that specialize in luxury

Winter 2021-22

41

picnics, but they were far away. So, we started looking through pictures of similar events and thought it might be fun to do this on our own.”

Sousa’s mom was blown away, and the pair enjoyed the experience so much, they decided to take a shot at starting a business. Dixie Rae Events was born in October of 2021. The name comes from Sousa’s maternal grandmother, Dixie, and her mom’s middle name, Rae. Dixie Rae Events is a full-service operation.

They go to the outdoor location designated by the client, set up everything well ahead of arrival, then come back after the event to pack everything up and take it away. They can bring the picnic to your own backyard if you’re looking for a more private or intimate event, or they’re happy to host it at a public space like the beach or a park. “We even had a request to set one up in the woods,” Sousa says.

Sousa and Pereira started the business from the ground up with no experience but a lot of motivation. Sousa, who is a stay-at-home mom, has thought about opening her own business ever since her husband started his own tile installation venture six years ago.

“I love seeing him do something he is so 42

North Brunswick Magazine

passionate about,” Sousa says. “I see him work all day on a job and then come home at night, get on the computer and bid on jobs and go over blueprints,” she says. “He never complains though. So, it’s safe to say I’m well versed in knowing the commitment it takes to run a business and do it right.”

Pereira is glad about this.

“Danyelle is definitely better at the day-to-day business side of things than I am,” Pereira says.

“I’m good with helping set up, decorating and shopping for the items we need.”

Though Dixie Rae Events provides inspiration photos to give clients ideas for their own events,

Dixie Rae Events designs and supplies everything you need for a memorable proposal, baby shower, girls’ night out, children’s birthday party or any other occasion.

910.550.1167 | LegacyHomesByBillClark.com

Everything you need to get the job done.

Mon - Fri 7:30-6 | Sat - 8-4 | Sun 10-3

Leland Ace Hardware

AD

COLD BEER GREAT FOOD LIVE ENTERTAINMENT KARAOKE TRIVIA MUSIC BINGO

Leland

117 B Village Road behind BB&T and CVS Pharmacy

OPEN DAILY!

(910) 383-6688

LelandAceHardware.com

1107 New Pointe Blvd » Leland, NC 28451

www.localstavern.com 910.769.1289

Winter 2021-22

43

they also work to accommodate specific requests to create a truly customized experience. They even deliver a personalized playlist for each event based on the mood the client is looking for — from romance to dance party — which the client can play through their smartphone using the Bluetooth speaker Dixie Rae Events provides.

Some themes clients can choose from include beachy, boho or luxury events featuring velvet draping, place settings, huge tablescapes, throw pillows, ottomans, flower arrangements and end-tables to name a few. Picnics include food packages from charcuterie platters to food trays and decadent sugary delights. But they also offer classic picnics with just “a blanket, cute food and some candles,” Pereira says.

44

North Brunswick Magazine

There is a price-point for every budget.

Every picnic design is purposefully planned before it ever makes it to the client’s site of choice.

“We do a practice run and stage it before the event to make sure everything flows,” Sousa says.

For clients who are looking to create Instagram-worthy memories of their pop-up picnics, Dixie Rae Events also partners with Leland photography studio Bits O Bacon, who will come out and photograph the experience.

Want to set up a picnic?

Dixie Rae Events Instagram: dixieraeevents Email: dixieraeevents@gmail.com

As for events the pair would like to do more of, kids' parties are at the top of their list.

“We’ve been doing fun, elaborate parties for our own kids and to see them walk in the room when it’s all set up, that’s my favorite part,” Sousa says.

With social distancing concerns still lingering, outdoor picnics are even more attractive, especially as we look toward spring. And who wouldn’t want to spend time in a natural environment with great friends and family? 

AD YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD STORAGE FACILITY

 9820 Blackwell Rd. SE Leland, NC 28451

 910.371.2331

www.GoStoreIt.com 30 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     

7135 Market Street Wilmington, NC 28411 1113 South 17th Street Wilmington, NC 28401 5135 Market Street Wilmington, NC 28405 5811 Market Street Wilmington, NC 28405 9611 Blackwell Rd. SE Leland, NC 28451 Winter 2021-22

45

46

North Brunswick Magazine

T

NONPROFIT

Thrifty Couture The Boot Camp Babes of Compass Pointe don outrageous fashions in The Cheesy Thrift Shop Runway Fashion Luncheon Extravaganza.

BY BETH A. KLAHRE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL RITENOUR

T

They strutted down the makeshift runway in front of an excited crowd just like experienced models at New York Fashion Week. But the Boot Camp Babes of Compass Pointe donned outrageous fashions created from thrift store shopping excursions, proving that fashion is fun at any price point, just about anything can be transformed into something magnificent and the power of friendship is a transcending amazing bond.

It all began in a neighborhood parking lot.

The Boot Camp Babes, a group of 30 ambitious ladies who live in Compass Pointe in Leland, get together three times

every week to exercise in a neighborhood parking lot. Retired physical education teacher Jane Donahue leads the workout, and the participants range in age from 54 to 73.

Claire Renaud was one of the first 10 women to join the Babes after moving from New Hampshire a year ago. “This group makes exercise fun,” Renaud says. “We are always laughing. Our cheek muscles are the strongest because we work those more than anything else!”

There is much more to these Babes than exercising together. While they train seriously to be healthy and strong, sporting matching inspirational T-shirts that read “Stronger Winter 2021-22

47

Create Moments that Light the Season

AD

Step outside to a yard that shines.

TurfMedicNC.com 910.769.2818 Lawn Care

Horticulture

Landscape Management

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

save TIME and

money

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

Always

North Brunswick Magazine 48 80 North Brunswick Magazine

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

910.859.8394

NONPROFIT

Artie Kuhn and Denise Sheehan Jayne Donohue Cindy Guardalabene

Genny Sarratt

Julie Thomas

Together,” Renaud says, “Our goal is to do outrageous things.”

So, the group embarks on monthly adventures. They’ve been to wineries and festivals and kayaking excursions. Becoming bolder with every escapade, the Babes celebrated National Flamingo Day and National Pink Flamingo Day by going out to dinner wearing giant-sized flamingo wings and pink headbands with 8-inch-long beaks. The costumes were pieces from Renaud’s theatrical costume business, which she sold in April 2021 to a South Carolina theater company. On October 28, the Babes hosted their most outrageous event yet — The Cheesy Thrift Shop Runway Fashion Luncheon Extravaganza — for a sold-out crowd at Local's Tavern in Leland.

Renaud recalls, “The fashion show idea happened out of nowhere. Growing up as the youngest of 16 siblings, I bought

Jenny Strahan

Clair Renaud

most everything I owned from thrift shops. I still do today.

On a recent trip to a local Leland thrift shop with Babes Janet Blair and Cindy Guardalabene, I shared that my sisters and I would often pick out something crazy at our thrift shop for each other to wear.” And the idea for fashion show was born.

The Babes were paired through a drawing from a hat, one taking on the role of model and the other fashion designer.

They trolled thrift shops to purchase outfits with a few simple rules: Spend $20 or less. Buy the most outrageous, over-the-top things you can find. Don’t worry about sizes.

And don’t reveal for whom you are choosing clothing.

With shopping complete, each model received a fitting by Renaud in her home, where she still has a work room she used for her business. Each model was blindfolded while her designer looked on as Renaud used her 37 years of costume Winter 2021-22

49

NONPROFIT

Patty Schmitt

Rosemary Gasparrinni

“

design experience to add a piece of fabric here and make a tuck there. Renaud also crafted accessories, transforming old shoes into gloves, a metal food trivet into a matching necklace and bracelet, and reworking the top of a cat food can into a sculptured ring.

Master of Ceremonies for the fashion show was Artie Kuhn, the daring husband of Babe Donna Kuhn. Wearing a Renaudredesigned double-breasted suit with tails that trailed like a bridal train, Kuhn read a script prepared by the verbally eloquent Babe Denise Sheehan. The 23 outfits were described as “aggressively fashionable, couture of all couture and vixen vintage.”

Every detail was acknowledged as the fanatical array of clothing, embellishments and accessories walked the restaurant. It was a stream of trendy animal prints, flirtatious feathers and fur, gold epaulets and chains, a feathered fedora, a cerulean blue sequined sash, wide-leg trousers with floral beaded appliqués, a flamboyant red and black turban and more. Every model in the show wore blue eyeshadow extravagantly painted from lashes to brows. It was as exciting for the models seeing themselves in their fashions for the first

Barb Matthews

time as it was for the audience who watched.

Awards were chosen by the wait staff at Local's. Top models were Patty Schmitt and Barb Matthews. Top designers were Barb Matthews and Cindy Guardalabene.

Rosemary Gasparrini received the award for the thriftiest outfit, spending a mere 99 cents for a new-with-tags motherof-the-bride gown. Renaud transformed it into a pantsuit with sleeves like wings worn by Janet Blair. An audience member won an auction to have the privilege of modeling a mermaid costume from Renaud’s collection, which was voted best design. Best runway walker went to Jenny Strahan. The wait staff was surprised at the end of the evening with an additional $400 tip, proceeds from a basket raffle and the auction.

Renaud concludes, “We look for any occasion to have fun.

We are motivated by our love of our friendships and our desire to live our best lives by being healthy and active.”

The Boot Camp Babes plan to step up their game next year.

Is that even possible? They will donate fashion show proceeds to the beneficiaries of the thrift shops where they will purchase their outfits. 

It was a stream of trendy animal prints, flirtatious feathers and fur, gold epaulets and

chains, a feathered fedora... Every model in the show wore blue eyeshadow 50

extravagantly painted from lashes to brows.

North Brunswick Magazine

AD

Like everything in real estate, location matters.

Your Local One Stop Hardware Shop Stay on this side of the bridge!

Just off 74/76  1355 Old Stage Rd. Hwy 87, Riegelwood McPhersons.DoItBest.com

 910-655-4006

 LP Products  Truss Packages  Fiber Cement Products  LVL & Engineered Lumber WE HAVE WOOD!

• • • • •

100% commitment to closing on time, every time Real people who are ready to help – No anonymous call centers In-house programs to help you win bidding wars Local processing and underwriting for streamlined transactions Clear communication and updates at each step

ENJOY A BETTER WAY TO MORTGAGE.

TROY WILLIAMSON 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. Borrower must meet qualification criteria. Equal Housing Opportunity. Source deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Winter 2021-22

51

Drive-By Recycling A new service called Recyclops offers a recycling solution for Leland residents.

BY KATHY BLAKE

52

North Brunswick Magazine

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

S

Recyclops is an alternative recycling service in Leland.

Specially marked vehicles are winding through Leland, their drivers taking things from peoples’ yards in broad daylight.

The vehicles, with decals of a teal, alien-looking critter – little yellow horns, pointy fingers, one big circular eyeball – appeared in early November. The stuff they’re snatching is packed in teal, logo-stamped bags.

And homeowners don’t mind.

They’re paying for this service, run by a company on a mission: “Bring sustainable solutions to people all around the country.” And, make the world a better place.

This is Recyclops, a curbside pick-up business for recycling that hires route drivers to collect paper, plastic containers, cardboard, metal cans and newsprint, then transport the bags to a recycling facility. The company already is active in Gastonia, Shelby, Bessemer City and Kings Mountain and is

preparing to hit Mount Olive. Border towns of South Carolina will be added soon, giving Recyclops a presence in more than 160 municipalities in 17 states.

Nationwide, it collects 250,000 pounds of recyclable materials every month and sends much less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than typical garbage trucks.

“One of the selling points,” says Dennis Wise, Recyclops vice president of sales and business development, about approaching Leland’s Town Council, “is we want to work with this municipality, and one of the benefits is you won’t see those big trucks and their carbon footprint. We generally use a ratio of 5 to 1, those big trucks versus our drivers using their vehicles.”

If employees use electric vehicles, he says, the ratio Winter 2021-22

53

increases to 20 to 1.

Leland’s recycling contract with GFL Environmental expired in June. Town Council members voted in November 2020 to end the service, citing costs. The town website says Leland spent approximately $389,000 on bi-weekly recycling in fiscal year 2016-17 and was to see an increase to about $720,000 for 2020-21, leading to the town switching to once-per-month collections at a price tag expected to hit $600,000.

When the GFL contract expired, residents had the options to self-pay with GFL on an annual basis, transport their recyclables to one of four Brunswick County drop-off spots or, simply, not recycle.

Recyclops got the memo.

“When we saw Leland was cancelling their collections program, we sprang into action,” Wise says. “People started signing up three, four months ago. They come to our website and sign up, and when we get enough people [100 are needed], we offer the program. Our program doesn’t have a contract; people can pay for a month then leave, if they want.

So if they like the service, they stay. We provide the custom bags.”

Recyclops focuses on residential first, to get it off the ground, but they do serve commercial businesses like churches and schools. “We always circle back and approach 54

North Brunswick Magazine

those folks,” Wise says.

If the company name seems familiar, fans of television sitcom The Office know that in season six, Dwight Schrute introduces his alter-ego, Recyclops, at a shareholders’ meeting and uses the character to celebrate Earth Day. That’s pure coincidence, Wise says.

“We love the association, but we own the copyright,” he says.

Rewind to 2013. Company founder Ryan Smith was a student at Brigham Young University and living in a multifamily housing community that didn’t offer recycling. Being the environmentally aware type, Smith decided to solve that by starting a business. “And his father was like, ‘That’s not a good idea, son,’” Wise says, “But they started with apartments that didn’t have recycling centers, and they did it the old-school way and bought big trucks. And that’s when he found out why his dad said it wasn’t a good idea. So they started looking into an Uber-like service. It started in Utah then expanded to Arizona and Texas.”

Wise came onboard about a year ago, when Recyclops decided to go nationwide.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Recyclops pays independent drivers to pick up recycling.

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!

Healthy, confident smiles make a difference

FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT...

MAKE YOUR SMILE MEMORABLE.

BRACES FOR ALL FACES

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

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS 910.371.2323

Winter 2021-22

55

And the drivers? They make about $25 an hour and are provided a company shirt in addition to the car decal.

“The good thing about the program is it’s basically a part-time gig, and people can do it generally on their own hours,” Wise says, “But we like it picked up at a certain time. So, they have flexibility and it usually only

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

“We found 120 different cities that cancelled their [recycling] programs in the last year or two,” he says. “The bottom line was it was too expensive.”

Leland residents can pay $12 per month for every-other-week pickups or $20 for weekly service. The company provides the bags and will make additional pick-ups if a client notifies that it’s needed.

takes about three or four hours. A person can do it every week or every other week. We like to have one driver per 45 homes.”

Wise says he’s spent about 10 years in the industry of environmental conservation, recently with Raleighbased WasteZero, a company focused on increasing residential recycling.

He’s familiar with the NMBY [Not in My Backyard] movement, which originated in the mid-1970s as people opposed construction of nuclearpowered generator stations and trash-burning facilities that would affect the environment and their quality of life.

“Recyclops is 100 percent focused on recycling,” Wise says. “We don’t take things [non-recyclable]. We guarantee that the material being collected is being recycled. People just have to understand the importance of recycling. We have to make sure we’re having an impact.” 

Want to know more?

Leland residents can learn more and sign up online at recyclops.com/leland.

56

North Brunswick Magazine

JEFF DOMIN & KAREN SCHWARTZ Broker/Owners of Domin & Schwartz Real Estate Group

©2021 RE/MAX LLC. All Rights Reserved. RE/MAX, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports the Fair Housing Act and Equal Opportunity Housing. Each office is Owned and Operated. RE/MAX and the RE/MAX logo are registered service marks owned by RE/MAX, LLC. Each sales representative and broker is responsible for complying with any consumer disclosure laws or regulations.

Winter 2021-22

57

YOUNG

GRUNGE

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

BY ANNESOPHIA RICHARDS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL RITENOUR

58

North Brunswick Magazine

M

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

The band consists of 16-year-old drummer Josh Cook, a sophomore at North Brunswick High; 20-year-old singer and Cape Fear Community College student Landon Clark; 16-year-old bass guitarist Owen Wasterval; and 15-year-old guitarist Nico Holt, both Laney High School students. Their music ranges from classic rock and heavy metal to modern day rock and original songs.

Audiomelt gained internet notoriety this past summer thanks to TikTok. A video posted of the band performing Alice in Chains’ “Would?” quickly went viral and garnered hundreds of thousands of views within hours. From there things exploded, and Audiomelt has been playing shows across the Cape Fear area, much to the delight of the band’s rapidly growing fan base.

Recently, North Brunswick Magazine spoke with Audiomelt about their new-found fame, their shared passion for music and future goals as a band.

Left to right: Nico Holt, guitar; Josh Cook, drums; Landon Clark, vocals; and Owen Wasterval, bass.

How did your relationship with music begin?

started to change that I really got into singing.

Cook: My dad, who also plays music, gave me

Holt: I started playing piano when I was eight

a snare drum when I was one year old, and when I started playing with it my parents noticed there was actually a beat to what I was doing. When I was two I got my first drum set, and around nine I started taking lessons.

That’s when I knew it was something I wanted to do professionally.

Clark: I started playing the guitar when I was about nine, and I liked to sing then, too, but never in front of anybody. It wasn’t until freshman year of high school when my voice

and then got into guitar at about ten years old, and I’ve been playing ever since.

Wasterval: Nico and I have been best friends since preschool. When he started playing guitar, I wanted to do it too. I was about 11 at the time and started taking lessons for about a year. The rest I just self-taught.

How did the band get started?

Cook: Owen and Nico had been jamming together and wanted to start a band, and so Winter 2021-22

59

then Nico found me though Instagram. The three of us played together instrumentally for a while, but we didn’t have a singer. I knew Landon was a singer, and so I invited him over one day last September. The four of us started playing together and all thought it was a great fit for us. We played a few shows, and then at the start of this year things really started happening, especially this past summer. It’s been a really great opportunity for all of us.

Can you describe your music?

Cook: We play a variety of hard rock and metal from the ’80s and ’90s, like Van Halen, Weezer and Alice in Chains, plus our own original music.

Holt: The music we’re

Holt: We practice together mostly on the weekends, which is kind of a treat for us because we love getting together as a group. We’ve learned that you just have to utilize your time because balancing is really all about being good with time management. If you’re not good at that, then something’s not going to work out.

Describe your fan base.

Clark: Our fans are really supportive, and we see a lot of familiar faces at our shows. We have a big mix of people, many of them in their 30s to 50s because a lot of what we play is the music they love from when they were teenagers themselves.

making is what we want to hear, but we each individually listen to a variety of music and pull in a lot of different inspirations. I think that’s what makes our original music so good.

Where did the name Audiomelt come from and what does it mean to you?

Wasterval: We were actually auditioning for the TV show Outer Banks, and they were looking for a background band. We didn’t have a name at the time, so we put up a poll on our Instagram for people to suggest name ideas, and one follower suggested Audiomelt.

Holt: We thought the name was cool because we’re a loud rock band and that’s the attitude we’re going for, even though we’re all super nice people.

How do you balance school and the band?

Cook: For me, balancing has been very simple. The only challenge has been finding time to practice during the week, because it doesn’t always work out if I have homework.

School is a priority and has to come first. We make it work and find time when we can, usually on the weekends, and we have fun with it.

60

North Brunswick Magazine

What do your parents think of what you’ve accomplished?

Cook: My parents absolutely love it, because they both love music. It makes my parents really proud and happy to see me doing the thing they also love.

Wasterval: Everybody’s been so supportive. The stuff we play is usually the music our parents grew up listening to, so of course they like it.

Holt: I think our parents are really happy we’re doing this instead of playing video games. All we do is practice all day and talk to each other. It’s what we love doing and our parents see that, so they’re really proud of us.

What are your plans for the future?

Cook: We plan to release an album in the next few months, and we hope that does well and we start playing bigger and better shows.

Down the line it would be cool to go on tour and travel around the U.S. or the world, but we know we’ve got to work our way up to the top.

Clark: If I could make music a career I absolutely would, but it’s a one in a million shot, so if not music then I hope to work in film and video production. I’m a huge fan of film making and the process behind it, and so I’d love to be a part of that.

Holt: Hopefully, my future is Audiomelt, but if that doesn’t go according to plan I’d love to do something in music production because I’ve had fun learning about it. But if Audiomelt doesn’t really pick up, we’re still going to play together no matter what, because we’re not doing it to get famous, we’re doing it to have fun. 

Want to hear

Your best friend.

Our best care.

Sign up for Pet Portal today on our website and manage your pet’s health online.

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

 910.371.3440  Emergency: 910.791.7387  508 Village Rd. Leland  LelandVetHospital.com

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

LELAND VETERINARY HOSPITAL

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.

AUDIOMELT? The band continues to play on multiple stages across the region, including repeat performances at Jacksonville’s Hooligans Pub and Music Hall, Seven Mile Post and Mad Katz Bar and Lounge in Wilmington, Cadillac Ranch in Leland and Seawitch Café and Tiki Bar in Carolina Beach. They also plan to perform soon in Myrtle Beach and are currently working on an album to be released in early 2022.

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

To see the band’s performing schedule, go to audiomelt.net.

Find them on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok @audiomelt

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

Winter 2021-22

61

Get Your Yard Into the Winter Spirit!

TurfMedicNC.com 910.769.2818

Landscape Management

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

an

d

62

North Brunswick Magazine

p ku

ide Pic bs

ut

Horticulture

Cur

Lawn Care

Takeo

Winter 2021-22

63

64

North Brunswick Magazine

SPORTS

Brave in the Attempt Two Brunswick County women will represent North Carolina at the Special Olympics USA Games next year.

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY ED BECKLEY

S

Special Olympics North Carolina State Games bocce gold medalists Katie Juda, 30, of Southport and Jill Meyer, 32, of Ocean Isle Beach are bringing their winning ways to Orlando, Florida, next spring, in an attempt to become national champions. They’re going first class on a donated private jet and will compete at the ESPN Center as TV cameras follow their action.

The two had no idea the organizers were going to choose Top: Katie Juda (left) and Jill Meyer. Bottom: them. Special Olympics North Juda and Meyer on the Special Olympics Carolina tipped off their parents winning podium in Charlotte in 2019.

Winter 2021-22

65

SEIDOKAN D O J O Teaching since 1969

Taxes don’t have to be frightening!

Depend on our experience to ease your mind this tax season.

Call Today for an Appointment because You don’t want Uncle Sam taking more than his share.

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

66

North Brunswick Magazine

Walk-ins welcome.

Mention this ad for a $30 discount on your individual return.

(Not to be combined with any other offer.)

The affordable CPA

Robert G. Merz, CPA, P.C. Tax Preparation, Accounting and Payroll, Tax Planning

108 Old Fayetteville Road | Leland, NC 28451

910-383-6644

SPORTS

Special Olympics Brunswick County team members and volunteers enjoy some downtime at a Special Olympics competition.

couldn’t help giving up even more tears when recollecting the moment.

“I’ve never been selected for anything before. I wasn’t expecting to be because I didn’t even know I was in the running for it. Somebody kept it a really big secret,” she says with an affectionately accusing smile pointed directly at her mother, Tracey Beltz.

Special Olympics is a year-round program supporting children and adults who have varied intellectual

“

and asked them to record their daughters’ reactions as they sat home watching the selection committee’s live-stream event on Facebook in August.

It was a happy shock, of course — excitement followed by clapping, cheering family members and, in the case of Meyer, a rainfall of tears. There are a hundred counties in the state and only four bocce players made it to nationals from North Carolina. Meyer

abilities. Eunice Kennedy Shriver started it as a day camp in her back yard on Cape Cod in the 1960s, and it has bloomed into an international organization of renown. Athletes can choose from many different sports, which give them opportunities to grow physically and socially, improve their overall quality of life and celebrate the joy of competition and inclusion, says Alyssa Coln, Brunswick County’s local coordinator for Special Olympics.

"Somebody kept it a really big secret,” she says with an affectionately accusing smile pointed directly at her mother.

Winter 2021-22

67

SPORTS

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

“I am so excited to see Jill and Katie in Orlando next June 5 to 12 competing for our state and county,” Coln says.

“They have both worked so hard to earn their spots on the state bocce team. Making it to the Special Olympics USA Games is a huge accomplishment, and I cannot wait to see what both athletes achieve there.”

The USA Games will unite more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean. It will take 20,000 volunteers to make it happen, and organizers expect 125,000 spectators.

Juda has been playing bocce for many years and learned at family get-togethers. She’s only been playing one year competitively. Meyer, who is the captain of the Brunswick bocce team, started three years ago when friends at Brunswick Community College asked her to give it a try.

Juda’s mother, Diane Juda, is their bocce coach, and the women attribute their prowess to her. While they are confident in their abilities, they know they need to up their game to win in Orlando.

Coach Diane will receive a training schedule from the state head coach, and they’ll probably practice in person once a week.

The athlete’s credo in Special Olympics is, “Let me win,

Local Special Olympics coordinator Alyssa Coln explains that there are hundreds of people in our county who have a variety of intellectual abilities, and Special Olympics has a long way to go to meet the needs of the population. The program can provide as many as 25 sports in a community, but currently only offers bocce, tennis, volleyball, bowling and pickleball (as an exhibition sport).

Special Olympics Brunswick County desperately needs adults older than age 18 to take on roles as coaches and sports assistants. Training is free, and even if you have never coached or assisted before, you can learn.

“We are always looking for more athletes, coaches, assistants and volunteers,” Coln says. “And we want to expand the number of sports here, so there is something everybody can participate in and enjoy.”

To learn more about Special Olympics sports competitions and how to be involved, go to sonc.net.

Then reach out to Coln at brunswick@sonc.net or (910) 253-2679.

68

North Brunswick Magazine

Katie Juda playing bocce.

SPORTS

but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” This is not cut-throat competition. It truly is loving, caring, competitive sportsmanship, Meyer’s mother, Beltz explains. “It’s fun. I like that we are able to go up against each other, and an opportunity to meet each other and getting to meet more friends,” Meyer adds.

Special Olympics is not only about sports, however. Sports are the leverage for the development of the human spirit, the parents note, and their daughters concur. They bring up the sense of teamwork, which is so important in life. Tracey says it is also about leveling the playing field and enabling what it feels like to succeed. Success breeds confidence, which makes one braver to try new things. Special Olympics also fosters compassion.

Meyer, for instance, has learned some sign language to help people who are hearing-impaired. A “signer” who was scheduled to assist one such bocce competitor at state games did not arrive in time. The athlete kept faulting, and nobody could tell her what she was doing wrong. Meyer was upset about it but knew enough sign language to calm her and cheer her, and it made a difference. Special Olympics athletes also learn the value of hard work, “stick-to-itiveness,” the importance of practice and experience, pride in a job well done and how to properly interact with others.

Juda says, “I’ve learned to be nice and patient to people and make new friends. Getting along with others gives me joy.” Her attitude and temperament have benefited her in real time. She now has a paid food service worker job in one of the Brunswick Community College cafeterias.

While the athletes are excited

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

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

JOY TO THE WORLD!

JOIN US

in worship this Lenten Season

Sundays: 10am Ash Wednesday: March 2nd 497 Olde Waterford Way Ste 205 (upstairs) thebridgepres.org 910.769.4951 Dr. Doug Cushing, Pastor Winter 2021-22

69

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 covered parking spaces are 12’ x 35’ feet with 30-amp or 110-amp electrical service. We also have a wash-down and dump staaon on site.

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

Paved, uncovered parking spaces also available.

Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm • Saturday, 8am-2pm

Angie Wilkie Team named 2020 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

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED Multi-Million Dollar Producer Serving the Carolinas for 19 Years 70

North Brunswick Magazine

SNIPPET

The Bluffs Annual Property Owner Weekend hors d’oeuvres were provided by Coastal Catering, and festive live jazz music filled the air, thanks to the Duke Ladd Trio. The gathering was followed by a well-attended and

informative annual meeting. All in attendance look forward to another opportunity to mingle with owners and future residents next year.

PHOTOS BY LEMONSTRIPE PHOTOGRAPHY

 The Bluffs annual Property Owner Weekend was a big success in 2021. Owners gathered to enjoy an outdoor holiday celebration at the neighborhood Clubhouse. Delicious

Winter 2021-22

71

2021 Entrepreneur of the Year North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce

Featuring

LOCAL ARTISTS’ WORKS Natalie Abbot Tom Butler Jan Epstein Susan Fishbein KD Morris Terry Rosenfelder K atie Samsel J. Lance Strickland Ronald Williams Eduardo Larocca

324 Village Rd Unit C Leland, NC 28451 katiesamselart@gmail.com 910.408.1757 

BRUNSWICK

NEW HOMES & REAL ESTATE

ADVERTISE IN Brunswick County’s Premiere New Home & Real Estate Source

(910) 207-0156 info@CarolinaMarketingCompany.com 72

North Brunswick Magazine

Great scholarship and financial aid options Success Coaches to help keep you on track Online and in-person classes

brunswickcc.edu

SNIPPET

Town of Leland to Open Loblolly Park

by Ashley L. Hafer

 Soon there will be a new park in North Brunswick County — the Town of Leland’s Loblolly Park off Kay Todd Road in Brunswick Forest.

Wyatt Richardson, director of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Leland, says the park has been well thought out and meticulously planned. His department considered the needs and wants of the community through surveys, an advisory board and meetings with public officials, and many people are contributing to making this dream a reality for the community.

The 32-acre Loblolly Park project is currently considered a three-phase plan but could possibly have other levels added to it over time. The park is easily

accessible off the main entrance of U.S. Highway 17 and soon will have a connecting road from the roundabout near the Brunswick Forest water tower. The park will offer multiple outdoor and sports related attractions as well as all amenities needed and required, such as ADA parking and accessibility and restroom facilities.

The park will offer lengthy walking trails surrounded by beautiful nature and wildlife and will possibly host

events and programs in the future.

For more information about parks in the North Brunswick area, visit the town’s website townofleland.com and go to Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources for the events, happenings and news.

PHOTOS BY MARK STEELMAN

Town of Leland’s Loblolly Park off Kay Todd Road in Brunswick Forest is outlined in green. Town of Leland Operations Services Director Wyatt Richardson (left) and Project Manager Will Lear demonstrate the planned disc golf course on the site.

Winter 2021-22

73

YOUR DREAM HOME IS IN OUR SHOWROOM

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

SNIPPET

Leland Trunk or Treat  The annual Leland Trunk or Treat took place on Saturday, October 30 in Founders Park. Lots of ghouls and goblins came out with their parents to attend the event, and local businesses and community organizations were on site passing out candy from their decorated vehicles. This Town of Leland event was free to attend. Each year it gets bigger and bigger so look for this event to take place next year around Halloween.

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

MENTION THIS AD

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

IN THE SHOWROOM AND RECEIVE

10% OFF!

BACK ROW: Justin Milliken

(nephew of Edna and Alton, son of Jamie)

Al Milliken

(son of Edna and Alton)

Jamie Milliken

(son of Edna and Alton)

SHA L LOT T E

·

SOUTH PORT

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

74

North Brunswick Magazine

·

910.754.6000

SNIPPET

Leland Homecoming Celebrates Community

PHOTOS BY BILL RITENOUR

 New, lifelong and former residents gathered for the Leland Homecoming at Founders Park on November 13. After a year of not being able to host events due to the ongoing pandemic, the Town of Leland decided to host a fall event to bring the community back together. Leland Homecoming was a time to celebrate the people in the town, whether they’re from here originally or have chosen to make it home. Attendees brought their friends and family, made new friends and spent time with one another celebrating the roots of Leland.

The event featured live music from performers with ties to the area, including The Graes, who are from Wilmington, and The Hatch Brothers, who are from the Leland area.

Other activities included a community art project, games and fireworks. Several food trucks were on site including Poor Piggy’s, T’Geaux Boys, Tasty Tee’s Snack Shack, Jabba Creations, Snowies of the Carolinas and Dixieland Kettle Corn.

Winter 2021-22

75

Trinity Wellness Center

I

Chris McKinley, PA-C

Tom Mathew, MD and Anne Mathew MD, founders

Sarah Mylott, IV nurse 76

North Brunswick Magazine

t’s well documented that our mental health and physical well-being go hand in hand, and that’s what Trinity Wellness Center in Leland is all about.

The word “holistic” is more than a trendy buzzword at the practice’s Leland facility, which opened in 2020 in the midst of the COVID pandemic — a time filled with stress for everyone.

The center advertises “a unique variety of treatments and services” that blend innovative methods from Asia and the West for people ranging from those with serious mental-health issues to those who just sense that there’s a way to feel better for their own good and those around them.

For Chris McKinley, a physician assistant who sees patients in the Leland office, the key is to successfully treat root causes, not just symptoms.

“We do what’s called functional psychiatry,” says McKinley, a former EMT and Navy SEAL combat medic.

“Today, medicine turns into symptom chasing. You put a bandage on the problem. We are a functional or precision office and a place for wellness. That’s why we call our practice Trinity. It’s body, mind and spirit.”

Services go beyond typical counseling sessions and, depending on the patient, might involve hormone replacement therapy; intravenous ketamine to treat depression, migraines or PTSD; Botox for mental health; treatments for memory issues; and vitamin injections.

Patients also hear strong messages on better lifestyle choices such as improving diet, like avoiding too many carbohydrates and processed foods.

In many cases, early steps involve lab work and counseling to determine how to stop the cycle of taking so many prescription medications that often domino as new meds are needed to treat the side effects of the earlier ones. For patients in genuine need of prescription medication, the goal is

Business Profile

BY DENNIS HETZEL

the best drug and lowest dosage to treat the symptoms, while the Trinity team works on ways to attack the root causes.

Originally from northeast Ohio, McKinley did multiple tours in Africa and Afghanistan as well as government contract work after leaving the Navy.

Before he enlisted, he was a paramedic and grew up with parents who ran a natural food store.

He describes a strong bond with Dr. R. Thomas Mathew, the psychiatrist and medical director who founded the original Trinity Wellness Center in Wilmington in 2005. The center also has an office in Hillsborough.

On the center’s website, Mathew notes how he got involved in functional, holistic medicine to help his wife address years of debilitating joint pain, and it was this approach beyond the norms of traditional medicine that helped her the most. Mathew said it took 15 years to discover her immune system was reacting to mold.

McKinley understands such challenges. He faced spinal surgery after a severe injury in 2003, and doctors said he might spend his life in a wheelchair. Like a true SEAL, he didn’t accept that answer, went through successful rehab and studied at Cleveland State University and the Cleveland Clinic to become a physician assistant.

McKinley met Mathew in 2019. He went through a tryout process that led to him learning various aspects of the practice and working with Mathew to develop the idea to open the wellness center in fast-growing Leland in 2020.

The center accepts most major health insurance plans and Medicare patients. The center does not accept Medicaid patients.

Trinity Wellness Center 1003 Old Waterford Way, Suite 1C, Leland, (910) 769-5004; thetrinitywellnesscenter.com

Domin & Schwartz Real Estate Group

D

omin & Schwartz Real Estate Group with RE/MAX Executive is a top-producing, full-service real estate team that works with home buyers and sellers all over southeastern North Carolina. Creating an extraordinary experience for their clients is their mission, and they achieve that through knowledge, integrity, personal attention and teamwork. Their team concept is what really makes Domin & Schwartz unique in the industry.

It is uncommon in real estate for two teams to come together as one, but that is what Jeff Domin and Karen Schwartz set out to do. The Realtor®/brokers worked in the same office and found they could offer their clients and agents more if they worked together. They not only merged, but also brought along their entire teams.

“We worked side by side for 11 or 12 years, and we had similar business practices, so it was a natural fit,” Domin says. “We knew we each brought something unique to the merger.”

Schwartz agrees: “Jeff is really good at managing the team and coaching our agents. My strong suit is in sales and marketing. We feed off each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”

Part of Domin’s management strategy is making sure their agents have all the tools they need to succeed. They host lunch-and-learn sessions, workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions.

The Domin & Schwartz Real Estate Group is made up of eight agents, an office administrator, an office assistant and a marketing director. What sets this team apart is the diverse personalities, backgrounds and strengths of their agents to assist clients and their individual real estate goals.

Their other differentiator is a dedicated in-house marketing director. Daria Utz is not only a graphic designer, but also a social media and brand manager.

Business Profile

BY MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN

“It’s a huge job, and she does it all,” Schwartz says. “One example is that recently she merged our logo with the RE/MAX Executive logo perfectly. The logo even received high praises from the corporate office.”

The positive experience of working as a team has residual value for Domin & Schwartz’s clients. They have an entire team ensuring a smooth transaction and a positive experience. A big perk is that all of their clients have access to a hand-picked vendor database. This includes financing, movers, insurance companies and even home organizers; anything a client needs from start to finish for a sales transaction, Domin & Schwartz Real Estate Group can provide.

“We do an excellent job at making sure every t is crossed and every i is dotted,” Domin says. “This makes for a great buying experience.”

When sellers work with Domin & Schwartz Real Estate group, they also receive free advice from the team’s staging partner, who will spend time with the client going through their entire home to get it ready for photos.

“We do everything possible to ensure our clients get top dollar for their home,” Domin says. “With some properties receiving multiple offers right now, we still ensure that a home is 100% ready for sale and it outshines comparable homes on the market. Each property receives a full-service marketing strategy plan, no matter what kind of market we are in.”

Domin & Schwartz Real Estate Group occupies the Leland RE/MAX Executive office that just opened to better serve Brunswick County clients. They also have agents in the Wilmington area.

Domin & Schwartz Real Estate Group (910) 202-3638 livingbythecoast.com

Winter 2021-22

77

Advanced Urology

Business Profile

Center for Robotic Surgery

BY JOAN LEOTTA

Dr. Roc McCarthy

U

rology is the branch of medicine that focuses on surgical and medical diseases of the male and female urinarytract system and the male reproductive organs. Whiteville in Columbus County and Leland in Brunswick County are home to Advanced Urology treatment centers, both of which are now part of the Columbus Regional Health Network and managed by Atrium Health.

The urology practice in Whiteville opened in 1980, was purchased by Columbus Regional Healthcare System in 2009 and expanded into Leland on June 1, 2021.

Dr. Roc McCarthy, team leader and a surgeon who has served in the area for the past 12 years, says, “We treat patients with just about all urological disorders from kidney stones to enlargement of the prostate, urinary incontinence to urologic cancers such as bladder, kidney and prostate.”

McCarthy notes that the practice has the latest technology available to date, including the surgical robotic systems, DaVinci Xi and DaVinci X. “Coming in January, we’ll be the first in the region to offer MRI fusion prostate biopsy,” he says.

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, McCarthy says, “We have been fortunate to be able to meet the care needs of our urological patients without limiting services. We have learned from each surge and have plans in place to continue meeting the needs of our patients and provide treatment.”

Dr. McCarthy also provides second opinions in addition to offering treatment.

The compassion and care shown to individual patients translate into community service as well. The Columbus Regional Health Network, which includes all of its practices, sponsors multiple community events, civic organizations, schools and sports and works with multiple nonprofits.

Specifically, Advanced Urology sponsors the annual Honeybee Festival in downtown Whiteville, which is an event to raise awareness on prostate cancer. A. C. Cutler, son of a beekeeper

78

North Brunswick Magazine

who had prostate cancer, started the festival. Cutler says on the festival website, “At first, my goal was to help my family put together a small celebration after church and invite his bee club to attend.” Then the festival grew and has become an annual event in Whiteville.

Expanding the urology service into Leland this past year gives the practice the ability to treat more patients. Along with McCarthy, the most experienced urologic robotic surgeon in southeastern North Carolina, Tim Marine, PA-C, is integral to the practice.

The practice welcomes all new patients.

“While we may not be as large as other hospitals in our area, we see this as a plus,” McCarthy says. “The one-on-one, individualized patient care you’ll receive at Columbus Regional’s Center for Robotic Surgery sets us apart from other systems.

The technology you would find at any of the larger hospitals in North Carolina, and sometimes technology you wouldn’t find in those places, brings us to our tagline: “Patient First. Technology Forward.” If anyone is having any type of urologic problem, we are happy to see them.”

Advanced Urology Leland 144 Poole Road, Leland (910) 641-8650 Advanced Urology Whiteville 320 Jefferson Street, Whiteville (910) 642-5832 crhealthcare.org/locations/advanced-urology/

FACES & PLACES

Veterans Day Breakfast November 11 at Leland Cultural Center

North Brunswick High School JROTC Color Guard, MaMya Montgomery, Braxton Johnson, Delilah Perez, Sierra Suerken

Brenda Trott on piano

PHOTOS BY BILL RITENOUR

Jeff Moss, owner of College H.U.N.K.S. in Leland, U.S. Army veteran and recipient of the Bronze Star

Jeff Moss, Connie and Scott Reeves

Chance Lambeth, Leland Mayor Brenda Bozeman and Congressman David Rouzer

Navy veterans George Speer and Mike Rush

Jayne Kipke and Lisa Skillen Winter 2021-22

79

FACES & PLACES

4 Ever 24 Fit’s 10th Anniversary Celebration

80

Emily Miller, Deb Pickett, Rocco Campagna, Heather Evans

Thomas and Mario Rossi

Bob and Donna Rudolph, Frank Ragazzo, Deborah and Jerry Palazzo

Ann Todd, Deb Swanson, Erika Wilson

Peggy Mapson and Sara Tudor

Sandra Wall, Stephanie and Lily Long

North Brunswick Magazine

PHOTOS BY BILL RITENOUR

November 10 in Leland

ADVERTISERS INDEX Advertiser

Phone# Page#

Advertiser

Phone# Page#

4ever24fit................................................................................910-399-4760 80

Katie’s Art & Frame..............................................................910-408-1757 72

AA Self Storage................................................................... 910-408-1600 70

Kingfish Bay Developers................................................... 910-579-4657 7

Advanced Orthopedics...................................................... 910-641-8650 IBC

Legacy Homes by Bill Clark................................................910-550-1167 43

Advanced Urology............................................................... 910-641-8670 78

Leland Ace Hardware......................................................... 910-383-6688 43

Aesthetic Dentistry.............................................................. 910-371-5965 9

Leland Smoke House.........................................................910-228-5008 57

Angie Wilkie — Keller Williams........................................910-777-7945 70

Leland Veterinary Hospital...............................................910-371-3440 61

ATMC........................................................................................... 844-755-1814 14

Local’s Tavern......................................................................... 910-769-1289 43

Bianchi Brickyard Supply.................................................. 910-253-7663 19

McPherson’s Acme General...........................................910-655-4006 51

BlueWave Dentistry............................................................. 910-383-2615 20 & 21

Mulch & More......................................................................... 910-253-7663 19

Brunswick Community College..................................... 910-755-7300 72

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

Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation........... 910-754-4391 34

Niche. Décor & Gifts........................................................... 910-769-8839 63

Brunswick Forest Veterinary Hospital......................... 910-777-2107 81

North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce.................910-383-0553 66

Capeside Animal Hospital................................................. 910-383-2100 46

North Brunswick Chiropractic ........................................ 910-371-1200 39

Cherubini Orthodontics.......................................................910-371-2323 55

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

Coastal Insurance................................................................. 910-754-4326 36

PC Solutions............................................................................. 910-371-5999 14

Coastal Integrative Health.................................................910-408-1778 30

PODS..........................................................................................910-452-0322 56

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage........................... 910-371-1181 3

P.T.’s Olde Fashioned Grille............................................ 910-399-6808 62

CommWell Health................................................................ 877-935-5255 48

Rhodes Law Offices, PLLC................................................910-383-3610 45

Compass Pointe.....................................................................888-717-6468 17

Robert G. Merz, CPA, P.C.................................................. 910-383-6644 66

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

5

Sandpiper Pediatrics......................................................... 910-207-0777 48

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

64

Sean Skutnik, Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage............................................................910-279-1016 12

Curley Implants & General Dentistry........................... 910-463-2267 IFC Dimock, Weinberg & Cherry Coastal Carolina Pediatric Dentistry............................ 910-794-2266 12 Domin & Schwartz Real Estate Group.........................910-202-3638

15, BC

Seaside Wellness of Shallotte.........................................910-754-2273 39 Seidokan Karate.....................................................................910-616-7470 66

57, 77

Shallotte Electric Stores................................................. 910-754-6000 74

EmergeOrtho........................................................................ 910-332-3800 4

Signature Wealth Strategies............................................910-371-0366 39

Farm Bureau Insurance......................................................... 910-371-2111 46

Splish Splash Dog Wash.................................................... 910-399-3426 46

First Bank................................................................................. 910-383-3955 6

Swell Vision Center............................................................... 910-408-1116 45

Four Seasons Dry Cleaners.............................................. 910-859-8394 48

Thalian Association Community Theatre..................... 910-251-1788 62

Franklin Rouse — State Farm Insurance...................... 910-371-5446 61

The Bluffs................................................................................910-383-2820 13

Go Store It..................................................................................910-371-2331 45

The Bridge Presbyterian Church.................................... 910-769-4951 69

H2GO.................................................................................................................... 51

Triad Power Wash LLC...................................................... 910-599-7798 72

Home James Realty............................................................ 910-524-2564 63

Trinity Wellness Center....................................................910-769-5004 76

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

Troy Williamson — Cornerstone Home Lending..... 910-262-2613 51

Intracoastal Realty Corporation.................................... 910-201-2200 11

Trusst Builder Group.......................................................... 910-371-0304 26

J & K Home Furnishings.....................................................843-249-1882 22 & 23

Turf Medic................................................................................ 910-769-2818 62

Josh London — State Farm Insurance......................... 910-383-1303 61

UPS Store..................................................................................910-383-1401 55

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

Winter 2021-22

81

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

Photo captured by Tina Vucci

HAVE YOU CAPTURED THE MOMENT? If so, email your photos to capture@northbrunswickmagazine.com.

82

North Brunswick Magazine

TAKE CONTROL

OF YOUR

SHOULDER

PAIN

Services + Treatments • Robotically-Assisted Total Knee Replacement • Hip Replacement • Shoulder Replacement

Joseph B. Norris, MD

• Dislocations, Ligament + Tendon Tears, Hyperextension • Minimally Invasive, Arthroscopic Surgery • Sprains, Strains + Fractures • Meniscus Damage + Contusions

Dr. Joseph Norris has spent a career alleviating shoulder pain and improving mobility through shoulder joint replacement surgery. He has immediate appointment

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

availability at Advanced Orthopedics in Leland, NC.

Schedule Your Appointment:

910-641-8670

509 Olde Waterford Way Suite 102, Leland, NC 28451 | 910-641-8670 Winter 2021-22

83

Remarkable means

Revolutionizing stroke care to get patients to life-saving treatment faster.

Novant Health and New Hanover Regional Medical Center have introduced a new way of using artificial intelligence to detect strokes earlier so critical time-sensitive treatment can begin sooner.

It’s just one of the ways we’re working together so you can expect more.

Expect Remarkable Learn more at NovantHealth.org/NHRMC.