North Brunswick Magazine - Fall 2018 Edition

Fall 2018

IN STONEY CREEK PLANTATION

C O M PL IM E N TA RY

UNTAPPD UNCOVERED

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TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

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HURRICANE FLORENCE IMPACTS LELAND

Healthier, Together Leading our community to outstanding health means more than taking care of you when you’re sick. It means finding new ways to partner with you to improve your health — and the health of our community.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

D FEATURES

FEATURES

FALL 2018 D VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1

62

PHOTO BY AMY CONRY DAVIS

62 BEHIND THE BUBBLES

82 SHARKS TOOTH ISLAND

68 MEMORIES AND

89 BUSINESS SAVVY

The vibrant culture of Wilmington’s most sippable software company, Untappd, and what it means for Wilmington’s thriving beer scene.

By Fanny Slater

MASTERPIECES

Retailing wizards Tucker and Jennifer McGeoy take their cue from the community to transform their Winnabow storefront while expanding their online toy store.

By Olivia Bardella

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North Brunswick Magazine

PHOTO BY AMY CONRY DAVIS

The Long family brings people together for creative fun at Wine & Design Leland.

By Kharin Gibson

Fossils, artifacts and, yes, shark teeth are waiting to be discovered at this island in the Cape Fear River.

By Emily Page Lockamy

IT’S TIME. TRANSFER TO UNCW. Soar into academic excellence. Dive deep into research, internships, and applied learning. Discover a new community and a beautiful campus—while staying close to home and within your budget. Imagine yourself joining the Seahawk family: small classes, big ideas, and constant innovation.

UNC Wilmington offers 55 undergraduate majors and accepts up to 64 hours of credit from two-year institutions. Contact Leigh Smith, the Transfer Student Success Advisor dedicated to Brunswick County students, with questions about how to take flight at UNCW. For Spring admission, apply before October 15th.

Leigh Smith smithml@uncw.edu 910-962-7200

601 South College Road | Wilmington, NC 28403-5904 tel 910.962.3243 | admissions@uncw.edu uncw.edu/admissions

UNCW is an EEO/AA institution. Questions regarding UNCW’s Title IX compliance should be directed to TitleIX@uncw.edu.

Fall 2018

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

By Justin Williams

18 CONTRIBUTORS

Meet the contributors to North Brunswick Magazine

30 WHAT’S HAPPENING

Upcoming events you won’t want to miss

35 BUSINESS BUZZ

Keeping up with the local business scene

93 BUSINESS PROFILES

Grey Outdoor, LLC; Emerge Ortho; College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk and Moving; and Cape Fear Seafood.

By Johanna Colburn and Annesophia Richards

106 FACES & PLACES

120 CAPTURE THE MOMENT

113 WHAT’S HAPPENED

What’s been going on around town

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North Brunswick Magazine

What you’ll find in the Fall 2018 edition of our sister publication, South Brunswick Magazine.

121 AD INDEX

43 SPIRITS

Our directory of advertisers

Sweet Tea Punch

By Sandi Grigg

DEPARTMENTS

44 WHAT’S COOKIN’

21 HURRICANE FLORENCE

Grilled Bourbon Beef Tenderloin

By Sandi Grigg

The historic storm that made landfall on September 14 impacted our community in a major way. We provide you with some resources on what to do next and how you can help and get perspective from District 5 Brunswick County Commissioner Frank Williams. Ed Beckley shares his experience from a day of volunteering with Brunswick Family Assistance, and we speak to Randi Jo and Brandon Rooks from Stoney Creek Plantation, where 44 homes flooded as a result of Hurricane Florence.

By Jamie Lynn Miller, Ed Beckley, Annesophia Richards, Allison Barrett Carter

Business After Hours at the Chamber, including. College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving ribbon cutting and The Bridge Presbyterian Church, Last Chance for White Pants Gala, North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce 2018 Annual Banquet

43 41 SOUTHBOUND

A contest for NBM readers.

Photo by Melissa Morgan

47 EDUCATION

Meet a handful of the many educators who work tirelessly for the betterment of local students, the Teachers of the Year for the schools in northern Brunswick County.

By Allison Barrett Carter

73 AROUND TOWN

A graduate of Leadership Brunswick County shares her insider’s perspective of the nine-month program.

By Allison Barrett Carter

77 NONPROFIT

21

PHOTO BY MATT MCGRAW

16 PUBLISHER’S NOTE

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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

IN EVERY ISSUE

PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ

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D IN EVERY ISSUE D DEPARTMENTS

A group of volunteers at The Bridge Presbyterian Church in Leland are transforming single-use plastic grocery bags into sleeping mats for the homeless.

By Jamie Lynn Miller

101 SNIPPETS

Happenings on the local scene

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Fall 2018 © Novant Health, Inc. 2018 7/18 • ECA-317200

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North Brunswick Magazine – Fall 2018 Volume 13, Issue 1 CEO/PUBLISHER: Justin Williams DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Sandi Grigg MANAGING EDITOR: Allison Barrett Carter COPY EDITOR: Molly Harrison

CONTRIBUTING GRAPHICS: Paula Knorr Teresa Kramer

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Lee Ann Bolton George Jacob CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Allison Barrett Carter Ed Beckley Amy Conry Davis Megan Deitz Tom Dorgan Jennifer Fullagar Laura Glantz Sandi Grigg Wendy Hunt Matt McGraw Bill Ritenour Mark Steelman James Stefiuk

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Allison Barrett Carter Ed Beckley Olivia Bardella Johanna Colburn Kharin Gibson Sandi Grigg Emily Page Lockamy Jo Ann Mathews Jamie Lynn Miller Annesophia Richards Fanny Slater Melissa Slaven Warren

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

© 2018 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: Fall 2018

IN STONEY CREEK PLANTATION

C O M PL IM E N TA RY

UNTAPPD UNCOVERED

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North Brunswick Magazine

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TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

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HURRICANE FLORENCE IMPACTS LELAND

Hurricane Florence was an unwelcome guest in Brunswick County, leaving behind a wave of flooding and destruction. If there’s one positive thing that Florence brought to Brunswick County, it’s a sense of community pride and togetherness. The residents of Stoney Creek Plantation are proof of that. Matt McGraw captured our cover shot and the photos for the story about Stoney Creek Plantation, which begins on page 24.

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NHRMC Urgent Care 112 Medical Village Drive, Ste. G, Wallace 910.285.0333

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Coastal Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility 2221 S. 17th Street, Wilmington 910.815.5090 Glen Meade Center for Women’s Health 1809 Glen Meade Road, Wilmington 1333 S. Dickinson Drive, Leland 510 Carolina Bay Drive, Wilmington 910.763.9833

NHRMC Physician Specialists— OB/GYN Specialists 2150 Shipyard Boulevard, Wilmington 910.662.9300

ONCOLOGY Cape Fear Cancer Specialists 509 Olde Waterford Way, Leland 910.343.0447 NHRMC Zimmer Cancer Center 2131 S. 17th Street, Wilmington 910.667.3000 New Hanover Gynecologic Oncology NHRMC Zimmer Cancer Center 2131 S. 17th Street, Wilmington 910.667.3000 Onslow Oncology 221 Memorial Drive, Jacksonville 910.455.5511

PSYCHIATRY New Hanover Psychiatry NHRMC Behavioral Health Hospital 2131 S. 17th Street, Wilmington 910.815.5625

PULMONARY MEDICINE Coastal Pulmonary Medicine 1090 Medical Center Drive, Wilmington 330 Military Cutoff Road, Unit B1, Wilmington 910.343.3345

RHEUMATOLOGY NHRMC Physician Group Rheumatology 1509 Doctors Circle, Bldg. C, Wilmington 1814 New Hanover Medical Park Drive, Wilmington 1333 S. Dickinson Drive, Leland 910.662.7550

SURGERY NHRMC Physician Specialists— General Surgery Specialists 1725 New Hanover Medical Park Drive, Wilmington 910.662.9300

NHRMC Physician Specialists— Maxillofacial Surgery

1725 New Hanover Medical Park Drive, Wilmington 2000 Brabham Avenue, Jacksonville 910.662.9331 Pediatric Surgery 2131 S. 17th Street, Wilmington 910.667.6819

UROLOGY Atlantic Urology 1333 S. Dickinson Drive, Leland 910.254.1033 1814 New Hanover Medical Park Drive, Wilmington 910.662.8765 3009 Medical Plaza Lane, Southport 910.662.8765 2000 Brabham Avenue, Jacksonville 910.376.3025

HOSPITALISTS New Hanover Regional Hospitalists 2131 S. 17th Street, Wilmington

Welcoming new patients Leading Our Community to Outstanding Health

nhrmcphysiciangroup.org Fall 2018

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14 NORTH BRUNSWICK

NBM M A G A Z I N E Reader/Advertising Services Subscriptions Want to subscribe to NBM? Subscriptions are $15.99 per year and include 4 issues of NBM. Subscribe safely online using PayPal, credit or debit card at NorthBrunswickMagazine.com/subscribe.

Call our office at (910) 207-0156 or email us at subscribe@NorthBrunswickMagazine.com to request a subscription.

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

Letters We welcome your letters and comments about NBM. Send your letters to PO Box 1361, Leland, NC 28451 or email them to info@NorthBrunswickMagazine.com. When sending your letters, keep in mind they may or may not be published in a future issue of NBM. The publisher reserves the right to make the final decision.

Writing Opportunities We are always willing to consider freelance writers and article ideas. Please send suggestions or inquiries to North Brunswick Magazine, Attn: Editor, PO Box 1361, Leland, NC 28451. Or email us at edit@NorthBrunswickMagazine.com.

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

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

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

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North Brunswick Brunswick Magazine Magazine North

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Thank you for taking the time to read the fall issue of North Brunswick Magazine! I hope sitting down with this issue provides some enjoyable moments of diversion from all the stress we’ve been experiencing around here lately. One of the most devastating storms to ever hit North Carolina, Hurricane Florence wreaked havoc on Brunswick County and southeastern North Carolina, and it’s really taken its toll on all of us. From watching the storm approach and evacuating to the heartache of seeing such destruction and the misery of cleaning up the mess, September was a tough month, and there’s a lot more cleanup and rebuilding to come.

Here at North Brunswick Magazine, we were very fortunate that our only storm-related problem has been a delayed magazine. Just as we were about to go to the printer, the storm hit. But a printing delay is nothing compared to what some our neighbors are experiencing. Some people lost everything due to flooding and are facing an enormous battle to rebuild their lives. Some are still living in homes with leaky roofs and damages. Many are experiencing severe financial hardships due to lost work and storm expenses. Now is the time for all of us to play our part in helping others. The need is going to be here for quite some time, and anything you can do — whether its donating time, money, food or supplies to various local organizations — will go a long way to those who need help. And remember, a little goes a long way if we all pitch in.

Inside the edition you’ll find some hurricane-related information, including an interview with District 5 Brunswick County Commissioner Frank Williams, a story about Brunswick Family Assistance and how they immediately stepped up to offer relief and a interview with residents of Stoney Creek Plantation, which had 45 flooded homes. We also offer information on how

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Visiting with the Stoney Creek residents who lost their homes in the flood was an eye-opening experience and inspired us to get the word out about how to help them.

to help and where to volunteer.

Other stories in this edition include success stories about local businesses like Untappd, Tucker’s Toy Shop/Town Creek Trading Post and Wine & Design of Leland. We introduce you to a group of people who are helping the homeless in a unique way and to all of the teachers of the year in North Brunswick County. Again, thank you for reading North Brunswick Magazine.

We appreciate our community more than ever!

Justin Williams CEO/Publisher Publisher@NorthBrunswickMagazine.com

PHOTO BY MATT MCGRAW

Moving Forward After Flo

A SIGN OF SUCCESS

Your Hometown Favorite for 42 Years

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Fall 2018

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CONTRIBUTORS

Fanny Slater CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I am a home-taught food enthusiast with a passion for storytelling and licking the plate. I recently won The Rachael Ray Great American Cookbook Competition, I’m a regular guest on The Rachael Ray Show, and I’ve been featured in Rachael Ray Every Day. I’m a local food writer and restaurant critic, and my company Fanfare specializes in shooting playful cooking videos for recipe development partners, food writing and sassy social media eats. I cook “comfort foods in a tuxedo”— eclectic twists on familiar favorites. Get your Fanny in the kitchen at www. fannyslater.com and @fannyslater

Kharin Gibson CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I am a local freelance writer. I write and edit content for St. James Living and Brunswick Forest Living magazines. I have a B.S. degree in communications and a masters of international business. I enjoy blogging about food and wine.

Olivia Bardella CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I enjoy telling people’s stories through journalism and have been writing for magazines and newspapers since 2009. I got my start in journalism as a columnist for my Maryland hometown’s news journal, and my experience has gone on to include copy editing and proofreading, being the editor-in-chief of my alma mater’s student newspaper, interning as the assistant editor with a regional magazine and writing dining reviews. I hold a degree in philosophy and a minor in journalism from Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio, where I met my husband. We recently married and moved to North Carolina and are enjoying what the South has to offer with its beautiful coastlines and charming locals.

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North Brunswick Magazine

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North Brunswick Magazine

HURRICANE FLORENCE

Coming Back Stronger Discussing Florence with Brunswick County Commissioner Frank Williams.

BY ANNESOPHIA RICHARDS

people want to help, but they need to know what we need.”

IN THE WAKE OF HURRICANE FLORENCE, Williams acknowledges that the recovery process will take Brunswick County’s leaders are focusing all efforts on the time. Although there’s no quick fix for Florence’s aftermath, area’s recovery and restoration. The slow-moving storm’s residents should know that their town and county leaders record rainfall left much of the county flooded and isolated, will continue to dedicate their efforts to restoration for as challenges that Brunswick County Commissioners Chairman Frank Williams says were unforeseeable.

“The flooding after the storm essentially cut this county into three separate islands, and you couldn’t get back and forth from one to the other,” he says. “Supplies, groceries and gasoline were hard to come by. Our staff, the sheriff ’s office, first responders and police department did a tremendous job of trying to plan for this, but you can’t plan for the unprecedented.”

Now that the flooding has receded, Williams says the county is in damage assessment mode. A top priority is evaluating how to assist the many residents left without flood insurance because their homes were not in a floodplain. Another goal is continuing to organize and utilize the many volunteer efforts that have poured into the county.

“I’ve been amazed at the nonprofits and Brunswick County Commissioners Chairman Frank Williams (seated, in yellow shirt) meets with Chance Lambeth, district director for U.S. Congressman other faith-based groups that have been David Rouzer; Boiling Spring Lakes Mayor Craig Caster; N.C. Representative here trying to help people impacted by the Frank Iler; Brunswick County Commissioner Mike Forte; U.S. Congressman storm,” Williams says. “I’ve met volunteers David Rouzer; and Boiling Spring Lakes City Manager Jeff Repp in the from as far as Canada and Israel. That’s just aftermath of Hurricane Florence. amazing to see.”

Williams gives credit to Brunswick long as it takes. “It’s the single most important thing I’ve Family Assistance for helping manage the outpouring of dealt with since becoming a county commissioner. Long after support from near and far. The organization has stepped in to the national media moves on to whatever else they want to coordinate the numerous volunteer relief efforts, which is no talk about, your local leaders will be still be focused on this. easy task.

We’re going to continue pushing to get our county not only “One thing we’ve learned for the next time is to set up a back to where it was, but stronger than it was. person or entity that will coordinate all of our other “If you weren’t impacted by the storm, find a way to help volunteer partners and make sure all the nonprofits are those that were. There’s only so much the government can working together,” Williams says. “Another thing would be do, but what will really get us through this is people knowing ahead of time what donations we can and cannot use and how we want them processed. It’s a great thing that helping people.” 

Fall 2018

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HURRICANE FLORENCE

A Friend Indeed Brunswick Family Assistance is serving thousands in the wake of Hurricane Florence.

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY ED BECKLEY

IN THE DAYS AFTER HURRICANE FLORENCE Brunswick Family Assistance (BFA) collected food, clothing and other needed supplies and immediately began offering assistance to county residents adversely affected by the storm.

With the help of local governments and churches, according to BFA board member Robert Talley, distribution centers experienced a steady flow of hungry visitors who have been grateful for the assistance. Talley says as many as 40 volunteers offered to receive, sort, package and distribute essential goods at each site throughout the county daily.

Wonderful donors have driven from as far away as Florida delivering loaded trailers with items they collected in their home states. Local businesses are also getting involved.

For instance, The Brunswick Beacon newspaper opened its expansive warehouse in Shallotte to create a makeshift collection center, where volunteers box items for transport to other safe sites throughout Brunswick County. Local grocery stores are a continual source of supplies.

BFA Board Member Carol Humphrey says BFA is still receiving donations of money and non-perishable food and clothing. Items still needed are diapers (infant and adult), water, toiletries, feminine items, cleaning supplies, paper 22

North Brunswick Magazine

towels and toilet tissue, new clothes (not used) including undergarments, new shoes, new socks, new towels, new sheets and gift cards to Walmart, Food Lion, Home Depot and Lowes.

“The need is still here,” she says and estimates that 1,000 people a day are being served. She says BFA hopes to continue serving as long as there is a need and they are looking for a couple of permanent sites to facilitate distribution. She implores local residents not to give up on this continuing need and to keep on donating and volunteering. She notes that they do not have enough supplies. Go to the BFA website for ongoing distribution locations.

Humphrey also lauds BFA Executive Director Stephanie Bowen, whom she deems as “amazing” for rolling up her sleeves morning to night and organizing this assistance for Brunswick County. 

Volunteer or donate to BFA Contact Brunswick Family Assistance at (910) 754-4766 or brunswickfamily@yahoo.com or visit brunswickfamily.org.

Fall 2018

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HURRICANE FLORENCE

The Power of Community Social media helped Stoney Creek residents survive the flood, but good old-fashioned neighborliness is helping them recover.

BY JAMIE LYNN MILLER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT MCGRAW

Brandon and Randi Jo Rooks outside their home in Stoney Creek.

Randi Jo Rooks is a woman of faith. “I see God in every detail,” she says. “Especially with Hurricane Florence.” These days she’s praying that God’s love proves greater than the devastation that turned Stoney Creek Plantation in Leland into an island — stranding neighbors in need of rescue and flooding 44 homes beyond repair.

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North Brunswick Magazine

HURRICANE FLORENCE

Fall 2018

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HURRICANE FLORENCE

“As awful as all this is,” Rooks says, “my heart is full.”

Just prior to the storm, Rooks and her husband had a sudden urge to list their home for sale. “We took out 50 percent of our personal belongings and stored them in the attic,” she says. “Truly, we were perfectly positioned to help others.

Because we were provided for, we could then provide for others.”

The Rooks family decided to evacuate before Florence hit. Recalling their evacuation decision, Rooks cites the storm surge map instead of the flood map. “The storm surge map showed the whole neighborhood would flood,” she says. For some reason, the flood map didn’t reflect that potential. We have a lot of questions about the flood map data,” says Rooks. “I don’t think it includes new construction like Interstate 26

North Brunswick Magazine

140 or the Circle K. Even though our flood wasn’t because of the surge, I’m so grateful for the surge map we found and how it warned us.”

In the end, the majority of homes that flooded were not considered to be in a flood zone so the homeowners did not have flood insurance. Additionally, 228,000 gallons of sewage also backflowed into the neighborhood and houses when a pump two doors down from the Rooks’ residence was overtaken by the flood as well.

As Highway 17 turned from road to water, flash flooding endangered those who stayed. At the height of the chaos, the neighborhood became an island; as flooded roads became impassable, finding one’s way to safety became virtually impossible.

From her family’s home in New

Jersey, Rooks kept pace with the neighborhood’s active Stoney Creek Residents Facebook page — despite power outages and shoddy cell service in Stoney Creek, people were able to post in the early morning hours between 3 and 5 a.m. Addresses of those who stayed, pictures of houses and changing conditions, names and phone numbers filled the steady feed. Residents kept roll calling by street, communicating which neighbors they knew had not evacuated and that list was passed on to the Missouri Task Force, who’d set up camp at the Town of Leland Town Hall. There were 23 rescues in the neighborhood by the Missouri Task Force, and Rooks’ in absentia premonitions furthered the cause.

“On Saturday the 15th, around 5 a.m., the Lord woke me with a shot,” she says.

HURRICANE FLORENCE

“I just knew something was wrong.”

She posted something on Facebook like, ‘Thinking of everyone, wondering if everyone’s OK … ’ And the comments started rolling in.

“Tom has 3 feet of water in the house and needs help!,” a neighbor’s family wrote.

Chris Jackson who lives four streets up from Tom, saw the comment and got into his boat and rescued Tom, his daughter and pets from their first story roof. Tom’s home, and numerous others, would end up with as much as 7 feet of water in them.

“As much as I gripe about social media,” Rooks says, “it worked miracles during the storm.”

Volleying posts and replies from New Jersey, Rooks cites a work-from-home situation, her husband’s remote office

and a home school setup as key for evacuation. During evacuation, one of her daughters tried to complete a school assignment about home and hometowns.

“The question asked about your house, where you lived. My sweet little girl asked, so innocent, “Mommy, where do I live?” “‘You live with your family,’ I told her,” says Rooks, her voice thickening.

‘Home is where your family is.’”

The residents of Stoney Creek Plantation have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, support and assistance. And Rooks wants people to know that her neighborhood is standing strong. “There are a lot of pictures of us being stuck, but I really want to show people that we’re people, you know?

We’re displaced people, but we’re also survivors.”

And now there’s the long road to recovery. “Everyone’s been so helpful with the sprint portion of the storm, but to truly heal, it’s going to be a marathon.”

While donated goods have been so appreciated, there are no homes to house things yet. In lieu of tangible donations, Rooks feels the community most needs monetary assistance. 

Want to help?

Through fundraisers and a Stoney Creek Hurricane Relief Fund, Lifepoint Church has become the hub for monetary donations. Visit lifepointnow.com. Click “Give Online Now” and scroll under Fund — Stoney Creek Hurricane Relief.

Donations are then dispersed to the Stoney Creek Plantation community.

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HURRICANE FLORENCE

Support After the Storm If you are looking for assistance with cleanup, funds or basic necessities in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, here are some of the local resources that can help.

BRUNSWICK FAMILY ASSISTANCE (910) 754-4766 brunswickfamily.org/hurricane-florence-relief

Various distribution centers for food and supplies across the county.

DISASTER FOOD AND NUTRITION PROGRAM (DSNAP) Applications for Disaster Food and Nutrition benefits will be taken at Odell Williamson Auditorium on Brunswick Community College Campus at 150 College Road in Bolivia beginning through Saturday, October 6. Hours will be from 8:30 am until 5 pm weekdays and 9 am until 5 pm Saturdays.

DISASTER FOOD BENEFITS Brunswick County has been declared a disaster county by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. These declarations authorize the Department of Social Services to administer the Disaster Food and Nutrition benefits program.

This program is designed to authorize food stamp benefits for eligible households that are not currently receiving food and nutrition benefits and have experienced a loss as a result of Hurricane Florence.

For ongoing updates, visit brunswickcountync.gov/distribution/

DISASTER RELIEF CRISIS CLEANUP HOTLINE (800) 451-1954

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North Brunswick Magazine

DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE Brunswick County has been declared for Disaster Unemployment Assistance from the N.C. Division of Employment Security.

Individuals may contact DES by calling (866) 795-8877 from 8 am to 5 pm to apply for DUA benefits. If you have additional questions, you may email DES at des.dua@nccommerce.com or go to their website at des.nc.gov.

FEMA Register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling (800) 621-FEMA (3362) or (800) 462-7585 for the hearing and speech impaired.

FEMA DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER FEMA is opening a Disaster Recovery Center at Odell Williamson Event Center at 150 College Road NE on the Brunswick Community College campus in Bolivia.

Hours are Monday to Saturday 9 am to 7 pm and Sunday 9 am to 1 pm. A Disaster Recovery Center is a readily accessible facility or mobile office where survivors may go for information about FEMA’s programs or other disaster assistance programs and to ask questions related to their case. Representatives can also help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance.

FEMA TRANSITIONAL SHELTERING ASSISTANCE (TSA) Transitional Sheltering Assistance is a sheltering option using participating hotels/motels to help fill a gap until short or long-term housing solutions are found.

Survivors who do not have the option to return home and are unable to have their housing needs met through insurance, congregate shelters or rental assistance provided by FEMA or another agency (federal, state or voluntary) may be eligible for TSA. For more information, call the FEMA helpline at (800) 621-FEMA or TTY (800) 462-7585.

N.C. REALTORS RELIEF FOUNDATION Housing assistance is available from the N.C. Realtors Relief Foundation to qualified applicants towards one of the following options: 1) Monthly mortgage expense for the primary residence that was damaged by the Hurricane Florence storm system in September 2018 or; 2) Monthly rental expense for primary residence damaged by storm.

View full details at ncrealtorshf.org or contact housingfoundation@ncrealtors.org or (336) 294-1415, ext. 150.

USDA HURRICANE FLORENCE DISPLACED HOUSEHOLD Persons in declared disaster counties in North Carolina who have been displaced from their housing by Hurricane Florence may be able to obtain housing in USDA Rural Development financed apartment throughout North Carolina and other states. Persons should contact the USDA RD State Office, Multi-Family Housing Division in Raleigh at (919) 873-2050.

Fall 2018 Winter 2017-18

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

Teeing Off with the Harrelson Center & Partners Golf Tournament

October 8 The second annual Teeing Off with the Harrelson Center & Partners Golf Tournament will begin at 10 am at Magnolia Greens Golf Course. Admission is $100 and features a round of 18 holes, continental breakfast, boxed lunch, drinks and an awards celebration with live music.

Information: (910) 762-4774; magnoliagreensgolf.com

Rock the Block Health Fair

October 13 The 10th annual Rock the Block Health Fair at MedNorth Health Center in downtown Wilmington features health screenings, health education, a kids’ zone, a community information zone, entertainment, a mobile farmers’ market, child IDs, yoga and lunch. Admission is free, and this event will take place from 10 am to 2 pm.

Information: mednorth.org

Wine, Women & Shoes

October 13 Pretty in Pink Foundation presents the inaugural Wine, Women & Shoes at the Burney Center in Wilmington. The event will feature wine, a multi-designer marketplace, silent and live auctions, a fashion show with breast cancer survivors as models, food from some of the best area restaurants, and a chance to win a complete closet makeover. WECT-TV anchorman Jon Evans serves as emcee. Tickets are $100, and all proceeds benefit Pretty in Pink Foundation.

Information: winewomenandshoes.com/wilmington

Cape Fear Shag Club 30th Anniversary Celebration

October 13 Cape Fear Shag Club presents its 30th Anniversary Celebration at the Wilmington Shrine Club. The event features food, a cash bar and live entertainment by Thief of Hearts, a Raleigh group specializing in favorite oldies, beach, and Motown hits. Admission is only $10. No knowledge of shag required to attend. Doors open at 6 pm.

Information: (910) 512-9493

Fort Fisher Fall Festival

October 13 The Fort Fisher Fall Festival is held at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area in Kure Beach. This free, family-friendly event features spooky programs, Halloween games and more. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Information: (910) 458-5798

Raise the Barn Benefit & Dinner

October 14 The fifth annual Raise the Barn Benefit & Dinner is 30

North Brunswick Magazine

hosted by Feast Down East. Stroll the grounds of the N.C. Arboretum and enjoy spectacular food featuring Wilmington’s top chefs and locally grown food, live music, dancing and an open bar featuring local beer and wine and a specialty cocktail. Purchase tickets online.

Information: feastdowneast.org/raise-the-barn

Business After Hours

October 15 Home Design Outlet will host a Business After Hours and third anniversary celebration at their location at 147 Olde Fayetteville Road in Leland. This event takes place from 5 to 7:30 pm.

Information: homedesignleland.com

Airlie Oyster Roast

October 19 Airlie Oyster Roast at Airlie Gardens in Wilmington features appetizers, barbecue, fried chicken and sides from Middle of the Island Catering; steamed oysters from Elijah’s Restaurant; a cash bar (admission fee is $100 and includes two drink tickets); and live music with Band of Oz. This is event is open to those with advance tickets only. Proceeds benefit Airlie’s Environmental Education Programs.

Information: (910) 798-7700; airliegardens.org

Fort Fisher Fall Festival

PHOTO BY TIME 2 REMEMBER

WHAT’S HAPPENING

NC Oyster Festival

Seaglass Salvage Market

October 19 to 21 November 16 to 18 December 14 to 16 Come out to the indoor/outdoor market to meet local artists, artisans and craftsmen and purchase their creations.

The market is held once a month at 1987 Andrew Jackson Highway (74/76) in Leland. Shop small, shop local and discover a one-of-a-kind treasure to take home.

Information: seaglasssalvagemarket.com

Listen Up Brunswick County Concert

October 20, November 10 The October Listen Up Brunswick County Concert at the Odell Williamson Auditorium in Bolivia features Vance Gilbert, who has recorded 13 albums and toured with Shawn Colvin. The November show features Jeanne Jolly, the singer/songwriter from Raleigh. Tickets are $20 and show starts at 7:30 pm.

Information: listenupbrunswickcounty.com

Fall Business Expo

October 20 The North Brunswick Merchant Association presents its Fall Business Expo at WWAY TV in Leland. More than 35

vendors and a food truck will be on hand. This event is free to attend and will be held from 10 am to 2 pm.

Information: (910) 524-0741

NC Oyster Festival

October 20 and 21 Celebrate everything oyster at the 38th annual NC Oyster Festival on Saturday, October 20 and Sunday, October 21 in Ocean Isle Beach. With the support of a dedicated committee of volunteers, the Town of Ocean Isle Beach, local businesses and Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce, the town is transformed into a walking district where you’ll find a variety of foods, crafts, contests and musical performances. Of course, oysters are the star of the show, and you’ll find them steamed, fried and raw. Bring your chairs for lawn seating and enjoy the entertainment lineup featuring popular beach bands, cover bands and everything in between. Saturday’s performers will be Wayne Stewart & September Rain, Chocolate Chip & Company, and Trey Calloway. Sunday will bring Tina Smith and The Tim Clark Band. Admission is $5 and with two full days to enjoy the festival you will be able to walk the grounds and peruse the many vendors offering handmade furniture, soaps, jams, stained glass, wood carvings, sculpture, potter, leather goods and jewelry.

Information: ncoysterfestival.com

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BUSINESS BUZZ WHAT’S HAPPENING

the 2016-17 schooloryear were promoted to the next grade Leland’s Trunk Treat

at the end27 of the year. It is only with the support of caring October community partners, Corning Incorporated Local businesses andlike community organizationsFoundation, that CIS caninmaintain its by commitment participate this event decoratingtoa serving vehicle at-risk and studentsout eachgoodies. year andThis helpfree themevent stay on a positive passing gives parentspath, a fun, working toward to graduation andtrick the achievement of theiror safe alternative traditional or treating. Trunk future will goals. grateful for the Corning Treat beCIS heldis at 113 Town Hall Drive Incorporated from 4 to 6 pm.

Foundation sponsorship of the 2017 CIS Benefit Gala and Information: townofleland.com/trunk-or-treat thanks them for their role in helping to ensure all students have anFear opportunity to thrive and be successful.

Cape Fair & Expo October 29 to November 4 Now in its 54th year, Cape Fear Fair & Expo at Wilmington International Airport includes livestock Ribbonand Cutting for Coastal Craft Beverage Co. exhibits competitions, acrobats, horticultural contests, rides, children’s activities, food and live entertainment including a comic hypnotist. Tickets are $22 and a Walk Around Ticket is available for $5 and at the gate; it excludes rides and is only valid Monday through Thursday. Hours are Monday through Thursday 5 to 11pm; Friday 5 pm to midnight; Saturday noon to midnight, and Sunday 1 to 11 pm.

Information: capefearfair.com

WWAY Wilmington Wedding Expo

November 4 The 2018 WWAY Wilmington Wedding Expo is sponsored by Camille’s of Wilmington. It will be held Sunday, November 4 from 11 am to 4 pm at Ironclad On October Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce Brewery in 12 downtown Wilmington.

The Wilmington held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome Coastal Craft Wedding Expo brings a new kind of wedding show Beverage Co. to the chamber.

The new bottle shop and to Wilmington at an all-in-one, fully licensed venue. tastingfor room is at 10800 Beach SW in Calabash.

Come inspiration and stayDrive for mimosas, raffles and PHOTOGRAPHY: CONTRIBUTED the grand prize drawing. Speak with quality wedding vendors and the city’s leading wedding professionals and industry experts.

Information: wilmingtonweddingexpo.com

Oak Island Residents and Businesses to FoodBenefit Truck Rodeo from ATMC FOCUS Fiber Optics

November 4 The North Merchant Association its As part of itsBrunswick five-year network enhancement andpresents expansion inaugural Foodhas Truck Rodeo at Leland project, ATMC begun construction of aMunicipal fiber opticPark, featuring food trucks, vendors music. network that will span Oak Islandand andlive enable it toAdmission deliver is and this event will from noon services to 5 pm. thefree, company’s FOCUS fibertake opticplace communications to residents and businesses.

Information: (910) 524-0741 The $12.5 million dollar investment is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2019 and will provide than 7,000 residents and businesses Cucalorus Filmmore Festival with access 7 toto one November 11Gigabit broadband speeds. Fiber optic technology is extremely reliable andFestival capable of The 24th annual Cucalorus Film indelivering voice, video and all through Wilmington is unshared one of thebandwidth most popular eventsone in the connection.

According research national Port City and featurestomore thanconducted 200 filmsbyinthe every Fiber toplus the Home access to fibervideos, optics increases genre, dance Council, performances, music worksa home’s valueinternational by 3.1%, that’sfilms an additional $5,000 for the in-progress, and Kidsalorus with median priced home.

BusinessesCheck who take advantage movies suitable for children. the website foroffees

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South Brunswick North Brunswick Magazine Magazine

WHAT’S HAPPENING

and various times.

Information: cucalorus.org

Owl Howl

November 10 The fourth annual Owl Howl at the Brunswick Riverwalk at Belville features birds of prey up close and personal from 10 am to 4 pm. This event is free to attend and will include flight demonstrations, local vendors, beer and food from Front Street Brewery, food trucks, live music, arts and crafts for kids, a silent auction and raffles.

Information: capefearraptorcenter.org

Riverfest

November 17 and 18 Riverfest is an annual street fair in a scenic setting along the banks of the Cape Fear River in historic downtown Wilmington. It features food, arts and crafts, performances, fireworks (Saturday at 8 pm), children’s activities, car shows, a stand-up paddle (SUP) race, live music, and more. Other attractions include the Kidz Zone, a skateboard tournament, a wakeboard competition, a film festival and the Great Waiters Wine Race. This is a free event. Hours are Friday 6 to 11 pm; Saturday 9:30 am to 11 pm; and Sunday 9:30 am to 6 pm.

Information: wilmingtonriverfest.com

The Market at Home Design Outlet

December 1 The Market at Home Design Outlet of Leland features handmade pottery, metal jewelry, sculpture, artwork, clothing and decorative items for the home. This free event will be held from 10 am to 3 pm.

Information: (910) 399-1423

Seaglass Salvage Holiday Pop-up Market

December 1 Come out to the indoor/outdoor market to meet local artists, artisans and craftsmen who will be featuring their holiday’s best. The market is at 1987 Andrew Jackson Highway (74/76) in Leland. From 10 am to 4 pm you can shop small, shop local and discover a oneof-a-kind treasure to take home or give as a gift.

Information: seaglasssalvagemarket.com

The Moonlights Orchestra in Concert

December 14 See the Moonlights Orchestra live in concert as part of the award-winning Leland Cultural Arts Center Concert Series. This event will be held from 7 to 9 pm.

Information: townofleland.com/ moonlights-orchestra-concert

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Specialized care where you need it most

With Novant Health’s physician specialists located throughout Brunswick County, you don’t have to travel far from home for the care you need. Our experts are board-certified in a wide range of specialties, which means they have the knowledge and experience to provide care customized for you at every stage of life. We’re the neighbor you can count on to get you better and keep you healthy.

Novant Health Coastal Plastic Surgery Supply • 910-754-8808 nhcoastalplasticsurgery.org

Novant Health Neurology

Novant Health Surgical Associates

Shallotte • 910-721-4220 NovantHealth.org/neurologyshallotte

Bolivia, Southport, Carolina Shores and Leland 910-721-4000 nhsurgicalassociates.org

Michael Applegate, MD

Phillip Khan, MD

Novant Health Endocrinology Shallotte • 910-721-4230 NovantHealth.org/endocrinologycalabash Chip Whitesides, MD Virginia Czimber, FNP-C

Novant Health Gastroenterology Brunswick Supply • 910-754-5988 nhgastroenterologybrunswick.org Scott Itzkowitz, DO Jonathan Lamphier, MD Charles Douglas Rice Jr., MD Katie Campbell, PA-C Misgana Gebeyehu, PA-C

Novant Health OB/GYN Bolivia, Leland, Carolina Shores and Southport 910-721-4050 NovantHealthobgyn.org Nicholas Bodenheimer, DO Tabitha Delo, MD Tracey McCarthy, DO Richard Thompson, DO Lee Toler, DO Li Xu, MD Sara Brown, FNP

Novant Health Psychiatric Medicine Brunswick Shallotte • 910-721-4200 Heather Stoume Ellis, LCSW, MSW, LCAS, ICAADC

Learn more and find a doctor near you at MyNovant.org.

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North Brunswick Magazine

© Novant Health, Inc. 2018 2/18 • ECA-278062

Matthew Benenati, DO A. Richard DeSandre, MD Richard Scallion, MD Joseph Andrew Smith, MD Mark Tillotson, MD

Novant Health Urology Partners Bolivia, Southport, Carolina Shores and Leland 910-721-4150 nhurologypartnersbrunswick.org Lydia Laboccetta, MD Steven Robbins, MD

BUSINESS BUZZ

ATMC Presents Scholarships to Local Students

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Ribbon Cutting for Coastal Dance Academy A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new location of Coastal Dance Academy took place on August 18 at 1010 Evangeline Drive in Brunswick Forest. The new facility offers a wide range dances for all ages.

Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center Recognizes Volunteers

Two junior volunteers, Parker Smyth and Austin Reed, received scholarship awards in the amount of $1,500. Hospital volunteers also presented a check for $2,500 to Brunswick Community College.

Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center will be hosting new volunteer information sessions from 10 a.m. to noon on October 10, November 14 and December 12.

H2GO and Brunswick Family Assistance Work Together for Kids One organization that is committed to assuring a quality of life for their valued customers and another that helps low income people in Brunswick County to live a high quality of life came together to provide children in low income families with toys and games. H2GO used the money they received from their Best in Show Christmas Float in 2016 to purchase toys to donate.

After searching for the right organization to present the toys to, it all came together when Commissioner Trudy Trombley invited Stephanie Bowen, Brunswick Family Assistance (BFA) executive director, to give a presentation at H2GO’s April 17 meeting as a potential recipient of the 2018–19 Operation Round Up Program. After the presentation, H2GO Chairman Jeff Gerken committed to donating $100 to BFA and the rest of the commissioners followed, totaling $500 in donations from the H2GO board. Wittkofsky and Bowen, both recipients of the 2017 Brunswick County Future 10, met afterwards to discuss further donations to help the mission of BFA. With BFA recently moving to open their doors full time Monday through Friday in CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

At a recent volunteer appreciation event, Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center leaders recognized the hospital’s 222 volunteers for the 29,532 hours of time and the vital contributions they gave to the hospital in 2017. Traditional volunteers and volunteer chaplains were celebrated with a luncheon at the River Room at Lockwood Folly. Special recognition was given to Eric Dunn, who received the President’s Volunteer Service Award. He has 4,249 hours of service and has served at Brunswick Medical Center for seven years. Three volunteers who contributed the most hours were also recognized: Kay Limon, 7,121 hours over 9 years; Richard Seidler, 5,640 hours over 22 years; and Diane Marinella, 5,484 hours over 21 years. Hospital volunteers hold several fundraising events each year, including uniform, book and jewelry sales, to support special projects at the hospital and outreach to the community. Volunteers use a portion of the funds raised to give scholarships to students who have volunteered at the hospital.

Last spring ATMC presented $2,000 scholarships to four local high school seniors: Kaylee Potter, Miranda Sibbett, Cody Lowe and Kayla Miller. Applicants were interviewed by representatives from Brunswick Community College. Selection was based on academics, involvement in school and community activities and interview skills. Kaylee Potter, daughter of Travis and Jennifer Potter of Winnabow, attended South Brunswick High School and attends East Carolina University, where she will major in Nursing. South Columbus High School’s Miranda Sibbett, the daughter of Greg and Angela Sibbett of Whiteville, went on to Catawba University to major in Theatre. Cody Lowe, a West Brunswick High School graduate, is the son of Julie Lowe of Ocean Isle Beach and attends Brunswick Community College, where he will study Turf Grass Management. West Brunswick High School graduate, Kayla Miller is the daughter of Art and Carrie Miller of Ash. Kayla attends Pfieffer University, where she will major in Criminal Justice and Psychology.

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BUSINESS BUZZ

Conrad Bryant III Appointed to ATMC Board of Directors

Leland to help better serve the growing demand in the Northern Brunswick County community, H2GO decided to provide BFA with toys to hand out to children who may not be in a position to afford their own. BFA is dedicated to improving the lives of families and individuals in crisis in Brunswick County by providing emergency assistance and educational and skills development programs. On May 16, Wittkofsky presented Bowen with a truckload of toys.

Douglas H. Hawes, President of ATMC, has announced that Harry Conrad Bryant III from Supply has been appointed to the cooperative’s Board of Directors to serve in a newly created director position which splits the former at-large director position into eastern and western regions. Mr. Bryant will represent the eastern region which includes districts 5-7. John “Buster” Dowless, who had been serving as the at-large director, has been appointed as the director for the western region which includes districts 1-4. A native of Brunswick County, Bryant holds an associate degree in Mechanical Drafting and Design Engineering from Guilford Technical Community College and a bachelor of science in Industrial Technology from North Carolina A&T State University. Bryant served in both the U.S. Army and the North Carolina Army National Guard. He spent the bulk of his career working as an engineer in the natural gas industry. Bryant and his wife, Jacqueline, have two grown children and reside in Supply. He Bryant serves as a deacon at the Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

Business After Hours at Feller Power Cords On June 21 the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce held a business after hours at Feller Power Cords. They are located at 9100 Industrial Boulevard NE in Leland.

Novant Health Receives Grant to Support Breast Health Services

Niche. by Custom Home Opens in Wilmington’s Shops at Hanover Center

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Novant Health has a received a grant to support breast health services in Brunswick County. The grant from Susan G. Komen North Carolina Triangle to the Coast will fund mammograms for uninsured and underinsured women. The Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center Foundation has received a $19,924 community health grant from Susan G. Komen North Carolina Triangle to the Coast to provide free mammograms and diagnostic services for uninsured and underinsured women in Brunswick County. To qualify for a free mammogram, women who do not have health insurance or are underinsured must be age 40 or older, live in Brunswick County and cannot have had a mammogram in the last year. The American College of Radiology recommends that all women 40 and older receive an annual mammogram.

Niche. by Custom Home, Wilmington’s newest shopping experience by the owners of Custom Home Furniture Galleries, celebrated the store’s official Grand Opening in late May. Located in The Shops at Hanover Center in the heart of Wilmington, Niche. is the area’s exclusive Bramble furniture store and is further complimented by unique decor and gifts for him and her, by top lines such as Chavez for Charity, Duke Cannon, Faceplant Dreams, Leftbank Art and many more.

Whatever the occasion, the owners of Niche. want customer to feel inspired, energized and nurtured while shopping in the store. The store celebrated its Grand Opening in true “Niche. fashion” with a private, invite-only event. Margaret Haynes, Wilmington’s Mayor Pro Tem and more 200 VIP guests, including Scott Barbknecht of The Bramble Company.

Champagne was poured, Wilmington’s Pinpoint restaurant provided an excellent spread and Niche.’s signature lavenderinfused, chocolate-dipped cookies were the perfect complement to the evening.

Christopher’s Steakhouse & Seafood to Open in Waterford Village Weingarten Realty has announced that Christopher’s Steakhouse & Seafood has leased 4,030 square feet in Waterford Fall 2018

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BUSINESS BUZZ

H2GO Awards First Recipients of Operation Round Up

Village in Leland. In January 2015 Christopher’s Steakhouse & Seafood opened its doors for the first time in Elizabethtown, N.C. Licensed to serve Certified Angus Beef, Christopher’s offers an evolving menu of the highest quality meats, poultry and seafood in the area. With the support of surrounding communities, they successfully opened a Lumberton location in September of 2017 and plan to open in Leland the third quarter of 2018.

In October of 2016 H2GO announced that they would begin a new program called Operation Round Up. The program gave customers an opportunity to round their water bills up to the next dollar and/or add an additional amount to their water bills, with the proceeds going to charities. The first chosen charities for the program were Brunswick Community College Foundation and Manna Ministry. In July H2GO Executive Director Bob Walker presented Elina Dicostanzo, Director of Resource Development for Brunswick Community College Foundation, and Roy Coleman, Paulette Coleman, Kris Allen, and Scott Hennis of Manna Ministry, each with checks for $1,096.65. The proceeds, donated by H2GO customers, will go towards providing educational opportunities and food to residents in Brunswick County. Brunswick Community College Foundation will use the proceeds to provide scholarships to those students in need within the community. Manna Ministries will use the proceeds to purchase a month’s worth of groceries, feeding 125 families in the community. Beginning July 1, proceeds from Operation Round Up were donated to Brunswick Family Assistance, following a board decision in May to change the recipients to the organization. The move was made in an attempt to more directly benefit H2GO customers. In 2017 alone, Brunswick Family Assistance helped low-income H2GO customers pay nearly $1,100 towards their water bills. They expect that number to continue growing.

North Brunswick Newcomers Club Donates to Various Organizations North Brunswick Newcomers Club presented a donation of $1,000 to The Raptor Center. The Raptor Center is an educational and rehabilitation center for birds. They presented a $1,250 donation to the Good Shepard Center, which has a mission to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless and foster transition to housing. They gave a $1,000 donation to Leland Cultural Arts Center (LCAC) for their Camp Create summer day camp program for ages 5 to 12. Campers explore a variety of art forms, including painting, drawing, pottery, dance, drama and film making, all with a strong focus on self-expression.

CIS Thrift Shop Celebrating Serving Leland Community for Two Years

ATMC Issues $1.5 Million in Capital Credit Refunds CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

CIS Thrift Shop’s two-year anniversary celebration took place with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 11 and continued with special storewide sales until July 14. The Leland CIS Thrift Shop is located at 117-I Village Road, beside Leland Family Dentistry in the Village Plaza shopping center. The shop opened for business in July 2016 offering a sales floor space of more than 2,200 square feet. Special thanks go out to the community members who have embraced the Leland CIS Thrift Shop, volunteering and donating items for sales. The shop is recruiting additional volunteers to help with sorting donations, customer service and sales as well as to help pick up donations in the Leland area.

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North Brunswick Magazine

The ATMC Board of Directors announced that the cooperative has issued $1.5 million in Capital Credit refunds to 32,400 current and former cooperative members who had telephone and/or cable TV service in 1998 and/or 2017. Unlike other communications providers serving Brunswick County, ATMC is a membership cooperative, and portions of revenues not used for expenses are refunded to members through Capital Credits.

This year’s allocation is part of more than $47 million in Capital Credit refunds issued since ATMC’s inception. All Capital Credit checks will be mailed out by September 17. Only members who had telephone or cable service in 1998 and/or 2017 will receive a Capital Credit refund. Members due a disbursement of less than $20 will see it applied as a credit to their billing statement, members with a disbursement of $20 or more will receive a check. If you meet eligibility requirements and you have not received your refund by October 15, call (910) 755-1609.

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Fall 2018

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

Rolling with the Pin Pals runswickMag Fall 2018 | SouthB

These Brunswick County ladies are bringing back bowling leagues.

azine.com

Sharing the Craft Phil Ledford teaches the art woodworking to all levels of students at Atlantic Woodworks School.

FUTURE ATLA NTIC WOO

DWO RKS SCHO

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FUNDING THE ARTS

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BOW LING WITH

THE LADIES

Future 10 2018 Meet 10 young professionals who are the up-and-coming talent and future leaders of Brunswick County.

In a collaborative project of Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce and South Brunswick Magazine, we profile 10 passionate and noteworthy professionals — all of them younger than 40 — who are working tirelessly in the fields of retail, technology, design, healthcare, real estate, finance, landscaping, sports, event management and civic capacities to contribute to the longevity and viability of Brunswick County.

By MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN

Bowling leagues have become hip in Brunswick County, thanks to a fun group of lady bowlers known as Pin Pals, who take over Planet Fun’s cosmic Constellation Alley bowling center in Shallotte every Wednesday.

By MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN

Four years ago Phil Ledford closed the furniture-making shop he had owned in Franklin, North Carolina, since 1982 and moved to Sunset Beach with his wife, Elizabeth.

The amiable pair made friends and participated in local activities, but Ledford’s heart yearned to return to his passion of furniture making.

So in January 2018 he opened the 3,000-square-foot Atlantic Woodworks School in Calabash.

By JO ANN MATHEWS

Caffeinated Kinship Moka Café at Indigo Farms is South Brunswick County’s newest place to sip coffee, enjoy a pastry or meet a friend for a light breakfast or lunch.

Moka Café is a dream come true, not only for its owners but also for anyone looking for top-notch coffee and baked goods in Calabash. The business is a family enterprise.

Sisters-in-law Kalayna Owens and Cortney Owens Decker run the cafe, while Renée Owens (Cortney’s mother and Kalayna’s mother-inlaw) makes all the baked goods.

By JOAN LEOTTA

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North Brunswick Magazine

SPIRITS

Sweet & Sassy What’s the one thing that could make bourbon even more Southern? Sweet tea.

BY SANDI GRIGG

I

If you have been following my Spirits recipes over the past few years, then you know I am partial to vodka. But since bourbon is such a trend, especially here in the South, I felt like I needed to get on board with it and create a recipe for you readers. I have sampled many bourbons, even attended bourbon festivals and tastings, yet, to me, bourbon is too strong and bitter.

I was determined to create a bourbon-based cocktail that preserves its distinct flavor yet is something I actually like to drink. I knew I would add some sweetness, but it also needed something else. And then it hit me: My favorite drink — sweet tea!

Using my spouse as the guinea pig, I created a recipe combining bourbon and sweet tea, to rave reviews, I might add. I have since made it in large batches for birthday parties and family gatherings and it has been a hit.

This ultimate Southern sipper is a little sweet and a little sassy, just like me!

I grew up in the South, so the only tea I know is brewed on the stove using hot water, tea bags and loads of sugar, and that is the way my spouse likes it too. For this drink I brew my own tea. Feel free to purchase your favorite bottled tea if you do not wish to make it at home.

Be forewarned when drinking this cocktail in the evening. I learned the hard way when we were sipping on this concoction, thinking it was the perfect night cap — until later I could not fall asleep. Then it dawned on me about the caffeine content of the tea. Definitely use decaffeinated tea if you want to drink this as your nighttime toddy. I hope you enjoy this as much as my family and I have!

Sweet Tea Punch Serves 2

INGREDIENTS 2 cups freshly brewed tea 1 cup bourbon ¼ cup sugar 3 ounces apple cider 3 ounces pineapple juice 3 ounces orange juice Mint sprigs for garnish Lemon wedges for garnish METHOD Combine all the ingredients in a pitcher and stir. Divide into two large glasses (or Mason jars) filled with ice and garnish with mint sprigs and a lemon wedge.

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WHAT’S COOKIN’

Dressed to Impress

M

This grilled beef tenderloin recipe creates a memorable meal focal point that can be dressed up or down.

BY SANDI GRIGG

My family and I have been making this Bourbon Beef Tenderloin for as long as I can remember, and fall is my favorite time to grill this meal.

Unlike summer’s searing temperatures, fall’s mild weather makes standing before a hot fire a pleasure. Besides, after eating light all summer, I’m ready for a hearty meal.

This tasty meat can be served a number of ways. It can be easily dressed up for a fancy meal accompanied with decadent sides or dressed down and offered as sandwich meat with slaw. During the holidays my mother will grill this well done, slice the tenderloin really thin and serve it with rolls and horseradish — super easy to serve when friends and family drop by the house. However, my father and I like it cut really thick and cooked rare with no additional sauces. He usually grills it his way for a dinner party and presents it on top of kale with cherry tomatoes. The meat from this recipe cooks up so tender and juicy no matter how you slice it.

When selecting your beef tenderloin, don’t be afraid to ask the butcher to trim the silver and tie it for you. Personally, I tip the butcher for completing this for me. Sure, you can do it yourself by cutting off the silver skin and folding the tail end of the beef back underneath itself so that it is of uniform thickness and then securing with butcher’s string. But most butchers do not mind doing it upon request, and I prefer to let the professionals do it.

Before you begin the grilling process, take the meat out of the fridge for about an hour before so that it can get to room temperature.

Grilling cold meat can cause the moisture to be forced out. Place the meat in direct heat and try not to open the grill too much. Repeatedly lifting the lid with a gas grill will cause it to lose heat, making your food sear and cook more slowly. Repeatedly lifting with a coal grill will do the opposite, allowing in oxygen that causes the coals to bun hotter than you’d like them to, resulting in burnt meat. You want to let the meat cook while the brown sugar in the marinade will create a thick crust on the exterior, locking in all the flavors. Your first bite will be like butter! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do.

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WHAT’S COOKIN’

Grilled Bourbon Beef Tenderloin Serves 8 to 10 (depends on thickness of cuts)

INGREDIENTS 1 5 lb. trimmed and tied beef tenderloin 1 cup bourbon 1 teaspoon thyme 1 cup brown sugar 2/3 cup soy sauce Juice of 2 lemons ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce ½ cup water Salt and pepper 2-gallon size Ziploc bag METHOD

if you are in a pinch), turning meat over several times. Take the meat out of the refrigerator about an hour before cooking to bring to room temperature.

Preheat the grill to about 400 degrees. Place the meat on the grill and reserve the liquid from the marinade. Cook over high heat with the lid closed. Turn the meat occasionally while basting it with the marinade. It will take about 25 to 30 minutes for a medium cook, but to be sure you get it perfect, use a thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat and wait till it reads 125 to 130 degrees F for medium to rare.

Let the meat rest for about 10 minutes after taking it off the grill.

Cut the string off the meat and begin slicing to desired thickness.

Prepare the marinade by combining the bourbon, thyme, brown sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, water, salt and pepper in a large 2-gallon size Ziploc bag and shake to mix all together. Place the meat in the bag and refrigerate overnight (4 to 6 hours will suffice

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North Brunswick Magazine

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Leland

Teachers of the Year

Teachers Are Influential Meet a handful of the many educators who work tirelessly for the betterment of local students, the Teachers of the Year for the schools in northern Brunswick County.

BY ALLISON BARRETT CARTER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN DEITZ

We all have a teacher we remember, a teacher who impacted our lives and had a significant role in sending us on our path. As the school year starts up again, we wanted to hear from some teachers here in Brunswick County.

What do they love about teaching? What inspires them? What are the current challenges in the school system?

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Teachers of the Year

BARBARA BREWER Kindergarten, Lincoln Elementary School Q: When did you start teaching and when did you join the Brunswick County school system?

I have taught for more than 25 years and have taught in Brunswick County for seven years.

Q: What would you say is the biggest challenge to teachers?

As educators, our biggest challenge is to fit all the needs of our students into our day.

Q: What is your favorite thing about teaching?

My favorite thing about teaching is seeing the growth that our students make from the beginning of school to the end of school. I also enjoy collaborating with other colleagues.

Q: How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy traveling with my family in my free time and sharing experiences together.

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North Brunswick Magazine

SETTLE DAWKINS 5th Grade, Town Creek Elementary School Q: When did you start teaching and when did you join the Brunswick County school system?

it is our job to meet their academic needs with a personalized plan.

I began my teaching career with Brunswick County Schools in 2003.

Q: What is your favorite thing about teaching?

Q: What would you say is the biggest challenge to teachers?

I believe the biggest challenge to teachers is ensuring that the needs of all students are met within our classroom. Each student is unique, and

My favorite thing about teaching is watching the students mature and grow academically throughout the school year. As a male teacher, I am also able to support all students by being a positive male role model in an elementary setting.

Q: How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy spending time with my wife and two boys. We especially like to hang out at the beach or in Chapel Hill at a football or basketball game. We are huge Carolina fans! My wife, Jill, is also a teacher at Town Creek Elementary, and we have two sons who are students at the school. Bauer is in 4th grade and Griffin is in 1st grade.

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Teachers of the Year

BRENDA FLOWERS Band Director, Leland Middle School Q: When did you start teaching and when did you join the Brunswick County school system?

I started teaching in 1987. I took some time away from teaching after my daughter was born, so this is my 22nd year of teaching. I joined the Brunswick County school system in 2014. This is my fifth year teaching in Brunswick County.

Q: What would you say is the biggest challenge to teachers?

One of the biggest challenges for teachers today is meeting the needs of all the students who come into our classrooms. Every child who walks

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North Brunswick Magazine

through our doors is different; they come from various socioeconomic levels and many different types of home environments. Teachers must meet students where they are and help them grow, learn and reach their potential.

Q: What is your favorite thing about teaching?

As a band director, I have the unique opportunity to work with my students for more than one year. They come into my classroom in 6th grade and they don’t even know how to put an instrument together, much less how to play it. I teach them from the very beginning how to read music and how

to play their instrument. By the time my students leave at the end of their 8th-grade year, they have become really good musicians and many go on to play at the high school and college levels and even continue to play in their adult lives. It’s a great privilege to be able to teach and to mentor students during this important time of their lives.

Q: How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy reading, cooking, exercising and spending time with my family. I’m a volunteer in the counseling and music ministries at my church and I’m currently working on a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

ASHANDA GRISSETT 9th Grade Earth Environmental Science, The COAST (formerly Brunswick County Academy) Q: When did you start teaching and when did you join the Brunswick County school system?

I started teaching as a Teaching Fellow in January of 2007 in New York City. I’ve been a teacher with Brunswick County Schools since 2010.

Q: What would you say is the biggest challenge to teachers?

The biggest challenge for teachers is that we take on so many responsibilities. We all want to do whatever we can to help our students and sometimes I think we just stretch ourselves thin. We wear so many hats — teacher, counselor, coach, mentor and role model, just to name a few. It’s such a multifaceted profession and I just wish people understood how above and beyond we go on a daily basis (even on our “summers off ”).

Q: What is your favorite thing about teaching?

My favorite thing about teaching is that I never have a dull or boring day at work — and I get to teach what I love! I’m a total science nerd.

Q: How do you spend your free time?

Free Time? What is that? Ha! I love traveling. Whenever I get a long weekend, my family and I are on the road to visit family and friends. I also enjoy being with family, reading, hanging out at the beach and trying to catch up on TV that I miss during the busy school year.

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Teachers of the Year

ANGELA JORDAN Pre-Calculus & Honors Math and Math Tutor, Brunswick Early College High School Q: When did you start teaching and when did you join the Brunswick County school system?

I started teaching in 2000. I have been teaching for Brunswick County Schools since 2010.

Q: What would you say is the biggest challenge to teachers?

Honestly, I think the biggest challenge teachers face is the huge misconception about the teaching profession among the general public.

I often laugh when I hear how teachers have the summers off or only work 37.5 hours a week. I am at work most days by 7 am and do not leave until almost 5 pm. Then I go home and create lesson plans and grade papers. I also spend many Saturdays taking our students to various academic competitions around the state.

Q: What is your favorite thing about teaching?

Sharing my passion and love for math with my students and seeing them get excited about a concept, or the elation on their face when they finally understand a concept they have been struggling with for some time.

Q: How do you spend your free time?

I am an avid crafter; I crochet, sew, bake, quilt, make jewelry and draw. I also love to read and will often trade and discuss books with my students.

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North Brunswick Magazine

MICHELLE OLLIS-MOORE 5th Grade Science and Science Olympiad Coach, Belville Elementary Q: When did you start teaching and when did you join the Brunswick County school system?

I started teaching in 2007 after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from UNCW. I started teaching in Bladen County and transferred into Brunswick County my second year of teaching. This is my fourth year at Belville but my 12th year teaching.

Q: What would you say is the biggest challenge to teachers?

I think teachers’ biggest challenge is reaching all children while balancing all their different learning needs. All students are different, and you have to learn how to keep all students engaged while still meeting goals set by the state. It is our job to help them reach their short-term and long-term goals while still making the curriculum fun and applicable.

Q: What is your favorite thing about teaching?

My favorite thing about teaching is getting to spend time with the kids and making learning enjoyable. It’s amazing to see the connections they make during our science labs and to see how excited they get when they enter your classroom. We build such wonderful bonds in our classroom and become a “family” throughout the school year.

Q: How do you spend your free time?

I love to spend my free time with my husband and family. We both have lots of family in the area, so we get to see each other often. We spend lots of time watching our nephews and nieces play football, baseball and dancing. I love to spend time at the beach, going to see live music and playing with our two cats and three dogs.

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North Brunswick Magazine

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North Brunswick Magazine

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Teachers of the Year

ELIZABETH SCHMIDT 5th Grade Bolivia Elementary School Q: When did you start teaching and when did you join the Brunswick County school system?

I am starting my seventh year teaching with Brunswick County Schools.

Q: What would you say is the biggest challenge to teachers?

The biggest challenge is making sure that every student’s academic, emotional and physical needs are met. Each one needs a different kind of love, and it can be hard at the beginning to determine what kind they each need!

Q: What is your favorite thing about teaching?

My favorite part of teaching is building relationships with students. It is a great feeling when you are able to reach a student who has had a tough time in school before. Having one of my toughest kids come back and give me a huge hug with a huge smile on his face a year later makes everything worth it.

Q: How do you spend your free time?

I am a huge Nationals baseball fan! I try to keep up with all of the games, even during the more painful seasons (like this year). My family is in Maryland, so I head home as often as possible to soak up the family time. When I’m at home in North Carolina, I spend as much time as possible reading on the beach. There’s no place like home!

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North Brunswick Magazine

North Brunswick Magazine

Teachers of the Year

GEORGE WILLIAMS 1st SG, U.S. Army JROTC Instructor, North Brunswick High School Q: When did you start teaching and when did you join the Brunswick County school system?

I began my teaching career on the 27th of July 1999 right here in Brunswick County at North Brunswick High School.

Q: What would you say is the biggest challenge to teachers?

The biggest challenge to teachers is not having enough time to meet the needs of the diverse population of students they teach.

Q: What is your favorite thing about teaching?

My favorite thing about teaching is motivating cadets to follow their dreams and watching them achieve at their highest potential.

Q: How do you spend your free time?

My free time is spent mostly with my wife, who is my best friend. We enjoy traveling, dining out and working in our church and the community. I also enjoy exercising.

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Teachers of the Year

CONGRATULATIONS to all the Brunswick County Schools Employees of the Year for 2017–18!

Belville Elementary Michelle Ollis-Moore, Teacher of the Year Abigail Baza, Rookie of the Year Jana Kisskalt, Instructional Assistant of the Year

Leland Middle Brenda Flowers, Teacher of the Year Caitlin Young, Rookie of the Year Connie Kennedy, Instructional Assistant of the Year

Jessie Mae Monroe Elementary Stephanie Frye, Teacher of the Year Missy Williams, Rookie of the Year John Gore, Jr, Instructional Assistant of the Year

Cedar Grove Middle Patricia Gilliland, Teacher of the Year Barbara Vickrey, Instructional Assistant of the Year

Waccamaw School Elemenary Daphne Mintz, Teacher of the Year Nikki Marlow, Rookie of the Year Becky King, Instructional Assistant of the Year Town Creek Elementary Settle Dawkins, Teacher of the Year Leianne Hatcher, Rookie of the Year Laura Bridgers, Instructional Assistant of the Year Bolivia Elementary Elizabeth Schmidt, Teacher of the Year Emily Tate, Rookie of the Year Ashley Campbell, Instructional Assistant of the Year Southport Elementary Claire Herrington, Teacher of the Year Norfrette Bellamy, Instructional Assistant of the Year Union Elementary Jada Fimbel, Teacher of the Year Teresa Christopher, Instructional Assistant of the Year Lincoln Elementary Barbara Brewer, Teacher of the Year Felicia Perez, Rookie of the Year Alycia Mintz, Instructional Assistant of the Year Virginia Williamson Elementary Kristen Hill, Teacher of the Year Amber Beaman, Rookie of the Year Sara Callahan, Instructional Assistant of the Year Supply Elementary Jackie Brock, Teacher of the Year Barbara Ashworth, Rookie of the Year Lindi Ivey, Instructional Assistant of the Year

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North Brunswick Magazine

South Brunswick Middle Traci Leonard, Teacher of the Year Abby Daniel, Rookie of the Year Shawna Prendergast, Instructional Assistant of the Year Shallotte Middle Lea Freer, Teacher of the Year Natilie Gavitt, Rookie of the Year Tamara Hill, Instructional Assistant of the Year Early College High School Angela Jordan, Teacher of the Year Shelby Leonard, Rookie of the Year The COAST (formerly Brunswick County Academy) Ashanda Bevans, Teacher of the Year Logan Walcott, Rookie of the Year West Brunswick High Tianna Buie, Teacher of the Year Lora Daniels, Instructional Assistant of the Year South Brunswick High Cathy Johnson, Teacher of the Year Allison Brown, Rookie of the Year Millie Hart, Instructional Assistant of the Year North Brunswick High George Williams, 1st SG, U.S. Army, Teacher of the Year Nathaniel Anderson, Instructional Assistant of the Year Finalists for District Awards Peg Bourne, Melissa Pittman, Ivory Dionne DeBerry (Instructional Support Employee of the Year) Danica Holdsworth, Megan Heffley, Beth Zettlemoyer (Administrative Support Employee of the Year) Hart Ardell, Walter Mapson, Ken “Alex” Auerbach (Operations Support Employee of the Year)

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Fall 2018

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Behind the

B

The vibrant culture of Wilmington’s most sippable software company, Untappd, and what it means for Wilmington’s thriving beer scene.

BY FANNY SLATER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY CONRY DAVIS

I

If you live in Wilmington and are up to date with the city’s most desired local companies to get on board with, then the name Untappd is already on your radar. If you’re a beer enthusiast who lives, well, just about anywhere in the world, the Untappd app likely holds a special place in your heart (and on your phone).

Gone are the days of drab office interactions around the water cooler, and in are the afternoons of communal company excitement over big business wins and crushing hazy IPAs on the rooftop. You could say that Untappd’s workplace environment follows the “work hard, play hard” MO — the real deal behind employee culture is

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that if you hustle like a champion, you’ll be rewarded like a rock star.

As for the Untappd app, which provides some of the most distinguished technology in the beer software industry, the social platform is far more advanced in its capabilities than just uniting hop-nerds around the globe. It allows you to check out trending beers in your area, earn badges by popping bottles and view additional recommendations based on which bubbles did your body good.

On the Untappd for Business side, the userfriendly program teaches establishments to build interactive rotating menus (digital beer collections

s e l b ub

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where patrons have all they need to know in one place), learn how to engage with active customers and so much more. When Untappd merged with Wilmington-based Next Glass in 2016, the marriage created the opportunity to connect the two in a powerful way and help leverage each other’s growth.

I recently sat down with Untappd VP of Sales Brandon Walker, an energetic leader who helped me tap into the dynamic culture of this budding business. Puns all intended.

NBM: What was the mindset behind merging with Next Glass and how has

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North Brunswick Magazine

that impacted Untappd’s original vision?

BW: I was with Next Glass to begin

with, so I can speak more in the context of Next Glass as it pertains to merging with Untappd. To start, these companies have two very different backgrounds. Untappd came from a designer who was sitting on it as a hobby and an app, and he wasn’t in a position to attack it full time. Next Glass was started by George and Kurt (Taylor) and it was more of a classic start-up that grew quickly. Ultimately this was a natural blend for two companies with business-savvy, entrepreneurial tendencies and complementary skill sets. The products closely aligned and when the two

joined and Next Glass was converted to the Untappd brand, this also gave the Untappd founders the opportunity to work on their passion projects full time.

With the engineering and design capabilities of the Untappd team, this fusion was organic and a great fit, like a hand in a glove.

NBM: Where was the original headquarters of Untappd?

BW: The co-founders Tim Mather and

Greg Avola worked remotely (one in Los Angeles and the other in New York). Technically, since Untappd began as just a software, it didn’t have a brick-and-mortar home until Wilmington.

NBM: Although Wilmington has become

a major beer mecca, when the merger with Next Glass happened in 2016, was there any concern with bringing such a major company’s headquarters to a small town?

BW: Not at all because Next Glass was here. Next Glass actually had more employees and was a real, tangible company headquartered in Wilmington. Bringing Untappd here didn’t mean any drastic changes. Greg and Tim fly in for important meetings, and Greg tries to come here at least once a month.

say yes or no! Tru Colors Brewing (George’s newest venture) just leased a space and that team will be moving there soon. That will give more room for the Untappd team as TCB has been working out of the same Front Street space. We will always provide the accommodations our team needs, but expanding isn’t on the forefront.

NBM: Untappd is known around town as having one of the most attractive work environments (beer on tap, fun trips, a rooftop view). How has the culture of Untappd evolved and grown since it

NBM: At the obvious growth rate of the

transitioned into George and Kurt’s

company, are there any plans to expand

hands, and how much of that has been

the office outside of the space on Front

dependent on creating a positive and

Street?

social work culture?

BW: I’ve learned to never definitively

BW: That’s just one piece of the puzzle.

We try to the run the company like a Silicon Valley/New York start-up.

We’re emphatic on high performance and consistency, so we run more like a professional sports team. Employees are well-rewarded for high performance, and if they’re struggling, we do everything we can to put them in a position to be successful. We want everybody to be performing forward, and what drives this positive culture is creating that environment where we’re winning. Sure, we have the rooftop and the beers, but we have great colleagues and these perks are complimentary to the people. Employees growing in their role every day is important, and that helps everybody buy into the idea of being part of a winning culture, being excellent and being even better tomorrow than they were today. The trips, the taps, the games, the competitions — all of that is meant to complement that winning lifestyle.

NBM: Untappd is known for “providing an unprecedented experience when it comes to sharing, socializing and learning about all things beer” and the main message is: drink socially. On the

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social media level, what does the team at Untappd do to keep up with all of the trending platforms (Instagram, Facebook, blog posts, podcasts, etc.)?

BW: Our California office drives most

of our social media presence. They put out a podcast every week called Drinking Socially and the hosts do interviews, taste different beers, chat about pairings and more. All of our

currently a priority for us. The concept of being able to utilize the data we’ve accumulated (from the Genome Cellar database), though, could mean it will happen in the long run. As for now, there’s no timeline or a level of priority.

NBM: What does the future of Untappd

profiles are active and being maintained by the West Coast office.

We manage our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with updates on new badges on the app and blog posts and share occasional IG stories where people from our team visit different breweries.

NBM: Next Glass focuses on the chemistry of the alcohol itself. Did Untappd ever look into doing the same breakdown with beer?

BW: Again, I’ve learned to never

definitively say yes or no! What I can say is that blending the science and chemistry isn’t something that’s 66

North Brunswick Magazine

their doors, New Anthem is opening a new facility, and Flying Machine is on the brink. As far as Untappd goes, we’re seeing more local breweries put out kegs and bottles and it’s really exciting to watch things continue to proliferate.

look like? Any big projects, events or

NBM: How does it feel that Tru Colors is

changes to the app coming up that

on the horizon of entering Wilmington’s

you’d like folks to know about?

thriving beer world?

BW: For us, we want to continue

BW: With TCB, what’s been a lot of

building software that serves different parts of the beer industry. We currently have the consumer app, the for-business product, and we want to move forward developing different software to serve establishments like breweries. As far as for the app, we have some really cool new releases in the next month that will benefit the international customers. It’s a new release that was just recently approved, but that’s all I’ll let out of the bag for now!

planning and managing events is starting to come to fruition and we’re all really excited. The brewery itself is getting some footing and a framework around it. It’s starting to take shape beyond just being a concept. Since we’ve worked really closely with the TCB team and a lot of them have participated in roles in Untappd and gone through our sales program, witnessing their enthusiasm to put out a product is great. It’s a revolutionary concept, and you can always count on George to put boots on ground and bring an idea to life. 

NBM: Since the local beer community in Wilmington has grown exponentially in the last six years, how is Untappd staying tuned in to that expanding culture? What does the team think of the massive growth of the beer industry in our town?

BW: The explosion of the Wilmington

beer scene has been awesome to watch.

Even just as of recent, we’ve had Edward Teach and Mad Mole open

Beer Enthusiasts Unite!

To hear the Untappd podcast, read the blog, discover and rate beers or virtually socialize in the name of all things beer, visit untappd.com.

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Wine & Design Studio Manager Colleen Farese (left) and owners Gia and Michael Long are sharing their love of creative pursuits with the Leland community.

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G

Memories and Masterpieces The Long family brings people together for creative fun at Wine & Design Leland.

BY KHARIN GIBSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA GLANTZ

G

Gia and Michael Long are consummate examples of analytical thinkers. Both have careers in demanding industries that require constant left-brain cognition — Gia works for New Hanover County in Information Technology, and Michael works in the Operations Department at Brunswick Nuclear Plant. Looking for a departure from that mode of thinking, the pair wanted to explore a more freeflowing, creative endeavor. And with the ease of a brush stroke, they made an investment in a local art studio.

The couple purchased the Wine & Design Leland franchise in late spring of 2018 and held their grand reopening in early June. The company is based out of Raleigh and was featured and backed by Mr. Wonderful of Shark Tank. The Longs made their decision after Gia visited another franchise

location during a bachelorette party. “My friends and I had such a good time laughing and celebrating with each other during that experience,” she recalls. “Who wouldn’t want to be part of such a fun-filled business? We both have very technical careers, and this business provides us with a diverse perspective in our non-creative world.”

Since the Longs took ownership, the business has become a family affair. In this close-knit family, every member has a role to play. “Family is our biggest inspiration at work and at play,” Michael says. “Our three children, Satura (24), Shelbi (19) and Michael (16), have contributed tremendously in helping us get the business up and running successfully.”

Many days you can find Michael answering the telephone, while Shelbi is busy booking classes and parties. Family is Fall 2018

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such a vital part of their lives that during a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony, there were three generations of family members present to offer their support.

Wine & Design Leland is a perfect venue for all kinds of family fun. Any age range is welcome, and no experience in painting is necessary. As long as you can successfully hold a paint brush, you can try your hand at creating your very own masterpiece.

During painting sessions, each

Wine & Design offers a range of affordable private and public Paint and Sip Parties for all [adult] ages, groups and talents.

“From girls’ nights out to birthday parties, work teambuilding events to date nights, it’s a fun way for people to create memories and masterpieces,” Gia says. “Bring your friends or significant other and enjoy a glass of wine during one of our two-hour classes, and we’ll provide the glasses, canvases and paintbrushes as one of our local artists

Wine & Design offers many different options for tapping into your artistic side, from guided painting classes in their studio to bringing the classes to your location.

participant is armed with the typical setup of paints, brushes, paper towels and a cup of water to rinse brushes.

Freedom and creativity are encouraged, and there are only three studio rules to abide: 1) There are no mistakes, 2) Be careful where you stick your brush, and 3) Have fun!

As the name Wine & Design implies, there are opportunities to have adultoriented fun with Paint and Sip Parties.

These sessions allow participants to organize any size group to paint, bring their own bottle of wine and enjoy each other’s company while winding down the day.

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guides you through the evening, stroke-by-stroke.”

The Longs explain that the studio is broken into five divisions. The Art Buzz Kids division has the goal of inspiring children and sparking a sense of creativity and imagination in a fun, interactive setting. The On Wheels division brings fun and creativity out into the community. By creating a remote paint studio, groups can host parties at a location of their choice with a minimum of 10 people. The D.I.Y. division gives individuals an opportunity to explore their painting skills through any medium, ranging

from home decor with wooden pallets to the perfect handmade gift. These classes include a realm of possibilities.

The Paint It Forward division provides a fundraising opportunity in which a portion of the proceeds can be donated to a favorite charity or organization.

Finally, the Team Building division is great for local businesses to spearhead a collaborative environment for co-workers to bond and promote the exchange of ideas.

Wine & Design Leland is making its mark on the community. The Longs feel that the enjoyment of the painting experience, accompanied by family and friends, food and beverage, will unite the community. The couple is striving to achieve lasting relationships with their patrons and the public and love sharing in others’ happiness about their completed masterpieces. 

Find your inner van Gogh: Wine & Design Leland is available for private parties on Mondays. The studio is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 to 9 pm and Sunday from 1 to 9 pm.

1109 New Pointe Boulevard, Suite 6, Leland (910) 399-7874 leland@wineanddesign.com wineanddesign.com/locations/leland

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AROUND TOWN

Building a Better

B UNSWICK A graduate of Leadership Brunswick County shares her insider’s perspective of the nine-month program.

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BY ALLISON BARRETT CARTER

Every fall I head out and buy my children new #2 pencils and uncracked three-ring binders. I kiss the top of their heads and point them in the direction of their new classrooms, imploring them with excitement to “work hard, learn a lot.” It is with anticipation of their minds expanding that I usher them along campus.

But last fall, the tables turned. In 2017, right around the time school started, I found myself in a classroom. Flanked by eight other Brunswick County professionals, I sat at a desk facing a whiteboard, with a three-ring binder in front of me. We were the Leadership Brunswick County class of 2017–18.

We weren’t the first class, nor will we be the last. The program started in 1996, and a new class has formed for the 2018–19 season and prepared for their fall return to “school.”

But it was with pride that I graduated alongside my classmates as part of this prestigious program.

Leadership Brunswick County isn’t your typical school assignment. Our employers (for those that weren’t entrepreneurs) supported us as we attended nine months of sessions and finished with a presentation of a group project we that worked on the duration of the course. Commitment was required, but the learning unparalleled.

Our class was given perspectives on all areas of Brunswick County. Each month we looked in depth at a different topic affecting the county (e.g., history, education, law enforcement, economy, tourism). Our learning was hands-on and impactful.

We didn’t read books. Instead, the people directly affecting their areas, the real policymakers of Brunswick County, visited us and spoke candidly about their experiences.

We went to the jail and talked with District Attorney Jon David. We were led around Belville’s Riverwalk Park by then-mayor of Belville, the influential Joe Breault. We saw the revolutionary Small Business Center Incubator and had intimate conversations with the new director of economic development, Bill Early. We walked on top of the water treatment plant, holding our noses and wearing rubber gloves, guided by longtime employees of H2GO. We sat in a conference room of NOVANT while the heads of healthcare agencies such as Brunswick Family Assistance and Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCare Center answered all of our questions. Each month the list of executives, changemakers and top-level Brunswick County professionals who came to give energy and expertise to our small group became more impressive.

“I learned something new in every session,” says class Fall 2018

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AROUND TOWN

Top right photo: Brandy Barger, Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center; Sarah Stephens, BEMC; Dave Berkheimer, Healthy Green Solutions; Tom Kukla, Credere Leadership; Allison Barrett Carter, Carolina Marketing Company; Eric P. Grevin, Law Office of Eric P. Grevin; Michael Kapushinsky, Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center. Not Pictured: Catherine Michelle Sumrall, Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center; LLC; Christine R. Gonzalez, Town of Leland.

graduate Christine Gonzalez, who works for the Town of Leland. “It was exciting to hear about the recent Wilmington Port cranes coming to town about three weeks before it was in the news, when a port employee spoke to our class on Economic Development day. It was great to have access to the Brunswick County movers and shakers. We got to speak with Dr. Susanne Adams, then president of Brunswick Community College; Judge Fred Gore, a native of Supply; County Manager Ann Hardy; and Representative Frank Iler, to name a few.”

Velva Jenkins, currently Vice President of Continuing Education, Economic & Workforce Development at Brunswick Community College (BCC), shared that this was the reason she encouraged the local chambers of commerce to start the program 12 years ago.

“I shared this idea with the chambers because of the influx of newcomers and the interest I was seeing about the area,” she says. “At that time I was the Small Business and Industry Director at BCC and I was hearing so many questions about the county. If my memory serves me well, I saw a successful program in Davidson County and I thought that program 74

North Brunswick Magazine

structure would be a good way to address the interest.”

The program, still supported by all three chambers of commerce (North Brunswick Chamber, Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber and the Brunswick County Chamber) as well as Brunswick Community College, isn’t just about looking back to where we’ve been. It’s also about how we move forward as a community with our unique challenges.

“As the county grows there are many decisions to be made about a number of issues and needs,” says Karen Spahr, executive vice president of Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce. “The best decisions come from the ability to listen, learn and work with others. Leadership Brunswick County offers existing and future leaders a solid base of knowledge about the county and some training as it pertains to working for others. Our goal is for the participants to use what they have learned to tackle current and future challenges in Brunswick County.”

Two of the main concerns we heard in class from nearly every presenter were how overwhelming the sheer geographic breadth of the county is (how does the county promote unity

AROUND TOWN

and provide services across such a large space?) and about the large economic gap between the booming tourist areas on the coasts and the extreme poverty inland. Given the small size of the class, though, we were able to have many honest and free-flowing conversations with our class guests regarding these two significant challenges.

Further, as a student, I was tasked with walking the walk, not just talking the talk. Our class was divided into two groups for the duration of the course, and each group was asked to do one project together, working through the months and presenting the final project at the end of our “school year.”

The project was to be relevant. We were to identify a real need in the county and come up with a way to address it. My group worked with dozens of organizations and all the schools in the county to identify volunteer opportunities for education.

With significant support from Brunswick County Schools, we

I was eventually glad I pushed myself and pursued this course.

I not only work in Brunswick County for a locally owned business (Carolina Marketing Company, which publishes this magazine) but I also live with my young family in Leland. The future of this county matters to me in a personal way on nearly all levels. At graduation, I felt as though I had learned so much more about my home, how to help it, the people who were shaping it and the friends I can now rely on to make Brunswick County a place where all can thrive.

As Jenkins adds, “The program is needed because the growth of the county continues. A native of Brunswick County, I am so proud to share our rich heritage that makes this county so great! It goes beyond the beautiful beaches; it is the people, the history of this county, the kindness that the people share with one another and most important being rural!“ My project mate Tom Kukla, who runs his own business,

“The program isn’t just about looking back to where we’ve been. It’s also about how we move forward as a community with our unique challenges.” were able to launch a new “Use Your Tools for Schools” initiative, which is online today (bcswan.net/volunteer).

My colleagues in the second group worked with Community Boys & Girls Club. As a nonprofit that operates several clubs around the region (one in Oak Island), most of their money is needed for programming. Yet the Leadership Brunswick County students had identified an alarming lack of affordable, post-school childcare options. Hearing of the club’s free after-school program, they wanted to increase awareness of the club’s work so those in the county with the need could use the service. The group created effective marketing materials in a variety of formats the club could use.

Outside of class time and projects, we were also required to attend a certain number of chamber events. This was to show us how to access available resources and to get out in the community even more.

The time required from us as students was surprisingly intense. As my classmate Gonzalez shared, “Finding time to work on a group project was difficult. With class participants living from one end of the county to the next, having any meetings or planning sessions outside of the usual monthly class was difficult to schedule. The same could be said for the extra-curricular events; however, it was good to attend a tri-chamber meeting and some ribbon cuttings, things I would not normally make time to attend.”

told me, “I would recommend the program. For me it helped me get a different perspective on leadership. I spent 30 plus years in corporate leadership and I was looking for a different perspective of community, educational, political, law enforcement and environmental leadership. The skills are the same, but the application and process is vastly different.”

Gonzalez, who works in Leland, says she really enjoyed exploring the southern part of the county. “I enjoyed spending time in Supply and visiting the museum in Southport and the grounds at Fort Anderson. I just wish they could have worked in a day at Bald Head Island!”

Ultimately, I was glad I went back to school last fall. And I hope that others invested in the future of Brunswick County will find their way to the Leadership Brunswick County classroom as well. 

Want to learn more about Brunswick County?

The deadline has already passed for 2018–19 Leadership Brunswick County, but the program will continue in future years. To request an application or get more information, contact Brunswick Community College at (910) 755-7383; Brunswick County Chamber at (910) 754-6644; North Brunswick Chamber at (910) 383-0553; or Southport Oak Island Area Chamber at (910) 457-6964.

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North Brunswick Magazine

NONPROFIT

Helping the Earth, Helping a Neighbor A group of volunteers at The Bridge Presbyterian Church in Leland, led by Mary Fulton Campbell, are transforming single-use plastic grocery bags into sleeping mats for the homeless.

BY JAMIE LYNN MILLER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK STEELMAN

Mary Fulton Campbell on left, Linda Wadhams on top right. The matmaking process involves cutting plastic bags into strips, looping the strips together and rolling them into balls, which are then ready for the crochet process.

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NONPROFIT

Volunteer Sherry Low crochets a mat with a colorful pattern.

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NONPROFIT

When that store clerk asks, ‘Paper of plastic?’ I say, ‘Plastic, of course!’”

That’s Mary Fulton Campbell of Winnabow. Of course she knows paper is better for the environment than plastic and of course she knows that those plastic bags can’t be recycled away. But she does know something that many people don’t: Those plastic grocery bags can be repurposed into something useful.

You might call Campbell a social environmentalist: helping the Earth and helping her neighbors in need, one plastic stitch at a time.

Campbell and her volunteer corps at The Bridge Presbyterian Church are turning every plastic bag found or donated — any bag they can get their hands on — into sleeping mats for the homeless.

The crocheted mats are warm, resilient, easy to clean and good for sleeping on.

Having observed the homeless population around her Winnabow community, Campbell had been searching for a way to help. “The homeless are marginalized and judged, really. People ignore them. I wondered what I could do to help,” she says.

Two years ago, Campbell, a retired banker and phlebotomist and currently an old home fixer-upper, was randomly bouncing around the internet. “Maybe the chocolate pie of the week, or dogs? I think I was looking up dogs,” says the animal lover, who also volunteers at Paws Place animal shelter. She happened upon a story about turning nonrecyclable plastic bags into sleeping mats for those in need. “I thought, ‘We can do this!’” she says.

In starting the mat program at her church, Campbell wanted to cultivate a different sort of church involvement effort — one that didn’t involve fundraising. She determined that a group could gather plastic bags, launch a crochet corps and partner with Streetreach, a faith-based organization that helps the homeless and delivers the mats to those in need, all at no cost.

After she pestered fellow parishioners for about six months, Campbell says, the effort finally took hold. Originally a group of four, the membership has grown to at least 40 volunteers involved in every step of the process, from bag gathering to “plarn” prep (linking bags, rolling them into balls of plastic yarn) to actual crocheting. In addition to church members, the volunteer pool comes from all parts of the community, including the local senior center. “Everyone is welcome to join us!” Campbell says.

The crochet team inhabits a hallway, closet and small break room at The Bridge Presbyterian Church every Tuesday from 10 am to noon. The team is all women now, though Campbell hopes some men might join. “We do have a group of men who just come and grab the bags, process them then bring them back by,” Campbell says.

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NONPROFIT

Jan Steffenauer and Kathy Cariota finish the crochet process, while Mary Fulton Campbell stacks finished mats.

“They’re like these little fairies. Bags disappear, balls show up!”

It takes 100 hours and roughly 1,000 bags to complete a 4-foot by 6-foot sleeping mat. And some volunteers get creative.

Longtime volunteer Sherry Lowe used colored bags for balls of plarn. She crocheted a Food Lion-blue night sky with a black bag cat resting atop a Dollar General-yellow moon.

“We’re always excited to see those Dollar General bags!”

Campbell says.

When she showed some of the mats to Food Lion employees, they too got excited about the project. Not only do they save customers’ cast-offs, but also the store donates brand-new boxes of blue bags to the crochet team, who call themselves the Happy Hookers. “Our minister, Doug Cushing, just rolls his eyes at that,” Campbell says with a laugh.

While volunteers never know who exactly will curl up with their labor of love, Campbell recalls an encounter with one beneficiary. “I saw a man riding through Leland Park with a mat on his handlebars. I asked him where he got it, if he liked it … he said he always keeps it with him so no one will steal it.”

Mats don’t need to be colorful or patterned to make a difference, Campbell notes. Their value rests in the ability to provide warmth, comfort and some sort of rest. “One volunteer said, ‘Oh, mine doesn’t look good enough to use. It’s not pretty.’ I showed her a picture of someone rolled up in a blanket, sleeping in a ditch,” Campbell says. “I said, ‘He doesn’t care about your pattern.’”

The Bridge Presbyterian Church is getting a new building, 80

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and the mat makers can’t wait. There will be a designated mat-making room and a large storage closet to house some 20,000 donated plastic bags, including regular deliveries from donors in New Jersey and Tennessee. “The postman once said, ‘I think you just got a big box of air!’” Campbell recalls.

As the no-cost movement continues to grow its ranks, the process remains priceless.

“It’s something I could do,” Campbell says about starting the program, “and it means something to the people doing it with me. People are excited about it. It makes them feel good.”

Volunteers work on mats at home, on long road trips, even on vacation. “They’re totally dedicated,” Campbell says.

“They feel like they’re making a difference in their community. And they’re helping the Earth, too!”

The lively social environmentalist grows serious. During those initial planning stages, she’d asked Donna Phelps, founder of Streetreach, “If we start this, how long will it last?”

Donna replied, “There will never be an end to this need.” 

Want to help the mat makers?

• Donate plastic bags downstairs at the church or bring plastic bags to bins at Whole Foods (Whole Foods donates bin bags to the program).

• Join the mat making team! Workdays are Tuesdays from 10 am to noon. The Bridge Presbyterian Church is at 497 Olde Waterford Way, Suite 105, Leland. Call (910) 604-6444 for information.

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SHARKS TOOTH I S L A N D Fossils, artifacts and, yes, shark teeth are waiting to be discovered at this island in the Cape Fear River.

BY EMILY PAGE LOCKAMY

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It can be difficult to envision the Cape Fear River as we know it now — a focal point of the downtown scene, home to canoes, pontoon boats and tour boats — operating as a highway for shipping and trade. But that’s essentially what it was during colonial times, says Don Harty, owner of Mahanaim Adventures, a business providing kayaking, camping and team-building excursions in the Cape Fear area.

Harty says that the river’s history is nowhere more evident than at one of the man-made islands located within it.

Sharks Tooth Island in particular is a goldmine for colonial-era artifacts, Harty says; it’s where countless prehistoric fossils can be found, including, but not limited to, the kind that gave the island its name.

According to Harty, Sharks Tooth

Island and the string of islands to the north were formed by dredge spoil in the late 1800s when developing commerce compelled the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to dig channels deep enough for large ships to pass through — so that the deep-draft vessels’ passage no longer had to be dependent on the tide.

Thus, the islands consist of sand,

sediment and limestone rock that UNCW geologists estimate is between 35 and 40 million years old, Harty says.

Robert Smith, owner of the tour guide service Watersmith Kayaking and department manager at Outdoor Provision Company, shares that the limestone rock is known locally as “marl.”

“Marl used to be the bottom of the Fall 2018

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CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

“...visitors to Sharks Tooth Island can comb through 2 acres of sand, sea grass and rocky shoreline to search for fossilized shells, shark teeth and other treasures.”

shallow coastal ocean,” he says, which explains why shark tooth fossils abound on the island. “But you can also find an amazing number of other things, including Native American artifacts, Revolutionary and Civil War items, broken shards of pottery and glass…”

Smith says his most interesting finds have been a piece of petrified reed — three inches long and hollow — and a turn-of-the-century tobacco pipe.

Harty says that Mahanaim Adventures’ most exciting find has

been a prehistoric horse’s tooth. “[When you think of these kind of artifacts] you think more of aquatics, but this coastal area was at one point underwater,” he says. “Who knows what’s fallen off or been tossed over the side of the boat and dredged up?”

Today, visitors to Sharks Tooth Island can comb through 2 acres of sand, sea grass and rocky shoreline to search for fossilized shells, shark teeth and other treasures.

“It’s so exciting,” Smith says of the kidney-shaped island approximately the size of a baseball diamond.

Smith and Harty take clients out to Sharks Tooth Island via kayak through their respective companies. They paddle out from River Road Park, always coordinating their trips with the tides. With high tide comes hardly any beach to explore and more safety risks.

“A high tide enhanced by wind can overwash the island,” Smith says.

He also shares a little-known fact: “The current goes backwards twice a day, and many people don’t realize how

strong it can be. Even for the short distance to Sharks Tooth, it can be very difficult to get to there.”

Another safety consideration is avoiding and managing inclement weather, which is why Harty recommends hiring a guide with knowledge of the river and environmental conditions. Too often, he and his colleagues have rescued people whose boats have capsized.

When the weather is ideal, Harty describes Sharks Tooth Island as a “great and fun place to spend a couple of hours, to see a lot of cool wildlife and bird species.”

The surrounding islands are fun to check out, too, but there’s something unique about Sharks Tooth, says Harty — “the way it sits in the river and continues to stir things up.”

Harty says that many people focus so much on the local beaches that they miss out on the many other exciting adventures this town has to offer. It’s one of the reasons that Sharks Tooth Island has remained a hidden gem of sorts — a destination that’s at once

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very popular yet relatively undiscovered.

“Compared to the Intracoastal Waterway, the lower Cape Fear River is little used,” Smith adds. “People just seem more attracted to the beach and salty, clear water. The lower Cape Fear estuary is an unknown for many people. They see the marshes and dark, tannic water and hear about gators and just go to the beach.”

But Smith says that as long as appropriate precautions are taken — one of the benefits of using an experienced tour guide — the Cape Fear River is well worth a visit.

He and Harty agree that it’s an especially enjoyable experience for families with young kids.

“It’s a great way to keep kids

entertained,” Harty says.

Smith says his guided trips to Sharks Tooth Island can take between three and four hours, depending on the size of the group. Instead of paddling directly to the island, which is only about 400 yards from the dock, Smith tends to first venture north of Sharks Tooth, past several small islands and up a creek above River Road Park before paddling back to the main attraction.

Those who have the tools to make the trip themselves can even camp out on the island, under the canopy of cedar trees.

But as this special place becomes less obscure, it’s also becoming more polluted, Harty says. He and others who cherish Sharks Tooth Island

implore people to do their part in preserving its natural beauty.

“I wish there’d be more people that would take care of it,” he says.

Harty shares that the best time to experience the magic of the island is at low tide, and Smith says the best time of year for a visit is the fall, which is “the best time to paddle anywhere in our region.”

Regardless of the season, Smith says that new fossils and other artifacts will continue to appear on Sharks Tooth Island, as a result of the water’s movement and the continual erosion of the Fossiliferous limestone.

“It’s always worth a visit,” he says.

“You never know what you’ll see or find.” 

Want to explore this hidden river island?

Experienced local paddlers can access Sharks Tooth Island on their own by putting in at River Road Park in Wilmington. But a guide is recommended to help you access the island if you’re not familiar with the currents and tides in the Cape Fear River.

Mahanaim Adventures: (910) 547-8252; mahanaimadventures.com Watersmith Kayaking: (910) 443-3345; Facebook: Watersmith Kayaking 86

North Brunswick Magazine

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Business

Savvy Retailing wizards Tucker and Jennifer McGeoy take their cue from the community to transform their Winnabow storefront while expanding their online toy store.

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BY OLIVIA BARDELLA PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA GLANTZ

While driving along Ocean Highway East, customers of Tucker’s Toy Shop might be looking for the shop’s colorful sign signaling where to turn off. But in its place is a new sign that reads Town Creek Trading Post.

In response to the community, owners Tucker and Jennifer McGeoy moved the toy business solely online for Jennifer to open up her dream gift shop in its place this past July.

Customers looking for unique home gifts, decor and local art will find a pleasing selection in the new shop in Winnabow.

“I want you to find a treasure because there’s something in here you’re not expecting,” Jennifer says.

Before making the transition, the couple had participated in community events to discover their customers’ needs and to showcase their toy inventory as well as home decor and gift items. They found that customers were gravitating to the gifts more than the toys.

“Nobody was excited about the toys,” Tucker says. Customers wanted to see and touch the gifts in person, and those items were typically

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more fragile to ship.

Realizing that Brunswick County needed another gift store, the McGeoys decided to listen to their customers and transform the toy shop’s storefront into Town Creek Trading Post.

“I think that we’re meeting a need,” Jennifer says. “So many people who live in this area and even in Leland don’t want to go across the bridge every time they want to pick up something nice.”

With interior design help from local artist Debbie Hinson as well as Michelle Maultsby, who helped with setting up and managing the store, Jennifer transformed the 600-squarefoot space into a welcoming, chic storefront. The store’s tagline —All Things Pretty — rings true with kitchen items like copper storage containers, marble cutting boards and coasters, ceramic egg dishes and embroidered napkins. Colorful handbags and pillows, soaps for men and women, picture frames and barware with pithy sayings make for memorable gifts.

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artists to give them a venue to display and sell their artwork. “What I really want to do is get the community artists involved in this,” she says. Oil paintings, decorated tumblers and handmade signs are just a few of the locally made artworks that are available throughout the shop.

“There are a lot of really talented people out here who just need a spot [to show their work],” Jennifer explains. “Probably the most fun I’ve had doing this is meeting these people that are just so talented.”

A BACKGROUND IN RETAIL For the McGeoys, managing small businesses and working in the retail industry have been a part of their backgrounds, leading to the success of their current ventures.

Ever since he was a toddler, Tucker grew up in retail, first in his mother’s prominent Mississippi gifts and toy store in the early 1970s, and then as a teenager working in his grandfather’s truck stops. After serving a tour in the Marine Corps and studying accounting in college, Tucker returned to his

mother’s shop as the bookkeeper and then later worked as an accountant for a developer in North Carolina.

During his time as a bookkeeper, Tucker developed “an affinity for numbers,” he says. He streamlined his mother’s inventory by creating budgets and codes and predicted amounts of products that would need to be ordered and kept in stock.

This knack for numbers came in handy when in late 2009 a toy company that he had known from working in his mother’s shop contacted Tucker asking him to create an account to sell their products on Amazon as a third-party retailer. With a $5,000 start-up deal, Tucker made his first purchase order from his kitchen table in 2010.

Business started slowly. But after learning the ropes of Amazon and asking his high school friend and Navy veteran Joey Bailey to partner with him, a year later in January 2011 Tucker was selling toys online full-time and was able to quit his other part-time jobs.

“It was really fun in those days,” Tucker recalls. “It wasn’t so complicated.

The business kept blooming.”

Jennifer also had prior experience working in the toy industry, and she recalls how Tucker stood out among the retailers. “He was, and still is, a little bit of an enigma,” Jennifer says.

The toy companies knew who he was and his success with online retail, but in an industry where storefronts are deemed necessary his strategies were still a puzzle to most.

Once his business took off, Tucker ran into two problems: He was running out of space in his kitchen to store, pack and ship inventory, and some vendors would only work with brick-andmortar stores. In 2013 Tucker and Joey found the 16,000-square-foot warehouse complex where they are still located today.

They converted 5,000 square feet of the building into their warehouse while renting out the other portion to a kitchen countertop retailer. With the remaining space, Tucker opened a storefront for the toy shop in 2014 until transitioning to Jennifer’s gift shop.

BEHIND THE SCENES While Tucker’s Toy Shop no longer has a storefront, business is still moving quickly behind the scenes.

The back office is where Tucker relies on his analytical side. He and his team use algorithms and codes and monitor rankings and price changes of products in the office where a few of his employees are working on multiple monitors at once.

A set of double doors at one end of a short hall opens up to the main hub of the business — the warehouse. Amazon boxes and packages ready to ship are stacked, what seems, a mile high in the middle of the space. As a third-party seller on Amazon, Tucker’s Toy Shop ships either from the Winnabow warehouse or an Amazon fulfillment center.

Tucker points out on the right side of

the warehouse the processing area where orders are packaged on a stationary conveyor belt. Tucker’s two sons who work part-time in the warehouse are processing an order of small rubber snakes, and Tucker explains how he can give the buyer a better deal by selling the snakes in packs of two and save him money on shipping costs.

The other half of the warehouse stages inventory. Anything from yellow rubber ducks and oversized stuffed animals to fake tombstones and garden statues are stored in boxes and bins.

Tucker’s Toy Shop sells a variety of items including games, costumes and party items that will then be shipped either directly to individual customers or large companies such as Walmart.

Aside from online retail, Tucker is also moving toward distributorship.

Exiting the warehouse, he walks outside to open one of a few shipping containers on his property that is half full with multi-colored LED nightlights from a company in England that he will then distribute to other retailers. The toy shop already distributes some products for other companies like Wayfair, Home Depot and Zulily.

ALL ABOUT THE CUSTOMER The philosophy that has contributed to the McGeoys’ business success revolves around the customer. “The business should be about anything but yourself,” Tucker says. He jokes that even though he used his name in the toy shop’s moniker, the business really isn’t about him.

He says that his job as a retailer is to find out what people want, then keep it in stock and offer fair prices. “I don’t take any personal like or dislike with what I sell. I’m here to serve.”

Jennifer has adopted that principle, too, although with some reluctance at first. She explains how she was skeptical when Tucker suggested she sell pet bereavement stones in her shop.

But after a few pleased customers left with the bereavement stones, Jennifer was convinced. “We’ve both learned a lot from each other,” she says.

“We are a team,” Tucker adds.

LOOKING AHEAD With the recent changes, the McGeoys are looking to the future.

Their aim is to build a retail complex on the land adjacent to the shop for more retail stores and a restaurant.

Tucker says that he’s also thinking of opening a restaurant with a gift shop in another location in order to stock some toys again. “We may end up opening a restaurant so I can sell Big Bird,” he says with a laugh.

But for now, the McGeoys’ focus is on growing their customer base through the gift shop. Tucker says the Trading Post is like the seed.

By getting foot traffic through the shop, the McGeoys believe it will help them listen to the community’s wants and needs. In turn the couple will be able to do what they do best — give customers what they’re looking for and serve the community. 

Want to check out the goods?

Town Creek Trading Post 6361 Ocean Highway E., Suite 5, Winnabow Check out their Facebook page for hours and updates.

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Business A After Hours Ribbon Cuttings Networking Events Early Bird Speed Networking Seminars The North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce represents the economic interests of Brunswick County, Wilmington, and the surrounding communities LELAND | BELVILLE | NAVASSA | NORTHWEST | SANDY CREEK WINNABOW | MACO | PHOENIX | TOWN CREEK

910.383.0553 | www.nbchamberofcommerce.com 151 POOL E RD. SU ITE 3 L E L A N D, N C

We’re Growing with Brunswick County!

SERVICES: • Family Medicine

• Gastroenterology

• Internal Medicine

• Orthopaedic Surgery

• Pediatrics • Endocrinology

Just like Brunswick County, Wilmington Health is growing! Our new office in Leland, located just outside of Magnolia Greens, offers more services, the providers you know and trust, and room to grow.

• Foot & Ankle

• Same Day Care • Urology

We also offer state-of-the-art diagnostics, including 3D mammography, ultrasound imaging, and so much more!

Wilmington Health in Leland 9101 Ocean Highway East, Leland

910.371.0404

wilmingtonhealth.com 92 11360_01 North Brunswick Magazine Leland Brunswick Magazine Ad 7.25x4.812.indd

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9/4/18 8:28 AM

Business Profile

Grey Outdoor, LLC

BY SANDI GRIGG

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

T

here has been a lot of chatter about the digital billboards going up on Hwy 17 and we have the scoop. Grey Vick, owner of Grey Outdoor LLC, is the promotional mastermind behind many stationary billboards across North and South Carolina as well as the new digital billboards here in Brunswick County. In fact Grey says, “Grey Outdoor LLC has about 185 structures with roughly 410 faces throughout the Carolina’s; mostly concentrated east of I-95.” Currently 6 of those are digital with roughly 8 second ads with 7-8 rotations. Grey says, “Digitals are trouble-free because you can easily change them out.”

Grey was born in Wilmington but grew up in Goldsboro, NC. He always knew he would come back to Wilmington and made it come to fruition when he started college at UNCW. Armed with an accounting degree and even masters in accounting he partnered in 2007 starting Waterway Outdoor Company owning and managing billboards. In 2014 he decided to go out on his own starting Grey Outdoor LLC. Grey says, “I pretty much started over which was really hard to do because I had put all my energy into Waterway Outdoor Company and I felt I had come so far but now I am glad I did it.” Grey hopes to keep growing the business by finding other innovative ways to promote his clients. “With technology always changing I want to be able to provide the best for the most value,” Grey says.

Grey and his wife, Sarah, are new parents to a son named Mason and he and his family enjoy surfing, boating, and watching their son explore. “The coolest thing about what I do is everyone wins – the advertisers benefit, landowners profit, local jurisdictions get taxes and I take home a paycheck; it’s a win, win,” he says. Grey goes on to say, “We just want to be able to raise our son to grow up humble and a fine person — instilling good quality values in him.”

Grey Outdoor, LLC 910-620-5168 www.greyoutdoor.com

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Business Profile

EmergeOrtho

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

BY JOHANNA COLBURN

F

or more than 30 years, EmergeOrtho has been a trusted leader in innovative, quality-focused, comprehensive, patient-centered musculoskeletal care in southeastern North Carolina. The physician-owned, independent healthcare practice provides highly specialized orthopedic programs in a well-coordinated manner, focusing on one patient at a time.

“The EmergeOrtho philosophy leads us to demonstrate consideration and respect, to maintain the highest quality care and business standards, to serve as thought and education leaders in the specialty, and to support the overall health and wellness of our community,” says EmergeOrtho CEO Stephen DeBiasi.

EmergeOrtho’s Greater Wilmington Region offers patients seamless access to the most comprehensive range of orthopedic services, specialties and technologies in their 12 locations throughout New Hanover, Brunswick and Onslow counties. Their medical team includes 27 board-certified orthopedic and specialty physicians, many of whom are fellowship trained, and 26 mid-level providers. Collectively, their practitioners offer experience and competence in the following subspecialties: spine, sports medicine, joint replacement and reconstruction, hand and upper extremity, foot and ankle, podiatry, physical medicine and 94

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rehabilitation (PM&R), orthopedic trauma and pain management. Additionally, they operate physical and occupational therapy centers with a dedicated team of therapists and support staff in several of the office locations. EmergeOrtho has fixed-site and mobile MRI imaging services and three AccessOrtho Urgent Care locations for walk-in service dedicated to the treatment of orthopedic injuries.

EmergeOrtho employs a full complement of about 450 clinical and administrative professionals who care for patients each day. The management team includes experts in human resources, marketing, accounting, information technology and clinical management. Together, they work day-in and day-out to provide compassionate, professional and friendly care and treatment for their patients.

The ever-evolving company culture of EmergeOrtho strives to create care that is as frictionless as possible for patients as well as providers and staff.

“Healthcare is serious, but we believe it’s important to enjoy our time together and encourage staff to have fun,” DeBiasi says. “We are always seeking to improve the care and patient experience.”

They maintain close partnerships with other healthcare providers in the community and through those relationships find and embrace change

and innovation. “We encourage staff and providers to take a team approach to how they practice and work.”

At EmergeOrtho there is a foundational belief and long history of giving back to the communities they serve. “We provide funding and support to many area youth athletic programs to help keep our citizens healthy and fit,” DeBiasi states. “We also lend our support to a variety of local nonprofits and charities through volunteer time and financial support.”

Moving into the fall season, as sports medicine physicians, the team at EmergeOrtho sees overuse injuries in young athletes who concentrate on one activity year-round. EmergeOrtho joins with the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine in helping to prevent overuse injuries and warn parents and coaches about the impact of sports specialization in young athletes between the ages of 5 to 14. To read more about this issue, please visit orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/staying-healthy/aguide-to-safety-for-young-athletes/ and stopsportsinjuries.org/.

Learn more about EmergeOrtho, find convenient office and AccessOrtho locations and make appointments online at EmergeOrtho.com.

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Business Profile

BY ANNESOPHIA RICHARDS

PHOTOS BY LAURA GLANTZ

College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving

J

eff Moss has spent much of his adult life developing leaders. From his time as an officer in the U.S. Army to 25 years in the pharmaceutical industry, he has continuously encouraged those around him to grow, develop and achieve their dreams.

So when the opportunity to open the Wilmington-area franchise of College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk and Moving presented itself earlier this year, Moss was certain it was the right path for him. “A friend who owns the franchise in Atlanta commented that I would love this business due to my consistent theme of developing leaders,” Moss says.

“We have a special needs adult daughter who we care for, and I wanted to own a business that would give me the flexibility to involve her where I can,” he adds. “She helps me with marketing and is our biggest cheerleader.”

College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk and Moving is comprised of professional movers, college students and college graduates. The H.U.N.K.S. acronym stands for Honest, Uniformed, Nice, Knowledgeable Service, and that’s exactly what Moss and his team strive to provide to every customer every day.

The company prides itself in its four core values: Building Leaders; Creating a Fun, Enthusiastic Team Environment; Listen, Fulfill and Delight; and Always Branding.

“We actually live those values and bring them to customers every day,” Moss says. “This is more than a junk removal and moving company, it’s much bigger than that. We’re here to move people’s worlds, one customer at a time.”

A fully licensed, bonded and insured junk removal and moving company, College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk and Moving offers a variety of services ranging from full-service moving, packing and junk removal to loading and unloading help or even furnituremoving assistance. The company strives to keep its operations environmentally friendly when removing unwanted items from any location. “With everything we remove, we decide if it can be donated or recycled, or as a final resort, go to the landfill,” Moss says.

He says that one of the best things about his company is getting to work with the many different individuals on his team. He’s proud to be a mentor to young people and have the opportunity to make a difference.

“They call me ‘Papa Hunk,’” Moss says. “It’s a big responsibility to have so many guys from different backgrounds working for you, but together they form an incredible team because they’re all learning from one another.”

In its first few months, College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk and Moving has been extremely busy. So busy, in fact, they set a new franchise record in their first full month of operation. The feedback that the business has received from customers in the area has been overwhelmingly positive.

“I want people in the Wilmington area to know that there’s more to College H.U.N.K.S. than just strapping young men coming to move your furniture or haul away your junk,” Moss says. “We’re having an incredible time helping people solve problems in a stress-free way, and that’s what College H.U.N.K.S. is really all about.”

College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving (910) 473-5163; collegeH.U.N.K.S.haulingjunk.com/ locations/nc/wilmington/

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Own a Piece of History

Hurricane Florence Magazine

• Stories and photos from North Carolina and South Carolina • Interview with one of the pilots who flew through the eye • Stories on heroes and survivors • NOAA satellite images documenting the magnitude of this massive storm Contributers are Florence Survivors

Only $9.95 plus $3.00 S&H Order Online

www.HurricaneFlorenceMag.com 98

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Business Profile

Cape Fear Seafood

C

ape Fear Seafood Company (CFSC) is dedicated to serving spectacular food, wine and spirits in a relaxed, casual setting. Every dish is prepared with attention to detail, quality ingredients and excellent flavors. Their dedicated staff strives to accommodate guests with a sense of urgency and an abundance of Southern hospitality.

Founded in 2008 by Evans and Nikki Trawick during the worst economic downturn in a century, CFSC was created with the idea of becoming the area’s go-to place for seafood. It is now Wilmington’s local hotspot for the freshest, tastiest seafood.

Evans grew up in Burgaw, a small Pender County town about 30 minutes north of Wilmington. “Growing up I can remember a number of great seafood houses in Wilmington and thought that those options just weren’t here anymore, so my wife Nikki and I decided to open Cape Fear Seafood Company,” Evans says.

With its growing popularity, the restaurant has expanded from its flagship eatery in Monkey Junction to a second location in Porters Neck and a third in Waterford in Leland. They expanded their original location in Monkey Junction in 2012 to double its original size and from there opened the Porters Neck location in 2015, all while winning numerous awards and recognitions. In 2017 they opened their third location in the Waterford area of Brunswick County. In early 2019 CFSC plans to open a franchise location in Raleigh.

“We believe we have the best staff at all of our locations

BY JOHANNA COLBURN

based upon how well CFSC performs on a day-to-day basis,” Evans explains. “Our company culture is based on quality work, quality products, honesty, respect for all, humility, teamwork, passion, community and family.”

CSFC offers a wide range of seafood-oriented menu options along with fresh, hand-cut steaks and chicken for the land lovers. Price ranges from $7.99 lunch options to the mid$20s for dinner entrees and specials. They have a variety of signature dishes on their menu, including customer favorites Shrimp & Grits, Fresh Catch Saltimbocca and New Bedford Scallops. Their chefs create specials daily and hand-select their fresh fin fish. The fish is then delivered six days a week to their restaurants from local purveyor Steve Strouse, who runs his wholesale distribution business out of Brunswick County.

Consistency, quality and a Southern hospitality-driven staff that will do whatever it takes to satisfy their guests — that’s what separates CFSC from the rest and keeps customers coming back.

Cape Fear Seafood Company 143 Poole Road, Waterford, Leland (910) 399-6739 capefearseafoodcompany.com

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SNIPPETS

EmergeOrtho Groundbreaking

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

In the early morning hours of July 26, EmergeOrtho broke ground on its new facility in The Villages at Brunswick Forest. The facility will be Brunswick County’s first outpatient Orthopedic Surgery Center and will provide local residents with convenient, efficient and cost-effective care. Set to open toward the end of 2019, EmergeOrtho will neighbor Lowe’s Food in The Villages, which is located in the front of Brunswick Forest. The new Surgery Center will offer rooms for operating, procedures, examinations and treatments as well as physical occupational therapy services. At the ground-breaking ceremony, attendees were invited to sign a beam to be displayed in the new facility and to enjoy bagels and fruit provided by Lowe’s Foods.

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PHOTOS BY BILL RITENHOUR

SNIPPETS

Peter Ziel with his ’61 Corvette.

Kevin Hommes’ ’65 Cobra.

Leland Under The Lights Car Show Crowds of car lovers came out to see the area’s hottest cars and trucks at the 15th annual Leland Under the Lights Car Show on August 18. Held at Lowe’s Foods in Brunswick Forest, the event also featured vendors, restaurants and great music from Brian White and Jammin 99.9 on location. Goody bags, dash plaques and T-shirts were given to the first 100 cars that preregistered. The event benefited North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce and its education/scholarship fund. The chamber wishes to thank all the sponsors who made this event a success.

Winners from each category were: Best In Show sponsored in Memory of Bob Pirnat and Carol Pirnat Roger Albizu // 1967 GTO

Kids Choice Award sponsored by Seidokan Dojo Randy Hofer // 2000 Chevrolet Corvette

Best in Class 1985 & Older sponsored by South State Bank Jim Cannaday // 1970 Ford Torino

Powder Puff sponsored by: Azalea Plaza Estates, LLC Kristen Brinkley // 1979 CJ7

Best in Class 1986 & Newer sponsored by Autozone of Leland James Holmes // 2016 Chevrolet Corvette

Club Participation Award sponsored by Cruse Construction British Motor Club of the Cape Fear

Best Ford sponsored by DSA Builders Inc. Joe Civale // 1967 Ford Mustang

TOP 25 TROPHIES sponsored by Select Bank & Trust Larry Parker — 1933 Ford Tudor Mike McGrath — 1965 Chevy Malibu Terry Kweece — 1967 Chevy Camaro Russell Byrd — 1970 Chevy Camaro Amy Faulkenberry — 2015 Ford Mustang Jerry Trees 2011 — Chevy Corvette Gabe Trepiccione — 1956 F100 Truck Dale Elderdice — 1967 Chevy Truck C10 Peggy Lilly — 1956 Ford Fairlane Karen Corrao — 2017 Cadillac CTS-V Jim Davis — 2017 Ford Mustang Nick Brackett — 2017 Chevy Corvette Mark Messina — 1998 Ford Mustang Lance Gamestar — 1965 Chevy Impala Fred Taylor — 1934 Chevy Master Kenneth Hewett — 1969 Chevy Camaro Brian Mitchell — 1967 Chevy 2 Debbie Pyle — 1966 Chevelle Tommy Farmer — 1966 GTO Perry Dixon 1960 — Chevy Impala Randy Bigford — 1969 Chevelle Scott Rhyne — 1953 F100 Bobby Johnson — 1955 Chevy Bel Air Dean Jones — 1933 Plymouth Azalea Limousine — 1965 Cady Limo

Best Chevy sponsored by Jeff Gordon Chevrolet Peter Ziehl // 1961 Chevrolet Corvette Best Mopar sponsored by Leland Magazine Mike Ryckman // 1972 Plymouth Road Runner Best GM sponsored by South State Bank Mortgage — Donnie Grooms Ricky Sullivan 1952 // Chevrolet Coupe Best Import sponsored by Andress & Associates Accounting, LLC John Cortina // 1986 Ferrari 328 Best Motor sponsored by Carolina Shores Car Wash James Meredith // 1965 Chevelle SS Best Paint sponsored by Wall to Wall Cabinetry — Sandy Torbit Dawn Farah // 1949 Chevrolet 5 Window Pickup Truck Best Interior sponsored by Discover NC Homes — Nolan Formalarie Mark Lampkin // 1958 Pontiac Starchief Most Unique sponsored by Riegelwood Federal Credit Union Paul Donner // 1972 Volkswagen Dune Buggy

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A Tropical Escape...

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Set oceanfront surrounded by palm gardens, banana trees and hibiscus flowers. Offering a variety of accommodations to suit every need for vacations, weddings, honeymoons and golf.

Relax and rejuvenate the senses as you experience a wealth of free amenities and family fun.

A beach-side ambience that is truly t unforgettable

CHOOSE CAMS For Trusted Local Guidance Our Brunswick County team’s local roots give us the ability to offer personal service to each community while also providing resources that are only available to CAMS. We welcome the opportunity to tell you about the benefits your community can receive through CAMS. YOUR HOME-GROWN, HIGH-TECH ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT EXPERTS!

trusted guidance

community association management services

Call us: 877-672-2267 WWW.CAMSMGT.COM 104

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CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

SNIPPETS

Ladies Night Out Purse Bash With designer purses by Michael Kors, Coach, Kate Spade and many more up for grabs, hundreds of women participated in the fourth annual Ladies Night Out Purse Bash fun at The Brunswick Center on July 19. For only $25 a ticket the women enjoyed dinner, two raffle tickets for purses, a silent auction and a fashion show

by Kent & Company Boutique. WWAY’s Amanda Fitzpatrick served as emcee and gave away those prized purses. This event benefits North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce to help fund programs like a Veterans Day celebration, Excellence in Education and more

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FACES & PLACES

North Brunswick Chamber Business After Hours including College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving Ribbon Cutting and The Bridge Presbyterian Church

Susan Stanewick, Sandra Sears, Marilyn Veron

Barbara Ann Bergey and Danny Dixon

Edith Brown, Lauren Pipkin, James Barmore, Bill Calder

Members of The Bridge Presbyterian Church

April Scott and Susan Wright

PHOTOGRAPHY: BILL RITENOUR

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Bob and Rochelle Grass

Anne Adams and Dana Fisher

Constance Reeves, Jeff Harvell, Leland Mayor Brenda Bozeman, George Murray, Mary Amelling

Gerald Benton and Breck Sampson

Katie Bradley and Diane Upton

Camille and Jeff Moss

Todd Beane and Steve Prout

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FACES & PLACES

Last Chance for White Pants Gala

Lannin & Michael Braddock, Veronica Godwin

Jennifer & Jonathan Hedge, Sandra Ray

Ed Ollie, Venitta Reeves, Brian Thomas

Katie Collier, Anne Hewett, Mary Grigg Fountain

Rob Kaiser & Elaine Leggett

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Andy & Missy Combs

Pat & Mike Prince

Don Spiers & Angie Ball

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FACES & PLACES

North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce 2018 Annual Banquet

“Non-Profit of the Year” awarded to Communities in Schools of Brunswick County

“New Chamber Member of the Year” Shukin’ Shack, Leland

Brigid and John Lerch

“Woman of the Year” Susan Cruse

Susie and Daniel Teachey

Kristin and Jon Tait

Tinisha Green presenting the “Volunteer of the Year “award to Joyce Throop

PHOTOGRAPHY: BILL RITENOUR

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Peggy O’Leary presenting the “Ambassador of the Year” award to Ron Hadley

FACES & PLACES

North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce 2018 Annual Banquet

Chris Gillis and Sharon Smith

Rose Thompson and Drew Stevens

Andy Combs

Dana Fisher and “Entrepreneur of the Year” Lee Kent

Martha Jackson and “Young Professional of the Year” Tyler Wittkofsky

Betsy and David Head of “Business of the Year” Family Dog Naturals

Stephanie and David Bowen

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Noah’s wife called and said this: don’t forget your “ Noah, swimsuit – water’s just fine!

”

Noah heard this: forget your swimsuit “Just – won’t have mine! ” Catch every word with a captioned telephone (CapTel), and you’ll never forget your swimsuit.

A free service provided by CapTel North Carolina is the solution for people with a hearing loss.

A CapTel allows them to hear and read everything the person on the other line says to them!

For more information about the service or to get a CapTel phone, contact: (866) 545-4012 (toll free) kim.m.calabretta@sprint.com www.captelnc.com

CapTel is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc.

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WHAT’S HAPPENED

Communities In Schools of Brunswick County Offers Free Parenting Classes Parents and families benefited from enrolling in the evidencebased Communities In Schools of Brunswick County (CIS) parenting programs. Circle of Parents support groups and Incredible Years parenting class series strengthened families by promoting effective positive strategies for parents to use to manage their children’s behavior. CIS has provided this service for the county for the past eight years. CIS Circle of Parents support groups are forming and beginning to meet as well. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren support group meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month at the Leland 5th District Building from 6 to 8 pm. The Single Parent support group meets the first and third Thursday of each month at Supply Elementary School at 5:30 pm and at Waccamaw School. Support group meetings are free and include free childcare, free meals and incentives for participants who attend the majority of meetings.

Brunswick County Teen Court Places Fourth in Mock Trial Competition

The Brunswick County Teen Court Mock Trial team placed fourth in the 20th North Carolina Teen Court Association State Mock Trial Competition in Concord, N.C., in April.

Student volunteers competed as attorneys, clerks and bailiffs against 20 other counties from around the state. Brunswick County Teen Court students practiced their roles for three months prior to the state competition. Teen Court attorney mentors John Kelso and Nancy Adelis spent time mentoring, training and prepping the students for the competition.

Bike Rodeo in Leland A Bike Rodeo and Safety Event took place for children of all ages on May 5 in the Leland Town Hall parking lot. This free family event included a rodeo course with stops including hand signal instructions, a bicycle safety course, bike fitting and registration and a helmet check. Children brought their bikes to register and had fun developing skills that will help them to become better bicyclists and avoid typical crashes. Helmets were required to participate in the rodeo.

The Town of Leland received bicycle helmets from North Carolina Department of Transportation as part of a grant to distribute to children in need. Tasty Tee’s Snack Shack food truck was on site for re-fueling.

CIS Working to Plant Education SEAD

The Aspen Institute, an educational and policy studies organization based in Washington, D.C., refers to Social, Emotional and Academic Development (SEAD) as the integration of social and emotional development with academic learning in K-12 education. Research shows that when schools fully integrate SEAD into K-12 education, academic performance improves, students are more engaged in school and more likely to graduate high school and attend and graduate from college. Evidence also shows that students with healthy social and emotional development are more successful in the workforce and experience greater lifetime well-being. In the same way that academic skills can be developed, social and emotional skills can be nurtured and developed through student’s school experience. A variety of instructional strategies can be used to support students’ social and emotional development, including specific programs as a part of classroom lessons and opportunities Fall 2018

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WHAT’S HAPPENED

such as hands-on learning with situations that require students to practice these skills. Stand-alone programs and interventions like Communities in Schools’ Action for Success program focus on developing social and emotional skills and have been shown to improve behavior and academic performance.

telecommunications industry, spending the last 27 years of his life at ATMC primarily in leadership roles as chief financial officer, chief operating officer and general manager.

This scholarship honors Roger’s passion and endless drive to help ensure that rural Americans have access to the same technology and education as every other American.

A Night of Uncultured Comedy

Local Educators Attend NCCAT

Leland Cultural Arts Center hosted a comedy show on September 7. The headliner, a national touring local comic, was John Felts. Local comics Rich Neilsen, Mellony Wilder and Matt Coglin also made an appearance.

Several area educators recently attended programs held at the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching, a recognized national leader in professional development programming for our state’s teachers. Participating educators from Brunswick County Schools included Jennifer Bowden, Jessica L. Buskirk and Christopher B. Tunstall of Belville Elementary School; and Carolynn Phillips of Leland Middle School. Phillips was named the NCCAT 2017-18 Brunswick County Honored Educator Scholar. This scholarship was established by The Brunswick County Board of Education.

It honors the Brunswick County Teacher of the Year and the commitment of Brunswick County Schools to its teachers.

NCCAT’s Honored Educator Scholarship Program gives tribute to outstanding individuals and educators by providing scholarship funds in their names. Increasing teacher effectiveness is fundamental to improving public education.

NCCAT provides teachers with new knowledge, skills, teaching methods, best practices and information to take back to their classrooms. NCCAT conducts a wide variety of high-quality professional development for pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers.

Students Awarded National Scholarships through Foundation for Rural Service Two Brunswick County students were awarded scholarships through the Foundation for Rural Services (FRS). ATMC is a member of the FRS, a national organization that advances rural issues and awards annual scholarships to qualifying students across rural America. West Brunswick High School senior Kayla Miller and South Brunswick High Kayla Miller, above. Kaylee School senior Kaylee Potter Potter, below. were both recipients of 2018 FRS scholarships.

Kayla Miller, daughter of Art and Carrie Miller of Ash, was selected as the southeast region recipient of the $2,500 Foundation for Rural Service Scholarship.

Miller is attending Pfieffer University to study Criminal Justice and Psychology. Kaylee Potter, daughter of Travis and Jennifer Potter of Winnabow, was awarded the $500 Roger Alan Cox Sponsorship. Potter is studying Nursing at East Carolina University. In 2017 FRS created the Roger Alan Cox Scholarship sponsored by Herman and Whiteaker, LLC. Roger Cox served Brunswick County in the rural

Leland Police Department Announces Digital Crime Map Tool The Leland Police Department now provides near realtime crime information through Community Crime Map digital tool to keep the public informed about crime. The Community Crime Map automatically syncs to Leland Police Department’s secure record system, cleans data to protect privacy and displays it to the public, both online and in the mobile app, so citizens are aware of events that occur in their area and can take action to stay safe. The crime data displayed on the map, grid and dashboard is geocoded and included basic information about each incident, including the type of crime, location type, block-level address, date and time. Leland citizens can view the map and grid of reported crimes, sign up for emailed neighborhood watch reports, and submit an anonymous tip about a crime directly to Leland Police. Community Crime Map goes beyond crime mapping by automatically alerting citizens about recent

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WHAT’S HAPPENED

North Carolina Beaches Show Surge in Tourism this Summer

crime activity and improving communication between the public and law enforcement through anonymous tipping.

This is a valuable tool for law enforcement to communicate crime activity to the public and for the public to be empowered to make informed decisions by understanding crime activity in their neighborhood.

Nine Graduate from Leadership Brunswick County

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Brunswick County Sheriff John W. Ingram gave an inspiring keynote address during the 2017-18 Leadership Brunswick County Graduation Ceremony. Leadership Brunswick County is a program sponsored by Brunswick Community College and the Brunswick County, North Brunswick and SouthportOak Island Area chambers of commerce to develop a corps of informed, committed and qualified individuals capable of providing dynamic leadership for Brunswick County. It is designed to identify highly motivated, emerging leaders and educate them about the needs of our community, as well as the dynamics of social and economic changes. To graduate from Leadership Brunswick County, participants were required to attend an orientation retreat, a minimum of six sessions from the eight sessions held between October to April, attend the All County Chamber Business Networking After Hours Hosted by Brunswick Community College and three additional chamber or community college functions.

They were also divided into three groups and required to work together to complete a project in Brunswick County.

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According to a new report from Tripping.com, the world’s largest site for finding vacation rentals, North Carolina beaches represent eight of the 25 fastest growing destinations in the United States summer. The growth is attributed to affordable vacation rental rates and the state’s abundance of pristine beaches and protected preserves. The data comes from Tripping.com’s Summer 2018 Vacation Report. The report, drawn from Tripping.com searches for vacation rentals between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, reveals valuable intel on where Americans are headed for their summer vacations. All three of Wilmington’s beaches are represented, including Kure Beach (up 135%), Carolina Beach (up 97%) and Wrightsville Beach (up 75%). Other North Carolina beaches in the top 25 include Sunset Beach (up 75%), Emerald Isle (up 65%), Oak Island (up 55%), Topsail (up 51%) and Kill Devil Hills (up 49%).

Cucalorus Hires Kim Klein as Development Director Cucalorus Film Foundation hired Kim Klein as the organization’s new development director beginning on June 1.

Klein is the founding executive director of The Better Angels Society in Western Massachusetts, where she has helped raise more than $50 million over the past ten years to support the work of legendary documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and to preserve the legacy of his work through education, training, mentoring and support. Klein holds degrees in Fine Art and Communications from the University of South Florida.

She brings extensive experience working with a range of educational and cultural organizations to provide leadership, enhance visibility, develop programs and secure solid financial support. The 24th annual Cucalorus Festival will be held November 7 to 11.

WHAT’S HAPPENED

National Night Out

Leland Tourism Development Authority Acquires North Carolina Rice Festival The Leland Tourism Development Authority recently purchased the name, logo and intellectual property of the North Carolina Rice Festival from the estate of WC Lanier, the former festival owner and promoter who in 2014 had a vision for a rice festival in this area of North Carolina. When offered the N.C. Rice Festival by the Lanier estate, the Leland TDA Board recognized an opportunity to bring what Lanier started to a broad

Many gathered in celebration with the Leland Police Department, Leland Fire/Rescue and Town of Leland staff on August 7 for the local National Night Out block party.

They had music, food for sale from Poor Piggy’s BBQ food truck, safety demonstrations, games and more at Leland Municipal Park.

Navassa’s 37th Annual Homecoming Parade The Town of Navassa held its 37th annual Homecoming Parade on July 7. Among the participants were queens, civic groups, churches, organizations, community leaders, business vendors and more.

audience and expand the event to celebrate local history and culture. In order to establish the N.C. Rice Festival as an independent entity, a nonprofit organization will be formed to operate and manage the festival, with initial financial support provided by the Leland TDA. The festival’s new direction will expand events from one day to three, change venues and move to a new date. The N.C. Rice Festival will now take place the first weekend in March 2019. Festivities will begin with an opening reception on Friday, March 1, 2019, at Leland Cultural Arts Center, continue with day-long festival activities in

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D E N TA L

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6/5/18 4:51 PM

WHAT’S HAPPENED

Leland Municipal Park and Town Hall on Saturday, March 2, and conclude with area community events on Sunday, March 3.

are educated, CDS is a public charter school that draws more than 950 students from across Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties. Charter Day School is one of four public charter schools managed by The Roger Bacon Academy, Inc. The other schools include Douglass Academy in Wilmington, Columbus Charter School in Whiteville and South Brunswick Charter School in Southport. Charter Day School is a tuition-free, public charter school that welcomes all students, regardless of income, ability or address.

Brunswick County Commissioner Frank Williams elected 2nd Vice President of N.C. Association of County Commissioners

When Charter Day School students returned to school on July 19, they were met with a brand-new kindergarten building. The state-of-the-art building houses four classrooms and two intervention rooms for private instruction. Set amidst 80 acres in Leland, Charter Day School (CDS) is in its 18th year as a high-performing program of classical education for kindergarten through 8th grade. With parents in North Carolina having the freedom to choose – tuition free – where their children

Eighth grade student Ty’riek Harrelson has been elected as Student Government Association (SGA) president of Charter Day School. More than 260 Charter Day Middle School students turned out to vote for this year’s representatives. In addition to Ty’riek as President, Alyssa

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Charter Day School Unveils New Kindergarten Building on First Day of School

Charter Day School Elects New Student Representatives

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Brunswick County Commissioner Frank Williams was elected 2nd Vice President of the N.C. Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) during the association’s annual conference, held August 22 to 25 in Catawba County. The other newly installed officers are President Larry Phillips of Surry County, President-elect Kevin Austin of Yadkin County and First Vice President Ronnie Smith of Martin County. Brenda Howerton of Durham County is Immediate Past President. Williams is in his second term as a Brunswick County Commissioner and currently serves as the board’s chair. He also serves as chair of the Cape Fear Rural Planning Organization Transportation Advisory Committee, on the boards of the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO) and Brunswick Business & Industry Development (Brunswick BID) and on the Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point (MOTSU) Joint Land Use Study policy committee. He previously chaired the NCACC General Government steering committee.

Albertson won vice president, Noah Craven won secretary and Nami Baggett won treasurer. Twelve middle school students were elected as representatives – four from each grade. Set amidst 80 acres in Leland, Charter Day School (CDS) is in its 18th year as a high-performing program of classical education for kindergarten through 8th grade.

CDS is a public charter school that draws more than 950 students from across Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties.

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CAPTURE THE MOMENT

PHOTO CAPTURED BY MELISSA MORGAN

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

If we choose your photo to be published on this page, you will win $25.

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ADVERTISERS INDEX Advertiser

Phone# Page#

Advertiser

Phone# Page#

4ever24fit..........................................................................................910-399-4760 81

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

60, 61

Aesthetic Dentistry........................................................................910-371-5965 29

Josh London – State Farm Insurance.................................910-383-1303 54

American Mini Storage............................................................. 910-383-6500 87

Kent & Co. Boutique......................................................................910-399-4425 88

Art Catering & Events.................................................................910-755-6642 14

Legacy Homes by Bill Clark.......................................................910-363-1682 33

Arthur Rutenberg Homes........................................................ 910-707-3679 19 Leland Ace Hardware..................................................................910-383-6688 12 ATMC.......................................................................................................844-755-1814 14

Leland Christian Academy.......................................................910-371-0688 88

Austin Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery....................................910-769-1605 84

Leland Veterinary Hospital...................................................... 910-371-3440 56

BenchMark Physical Therapy................................................910-399-4039 118

Logan Homes................................................................................. 800-761-4707 76

Bianchi Brickyard Supply...........................................................910-454-4445 118

Luxe Home Interiors Waterford...........................................910-371-0464 95

Bill Clark Homes.............................................................................. 910-350-1744 32

McPherson’s Acme General..................................................910-655-4006 39

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

Miller & Associates Family Dentistry..................................910-371-9444 81

Boys & Girls Homes of NC..........................................................877-211-5322 59

Mr. Appliance.......................................................................................910-796-1118 56

Brodee Dogs.......................................................................................910-523-5121 88

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

Brunswick County Dept. of Social Services......................910-253-2112 117 Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity.........................910-338-3648 114

NHRMC Physician Group — New Hanover Medical Group.................................................. 910-254-1033 13

Brunswick Forest............................................................................910-371-2434 4

Niche. Décor & Gifts.....................................................................910-769-8839 72

Brunswick Forest Veterinary Hospital...............................910-777-2107 116

North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce..................... 910-383-0553 92

Brunswick Organizing Solutions...........................................910-477-3768 112

North Brunswick Chiropractic ................................................910-371-1200 102

CAMS.....................................................................................................877-672-2267 104

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

Cape Fear Seafood Company.................................................910-399-6739 99

PC Solutions.......................................................................................910-371-5999 71

Capeside Animal Hospital.........................................................910-383-2100 71

Pinnacle Storage ...........................................................................910-408-1394 23

CapTel North Carolina................................................................ 866-545-4012 112

PODS....................................................................................................910-452-0322 39

Carolinas Oral and Facial Surgery.........................................910-762-2618 118

Port City Java ..................................................................................910-383-2429 39

Cherubini Orthodontics............................................................... 910-371-2323 95

Port City Outdoors........................................................................910-795-9352 1111

CJ Clean..............................................................................................910-383-0057 98

P.T.’s Grille.........................................................................................910-399-6808 81

Coastal Insurance...........................................................................910-754-4326 107

Purple Onion.....................................................................................910-755-6071 14

Coastal Massage & Spa................................................................910-208-4161 42

Raymond James Financial Solutions, Inc......................... 910-371-0366 88

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage................................. 910-371-1181 15

Rhodes Law Offices, PLLC....................................................... 910-383-3610 56

Committee to Elect Marilyn Priddy......................................910-612-2584 84

RJB Tax Associates, LLC...........................................................910-338-3001 72

Compass Pointe.................................................................................910-777-776

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Robert G. Merz, CPA, P.C...........................................................910-383-6644 59

Complete Coastal Dentistry......................................................910-663-1223

3

Computer Warriors......................................................................910-726-9552

42

Cook Periodontics & Dental Implants................................ 910-256-8486

100

Cucalorus......................................................................................................................... 107 Curley Implants & General Dentistry.................................910-465-2267 36 Darby Home Inspection.............................................................. 910-777-3232 114 Dead Crow Comedy......................................................................910-399-1492 72 Dentures in a Day............................................................................910-371-9444 100 Electrolysis by Tess..................................................................... 910-467-6699 112 EmergeOrtho...............................................................................800-800-3305 7 Energy Catchers...........................................................................910-460-4620 109 Farm Bureau Insurance.................................................................. 910-371-2111 59 First Bank............................................................................................910-383-3955 20 Fisher’s Roofing Services........................................................ 910-625-5424 12 Four Seasons Dry Cleaners......................................................910-859-8394 54 Franklin Rouse — State Farm Insurance............................910-371-5446 54

11, 34

Sandalwood Shoppes.................................................................910-408-1800 54 Sandpiper Pediatrics...................................................................910-207-0777 96 Seaglass Salvage...........................................................................910-239-7709 87 Sean Skutnik, Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage.......910-279-1016 84 Seaside Wellness of Shallotte................................................910-754-2273 114 Seidokan Karate..............................................................................910-616-7470 42 Smithfield’s Chicken N Bar-B-Q............................................ 910-371-6900 6 Splish Splash Dog Wash.............................................................910-399-3426 56 Swell Vision Center......................................................................... 910-408-1116 40 Sweyer Property Management.............................................910-256-3031 40 The Bluffs.......................................................................................... 910-383-2820 67 The Winds......................................................................................... 800-334-3581 104 Tina Lee Massage Therapist & Health Coach.................910-233-5615 112 Troy Williamson - On Q Financial..........................................910-262-2613 96 Trusst Builder Group..................................................................910-371-0304 46 Turf Medic...........................................................................................910-769-2818 87

University of North Carolina at Wilmington.................910-962-7200 9 Harrington Village Apartments.............................................910-408-1644 5 UPS Store............................................................................................ 910-383-1401 100 Holmes Security Systems..........................................................910-793-4181 40 Wilmington Health.........................................................................910-371-0404 92 Hurricane Florence Magazine............................................................................. 98 Wilmington Yoga........................................................................... 910-769-2289 95 Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes and Fries........................................910-371-2707 96 Wine & Design.................................................................................910-399-7874 104 Intracoastal Realty Corporation............................................910-256-4503 17

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Come Play A Round Recognized for our Excellence in Design by The American Society of Golf Course Architects, the Compass Pointe Golf Course is one of the most enjoyable courses to play in Southeastern North Carolina. It offers scenic views, elevations rare to the coastal area, and flexible play for all skill levels.

Magnolia Greens Golf Course is situated along US Highway 17 in Leland, NC approximately five miles south of Wilmington. It has been named Best Golf Course by ShorePicks, a people’s choice award favorite for several years, and has become a “go to” for golfers in the area.

Call today to book your tee time!

910.777.7766

910.383.0999

2431 The Pointe Club Drive | Leland, NC 28451

1800 Tommy Jacobs Drive | Leland, NC 28451

Open to the public seven days a week. | Membership Programs available to area residents.

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