South Brunswick Magazine Spring 2026 Edition

OCEAN ISLE BEACH NATIVE CARSTON ALLEN EMPOWERS YOUNG SURFERS TO GROW, CONNECT AND ENJOY THE RIDE.

LIVE WITH THE RHYTHM OF THE COAST

WELCOME TO WATERWAY: A WALKABLE COASTAL COMMUNITY ON THE NC COAST

Moments from the beach in the charming city of Southport, North Carolina, Waterway is a remarkable place designed for how you want to live at every stage of life: active, connected, and balanced. Whether you prefer a waterfront condo, a townhome, or to build on a custom site with one of our local builders, at Waterway, you’ll find a community that’s rooted in nature and surrounded by historic charm. Here, elegance feels effortless, and each day brings new opportunities—with everything you need just a short walk or golf cart ride away.

POOL | MARINA

POCKET PARKS

LAUNCH

40 SCAM-PROOFING BRUNSWICK COUNTY

Armed with experience and a growing caseload, the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Financial Crimes Unit is on the front lines of fighting fraud and teaching residents how to spot a scam.

Departments

45 FOOD & DINING

From smoky brisket to fiery shrimp, these coastal taco spots serve up bold flavors, breezy vibes and bites worth coming back for.

55 BEAUTY & WELLNESS

Honeycomb Salon owners Kristin Earp and Jessie Lancaster grow their Shallotte business with Milk + Honey Boutique, offering fashion, wellness and a touch of luxury next door.

50

WAVES OF CONFIDENCE

At Carolina School of Surf, Ocean Isle Beach native Carston Allen empowers young surfers to grow, connect and enjoy the ride.

66 S TITCHING THROUGH TIME

At 85, Yvonne Brown brings history to life with hand-sewn Colonial and Civil War garments, blending passion, precision and a lifelong love of design.

59 PEOPLE

With help from Brunswick County Literacy Council, Luke Whittaker earned his GED behind bars and found the confidence to start his own businesses.

62

BEHIND THE BUSINESS

At Coastal Carolina Games & Puzzles in Ocean Isle Beach, Paul and Julie Johnson are bringing families back to the table — one screen-free game at a time.

70

EDUCATION

Under the leadership of Jennie Bryan, Brunswick County Schools Teacher Scholar Academy is cultivating the county’s future educators right here at home.

PHOTO BY JAMES STEFIUK

Spring 2026 | Volume 17, Issue 3

OWNER/PUBLISHER: Justin Williams

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER: Sandi Grigg

COPY EDITOR: Molly Harrison

ART DIRECTOR: Teresa Kramer

CONTRIBUTING GRAPHICS: Samantha Lowe

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Brian Wilner

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Bill Markowitz

MULTIMEDIA CREATOR: Betsy Schlehuber

SALES & MARKETING COORDINATOR: Caroline Thomas

SALES & MARKETING INTERN: Sydney Yoch

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS:

Bre Burge - The Photo District C hristina Casad E mily Flax E lisa Gandy

H ilary Halliwell Jo Ann Mathews

M att McGraw Z eb Starnes

James Stefiuk C asey Lauren Townsend

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

A nna Beth Adcock S andi Grigg

M ariann Kaiser Jo Ann Mathews

Theresa Ravencraft B esty Schlehuber

Melissa Slaven Warren

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

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© 2026 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. South Brunswick Magazine – A Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. publication is published four times per year and is distributed to residents and businesses in South Brunswick County, NC, to subscribers and to select areas of New Hanover County, NC and Horry County, SC.

About the cover:

Local and visiting youth in Ocean Isle Beach are gaining confidence on the waves with Carolina School of Surf. Read more about this fun and empowering program and its owner, Carston Allen, in Betsy Schlehuber's story starting on page 50.

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SHALLOTTE, NC 28470

T 910.721.5392

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

Working with our Intracoastal Realty agent was truly a wonderful experience from start to finish. She was knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely cared about her clients. She took the time to understand exactly what we were looking for and made the entire process smooth and stress-free. She was always available to answer questions, offer advice, and guide us through every step with confidence and patience. If you’re looking for someone who is reliable, kind, and incredibly good at what she does, we highly recommend her. We couldn’t have asked for a better realtor!

THANK YOU!!!!

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Sharing Stories

HHere at Carolina Marketing Company, we love our jobs of producing local lifestyle magazines for the southeastern North Carolina region. We are having fun, hitting milestones and telling great stories along the way. Our work is not always easy, but it is rewarding and exciting, and the time is certainly flying by. It feels unreal that we have been at this for more than 20 years now!

We all agree that the best part of our jobs is meeting and interacting with the people in the communities we cover. From advertisers who have supported us for 20+ years to the new ones advertising their business with us for the first time, we appreciate every one of the business owners who have trusted us to get the word out about their products and services.

And, of course, we love telling the stories of the people in this community — because every story we tell is about people in some way. We love sourcing stories (and getting your suggestions!). Our writers and photographers love telling and showing those stories, and designers love packaging it all up to best catch your eye. And we all love the old-school feeling of getting the print magazines in hand, turning the pages to see these stories unfold, and getting them out for everyone to see.

In this spring edition of South Brunswick Magazine, we feature entrepreneurs who weave their skills and passions into businesses like Carolina School of Surf in Ocean Isle Beach, Honeycomb Salon and Milk + Honey Boutique, and Coastal Carolina Games & Puzzles. You’ll also meet people who put their skills to use for the greater good, like the detectives fighting

fraud in the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Financial Crimes Unit, Jennie Barnes of Brunswick County Schools’ Teacher Scholar Academy, and the people of Brunswick County Literacy Council.

Do you have a story suggestion or feedback? Would you like to place an ad in our magazine, which is direct-mailed to 14,000 homes in addition to our grocery store distribution? Please contact me at the details below.

I am very appreciative of this community and the opportunity to produce this magazine for our area. Thank you for reading and be sure to support our

Justin Williams Owner/Publisher

Don’t miss a single thing.

South Brunswick County has so much to see and do all year round, and if you’re like me, it’s hard to keep track of it all. That’s why we created South Brunswick Lifestyle — an eNewsletter full of local events, places to see and people to meet.

Choosing to subscribe is probably the easiest decision you’ll make all day. Scanning the code below with your phone may be the second.

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PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ

Jo Ann Mathews

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I was a freelance writer and English teacher before my husband, Steve, and I moved from Flossmoor, Illinois, to Ocean Isle Beach in 2000. Our son, Steven, lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with his wife, Meghan, and their three sons. Our son, Jeffrey, lives in San Francisco with his wife, Anne. I enjoy swimming, jazz, needlepoint and my Kindle, where my book Women and Adversity, Honoring 23 Black Women is available.

K www.jamathews.com

Matt McGraw

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

I started out in newspaper world, shooting the NBA, NCAA and MLB in the Midwest. Those were awesome experiences that paved the way for my style of photography today. I started shooting weddings in 2002, and now I average around 50 weddings a year, along with about 150 family photo sessions a year. With McGraw Photo Consulting, I am also a photo consultant, primarily in the dental business. I love traveling, and I love what I do for a living. K www.mattmcgrawphotography.com

Betsy Schlehuber

CONTRIBUTING WRITER AND SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

I run the social media accounts for South Brunswick Magazine and SPT OKI Magazine as well as write feature articles for South Brunswick Magazine. My family moved to Sunset Beach in September of 2021 after I graduated from high school in Calvert County, Maryland. I got a journalism degree from Elon University in May of 2025, where my focus was in print and digital journalism. I am coming up on one year of living in southern Brunswick County full-time, and it has been wonderful. My passion is telling stories about people and places in the community and uplifting them in the process. I like finding all the little joys of life, trying to spread kindness and patience while also making sure to hold space for heavy emotions. Outside of writing and making “content,” I practice yoga, read, play video games, go to concerts and travel.

Looking Back

Dolphins Head to Hutchinson for NJCAA National Championship Run

Brunswick Community College’s men’s basketball team was back in the national spotlight this year, earning the No. 19 seed in the 24-team NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship in Hutchinson, Kansas.

The Dolphins (28–5) faced No. 14 seed Gulf Coast State in the first round on March 21. In an absolute thriller of a game on Day 1 of the Championship, the Dolphins battled to the very end before falling 82–79 in overtime. Despite the loss, the Dolphins showed their heart and this Dolphins team leaves a legacy: 28 wins, back to back Region 10 D1 Atlantic District Championships, the highest national tournament seed in program history and a fight that proved they belong on the national stage.

Krys Ochota Retires from Brunswick County Cooperative Extension

NC Cooperative Extension recognized and congratulated Krystyna “Krys” Ochota on her retirement from the role of consumer horticulture program assistant and Master Gardener volunteer coordinator. Ochota served Brunswick County Cooperative Extension for five years, consistently going above and beyond as a coordinator, public-facing educator and the behind-the-scenes force

who helps keep the office running smoothly. After moving to North Carolina in 2014 with her husband, Ted, Ochota joined the Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program in 2015. She held multiple leadership roles including association president before accepting her position in 2020. Since 2020 she reached 108,689 individuals through news articles, site visits, office consultations, workshops, tabling events and more. Beyond her technical expertise, Ochota was a steady mentor and trusted problem solver and a valued teammate.

VFW Calabash Post 7288 Awards Patriot Pen Winners at Shallotte Middle School

VFW Calabash Post #7288 Auxiliary President Cathy Milstead and Patriotic Instructor Dorrie Mascolo visited Shallotte Middle School on January 16 to present VFW Patriot’s Pen winners with certificates and scholarship checks. VFW Calabash Post #7288 sponsors the VFW’s national Patriot’s Pen Scholarship Essay program locally and worked with Shallotte Middle School teachers Jennifer Cheers and Rebecca Heinz, who supervised the program.

Three students received awards selected from a dozen entries:

1st place: Ella K. Seal - $200

2nd place: Annabelle McMullan - $150

3rd place: Michelle Marie Billig - $100

Patriot’s Pen is a scholarship essay contest for students in grades 6 to 8. Each year more than 60,000 students nationwide enter. State first-place winners receive a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first-place winner receives $5,000. Students write a 300 to 400 word essay based on a patriotic theme. The 2025-26 theme was How are you showing patriotism, and support for our country? Students interested in the 2026–27 contest (fall semester) should ask their teachers to contact VFW Calabash Post 7288 for details.

Two Local Youth Compete at N.C. 4-H State Shooting Sports Competition

Rylee MacDonald and Autumn Hatcher represented Brunswick County at the North Carolina 4-H State Shooting Sports Competition in October. After advancing from regionals, both placed in their age categories for rifle and air rifle. Their achievements reflect not only talent and hard work, but also the strong coaching and teamwork behind the program. 4-H Shooting Sports teaches focus, patience, safety and responsibility through structured training led by certified volunteer coaches. Following her state-level performance, Autumn was invited to national tryouts in November and earned a spot on the National 4-H Air Rifle Team. She will represent North Carolina and Brunswick County at the National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships in June 2026.

Brunswick County Association of Realtors ® Assists Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity

The Brunswick County Association of Realtors® joined Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity on site for a group build, braving the cold to help build a future Habitat home. Their time and hard work moved the project forward and made a real impact. Habitat for Humanity thanked the BCAR volunteers who showed up early and supported their mission to provide safe, affordable housing for a Brunswick County family.

Brunswick Community College Names Karlyn Stephens Head Softball Coach

Brunswick Community College (BCC) has appointed Karlyn Stephens as head softball coach for the Dolphins. Stephens is a native of Whiteville, North Carolina. She earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from UNC Wilmington and a master’s degree in physical education from UNC Pembroke. She began teaching and coaching at East Columbus High School in 1997 and spent 15 years coaching multiple sports, including softball, basketball, soccer and volleyball, with multiple conference championships during her tenure. In 2012 Stephens joined Southeastern Community College as an instructor and head softball coach and became Athletic Director in 2019. After retiring in May 2025, she moved to Ocean Isle Beach. BCC Athletic Director Robbie Allen said Stephens’ experience and leadership make her a strong fit for the program.

Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity Hits 100th Home Milestone

In 2025 Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity marked a major milestone with the construction of its 100th Habitat home, celebrating more than 30 years of partnering with the community to help local families achieve safe, affordable homeownership. Throughout the year, Habitat continued its mission of building strength and stability for Brunswick County families by providing guidance, education and hands-on support through the homeownership process. One example is LaShonda, a single mother who worked toward homeownership with Habitat’s support. By the end of the year, she and her son were settled into a stable home of their own, highlighting the local impact made possible through community giving and volunteer support.

WHAT’S HAPPENED

Brunswick Community College Announces Four Leadership Changes

Brunswick Community College (BCC) President Gene Smith recently announced four leadership changes:

CARMEN ELLIS was named vice president of student services. Ellis has served BCC for more than 17 years in student services roles, supporting advising, enrollment, retention and student support services.

SANTRESA FULFORD was named associate vice president for budget and finance. A BCC alumna, she joined the Business Office after graduating in 2010 and became director of fiscal services in 2020.

ONYA GARDNER was named associate vice president of continuing education and workforce development. A Brunswick County native, she has worked at BCC since 2007 and has held roles including administrative assistant, internal auditor, dean and now associate vice president.

JULIA STUART was named associate vice president of marketing and strategic initiatives. She joined BCC in 2021 as director of marketing and public relations and has led the college’s marketing and communications, including website, social media, advertising, design, media relations and events.

Men’s Grilled Dinner Group Supports Brunswick Family Assistance

On January 22 Ocean Ridge Plantation’s Men’s Grilled Dinner Group (MGDG) donated $7,000 to Brunswick Family Assistance (BFA). The donation will fund 2,500 meals for

Brunswick County families and individuals in need. Formed in 2023, MGDG is a group of Ocean Ridge Plantation property owners who host grilled dinners about every eight weeks and has grown to more than 320 members. The gift concluded MGDG’s 2025 fundraising campaign. In 2025 the group, working with the Ocean Ridge Charities Association (ORCA), raised $26,000 and also helped fund a tiny house for a homeless veteran at the Veterans Welcome Home and Resource Center Tiny House Village in Myrtle Beach. MGDG raises funds through summer Tunes at the Pool cookouts and member donations at its dinners, with ORCA providing oversight for supported charities.

Word Weavers Coastal Carolinas Offers Assistance to American Heritage Girls

Word Weavers Coastal Carolinas partnered with American Heritage Girls (AHG) Troop 0730 to help participants complete requirements for the Creative Writing Badge. American Heritage Girls serves girls ages 5 to 18 with a focus on character, leadership and faith. Girls took part in age-appropriate writing activities. Tenderhearts explored emotions, rhyming and storytelling while creating illustrated storyboards and writing their first stories. Explorers worked on poetry, submitted pieces for critique and revision and received their finished work in a keepsake notebook. Older participants studied creative writing forms, learned steps toward publication, practiced peer editing and met working authors. Throughout the program, the girls supported one another and demonstrated maturity and respect.

Carmen Ellis

Onya Gardner

Julia Stuart

Santresa Fulford

Riccobene Dentistry Opens in Carolina Shores

On January 13 Brunswick Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of Riccobene Dentistry at their new location at 9869 Ocean Highway in Carolina Shores. The new Carolina Shores location is one of more than 70 Riccobene Dentistry locations throughout North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

Shallotte Elks Provides Welcome Baskets

On January 21 members of Shallotte Elks #2854 visited the Rose House, operated by Christian Recovery Center, Inc., to deliver supplies for 15 welcome baskets for women entering the residential treatment program and a $1,500 donation. Founded in 1994, Christian Recovery Center, Inc. (CRCI) is a nonprofit providing free drug and alcohol treatment, recovery and reentry services for men and women with substance use disorder through a faith-based, evidence-based program. The Rose House can house up to 26 women.

Calabash Elks Bingo Charities Donates

$30,000

In January Calabash Elks Bingo Charities donated $30,000 dollars to local charities. The charities that received checks were chosen by the bingo players. On January 27 the Elks Charity Bingo Committee, on behalf of its loyal players, presented ten local charities with checks of $3,000 each. Charities receiving donations were: SeaHaven for Youth, Calabash Fire Department, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, Brunswick Habitat for Humanity, Brunswick Family Assistance, The Family Emergency Teen Shelter Providence Home, Brunswick County Animal Protective Service, Kind Keeper Animal Rescue, Hope Harbor Home Inc. and Boys & Girls Home of NC.

SBI Rotary Honors Local Law Enforcement

South Brunswick Islands Rotary honored six different law enforcement agencies on Law Enforcement Day on January 9. Individual officers were nominated by their respective agencies and received a cash award from SBI Rotary. The event was held at Seaside United Methodist Church. Those honored included Sgt. Willie McRae with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, Trooper Joshua S. Soles with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Detective Heather Newman with the Shallotte Police Department, Officer Jacob C. Thomas with the Ocean Isle Beach Police Department and Animal Control Officer Bill Arp with the Sunset Beach Police Department. The Holden Beach Police Department was also recognized as a whole for its service.

Calabash Elks Donates to Project Lifesaver

The Calabash Elks Lodge Veteran’s Affairs Committee donated $2,000 to the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office to support Project Lifesaver, a rescue program for individuals with wandering syndrome, a symptom common to many brain-related disorders. Eligible veterans are also served through the program. The donation brings the committee’s total support to $10,000. Project Lifesaver is a national electronic tracking program that helps locate missing people. The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office offers it to county residents caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other special needs, such as children with Down syndrome or autism spectrum disorder, who may wander or have difficulty communicating. Participants wear a battery-powered transmitter that sends a unique radio signal 24/7. If someone goes missing, the caregiver calls 911. Qualifying Brunswick County residents can enroll for free.

Beach Primary Care and Wellness Ribbon Cutting

On March 12 Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Beach Primary Care and Wellness located on Ocean Highway in Supply. Attendees welcomed this new practice to the community and enjoyed tours of the space. The new clinic and lab, headed by boardcertified Family Nurse Practitioner Mary Crichton, DNP, MS, BSN, FNP-C, offers transparent pricing and accepts most major insurance plans and Medicare.

Brunswick Electric and ECE Partner to Invest $5,000

in Local Lineworker Scholarships

Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC) and ECE donated $5,000 to support regional community college lineworker programs through scholarships for students at Brunswick Community College (BCC) and Southeastern Community College (SCC). The donation was split evenly, with $2,500 to BCC and $2,500 to SCC. Scholarship funds will help cover tuition, required gear and training costs for students preparing for careers in the electric utility industry. The lineworker programs at BCC and SCC provide hands-on training focused on safely maintaining the power lines that support North Carolina’s electric grid.

Shallotte Elks Rourke Library Friends

In early February, Shallotte Elks #2854 partnered with the Rourk Library Friends of the Library to purchase two tables for the outdoor learning area under development. With Brunswick County’s population growth making meeting spaces harder to schedule, library staff and volunteers are creating the Rourk Outdoor Learning Garden to provide space for learning activities for children and adults as well as community group gatherings when weather allows. The garden will be completed over the next several years. The Shallotte Elks contributed $2,000 toward the tables and also assembled them on a chilly winter morning.

Mark Your Calendar

Concert for Conservation at Inlet View Bar and Grill

April 25

Brunswick County Conservation Partnership, a local nonprofit dedicated to conservation of farms, wetlands, waterways, wildlife habitats and vital natural resources, will host a fundraising Concert for Conservation on Saturday, April 25 from 3 to 7 pm. Held at Inlet View Bar and Grill, the event will feature music by The Zilches and James Sayre, food and drink and raffles.

Information: brunswickcountyconservationpartnership.com

Strawberry & Wine Festival

April 26

Head to Sunset Beach park on Sunday, April 26 from 12 to 5 pm for the Strawberry & Wine Festival. Attendees will enjoy Heritage Farms strawberries by the quart, strawberry shortcakes, hot dogs, Jerome’s BBQ sandwiches, wine from local wineries, beer from local breweries and music by Mike’s Garage Band. Vendors will also be on site. Bring a chair. A $5 donation supports the mission and programs of the Old Bridge Historical Society.

Information: facebook.com/oldbridgepreservationsociety

Days at the Dock Festival

April 25 & 26

Holden Beach’s Days at the Dock Festival features more than 50 arts and crafts vendors, more than a dozen food vendors, live entertainment, children’s games and activities and the world-famous Bopple Race. The fun runs from 9 am to 5 pm both days.

Information: holdenbeachnc.com/days-at-the-docks-festival

Ocean Isle Museum Foundation Golf Classic

May 1

Ocean Isle Museum Foundation’s 2026 Golf Classic at Sandpiper Bay Golf and Country Club will raise funds for the Elevating Access project at the Museum of Coastal Carolina. This important project includes construction of an addition with an elevator to provide access to the Hayden O’Neil Learning Center, a multi-purpose education space on an upper level, and the Barrier Island Gallery on the lower level. Individual tickets ($125) and tickets for team of four ($100/player) are available. The event kicks off with a reception on April 30 at 4:30 pm at the Museum of Coastal Carolina for golfers and their guests, sponsors and donors. In addition to beer and wine, the event will showcase the Golf Classic’s silent auction prizes. The golf tournament starts May 1 at 7:30 am. In addition to the single tee start captain’s choice event at Sandpiper Bay, golfers will enjoy a continental breakfast, lunch, contests with prizes and more with the proceeds benefiting the elevator project.

Information: museumplanetarium.org/golf-classic

Strawberry & Wine Festival

SowderFest Music Festival

May 2

If you love live music for a good cause, you’ll love SowderFest. A benefit for Brunswick Family Assistance, SowderFest is held at Town Center Park in Ocean Isle Beach from 1 to 8 pm. Diane and Steve Sowder of Ocean Isle Beach host the event, which is now in its seventh year. The family-friendly festival is free to attend, however, donations are requested for Brunswick Family Assistance. Five bands (Bailout, Steve Howard, Stone Cold Blues, Red Flag Warning and 3 Peace) will cover music from the Woodstock era and newer music influenced by those groundbreaking performances. Free parking is available in the lot across from the former town hall on W. Third Street.

Information: oceanislebeach.com

Charity Hole-In-One Challenge

May 2

Get ready for fun competition form a meaningful cause. Held at Tropical Adventure Mini Golf in Calabash from 10 am to 5 pm, the Challenge format is two-person teams, with each player getting three balls per hole. That’s six attempts per team on each of the 18 holes. The team with the most holes-in-one wins. The winning team chooses the charity that will receive 100% of the proceeds.

Information: Facebook: Tropical Adventure Mini Golf; (910) 579-2226

Peggy Hughes Summer Concert Series

2 Sundays, 1 Monday & 11 Fridays, May 24 to Sept 6

Come out to Town Center Park in Ocean Isle Beach for the 2026 Peggy Hughes Summer Concert Series hosted by the Town of Ocean Isle Beach. Chair set up begins at 4 pm, and concerts are held from 6:30 to 8 pm. All concerts are free!

Information: oibgov.com/ news/8298/2026-oib-peggy-hughessummer-concert-series

Holden Beach 2026 Summer Concert Series

Sundays, May 24 – Sept 6

In Holden Beach, the free Summer Concert Series brings a rotating mix of jazz, Motown, blues, country and rock. Shows are held on Sundays from 6:30 to 8 pm at Bridgeview Park, near Holden Beach Town Hall. The venue is scheduled to move to Block Q midseason.

Information: holdenbeachnc.com/ holden-beach-concert-schedule

Shallotte Concert Series

Thursdays, July 2 to September 3

Join the Town of Shallotte Parks & Recreation Department on Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 pm at Mulberry Park for a jamming good time. Each week a different school group or nonprofit will be at the concert selling drinks and snacks to raise money for their cause.

Information: townofshallotte.org

Charity Hole-In-One Challenge

Ocean Isle Museum Foundation Golf Classic

Shallotte Concert Series

More to Explore

TEXT-BASED ART SHOW

Discover a text-based art exhibition at Sunset River Gallery in Calabash through May 16.

Sunset River Gallery in Calabash is presenting a new exhibition featuring text-forward works. The show highlights artwork where words are essential to the visual experience — sometimes bold and immediate, sometimes subtle and layered — inviting viewers to read, reflect, and connect.

| CONTINUE READING ONLINE |

THIRD TIME’S A CHARM

Salty Cow – A Riverside Tavern, the third restaurant to occupy 4812 Main Street in Shallotte, has all the makings of a keeper.

By Kurt Epps, The PubScout

The building that sits on the beautiful banks of the mighty Shallotte River in downtown Shallotte has been through three iterations — just in the seven years I’ve been a Transplanted Tarheel.

First, it was The Grillin’ Crab, then Smoke’d (with the unusual apostrophe that drove this former English teacher crazy), and now it has morphed into Salty Cow, with a bull as its logo. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE |

PHOTO BY KURT EPPS

NOVANT LELAND HOSPITAL?

Novant Health wins state approval for a 20-bed Leland hospital and a new South Brunswick freestanding emergency department in Carolina Shores.

Novant Health has received approval from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to build a new 20-bed hospital in Leland and a separate freestanding emergency department in Brunswick County.

The two projects are designed to expand access to hospital and emergency care in Brunswick County, one of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina.

| CONTINUE READING ONLINE |

MASTER GARDENERS OFFER EDUCATIONAL AWARDS

Brunswick County high school seniors applied for three $2,000 educational awards from Extension Master Gardener Volunteers for horticulture-related college programs. With its Educational Award Program, the Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer Association of Brunswick County offers three $2,000 educational awards to graduating seniors from Brunswick County’s public high schools who plan to study horticulture or a related field.

| CONTINUE READING ONLINE |

FUN FOR THE LITTLES

The Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium host activities for preschoolers. By Theresa Ravencraft

Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium invited little learners to join them for a day of STEM activities and fun this winter.

| CONTINUE READING ONLINE |

GUARDED BY A DIRE WOLF, POWERED BY THE KITCHEN

The Wharf at Holden Beach has a memorable mascot, but it’s the food coming out of Executive Chef Emile Chagnon’s kitchen that’s making this ICW staple worth the trip by land or sea.

By Kurt Epps, The PubScout Zythos Horhay Stefan de Woccocan, a.k.a. Whitey Bolger is not a real dire wolf in the Game of Thrones sense, though, at first glance he could be an intimidating sight. He’s just a huge, friendly, playful white German shepherd whose unchallenged domain is the grounds of the Wharf Restaurant in Holden Beach.

| CONTINUE READING ONLINE |

PHOTO COURTESY OF KURT EPPS

PHOTO BY THERESA RAVENCRAFT

Dropping by for Spring

The bright fruity flavors of a Blueberry Lemon Drop satisfy the senses and signal the arrival of spring.

BY THERESA RAVENCRAFT

They say that you eat — and drink — with your eyes first. Decadent chocolate cake, saucy spaghetti and meatballs, or luscious lemon pie can seemingly be tasted before you ever take that first bite, making your mouth water and your expectations grow.

That’s what happens when you experience a Blueberry Lemon Drop, a martini glass filled with a sweet, slightly tart cocktail that hits all the right notes. Dry ice is added to the glass for dramatic effect, causing the cocktail to bubble like a cauldron and emit thin wisps of fog. It is almost too pretty to taste.

After just one sip, you realize that it tastes even better than it looks. A combination of vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, triple sec and blueberries, it’s a flavorful variation of a classic lemon drop cocktail.

Many would consider a Lemon Drop to be a martini; after all, it is served in a martini glass. But it lacks the dry vermouth that is needed to place it in that category. And adding blueberries to the equation takes this classic to a whole new level.

Triple sec is a popular addition to many cocktails, especially margaritas, as it is a vehicle for imparting a bold orange flavor into drinks. This comes from the orange peels from which it is made. Triple sec, along with the lemon juice, enhances the fruity flavors of a Blueberry Lemon Drop and balances the sweetness of the simple syrup.

Serve these inviting spring cocktails at any gathering — there’s no need to wait for a special occasion. They are delicious with seafood and poultry at a dinner party but can also be a delightful companion to a rich dessert. They are indeed a great way to celebrate the arrival of spring!

BLUEBERRY LEMON DROP

Makes 2 cocktails

INGREDIENTS

4 ounces vodka (or blueberry vodka)

2 ounces lemon juice, freshly squeezed

2 ounce blueberry simple syrup (see recipe below)

1 ounce triple sec

Granulated sugar on a plate for rimming the glasses

Blueberries and lemon twists for garnish

Dry ice (Found in many larger grocery stores near the frozen food section.)

METHOD

Make the blueberry simple syrup by combining equal parts blueberries, sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat and stir until the blueberries burst. Strain the mixture and allow it to cool completely.

Chill the martini glasses before serving.

Remove the glasses from the refrigerator and run a lemon wedge around the rims, then dip the rims in the sugar.

In a cocktail shaker, add the vodka, lemon juice, blueberry simple syrup and triple sec. Cover and shake for 15 seconds. Using the cocktail strainer, pour the mixture between two glasses.

Garnish each glass with whole blueberries and a twist of lemon peel. Add a few cubes of dry ice to each glass and serve.

Note: Use food-safe gloves and tongs when adding dry ice to your drinks and never swallow it, as it should not touch your skin.

Coastal Classic with a Kick

This sweet-and-spicy Bang Bang Shrimp stars fresh North Carolina shrimp in a sauce that everyone loves.

BY SANDI GRIGG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES STEFIUK

Everyone has had a version of this dish at some point. Whether it was called Bang Bang Shrimp, Pow Pow Shrimp or Boom Boom Shrimp, you know exactly what I am talking about. It’s that crunchy shrimp coated in a sweet-and-spicy, mayo-based sauce that delivers an unmistakable Asianinspired punch.

This version uses fresh, local North Carolina shrimp. Local, wild-caught shrimp not only tastes better, but also is a way to support local shrimpers and the working waterfronts that keep our coastal communities thriving. North Carolina’s commercial seafood industry helps sustain jobs across the coast, from the boats on the water to the docks, seafood houses and local markets that bring the catch to your table. Buying local seafood keeps that tradition strong.

Shrimp is a lean protein that can fit beautifully into a balanced diet. It’s naturally low in calories while still being satisfying, and it provides key nutrients like vitamin B12, which supports overall health. Shrimp also contains iodine, important for thyroid

function, and it’s a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are associated with heart and brain benefits. Like most foods, it is best enjoyed in moderation, especially when fried, but starting with a nutrient-dense protein is a great foundation.

For the sauce, I highly recommend using Duke’s mayonnaise, a Southern household staple known for its rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture. It makes an ideal base for that signature Bang Bang-style coating, a craveable combination of mayo, sweet chili sauce, honey and a few drops of hot chili sauce.

Bang Bang Shrimp is typically served as an appetizer, but it can easily become the star of the table. It’s perfect alongside simple sides like edamame, steamed rice or vegetable egg rolls. Serve it over Boston Bib lettuce for a fresh crunch, then finish with chopped green onion and tuxedo sesame seeds for a restaurant-style look.

This Bang Bang Shrimp is the kind of dish that disappears fast. If you’re feeding a crowd, make a double batch, and do not expect there to be any leftovers.

Bang Bang Shrimp

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. shrimp, shelled and deveined

½ cup Dukes mayonnaise

¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce

3 to 5 drops hot chili sauce

1 teaspoon honey

¾ cup cornstarch, for coating

Vegetable oil

Boston Bib lettuce

2 green onions, chopped

Tuxedo sesame seeds

METHOD

In a bowl mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey and hot chili sauce.

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot to 355 degrees. Depending on your pot, you will need enough oil to cover the shrimp when dropped in.

Thoroughly coat the shrimp in the cornstarch. Working in small batches, slowly drop the shrimp into the oil to fry until golden brown (about 2 to 3 minutes) and drain on paper towels.

When all the shrimp are fried, toss them in the sauce. Serve over a bed of bib lettuce and garnish with green onions and tuxedo sesame seeds.

Left to right, Detectives

Office Financial Crimes Unit

Brunswick County SCAM-PROOFING

ARMED WITH EXPERIENCE AND A GROWING CASELOAD, THE BRUNSWICK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE FINANCIAL CRIMES UNIT IS ON THE FRONT LINES OF FIGHTING FRAUD AND TEACHING RESIDENTS HOW TO SPOT A SCAM.

BY MARIANN KAYSER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY FLAX

Jason Lowrance, Kyle White and Justin Mullis with the Brunswick County Sheriff's

Brunswick County continues to be the fastest-growing county in North Carolina, and with this population growth, financial crimes become more prevalent. For scammers, a vibrant economic area brings with it an enticingly large victim pool.

Luckily, the staff of the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Financial Crimes Unit (FCU) — Captain Jeff Beck,

HOW TO SPOT A SCAM

Last Warning! Action Required! Payment Declined! Final Notice! Immediate Payment Required! Account Will Be Suspended! Emergency Response Needed!

What do all these statements have in common?

According to Beck, “The biggest thing that applies to all scams, the common denominator in all these situations, is there is always some kind of emergency.”

The biggest tell of a fraud situation is a sense of urgency. There is always a reason why you must act ASAP. Your package won’t get delivered, your license will be taken away, it’s highly confidential, it’s an active investigation, you can’t tell anyone, you’ll be fined if it’s not handled right now. Scammers are very convincing and keep you on the phone to do what they want, or they keep you emailing or texting back to them to continue the dialogue.

One of the biggest scams going around Brunswick County right now is getting a call about a warrant. But the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) never calls about a warrant.

“If we have an arrest warrant, we will knock on your door and serve it,” Beck says. “Neither the BCSO or any law enforcement agency will call you and ask for money to avoid a warrant.”

Team Leader Sergeant Kyle Goodson, Detective Jason Lowrance, Detective Justin Mullis and Detective Kyle White — have a combined total of 80 years working in law enforcement. Helping out the paid staff are three volunteers who were former police and FBI investigators. They assist with the extensive in-depth research and analysis needed in embezzlement cases.

The FCU investigates all kinds of

cases such as contractor scams, credit and debit card fraud, wire transfer fraud, embezzlement cases, check washing scams and real estate scams. If it involves money, it’s a Financial Crimes Unit case.

“Financial crimes are exceedingly difficult,” Beck says. “It’s often a suspect-less crime because the criminals can’t be tracked or identified.”

HOW DOES A FINANCIAL CRIMES INVESTIGATION BEGIN? WHO REPORTS IT TO YOU?

Detective Jason Lowrance: We receive reports from several different avenues. According to law, if you are over the age of 60 and if banks notice a large amount of money being transferred over a period, they are required to report it. So, we get reports from banks regularly. We also get reports from Adult Protective Services and Social Services. Sometimes neighbors, a friend or family member will call Social Services and report what’s going on or what they see going on. Then we will do a report based on that and start an investigation. Many times we get reports from website tips received from the public or from calls to the 911 number.

I THOUGHT 911 WAS ONLY FOR EMERGENCIES.

Detective Kyle White: Yes, 911 is there for emergencies, but you can call them to report any crime or if you are suspicious of a crime. And, if someone calls you and says they are calling from law enforcement, you can say to them. ‘I’m hanging up now and calling 911 and asking to speak to this person.’ It’s another step of verification that it really is law enforcement calling you. No law enforcement agency is going to be upset with you calling them for that verification.

ARE SENIOR CITIZENS THE MOST VULNERABLE GROUP?

Detective Justin Mullis: Yes and no. Anyone can fall victim to a scam, but many times it is seniors. It is not necessarily because seniors are not tech savvy, but because scammers are exceptionally good at what they do. Often, it is because seniors are isolated without someone to talk to for another opinion. Seniors are also very responsible with their money and do not want other people involved in their finances. If they fall victim to a scam, they usually do not want to come forward and talk about it because they are embarrassed.

ARE THESE SCAMMERS OPERATING FROM A FOREIGN COUNTRY WITH LOTS OF PEOPLE WORKING IN A ROOM?

Detective Jason Lowrance: They are operating in the USA as well. The Georgia prison gang is one of the biggest scamming groups in the country right now. They are operating right from the state prison using the prison inmates. They have internet capabilities and use phones smuggled into the prison. No one has been able to stop it or shut it down, and millions of dollars are being stolen from American citizens. The Secret Service and federal government are looking into it and charging people, but it’s a huge operation and they move money around.

Tips to Avoid Being Scammed

According to the BCSO FCU, the four warning signs that are usually present in a scam situation are:

 Scammers PRETEND to be from an organization or someone you know.

 Scammers say there’s a serious PROBLEM.

 Scammers PRESSURE you to act immediately.

 Scammers tell you to PAY in a specific way.

QUICK TIPS

TO REMEMBER:

 Block unwanted calls, text messages and emails immediately.

 Don’t give your personal or financial information in response to a request you did not initiate.

 Don’t respond to an email or click on any links unless you request it.

 Look up a company website or phone number yourself and use that information.

 Don’t return a call to the number they gave you or use the number from your caller ID.

 Never pay someone who insists that you can only pay with cryptocurrency, a wire transfer, a payment app or a gift card.

 Never deposit a check you were not expecting and send money back to someone.

 Take your time. Think things through. Resist the urge to act immediately.

 Stop and talk to someone you trust. Talking about it could help you avoid being scammed.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION GO TO:

 federaltradecommission.gov

 brunswicksheriff.com/resources/latest-scams

 aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/

DURING FINANCIAL INVESTIGATIONS, WHAT IS THE HARDEST PART FOR DETECTIVES TO WORK THROUGH?

Detective Kyle White: I think it’s the embarrassment that victims must deal with. In romance or friendship scams, we investigate by looking at all the emails and text messages. It’s an invasive process, and we try to explain to them that it’s okay to be embarrassed. Many of the victims do not want their family members to know because they believe they will think differently of them, and they just don’t want to go there.

We try to help them with that. I have spoken to daughters, sisters, nieces, husbands, sons, everyone, and explained to them how to work with their family member. If it’s a senior and it’s apparent there may be a cognitive decline, we discuss setting up an allowance system or taking over their finances to protect them. We try to get the families involved.

CAN YOU GIVE ME ACTUAL NUMBERS OR STATISTICS FOR 2025 FINANCIAL CRIMES TO PUT THIS INTO PERSPECTIVE?

Detective Jason Lowrance: You might be a bit surprised at the numbers. While property crimes might have 200 reports filed a year, our unit has close to 400 to 500 reports filed a year. And that’s just an estimate. Many people are too embarrassed to report financial crimes, so we don’t know for sure how many more crimes are being committed each year in Brunswick County. As of September 2025, we have over 400 reports filed, so by 2025 year end we anticipate around 500. Of that total amount of reports filed and investigated, only in 15% of the cases will we find enough information and proof to identify the perpetrator and charge them with the crime. Once cases are turned over to the District Attorney’s office, they continue through the prosecution process in coordination with our agency.

15% IS LOW. WHAT CAN THE FCU DO TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF PROSECUTIONS FOR FINANCIAL CRIMES?

Sergeant Kyle Goodson: When it comes to fighting financial crimes, we must continue to be proactive. Being vigilant is our best defense. Once the money is gone, it’s usually gone forever and never found. So we must change our perspective on fighting this crime. Our goal is to have fewer people fall victim so we can increase our success rate. We fight this together as a society armed with knowledge.

Sentencing is drastically different for white collar crimes than violent crimes. There are lower sentencing times, and most only receive a probation for a first-time

offense since it’s hard to catch them. It’s a very lucrative growing industry, and violent offenders being released from prison learned that they can now scam from computers and no longer hold up people with a gun or show their faces to steal money. People are getting into the scamming game because it’s faceless and untraceable.

WHAT ARE SOME TIPS YOU USE PERSONALLY THAT WE CAN APPLY AS WELL?

Detective Jason Lowrance: There are a few different things you can do or at least be aware of. I like to tell people, if you use your bank to pay bills directly, try to use your credit card instead to pay bills if you don’t want to use your bank. Auto payments with a bank or debit card are not protected, and your debit card is linked directly to your bank and all your money. If a business gets hacked (and many are), your bank account information is already out there. Using a credit card is now safer than using a debit card or your bank account.

People ask how their information got out there, and most times it is from other businesses being hacked. By the time a business realizes they have been hacked, your information has already been out there to steal. If a credit card gets hacked, my money is still safe in the bank. I can just call my credit card company, dispute the charges and get a new card.

Take the time to use and set up the credit card and bank apps. Every time a dollar is spent you can set up an alert and you will get a notice. Scammers assess you by making charges for $1 or $10 to see if you monitor your account before they make several high charges. If a $1 charge goes through undetected, a $500+ charge will go through shortly afterwards before you even know it’s happening.

IS THERE SOMETHING FCU HAS DONE RECENTLY THAT HAS BEEN EFFECTIVE HERE IN BRUNSWICK COUNTY?

very active in collaborating with us, and in a seven-day period, the BCSO saved around $30,000 from getting deposited into just one bitcoin machine.

We noticed at gas stations, convenience stores, wherever ATMs are, that many are becoming crypto favorable, you just run your credit card and you can invest in crypto.

Detective Justin Mullis: There are large penalties to invest in crypto (15 to 30% to deposit $1,000), and at 98% of these ATMs no one is going to use them to actually invest in crypto, no one is going to invest in that way at least, so we know these machines are being used for fraud to pay scammers.

Sergeant Kyle Goodson: Another situation was caught and resolved by the quick thinking of one of our volunteers. A victim fell for a gift card scam by purchasing $9,000 of gift cards at a local Lowe’s store and then gave the card numbers to a person on the

Captain Jeff Beck: Yes, a couple of things. About three to six months ago, we had a business that wanted warning signs made so they could put it on their bitcoin machine. Store clerks were observing flustered seniors showing up at their machines, and the employees asked them what was going on. We call it the bitcoin scam. BCSO went out and talked to the manager of the store and came back and created custom signs, got copies made and posted them everywhere there was a bitcoin machine and got permission from the owners or manager of each store. We also posted them at senior centers to make them aware of it, educated store employees and all personnel. One store was

line. Volunteer Eric quickly contacted the Lowe’s corporate office and found out that all the cards were used together, and the items purchased were shipped to one address up north. Lowe’s intercepted the shipment, so they didn’t lose their money and they credited the full amount back to the victim.

In gift card scams, items are shipped to an address that no one lives at, a drop-off location or a warehouse is often used so we are unable to catch the scammer in person. This was a rare situation where we were able to prevent the loss before it happened. 

Left to right, Jason Lowrance, Justin Mullis and Kyle White work to prevent and solve financial crimes for Brunswick County Sheriff's Office.

LET’S TACO ’BOUTMY

FAVORITE FAVORITE TAC OSTAC OS

From smoky brisket to fiery shrimp, these coastal taco spots serve up bold flavors, breezy vibes and bites worth coming back for.

BY THERESA RAVENCRAFT

When asked to pick my top tacos, it’s a bit like being asked to choose my favorite child — impossible! Chicken or fish? Soft shell or hard? Some of it simply comes down to personal preference. When searching for the region’s best tacos, I

considered certain criteria — delicious flavor, presentation and value — plus gave extra credit for a great atmosphere, standout service and stellar views. Here are my top five coastal taco destinations that check all the boxes.

BBQ SOUTHERN BRISKET TACOS

at Taco Mundo Kitchen y Cantina

Barefoot Landing, 4732 U.S. Highway 17 S., North Myrtle Beach, SC

From the bar and tables on the patio at Taco Mundo, there is a stellar view of the Intracoastal Waterway. The Mexican décor, art and music create a festive Cinco De Mayo atmosphere for every visit.

The food at Taco Mundo gets high marks in all categories. Favorite tacos include the Hawaiian Chicken and the BBQ Southern Brisket (Premium). There is also a great deal of flexibility when ordering, mixing and matching tacos to customize your platter. And corn tortillas are available upon request.

BLACKENED FISH TACOS

at Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill

4907 Fish Factory Road SE, Southport

At the very end of Fish Factory Road in Southport, Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill sits along the Intracoastal Waterway across from Oak Island. It is situated within the South Harbour Village Marina in Southport. Its rustic waterfront charm is very welcoming.

Each platter comes with authentic black beans and Mexican rice on the side. To complement your meal, order a specialty cocktail, Mexican beer or frozen margarita, including several skinny versions.

Select fresh catch, steak, blackened shrimp or jerk chicken to fill your Dockside Tacos. On my most recent visit, redfish was the catch-of-the-day and came on a flour tortilla with mango salsa, jicama slaw, cotija cheese, avocado and Pico de Gallo. The plate also included tortilla chips and Texas Caviar, a delicious mix of black-eyed peas, chopped veggies and a bright dressing.

Hang out at the bar until your table is ready. Enjoy a cold beer or a house cocktail, like Berry Me By The Sea Mojito with rum, blueberries and mint. The large outdoor deck hosts bands in the warmer months, and the view at sunset is spectacular.

CABO TACOS

at Cape Fear Seafood Company

1386 U.S. Highway 17 N, North Myrtle Beach, SC

Cabo Tacos are fresh, bright and flavorful, tasting like something you would eat on the beach in Mexico. Choose between shrimp and fish, then select how it is prepared. Shrimp can be fried or grilled, while fish is beer battered or blackened. The blackened fresh catch is a good choice!

A meal will include two tacos with the same protein on flour tortillas. They are served with mango salsa, sour cream, cabbage, corn salad and chipotle ranch sauce, which brings some heat to the dish.

Indicated by the name, you can expect nautical decor at Cape Fear Seafood Company. The expansive bar makes a statement, as it runs the length of the restaurant and offers an array of liquors to include in specialty drinks and house cocktails.

RANCHO CHICKEN TACOS

at Maya Fine Food and Tequilas

1564 Marketplace Boulevard #1000, Ocean

Sitting at the end of the Publix Plaza in Ocean Isle Beach, you will find Maya Fine Foods and Tequilas. With its ultra-modern decor and neon-blue bar, it makes an impression on visitors.

FIRECRACKER SHRIMP TACOS

at Sharky’s Waterfront Bar and Grill

61 Causeway Drive, Ocean Isle Beach

The street-style tacos are a must-try! Three tacos are served on corn or flour tortillas with a protein of your choice. Rancho tacos feature chipotlemarinated chicken topped with cheese and onions. Ask for the chipotle crema on the side if you do not like it spicy. All seven taco choices come with your choice of beans or a pyramid of rice. Enjoy any meal with a beautiful housemade cocktail, such as the Mayan Gold, a fruit-forward Margarita with mango, cucumber and lime flavors.

If you are looking for a rustic, casual place with a beachy vibe, Sharky’s is the place to be in OIB. Surf boards hanging overheard and Buffett music playing in the background remind you that it is vacation time. The water view is just as inviting and can be seen from the dining room or the “poop deck” outside. The long-standing menu features handhelds, main entrees, pizza and, yes, tacos! Choose between blackened grouper or firecracker shrimp tacos, which are sweet and crunchy. Shrimp is lightly breaded and fried to a golden brown, and served with Baja slaw, firecracker sauce and cilantro on a flour tortilla. Two tacos come with tortilla chips and house-made salsa. 

At Carolina School of Surf, Ocean Isle Beach native Carston Allen empowers young surfers to grow, connect and enjoy the ride.

BY BETSY SCHLEHUBER PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILARY HALLIWELL

Waves of Confidence

he was 10 years old.

Ocean Isle Beach native Carston Allen, owner of Carolina School of Surf, has been surfing since

Ocean Isle Beach native Carston Allen, 33, has lived an active life, in body and mind. When he wasn’t playing rugby or debating moral philosophy, he was surfing.

gets the experience they deserve when they come out.”

Since learning to surf when he was 10, Allen has found an accepting surfing community all over the world, including Ocean Isle Beach. He says Ocean Isle is a great “longboarding and beginner” beach, where the waves — and the crowds — are not too large. This makes for a more private, manageable surfing experience.

Since 2016 Allen has cultivated a local surfing community through his ownership of Carolina School of Surf. The school was founded in 2010 by Ben and Michael Powell, two local competitive surfers who also founded Drift Coffee and Kitchen, a statewide chain of luxury coffee shops. Once Drift expanded beyond Ocean Isle, the Powells sold the school to Allen, who had been working under them as a surf instructor for three years.

Carolina School of Surf is ranked the second best surf school in North Carolina, according to Tripadvisor, Allen says. He attributes this to the positive, surf-intensive, well-rounded instruction the school provides.

“It’s very physically demanding on the instructor’s part,” he says, “but it’s worth it to make sure that everyone

Four-day Youth Surf Camps are held on the beach and in the Ocean Isle Beach Community Center in June, July and August.

At Carolina School of Surf, the Youth Surf Camp is where instructors do most of their teaching. The camp lasts for four days, two hours per day. Students spend most of the two hours in the water, practicing surfing and trying out techniques. When they are not in the water, they are gathered on the porch of the Ocean Isle Beach Community Center, learning about topics such as surf history.

The camp repeats for 11 to 12 weeks from June to August. Allen says Youth Surf Camp is an experience that students look forward to returning to every year. Some even attend the camp for up to six or seven summers, making the school feel like a big family.

“I do have students that come up and really, really look up to us and just idolize us and take everything we say with the utmost thought,” Allen says, “so I try to lean into that to make sure that we make a good influence on the kids so that they’re positive and educated as they get older.”

Youth empowerment is a huge pillar of Allen’s business model. He says surfing can provide kids with freedom because they can express themselves in the ocean however they would like. They can surf with friends or by themselves, and they can ride the waves however they want. He also says surfing provides kids the chance to escape from technology and social media. Allen says he stays away from his cell phone as much as he can.

Youth empowerment through surfing is a strong focus of the Carolina School of Surf program. Many students return year-after-year including Connor Delaney (above) and Ryan Asbury (above right).

“You have to be present in the moment when you’re out there, and if you’re out there with other people, the only engagement you’re going to get is with them,” he says. “So, you’re really building people skills while you’re out there.”

Other activities such as beach cleanup and anti-drug talks from the Ocean Isle Beach Police Department are sprinkled

throughout the camp. Teaching students about the dangers of drugs is particularly important to Allen because he grew up around them and witnessed first-hand how it impacted his community. Additionally, he wants to disprove the stereotype that surfers use drugs.

Allen extends his youth empowerment beyond the students. He maintains a three-to-one instructor to student ratio at Youth Surf Camp

and hires young, local surfers to teach at the school. This past summer, the school had five instructors.

Tristan Stutey, 17, is an apprentice instructor under Allen and completed his first summer at the school in 2025. But, for the last year leading up to that, Allen took Stutey under his wing, teaching him how to improve his surfing skills and how to teach kids to surf using research-backed methods. Because of that, Stutey says he looks at Allen more as a role model than as his boss.

“He exemplifies the culture of what surfing should be in a healthy habitat,” Stutey says. “He’s pretty much just shown me all the rights and wrongs, and I think that that’s about the best

thing that he could ever give me.”

Meanwhile, Noah Harts, 24, has been teaching since the moment Allen purchased the school. Even when Harts was 14, too young to be employed at the school, he volunteered under Allen. Over time, he perfected

his teaching style. By being a positive, loud voice on the beach during camp, he encourages hundreds of kids per year to embrace resilience as they learned to surf.

This past summer was Harts’ last summer employed at the school. Three weeks into his full-time job as an engineering technician in Raleigh, he reflects on the difficult choice he made to leave the job and admits he “teared up” on his last day. He emphasizes that he would still be around on the weekends to surf with any customer who asks him.

“I don’t think I’ll ever do anything like it again in my life,” Harts says, “and I’m going to carry that with me for as long as I’m around.”

When Allen first purchased

the school, he did not know what his future would look like. All he knew was that offering a great experience was his top priority. Now, he wants to open an official Carolina School of Surf location instead of using the community center and is currently in the process of finding a space to rent.

“You can’t beat having your office at the beach,” Allen says. 

Sweet Expansion

Honeycomb Salon owners Kristin Earp and Jessie Lancaster grow their Shallotte business with Milk + Honey Boutique, offering fashion, wellness and a touch of luxury next door.

BY JO ANN MATHEWS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASEY LAUREN TOWNSEND

KKristin Earp and Jessie Lancaster saw a need to add more services to their Honeycomb Salon on Main Street in Shallotte, and on October 5, held the grand opening of Milk + Honey Boutique with a separate entrance right next door.

A table inside the boutique displays t-shirts, hats and a colorful flower arrangement. Dresses, tops, pants and other clothing peek from hangers around the walls. Fashion jewelry fill dishes on glass shelves in front of a gold-framed mirror.

“All the clothes are super trendy,” Earp says, pointing out the two fitting rooms customers use.

Among the expanded cosmetology services at the boutique are: head spa massage, spray tans, massage therapy, lash extensions, full body waxing, brow lamination and facials.

The boutique also offers Botox treatments and IV hydration. Earp explains that her mother, Misty Andrews, is a nurse on the Honeycomb Salon staff and is authorized to administer Botox and will monitor IV hydration. This therapy, which requires a doctor’s approval, can help in losing weight, basic hydration and other issues.

“We have lots of services,” Earp adds. “Our staff is ready to go.”

Earp and Lancaster became business partners in 2018, years after they became friends. They met at Brunswick Community College (BCC) as students in the cosmetology department and worked together at the former Tangles Salon in Holden Beach.

Part of the team at Honeycomb Salon and Milk + Honey Boutique: left to right, Jennifer Castaneda, Owner Jessie Lancaster, Owner Kristin Earp, Misty Andrews and Abbey Andrews

“The salon where we were was a great place and a good place to work, but I wanted to make a salon my own,” Earp says.

Lancaster agrees. “I always wanted to open my own business, and I always liked doing hair.”

While earning her bachelor’s degree in business from University of North Carolina Wilmington, Lancaster worked at a local salon. After receiving her degree, she held various business positions but wondered why she was not satisfied. Her husband suggested she go to cosmetology school.

Acting on her husband’s suggestion, she approached a relative to help with their nine-month-old daughter and enrolled at BCC.

After working together for two years at Tangles Salon, Earp and Lancaster opened the first Honeycomb Salon in Shallotte. They did not want debt so rented a small space

Honeycomb Salon serves clientele of all ages, and Milk + Honey boutique offers a variety of clothing, jewelry and gifts.

and had enough money to pay rent and order supplies.

“I knew nothing about running a business,” Earp says. “It was trial and error.”

She accepted the marketing and social media duties, in addition to having about a dozen clients five days a week.

Since Lancaster has a business background, she managed the financial side of the business in addition to styling about 10 clients per day. COVID closed the shop in 2020.

“We wanted to make money because the salon was shut down,” Earp says, so the two started selling hair products through their website and thought an attraction on the site would be jewelry.

“That was a hit,” Earp says.

As a result they started Milk & Honey boutique and

increased their inventory by selling clothing — tops, vests and dresses. When they reopened after COVID, Honeycomb Salon and Milk + Honey Boutique became popular enough for the owners to change location and increase services. They chose a vacated store on Main Street in Shallotte, and their clientele increased.

The business became a family affair. Besides Misty Andrews, Earp’s sister, Abbey Andrews, is her assistant and will graduate from the BCC cosmetology program in 2026.

The owners credit their popularity to several factors.

“We keep up with the trends,” Lancaster says. “We’re always learning something new.”

“We welcome everyone, and we pride ourselves on having a healthy work environment,” Earp says.

“We’re not a one-target market,” Lancaster adds. “We serve all age groups and we make sure everything is clean and everyone is happy here.”

Their slogan at Honeycomb Salon is “Welcome.” Inside the salon entrance a vase of fresh flowers rests at the reception desk beneath the crystal chandelier. Comfortable sofas provide seating under hair driers or for anyone who wants to relax. Upbeat music minimizes the snipping, spraying and whirring salon sounds.

Salon manager Jennifer Martinez says

she is eager to help everyone.

“In case someone has an appointment issue or there’s a backup or a complaint, I’m happy we can find a way to fix it,” she says.

Earp and Lancaster are Shallotte natives who graduated from West Brunswick High School. When not at Honeycomb Salon, the owners are busy with their families. Earp and her husband, Chaz, a code enforcement officer with Brunswick County, live on a farm in Ash with their two daughters, Presley, 7, and Nolie, 5. Chaz tends their four cows, but the couple share duties tending the 12 chickens, three dogs and a cat.

Lancaster and her husband, a Realtor with Proactive Real Estate, live in Varnamtown with their daughters Camryn, 11, and Charlee, 8.

As a 30th birthday present, Lancaster got Maple, a Goldendoodle. She also has a white Labrador, 10, named Captain.

“It’s one big family at the salon,” says Lancaster, 36. “Everyone gets along. We have built a good name for us, and we welcome all ages.”

Their goal for Honeycomb?

“Welcoming everyone,” Earp, 30, says. “We want to accommodate them and give them the best service.”

“Making sure everyone is happy here,” Lancaster adds. 

Great Bank Familiar Faces

From Setback to Self-Made

With help from Brunswick County Literacy Council, Luke Whittaker earned his GED behind bars and found the confidence to start his own businesses.

STORY & PHOTOS BY JO ANN MATHEWS

Luke Whittaker spreads his arms wide and lifts them in the air to emphasize his points. This action reveals a tattoo running up his left arm that echoes René Descartes’ “I think therefore I am.” Just under his right elbow is the single word “ohana” — Hawaiian for family.

The owner of a successful power-washing business, 30-year-old Whittaker admits he did not always make money legally. He was prosecuted in Brunswick County for felony possession of marijuana with the intention to distribute. Tests proved he did not possess fentanyl so the possibility of spending up to 10 years in prison disappeared, but jail time was real.

“I was in the Brunswick County jail for ten and a half months for possessing 99 grams of marijuana,” he says.

Whittaker changed his life from that experience.

“I needed time to think about doing something different,” he says. “I needed to set goals.”

From his jail cell he could see other inmates sitting at tables writing and learned they were studying for the general educational development (GED) tests. He had quit North Myrtle Beach High School as a junior because he didn’t have much incentive to study.

“Even though you’re wearing an orange jumpsuit, you get someone very professional who treats you with respect and shakes your hand, someone who believes in you.”

“I just existed,” he says. “I liked math, but no other class interested me.”

A big factor was that “I didn’t believe in myself,” he says. “I didn’t have enough confidence. I was holding myself back.”

Once free of the burden of school, he associated with disreputable people, which sent him on a downward track.

To escape the confinement of his jail cell, Whittaker enrolled in the GED course. That is how he met Sue Railing, program coordinator for Brunswick County Literacy Council.

“It’s a spark that Sue gave me to get the fire going,” he says. “At the

Luke Whittaker and Brunswick County Literacy Council Program Coordinator Sue Railing

“It gives them belief in themselves, that someone cares. We don’t care why you are in there. We care that you can learn something from us while you are there".

moment you’re a loser, sitting in there. It makes a big impact on your mental health, but Miss Sue gave me a different mindset. Even though you’re wearing an orange jumpsuit, you get someone very professional who treats you with respect and shakes your hand, someone who believes in you.”

That respect is key, Railing says.

“It gives them belief in themselves, that someone cares,” she says. “We don’t care why you are in there. We care that you can learn something from us while you are there.”

Whittaker says it took him almost eight months to finish the five tests needed to earn his diploma because the tests are only given twice each month.

“Luke was always prepared and really wanted this

program,” Railing says. “He was driven, and most of the time made us laugh. He was easy to work with.”

Once released, Whittaker lived with his father, Wade, in Little River, South Carolina.

“My father has the biggest heart,” he

Whittaker, seen above with Railing, is vocal about the worthwhile endeavors available through Brunswick Literacy County Council.

says. “He taught me good morals and told me, ‘If you say you are going to do something, do it.’”

Besides his father, his best friend, Brody Labod, and Brody’s mother, Mary, also accepted him.

“I don’t know where I would be without them,” Whittaker says. “Mary is my adopted mother.”

Whittaker applied for jobs as a truck driver, but when employers saw his resume, they rejected his applications.

“There are a lot of jobs you cannot get because of charges,” he says.

Denied jobs, Whittaker towed cars but did not have

enough work. He did a Google search and learned he could make a living power washing. He bought both residential and commercial equipment, a truck to accommodate it, named his business Carolinas Under Pressure Washing and began knocking on doors.

His business escalated, and he expanded its services. Under the name Carolina Concrete Paint and Seal, he stripes parking lots, paints and seals driveways, and paints handicapped symbols. He created his own custom color he named Harley-Davidson orange. Another endeavor he has undertaken is industrial automation, also called industrial streamlining software, which improves productivity and reduces costs.

“I update customers’ software to make it more efficient,” he says.

Whittaker says earning his GED gave him the confidence to keep trying new things.

“I told myself, ‘If I can do that, I can do this and this and…’ It’s a snowball effect,” he says. “If I didn’t start my own business, I wouldn’t be able to make a good living. That’s why a lot of people go back to selling drugs and are back in jail.”

Whittaker explains he grew up in Washington, Indiana, which he calls “a super small town,” with the only goal of being with family. He remembers when he was about eight years old hearing his parents talk about buying him some new clothes but not being able to the pay bills. He told them, “I don’t need clothes. Pay the bills.” He believed they

FINDING NEW DIRECTIONS

Earning his GED gave Whittaker the confidence to start his own business, Carolinas Under Pressure Washing.

would lose their home and not have any place to live if the bills were not paid.

When he was 12, his parents divorced, and his mother stayed in Indiana while his father brought him and his younger brother, Noah, to North Myrtle Beach, where they lived with his father’s mother. Now Whittaker lives in Myrtle Beach with his fiancée, Alexa Hegedus, and Hestia, their 18-month-old blue heeler Australian cattle dog.

Whittaker’s number one goal is “to continue to build something bigger for the people who mean so much to me.” He also hopes to give presentations at schools and events to encourage others to persevere and pursue worthwhile endeavors.

What else does he want people to know? “Tell them to get their house washed,” he says with a laugh. 

Brunswick County Literacy Council helps advance social and economic opportunities for adults ages 16 and older with classes and tutoring in adult literacy, GED test preparation and workforce skills.

To volunteer or receive services with Brunswick County Literacy Council: m (910) 754-7323 or K bcliteracy.org

Luke Whittaker can be reached at k lukewhittaker1995@gmail.com m (843) 286-3035

E Carolinas Under Pressure Washing

Every Day is Game Day

At Coastal Carolina Games & Puzzles in Ocean Isle Beach, Paul and Julie Johnson are bringing families back to the table — one screen-free game at a time.

BY JO ANN MATHEWS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT MCGRAW

Paul Johnson, co-owner of Coastal Carolina Games & Puzzles with his wife, Julie.

WWhen Paul Johnson welcomes visitors into Coastal Carolina Games & Puzzles, he does not start with a sales pitch. Instead, he points to the tables.

“You don’t have to buy anything,” he says. “Just sit and play.”

It’s a philosophy that has turned the Ocean Isle Beach shop into a place where games bring people together, one move at a time.

Julie teaches fifth grade at Riverside Elementary School in Little River, while Paul welcomes visitors to the shop to play games displayed on the 10 tables throughout the store.

The store offers unique versions of card, math, chess and word games. No video games are sold here. More than 100 are available, many made of wood, in addition to dozens of jigsaw puzzles.

“The way we created the layout of the store is to display the

games and have shelves and areas for people to investigate what we have,” Julie says.

“Our shop is designed around the idea of making us all come together,” Paul adds. “And put your phone away.”

The Johnsons share their game fascination with the community by hosting several events.

For example, on February 28 they held Tabletop Test Drive, in which people learned six new games in two hours, a version of speed dating for games. Julie explains that a

different game was at each of six tables, where four or five players learned to play the game. After 15 minutes, the players shifted to a new table.

Those who want to schedule their own private game night can arrange it with the Johnsons.

Julie plans to offer week-long Game Creation Camps during the summer, an idea she developed herself. Children

ages 7 and older will present ideas for games, and each child will create his or her own game. Julie will use computerdesigned machines to cut wood and complete the finished products, so the children can take their game home.

The Johnsons opened Coastal Carolina Games & Puzzles at Cornerstone Plaza on Beach Drive in July 2025 after

moving to the area from Estes Park, Colorado. They had a game shop for 15 years in Colorado.

“It was on a riverwalk,” Julie says. “The kids wouldn’t want to leave the store. They were fascinated because they had never seen many of the games before.”

Many visitors come to Cornerstone Plaza because they have business at one of the other shops, but the Games & Puzzles sign attracts attention.

Such was the case with Anna and Michael Kelly of Calabash. They stopped in and about 15 minutes later bought mini-Quarto.

“It’s a unique version of tic-tac-toe,” Julie says. “It’s a thinking game. You can win so many ways.”

“And lose so many ways,” Anna adds with a laugh. “I’ve never heard of it, but it seems simple enough.”

Matt and Haleigh Wallace of Shallotte followed the Kellys and browsed before buying Play Nine, a golf card game.

“We’ve played it before and it’s fun,” Haleigh says.

Creativity explodes in the shop. Paul can

Imagination Gameworks, a division of Coastal Carolina Games and Puzzles, offers Game Creation Camp for ages 7+, running bi-weekly in June and July. Kids design, build and play their own games. Call (910) 579-7700 to register.

take a picture, such as a couple’s wedding picture or a special family or vacation photo, and make it into a lasting, wooden jigsaw puzzle. He also makes marble game boards and cribbage boards.

“This is a hobby,” Paul, says. “I get to learn something every day.”

Growing up in the Twin Cities in Minnesota, Paul hoped to play professional baseball or hockey, but it was not to be. After four years in the Navy, he held a few jobs before going to carpentry school. He co-owned Great Northern Cabinetry in Rib Lake, Wisconsin, for seven years before he and Julie moved to Colorado to assist family.

Julie earned her degree in mass communications from University of Minnesota and was a wedding and event planner before switching to the classroom. After her mother died in Colorado in 2023, the couple moved to

Carolina Shores.

And what are their favorite games? Julie likes the magnetic Scrabble game that hangs on the wall near the shop’s entrance. Paul’s is a version of Shut the Box, a wooden math challenge.

Another favorite is the dog Chess Puzzle Toy. “The dog moves the pieces, and a treat falls out,” Paul says. “We have games that can make the whole family happy.”

The prices of the games are affordable, ranging from $4 for card games to $40-plus for wooden games.

“The cost is one hamburger and french fries,” Paul says. “The food is gone in a moment, but games will be on your table for a lifetime.”

“We are family friendly,” he adds. “Kids say they want video games, but once they come in here, they want to know what all the games are.” 

PLAY ALONG

Coastal Carolina Games & Puzzles 6618 Beach Drive SW, Ocean Isle Beach m (910) 579-7700

E Coastal Carolina Games & Puzzles

Off-Season Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, Sundays closed  May 15 to Labor Day Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 10 am to 5 pm Wednesday and Friday, 12 to 7 pm Sunday 12 to 5 pm

AT 85, YVONNE BROWN BRINGS HISTORY TO LIFE WITH HANDSEWN COLONIAL AND CIVIL WAR GARMENTS, BLENDING PASSION, PRECISION AND A LIFELONG LOVE OF DESIGN.

stitching THROUGH time

While she was growing up in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Yvonne Brown’s grandmother and aunt sewed all her clothes.

“I could see a dress and describe it to them, and they would make one for me just like it,” Brown says from her “work home” in Sunset Harbour in Bolivia.

In college, Brown wanted to design clothes rather than sew them and planned to enter the design program at North Carolina State University. She was denied admission because it was not until the mid-1960s that the school accepted women in that department.

“My mother told me to go to Woman’s College [in Greensboro],” Brown says.

Her mother and aunt went there, so Brown took that advice, earned a bachelor’s degree in medical technology and worked at Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital in Greensboro. Her desire to expand her interest in medicine increased, so she enrolled at her former alma mater, renamed University of North Carolina Greensboro in 1963, and earned a master’s degree in chemistry. Her new position was collaborating with pharmacists at Cone Hospital, who developed prescribed care for premature babies.

“We extended their lives,” Brown says with pride.

Her medical career required concentration and determination, the same skills needed for Brown’s hobby, which is making period clothing. This pastime started when her pharmacist-husband, Larry, decided in the mid-1990s he needed a diversion outside of his job and became interested in Civil War reenactments. He joined Sons of the Confederate Veterans and 26 North Carolina Troop reenactors.

Brown followed his lead and joined the Order of the Confederate Rose.

BY JO ANN MATHEWS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRE BURGE -

THE PHOTO DISTRICT

made out of linen) and her husband, Larry Brown, at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park in Greensboro; a pattern for a man's colonial shirt; and a cotton jacket and cotton blend skirt that Brown made.

The women’s clothing from that era fascinated her, so she attended classes and seminars in Gettysburg to learn how to sew them. She needed material, so the Browns scoured upholstery and distribution warehouses, fabric stores, consignment shops and thrift stores.

Brown says it was difficult to work, sew and attend reenactments, so she retired from Cone hospital in 2002 after 35 years.

“Larry retired twice after I retired,” she says. “It was not long before we were both

into Revolutionary War events.”

Larry joined Sons of the American Revolution, and Yvonne joined Daughters of the American Revolution. Her focus turned to making women’s Colonial clothes.

“I went with Larry all dressed up, even with my corset on,” Brown says. “Those women didn’t have zippers, snaps or buttons, so used straight pins to keep their clothes secure. Most women in Colonial times wore capes. For decorations they would cover cardboard or wood with fabric and sew it on their clothes.”

Clockwise from top left: Two of Yvonne Brown's taffeta dresses; Brown (wearing a dress she

The expansion of her wardrobe overpowered the Browns’ home, so they bought another one nearby that was the former offices of a real estate firm. An assortment of fabrics, including cotton, silk and taffeta, share two of the five rooms in the house with the dresses, skirts and jackets Brown has made. Mannequins, sewing machines and other equipment needed for her hobby fill the remaining rooms.

Brown is donating the Civil War-era clothes to make room for the petticoats and jackets from Colonial times she is making to prepare for the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America in 2026.

Sizes are a concern. “Forget the [Colonial] patterns that are out there,” Brown says. “They don’t fit a human being. The proportions are not correct for a human body.”

She attended a class in Williamsburg that taught how to make a pattern for a man’s shirt. “I probably never will make it,” she says, but she learned how to cut the garment.

Before her interest in period clothing, Brown limited her sewing ventures. As a teen, she saw a Madam Alexander doll, a brand popular in the 1950s. “I was never into dolls, but we were in Durham, and I saw a doll that looked grownup, so I made clothes for her,” Brown says.

Other sewing projects included covering belts with material when shirtwaist dresses were popular in the 1950s and maternity clothes when she was pregnant with her sons Ken, now 55, and Kevin, 50. Another time she needed a top to go with a matching skirt and jacket she bought. “I made a boatneck, short-sleeved top with white material,” she says.

To be authentic, Brown hand sews outfits, which take four to eight hours, but she uses the sewing machine to do seams that aren’t visible. She says the hardest part of sewing the clothes is her state of mind.

“I wait until I’m inspired,” she says. “The fabric has to speak to me.”

She withdraws a roll of red plaid silk from the dozens of rolls that line the wall of one room.

“I like the color,” she says, “and I will make something from it.”

Brown has no idea how many garments she has made over the years, but it could be in the hundreds. She has sold some at reenactments and

other gatherings.

“I was given the name Bonnet Lady at a South Carolina event,” she says. She has sold hundreds of the bonnets she’s made.

Even though she turns 85 on September 1, Brown does not plan to curb her clothes-making hobby.

“It’s fun,” she says. “I like designing. I enjoy it, and my husband doesn’t complain about it.” 

A Class Act

Under the leadership of Jennie Bryan, Brunswick County Schools' Teacher Scholar Academy is cultivating the county’s future educators right here at home.

BY MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN

FFor Jennie Bryan, teaching has never been just a career. It is, in her words, “a vocation in life where our greatest passion meets the world’s deepest need.”

That conviction has guided her through 15 years in education, from her days as a high school social studies teacher to being named Brunswick County Teacher of the Year in 2020, Southeastern Regional Teacher of the Year in 2021 and COAST Teacher of the Year in 2026. Today, it drives her in a new role, leading Brunswick County Schools’ Teacher Scholar Academy and coordinating a scholarship program designed to inspire

and support the next generation of local educators.

The Teacher Scholar Academy, launched in August of 2023, is part of the district’s Grow Your Own initiative, a forward-thinking strategy to cultivate talent from within the community. Housed at the Center of Applied Sciences and Technology (COAST), the program welcomes students from all four Brunswick County high schools. They spend half of their day on the COAST campus, exploring the art and science of teaching while earning honors and articulated college credit.

Bryan sees the academy as a way to solve a long-standing problem in teacher preparation.

“We hear stories of students going to college thinking they want to be teachers, but they don’t get enough exposure to classrooms until the very end of their degree,” she explains. “By then, some realize it isn’t what they expected. This program flips that script by giving students real classroom experiences early on.”

The coursework blends theory with practice. In the first year, students study the history and philosophy of education,

Left to right: School Board Vice Chair

Vickie Smith, Superintendent Dale Cole, School Board Chair Steve Gainey and Jennie Bryan

"...teaching has never been just a career. It is, in her words, 'a vocation in life where our greatest passion meets the world’s deepest need.'"

educator

leads Brunswick County Schools’ Teacher Scholar Academy and Brunswick Built Teachers Scholarship program designed to inspire and support the next generation of local educators. The other photos on this page are of students participating in the program.

Above, longtime

Jennie Bryan (above)

PHOTO BY MATT MCGRAW

learning theories and the challenges of working with diverse learners. They also visit schools across the county, observing teachers, counselors, nurses and specialists who make a school function.

As they advance, students dive deeper into curriculum planning, classroom management and supporting students with special needs or English as a Second Language. Perhaps the most transformative element is the field experience requirement of 120 hours working side by side with classroom teachers.

“They get to see what it’s really like,” Bryan says. “It’s not just theory. They’re part of the classroom community, and that gives them confidence about whether this is the path they want to pursue.”

Bryan’s enthusiasm for the program is rooted in her own journey. In college she was leaning toward a career in research and public history, and it wasn't until she was almost finished her history degree that she seriously began considering teaching. She discovered her passion was not in archives but in the classroom, guiding young minds, making history come alive and being a mentor. That decision has shaped her life.

Along the way, she earned her master’s degree and a teaching license, steadily building a reputation as an educator who not only excels in the classroom but also lifts others up. Her regional recognition opened doors to broader conversations about teacher recruitment and retention in North Carolina.

“At that point, I knew I was ready for a new challenge,” she recalls. “When the opportunity came to lead this program, I

knew it was the right step.”

Bryan also understands the skepticism that sometimes surrounds a teaching career.

“There’s a lot of negative talk about going into education, mostly about funding challenges, and burnout,” she says. “But I’ve always felt supported in Brunswick County. My mission is to show students what’s possible, to encourage them to see teaching as a calling and a way to serve their community.”

That same mission fuels her efforts with a locally funded scholarship program created to ease the financial burden for aspiring teachers and encourage them to return home after college. By the time the program concludes its 2026 Brunswick Built Teachers Scholarship selection cycle, Brunswick County Schools will have pledged support to 23 future teachers for a total of $150,000. For every $2,500 in scholarship support, a recipient

commits to teaching in Brunswick County for one year.

The approach mirrors the state’s Teaching Fellows Program but is tailored to local needs. Importantly, eligibility is not limited to academy graduates. Teacher assistants and residency-licensed teachers completing their coursework can also apply.

The program is also in its first semester of offering the Early Childhood Education I course. Students who successfully complete the course will have completed over 120 internship hours in a local childcare or PreK program and qualify for the N.C. Early Childhood Credential, which is required for all lead teachers in N.C. childcare centers.

“It’s about creating multiple pathways,” Bryan explains.

“We want to support anyone in our community who feels called to education and is willing to invest their career here.”

The Teaching Academy is still in its early years, but Bryan has her sights set on expansion. A second pathway is already underway, focused on early childhood education. This is a critical need given the shortage of childcare providers across the county. Students in that track gain hands-on experience in local childcare centers, preparing them to serve children from birth through kindergarten.

Bryan believes this layered approach, high school academies, scholarships and early childhood pipelines, will position Brunswick County to face the future with confidence.

“We’re not just filling classrooms,” she says. “We’re building a legacy of educators who know this community, love this community and want to give back to it.”

In classrooms today, a handful of high school students are already practicing their future roles, reading aloud to elementary children, assisting teachers with lesson plans or managing small group activities. They may not fully realize it yet, but thanks to Bryan’s leadership, they are part of a homegrown movement to ensure that Brunswick County’s children will always have dedicated, passionate teachers to guide them. 

For more information about Brunswick County Schools' Teacher Scholar Academy, contact Bryan directly via email at jebryan@bcswan.net.

YOU can BCC.

S. Preston Douglas & Associates

Looking for a public accounting firm that delivers services to businesses and individuals with professionalism, responsiveness and quality — all while having fun along the way? Look no further than S. Preston Douglas & Associates. Founded in 1941, the firm has maintained the high standards and exceptional service that have driven its success for more than 80 years while fostering a culture of balance and enjoyment that makes it both a strong business partner and a highly desirable place to work.

That sentiment is reinforced on a national level by a recent USA Today roundup naming the firm as one of 2026’s “Most Recommended Accounting Firms.” And they are here for you throughout the year, not just when April 15 rolls around.

“At S. Preston Douglas & Associates, we want to be the most trusted advisor for our clients from audits to tax to consulting,” says Ocean Isle Beach’s Partner-in-Charge Lee Grissom. “It’s a fun yet important role. We get to work with CFOs, finance directors, business owners and municipalities.”

The firm’s Ocean Isle Beach location is one of S. Preston Douglas & Associates’ four outposts in the area in addition to offices in Lumberton, Whiteville and Elizabethtown.

As far as services go, the firm offers comprehensive financial services tailored to both individuals and businesses. Individual clients benefit from expert tax preparation, personalized financial planning and thoughtful estate planning guidance. Business clients utilize financial statement audits, bookkeeping and

LEARN MORE

S. PRESTON DOUGLAS & ASSOCIATES

6649 Beach Drive, Suite 1 Ocean Isle Beach (910) 754-4241 spdouglas.com

strategic tax services designed to support growth and long-term success.

“This job requires constant learning,” says Grissom, a seasoned CPA who has worked in the profession for more than 20 years. "Things are always evolving, which keeps you on your toes and your mind sharp — adaptability is essential.”

The Ocean Isle Beach office operates with a small but mighty team, including Grissom and staff accountants Jay Craig, CPA, Olivia Williams and Aleah Godwin.

“Our team is outstanding," Grissom says. “We’re all very involved in the community and our team has a workhard, play-hard mindset.”

Think high-performing professionals you can trust during the work day and easy companions to grab a beer with after hours.

Speaking of after hours, when Grissom is not hard at work delivering results to clients, you can find him spending time at the beach with his wife, Katie, and their two daughters, Claire and Emma.

Let S. Preston Douglas & Associates do the math and schedule your consultation at spdouglas.com, stop by and say hello in-person at 6649 Beach Drive, Suite 1 in Ocean Isle Beach, or give the firm a call at (910) 754-4241.

Wine, Women & Chocolate

March 4 at Sea Trail Convention Center in Sunset Beach

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINA CASAD, BUMBLEBEE DIGITAL MARKETING

 The Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Wine, Women & Chocolate event delivered an energizing girls' night out in Sunset Beach. Guests enjoyed an evening of shopping, delicious bites (including plenty of chocolate) and fun extras like a drink ticket and raffle ticket — making it a sweet, social night to remember.

Spring Into

Health 5K/1M

March 14 at

Dosher Memorial Hospital

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZEB STARNES

 Brunswick Wellness Coalition's signature Spring Into Health 5K/1M event got Brunswick County moving by inviting individuals and teams to walk, run, roll or stroll together under the Go Green, Get Healthy theme. Participants showed up wearing green, shared moments using #BeWellBrunswick and helped support local wellness initiatives — proving that a little daily movement can go a long way for energy, sleep and long-term health.

Diamonds & Denim

March 6 at Homer Wright Event Center

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZEB STARNES

 The Brunswick Sheriff’s Charitable Foundation's 14th annual Diamonds & Denim Charity Ball lit up the night, blending glamour, entertainment and heartfelt giving at the Homer Wright Event Center. Guests soaked in the glitz-filled atmosphere as The Pink Slips Band kept the energy high, all while supporting a cause that continues to make a meaningful impact in the community. This event benefited Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, His Chosen Outreach Ministries and Brunswick County Homeless Coalition.

April May June

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

KINGSTON & IRIE

Photo captured by Elisa Gandy