SPT OKI Fall 2023 Edition - Premiere Issue

Hello!

More remarkable care, closer to home

Novant Health Brunswick Medical Plaza is now welcoming patients in Bolivia.

At Novant Health, we provide quality care in convenient locations to ensure you and your family get the world-class care you deserve. Our newest medical plaza, on the campus of Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center, is now open with expanded access to a range of outpatient medical services and clinics, including:

• Family medicine

• Heart and vascular care

• Cardiac rehabilitation

• Urology

• Surgical care

• Infusion services

We are proud to provide remarkable care to the growing communities in Brunswick County.

Novant Health Brunswick Medical Plaza

257 Hospital Drive NE

Bolivia, NC 28422

Find the location most convenient for you at NovantHealth.org/Locations

CHLOE E. — 5-STAR GOOGLE REVIEW

FEATURES

32 MUSIC & MEMORIES

With Big Love Vinyl, Doug Ausbury shares his love of music with the people of Oak Island.

42 RAISING CHAMPIONS

For the Jenkins family of Oak Island, team spirit starts at home.

54 F LOODED WITH LOVE

After surviving the 2018 flood and spending more than a year exploring America, the Rooks family finds that all roads lead home — to Oak Island.

64 A S EASONAL GETAWAY

For a vacation that checks all the boxes, book a stay at SeaSons at the Point, an Oak Island oasis created by and for family.

74 T HE HEART OF A WARRIOR

For 71-year-old Southport resident Ginny MacColl, life’s greatest goal is redefining what aging looks like — and so far she’s crushing it.

80 L ESSONS FROM THE TAN MAN

Oak Island beach icon Alex Zelaya, who passed away in June 2023, is remembered as an inspiration.

36 T HE PUB SCOUT

Lonerider at Oak Island offers treasures like a relaxed atmosphere, good food and a nice variety of brews you can enjoy in an idyllic spot on the water.

51 COMMUNITY

Once More Bookstore in Southport supports the Margaret & James Harper, Jr. Library in Southport and G.V. Barbee, Sr. Library in Oak Island, funding youth and adult educational programs, facility improvements and various community outreach activities.

60 AROUND TOWN

Up Your Arts’ campaign to revive Southport’s City Hall into a community arts center is coming into sharper focus.

70 DINING OUT

Chef Ashley Davis realizes a lifelong dream with the opening of Southern, A Gathering Place Kitchen & Bar in Southport.

PHOTO BY CAMERON SMITH

PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ

PHOTO BY MATT MCGRAW

Fall 2023 Issue — Volume 1, Issue 1

CEO/PUBLISHER: Justin Williams

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Sandi Grigg

COPY EDITOR: Molly Harrison

CONTRIBUTING GRAPHICS: L iza Barry Teresa Kramer

S amantha Lowe Elizabeth Dale Niemann

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Megan Henry Brian Wilner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS:

C LT Photography Megan Deitz

G enie Leigh Photography K atie D Photography

Jenna Kazmierczak D oc Liberty

M att McGraw L eigh Roberts

Jim Robertson C ameron Smith

James Stefiuk Brenda Torrey

Timothy Wood

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

A nna Beth Adcock K urt Epps

S andi Grigg D ennis Hetzel

B eth A. Klahre Theresa Ravencraft

A nnesophia Richards R andi Jo Rooks

Melissa Slaven Warren

PUBLISHED BY: CAROLINA MARKETING COMPANY, INC.

PO Box 1361, Leland, NC 28451 (910) 207-0156 • info@lifeinbrunswickcounty.com

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

©2023 Carolina Marketing Company, Inc.

Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. strives to bring correct, accurate information that is published in the magazine. However, Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. cannot be held responsible for any consequences resulting from errors or absences. Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. also cannot be held responsible for the services provided by any and all advertisers in our publications. All material in this magazine is property of Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. and may not be reproduced without authorization from the publisher. SPT OKI — A Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. publication is published four times per year and is distributed to residents and businesses in the Southport Oak Island area, to subscribers and to select areas of New Hanover County, NC. Interested in back issues, subscriptions or advertising? Contact us at (910) 207-0156 or info@lifeinbrunswickcounty.com.

About the cover:

Photographer Katie Dorsett-Dye of Katie D Photography captured our cover image at the McGlamery Street access on Oak Island. Read more about Katie in our Contributors section on page 12.

It’s Finally Here!

BBack in 2005 I founded Carolina Marketing Company and launched North Brunswick Magazine , which focuses on the Leland area. After living in Brunswick County for a while, I realized how geographically focused the pockets of the county and communities are, so in 2008 we launched South Brunswick Magazine. This magazine originally was meant to cover Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Holden Beach, Calabash and Shallotte, but as I started moving along with it, I decided to include the Southport and Oak lsland areas as well.

I knew that one day we would launch a magazine that exclusively covered Southport and Oak Island (as well as Bald Head Island), but it took a while to get there. Timing, the way we were delivering the content and my own life's challenges early in the last decade put the project on hold, and all the while I knew we were missing out on a ton of good content. I did not know what I would eventually call this magazine, but last year I landed on SPT OKI Magazine — and here we are.

I am so excited for you to be holding this premiere issue. With the help of our staff, the community and our advertising supporters, we have put together a great issue for you. On the following pages you’ll learn the stories behind local businesses like Lonerider in Oak Island, Big Love Vinyl in Oak Island, Once More Bookstore in Southport and Southern, A Gathering Place Kitchen & Bar in Southport. You’ll meet some of the area’s fascinating people, from the

Jenkins family of athletes –whose son Walker just signed with the Minnesota Twins at age 18 – to Ginny MacColl, a 71-year-old local who competes on American Ninja Warrior (among many other things). You’ll learn more about Up Your Arts’ efforts to save Southport City Hall, find out what’s happening around town and so much more.

And don't stop here with SPT OKI Magazine. We have a newsletter you can sign up for online, and we publish online exclusive content on our website, LifeinBrunswickCounty.com, and through our social media on Instagram and Facebook. So please follow us:

Q southportoakislandmagazine and E sptoki.

If you want stories on the other areas of Brunswick County, subscribe to our Brunswick Bundle. That is all three magazines in our county for one year. Information for that is on our site or at this QR code.

Thanks for reading our magazine, and please let our advertisers know that you saw them here. All of us at Carolina Marketing Company appreciate your support!

Williams Owner/Publisher

PHOTO BY MATT MCGRAW

Our region’s most experienced Urological Robotic Surgeon, Dr. Roc A. McCarthy, and team, are with Advanced Urology in Leland, NC!

From utilizing the latest in urological cancer diagnostics, such as MRI fusion biopsies, to the DaVinci Xi surgical robot, patients are provided the best technology in a very caring and compassionate environment.

Services + Treatments

Minimally-Invasive Robotic Surgery

Cancer Diagnostics

Second Opinions on Cancer Diagnosis

Surgeries of the Kidney, Bladder, and Prostate Vasectomies

Megan Deitz CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

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

Q megandeitz_photography | E megandeitzphotography

Kurt Epps CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I am a retired English teacher, a veteran of 37 years in the high school classroom, and I have also served as an adjunct professor at the college level. I’m a multiple award-winning writer and have won national recognition for my coverage of the craft beer industry, in which I’ve been immersed since 1996. An expert at beer and food pairing, I emcee dinners, host public and private tutored beer tastings and evaluate and review beer bars, breweries, brewpubs and pubs, as well as restaurants with good beer menus. I encourage the responsible enjoyment of beer, and my favorite quote comes from Jim Koch of the Boston Beer Co.: “All beer is good; some beer is better.” My mission as The PubScout is to locate and write about the “better.”

Katie Dorsett-Dye CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

I am an award-winning photographer based in Oak Island. Born and raised in North Carolina, I developed a passion for photography from a young age. My business, Katie D Photography, specializes in both landscape and family photography. I am deeply rooted in the Oak Island community

and actively contribute my skills and services to local events, charities and fundraisers, using my art to make a positive impact. My dedication to my clients, love of my craft and deep connection to the natural beauty of Oak Island are the driving forces behind my continued success.

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.

PHOTO BY MATT MCGRAW

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER

Annesophia Richards

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

After spending a decade as an English teacher in Florida, I moved to Wilmington in 2014 to be closer to family. I now spend my time freelance writing, working as a school interventionist and raising two very energetic children. I love exploring all that makes North Carolina such a beautiful state and travelling as much as my family and time allow! My writing appears in various local area publications. In my free time I tend to read or go for a run, and I also love competing in creative writing contests. I’ve received awards for several pieces of flash fiction. My ability to tell a good tale is a talent that I use nightly when tucking my kids in with a bedtime story.

Randi Jo Rooks

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A lifelong lover of words, people and stories, I am so grateful to share my writing with others. I am a homeschooling mom of three. My husband, Brandon, and I were UNCW sweethearts (one Yankee, one Southern Gentleman) and have called Brunswick County home for the last 16 years (except for that one year we spent RV-ing around America!). We love living on Oak Island, enjoying God’s creation and encouraging others in their faith and family life.

Casey Lauren Townsend

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

In addition to being a local photographer under the name CLT Photography for the last 15 years and co-owner of Waterway Music and Education, I am a happy wife and homeschooling mother of two children. My husband, who is from Brunswick County, introduced me to “might could” and strawberry picking. Together, we have lived in every corner of Brunswick County, making friends who are like family along the way. My love of storytelling through photos was inspired by my late grandfather, who always had the video camera out and captured what was most important: friends and family. This candid style is what I hope to contribute to the magazine.

Brenda Torrey

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

I am a professional photographer with more than 30 years experience. My photos have been on billboards, magazine and book covers, a National Park Service challenge coin and throughout a United States Navy ship. For many years I dreamed of living in a town where I could walk to the beach, stores and restaurants and now I'm living my dream on Oak Island.

PHOTO BY CLT PHOTOGRAPHY

Throughout the years in SBM

We've covered the Southport Oak Island area for years in our sister publication

South Brunswick Magazine . Take a look at some of our coverage and view these articles online at LifeinBrunswickCounty.com/sptoki

FREEFALLIN’

By Beth Klahre

Based at Cape Fear Regional Jetport, Skydive Coastal Carolina changes lives through the thrilling adventure of skydiving.

STATION OAK ISLAND US CGC BAYBERRY

By Rich O'Donnell

The only U.S. Coast Guard Station in Brunswick County, Station Oak Island works to coordinate the safe passage of maritime traffic and protect North Carolina’s southeastern coast.

ONE IF BY LAND; TWO IF BY SEA

By Kathy Blake

At Never Ever Boards on Oak Island, selling skateboards, paddleboards and surfboards helps owner Matt Troetti give back to the community.

PAWS AND EFFECT

By Kathy Blake

At Cape Fear K9, Mike Chambers teaches old and young dogs new tricks.

PHOTO BY TIMOTHY WOOD

PHOTO BY GENIE LEIGH PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ

BREWING AT THE BEACH

A WOMAN OF MANY HATS

By Annesophia Richards

A recipient of the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, Ann Hollingsworth serves the South Brunswick community in her signature style.

A VOICE OF NASA

By Teresa McLamb

While a student at South Brunswick High School, Bolivia native Shaneequa Vereen never imagined she’d one day be a live mission commentator on space launches.

RIGHT ON TARGET

By Carolyn Bowers

Throw Baxe Axe House and Board Game Lounge hits the spot as a fun place to play and hang out in Southport

GUIDED

By Beth Klahre

Artist Missy Tripp Ronquillo keeps the good vibes alive through art at Pescado Y Amor studio in Oak Island.

SAVING

By Melissa Slaven Warren

With a new nonprofit named FPTower Inc., the owner of Frying Pan Shoals Light Station seeks help with preserving the historic tower 32 miles offshore.

PHOTO BY JENNA KAZMIERCZAK

PHOTO BY DOC LIBERTY

PHOTO BY LEIGH ROBERTS

PHOTO BY LEIGH ROBERTS

By John Cardillo Solar Brewing Company brings the craft brewery experience to Oak Island.

BY LOVE

THE TREEHOUSE IN THE OCEAN

THE PROS AND CONS OF WIND ENERGY

Locals gather to hear about the proposed wind farm off the Brunswick County coast.

By John Cardillo

The proposed wind energy project to be built off the shores of Brunswick County was the topic of a late February session held at the St. James Community Center and attended by nearly 100 local residents. Both the pros and cons of moving ahead with the massive project were presented.

BENEFIT CONCERT

Synchronicity, featuring a flutist, pianist and vocalist, performed in Southport on August 5 to raise funds for Brunswick Partnership for Housing.

Musical trio Synchronicity performed a benefit concert for Brunswick Partnership for Housing on August 5.

DISTINGUISHED GRAND MARSHAL

North Carolina 4th of July Festival announces

Colonel Chad Blacketer as the 2023 Parade Grand Marshal.

The NC 4th of July Festival Committee welcomed

Colonel Chad Blacketer, Commander, 596th Transportation Brigade, Sunny Point, N.C., as its Grand Marshal for 2023.

“Songs for a Summer Evening,” a classical and traditional concert, was held at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 205 E. Moore Street in Southport. A reception followed the concert. All proceeds from the freewill offering benefited the Brunswick Partnership for Housing, which provides transitional housing for families in need.

SIENNA'S

Beyond offering a substantial array of clothing size selections, Sienna’s boutique features shoes, accessories and chic gift items.

From the stylish imagination of Southport resident and Wilmington native Heather Newsom comes Sienna’s, a women’s clothing and gift boutique new to the waterfront streets of Downtown Southport. Located next to Trolly Stop, the shop opened its doors on June 3, 2023, offering coastal boho styles with a dash of glam, fit for women of all shapes and sizes.

DRIVE-THROUGH SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

Dosher Memorial Hospital collected school supplies for Communities In Schools of Brunswick County on August 3.

The third annual Operation School Supplies at Dosher Memorial Hospital was held on August 3. The community was invited to drop off new school supplies at the hospital front entrance, and the supplies were donated for the benefit of students served by Communities In Schools of Brunswick County. Participants were able to drive through and drop off donations without having to leave their cars. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE

OUTER BANKS BOIL COMPANY OAK ISLAND NOW OPEN

North-Carolina based Outer Banks Boil Company, an experience driven, seafood takeout and catering company that specializes in signature seafood boils, opened on June 30.

The new location is conveniently located in the Publix Shopping Center on E. Oak Island Drive.

Outer Banks Boil Company focuses on providing vacationers and locals with a dining tradition that is as relaxed, laid back and fun as the beach communities they serve. Oak Island, another one of the great, family focused, American beach towns, is the perfect location for the newest Outer Banks Boil Company location.

PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ

BCC Southport Center Dedicates Donna Mandell Creativity Cove

Brunswick Community College (BCC) Southport Center recently dedicated the Donna Mandell Creativity Cove in honor of Donna Mandell, a Southport resident and artist. Students of all ages will use the new outdoor destination to explore and grow their love of the arts. After Mandell’s passing last year, her daughter, Michele Mandell Cherry, donated the funds on her behalf and worked with Southport Center and The Foundation of BCC to develop the new space. Children from a Brunswick County Parks and Recreation program were the first to use Creativity Cove, using the space to paint handthrown, bisque-fired bowls for donation to Empty Bowls, a grassroots movement by artists worldwide to fight hunger. Mandell's family members, arts community representatives and BCC administration, faculty and staff joined the children.

Keller Williams Cleans Up for Brunswick Partnership for Housing

On May 11 a team of more than 30 Keller Williams agents and staff members from the Oak Island office joined forces for the annual RED Day to contribute to a community cause. The KW team pulled on their work gloves and brought their rakes and shovels to support Brunswick Partnership for Housing (BPH). BPH is renovating a four-unit building at 250 E. 11th Street, Southport, to serve homeless families and individuals in need of transitional housing. The building is expected to open for clients this summer.

Bald Head Island Public Safety Day

Bald Head Island’s Public Safety Day on May 13 was a huge success. Held at the Department of Public Safety, the event was organized by Public Safety volunteers and Public Services Auxiliary members. The day started with a 3.2-mile race (for Station 32), which Public Safety Officer Chip Sudderth ran in full gear! Kids enjoyed the training course, trying on fire

equipment, climbing over a wall and through a tunnel to rescue a victim, the bike rodeo and, of course, popsicles. The sobriety test taken with special impairment goggles was also a big hit. BHI Conservancy had an educational booth, and volunteers and staff also offered booths with information about the Vial/ File of Life program, the Knox Box program, hurricane preparedness, medical equipment, fire equipment and all the vehicles and apparatus the department has to work with.

Coastal Home & Lifestyle Showcase Held in Oak Island’s Middleton Park

Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce held its Coastal Home & Lifestyle Showcase on May 13 in Middleton Park on Oak Island. Almost 300 attendees connected with local businesses that specialize in home maintenance, outdoor living and healthy and active lifestyles. Chuck Hawkins of Oak Island won the $200 drawing from the chamber. Nowcat and Music Mafia Radio provided a perfect mix of music during the event. The chamber’s next business expo–style event will be the Coastal Consumer Showcase on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at St. James Community Center.

Nonnie's Baking Co. Opens in Southport

Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Nonnie’s Baking Co. on May 4. Nonnie’s Baking Co. specializes in custom wedding, birthday and special occasion cakes and offers individual sales of cupcakes, cookies and rice crispy treats in the shop. The new bakery is located at 1517 N. Howe Street, Suite 5 in Southport (you’ll find it on the Robert Ruark Drive side of the plaza behind Famous Subs & Pizza).

BCC VP Selected for National Commission on Student Success

Brunswick Community College (BCC) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Kevin Lee, vice president of academic affairs and chief academic officer at BCC, to the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Commission

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

on Student Success. Lee is one of only two dozen individuals selected for this role with AACC and will serve a three-year term spanning July 2023 to June 2026. The commission focuses on student access, success and organizational transformation. The commission also examines degree completion and twoyear to four-year transfer. In addition, it looks at cutting-edge innovation with proven outcomes and ways to improve student success while providing affordable, high-quality technical assistance in areas that support students in every way possible.

Brunswick Town DAR Participates in Southport’s Historic Patriotic Parade

As the nation celebrated its 247th anniversary of independence, members of the Brunswick Town Chapter National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) participated in the Southport Fourth of July festivities, which have been celebrated in that town for 231 years. Southport first celebrated the nation's independence in 1792 as the Festival of Free Men, and the city has since continued over two centuries with the N.C. 4th of July Festival, remembering the sacrifices, while celebrating freedom. This year, one of the early chapter Regents, Mrs. Jean Myers, who lives in an historic home on Moore Street in Southport, was able to join the DAR members as they prepared for the parade. Myers was the first chapter regent when Brunswick Town DAR formed during the 1976 Bicentennial. Myers is in her 90s now and still vibrant with patriotism.

BEMC Honored as One of the Best Employers in North Carolina

Business North Carolina has officially recognized Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC) as one of the state’s top employers. BEMC made Business North Carolina’s annual list of Best Employers, which highlights companies that rank highest in motivating their teammates and attracting good employees. BEMC was certified following a survey that polled its employees on a variety of essential workplace topics, including organizational health, engagement, leadership, worklife balance, training, pay, benefits and social responsibility.

Brunswick Supply House Opens in Oak Island

Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce recently held a grand-opening ribbon-cutting ceremony for Brunswick Supply House. Brunswick Supply House, located at 5216 E. Oak Island Drive in Oak Island, is an HVAC/R supply house selling HVAC/R supplies and materials to individuals and professionals.

Dosher Participates in County Active Event Training Drill

On June 15 Dosher Memorial Hospital participated in a multiagency active event training drill to enhance the preparedness of local first responders and medical personnel. Participants in the scenario-based drill included Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, Brunswick County Emergency Services, Brunswick County Schools, Brunswick Community College, Brunswick Novant

Hospital and Dosher. The drill began at Town Creek Elementary School and Town Creek Middle School with a simulated active threat situation. Dosher’s participation in the drill included the receipt of 17 role players portraying mass casualty victims into the Emergency Department, who were transported from Town Creek to the hospital by bus. Dosher utilized the drill to practice emergency response management and review the use of the Incident Command System (ICS) with hospital personnel and other participating agencies.

GFWC Donates $1,500 Toward Student Scholarships

space additions on Oak Island and Long Beach Road and the construction of a brand-new 8,000-square-foot Emergency Department on the corner of E. 9th and N. Howe streets in Southport.

New Hope Clinic Earns a Gold Rating from the NAFC Quality Standards Program

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs of the South Brunswick Islands (GFWC-SBI) recently presented Brunswick Community College (BCC) with two checks for scholarship funds. One check for $1,000 was given for nursing scholarships and another for $500 was given for the general scholarship fund. The GFWC-SBI is a chapter of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), one of the world’s largest and oldest non-denominational, non-partisan, international volunteer service organizations for women.

Dosher Breaks Ground on Phase 1 Master Facility Plan

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) Quality Standards Program has awarded New Hope Clinic with a 2023 Gold Rating. By self-attesting that the organization has certain policies and procedures in place, it is able to highlight its commitment to providing quality care to patients. The NAFC's mission is to ensure the medically underserved have access to affordable healthcare, and its members are dedicated to ensuring that patients receive quality healthcare. NAFC Quality Standards elements include policies and procedures related to the following areas: Administrative, Clinic/Pharmacy Responsibilities, Credentialing and Privileging Systems, Patient Care and Risk Management Systems.

Bald Head Island Dredging Update

Dosher Memorial Hospital held a community cookout and 93rd birthday party on June 10 at the hospital’s back entrance. More than 450 guests enjoyed a cookout lunch, music and the camaraderie of friends, neighbors, Dosher staff, members of the Dosher Trustees, Dosher volunteers, Dosher Foundation board members and hospital leaders. The speaker program concluded with a ground-breaking ceremony to celebrate the commencement of hospital and clinic expansions that will occur through Phase 1 of Dosher’s Master Facility Plan. Upgrades in the next three-year period will include expansion of Central Sterile, the hospital lab and the hospital pharmacy, provider

Coastal Dredging Inc. completed dredging of the Bald Head Island marina channel entrance and the bypass area in May. Coastal Dredging returned in July for additional dredging maintenance and to place sand farther down the beach (cell 2) in front of Row Boat Row.

U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament

October 5 to 7

With headquarters at Dutchman Creek Park in Southport, the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament features stiff competition and tons of prizes for anglers. The multiple-day fishing tournament is a great way to explore the expansive waters of the Cape Fear region while landing some big cash prizes along the way. The tournament, which has been held since 1979, has a guaranteed prize structure as well as room for roughly 400 boats who want to join in the action.

Information: usopenkmt.com

Brunswick County Intercultural Festival

October 13 & 14

The Brunswick County Intercultural Festival will include music, dance and an International Village as well as craft and food vendors at Riverwalk Park. There will also be concerts at Odell Williamson Auditorium.

Information: bcifestival.org

Odell Williamson Auditorium 30th Season Shows

October 19

Kicking off on October 19, Odell Williamson Auditorium’s 2023-24 season includes an eight-show line-up that pays tribute to some of the most legendary

performers, singers and songwriters. The season kicks off with Don’t Stop Believin’ – The Journey Tribute. Other shows in the line-up include performances by bands playing hits from Michael Jackson, John Denver, Bob Seger, Queen, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Diana Ross and The Supremes, and Johnny and June Carter Cash.

Information: (910) 755-8513, bccowa.com

Pledge the Pink

October 19 to 22

Pledge the Pink is the second largest multi-day breast cancer event in the country and will be celebrating its 13th anniversary this year. Participants will meet at Middleton Park and walk, run and crawl 33.1 miles over three days.

Information: pledgethepink.com/oki

Classic Cars Rock n’ Roll Cruise-In

October 28

The annual Classic Cars Rock n’ Roll Cruise-In car show will be held in the heart of downtown Southport on October 28 from 10 am to 4 pm. It features much more than the array of gorgeous and vintage automobiles. Activities and attractions will also include live music, contests, food and more.

Information: oak-islandnc.com/southportclassic-cars-rock-roll

Southport Wooden Boat Show

November 4

A little bit of history and a lot of fun, the Southport Wooden Boat Show is entertaining for all ages. This annual event celebrates the craft of wooden boat making and the history that has tied Southport to the water for generations. It’s held at the Old Yacht Basin from 10 am to 4 pm.

Information: southportwoodenboatshow.com

Oak Island Water Rescue Team

Fundraiser

November 18

The second annual golf outing will be held on Saturday, November 18 at the Oak Island Golf Club. There will be a shotgun start at 9:30 am with four-person teams, mulligans, raffles and several contests throughout the day. Golfers will be provided with lunch and awards.

Information: (440) 596-9673, oiwr.org

Winterfest Festival

December 1 to 9

This nine-day-long annual festival highlights the community spirit of Southport. It features a wealth of activities including a cookie contest, the Southport Christmas Flotilla, Winterfest Tea, Pet Pictures with Santa, holiday movies, a Christmas parade, a craft festival and so much more. It is a great way to enjoy the holiday spirit while taking in everything Southport has to offer.

Information: downtownsouthport.org/ winterfest

U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament

Southport Wooden Boat Show CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

It’s Tequila Thyme

Reposado tequila, cava and fresh thyme come together for a sophisticated tequila experience.

BY SANDI GRIGG

II am typically not a tequila drinker, but this herb-inspired cocktail blends tequila and sparkling cava for a thyme-infused alcoholic pop that I love. Rather than using a flavored substitute or artificial thyme flavor, I prepared this drink with home-grown thyme. In my opinion, fresh ingredients are what make a drink a true cocktail.

Around the office I am known as the plant lady because I love growing all types of plants, succulents and herbs. Before my thyme burned up from the summer heat, I selected a few sprigs that inspired me to create this spirit, which finishes similar to a seltzer.

This recipe uses reposado tequila, which basically means “rested” in Spanish. Reposado tequilas rest anywhere from two months to a year before they are bottled. Reposados take on a gold hue from the aged oak or white oak barrels in which they are aged. I used the Don Julio brand, which I found in my local ABC store. You can use any brand of tequila you prefer, but make sure to use the reposado.

This cocktail also uses cava, which is a sparkling wine from Spain. It may be white (blanco) or rosé (rosado). Cava goes so well with tequila, and for this cocktail I used the Freixenet Sparkling Cordon Negro Brut Cava, which I found in my local grocery.

Tequila has a reputation for causing trouble, but the elegant flavors in this drink will bring about your sophisticated side. Admittedly, I am a little fickle where cocktails are concerned. But you’ll see, once you take a sip of this wonderful drink, you will be sold too.

TEQUILA THYME POP

Makes 2 drinks

INGREDIENTS:

3 Tablespoons lime juice

4 sprigs fresh thyme

¼ cup simple syrup

1/2 cup reposado tequila

Ice

Cava as needed to top off glass

2 sprigs of thyme to garnish

METHOD:

Pour the lime juice into a cocktail shaker and drop in the thyme sprigs. Bruise the thyme using a muddler to release the flavor and aromatics.

Add the simple syrup and tequila, then add ice until it almost fills the cocktail shaker. Cover the shaker and shake 15 seconds to mix ingredients.

Using a strainer, split the fluid equally into two chilled glasses. Top each glass with cava and garnish with a sprig of thyme.

Quick & Easy Meat & Taters

The all-in-one sheet pan technique works well for steak and potatoes too.

BY SANDI GRIGG

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES STEFIUK

IIf I were to ask my family what they want for dinner every night, they would likely reply, "Meat and taters.” That’s not at all what I want to cook every day, especially a week day, but some days are actually meat and tater kind of days. I don't eat or cook a lot of red meat, but the cooler fall evenings have a way of making me crave a good steak. However, at the end of long and busy weekday, I don’t want to go through the trouble of firing up the grill, steaming broccoli and boiling potatoes. I want a quick and healthy meal that’s a cinch to clean up, and this all-in-one sheet pan steak and vegetables dish is it!

You might be wondering how a steak will taste being cooked in the oven on a sheet pan, but I am here to tell you that it turns out mouthwateringly perfect. The dry-rub marinade locks in the flavors, and with only one flip under the broiler it comes out super tender. It is important to place the steak on the pan when the pan is already hot so it starts to sear the outside of the steak as soon as it touches the pan.

In this recipe, I have offered a window for cook time on the steak because some like their steak rarer than others. When I made this recipe, I was feeding my little one and got distracted, so I cooked the steak a bit longer than my personal preference; to be sure it was well done, but to my surprise it was still tender and tasty. The aroma of the rosemary, balsamic and garlic as everything cooks is divine, and when it is done cooking the colors from the sliced steak, broccoli and potatoes make for an impressive presentation.

Typically, I cook and my spouse cleans. But with this dish, I offered to cook and clean. It was a very quick and easy preparation and clean up. So, the next time your family asks for meat and taters, think of this easy sheet-pan recipe. You won’t even be disappointed if you have to clean up.

WHAT’S COOKIN’ WITH SOUTHERN SANDI

Sheet Pan Balsamic Flank Steak

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

11/2 lbs. flank steak

2 cups broccoli florets

11/2 lbs. mini medley potatoes, halved

4 garlic cloves, sliced

1 Tablespoon freshly chopped rosemary plus 3 sprigs

1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar

11/2 Tablespoons olive oil

1 Tablespoon paprika

11/2 teaspoons onion powder

11/2 teaspoons garlic powder salt and pepper

METHOD

In a small bowl mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chopped rosemary and salt and pepper; reserve 1 teaspoon of dry mixture for vegetables.

Rub the dry spices all over the flank steak and set the steak aside to marinate.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

On a large sheet pan, scatter the broccoli, potato halves, sliced garlic and rosemary sprigs. Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the vegetables then toss to coat. Bake 20 minutes.

Push the cooked vegetables to the edges of the sheet pan and place the seasoned steak in the middle of the hot pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of dry mixed spices over the vegetables and cook it all under the broiler for 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from oven, flip the steak and broil for another 5 to 7 minutes or until steak reaches desired doneness.

Cut the steak into thin slices and serve with the vegetables.

With

Big Love Vinyl, Doug Ausbury shares his love of music with the people of Oak Island and Southport.

BY BETH A. KLAHRE

MUSIC & MemOries MemOries

DDream big, we tell our kids. A Forbes report on a recent nationwide survey on what kids want to be when they grow up showed that the most popular answers were doctor, teacher, scientist, chef, professional athlete, firefighter and astronaut. Only 10 percent hold their dream job today.

Doug Ausbury, owner of Big Love Vinyl in Crossroads Gathering Place on Oak Island, is in that 10 percent. While packing during his last move, he unearthed his 11th-grade composition about owning a record store, four paragraphs about his dream job.

Ausbury has fond memories of music in his childhood years. He bought his first record album, a Van Halen record, at Sears, Roebuck and Company when he was in seventh grade with his paper route money. He also rode his bike to his local Camelot Music store to buy records.

“I also remember sneaking out of church early so I could get to

Happy Big Love Vinyl customers (clockwise from top): Samantha Franklin, Alexa Robbins and Matt Thorne. Opposite page: Big Love Vinyl owner Doug Ausbury

a radio and hear Casey Kasem reveal the number one song of the week,” Ausbury

Ausbury became completely entrenched in music during high

“I would put on the worst clothes I could find and take my dad’s station wagon and a flashlight to a large downtown Dallas record company’s dumpster in the middle of the night,” Ausbury recalls. “I would come out with treasures — records, cassettes, promotional material for albums, posters and cardboard replica album covers. I would take everything to a Dallas record store where that stuff was gold. I would trade for store credit and walk out with stacks and stacks of records.”

The credit was the blank check Ausbury needed to explore all possible musical genres. It also offered him a deep dive into music, lyrics, artwork, band members and producers. Over the next two years, he amassed a collection of 2,000 records. He kept them in stacks in his bedroom.

“I became an encyclopedia of all things music, digesting and learning everything from the liner notes of the albums,” he says. “Now I am the person everyone wants on their music trivia team.”

A lot happened since that 11thgrade writing assignment — college, careers, marriage and kids. Ausbury’s

PHOTO BY BETH A KLAHRE

first job out of college was recruiting mystery shoppers to enter stores to evaluate customer service experiences and compiling data to present back to the clients. He worked for a large hospital, being groomed for hospital administration. At one point he was laid off. With a one-year old and three-year old in tow, he took the opportunity to launch a business in digital marketing, developing and optimizing websites, riding on the successful launch of Google that same year.

Fast-forward 25 years.

“During COVID I acquired too many records, nearly a couple thousand,” Ausbury says. “My wife, Kim, who is a professional organizer, came into my office stacked floor to ceiling with records. I’m 6 foot 5 and not hard to miss, yet she called out ‘Are you in there?’ I decided it was time to go through every record I had ever acquired.” Over a weekend in December 2020, Ausbury built a website and opened his online shop, Big Love Vinyl, named after the song by Fleetwood Mac and 1 Corinthians 13:13.

Last year Ausbury met

Mike Jones at his church. Jones was about to open a vendor marketplace in Oak Island. He and his wife, Bre, and co-owner Katie Clegg enthusiastically welcomed Big Love Vinyl into Crossroads in March 2023. The shop is a

collection of new, pre-owned and collector records and accessories. There are more than 3,000 albums awaiting new caretakers in the shop along with 1,500 on the website.

Caretakers?

“Here’s how I see it,” Ausbury says. “I have 4,000 records in my personal collection, not for sale. I don’t see myself as someone who just owns them, but someone who is the caretaker of them. At some point, they will be passed along to the next caretaker. When I take a record out of Big Love’s inventory, pack it up, put someone’s name on it and ship it, this person now becomes the caretaker.”

Ausbury posts website sales on social media with a nod to The Beatles: I say goodbye. You say hello.

The shop at Crossroads is a new kind of fun for Ausbury.

INTO THE GROOVE?

Big Love Vinyl Crossroads Gathering Place

128 Country Club Drive #42, Oak Island

m (910) 408-2610

Open every day of the week, but hours vary.

Big Love online is always open: K bigloveyvinyl.com

“Being able to curate my own record shop is an adrenaline rush,” he says. “I get to figure out what others want to listen to from jazz to country, soundtracks and Japanese presses. I love the constant work of curation. Helping people find music they love is a great feeling.” A lot of records pass through Ausbury’s hands.

“There is a place for every one of them,” he says.

If he does not keep it for his personal collection, Ausbury will put the record online or in the shop. About twice per month, he donates albums to Once More Bookstore managed by Friends of the Library Southport & Oak Island or to Habitat for Humanity Restore, both located in Southport. “It’s my way to give back,” he says.

“Come in and enjoy the walk down memory lane," Ausbury says. "Connect with music again on a deeper level. Music and memories . . . that's big love.” 

PHOTO BY BETH A. KLAHRE

PHOTO BY DOUG AUSBURY

The Blessing (Not

the Curse)

of Oak Island

Lonerider at Oak Island offers treasures like a relaxed atmosphere, good food and a nice variety of brews you can enjoy in an idyllic spot on the water.

BY KURT EPPS, THE PUBSCOUT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE D PHOTOGRAPHY

Unless you’ve been on a 10-year-long safari with no access to television, you must have heard of the infamous TV show on The History Channel called “The Curse of Oak Island.” It’s about two brothers with (apparently) unlimited financial resources who’ve been seeking — for more than a decade — a buried treasure supposedly hidden by the Knights Templar on Oak Island off the coast of Nova Scotia.

When I went to Oak Island, North Carolina, I looked for Laginas (named Pete and Marty) but found only lagoons. I looked for gold but I only found amber. I looked for huge drilling rigs but found only

pilings — with birds perched on them. In short, none of the trappings or people from that long-running TV show “The Curse of Oak Island” were here.

Of course, that could be because one Oak Island is up in Nova Scotia, and this Oak Island is down here in N.C. But make no mistake, there is treasure here as well, especially if you’re a beer lover who enjoys a relaxed atmosphere, good food and a nice variety of brews in an idyllic spot on the water.

The place is called Lonerider. It’s on 57th Street up at the west end of the island, and it occupies the beautiful location that once was home to the much-loved Oak Island Fish House back in the

PHOTO BY KURT EPPS

PHOTO BY KATIE D PHOTOGRAPHY

Above: Lonerider at Oak Island staff Casey Forester, Katie Johnson, Dena Davenport, Leshia Johnson, Mollie Baker, Cayleigh Quiqq, Bill King and Tim Phillips. Right: Bartender Bill King.

day. Lonerider’s small kitchen puts out some big food and gets its beer from its parent company in Raleigh, where the brewery has enjoyed a stellar reputation since 2009.

I visited the Oak Island location close to Memorial Day, almost exactly after it officially opened. Memorial Day 2023 marked its one-year anniversary and the kick-off of a busy season.

“It gets crazy,” Bill says, “and it will stay that way until Labor Day. But we’ll handle it. After all, we’ve got Leshia Johnson managing the place.”

Leshia made an appearance and stopped moving long enough for a picture, but otherwise she was pretty much a blur with the unbridled energy of a 20-year-old. If she wasn’t

sampled Cerveza, a 4.8% Mexican Lager that is intended to attract Corona drinkers. It had more flavor than Corona, of course, and it is the beer that’s used in the cooking of Lonerider’s Steampot, which is half-pound of crab, a halfpound of shrimp and a half-pound of Andouille sausage. A couple of ears of corn are included.

The beer is also an ingredient of its beer cheese. That mixture comes with the Pretzel Bites appetizer, which is quite good. But order when you have at least two or three people to eat it because you get a lot.

A second beer, which Bill claims is a favorite of the ladies who come in from the beach, was True Lyme Lyte. “It flies out of here on warm days,” Bill says. It’s got a lot of lime in both nose and palate, and though it’s not The PubScout’s cup of tea, I can see how it would be a beachgoer’s favorite.

Shotgun Betty Hefeweizen was a very good example of the style — flavorful and nicely balanced.

Perhaps the most interesting beer was one called Imperial Pilsner Light Lager. A 7.7% beer, it is decidedly not light either in appearance or potency. But it is absolutely delicious. I would hesitate to offer this as a transitional beer to entice the BudMillerCoors crowd, because it’s a solid Imperial Pilsner and nothing like any of those beers. Again, it is impressive.

arranging tables outside, she was popping in and out of the kitchen to see what was going on or lugging outside a huge box of Jenga pieces for use later that evening. The outdoor area of Lonerider has a covered patio right on the water and a side area where bands play music while guests play cornhole and Jenga.

And drink. During my visit, eight beers were available on tap and one — Sweet Josie — was available only in cans. Bill says that Lonerider in Raleigh (there are two locations in Raleigh and one in Wake Forest) sends down beers on a rotating basis. I

Next came three IPAs. The first — Peacemaker — was described as a “juicy” IPA with citrus notes. I did not find it to be particularly juicy, and it is closer to a West Coast IPA than a juice bomb. The hops came through solidly on the back end, though, and its 5.5% ABV rendered it as a solid session beer. The second IPA was called Hoppy-Ki-Yay, and it, too, rang in at a sessionable 6.6%. It was also reminiscent of a bigger, pinier West Coast IPA and had the requisite hop bite in the finish. Both of these beers would pair well with spicier fare, and, very likely, that big Steampot.

The star of the IPA lineup (in my view) was IPA for Outlaws, and, by rights, it probably could have been labeled as a DIPA. After all, it was 8.3% and absolutely qualified as such. Lots of big flavor and initially, the malt threatened to steal the show from

PHOTO BY KATIE D PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY KATIE D PHOTOGRAPHY

the hops, but in the end they were battled to a pleasing draw. A very nicely balanced and thoroughly enjoyable beer, for sure.

But the beer that got my full attention was a new one called Grant’s Amber. This 5.8% beer was richly satisfying, smooth on the palate and expertly crafted. If I were to choose a session beer at Lonerider, Grant’s Amber would be it.

DRINK WITH A VIEW

Lonerider at Oak Island 57th Place W., Oak Island K loneriderbeer.com/ location/oak-island

While I’ve already mentioned the Steampot and the Pretzel Bites, Bill says the Fish and Chips are the best seller, and the wings come in at a close second. Indeed, one young lady seated next to me at the bar and visiting from Durham sang the praises of those wings as she ate them.

The only issue for those who love their beers in a cold, frosty pint glass is that they are not available.

Bill explains, “We just don’t have the space in our kitchen

to accommodate the machinery we’d need to keep those glasses washed and dried.”

So, you’ll have to be satisfied with plastic or cans. Or, I suppose, you could buy a pint glass for $5 and have Bill fill it with your favorite beer.

But that’s a relatively small inconvenience when you measure it against good beer, good food, nice folks and an ideal spot to enjoy an afternoon or evening.

In fact, I’d suggest that TV stars Rick and Marty Lagina give up their quest for buried treasure in Oak Island, Nova Scotia, and come down here to Oak Island, North Carolina, where the treasure is far more readily accessible.

And not nearly as expensive.

Which makes it a Blessing. 

PHOTO BY KURT EPPS

Our boutique offers a flattering fit for every mermaid sizes Small through 3X, coastal inspired jewelry, shoes, nautical home décor, furniture, garden and so much more!

Many of our products are proudly made in the USA. New arrivals coming in daily!

Tana, Clay, Walker and Molly Jenkins.

FOR THE JENKINS FAMILY OF OAK ISLAND, TEAM SPIRIT STARTS AT HOME.

BY ANNESOPHIA RICHARDS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT MCGRAW

rowing up in the town of Washington, North Carolina, high school sweethearts Clay and Tana Jenkins had a lot in common. They both loved their small hometown, they both loved the beach and, most notably, the two competitive athletes loved playing sports. The Oak Island couple now shares their passions with their son and daughter, Walker and Molly, both stellar athletes themselves, and as a family, this foursome makes one heck of a team.

Clay spent his high school years in Washington playing soccer, football and baseball and continued with

baseball through his time at N.C. State University. Tana ran track and cross country and played volleyball in high school and afterward headed to William Peace University in Raleigh and played volleyball. She later transferred to UNC Chapel Hill for nursing school, a move that fanned the flames of the couple’s competitive spirits.

“Clay graduating from N.C. State and me from UNC definitely created a fun sports rivalry between us,” Tana says. “We loved to tease each other whenever our schools played.”

Upon graduating in 1998, Clay took a forest management job with International Paper in Riegelwood and relocated to Oak Island. The following year Tana graduated (although she later went back to school to

become a nurse anesthetist) and moved to be with Clay after the couple married. For them, Oak Island was the perfect place to build a life together and start a family.

“We both grew up close to the water and in a rural area, so Oak Island wasn’t a huge change for us, and we were perfectly fine being a little isolated,” Tana says. “We love living on the island with the beach right here and the waterway, and having that small, hometown community makes it a great place to raise kids.”

The Jenkins welcomed Walker in 2005, followed by Molly in 2008. Both children began playing sports at an early age, and Clay and Tana took turns coaching and volunteering with whichever youth sports programs their kids chose.

“Walker started playing sports at age three with soccer and T-ball,

Above: Molly Jenkins at home and on the volleyball court; below and at right, Walker Jenkins on the baseball field and at home.

then went on to basketball, football, track, baseball and swimming, and Molly played softball, soccer, basketball, volleyball, dance and cheerleading,” Tana says. “With Clay and I both being athletic and active, we naturally wanted our kids to like sports as well, but I think they would have either way because it came naturally to both of them.”

Tana says she has always felt strongly about encouraging our kids to try something different and exposing them to different sports.

“We never pushed them to do anything, just told them to try it and see if they liked it, and if not, we’d move on

to something else,” she says.

Having two athletic children involved in constant sporting activities led to busy lives, full calendars and little family downtime. As tough as it was to juggle both kids’ schedules while working full-time jobs, Tana says she would not have had it any other way.

“We were always busy from one thing to the next, but we loved watching our kids compete because it was so much fun,” Tana says. “I look back on those days now, the hotel stays, riding in cars, spending that time interacting and being together as a family, and remember how fun it was.”

Even with the hectic schedules, Tana and Clay insisted on making schoolwork a priority in the Jenkins household. Other values they made sure to instill in both children were the importance of being respectful to others and always being a good teammate, both on and off the field.

“Teaching those life lessons in sports as parents is important, so I wanted to teach my kids that they can be successful, but to always try to be good team players as well,” Tana says.

For Walker, baseball began taking precedence during his middle school years, and by high school, it was clear he was no ordinary player. His notoriety started after a showcase the summer after freshman year, where Clay says college scouts and agents from across the country began taking notice and making offers.

“I went to that event with Walker not expecting anyone to even talk to us, but at the end of the weekend I probably had 60 phone numbers I was supposed to return calls to,” Clay says. “Walker had gone down to Atlanta and really looked good, but that’s how he’d always looked to me. It was the first time where I thought maybe he’s got something.”

The Perfect Game organization ranked

Walker as one of the best players in the country, and in the summer of 2021, he was chosen to represent the United States on the national team. After four stellar seasons at South Brunswick High School, Walker graduated in the spring of 2023. On July 9, 2023, as the 5th pick in the Major League Baseball Draft, Walker was drafted by the Minnesota Twins. Although these past few years have been a bevy of excitement, Walker’s family knows the added attention hasn’t diminished his humble spirit in any way.

“I grew up traveling to Walker’s tournaments but never

prepares for her second season on South Brunswick High’s varsity volleyball team. She also plays soccer for the school and competes on a travel volleyball team, and her brother is one of her biggest fans.

“Molly is tough as nails and can deal with anything,” Walker says. “She’s writing her own path, and she’s turned into a really good volleyball player and an even better person.”

When Molly is not busy with schoolwork or competing for her teams, she is often practicing her skills at home with one of her parents. She says she never realized until recently how supportive Clay and Tana have always been in both her and her brother’s athletic pursuits.

“I just thought it was normal growing up that both my parents were always outside playing with us, hitting baseballs, kicking soccer balls and playing volleyball in the yard,” Molly says. “They’ve always encouraged Walker and me to succeed in what we do, whether it’s school or athletics. A lot of parents might not always be willing to take time out of their day to help their kids practice, especially if it’s not something they enjoy, but our parents are always there to help us practice if we want, and that’s really helped me become better in the sports that I play.”

realized how skilled he was at baseball until he started getting fan mail, which was so weird,” Molly says. “To me he’s just Walker, my brother, but at school friends started bringing me baseballs for him to sign, and people who’ve grown up with Walker began asking him for a picture or signature. None of that’s seemed to faze him.”

Clay says that Walker is very outgoing, but he does not brag and he does not seek attention. “That is one of the things the MLB teams and scouts talk about as much as his ability to play,” Clay says. “He’s an exceptionally good player, but he’s also a great teammate and friend.”

Walker is not the only one garnering attention for his athletic abilities, as 15-year-old rising sophomore Molly

Now, as Molly dominates in high school athletics and Walker sets out to begin his professional baseball career, Tana and Clay look forward to watching both children live out their dreams. From cheering from the stands and coaching from the sidelines to the countless miles of traveling, hours of practicing and all the life lessons in between, the Jenkins team continues to support each other in every possible way.

“My parents love my sister and me and are willing to do whatever it takes to make us happy, and I think that’s the motto they live by,” Walker says. “They’re going to do what they can to help us succeed and live the lives we want to live. They’re just great parents.” 

EXPERT WOMEN’S HEALTH CARE IN SOUTHPORT Maritza Manrique-Kiniry, MD

Dr. Manrique-Kiniry is a board certified gynecologist and gynecological surgeon with Dosher Medical-Women’s Health. A graduate of New Jersey Medical School, she is highly trained and experienced in a full spectrum of care, from preventative to evaluating and treating a wide range of women’s health conditions.

Dr. Manrique-Kiniry is accepting new patients at Dosher Medical-Women’s Health

Call today to schedule an appointment: 910-457-9292

Laura Strickland, DO

Dr. Strickland is a board certified family medicine physician who served as a medical officer in the US Navy for 8 years. Dr. Strickland was most recently a Staff Physician at Naval Hospital Pensacola in Pensacola, FL and a Senior Medical Officer with Combat Logistics Battalion 3 on Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Dr. Strickland now provides the same extraordinary care to the families of Oak Island.

Dr. Strickland is now accepting new patients at Dosher Medical-Oak Island

Call today to schedule an appointment: 910-278-6414

Stephen is a board certified family nurse practitioner and former US Navy hospital corpsman who worked in many roles in healthcare, before operating a private practice in Whiteville. He is now in Southport, ready to provide the same commitment to extraordinary primary care to our local community.

Stephen Baxley is now accepting new patients at Dosher Medical-Long Beach Rd

Call today to schedule an appointment: 910-457-3996

Stephen

Jr.,

Too Many Books? No Such Thing

Once More Bookstore in Southport supports the Margaret & James Harper, Jr. Library in Southport and G.V. Barbee, Sr. Library in Oak Island, funding youth and adult educational programs, facility improvements and various community outreach activities.

BY BETH A. KLAHRE

TTucked away behind the Realtors’ offices in Southport Realty on N. Howe Street is a 10,000-volume collection of gently used books that are for sale, most of them surprisingly priced at one dollar or less. Managed by Friends of the Library Southport and Oak Island (FOLSOI), Once More Bookstore sells an astonishing 20,000 books every year along with puzzles, DVDs, CDs and vinyls. Proceeds support Margaret & James Harper, Jr. Library in Southport and G.V. Barbee, Sr. Library in Oak Island, funding youth and adult educational programs, facility improvements and various community outreach activities.

While fiction is the largest genre, Once More Bookstore also offers nonfiction, vintage books, classics and a children’s collection. The nonfiction collection includes war, presidential and general history, nautical, gardening, travel, hobbies, biographies and memoirs, and cookbooks.

It's local folks like Yvonne Moody who help guarantee there is always an amazing selection of books in the store.

“I think as long as I have lived here, if I had a duplicate book or a book that I already read, I would donate it to the bookstore,” Moody says. “I loan books to my friends, but most of them, like me, have a good collection of books themselves.”

Before a recent home downsize, Moody

had five shelves of cookbooks and four shelves of fiction books, which she donated to the bookstore.

“I had bookshelves in every room of our home, except for the powder room and the guest bathroom,” she says, smiling. Moody estimates that she has donated more than 250 books to the bookstore. “I can’t bear to throw books away. It hurts,” she says.

Moody has volunteered at the bookstore for more than 10 years. She spent a lot of time picking up donated books from Harper Library and transporting them to the bookstore

where she was also a shelver, placing the books on the appropriate shelves.

In addition to shelving books, volunteers under the direction of Kathy Fleming sort, recycle, transport and sell books. Fleming has been the volunteer bookstore leader for more than 12 years.

“We get very excited to see books like Yvonne’s come into the store,” Fleming says. “And they go off the shelves so quickly. A large portion of the books we receive are in excellent condition.”

Fleming says running the bookstore is fun, even after so many years. “The volunteers do the heavy lifting,” she says. “I just keep it organized. We have everything down to a system.”

A peek behind the scenes shows that Fleming does indeed have the process of receiving and shelving books down to a science. All the sorting and pricing is done in a workroom. Sorters go through the books, separating them

into genres, placing adult fiction into boxes by the author’s last name, making it easier and quicker to shelve the books. Newly published books and trade paperbacks with paper covers get a price tag. Hardcover books don’t get a price tag unless they are newly published and priced at more than one dollar. Then shelvers place fiction on the appropriate shelves while specialist shelvers place nonfiction, children, gardening, cookbooks, vintage, local and Southern authors. Book displays, like Staff Picks, Books About Books and Book Candy, frequently change based on donations and creative volunteers’ ideas as the inventory comes and goes.

Volunteering at the bookstore often goes beyond the books, such as with Bob Plassman, who Fleming calls a volunteer jack-of-all trades. “He is a handy man, painter and book recycler,” she says. In addition to those tasks and transporting and shelving books,

Plassman volunteers for special events like the Southport Boat Show, where a selection of used books chosen specifically for boat enthusiasts are sold annually.

The bookstore, which didn’t have a name for nearly 30 years, was officially named Once More Bookstore in a contest held by FOLSOI last year. Patty Langer of Oak Island was the winner of the contest, receiving a gift certificate to the bookstore and most importantly, perpetual bragging rights.

“I think the words ‘once more’ call to mind a book that deserves to be read over and over again,” Langer says.

Moody thinks the name Once More Bookstore is wonderful. “I am delighted that there are so many opportunities for people to read,” she says. “I am impressed at the number of nonfiction books that have been donated like World War I and World War II books, Korean War books and history books. I

Once More Bookstore volunteers (from left to right) Yvonne Moody, bookstore leader Kathy Fleming and Bob Plassman. Opposite page: The shelves are stocked with new and old books from all genres.

PHOTOS BY BETH A. KLAHRE

FIND YOUR NEXT PAGE TURNER

Once More Bookstore

727 N. Howe Street (at Southport Realty), Southport K folsoi.org

Bookstore Hours

Monday through Friday

1 to 3 pm (except holidays)

Every Saturday 10 am to 12 pm (except holidays)

Donations

Tuesdays and Saturdays 10 am to 12 pm

Book donations accepted at the double doors on the 8th Street side of Southport Realty. They are unable to accept encyclopedias, textbooks, out-of-date technical books, magazines, cassette tapes, VHS tapes and damaged books.

think that reflects an interesting, local well-educated population.”

Fleming agrees. “What is amazing about Southport is the varied interests of book donors. The donations we receive often dictate the genres that go on display, which is both fun and surprising. The number of people who are willing to share their love of reading by donating their treasured books is truly gratifying.”

Change is constant at Once More Bookstore. Recalling the very early days, Fleming says, “We only had one sale per month and 15 volunteers when we first started at Southport Realty in 2011. Now we have sales six days a week and 30 volunteers who along with donors make Once More Bookstore a special and ever-changing experience.”

“Once More Bookstore is inviting, impressive and eclectic. Just like Southport, it’s a gem.” Fleming concludes.

But don’t just take Fleming’s word for it. Take a virtual tour on the Friends of the Library website. Or even better, stop by. You might just turn into a bibliophile yourself! 

PHOTOS BY BETH A. KLAHRE

After surviving the 2018 flood and spending more than a year exploring America, the Rooks family finds that all roads lead home — to Oak Island.

Flooded Love WITH

BY RANDI JO ROOKS

The "Rookie Roadsters" (left to right) Randi Jo, Raymond, Annabelle, Brandon and Evelyn Rooks

he first time we tried to move to the Southport/Oak Island area was in September 2018. My husband, Brandon, and I had spontaneously put our Leland house on the market and quickly went under contract on a house near Oak Island, but one week later Hurricane Florence devastated our Leland home with 7 feet of water.

We were flooded with God’s love and peace throughout that trying time and did our best to pass that love on to others. It was a beautiful community effort of people supporting each other and trying our best to make sure nobody felt alone. It was an exhausting, gross, sad and surprisingly encouraging time. Looking back, I do not really remember the heartbreaking scenes of devastation as much as I remember the beauty and love that poured out through people for days and weeks after the disaster.

Telluride, Colorado

Arches National Park, Utah

Million Dollar Highway, Colorado

Glacier National Park

Avalanche Lake, Glacier National Park

Many neighbors expressed during that time, “I had no idea such amazing people lived right around me!”

New Adventures

After the flood clean-up was done, Brandon and I realized it was the ideal time to get up and go have an adventure! We are a homeschooling family, and Brandon has worked remotely since 2015 so we bought a truck and travel trailer that would be our home for the foreseeable future and “Rookie Roadsters” was born. We had never been in an RV and had VERY little experience camping, but we kept encouraging each other with the thought, “People do this, so we can too!”

In January of 2019 we set off with lots of tears and the grandparents wondering what in the world we were doing. Our three kids who were 12 (Raymond), 8 (Evelyn) and 7 (Annabelle) at the time were so excited and ready to explore! We headed south with the goal to reconnect deeply as a family, unplug from technology, spend as much time outdoors as possible and explore America. Those goals were all achieved, and road life was truly the experience of a lifetime that we will never forget.

We got to explore 28 states, 13 national parks and numerous historic and state parks. The kids earned 40 Junior Ranger badges, and we hiked hundreds of miles. It was a true adventure of a lifetime. How can we ever forget the beauty of the Texas bluebells, relaxing in natural hot springs on the Rio Grande, standing in complete speechless awe at the rim of the Grand Canyon and experiencing a class 1 dark night sky for the first time while being astounded at the numerous stars and galaxies?

Some of the kids’ favorite memories are rafting on the Colorado River, exploring the gravity-defying arches in Utah, rock scrambling in California and enjoying the views from the majestic mountains in Colorado and Utah. We still cannot get over the other-worldly experience of Yellowstone’s geysers, mud pots, fumaroles and colorful hot springs. We had so many animal encounters along the way: a mighty bull moose at Glacier National Park next to perfectly designed waterfalls, a cute kit fox in Joshua Tree, manatees in Florida, sea lions at La Jolla Cove, bison, bugling elk and even a cougar in Yellowstone — to name a few! We felt like for nine months straight we were bombarded with this message repeatedly: America Is Beautiful. More beautiful than we had even imagined!

Something Missing

And, yet, there was something missing. We found ourselves in Yellowstone in September at the one-year anniversary of our flood with hearts aching for community. To know and to be known and to be a neighbor.

Antelope Canyon, Arizona

Colorado River Grand Canyon National Park La Jolla Cove, California

Lake McDonald, Montana

It was undeniable that we had met amazing people on our trip. In fact, everywhere we went we met interesting, kind, inspiring and caring people. We made some very deep and long-lasting connections and had generous help when needed along the way, but we began to realize that being a neighbor for a few days is very different than being connected in a community. We were ready to get back into community and ready to find our people.

The seed had been planted and our hearts were ready when we got the phone call letting us know a loved one

was not well. It was time to get back to North Carolina. We quickly packed up our house on wheels and hit the road as fast as we could from South Dakota to our Tar Heel State.

We spent the next few months visiting with family and eventually landed back at our parents’ house in Leland at another fork in the road. Should we finish our American adventure and complete the loop of the country? Was it time to settle? And where should we settle? Should we just pick our favorite place from the road trip?

We had lived in Brunswick County since 2007, and Leland would always hold a special place in our hearts, so we started to look at houses there again. We remembered very quickly that we did not have to agonize over where to settle because home is wherever we are.

We did have a few select requirements for our next place to live. After spending almost every daylight hour outside for nine months, we knew we needed the ability to be outside surrounded by nature. We knew for sure we were forever ruined for city life. And then we started dreaming again about the place that had captured our hearts years before: Oak Island. We never thought we’d be able to live on the island as a family of five, because we used to think we “needed” at least 2,000 square feet. It’s amazing what living in 300 square feet for a year will do to you! Before we knew it, we were moving into what felt like a mansion at a whopping 1,300 square feet, and we were so excited!

Devil’s Garden, Arches National Park

Bull Elk –Yellowstone National Park PHOTO BY CLT PHOTOGRAPHY

Home

When being interviewed by North Brunswick Magazine after the flood, I remember telling them about our youngest daughter, Annabelle, doing a homework assignment a week after the hurricane. It was a simple question for a 1st grader: “Where do you live?” but she looked up at my sister and me with questioning eyes, “Where DO I live?”

At the time I answered, “You live with your family. Home is where your family is.” We lived that out very well during road life. Home is where the heart is. And now we see, every heart needs a family and needs to be connected in community. Though we know and love many Brunswick County natives, it’s obvious there is an ever-increasing number of people relocating to the Southport / Oak Island area from hometowns all over the country. We try to encourage them with this same lesson: Home can be anywhere you are. Making a place your home is a choice.

Making Oak Island home has been such a gift, and we are so grateful for our church family that we connected with within weeks of settling. We are so thankful for our everexpanding homeschool community, and we are especially thankful for the way our three kids have found exactly where they are supposed to be. After joining Civil Air Patrol and having a dream to be a pilot planted in his heart, Raymond, now 17, is weeks away from getting his private pilot license through High Tide Aviation. Evelyn has found her people at Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts and the opportunity

to dance from the heart; for her to be involved in such moving performances is worth the drive to Wilmington multiple days a week. Annabelle is so grateful for Cape Fear gymnastics and especially Mr. Casey at Waterway Music & Education. His love for music and children convinced her grandparents to help her fulfill her “lifelong dream” to own and play an electric guitar.

We feel so extremely blessed to have settled back in one of the most naturally beautiful places we have seen across America. From the amazing winter sunrises and sunsets over the ocean to the bright green marsh grasses and peaceful night skies, always changing rivers and ocean and abundance of wildlife, there is so much to enjoy here!

We take full advantage of island life with daily walks on the beach, and we love to swim, surf, paddleboard and kayak as much as possible. But the road trip solidified for us the truth that people are God’s most beautiful creation. And if hearts full of love are what make people beautiful, then this is one of the most beautiful places in the world.

We are so grateful for all the lessons learned on the road — slow down, appreciate the beauty right around you, things are not that important, unplug, get outside as much as possible, home is where you make it, and most importantly, love is not complete until it is overflowing and being poured out like a flood. It’s so good to call Oak Island home and to finally be a neighbor here! 

Brandon, Randi Jo, Raymond, Annabelle and Evelyn Rooks at their home on Oak Island.

PHOTO BY CLT PHOTOGRAPHY

Save the Hall, Y’all

Up Your Arts’ campaign to revive Southport’s City Hall into a community arts center is coming into sharper focus.

BY DENNIS HETZEL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN DEITZ

AA handful of people in 2019 looked at a beat-up public building from the 1800s in Southport and saw something special.

The building at 201 E. Moore Street near Southport’s waterfront had historic value for sure. After all, it was the Brunswick County Courthouse for roughly 100 years before it was Southport’s City Hall. Still, it took a lot of squinting to see the potential of more than just a feel-good preservation effort.

No one is squinting now.

It has taken longer than imagined, helped not at all by COVID delays, and will cost more than anticipated, but the campaign, dubbed “Save the Hall, Y’all,” is clearly pointed toward success. The

people at Up Your Arts, the nonprofit group that supports performing and creative arts in the Southport area, are confident they have a strategy to preserve the historic building and create a state-of-the-art community arts center.

It’s not an exaggeration to say the building was in horrible shape, notes John Keiffer of Up Your Arts. Indeed, you still can’t enter without wearing a hazmat suit due to mold exacerbated by roof leaks. Asbestos and lead issues likely lurk, too. Part of the exterior has a tacked-on, 1960s box feel, which makes sense since that’s when the addition was added.

Still, pictures of both the exterior and

RENDERING BY LISLE ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN, INC.

interior show a classic structure of the 1800s, beautiful woodwork, tin ceiling details and numerous other features worth preserving.

The visual renderings, including virtual video, of how to transform the old building are readily available at the UpYourArts.org website along with other resources that outline the project in detail. The pictures capture the plans better than words. But I will use words to hit some of the plan concepts.

The project will gut much of the building to its bones. A new, covered entryway will be added to what was the rear doorway. The first floor could house an indoor-outdoor coffee shop and gathering area, flexible exhibition space, meeting areas and possibly a kitchen capable of not only serving major events but also becoming a teaching center for culinary students. Small cubicles would be available for rent to local artisans, visible to visitors much like the Artspace in Raleigh and Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, Virginia, which literally was a torpedo factory. Another goal that emerged is for the building to serve as a resource center for information about all local nonprofit agencies.

The second-floor centerpiece will be a room that can hold more than 250 people for events, depending on the setup, including a stage and state-of-the-art audio and video capabilities. The cash flow from events like weddings and receptions could support operating costs. The plans also show an outdoor, rooftop seating area with dramatic views of the Southport waterfront.

Outside, the front of the building facing the water will get a major landscaping makeover, with help from the Southport Gardening Club, that includes new plantings and a sculpture garden.

“Every time we do a presentation, someone comes up with a cool new idea, which is so important to people having a sense of community ownership,” Keiffer says. “But, at the same time, it complicates.”

With so many different ideas for the space, the buildout remains subject to change once the center has its own governing body, separate from Up Your Arts. The legal work required to set up a new nonprofit organization to raise the money and ultimately run the center is underway.

“We’ll give them a vision and let them run with it,” Keiffer says.

Part of that vision is the extensive design work already

Every time we do a presentation, someone comes up with a cool new idea, which is so important to people having a sense of community ownership.

“

John Keiffer and Bob Gentile

performed by Lisle Architecture & Design in Wilmington, a firm experienced in extensive rehab projects, including the transformation of an old bank building into the Southport Market downtown. Up Your Arts has committed to fund the architectural work.

To get to this point, teams visited art centers across the Southeast, not only to collect ideas about what to include and how to do it but also the less-sexy but equally important task of figuring out legal structures and realistic operating projections. Should it be a public-private partnership, fully private or fully public? They visited everything from converted dairy barns in rural areas to full-fledged, government-run performing arts centers

donors, individual donations, sponsorships and tax credits.

Is this the best use for the site? Land in downtown Southport is at a premium and quite valuable these days, but Keiffer says few nay-sayers have emerged to pitch offices, condos or some other potential uses. Something eventually must be done with the building after all.

“Having a thriving arts community has a huge impact on the local economy,” Keiffer says. “We feel the best case for the site is as a community and cultural arts center.”

As a testament to the power of the idea and the transparent process to date, Up Your Arts leaders say dozens of potential volunteers are already emerging to get involved with the new, yet-to-be-created entity.

The Southport model involves a partnership agreement with the city. Several “Memoranda of Understanding” with Southport city government have authorized the feasibility studies and other activities to take the project to this point.

Fund-raising estimates have reached $3.5 million to open the building with the expectation that money will come from a combination of grants, major

“One of things I’ve noticed is the amount of respect and clout that we’ve garnered since 2019,” says Bob Gentile, Up Your Arts board chair. “People I talk to respect what we do, and they’re beginning to understand. We have a lot of support. The mayor went out of his way to say one way or another this will get done.” 

AROUND TOWN

New entry

1,000-sq ft two-story addition

Cafe and kitchen

Event space

A SEASONAL GETAWAY

For a vacation that checks all the boxes, book a stay at SeaSons at the Point, an Oak Island oasis created by and for family.

BY ANNA BETH ADCOCK

BY LAURA GLANTZ AND LIGHTHOUSE VISUALS

PHOTOGRAPHY

lose your eyes and envision your happy place. For Emily Demarest, that place has always been Oak Island. The memories of her youthful summers on the island have come full circle as she and her husband just completed building a beach home there.

“When I started working, one of my goals was to build a beach house,” Demarest says. “I started saving as soon as I started working to be able to do that. My goal was to be able to do it by the time I turned 40 — and I celebrated my 40th birthday last year.”

SeaSons at the Point opened for booking in November 2022. Demarest and her husband, Chris, named it for their two young boys and for its location. By booking this house for others to enjoy, Demarest wants to help others create the same experiences and memories when on a coastal respite from their everyday lives.

“We built the house to share those formative memories for

and the ocean, one of the most coveted locales on the island. This location allows guests to truly take in the tranquility of being by the water during their time on Oak Island.

Demarest thoughtfully designed the house over the course of about three years — before the property was even found. She sourced furniture and furnishings from 25 towns throughout North Carolina, and many regional vendors contributing to its building process and maintenance, from architects and builders to the property manager and handymen.

other families just miles from where I made my own,” Demarest says.

What makes this home stand out from the hundreds of other rentals on Oak Island are the spectacular views, the comfortable design and the concierge services.

The home touts 360-degree views of the water. It’s nestled right in the sweet spot by both the Intracoastal Waterway

SeaSons at the Point sleeps up to 19 adults, with each bedroom decorated with a unique theme in mind, and it is stacked with all the amenities you can imagine, including a pool and hot tub and private beach access. The open floor plan promotes a flowing, breathable feel throughout the house (also boasting those terrific views!), and the house has six decks for outdoor enjoyment.

“Our interior design goes well beyond the bare bones of most rentals,” Demarest says. “There are ample spaces for

children to play, adults to connect and everyone to find togetherness in experiencing Oak Island from SeaSons at the Point. We built our home to really center our guests’ experience on what we value from quality time together.”

The home displays an array of intentionally chosen artwork and features pieces from local artist Karen Olah, who created custom work specifically for SeaSons, and a family friend, Laura Lobdell from Printed Hues.

“Laura owns a local oyster farm and also does amazing watercolor prints of coastal maps and wildlife,” Demarest says, adding that guests receive an Oak Island watercolor ornament from Printed Hues as part of their welcome basket.

While staying in a home so beautiful and bursting with amenities is already a dream getaway, Demarest has taken it a step further with concierge services.

“It’s been really fun to partner with local vendors to put together options and itineraries,” Demarest says. “We want our guests to be able to take

advantage of as many things as possible.”

Their concierge model is designed for families and built around relaxation.

It makes it easy to plan everything from grocery delivery and beach chairs to family photo sessions and private chefs in advance.

“We’re parents and also busy professionals with limited time off — so we fully understand that time off is precious,” Demarest says. “We designed our services so generations can gather together and actually relax in a house designed for them.”

Demarest appreciates that SeaSons at the Point contributes to the local

economy. Approximately every dollar invested in the tourism industry brings back $8.25 to the local economy, with the average VRBO guest spending about $1,045 at local businesses during a five-and-a-half-day getaway. That makes SeaSons at the Point’s partnerships with local vendors all the more valuable.

A few of the businesses bolstering the home’s impressive concierge service — and allowing guests to have all the activity options they want at their fingertips without the hassle of planning — include everything from

Quicksand Beach Concierge, OKI Bike and Paddle Co., The Booze Buggy and Black Sails Adventure Company to a slew of activities to choose from such as picnics on the beach, mini golf and visits to local museums and restaurants.

“We are big fans of SeaSons at the Point and their owners as we share a similar mission of helping guests create memorable moments,” says Dixon Wright, co-owner of OKI Bike and Paddle Co. “They provide the wonderful accommodations and partner with us to get the guests cruising the island on an e-bike or in the water paddleboarding.”

Aside from the obvious beauty of the beach, the draw to Oak Island lies in the luster of its local restaurants, businesses and people — and finding those favorite spots to keep frequenting each visit.

“We steer visitors to local establishments because it drives positive tourism impact on the economy,” Demarest says. “And it just makes Oak Island feel more like a home away from home when you go back to the same places for breakfast

or dinner. For example, our family loves Pepperoni Grill, and we probably eat there four times during a weeklong stay.”

Residing in Raleigh, Demarest and

her husband both work very demanding full-time jobs and balance activities for their two kids — making vacations a much anticipated respite. As it always has

since her childhood, heading to Oak Island offers Demarest a much-needed breath of fresh air each time she visits.

“Life in Raleigh is very fast-paced,” Demarest says. “When we get to go to

HOME TEAM

Demarest says a great joy in the home-building process was and continues to be forming relationships and partnerships with local experts to provide guests with a truly local experience.

“We have phenomenal talent in the surrounding area, and there is no reason to outsource any element,” she says.

Here are the vendors they worked with:

ARCHITECT: Coastal Designs, Dennis Mercer

BUILDER: Coleman Builders

SIGNS: Green Cottage Designs

POOL: Seaside Pool and Spa

ART: Karin Olah, Printed Hues; Ketsol

MARKETING:

Lillian Graning

the beach, the moment that we get in the car and start heading in that direction, we can just feel our blood pressure drop.”

Demarest hopes that the happy place she shared with her family growing up can continue to be passed down through her own family for generations to come as well as be enjoyed by those who choose to stay at SeaSons at the Point.

“My sons are little now and they love coming to the beach with me,” Demarest says. “But I still get together with my sisters and our parents at the beach, and I want that for our family, too. I want this house to be a place where I can see them, where they will come spend time with us and also have that happy place — and when you’re a mom you’re always trying to create happy places for your kids.”

If you’re ready to channel that seaside serenity, snag your booking slot at SeaSons at the Point — 6923kingslynn.com. 

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT:

Lillian Graning

LINENS: Made in Brazil

PHOTO AND VIDEO: Lighthouse Visuals

CONCIERGE ACTIVITIES:

OKI Bike and Paddle

Blacksails Adventure Company

Quicksand Beach

Concierge

The Event Guide NC

RESTAURANT PARTNERS:

Ruby’s Coffeehouse

Koko Cabana

Haag & Sons

Lonerider

Salt64

Pepperoni Grill

When you’re a mom you’re always trying to create happy places for your kids.

Southern Charm

Chef Ashley Davis realizes a lifelong dream with the opening of Southern, A Gathering Place Kitchen & Bar in Southport.

BY THERESA RAVENCRAFT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAMERON SMITH

Ashley Davis grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina. During high school, her family moved to Oak Island, and that’s when she knew she had found her place. “Living here makes me feel at peace,” she says. “It just feels like home.”

After life and love took her on an unexpected journey, Davis ultimately landed in Southport. While she had found her home, it took a bit longer to find her purpose.

Inspired by cooking with her mother and

Ashley and Jim Davis, owners of Southern, A Gathering Place Kitchen & Bar

grandmother in the kitchen growing up, Davis always had cooking in the back of her mind. “My mom was one of those people who made everything from scratch,” she says. “I used to make my brother food when I was old enough to stand on a stool at the stove.”

One day, a friend called and asked her to help her out by waiting tables at her pizza shop in Southport. Davis helped her friend that day and decided to stay, eventually working in the kitchen for 15 years. “My boys grew up in that kitchen, they were with me a lot and even washed dishes,” she remembers.

Davis had always dreamt about owning her own restaurant. “I literally started writing the menu for this place 18 years ago,” she says. “My notebook with my ideas and recipes is in the kitchen here at the restaurant; we call it the Southern Bible.”

Now the dream has become a reality. Davis and her husband, Jim, recently opened Southern, A Gathering Place Kitchen and Bar on Brown Street in Southport. It’s a small building with a big porch and lots of Southern charm. Davis had her eye on this location for a long time. “I’m a porch person,” she says. “I used to sit on the porch with

my Nana and swing. It just isn’t a house without a porch to sit on. That’s how I knew this was the right place.”

Don’t let the name fool you — Southern food doesn’t necessarily mean comfort food. To Davis, Southern is more of a feeling and a concept.

“I want customers to feel like they are coming to my house for dinner,” Davis explains. “I want them to know where their food comes from, that it is local and always fresh.”

The menu at Southern, A Gathering Place changes daily. While the dinner menu features some staple items including salads, filet mignon, bone-in

PHOTO BY THERESA RAVENCRAFT

pork chops, fresh local catch and specialty burgers, there are a number of sauces, cheeses and butters that transform your selection into something new each time. Patrons can order a filet with bourbon and caramelized onion compound butter or get their filet blackened with goat cheese and blackberry-peach BBQ sauce. Davis’s homemade fruit sauces and syrups can likewise be found in specialty cocktails from the bar.

There is also a daily specials menu that showcases fresh seafood and main dishes depending on what is in season.

“I want people to be able to come here six days of the week and never get the same thing,” Davis says.

On the weekends Davis and her team

offer a brunch menu between 10 am and 3 pm. It was a conscious decision to be closed for dinner service.

“My family works with me, so it was important for us to be closed to spend time with each other away from work on Saturdays and Sundays,” Davis says.

The brunch menu features breakfast and lunch offerings, including homemade quiche of the day, shrimp and grits, sausage gravy and biscuits, fried chicken and waffles, a fried green tomato BLT and more.

One of the most popular brunch dishes is the Not Really a Benedict, which is two local over-easy eggs and house-made Jarlsberg cheese sauce on an open-faced English muffin. Additions like avocado, crab cakes, fried

chicken, bacon, fried green tomatoes or dry-cured country ham can be added. “I knew people would tell me, this is not really a Benedict, so that’s what I called it,” Davis says.

Every menu at Southern is peppered with partnerships that Davis has built locally with food vendors, farmers and bakeries. She gets fresh produce for salads and Katie’s Ice Cream to pair with desserts from Heritage Fresh Market in Supply. The croissants that are ground up and used to make the crust of her fresh quiche are from Kirley’s Breads and Pastries in Southport. The honey served on her Fig Flatbread is from Hubert Lowe’s Apiary. At least a dozen local collaborations are featured on daily

I want people to be able to come here six days of the week and never get the same thing.

“

menus and on a sign that proudly hangs in the dining room.

“We chose companies that do it the right way,” Davis says. “They care about the product that they put out. I think about food differently than most. I wanted to cook the way I like to cook at home. I want to celebrate the vegetables and the farmers. Everything should be fresh and local.”

Her vision and commitment to the food make her meals extraordinary, and her team makes the experience

memorable. Jim can be found taking reservations, seating guests and even helping in the kitchen. Their two sons, Cameron and Landon, work alongside their mother in the kitchen. “My sons are really the light of my life, and we are very close,” Davis says. “It is really nice to be around them all day cooking.”

When asked about her mission at the restaurant, Davis does not hesitate. “I strive for perfection in all areas, and we want you to come back.” 

PHOTO BY THERESA RAVENCRAFT

BY ANNESOPHIA RICHARDS



PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN DEITZ

aving a warrior mindset means never giving up or accepting defeat. When confronted with a challenge, warriors will do whatever it takes to persevere and come out on top. And that’s exactly what 71-year-old Southport resident, swimmer, American Ninja Warrior competitor and actress Ginny MacColl is doing.

After competing on Seasons 9 and 10 of the fitness-based reality show American Ninja Warrior, MacColl has dedicated the past four years to setting even more aggressive goals and pushing new limits. Having fallen off the first obstacle on both of those seasons, MacColl set her sights on redemption and never lost focus, despite the delays and training limitations brought on by the pandemic. She finally got her chance to conquer the course again in the spring of 2023, when her appearance on Season 15 set a new milestone for both herself and the show — MacColl is now the oldest competitor to ever complete an obstacle.

For 71-year-old Southport resident Ginny MacColl, life’s greatest goal is redefining what aging looks like — and so far she’s crushing it.

“I didn’t actually know I was the oldest until I watched the episode playback on TV, which I think is kind of funny,” she says. “I was delighted to get through the first obstacle because that was my goal. I would have loved to get farther, but my goal was accomplished.”

MacColl’s return to America Ninja Warrior began when she applied for the show in December 2022. After getting the acceptance call in early January 2023, MacColl amped up the workout routine she had been maintaining while competing in a variety of regional Ninja-style competitions in both North Carolina and South Carolina. In addition to doubling up on strength training, she also increased the outdoor coursework she had started before Season 9 at the Oak Island home of her friend and former American Ninja Warrior competitor, 80-year-old Charles Mammay.

“I also started driving back and forth to Raleigh once a week to take a Ninja class and work out at a Ninja gym, and I did that for ten weeks leading up to the show’s filming on March 23,” she says.

MacColl also prepped for the competition with the help of her daughter and fellow Ninja Warrior Jessie Graff. One of the show’s most notable competitors, Graff helped her mother prepare by studying each episode of Season 14, then discussing the contestants’ course attempts together (Graff lives in Los Angeles) and breaking them down to analyze what worked and what did not.

“Jessie has such a great eye and can help me visualize what I’m going to do, so I gain a lot of information from her for sure,” MacColl says. “She’s my coach from afar. Growing up she was a mini-me for everything, and now I think I’m becoming a mini-her.”

As the competition date approached, MacColl says word started circulating from previously filmed competitors about a new obstacle at the start of the course. After having practiced for years for what

Top, Twinning on the set of American Ninja Warrior, Ginny MacColl (top) and her daughter, Jessie Graff, practice a balance pose called the Foot Flag. Below, Jessie and Ginny training the STEPS.

she thought would be the first obstacle, the Shrinking Steps, MacColl realized she would have to face a brand-new challenge: Pole Vault, a pole the competitors must jump onto from a mini-trampoline and swing over water to a landing platform.

“You don’t get to go on an obstacle beforehand, you only get to look at it and go over the rules, and then they have a course tester go through it so you have an idea of how everything moves,” MacColl explains. “It’s much more nervewracking when you don’t know what to practice for a new obstacle and don’t know if you’ll be able to do it.”

American Ninja Warrior films outdoors late at night, something MacColl says makes the competition more challenging.

“We filmed in LA in March and it was quite cold, and I think I was number 27 that night to go,” she says. “After they walked us through the obstacles and went over the rules, the waiting started. With delays and crew breaks I didn’t get to go until after 1 am, and the longer it took, the more nervous and excited I got.”

Ageless” on the front and “Never Too Old, Never Too Late” printed across the back.

“That’s when I saw Jessie on the sidelines, and she was telling me to breathe,” MacColl remembers. “So I jumped on the mini trampoline, grabbed the pole, held on tight and

obstacle. Her focus had shifted to the next new obstacle in her path, Greased Lightning, a grip strengthtesting metal track that requires competitors to hold onto a pair of nunchucks and ride over two drops before before swinging their body onto a platform at the opposite end.

“I knew I had to hold on as tight as possible because those nunchucks are slippery, so that’s what I was concentrating on,” she says. “I curled into a ball to absorb the two drops, but what I didn’t do was have time to do a big swing and dismount. If I had seen people doing that obstacle, I may have understood you needed to pull your legs back so you could swing forward immediately after that second bump, but it happened all so fast.”

MacColl says balance is the most mentally challenging aspect of competing on American Ninja Warrior.

MacColl says her primary goal was just getting through the first obstacle. When her turn finally came, she turned for the camera in order to make sure viewers at home could see her shirt, with the words “Strength is

just kept climbing until I got to the platform.”

Although she didn’t know it at the time, MacColl in that moment became the oldest American Ninja Warrior competitor to ever complete an

Having missed her landing opportunity, MacColl tried to swing her body back to gain momentum, but she soon realized she did not have the power to get herself where she needed to be. After hanging in a lock off for more than a minute and smiling wide at the crowd, she ultimately dropped into the water below, but not before deciding to show her fans and America what she could do.

“I just thought ‘What the heck?’ and did a pull-up,” she says with a chuckle. “I honestly think it almost turned out better that way, because I

was able to show people that I had strength. If I had just fallen immediately, it would have still been great, but this way I was up there hanging for a long time, and when I

Top, from left, MacColl on the Greased Lightning obstacle in Los Angeles; Graff and MacColl show some muscles; 80-year-old Chuck Mammay of OKI, on his backyard obstacle course..

knew I had lost momentum and there was no way I could do anything, I just did another pull-up.”

Although MacColl did not make it any farther in the competition that

day, she says she is far from done with her American Ninja Warrior journey. She plans to continue training for a future season of the show as well as further her other athletic passion of

swimming. This summer she will compete in the National Senior Games in Pittsburgh, hoping to better her performance at the Games in 2022, where she placed third in the 50-yard breaststroke, third in the 100-yard individual medley and fourth in the 50-yard freestyle. As impressive as those statistics might be, MacColl is even more proud of her performance in the North Carolina Senior Games in the fall of 2022, where she broke four records, two of which had stood since 1995.

“Swimming is a great all-around sport, and I love having goals and something to work toward,” MacColl says. “Plus, I do it for the cardio. I think getting your blood flow going is so important for your quality of life.”

When she’s not busy keeping fit, MacColl also continues her work as an actress. Her newest role in the upcoming film You’re Cordially Invited , starring Reese Witherspoon and Will Farrell, allowed her to even use her Ninja skills by performing her own stunts. Although stunt work might be a new experience MacColl can now check off her bucket list, it certainly will not be the last.

“I’ve got a goal in this whole thing, and that’s redefining what aging looks like, for my granddaughter’s sake, for seniors and for everybody in between,” she says. “The decisions you make today will determine how you age, and you can do a lot more than you think you can. In my case I’d say that one fall doesn’t define you, the thing is to get up and train harder and do it again, especially if you love what you’re doing, like I do. Maybe I’ll become the first 80-year-old American Ninja Warrior, how about that?” 

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Oak Island beach icon Alex Zelaya, who passed away in June 2023, is remembered as an inspiration.

BY RANDI JO ROOKS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENDA TORREY

MAN

Affectionately nicknamed “The Tan Man” by Oak Island regulars, Alexander Zelaya was born May 26, 1952, in San Miguel, El Salvador. His mother, Maria Orvelina Zelaya, longed for a better life for her children and made the heart-wrenching choice in 1960 to leave her husband and eldest daughter to take care of the five children she was raising (her own three children as well as a niece and nephew)

to plant new beginnings for their family in America. Working tirelessly in a sweatshop in Hell’s Kitchen Manhattan, she eventually saved enough money to bring over Alex’s father and then, in 1970, all five children.

A soccer player practically from birth, Alex spent his childhood and school years playing the sport every minute that he could. He got scholarship

Many people on Oak Island knew Mr. Alex, the friendly silver-haired, deeply tanned man who walked for miles on the beach every day, but few knew his background overcoming hardships with resiliency and positivity.

offers to play soccer at UCLA and NYU, choosing the latter. He continued to play professionally until his first child, Alexia, was born. Even after his professional career was over, he never stopped playing daily pickup games. He credited his ability to endure pain and push his body to extremes to those decades of daily soccer.

In New York, Alex worked as a limousine driver for many high-profile organizations and people, among them the New York Yankees, New York Mets, the Knicks and many doctors and professionals. Yankees right fielder Paul O’Neill was his most frequent and favorite client. Alex loved that experience and retired after 30 years, proud that he had honored the lessons his mother taught him: to always be grateful for an opportunity to make money for his family and always respect his bosses. He enjoyed his career, but there is one thing he didn’t miss at all: the dress suits. On Oak Island he was recognized not only by his dark tan, but also his brightly colored bathing suits. “Bright colors are happy colors. No more black and gray and navy blue for me!” he said.

Always desiring to help others, Alex did what he could to help other immigrants have the same opportunities

given to him. Over many years in New York, he helped 13 friends and family members find their home in America, letting them live rent-free in his house while they put down roots.

In 2015 Alex had a seizure and was in a coma for a month. He flatlined for three minutes but miraculously was given another chance at life, and the doctors were astounded at his recovery. After that health scare, Alex moved from New York to live with Alexia, his son-in-law, Plaz, and his grandchildren in Stoney Creek in Leland.

When Stoney Creek was flooded by Hurricane Florence in 2018, Alex had already moved down to Southport but did not escape the devastation. In trying to rescue items from the family house, Alex’s car drifted into the flood waters, and he had to escape through the car window. Always the optimist,

Clockwise from left: Alex with his daughter, Alexia; in El Salvador as a youngster, always with a soccer ball; on the beach with friends Jennifer O’Bryant, Dan Phillips and Ed Dziubinski; center, with his wife and Alexia on the soccer field.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Alex reflected on that time saying that he, “saw a lot of good come out of the flood and things aren’t really that important anyway.”

When he moved down to Southport, Alex started walking on the beach (and at Smithville Park during the winter months). He said he was “only” walking 10 miles a day at that point but continued to increase the distance each year. For the last three years, he was walking 16 miles every day. In 2021 he kept track and in one year he had completed 5 million steps!

The Tan Man quickly became an Oak Island icon and inspiration. It was a common Oak Island occurrence to hear children screaming, “Mooomm here comes Mr. Alex!!!” as they ran out of the water for their daily wave and check-in. Alex may not have remembered the name of every person he interacted with, but he knew what they looked like, what access they normally sat at, and some interesting parts of their story. To many, it felt like a real badge of honor when Alex began to recognize them.

It has been said if you want to remember how to be a good American, ask an immigrant. Alex was proof of this. He could often be heard saying, “I love this country.” When asked what advice he would give for the next generation he offered,

“Work hard and be grateful. Never complain. Respect your bosses and think about how many mouths are being fed because of them. Respect

police officers and thank them for doing their job, even if they pull you over for a speeding ticket. Tell them you’re sorry and thank them.”

To instill thankfulness in his children, Alex took all three children to his wife’s homeland of Cuba so they could see how others outside of America live and how much they have to be grateful for.

Alex did not even like to complain about the weather, and he never checked the forecast either. “Why would I check the weather ahead of time?” he said. “I can’t control the weather. I will know what’s happening when I get out there.” This accepting attitude went right along with his favorite saying, “Don’t worry be happy.” Not only in the sunshine but in the rain, too. “If it’s raining, just look for the rainbow. That means the sun is coming.”

It was not sunny skies in the spring of 2023 for Oak Island or for Alex. After various ailments this winter and multiple hospital stays, in May he was diagnosed with metastatic adenocarcinoma that had spread to his bone marrow and multiple organs. Although his legendary use of VapoRub and abstaining from medicine, alcohol and cigarettes had served him well his whole life,

“Why would I check the weather ahead of time?” he said. “I will know what’s happening when I get out there.

If it’s raining, just look for the rainbow. That means the sun is coming.”

In May of 2023 Mr. Alex attended his last Oak Island Summer Concert Series event, and the community came out to greet him.

Alex’s miles around the sun had been reached.

Alex and his family were able to receive lots of deserved love from our caring community in his last months. When Alexia showed him the hundreds and hundreds of social media comments and encouragement, videos for his birthday, the GoFundMe love offering and the multitude of cards sent his way, he was shocked. “Why do people love me like this? I’m just a regular person like everybody else,” he said.

The Oak Island/Southport community is full of wonderful people, but Alex was as distinct as his tan and a connection point for so many. He was a consistent and friendly face. He was an inspiration to truly enjoy where you live and to stay active every day. He was the tie that bonded so many and he was known by all who interacted with him as a kind and gentle soul. All who have been touched by him were inspired by his mental alertness, positive attitude and thankfulness even in the midst of deep suffering.

When asked in May, “Do you miss walking on the beach?” he replied, “Yes, but mostly I miss the people.”

After being able to fulfill his bucket list wish of attending one more Oak Island Friday night concert to see many of his friends, he passed away on June 1, 2023. Many friends commented that it seemed appropriate that he would pass away on Beach Day, the annual day celebrating Oak Island, which Alex called paradise.

He had peace in his heart and high spirits throughout his trials in the last months, showing emotion only when he spoke about his hero, his mother. She went back to visit El Salvador in 2021 and passed away, with his father following a few months later.

“I know they are waiting for me,” he said, with his voice catching. “My mother was my hero. She taught me everything I know: Never raise your voice. Be kind to everybody. Never argue. Do all things with love. Remember Jesus Christ and never forget. And I never have. Every day I thanked Him for all He has done. I have honored my mother and I have passed this all down to my kids.”

The Tan Man, Mr. Oak Island, the Silver Fox, Mr. Alex will never be forgotten. We are all grateful for the lessons he brought with him to America and to each of us. Oak Island and Southport are better for having known him. 

For details about the Celebration of Life in September 2023 and the 6K walk in May 2024 — both honoring Mr. Alex — follow SPT OKI Magazine on Facebook www.facebook. com/sptoki

2nd Annual Cool & Fancy Gala

April 22 at Cape Fear Regional Jetport to benefit Up Your Arts

Tami and Jeremy Richardson & Dana Hamilton

Marlette Thompson, Becky Leonard, Jenny Bostic & Jill Brown

Evan, Jess Evan and Jillian Schollaert

Rick Thomas, Shelley Ploe, Robb and Sherrie Cass, Sydney Cass, Ashton McCarter & Allie Foster Cam Smith & John and Corinne Magensky

Michelle and Jeremy Truett & Dirk and Julie Mercer

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIE MERCER

Roberta Dosher & Pat Greco

Linda Starzer, Gary Caljean, Cindy Stafford & Chad Rector

Jon McLendon, Nicki and Jack Craven, Debra McLendon, Barbara and Eric Lappala

PHOTO BY BONNIE L. BRAY BY

BRAY

PHOTO BY MARK BARCA BY MARK BARCA

Robin Sherwood & Kristin Hill

David and Stacey Pope

Larry Toler & Kelly Kranz

Mark Barca & Holly Segalla

Erik Schonher, Karen Scarborough, Liz and Van Snyder

Harry and Barbara Burrell, Linda Platt & Laurie Witmeyer

LunaSea: Steve Privott, Jason Pullin, Ben White, Bob Gentile, Janice Pederson, Rick Kranz, Juliann Knott, Maxie Washington, Tom Daniels Jake Beamer & ChyAnn Marie Ketchum

Michael Osborn, Loie Randall & Kelly and Charles Theis

Oak Island 1st Annual Tide Sit In

 On July 16, 165 participants set up beach chairs along the waterline at the Middleton Road Beach Access in Oak Island. Their goal was to remain in their seats as the incoming tide tried its best to pull them out. The last contestant sitting upright was declared the winner, and it all raised money and awareness for a good cause.

The event offered a fun way to show support for the Oak Island Sea Turtle Protection Program and

Caswell Beach Turtle Watch and raised $2,565 by collecting donations from competitors and on-lookers.

“It’s fun to watch our community show up for our turtles,” said event organizer Katie Dorsett-Dye. “I just set the date, shared it on Facebook and everyone showed up — literally and financially.”

Bragging rights and a trophy, created by local artist JT Mariotte, are shared by winners Amy Wolff and David Brazon.

PHOTO BY EMILY DICKINSON

PHOTO BY SHANNON ALLAN

PHOTO BY KATIE D PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMY WOLFF

NC Fourth of July Festival

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENDA TORREY

 Since 1795, the NC Fourth of July Festival has welcomed revelers to Southport and Oak Island to celebrate our nation’s independence. Each year more than 50,000 visitors line the streets for the annual parade and fireworks. Other events and attractions included a food truck/vendor row, flotilla, pro wrestling, live music, first responder vehicle display, arts and crafts market, military exhibits, naturalization ceremony and a reading of the Declaration of Independence.

For more information on next year's festival visit nc4thofjuly.com.

2023 Southport Plein Air Festival

 The 2023 Southport Plein Air Festival had yet another fantastic turnout on May 20. Artist receptions took place at the American Fish Company and the Frying Pan Restaurant. The crowds were kept well-fed and content in Franklin Square Park, thanks to Chuck’s Mobile Seafood and Lil & John’s Sweetreat Ice Cream Parlor. While waiting for the Wet Paint Sale to commence, Perry Smith and Turning the Wheel Wilmington had everyone grooving, while local artisans showcased their talents.

There were two Plein Air Events — A rtists en Plein Air and Kids Plein Air. Artists of all ages and skill levels braved rain and shine to capture the breathtaking views of our North Carolina coast. Each brushstroke brought to life the essence of this festival, which is all about painting outdoors amidst ever-changing light, temperature, and time of day. Ginger and Kelly from 2nd Story Art and Music Studio provided inspiration for young artists to express themselves in the truest plein air fashion.

Franklin Square Park was a sight to behold during the Wet Paint Sale, as it was adorned with remarkable paintings from the various perspectives of the plein air artists. Patrons had the opportunity to take home the very artwork they had witnessed being created.

The district court judges of Brunswick County faced the difficult task of selecting their favorites during the awards ceremony. Southport Mayor Joe Pat Hatem and Jack Randolph, in memory of his late wife, Eloise Randolph, a Southport icon, also had a challenging time deciding. The People’s Choice award went to Asheville artist Brian Murphy, whose art will be featured in promotional images for the 2024 Southport Plein Air Festival.

To learn more about next year's festival, visit upyourarts.org.

Chop with a Cop

 The Oak Island Police Department’s Community Resource Officer Program hosted the first ever Chop with a Cop on June 27 at Throw Baxe Axe House and Board Game Lounge in Southport. Teens aged 13 to 18 competed against officers from Oak Island Police Department, Southport Police Department, Boiling Spring Lakes Police Department and Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office at a light-hearted axe throwing competition. Kona Ice of South Brunswick County joined in the fun and provided treats as the competition heated up. The BrunswickCounty Sheriff’s Office team managed to carve out a win.

PHOTOS COURTESY BRUNSWICK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Stand Up Southport — A Night of Comedy

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM ROBERTSON

 The Brunswick Little Theatre in Southport presented Stand Up Southport — A Night of Comedy and welcomed comedian Lee Hardin with special guest Carollyn Xavier. The May 19 event quickly sold out, and a second night was added to the calendar. Based out of Nashville, Tennessee, Hardin has shared the stage with Henry Cho, Ryan Hamilton and Nate Bargatze. In 2019 his comedy special, “Not Quite a Grown-Up,” was released on DryBar Comedy.

A.B. Miller Law, PLLC Business Profile

BY MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN

Are you in the process of buying or selling a property in Brunswick County? Do you want to ensure your property is protected and goes directly to your family when you pass? Navigating the complexities of real estate transactions or creating a will or estate plan can be overwhelming. That is why it is crucial to work with an experienced and reputable lawyer who specializes in these legal areas. Attorney Anna Miller, owner of A.B. Miller Law, PLLC in Southport, can provide you with reliable representation at every stage.

In 2016, after working with international law firms in the fields of intellectual property and business law in Colorado, Miller decided it was time to open her own small practice, and there was no better place to do that than in Southport.

Originally a West Coast native, Miller moved to North Carolina to pursue her undergraduate degree at UNC-Chapel Hill. She graduated with honors with a double major in English and history. After working in advertising and lobbying for several years, she returned to Chapel Hill and earned her law degree with honors in 2010. During law school, Miller and her husband, Lance, welcomed their two children, Malin (age 14) and Kerry (age 12). Lance is a North Carolina native, and they knew they wanted to come back and raise their young family in this great state. The family vacationed in Brunswick County and ultimately decided to make it their permanent home.

Having spent the last several years in trademark, copyright and business law, Miller wanted to change her focus. After speaking with other local attorneys about relevant local practice areas, she realized that real estate law is a good fit, as are wills and estates.

“I saw the similarities and found that clients were asking questions about trust and estate documents during real estate closings,” Miller says.

When you work with A.B. Miller Law, you get an expert team who has in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market and understands the intricacies of local property laws and regulations. Miller also has established strong relationships

with local real estate professionals, including Realtors, lenders and title insurance companies, which can be invaluable in ensuring a smooth and efficient closing process. Her team also enjoys assisting clients in preparing or revising wills, trusts and other estate-planning documents.

Miller and her team say there are three things you can always expect: efficiency, flexibility and accessibility.

“A Realtor’s job isn’t 9 to 5, and therefore mine is not either,” Miller says. “I text, and I answer my phone after 5 pm. Most agents in town have my cell number. Even on weekends, I will talk to or meet an agent or client if needed. We also appreciate that sometimes things come up last minute and people want to close in a rush. Our office prides itself in accommodating rush closings — our record rush closing was 24 hours!”

A.B. Miller Law Firm is committed to providing personalized attention to each client. She understands that every real estate or estate planning client’s needs and concerns are unique, and she takes the time to understand each client’s specific needs and goals.

Whether you are buying or selling a property, preparing or revising a will or creating a trust, Miller will work closely with you to protect your best interests throughout the entire process.

In addition to real estate closings and estate planning, A.B. Miller Law, PLLC can assist with a wide range of legal services including trademark and copyright filings, business law matters, eminent domain and traffic violations. You can trust the expertise of A.B. Miller Law, PLLC to provide exceptional legal services and personalized attention.

A.B. Miller Law, PLLC

4002 Executive Park Boulevard SE, Southport (910) 363-1007 abmillerlaw.com

PHOTO BY JIM ROBERTSON

Dunes Mercantile Gifts & Guitars Business Profile

BY JOHN L. CARDILLO

Ifyou are looking for a truly eclectic place to shop in the beautiful seaside town of Oak Island, look no further than Dunes Mercantile Gifts & Guitars. Owners Dennis “Denny” and Jackie Del Prete have created a warm and friendly shopping experience in a store bursting with color, texture, scents and sounds that appeal to a wide variety of patrons.

The husband-and-wife duo shares a love for (and background in) the arts, so it is no surprise that most of the merchandise they carry is supplied by more than two dozen local artists. From pottery to paintings, candles to coffee mugs and diverse designs crafted from wood, metals or seashells, the rotating inventory contains items not often found in traditional gift shops. They also feature stained-glass windows and artwork designed and made by Denny.

Wander to the far end of the shop to discover what makes this store utterly unique — the Dunes Guitar Bar. Denny, the drummer in the popular local band Dave’s Not Home, has a special love of guitars that began as a teenager when he worked in a music store. Today, the guitar bar is an authorized dealer of Yamaha, Takamine, Tagima, Vintage Icon, Washburn, AMI and Oscar Schmidt guitars. They also carry amplifiers, a full line of music accessories and some used guitars and instruments.

“Half the fun is sitting down and putting a guitar in your hand to make sure it is the right fit for you,” Denny says, noting there are no other guitar stores on Oak Island.

Dunes Mercantile opened in May 2018. Denny and Jackie purchased the business in April 2019, with the goal of offering one-of-a-kind gifts and décor at reasonable prices.

“It’s a very eclectic mix of merchandise,” notes Jackie, who is also the vice president of business development for the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce. “We’re proud of the fact that we feature a good deal of merchandise produced locally or in-state, and we don’t charge ‘tourist prices’ because we value the locals who support us all year long as well as our out-of-town visitors.”

Personalized customer service is a hallmark of Dunes Mercantile. Jackie and Denny genuinely enjoy meeting new people and hearing their stories. Additionally, Jackie spends countless hours hunting for new products customers will love, while Denny uses his musical expertise to help anyone from beginner to professional find the perfect guitar.

Dunes Mercantile Gifts & Guitars supports many local charities, including Seabiscuit Wildlife Shelter and SOAR (Southport/Oak Island Animal Rescue). This fall, Dunes will be a sponsor for a Pledge the Pink breast cancer event expected to draw 1,500 people to Oak Island and raise more than $700,000 for research. A stained-glass flamingo that Denny created will be raffled off as part of the event.

“Dunes has far exceeded whatever vision we had when we decided to take on this newest adventure in our life,” Denny says. “It’s such a happy place, and we are very appreciative of the support and love that the community has given to our little store in this special place we all call home.”

Dunes Mercantile Gifts & Guitars

8600 E. Oak Island Drive, Suite 5, Oak Island (954) 243-6908

dunesmercantile.com

PHOTO BY JIM ROBERTSON

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SOUTHPORT WATERFRONT

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