Issuu

FALL 2026

COMPLIMENTARY

A LIFETIME OF EXPLORATION OF US NATIONAL PARKS CARRIE LENZEN BUILDS TRADITIONS AND COMMUNITY BCC’S SOUTHPORT CENTER FOR HERITAGE ARTS

LET'S WALK Oak Island photographer BRENDA TORREY’S daily beach walks are part of her mission for creating world peace.

BEACH SAFETY

BHI EMERGENCY SERVICES DIRECTOR PAUL ANDERSON

SPT-OKI YO PRO

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Best surgeons. Amazing nurses. Remarkable care.

W W W. PA L M R E A L T Y N C . C O M

8501 East Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465 KathyRoss@PalmRealtyNC.com O: 910.477.3641 | C: 910.279.2613 Thank you for your continued support of Palm Realty. We are client focused and client driven with a boutique approach to service. I chose to build our brand with professional agents, quality of service, and dedication. Your real estate needs will always come first with unparalleled professionalism, advocacy, integrity, local expertise, strong work ethic, and results — all while making the entire process fun!

Kathy L uckadoo R oss

Founder, Owner, & Principal Broker Palm Realty

2024, 2025, & 2026 PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD WINNER FOR BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY IN BRUNSWICK COUNTY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FALL 2026

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1

48 AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

54 THE ART OF POSSIBILITY

As Oak Island residents George and Margaret Yu close in on visiting all 63 National Parks, George Yu reflects on a lifetime of exploring America and the freedoms and opportunities that make it home.

Barbara McFall’s bold idea to transform a dilapidated building into a center for creativity has become a lasting legacy for Southport — Brunswick Community College’s Southport Center for Heritage Arts.

PHOTO BY BRENDA TORREY

PHOTO BY LAURA COCKFIELD

PHOTO BY KATIE D PHOTOGRAPHY

FEATURES

60 LET'S WALK

Oak Island photographer Brenda Torrey’s daily beach walks are part of her mission for creating world peace.

IN EVERY ISSUE

32 BUILDING COMMUNITY

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

CONTRIBUTORS

Thanks to Oak Island resident Carrie Lenzen (and many others), the Oak Island Witches Ride and New Year’s Day Lantern Parade have become two of the island’s most anticipated annual traditions.

39 MAKING CONNECTIONS

SPT-OKI YO PRO gives young professionals in Southport and Oak Island a place to connect, build community and put down roots.

44 BEHIND THE BUSINESS

At the Big Pups Coffee Company trailer on Oak Island, handcrafted lattes, free pup cups and canine charm have helped owner Sydney Fox build a loyal following.

PHOTO BY BRENDA TORREY

DEPARTMENTS

15 ACROSS THE COUNTY 16

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

WHAT’S HAPPENED

WHAT’S HAPPENING

SPIRITS

WHAT’S COOKIN’

SNIPPETS

TIDE CHART

ADVERTISERS INDEX

TAGGED

66 GUIDING LIGHT

PHOTO BY BRENDA TORREY

Bald Head Island’s new emergency services director Paul Anderson shares his lifelong passion for public service.

SPT OKI Magazine

70 BEACH SAFETY

When a young boy went missing on a crowded Oak Island beach, an entire community sprang into action.

LIVE WITH THE RH YT H M OF T H E COA S T

WELCOME TO WATERWAY: A WALKABLE COASTAL COMMUNITY ON THE NC COAST Moments from the beach in the charming city of Southport, North Carolina, Waterway is a remarkable place designed for how you want to live at every stage of life: active, connected, and balanced. Whether you prefer a waterfront condo, a townhome, or to build on a custom site with one of our local builders, at Waterway, you’ll find a community that’s rooted in nature and surrounded by historic charm. Here, elegance feels effortless, and each day brings new opportunities—with everything you need just a short walk or golf cart ride away. POOL | MARINA | POCKET PARKS | WALKING TRAILS | PONDS | BOARDWALKS | GYM | PICKLEBALL | KAYAK LAUNCH

ROOTED IN NATURE. BUILT FOR CONNECTION. MADE FOR LIFESTYLE. Homesites from the $180’s. Residences from the upper $500’s. Offered by Beatty Pittman Team at Intracoastal Realty. Obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property.

WATERWAYSOUTHPORT.COM | 910-509-1929

— ABOUT — Fall 2026 Issue — Volume 4, Issue 1 CEO/PUBLISHER: Justin Williams CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER: Sandi Grigg COPY EDITOR: Molly Harrison

Publishing Quarterly

ART DIRECTOR: Teresa Kramer

25,000 copies printed each issue

ADVERTISING GRAPHICS: Samantha Lowe

14,000 copies directly mailed to area homes

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Anna Beth Adcock Carolyn Bowers Ashley Daniels Kurt Epps Sandi Grigg Beth A. Klahre Randi Jo Rooks Betsy Schlehuber Melissa Slaven Warren

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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Laura Cockfield Megan Deitz Katie D Photography Matt McGraw Bill Ritenour Zeb Starnes Brenda Torrey

N EE U S EY YO O N S ? VE GO D H A T HE BIR DA N LY E Y’S R L A N FO S T ION HER V IS DO S G TIN N EC DE S T D E HID U RE S EA TR

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SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Brian Wilner

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DIGITAL CONTENT & SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: Caroline Thomas MULTIMEDIA CREATOR: Betsy Schlehuber SALES & MARKETING INTERN: Sydney Yoch

Want to advertise? ads@lifeinbrunswickcounty.com Have a story idea? edit@lifeinbrunswickcounty.com Are you a writer or photographer? freelance@lifeinbrunswickcounty.com Want SPT OKI delivered to your home?

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.

©2026 Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. strives to bring correct, accurate information that is published in the magazine. However, Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. cannot be held responsible for any consequences resulting from errors or absences. Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. also cannot be held responsible for the services provided by any and all advertisers in our publications. All material in this magazine is property of Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. and may not be reproduced without authorization from the publisher. 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 Brunswick and New Hanover counties. Interested in back issues, subscriptions or advertising? Contact us at (910) 207-0156 or info@lifeinbrunswickcounty.com.

SUBSCRIBE online at LifeinBrunswickCounty.com/subscribe 910.207.0156 lifeinbrunswickcounty.com

E Q

FALL 2026

SPT OKI Magazine

COMPLIMENTARY

About the cover: A LIFETIME OF EXPLORATION OF US NATIONAL PARKS CARRIE LENZEN BUILDS TRADITIONS AND COMMUNITY BCC’S SOUTHPORT CENTER FOR HERITAGE ARTS

LET'S WALK Oak Island photographer BRENDA TORREY’S daily beach walks are part of her mission for creating world peace.

BEACH SAFETY

BHI EMERGENCY SERVICES DIRECTOR PAUL ANDERSON

SPT-OKI YO PRO

Photographer Brenda Torrey captured our cover image — a selfie — of herself walking along the beach on Oak Island. Torrey inspires her growing social media community with photographs from her daily beach walks, with the goal of instilling messages of peace. See Beth A. Klahre's story about Torrey starting on page 60.

Fall 2026

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Well, we made it. Summer is winding down, the crowds are thinning out, and we’re slowly beginning to get Southport and Oak Island back to ourselves. Don’t get me wrong, we love our visitors. Tourism is a huge part of what makes this area what it is, and we’re lucky so many people choose to spend their vacations here. But I think most locals will agree there’s something pretty great about those first few weeks of fall when you can get across the island a little easier, find a parking spot and maybe even walk into your favorite restaurant without a long wait. It’s one of my favorite times of year. The weather is still great, the beaches are a little quieter, and there’s no shortage of reasons to get out and enjoy where we live. This issue is a pretty good reminder of that. We caught up with Oak Island residents George and Margaret Yu as they close in on an impressive goal: visiting all 63 National Parks. George shares stories from their travels and reflects on the freedoms and opportunities that have allowed them to see so much of the country they call home. We also spend some time with photographer Brenda Torrey. A lot of you already know Brenda from her morning beach walks and the photography she shares in our magazine. But those walks are about a whole lot more than capturing a good sunrise. There’s an interesting story behind why she started them and the community that has grown around them. You’ll also meet some of the younger people putting down roots here through SPT-OKI YO PRO. In an area known for tourism and retirement, it can be easy to overlook the younger professionals who are building careers, starting businesses, raising families and becoming part of the future of Southport and Oak Island. It was fun getting to know more about this group and what they’re working to build here. There are plenty of other local stories in these pages too. We look at how Barbara McFall helped turn an old building into what is now Brunswick Community College’s Southport Center for Heritage Arts, stop by Big Pups Coffee Company on Oak Island and introduce you to Bald Head Island’s new emergency 10

SPT OKI Magazine

Keep up with us between issues!

Follow @sptoki for local stories, events, businesses and behindthe-scenes content.

PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ

We Made It to Fall

services director, Paul Anderson. One story that really stuck with me is that of Avery Bannerman, a young boy who went missing on a crowded Oak Island beach this summer. Thankfully, his story had a happy ending. It also showed something we see time and again around here: When someone needs help, this community shows up. First responders, rescue crews and complete strangers all sprang into action with one goal — bringing Avery home safely. And while summer may be winding down, fall definitely doesn’t mean things slow down around here. Enjoy the cooler weather, the quieter beaches and the return of that elusive empty parking space. Get out, support our local businesses, hit a festival or two, say hello to your neighbors and enjoy this little corner of the coast we’re lucky enough to call home. Happy fall!

Justin Williams Owner/Publisher publisher@lifeinbrunswickcounty.com  @justinw13  @justinw13

Don’t miss a single thing in SPT OKI

The Southport Oak Island area has so much to see and do all year round, and if you’re like me, it’s hard to keep track of it all. That’s why we created Southport Oak Island Lifestyle — an e-Newsletter full of local events, places to see and people to meet. Choosing to subscribe is probably the easiest thing you’ll do all day. Scanning the code below with your phone may be the second:

SCAN ME

to subscribe to the enewsletter or have SPT OKI Magazine delivered to your door quarterly. Or visit Lifeinbrunswick county.com/subscribe

CONTRIBUTORS

Carolyn Bowers CONTRIBUTING WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER

After we both graduated from Duke University, my husband talked me into moving to New Jersey. I spent the next nearly 30 years working for Hoechst Celanese, and then we both retired and moved to Southport to enjoy golf and tennis — and never shovel snow again. I have been writing for South Brunswick Magazine since its first edition, when one of my photos was accepted for the Capture the Moment page. I have enjoyed writing for Carolina Marketing Company's sister publications, including SPT OKI Magazine, as well.

Betsy Schlehuber MULTI MEDIA CREATOR

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

Melissa Slaven Warren CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I am a freelance writer who lives in Sunset Beach. I have had a life-long passion for writing and telling people’s stories. I earned my BA in English and master’s in liberal studies from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. I am also the executive director of the Brunswick County Literacy Council.

SPT OKI Magazine

Deep Roots. Lasting Trust.

For 50 years, Intracoastal Realty has believed that success is measured by more than home sales. It’s measured by the communities we help strengthen. Through charitable giving, the Intracoastal Realty Teachers Fund, and local educational partnerships, we’ve contributed more than $1 million to the people and places we proudly call home. The market changes; our values don’t.

H E R E F O R G O O D.

SOUTHPORT-OAK ISLAND 910-509-7666

BALD HEAD ISLAND OFFICE 910-457-7400

INTRACOASTALREALTY.COM Fall 2026

SPT OKI Magazine

ACROSS THE COUNTY D LIFEINBRUNSWICKCOUNTY.COM

K View online at LifeinBrunswickCounty.com/nbm

K View online at LifeinBrunswickCounty.com/sbm

A STATISTICAL WHISPER

FINE FARE FOR A FAMILY AFFAIR

Fall 2026

PHOTO BY MATT MCGRAW

THE TRAVELING AFICIONADO

PHOTO BY BRENT GALLENT

FALLING FOR APPLEJACK

PHOTO BY THERESA RAVENCRAFT

LIGHTING THE WAY FOR SEA TURTLES

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

GUARDIAN OF THE FAWNS

PHOTO BY JAMES STEFIUK

CHICKEN & PROSCIUTTO CORDON BLEU

PHOTO BY DOREEN SARGENTE

18∙21, LELAND'S SPEAKEASYTROPICAL RAINS AHEAD STYLE LOUNGE

PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ

PLANNING AHEAD IN BRUNSWICK COUNTY

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

REEL FEAR

PHOTO BY ELLEN SHEEHAN

Take a look at what’s happening in Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Holden Beach, Shallotte and Calabash with our sister publication South Brunswick Magazine.

PHOTO BY MATT MCGRAW

Check out what's going on in the Leland area with our sister publication North Brunswick Magazine.

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES D EXTRAS YOU WILL ONLY FIND ONLINE D SPTOKI.COM

More to Explore HOLIDAY MARKET IN ST. JAMES Shop the Artisans Association Holiday Boutique on November 6 and 7, with free admission and one-of-a-kind handmade gifts from local makers. Holiday shopping goes local this November as the Artisans Association Holiday Boutique brings two days of handmade, heartfelt finds to the Homer E. Wright Event Center at 4136 Southport-Supply Road, SE in St. James. The boutique is a chance to meet talented regional makers and shop for gifts you won’t find in big-box stores — each piece created by hand and made to last. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE

ADDISON PREVATTE HONORED WITH DAISY AWARD FOR EXTRAORDINARY CARE

The DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurses is a national recognition program that celebrates the exceptional work nurses provide every day. Prevatte was nominated by a patient who said, "Addison is one of the best nurses I ever had. Addison was always cheerful and very helpful. She treated me like a family member, was very knowledgeable, and communicated in terms I could understand." | CONTINUE READING ONLINE 16

SPT OKI Magazine

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

In July Dosher Memorial Hospital nurse Addison Prevatte, BSN, RN, earned the DAISY Award for extraordinary, compassionate patient care and responsiveness.

PHOTO BY KATIE D PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO COURTESY OF KURT EPPS

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

MARRIAGE, MEMORIES & CAKE

Located at:

By Kurt Epps, The PubScout

Their 42nd anniversary leads the PubScout and the Missus to Salt 64 in Oak Island, where impeccable steaks, stellar seafood and an overthe-top dessert make for a celebration to remember.

Located at:

2651 Midway Rd SE Bolivia, NC 28422

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Plus&- aan wash station & an75 air psi pump with 75 psi Plus - a wash down station airdown pump with

| CONTINUE READING ONLINE

Fall 2026

RELENTLESS 18

SPT OKI Magazine

Lindsey Jenkins Broker/REALTOR®

910-368-9626

Collective LindseyJenkins5@gmail.com CRCI Board of Directors Member The Foundation of Brunswick Community College Board of Directors Each office is independently owned and operated

WHAT’S HAPPENED

In Case You Missed It Whitnee Moesch Monday (top right), a patient care tech on Dosher’s Patient Care Unit pursuing a nursing degree at Brunswick Community College Johnathan Chisholm-Brower (below, right), a 2025 South Brunswick High School graduate attending Lenoir-Rhyne University and majoring in physical therapy/sports medicine.

Southport-Oak Island Area Restaurant Week Draws Strong Community Support The 2026 Southport-Oak Island Area Restaurant Week, held April 27 to May 2, drew diners from across the area to enjoy special menus, creative chef features and fixed-price options at participating restaurants and eateries. This year’s event saw more than 5,000 online menu views, and several participating businesses reported double-digit sales increases. Diners shared positive feedback, noting that Restaurant Week inspired them to visit restaurants they hadn’t tried before. A popular Restaurant Week Passport program rewarded guests for visiting multiple locations with prize drawing entries. Passport winners received gift cards donated by participating businesses. Hosted by the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce, Restaurant Week was sponsored by Bald Head Coffee & Tea House, Cape Fear Radio, Dunes Mercantile Gifts & Guitars, Hamilton Realty Group eXp Realty, Odd Graphic Company and Southport Magazine.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Dosher Volunteers Announce 2026 Scholarship Recipients The Dosher Volunteers Organization announced the recipients of its 2026 Health Service Education Grants, awarding three $5,000 scholarships for tuition and supplies for the 2026–2027 school year. This year’s recipients were: Meredith Dillard (right), RN, a Dosher Memorial Hospital Wound Care Center staff member pursuing further nursing education at Capella University

The Health Service Education Grant is awarded annually and is open to Brunswick County high school graduates or Dosher Hospital employees pursuing training in a health-related field. Applications are available each December through high school guidance counselors, Brunswick Community College or the hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer’s office. Founded in 1972, the Dosher Volunteers Organization supports patients and families and has funded educational grants for healthcare students for many years.

Civil Air Patrol Celebrates Change of Command

Brunswick County Composite Squadron (MAR-NC-170), Group 5, North Carolina Wing Civil Air Patrol, welcomed a new cadet leader during a formal Change of Command ceremony on April 28 at the Cape Fear Regional Jetport in Oak Island. Lt. Col. John R. Phillips, Group 5 commander, officiated and presented awards and promotions ahead of the command transfer. Cadet 2d Lt. Sadie E. Baumgard and Cadet 2d Lt. Gavin E. Helbig earned the General Billy Mitchell Award, while Senior Member Stacey Baumgard was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant. Cadet 2d Lt. Langston Brooke Elkins and Senior Member 2nd Lt. Carl Mauney also received an achievement award for their work supporting the 2025 North Carolina encampment. Outgoing cadet commander Cadet Capt. Eden S. Varnam formally relinquished command, and Cadet 2d Lt. Carson L. Mauney accepted the guidon and assumed leadership of the cadet squadron, marking the start of his term as cadet commander. Fall 2026

WHAT’S HAPPENED

Dosher Memorial Hospital Receives Advanced Hip and Knee Replacement Recertification

Southport Fire Department Presents Firefighter’s Freedom Competition & Expo

Dosher Memorial Hospital was recently recertified by DNV for Advanced Hip & Knee Replacement, recognizing the hospital’s excellence in orthopedic care for hip and knee arthroplasty. The recertification covers the full continuum of care, including diagnostic services, surgical procedures and post-surgical therapies and rehabilitation. Dosher was first certified for hip and knee replacement in 2023 and expanded its orthopedics program in 2021 with the addition of robotic arm-assisted surgery for hip and knee procedures.

The Southport Fire Department presented the 41st Annual Firefighter’s Freedom Competition on June 27 at the Southport Fire Substation at 115 E. Nash Street in downtown Southport. First held in 1984, the long-running event brings firefighters from area departments together to compete in challenges designed to test teamwork and highlight traditional firefighting methods. Events included Tanker Tug, Command Post, Bucket Brigade, Benjamin Franklin Impersonator, an extrication demonstration, the Firefighter Relay Challenge, a fire extinguisher demonstration, Barrel Push and a pie-eating contest. The day also featured displays of fire engines, ladder trucks and emergency equipment, with firefighters on hand to answer questions plus kid-friendly activities and water sprinklers for families. The competition is part of the broader Southport Fourth of July Festival tradition, first recorded in 1795 and now drawing more than 50,000 visitors each year.

Carriage House Inn Hosts May Business Networking After Hours

The Carriage House Inn showcased its signature Southern hospitality while hosting the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce May Business Networking After Hours. Chamber members enjoyed a relaxed evening of networking beneath the property’s live oak trees and on the breezy porch, connecting with fellow business professionals in a classic Southport setting. The chamber thanked owners John and Amy for welcoming members and helping create a memorable night of community and connection.

SPT OKI Magazine

Brunswick County Sheriff Brian M. Chism, a 22-year member of the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, received the Kiwanis Award for Excellence in Community Service from the Kiwanis Club of Southport-Oak Island in June. The club recognized Chism for more than two decades of public service and a

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Brunswick County Sheriff Brian M. Chism Receives Kiwanis Community Service Award

WHAT’S HAPPENED

strong commitment to community engagement. Throughout his career, Chism has worked in a wide range of roles, including patrol, K-9 operations, narcotics, special operations, criminal investigations, Animal Protective Services and 911 Communications. As sheriff, he maintains an active presence at community events and supports efforts such as school safety initiatives, local festivals, community meetings, cleanups, fundraisers and public outreach programs. Under his leadership, the Sheriff’s Office also strengthens community partnerships by encouraging deputies to stay visible and involved through programs like the Citizens Academy, public safety demonstrations, School Resource Officer initiatives and Animal Protective Services outreach.

presence. Royal, who lives in Bolivia, has been with Dosher since February 2025. Outside of work, he enjoys yardwork, woodworking and spending time with his two daughters. He values the team-based environment and camaraderie with his coworkers. Triple E recipients are nominated by their peers on a quarterly basis.

Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Golden Pineapple Award

Southport Dermatology Opens in Southport

On May 21 Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Southport Dermatology, welcoming the new independent, physicianowned dermatology practice to the community. Chamber members, local leaders, family, friends and supporters gathered to celebrate the official opening. Southport Dermatology, located at 1456 N. Howe Street, Suite 101 in Southport, is led by Dr. Christina Avila and offers personalized dermatology care. The practice provides medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology services with a focus on acne, skin cancer detection and surgery, scar revision, inflammatory skin conditions and aesthetic treatments.

The Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce announced its quarterly Golden Pineapple winners, recognizing standout local businesses across accommodations, attractions, dining, nonprofits, professional services, retail and more based on glowing customer feedback highlighting exceptional hospitality, cleanliness, responsiveness and memorable visitor experiences throughout the Southport and Oak Island area. Accommodations: Beach House Motel Inn & Suites; Better Beach Rentals & Sales; Southport’s Canary Cottage (River Road Funding); Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., Realtors; Oak Island Accommodations Activities & Attractions: 5 More Minutes Charters; Cape Fear Fitness; Jazzercise Southport; Yoga Unlimited Food & Drink: Bald Head Coffee & Tea House; Big Pups Coffee Company; Burrito Shak Southport Nonprofit Organizations: Generations Church; Up Your Arts

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Jeremy Royal Receives Dosher Triple E Award Jeremy Royal, a cook in the Dosher Dietary Department, was named the hospital’s most recent Employees Exceeding Excellence (Triple E) award recipient. Royal was recognized for embodying Dosher’s spirit of service and for helping create an atmosphere of kindness and comfort in the hospital cafeteria through his professionalism, friendly approach and uplifting

Professionals: Dosher Memorial Hospital: Coastline Insurance Associates of NC, Inc.; FinPoint Insurance; Hamilton Realty Group eXp Realty; Live Oak Med Spa; Southern Realty Advantage; The Apothecary at St. James; Trust Mortgage Future Home Loans (Wally Simpson) Retail: Doodles; Dunes Mercantile Gifts & Guitars; Party Time, Inc.; Salty Olive; The Apothecary at St. James Services: A+ Pro Services; Brunswick Kitchens & Bath; Cruise Planners (Lina Dicola); Luvinn Pups Country Club; Mow & Blow OKI; Pelican Prowash; Pinnacle Mortgage Corporation (Greg Fischer); River Run Pack & Ship; Spa Bella Southport; Southport Living Magazine; St. James Remodeling; ServiceMaster Restoration of Wilmington Fall 2026

WHAT’S HAPPENED

Doodles Market & Convenience Recognized at Coastal Entrepreneur Awards

Coastal Blue Gift Shoppe Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

Each year Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year winner is recognized at the Coastal Entrepreneur Awards. A partnership between the UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Greater Wilmington Business Journal, the award ceremony highlights innovative startups and established businesses across the Cape Fear region. This year’s Small Business of the Year honorees, Heather and Philip Kinlaw of Doodles Market & Convenience, were unable to attend the ceremony due to a scheduling conflict with their community involvement at the OKI Loggerhead Opening Day event. Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce President Felicia Sexton accepted the award on their behalf and later presented it to them at Doodles Market & Convenience on Oak Island.

Elise Markel purchased Coastal Blue Gift Shoppe, located at 717 N. Howe Street in Southport, a year ago, and the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce marked the milestone with a one-year anniversary ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 3. Markel has curated the shop with unique, meaningful gifts and home décor, featuring items from local artisans. Coastal Blue Gift Shoppe also offers creative classes throughout the year.

Dosher Celebrates 96 Years at 5th Annual Community Cookout

On April 30 Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce marked its 50th anniversary with a Past Presidents Social. Past and present leaders gathered to reflect on five decades of supporting local businesses, strengthening community connections and promoting economic growth throughout the Southport and Oak Island area. The chamber also recognized its past presidents for their role in building business opportunities and community impact, with the anniversary celebration continuing at the chamber’s Annual Meeting on June 17 at the Southport Community Building.

SPT OKI Magazine

More than 625 community members gathered at Dosher Memorial Hospital on June 6 to celebrate the hospital’s 96th birthday during its annual Community Cookout. Held at the hospital’s front entrance, the event brought together residents, public officials, trustees, foundation board members, staff, volunteers, patients and supporters for an afternoon of food, music, fellowship and community pride. The 2026 theme, Together We Thrive, highlighted Dosher’s long-standing partnership with the communities it serves, with guests receiving commemorative bracelets featuring the theme. Speakers included Board of Trustees Chairman Robert Howard, President and CEO Lynda Stanley and Southport Mayor Joseph Hatem. Marva Robinson performed the National Anthem, and Associate Pastor Justin Wells of Ocean View United Methodist Church delivered the invocation.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Chamber Celebrates 50 Years of Leadership & Community Impact

WHAT’S HAPPENED

Up Your Arts and Cape Fear Radio Host June Business Networking After Hours Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce’s June Business Networking After Hours was held June 18 at Crossroads Gathering Place, hosted by Cape Fear Radio and Up Your Arts. The event brought together business professionals, artists, entrepreneurs and community leaders for an evening of networking, idea-sharing and collaboration. Attendees also learned more about how each organization supports local business, arts, culture and community engagement, with live entertainment by Elliott Humphries.

Island Bicycles Moves to New Location

JROTC Cadets Honored by NSDAR Brunswick Town Chapter National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) recently recognized JROTC Cadet Major Joshua Kreuser, Cadet Major Eric Carrillo, Cadet Major Kyra Crook and Cadet Sergeant Kaleb Daniels. Chapter members Mary Margaret Tripp and Regent Barbara McIntyre presented the awards. Each cadet received an Outstanding Cadet medal and certificate, along with a $150 gift certificate. Kreuser, a North Carolina Virtual Academy graduate, was a member of the Brunswick County Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. Crook attended North Brunswick High School, Carrillo attended West Brunswick High School, and Daniels attended South Brunswick High School. The Daughters of the American Revolution, founded in 1890, is a nonprofit, nonpolitical service organization that promotes patriotism, education and historic preservation, with more than 185,000 members worldwide.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Volunteers Help Out at Habitat for Humanity Landscaping Day On June 29 Island Bicycles marked the opening of its new location at 5533 Rob Gandy Boulevard in Southport with a ribbon-cutting ceremony assisted by Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce. Chamber representatives, local business leaders, customers, community members and the Island Bicycles team gathered to celebrate the new purpose-built store, a milestone that expands the shop’s ability to serve cyclists across Southport, Oak Island and greater Brunswick County. A Trek partner, Island Bicycles offers Trek bikes and e-bikes, serves as an authorized Catrike dealer and provides repairs, maintenance, parts, accessories and personalized support for riders of all ages and experience levels. The celebration continued with a Grand Opening event on Friday, July 31.

Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity shared appreciation after a dedicated group of volunteers spent the day landscaping one of its Habitat homes, creating a beautiful, welcoming yard for a future homeowner. Working through the summer heat, the team’s time and effort made a lasting impact. Habitat thanks Tree Peace OKI and the NC State Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Brunswick County for their partnership, generosity and expertise in helping build an outdoor space the future homeowner could enjoy for years to come. Fall 2026

WHAT’S HAPPENED

Dosher Leaders Dr. Jill Ward and Dr. Vicki Allen Earn Doctoral Degrees

H & R Home Mold & Moisture Services Welcomed to Southport On August 4 Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed H & R Home Mold & Moisture Services to Southport with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Owner Damon Newsome joined chamber board members Heather Kinlaw and James Boatwright, along with chamber ambassadors and local business representatives, to celebrate the company’s work helping homeowners maintain safe, healthy living environments. H & R Home Mold & Moisture Services offers residential inspection and remediation services including mold inspections and remediation, wood-destroying pest inspections (including termite inspections) and well water testing. After the ceremony, Newsome highlighted the importance of completing proper mold testing before remediation to identify the type and source of the issue and determine the most effective treatment plan.

Dosher Memorial Hospital recently announced that two members of its leadership team earned doctoral degrees this spring. Chief Nursing Officer Dr. Jill Ward received her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and Dr. Vicki Allen, registered dietitian, licensed nutritionist and certified diabetes care and education specialist, earned her Doctor of Clinical Nutrition degree from the Notre Dame of Maryland University School of Integrative Health. Ward, who joined Dosher in June 2024, bringing more than 27 years of nursing leadership experience, provides strategic oversight for nursing practice, patient care services, quality improvement and workforce development. Allen, who has served the Dosher community for 34 years, has devoted more than four decades to nutrition and diabetes education, helping patients improve outcomes through evidence-based counseling and education.

Men’s Grilled Dinner Group Sponsors Habitat for Humanity Roof

Dosher Memorial Hospital’s summer Drive-Through Food Donation event collected 516 pounds of nonperishable food and $20 in cash from hospital staff and community members. The donations were provided to PORCH South Brunswick, an all-volunteer hunger relief organization that partners with area food pantries to help fill gaps in local food supplies and support families in need. 24

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Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity extended a special thank you to Ocean Ridge Charities Association Inc. Men’s Grilled Dinner Group for recently supporting its work in Brunswick County. The organization shared its appreciation for the club’s generosity, noting that the support helps Habitat for Humanity continue building homes, strengthen communities and create hope for local families across our region. 

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Dosher Hosts Drive-Through Food Donation Event

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Fall 2026

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Mark Your Calendar

The U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament

Pledge the Pink Oak Island October 15 – 18 Pledge the Pink is a multi-day celebration packed with fun, friendship and cancer survivorship. Participants run, walk or crawl 30 miles over three days and enjoy a variety of activities, including: Thursday, October 15 | Middleton Park

The U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament

Brunswick County Intercultural Festival

October 1 – 3

October 10

Established 47 years ago when local leaders set out to showcase the Southport–Oak Island area’s incredible fall fishing, the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament has grown into one of the community’s most celebrated events, drawing more than 400 boats each year. The 2026 tournament runs October 1 to 3 and is headquartered at Dutchman Creek Park. The event is planned and organized by SouthportOak Island Chamber of Commerce and supported by Brunswick County Parks & Recreation, Duke Energy, American Marine Construction, Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill and Safe Harbor South Harbour Village Marina.

The Brunswick County Intercultural Festival returns to Leland on Saturday, October 10 at Leland Cultural Arts Center. Everyone is invited to enjoy a full day of music, dance, exhibits and activities in the International Village, plus craft vendors and food vendors. Celebrating cultural diversity since 2004, the festival offers a chance to see, explore, taste and celebrate the world right in Brunswick County. Families can also enjoy kid-friendly fun, including the festival’s annual children’s poster contest.

Information: usopenkmt.com

Information: bcifestival.org

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Friday, October 16 | Middleton Park Walk/run starts at the Elks Lodge (8 am) with an afterparty at Middleton Park (9:30 am to 1 pm) plus the Survivor Celebration and 2027 announcement, Drag Queen Bingo (7 to 9 pm)

Saturday, October 17 | Middleton Park Morning start and after-party, then the Mardi Bra Golf Cart Parade (3:30 to 5 pm) and Live Auction + 80s Trivia (7 to 9 pm BYOB).

Sunday, October 18 | Middleton Park Sunrise start (7:30 am), after-party, Reverse Raffle Finale (11:30 to 12 pm) and the Fancy Farewell & Community Thank You Party (5 to 6:30 pm BYOB) with heavy hors d’oeuvres.

Information: pledgethepink.com

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Brunswick County Intercultural Festival

Survivor Luncheon (11:30 am to 1:30 pm), Packet Pickup Party (2 to 7 pm), Newbie Toast (5:45 to 6:15 pm), Karaoke/Dance Kickoff Party (7 to 9:30 pm, BYOB).

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Brunswick County Parade of Homes October 16 – 18 & October 23 – 25 The Brunswick County Parade of Homes is sponsored by the Brunswick County Home Builders Association, a nonprofit professional organization of more than 300 members representing all facets of the building industry in southeastern North Carolina and focused on enhancing quality of life in Brunswick County. The event is held each day from noon to 5 pm. The Parade of Homes Guidebook will be released by early October.

Brunswick County Parade of Homes

Information: brunswickparadeofhomes.com

National Night Out / Spooktacular October 24 National Night Out / Spooktacular returns to Middleton Park on Oak Island on Saturday, October 24 from 4 to 8 pm. Presented by Oak Island Parks & Recreation and the Oak Island Police Department, this free, family- and pet-friendly event celebrates National Night Out while delivering an evening of Halloween fun. The event also serves as the finale of the Fall Live & Local Concert Series, featuring an outdoor concert, trick-or-treating, first responder displays, a costume contest, a fall market, carnival games and food. Information: oakislandnc.gov/events

Oak Island Witches Ride October 24 This adults-only community event is a fun Halloween-inspired event to promote fellowship among locals and visitors, while promoting our local restaurants and providing donations to nonprofits of Oak Island. This year’s ride will benefit both Sea Biscuit Wildlife Shelter and Oak Island Sea Turtle Protection Program. A suggested minimum donation of $10 to one or both nonprofits is recommended. Information: search Facebook for Oak Island Witches Ride

Southport Wooden Boat Show

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

November 7

Town of Oak Island Tree Lighting December 4 The Town of Oak Island invites the community to its annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the Middleton Park Complex from 5 to 7 pm. Enjoy train rides, live entertainment, craft stations, letters to Santa, shopping and a special visit from Santa Claus. Information: oakislandnc.gov/events

Town of Oak Island Breakfast with Santa December 5 Make holiday memories with the kids at Breakfast with Santa, hosted by Oak Island Parks & Recreation. Enjoy a festive morning with Santa and friends, great food and family fun from 8 to 10 am, then keep the celebration going at the Christmas By The Sea Parade later that day. Information: oakislandnc.gov/events

Town of Oak Island Christmas By The Sea Parade December 5 The Christmas By The Sea Parade is annually held on the first Saturday in December rain or shine! This parade runs right through the heart of town along E. Oak Island Drive from SE 46th Street to McGlamery Street, starting at 2 pm. Parade entry applications are due by November 21.

The Southport Wooden Boat Show’s mission is to promote interest in and share knowledge of the craft and artistry of wooden boats. Now in its 17th year, it’s one of Southport’s favorite end-of-season events. The show begins at 10 am at the Southport Yacht Basin. Visitors can stroll the waterfront, admire beautifully crafted wooden boats and connect with the enthusiasts who keep this maritime tradition alive.

Information: oak-islandnc.gov/events

Information: facebook.com/sptwbs

Information: oakislandnc.gov/events

Town of Oak Island Holiday Craft Market December 6 Skip the shipping and shop local on Oak Island. Browse area vendors offering homegrown and locally made gifts, perfect for checking off your holiday list with something truly one-of-a-kind. It's held in Middleton Park from noon to 4 pm.

Fall 2026

When Fresh Matters, You’ll Be Hooked!

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We’ll See You Dockside! 4907 Fish Factory Rd SE • Southport, NC 28461 • 910.477.6616 Located on the Intracoastal waterway at Safe Harbor Marina

SPT OKI Magazine

SPIRITS

Sweet on Sour Tart lemon, smooth vanilla whiskey and a frothy vanilla-wafer finish make this cocktail worth shaking up. BY SANDI GRIGG

e were gifted a bottle of Crown Royal Vanilla, and it sat on the counter longer than I expected. I’m not much of a whiskey drinker to begin with, so I kept picking it up, putting it back down and wondering what on earth I was going to do with something that smells like dessert but still means business. Eventually I decided the only way to figure it out was to stop overthinking and start mixing — because the best way to learn a new ingredient is to play with it. I had been seeing cocktail recipes that use egg white for that silky, foamy top — like a classic whiskey sour — so I used that as my blueprint. I stuck close to the traditional ratios (spirit, lemon, simple syrup), swapped in the vanilla whiskey and added a few dashes of bitters to keep it from getting too sweet. The first sip surprised me: bright and tart, lightly

creamy with that vanilla note showing up like a soft finish instead of a sugary punch. It tasted familiar, but also a little special, like a whiskey sour that had dressed up for company. Then I had a real use-what-youhave revelation: vanilla wafers leftover from my son’s banana pudding recipe. I’m the kind of person who refuses to waste food if there’s a way to turn it into something fun. I crushed a few into a fine crumble and sprinkled them over the froth. It was such a small touch, but it made the whole drink feel intentional, with extra vanilla aroma, a hint of nostalgia and a garnish that actually had a purpose. That’s the thing I’ve learned about experimenting in the kitchen or at the bar: Don’t be afraid to use what you’ve got or tweak a recipe you already trust. Some of my best “new” recipes have come from a gifted ingredient, a half-empty pantry and the decision to just try it.

VANILLA WHISKEY SOUR Makes 1 drink

INGREDIENTS 1.5 ounces Crown Royal Vanilla ¾ ounce lemon juice ¾ ounce simple syrup 1 egg white 3 dashes bitters Lemon peel and cherry on a swizzle stick for garnish Crushed vanilla wafers for garnish

METHOD Add the whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white and bitters to an icefilled shaker and shake to chill. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with lemon peel and the cherry. Sprinkle the crushed vanilla wafers over the froth for added garnish and aromatics.

Fall 2026

WHAT’S COOKIN’ WITH SOUTHERN SANDI

Earthly Delights Use a variety of wild mushrooms to create a rustic soup that will warm you as the days cool down. STORY BY SANDI GRIGG

s a cooking enthusiast, a luxury grocery store is such a joy. My inner chef feels like a kid in a candy store among the gourmet options, especially in a well-thought-out produce section. The artful arrangement of all the fresh, colorful fruits, vegetables and herbs never fails to inspire me to cook something delicious for my family and friends. This time of year, my thoughts turn to the rich and warmly robust. A recent display of wild mushrooms piled

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bountifully in a wooden box evoked feelings of rustic and natural meals, and I knew just what I wanted to make: Wild Mushroom Soup. I love all the various fungi – portobello, shiitake, crimini, oyster and chanterelle. All of these have a woodsy, nutty flavor and can be dried for an indefinite shelf life, however, it is important that you cook wild mushrooms because raw wild mushrooms can make you sick. Mushrooms have many health benefits and have been

used in ancient medicines for centuries. They can boost your immune system, and there are many studies relating them to weight loss. This is perfect for the winter months when I’m stuck inside and eating my way through the holidays! When I was younger I was not fond of mushrooms. Growing up in the foothills of North Carolina, I spent most my days outside in our garden or playing in the creek behind our house and during cooler months it was warming to come inside for a steaming bowl of soup. My mother would make a wild mushroom soup that was rich and creamy, and I never even knew it contained mushrooms. She would chop the mushrooms so small I could not identify them and would pair it with bread fit for dipping. The delicious, earthy recipe I offer here is my is take on my mother’s delectable wild mushroom soup. This hearty soup will warm you up and fill you up in the cooling months ahead. The addition of toasted pita points provides a dipping sponge that can be torn off for each bite. Enjoy!

WILD MUSHROOM SOUP Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

12 ounces wild mushrooms, roughly chopped

Sauté the onions in 2 tablespoons of the butter on medium heat for about 10 minutes or until opaque.

1 cup chopped onions 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon fresh thyme 3 tablespoons butter 4 teaspoons flour 2 cups heavy cream (or whole milk) 3 cups chicken stock ½ cup sherry vinegar Dash of nutmeg Dash of paprika Salt and pepper Paprika and fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme or rosemary) for garnish For the Toasted Pita Points 2 pita rounds 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 garlic clove Salt and coarse pepper

Add roughly chopped wild mushrooms, garlic, salt and pepper, sherry vinegar and the remaining butter. Sauté for another 10 minutes on medium-low heat. Add the flour and thyme and stir into a paste. Stir in the cream and stock then give it a dash of nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a boil then simmer on low for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Peel then crush the garlic clove to release its aromatics and rub it all over the pita rounds. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and coarse black pepper. Bake for about 5 minutes until crisp and golden. Cut each round into quarters and serve. Serve the soup in bowls alongside Toasted Pita Points and garnish with fresh herbs and sprinkle of paprika.

Fall 2026

BUILDING COMMUNITY

Making Magic on Oak Island

Thanks to Oak Island resident Carrie Lenzen (and many others), the Oak Island Witches Ride and New Year’s Day Lantern Parade have become two of the island’s most anticipated annual traditions. BY ANNA BETH ADCOCK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENDA TORREY

On one Saturday every October, Oak Island trades flip-flops for broomsticks. More than 1,500 people are expected to descend on the beach town for the sixth annual Oak Island Witches Ride, a festive cycling — along with golf carting and trolley riding — tradition where community and charity take center stage as witches and warlocks make their way between local restaurants and bars. Participants arrive dressed in everything from colorful wigs and 32

SPT OKI Magazine

Oak Island resident Carrie Lenzen, right, founded the Oak Island Witches Ride and New Year's Day Lantern Parade.

pointed hats to jack-o’-lantern costumes and elaborate Halloween ensembles. Others opt for sneakers and street clothes, since the only real requirement for joining the ride is being ready to embrace the fun and to donate at least $10 to charity. The tradition’s organic growth has been fueled almost entirely by word of mouth and by curious onlookers eager to join after spotting the first gaggle of 30 or so cyclists rolling through town six autumns ago. Since

BUILDING COMMUNITY

then, the event has exploded in popularity, with attendees traveling from across the country and as far away as Canada to take part. “We wanted to help businesses network and for people to make friendships,” recalls Carrie Lenzen, the Oak Islander who spearheaded that first ride and has overseen the return of the large-scale gathering ever since. While much of the merriment comes from dressing up, riding around the island and sipping and snacking at local

restaurants and bars, the true magic of the Witches Ride lies in its impact on the community. Each year, Lenzen selects a pair of Oak Island nonprofits to benefit from the extravaganza, encouraging participants to donate a minimum of $10. “I always and only feature nonprofits who are local to Oak Island who make an impact on life on the island for everyone,” she says. Though she doesn’t keep an exact tally, Lenzen notes that past nonprofit partners have estimated the event has raised roughly Fall 2026

BUILDING COMMUNITY

The Oak Island Witches Parade draws more than 1,500 riders and has raised more than $40,000 for local charities.

“ I always and only feature nonprofits who are local to Oak Island who make an impact on life on the island for everyone. 34

SPT OKI Magazine

$40,000 over the years. This year’s beneficiaries are the Sea Biscuit Wildlife Shelter and the Oak Island Sea Turtle Protection Program. Beyond the goodwill (and good eats and drinks), the Witches Ride has become a major economic boost for Oak Island’s hospitality scene, with many participating businesses reporting some of their busiest sales of the year that day. This year’s official restaurant and bar sponsor lineup includes lead

Cauldron Club sponsor Paul’s of Oak Island, followed by Coven Circle sponsors Lazy Turtle Bar & Grill and Pirates Deck. Four additional Broomstick Lounge sponsors — Tranquil Harbour, 49th Street, Oak Island Pub and Second Wind — have also pledged donations directly to the event’s nonprofit beneficiaries. The support extends well beyond the official sponsors. Restaurants and bars from one end of the island to the other — including Duffers Pub & Grille, The

BUILDING COMMUNITY

Grape and Ale, Koko Cabana, Salt64, Solar Brewing Company, Shagger Jacks, Oak Island Elks Lodge, The Tipsy Tuna, The Seahorse at Ocean Crest Pier, Lonerider and even Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill across the bridge — welcome riders throughout the day, with many choosing to contribute to the charities as well.

Notably, the Oak Island Witches Ride remains completely free to attend. And because the event draws more than 1,500 riders, there’s no official route or schedule. But witches and warlocks are all provided with a custom Google Map to help them navigate the island’s participating stops. The unofficial game plan: Start wherever and visit as many

restaurants as you’d like. To boot, restaurants often prepare special grab-and-go menu items and drinks to help keep traffic moving. And for newcomers and those flying solo, find fellow riders by joining or creating a “coven” through the event’s Facebook page to enjoy your ride alongside. Although the ride itself is geared

Carrie Lenzen (left) and Melanie Hartung, co-organizers of the Oak Island New Year's Day Lantern Parade Fall 2026

BUILDING COMMUNITY

BROOMSTICKS, LANTERNS AND ISLAND SPIRIT

toward adults, it intentionally takes place the same day as the town’s family-friendly Spooktacular celebration. Lenzen and a group of volunteers even organize a choreographed witches’ broom dance to perform during the event — a tradition that delights children and adults. For Lenzen, the highlight is still pedaling through town and seeing the community come alive. “The best part is riding through and

even more lined the beach and parked along the shoreline to watch the glowing procession make its way down the sand. Lenzen organizes both the Witches Ride and the New Year’s Day Lantern Parade simply for the joy of bringing people together. Beyond planning and coordinating two of Oak Island’s nowsignature community gatherings, she works full time as a senior marketing manager and co-hosts a radio show,

6th Annual Oak Island Witches Ride Saturday, October 24 12 to 5 pm Suggested donation: $10 per participant For more information, search Facebook for the Oak Island Witches Ride Benefits Sea Biscuit Wildlife Shelter and Oak Island Sea Turtle Protection Program

4th Annual Oak Island New Year’s Day Lantern Parade Friday, January 1, 2027 5 pm Oak Island Pier, 705 Ocean Drive, Oak Island For more information, search Facebook for Oak Island New Year’s Day Lantern Parade event pages. 36

SPT OKI Magazine

The family-friendly New Year’s Day Lantern Parade draws hundreds of participants to the beach at dusk.

seeing everyone smiling and waving,” she says. “That’s what it’s all about.” Outside of the Witches Ride, Lenzen also helps organize Oak Island’s annual New Year’s Day Lantern Parade with fellow resident Melanie Hartung. The pair launched the event to give residents something to celebrate together on an otherwise quiet holiday. The first year Lenzen and Hartung simply showed up on the beach, hoping others would join them. Families arrived carrying homemade and store-bought lanterns, and within a few years the event has grown into another cherished island tradition. Last New Year’s Day, an estimated 700 people participated in the parade, while

dubbed Double Trouble, on Cape Fear Radio with one of her best friends. Having called Oak Island home for the past eight years, Lenzen’s passion for the island shines through in both her words and her actions. “To me, Oak Island is still small-town America,” she says. “I love that we love local, I love the people and I love that it’s dog-friendly.” Whether you’re joining the Witches Ride this fall or ringing in the new year on the beach beneath the lanterns, Lenzen hopes these events inspire people to embrace the fun and fellowship and support the small businesses that make Oak Island special. 

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Fall 2026

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MAKING CONNECTIONS

Finding Their People SPT-OKI YO PRO gives young professionals in Southport and Oak Island a place to connect, build community and put down roots. BY MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT MCGRAW

Top, Abby Carson, who spearheaded the formation of SouthportOak Island Young Professionals; bottom, raffle winners at some of the networking events

When Abby Carson first moved to the Southport and Oak Island area a couple of years ago, she ran into a challenge that many young professionals here share: finding her people. That experience helped spark the creation of Southport-Oak Island Area Young Professionals (SPT-OKI YO PRO), a growing community that now brings together emerging leaders between the ages of 21 and 40 who want to build friendships, strengthen local connections and shape the future of the area they call home.

Fall 2026

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Group shots and giveaway winners at Social Networking events. Past hosts have been The Grape and Ale, Tiki Tavern, Duffers Pub, Uncorked by the Sea, Rusty Hooks, Cape Fear Yacht Club, OKI Loggerheads and Porchside Social.

SPT OKI Magazine

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Carson joined the board of the Southport-Oak Island The mission of SPT-OKI YO PRO focuses on professional Area Chamber of Commerce last summer. After settling growth, community engagement and social connection. into her role, she started thinking about what she could Carson describes it more simply as “building community,” contribute. She already knew something was missing for which shapes everything the group does. many younger residents. Most gatherings take place at local restaurants or bars “It can be difficult for younger folks around Southport and Oak Island. to make friends because this area tends They are relaxed and welcoming. They to be of an older population,” Carson feel more like meeting friends than says. “So, I just thought it would be the attending a traditional networking perfect thing to bring to the chamber event. No one is expected to pitch a Without an easy and also fill that need for a community business idea or hand out stacks of engagement group for young cards. People show up, talk and get to way to connect with professionals.” know each other. peers in the same That idea quickly turned into action. Many young professionals moving to The group launched its first gathering Brunswick County arrive from bigger stage of life, it can in October of 2025, and it did not take cities. Some work remotely. Some are feel like everyone else long for momentum to build. Today, stepping into family businesses. Others events regularly draw around 30 are building careers in hospitality, already has their people at a time. For a new initiative in healthcare, wellness or circle. This group a coastal community where many entrepreneurship. Without an easy residents arrive later in life, that way to connect with peers in the same helps change that. turnout says a lot. stage of life, it can feel like everyone

“

Fall 2026

MAKING CONNECTIONS

“

YOU’RE INVITED SPT-OKI YO PRO (Southport-Oak Island Young Professionals) The invitation is extended. Show up, ready to meet people. That is really all it takes. To find an event or for more information: K southport-oakisland.com/article/ spt-oki-young-professionals.html k info@southport-oakisland.com m (910) 457-6964

else already has their circle. This group helps change that. Carson remembers meeting people who told her they planned to stay only a couple of years before moving somewhere else. She saw something different. “You can settle here,” she says. “What’s wrong with here?” The SPT-OKI YO PRO group gives people a reason to stay longer and get involved sooner. Members meet town leaders. They connect with local business owners. They start to see where they fit in with the bigger picture of the community. That early connection can open doors that might take years to find in larger cities. That kind of momentum is already starting to show. Friendships and professional connections are turning into real opportunities. At one event, a local entrepreneur met tourism staff who helped her move forward with the permits she needed to expand her electric bike tour business into Southport. Within a week, she was up and running in a new market, which is exactly the kind of connection the group hopes to spark again and again. That type of connection is also drawing a wide range of 42

SPT OKI Magazine

For people who work from home, the group can be especially meaningful. It gives them a place to plug into the local community, even if their employer is somewhere else entirely.

members. Healthcare workers attend alongside gym owners. Hospitality professionals mix with remote employees who work for companies across the country. Spa staff, restaurant managers and young business owners all show up at the same tables. For people who work from home, the group can be especially meaningful. It gives them a place to plug into the local community, even if their employer is somewhere else entirely. Looking ahead, the group has plans to grow in ways that feel natural and community focused. Membersonly gatherings like beach bonfires and cookouts are on the horizon. Volunteer projects will help participants connect with local causes. Mentorship opportunities may follow once membership continues to expand. Carson also hopes the group will evolve into something even bigger. “One of our many young remote workers may work for a company out in San Francisco,” she says. “How great would it be if they started a local company here?” It is easy to imagine that happening. Brunswick County continues to attract new residents every year. Many bring fresh ideas with them. When they find the right network, those ideas can take root. For anyone wondering whether SPT-OKI YO PRO is right for them, Carson says yes: “If you are a young professional in the area, you already fit.” 

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Fall 2026

BEHIND THE BUSINESS

Start the Day with the Dogs At the Big Pups Coffee Company trailer on Oak Island, handcrafted lattes, free pup cups and canine charm have helped owner Sydney Fox build a loyal following. BY BETSY SCHLEHUBER PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE D PHOTOGRAPHY

SPT OKI Magazine

BEHIND THE BUSINESS

Oak Island resident and native Sydney Fox, 26, was tired of working in law enforcement, an oftentimes mentally demanding job. So, she decided to take the leap to pursue her passions for coffee and dogs, opening Big Pups Coffee Company in May of 2025. She did not anticipate how fast she would meet success. “I bartended and also did this for a good two, three months before I eventually got so busy that I was like, ‘I need to focus all of my attention on Big Pups,’” she says. Fox’s soft opening in May 2025 was pretty laid-back, but then once summer hit, it was difficult to keep up with the demands of running a business that exploded in popularity so fast. This is Fox’s first business, and she is running it alongside her fiancé,

Brian Woods, 43, who focuses on the finance side of things. More than a year in, Big Pups is still going strong, and Fox says she’s got regulars who have visited every single day since they opened. “This is everything,” she says. “I come here in the mornings and I go home and immediately start working on stuff for the next day.” Big Pups Coffee Company operates out of a trailer in the Dairy Queen parking lot on E. Oak Island Drive. Fox pays monthly rent and runs the social media accounts for the Dairy Queen in exchange for being able to do business there. She says she likes the flexibility that comes with a trailer, as the business can be transported to various events. But she also likes

Big Pups Coffee Company owners Sydney Fox and Brian Woods, with Apollo and Moose, serve up creative coffee concoctions.

Fall 2026

BEHIND THE BUSINESS

Oak Islanders and their fourlegged friends start their day at the Big Pups Coffee Company trailer on E. Oak Island Drive.

being at Dairy Queen since it’s a central location on the island and in walking distance from the beach. The menu consists of coffee and espresso drinks, teas, chai, matcha and fruity Sprite refreshers. Fox creates every single menu item, including the Barkista’s Specials, which are 46

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named after dogs in her life. “I try to make it aesthetically pleasing for people who like to take pictures and stuff like that, but also make sure it tastes good,” she says. Fox’s favorite drink on the menu is the Mighty Moose, a latte flavored with peanut butter and chocolate. It’s named after her six-year-old Great Dane, who also happens to be the mascot of Big Pups, with his face appearing on their shirts and logo. Moose happened to be at the trailer with Fox and Woods the day I visited, and I can confirm he is a gentle giant and a good boy. Standing next to Moose was Fox and Woods’ fouryear-old Great Pyrenees, Apollo, who also has a drink named after him on the menu. He was just as gentle and good as his older brother. “My dogs are my everything, and Moose is my soul

BEHIND THE BUSINESS

pup, I tell people,” Fox says. “So, it was really easy just to create an entire brand around dogs because who doesn’t love dogs and coffee?” Big Pups connects with the Oak Island dog community by doing a Pup of the Month special drink every month. Customers can nominate their dog by scanning a QR code at the trailer, which will enter the dog in a raffle of sorts where the winner is chosen at random. Dogs that visit the trailer with their owners can also get a pup cup for free. For example, one month’s special was The Dreamy Derek, a banana and caramel latte topped with caramel cold foam and caramel drizzle. “Derek comes in every single day

with his owner and puts his feet up, grabs his pup cup and then he goes back to his car,” Fox says. Fox loves socializing with everyone who comes to the trailer, saying it reminds her why she left her secure job to pursue her passions. “I enjoy getting to talk to people on their good days, where in law enforcement, you talk to people on their worst days,” she says. “Not only was I carrying my mental stuff, I was also helping others, and this one is like, people are happy when they come here. So, it’s a great thing; another side of humanity.” If you love dogs and coffee, Big Pups is the spot for you. 

SIT. STAY. SIP Big Pups Coffee Company 5701 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island K bigpupscoffeecompany.com Regular Hours of Operation: Monday and Tuesday 7 to 11 am; Wednesday through Sunday 7 am to 12 pm

Fall 2026

AMERICA THE

Beautiful As Oak Island residents George and Margaret Yu close in on visiting all 63 National Parks, George Yu reflects on a lifetime of exploring America and the freedoms and opportunities that make it home.

Standing beneath Yosemite’s towering granite cliffs in 1981, George Yu wasn’t thinking about checking another destination off a travel list. He and his wife, Margaret, had simply taken a detour on the way to Disneyland with their three young children. The towering sequoias, Half Dome, El Capitan and the sheer scale of Yosemite left an unforgettable impression. By the time the family left the park, Yu knew something had changed.

He was hooked.

BY MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN PHOTOS COURTESY OF GEORGE & MARGARET YU

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Bryce C

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Canyon National Park

Gates of the Arctic National Park

Yosemite National Park

Arches National Park

Virgin Islands National Park

Katmai National Park Fall 2026

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

PHOTO BY KATIE D PHOTOGRAPHY

Redwood National Park

Capitol Reef National Park

Home on Oak Island That unexpected stop would become the first chapter of a family journey spanning more than four decades, the first in a lineup of 63 of America’s National Parks, and it led to a lifetime of discovering what it truly means to call this country home. Today, the Yus live on Oak Island, where the ocean and moderate climate remind Yu of the tropical islands where he grew up. But his story began thousands of miles away in the Philippines, where education, perseverance and family shaped the values that would eventually carry him 50

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to the United States. Born just after World War II, Yu’s early years were marked by upheaval. His family briefly returned to mainland China before political unrest forced them back to the Philippines. Even amid uncertainty, education remained a priority. “My parents weren’t wealthy,” he says. “We lived paycheck to paycheck. But education was always important.” He attended Chinese school and English school every day before eventually enrolling in a Jesuit high school in Manila, where he grew up

speaking Mandarin, Tagalog, English and the dialect spoken in his family’s home. In 1968 Yu arrived in America to earn a graduate degree at the University of Akron before returning home. Like many people growing up overseas, his earliest impressions of America came from movies: “Hollywood,” he says with a laugh. But it didn’t take long to realize the country’s greatest strengths are not found on a movie screen. They were found in everyday life. “What struck me was the bounty of

Crater Lake National Park

Mount Rainier National Park

Isle Royale National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park

this country,” he says. “The grocery stores, the opportunity, the freedom to go wherever you wanted.” Then he met Margaret, who was studying nursing. The two married in 1970, and what had been planned as a two-year educational journey quietly became a lifetime. Together they built careers, raised three children — Jennifer, David and Stephanie — and eventually welcomed grandchildren, creating the kind of life Yu never imagined when he first boarded a plane for America. Those freedoms became even more

Yosemite National Park meaningful as political changes unfolded in the Philippines. The country Yu had expected to return to was changing, and America was no longer simply where he had come to study. It had become home. Years later, after raising their three children, the Yus found themselves looking for their next adventure. They had visited National Parks throughout family vacations, but after retiring and moving to coastal North Carolina, they realized they had only scratched the surface. They decided to see them all. Over the next decade, the parks

became far more than vacation destinations. They became windows into the remarkable diversity of America itself. Yu has stood among the giant sequoias of California, watched grizzly bears catch salmon in Alaska’s Katmai National Park, crossed the towering dunes of Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park, explored Utah’s dramatic red rock landscapes and traveled to some of the nation’s most remote wilderness areas. Some parks require little more than a scenic drive. Others demand bush Fall 2026

Zion National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park Gates of the Arctic National Park planes, ferries and miles of hiking. The most unforgettable may have been Alaska’s Gates of the Arctic National Park and Kobuk Valley National Park, where there are no roads, no trails and few signs of civilization. “When you meet people there,” Yu says, “you know they’re serious National Park enthusiasts.” Yet despite the breathtaking scenery, he says the greatest discovery wasn’t geological. It was human. 52

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At iconic destinations like the Grand Canyon, he found himself surrounded by visitors from every corner of the world. “You see every nationality, every color, every language,” he says. “People come because they appreciate what America has.” For Yu, that observation reinforces the belief that “We’re all immigrants. That’s how this country was built.” America gave Yu far more than an education. It gave him the opportunity

to build a life, raise a family and watch the next generation thrive. Today, their three children have built successful careers in medicine, military service and nonprofit leadership, while their grandchildren are already creating National Park memories of their own. One of Yu’s favorite photographs from their National Park excursions isn’t of a mountain or a waterfall. It’s seeing another generation standing in Yosemite. The same place where their family’s National Park story began

more than 40 years earlier. If there’s one lesson the parks have taught him, it isn’t simply that America is beautiful. “The mountains, the forests, the deserts, the oceans — they’re all different ecosystems, but they all work together,” Yu says. “People are the same way.” He believes the National Parks offer lessons far beyond geology and wildlife. They remind us that even the most diverse landscapes depend on balance and people do, too. As Americans, he says, we often celebrate independence. While he values that spirit, age has given him a different perspective. “As you get older, you realize you need people,” he says. “No one is really an island.” Later this year, Yu hopes to visit National Park No. 63, American Samoa, completing a goal that officially began after retirement but, in many ways, started decades earlier on that family vacation to Yosemite. Ask him about his favorite park, and he never gives the answer people expect. “The one I’m standing in,” he says. After nearly 60 years of calling America home, and nearly every mile traveled in search of its most extraordinary places, Yu says four words best capture what this country means to him. “Freedom. Faith. Fairness. And friendliness. This country has given me everything well beyond my expectations.” For Yu, the greatest American journey wasn’t reaching all 63 National Parks. It was discovering that somewhere along the way, this remarkable land had become home. 

Fall 2026

THE ART OF

Possibility

Brunswick Community College's Southport Center for Heritage Arts offers more than 80 courses in a wide range of artistic mediums.

Shortly after Barbara McFall retired and moved to Southport in 2013, she went for a walk and came upon a building remodel in progress on Lord Street. A sign on site had a phone number to call for information. On a hunch, she called the number. And that was all she needed to pursue a most unlikely dream. McFall was told that the property once belonged to the City of Southport, but they gifted it to Brunswick Community College (BCC) in Bolivia to be used by the college to serve the Southport population. McFall immediately contacted Velva Jenkins, then dean of workforce development at BCC, and said, “If you let me use this building, I will build a Southport Arts Center for BCC.”

Fall 2026

After helping establish Southport Center for Heritage Arts and helping it grow for more than a decade, Barbara McFall has decided to retire from her role at the center.

Intrigued, Jenkins was ready to take a chance on a woman she had never met. There was one problem, however: The school could not afford to hire a Ph.D., especially one with McFall’s impressive credentials. “Yes, you can,” McFall countered, “because I will work for whatever you can afford to pay me.” And that was the first step of the Southport Center, a success story that neither she nor Jenkins could have imagined. Along with Jenkins, McFall credits her success to the invaluable help and support from BCC President Dr. Gene Smith and Vice President Greg Bland. “Without them I could never have done it,” she says. One thing McFall was sure of was that what worked in Bolivia was not going to work in Southport. Bolivia residents are younger (median age 38) 56

SPT OKI Magazine

and more geared toward learning a trade, getting certified and landing a job. For that population, the Workforce Development programs offerings were and still are exactly what that population needs. On the other hand, the Southport community residents are older (median age 64), mostly retired and ready to learn a new skill or become more proficient in one they had always enjoyed but had to give up when their career got in the way. They wanted the joy of creating things. Recognizing the divergence of needs

and interests between the two communities, McFall knew she could capitalize on it and make Southport a center for the cultural arts. It was a bold move, but then McFall’s whole life had been full of those. She started her career as an artist at age four when she painted murals on her bedroom wall and won her first art

The course offerings have expanded well beyond painting and pottery to include stained and fused glass, fiber sewing, silver jewelry making, photography, creative writing, music recording and production, woodturning and woodcarving. leather crafting and metalwork.

contest at age six with a painting of an elephant. She put herself through college and graduate school by painting and selling portraits starting when she was in high school. She earned her Ph.D. from Saybrook Graduate School and Research Center in San Francisco. In addition to being a

portrait artist, she has worked as an interior decorator; the owner/operator of a small business financing and services corporation; the owner of McFall Gallery, a retail art and picture framing business; an educational consultant; and a professor in the Division of Design & Merchandising at West Virginia University. McFall’s career changes were always for the same reason. She saw an opportunity that looked like an interesting challenge and decided to give it a try. Fortunately for the greater Southport community, she wanted to turn an old building into a center for cultural arts to help community residents pursue their dreams. At the time McFall took over the Southport Center, the course curriculum consisted of one painting class and one pottery class. A couple of academic courses were also offered, but they were not well attended. The total school enrollment was fewer than 50 students. Contrast that with current enrollment for the fall 2026 semester of 80 classes with a total of more than 800 registrations. The school offers courses in spring, summer and fall with more than 2,000 registrations and 30 instructors a year. McFall is quick to point out that 2,000 registrations does not mean 2,000 different students because some students take more than one class. In recognition of the school’s new direction, it is now known as Southport Center for Heritage Arts.

Fall 2026

Students at Southport Center for Heritage Arts focus on the joy of creating in studio-based classes.

The course offerings have expanded well beyond painting and pottery to include both stained and fused glass, fiber sewing, silver jewelry making, photography, creative writing, music recording and production, woodturning and woodcarving. Two years ago, a new building was erected to house classes in metal knife making and metal sculpture. This year classes in leather crafting were added. Most of the subjects have both beginner and advanced classes. With the school’s expansion and diversity of course offerings and its growing reputation for excellence, it is no surprise that it has run out of capacity. But, fortunately, not for long. With her usual foresight, McFall saw that coming and began advocating for

the unfinished wing of the of the building to be completed. If all goes according to plan, the size and capacity of the school will double by October

2026. The new painting and pottery rooms will be much larger to accommodate more students, and the pottery room will have a larger kiln. The woodturning class will also be in there, as will photography classes. After conceiving of a Southport cultural arts center 11 years ago and planning, championing and managing its development, McFall has finally decided it is time for her to retire, once again. Asked if she will miss watching the completion of the new wing, she says, “Oh no, I won’t miss it; I will just watch it as a student rather than manage it as the director.” 

EXPLORE YOUR ARTISTIC SIDE Brunswick Community College Southport Center for Heritage Arts 9 701 N. Lord Street, Southport m (910) 755-6500 K brunswickcc.edu/continuing-education-workforce-development/heritage-arts 58

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Fall 2026

Let’s Walk

Oak Island photographer Brenda Torrey’s daily beach walks are part of her mission for creating world peace. BY BETH A. KLAHRE PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENDA TORREY

SPT OKI Magazine

For years, Brenda Torrey carried a quiet, persistent dream for something that she didn’t know how to act on: world peace. The Oak Island photographer never imagined the answer would be found in something as simple as walking the beach, picking up shells and sharing those moments with others. Today, her daily walks and gentle online invitation, “Let’s walk,” have inspired millions of people to pause, breathe and create their own ripples of kindness. With the tide rolling in before her and a camera slung over her shoulder, Torrey shares these peaceful moments with people around the world, some who are battling illness, healing from trauma or just seeking a quiet moment in the midst of a chaotic day. The path that led Torrey here began in a very different place. Fall 2026

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

As a volunteer at Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania, Torrey used her photography to help tell the story of the passengers and crew who lost their lives on September 11. Despite the weight of the tragedy, she felt an unexpected peace behind the lens. “I felt like I was walking amongst angels,” she says. But Torrey was meant to do more. She turned inward, deciding to focus on herself, and began following Authentic Living teacher and author Mandy Morris. After reading 8 Secrets to Powerful Manifesting, Torrey entered a contest connected to the book and won a VIP stay at the organization’s retreat center in Dolores, Colorado. During a

She did not always feel comfortable sharing her message. Painfully shy, she spent much of her life convinced that the safest way to navigate life was to be unseen and unheard. In her early thirties, something unusual began to happen. “I would wake up hearing the words ‘world peace,’” she recalls. “I felt like I was supposed to do something about it.” The message was so overwhelming that Brenda buried it. Over time, reminders kept coming out of nowhere. 62

SPT OKI Magazine

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Left, Torrey's photograph of the Flight 93 National Memorial in Stoystown, Pennsylvania; above, Torrey with Mandy Morris and Oliver Niño; below, Torrey taking photos at a 9/11 remembrance ceremony.

The Oak Island beach strand hosted a surprise visitor — a little, orange octopus — delighting Torrey and her viewers on the morning of May 23, 2025.

Fall 2026

“What if the answer is something as simple as walking the beach picking up shells?”

SPT OKI Magazine

retreat discussion about purpose, she shared the weight she had been carrying — the quiet but persistent call to create peace. Morris offered a suggestion that would change everything. “What if the answer is something as simple as walking the beach picking up shells?” Torrey recalls Morris asking. “Maybe she was right, but how on earth would that create peace?” Torrey returned to Oak Island and immediately began posting photos and reels on social media, mostly of stunning sunrises. Then something unexpected happened. “I started getting messages and comments even when I posted on a rainy day,” she says. “I realized that the weather really didn’t matter.” One message in particular touched Torrey’s heart. A woman with brain cancer who could not get to the beach wrote to say how much joy and inspiration Torrey’s posts brought her. “That was the moment I knew,” Torrey says. “I knew I was supposed to walk every day.” And every one of her posts shares her simple invitation: “Let’s walk.” In just one year, Torrey’s posts are viewed more than 1 million times every month, reaching people from North Carolina to California to Massachusetts and even the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil and India. Her growing community includes more than 20,000 followers. When travelling around the country to take photos for clients, a roster that includes

Mandy Morris and Authentic Living, Torrey shares photos and videos of the local landscape on social media. She has been to California, Arizona, Florida and Colorado for Authentic Living. “Peace has travelled further than I ever imagined,” she says. “I simply walk,” she adds. “I often see the extraordinary in the ordinary, like in shells and clouds.” Sometimes these moments are truly extraordinary. She has encountered mother turtles and even a baby octopus. “Those sightings were once in a lifetime,” she says. These days, Torrey has become something of a local celebrity. People recognize her on the beach and out shopping. “They stop, make sure it’s me and then run to hug me,” she says, laughing. As a certified life coach and energy healer, Torrey’s mission has recently grown into something much bigger — a message about the connection between peace and happiness. She has created decks of cards called Kindness Decks. Each card features one of her photographs paired with a prompt for a random act of kindness toward others or toward oneself. “Inner peace starts with yourself,” she says. “Even if just one person shares one moment of joy or one small act of kindness with someone else, there are ripples. If we all had inner peace, we could have world peace.” And so, Torrey walks every day with the courage to be seen and heard, shining her light and dreaming big for peace for the world. ” 

SPREADING PEACE To see Brenda Torrey's Let's Walk posts, visit: E BrendaTorreyPhotography Q brendatorrey007 Brenda Torrey’s Kindness Decks are available at Coastal Blue Gift Shoppe in Southport, Mermaid Cove in Oak Island and on her website: K brendatorreyphotography.com

Fall 2026

GUIDING LIGHT

SPT OKI Magazine

GUIDING LIGHT

Safety First Bald Head Island’s new emergency services director Paul Anderson shares his lifelong passion for public service. BY ASHLEY DANIELS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT MCGRAW

aul Anderson, the newly appointed emergency services director for the Village of Bald Head Island, first initiated his passion for public service right after high school, when he joined the Navy and served four years of active duty, including deployment aboard the USS Carl Vinson after 9/11. “Then I decided that it was time to start a family, but military life really wasn’t conducive to that,” he says. “So I got out and into another kind of area of public safety by joining the Tucson Fire Department in 2006 and spent 20 years there.” Tucson, Arizona, is where Anderson and his wife’s family migrated from Minnesota, so it was a natural move to start their family there, too. Over the next 20 years serving with the fire department, he worked his way up from firefighter for about two years to a paramedic for eight years (he still has his paramedic certification) to captain to the training division to chief officer, battalion chief and deputy chief performing operational duties over a group of 650. The Anderson family’s next move? Coastal North Carolina. “My wife and I had traveled out to the East Coast for a number of years, and we really fell in love with the coastal Carolina area,” Anderson says. “We actually purchased some property out here a number of years ago, and we still have it, so when this job opportunity came up, it just seemed like something that I would at least throw my hat in the ring, and when I was able to get it, I’m so grateful for that.” His first day on the job was July 1, 2026, so he is still learning the ropes, but he has been happy overall with the transition. “I have a lot of support. I work with some fabulous people,” Anderson says. “I’m excited for it.” The main goal for his role is to provide leadership, policy direction and coordination for the Department of Public Safety on the island. “I’ve learned that Bald Head Island is a very unique and special place,” Anderson says. “I’m trying to maintain the character and the culture of the island. It’s a fabulous place to be, and the folks that work here in the Fall 2026

GUIDING LIGHT

“

Our primary objective is to make sure that we do that responsibly and that we’re meeting the demands of the village and the citizens here.

public safety department have done a great job over the last few years of moving the organization forward and bringing us into compliance regionally with fire departments, police departments and so forth. I’m just trying to keep the momentum that the folks here have built up over the last two or three years.” Anderson explains that the 68

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municipality of Bald Head Island is unique compared to most in the country, in that public safety employees are triple certified: law enforcement, fire suppression and medical. “We find it works out well based upon the fact that we’re on an island and we need our folks to be proficient in a lot of different things,” Anderson says. “We’re trying to use the village’s

resources and be good stewards of the tax dollars, so if our folks can carry three certifications that helps us spread that out a little bit. … We have paramedics on every shift.” Anderson says his role is to provide a singular point of leadership and responsibility for the public safety department. “We have a couple of deputies, one

GUIDING LIGHT

over law enforcement and one over fire EMS who are top-notch, and they’ve taken this department in a great direction, but they’re task saturated. So we needed to have someone like myself to take on that leadership and do longterm planning and strategic growth for the organization.” Public safety on Bald Head Island means being responsible for anywhere between a few hundred full-time residents on the island to a mighty swell in the population with visitors over the summer. “Our primary objective is to make sure that we do that responsibly and that we’re meeting the demands of the village and the citizens here,” Anderson says. “We love the visitors. We also ask that they respect the island and what we have going on out here as well.” Although he’s plugged in all the time to be all-aware and must be within a 30-minute response window to be on the island if needed, he and his wife attempt to have downtime with their family of six (two kids are in college and two are in school here locally). “Our kids play soccer and club sports, so that keeps us busy for most of the time, but as we relocate here, we are just trying to learn the area,” Anderson says with a laugh. “We’re trying to find fun things to do, and we’ve been in the process of hunting down our favorite beach. … Every weekend we try to hit a different one and figure out what we like. We’re just enjoying the new environment and atmosphere, which is obviously much different than Arizona, and we’re definitely enjoying the exploration side of it.” 

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franklinsquaregallery.com Fall 2026

BEACH SAFETY

Lost and Found When a young boy went missing on a crowded Oak Island beach, an entire community sprang into action.

BY RANDI JO ROOKS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENDA TORREY

The Thursday before the Fourth of July was one of Oak Island’s busiest days of the year. Less than 24 hours after the community gathered for Oak Island’s annual Beach Day celebration, the island would find itself united by a different purpose. Heat advisories were in effect. The beaches were packed shoulder to shoulder. Families crowded the sand near 46th Street, one of the island’s busiest areas, close to Middleton Park, 70

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the splash pad, the gazebo and the ballfields. For Katy Bannerman, it was just another summer day at the beach with friends. Her family knew the island well. They purchased annual parking passes, and their two boys, Silas, 8, and Avery, 6, had been coming to Oak Island since they were just weeks old. The children had learned to swim almost as soon as they could walk. As a longtime educator and the new

From left, Oak Island Ocean Rescue Supervisor Eve Chrisman, Oak Island Deputy Fire Chief Chris Sillings, Avery, Katy and Silas Bannerman and Oak Island Fire Chief Lee Price celebrate a happy ending to harrowing event.

assistant principal at West Brunswick High School, Bannerman was accustomed to organization, structure and responsibility. Then, in a moment, everything changed.

BEACH SAFETY

“

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

walked the shoreline while others As the group prepared to leave for entered the water wearing goggles to the day, they realized Avery was search beneath the surface. Nearby missing. homeowners reviewed security camera Panic set in immediately. Bannerman footage. Jet skis were deployed, and a began running along the shoreline, systematic search was underway. screaming her son’s name. “It really seemed like a well-oiled “Every minute was excruciating,” she machine,” Bannerman says. says. Text messages flew from her phone as friends, family members and Silas and Avery Bannerman enjoy a church groups sprang into beach day on Oak Island. action. Members of her church, Crosswinds in Leland, began praying. Friends from Bible study spread the word, and people started calling everyone they knew on the island to go help. News spread quickly. Local social media influencer Amanda Hofmann, aka WilmingtonMom, who happened to be on the beach near the Bannermans that day, shared a post calling the situation “every mom’s worst nightmare.” The Panic set in post eventually reached more than immediately. 1,111,000 people across Facebook and Instagram and was widely shared on Bannerman began Oak Island local pages as the community rallied around the family. running along the At the same time, Oak Island’s rescue shoreline, screaming network was springing into action. Oak Island Ocean Rescue Supervisor her son’s name. Eve Chrisman and her partner that “Every minute was day, Jayden Watkins, were the first to respond. Oak Island Ocean Rescue, excruciating.” which operates through the Oak Island Fire Department, coordinated with the volunteer, nonprofit Oak Island Water Rescue team. What Bannerman later Back at work, Bannerman’s described as an “all hands on deck” husband, Corbin, who had not been effort soon became a reality as crews at the beach that afternoon, could do mobilized on both land and water. little more than wait for updates and Beachgoers-turned-volunteers pray from his office at D.R. Horton as searched in every direction. Some the search unfolded. Throughout the

ordeal, rescuers kept Bannerman informed while helping her remain as calm as possible. Yet as the search continued, the panic began taking a physical toll. Every minute felt like an hour. Then, approximately 50 minutes after the 911 call was placed, the radio call finally came. Avery had been found. Confused and frightened, the determined little boy had walked miles looking for his mom among hundreds of colorful Shibumis lining the shore, all of which looked identical to his family’s. At the time, Fire Chief Lee Price was overseeing the operation and called Deputy Fire Chief Chris Sillings and told him to grab another UTV and start searching. As he drove along the beach, Sillings stopped to speak with families while Avery’s photograph, name and description circulated among responders and beachgoers alike. Then came the breakthrough. A woman walking with her own child had seen the posts circulating online and recognized Avery. She stayed with him until help arrived. Moments later, Sillings came upon them. And he brought the exhausted six-year-old back to his mother. Despite her own medical symptoms from the stress, Bannerman ran as soon as she saw the vehicle. “He is a tough little boy,” Bannerman says. “He was trying so hard to hold it together and to find us. He must have been so exhausted. But when he saw me, we both broke down.” For Sillings, the successful outcome reflected hours of preparation, training and teamwork. Fall 2026

BEACH SAFETY

building upon the legacy of Shawn Berry, the town’s beloved first drone operator, who recently passed away. Sillings was quick to downplay his own role. “I didn’t do anything miraculous,” he says. “This was operational. It just happened to be me who rode by on the UTV.” Even after Avery was safely reunited with his family, the work of the rescue

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Oak Island’s fire department has evolved far beyond traditional firefighting responsibilities. “We’re an all-hazards fire department,” Sillings explains. “We handle car wrecks, medical calls, hazardous materials incidents and much more.” Over the past several years, the department has significantly expanded its beach operations. Firefighters now

To thank the Oak Island Ocean Rescue, Fire Department and Water Rescue teams, the Bannermans hosted an appreciation lunch at Water Rescue Station 44.

help oversee beach patrols, rip current education, water rescues, drone operations and emergency response efforts along nearly ten miles of shoreline. The department hires seasonal personnel, such as Chrisman and Watkins, who work under the supervision of year-round staff members. The town’s growing drone program has added another layer of protection, 72

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crews was not finished. Another emergency call came in almost immediately. Weeks later, Bannerman returned to the station with a meal for the rescuers. “Even unloading the food, everybody was helping everybody else,” she says. “You could tell they were a team.” During her visit, another call came in, and firefighters once again rushed into action.

Today, the Bannermans do a few things differently. Their boys now wear GPS watches whenever they visit the beach. (Bought that very evening after Avery’s long walk!) The Town of Oak Island also uses the opportunity to remind visitors about the rescue stations located throughout the island. Supported by the Jack Helbig Memorial Foundation, the stations contain rescue tubes that can save lives in an emergency while also serving as important landmarks along the shoreline. Officials encourage families to choose one of the stations as a designated meeting place and to pay close attention to the street numbers posted on the signs. There is one more piece of advice many parents give their children: If you ever become separated from your family, look for another mother with children and ask for help. Never be afraid to shout for help. Sillings offers one final piece of advice of his own. “If a child goes missing, call immediately,” he says. “Just call. You can always back off later.” Although the Bannermans hope they never experience anything like this again, they say they discovered something beautiful in the middle of one of the worst days of their lives. They witnessed neighbors helping neighbors. They saw strangers stop to pray. They watched people drop everything to help a family they had never met. They saw years of training, preparation and teamwork put into action. In the end, Avery’s story became more than the story of one frightened, lost little boy. It became the story of first responders prepared to answer calls for help, a community willing to help and thankfully a story with a happy ending. 

BEACH SAFETY

Take the fear out of finding a loved one... Supported by the Jack Helbig Memorial Foundation, the Town of Oak Island has installed rescue tube stations that can save lives in an emergency while also serving as important landmarks along the shoreline.

Know your location: The Town of Oak Island has Rescue Tube Stations on the beach side of every access. Before finding your perfect spot on the beach, make sure everyone in your family knows the street number displayed on your closest Rescue Tube Station, and make this your “meeting spot” if you get lost or separated.

Take a photo: When establishing your meeting spot, be sure to take a photo that clearly shows everyone in their attire and how they look that day. If a search is needed for anyone who is lost or separated, first responders will have an accurate photo to use when out looking. Don't rely on devices:

Phones can be lost or damaged, and batteries can die, so don’t always assume you’ll be able to contact your family or use GPS to “find your way back.” Avoid trying to navigate using physical landmarks like the pier or unique houses, as it can be difficult to judge distances across an open beach strand. Instead, use the signage on the Rescue Tube Stations to know exactly where you are, and how to get to where you need to be.

Autumn Grilling Starts Here

Don't be afraid to ask for help: If you’re an adult who can’t find

your family, put the pride away for just a moment and ask one of our Beach Safety staff for assistance, or call 9-1-1.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Make sure Kids know WHO to ask for help: Beach Safety Division

runs multiple patrols all day, in specially marked UTVs. Let them know it’s OK to yell, wave or do whatever they need to get our attention! We promise, they won’t get in trouble and shouldn’t feel embarrassed about getting lost.

Mon-Fri 7:30-6 | Sat 8-4 | Sun 10-3 8848 River Rd. S.E Southport, NC 28461 Fall 2026

SNIPPETS

2026 NC 4th July Festival June 26 through July 4 in Downtown Southport PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZEB STARNES

 Southport’s 4th of July Festival was a multi-day celebration that filled Southport and Oak Island with parades, live entertainment, arts and crafts and family-friendly activities. Festival-goers browsed handmade vendor booths, enjoyed music and waterfront fun and took part in patriotic traditions such as veterans recognition and flag ceremonies. The festivities built toward the signature events: the 4th of July parade through Downtown Southport and a fireworks show lighting up the Cape Fear River. 74

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SNIPPETS

Fall 2026

SNIPPETS

Oak Island Tide Sit In July 12 at 46th St SE Beach Access PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL RITENOUR

 The 4th Annual Oak Island Tide Sit-In, held Sunday, July 12 at the 46th Street SE beach access near Middleton Park, drew 658 participants and raised $6,100. The popular charity competition challenges entrants to stay upright in regulation beach chairs at the water’s edge as the tide rolls in, with voluntary donations benefiting the Oak Island & Caswell Beach Sea Turtle Protection Programs. The 2026 sit-in lasted more than two hours before a final winner was crowned. 76

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Fall 2026

SNIPPETS

Paws for the Cause Fun Walk for Parkinson’s Awareness April 25 at Dutchman Creek Park and Rusty Hooks Dockside

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

 Brunswick County Wellness Center held its 4th

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Annual Paws for the Cause event in observance of Parkinson’s Awareness Month on April 25. The dog-friendly walk raised more than $6,500 to support fitness programs for individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological disorders. An afterparty followed at Rusty Hooks with light hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Brunswick County Wellness Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides physical training for people living with chronic movement-related conditions, including Parkinson’s, MS, stroke recovery and neuropathy.

Visit brunscowellnessnc.org for more information

From Calabash to Sneads Ferry, North Carolina and all the places in between.

From Calabash to Sneads Ferry and all the wonderful places in between.

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Fall 2026

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