SPT OKI Summer 2025

OAK ISLAND’S

KEVIN BELL SKATEPARK IS

Rebuilt

& Rolling

48

The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport is a link to the maritime history of the Lower Cape Fear region.

FROM HOMELESS TO HOME OWNER

With assistance from Brunswick Partnership for Housing and Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity, a single mother finds a stable home in Boiling Spring Lakes.

DEPARTMENTS

37 NONPROFIT

Brunswick County Computers 4 Kids reconditions used donated computers and provides them to students who do not have computers at home.

53 E DUCATION

Thanks to the St. James Community Foundation of North Carolina, teachers Tiffani Frink and Julie Ford are getting kids excited about STEM exploration.

57

A ROUND TOWN

Events like RipRide Ralley are proving that skateboarding is an all-inclusive sport and Oak Island’s rebuilt Kevin Bell Skatepark is a vital town resource.

68

BEHIND THE BUSINESS

Whether it’s behind the lens or organizing local events like the Oak Island Tide Sit-In, photographer Katie Dorsett Dye has plenty of energy to share with the people of Oak Island.

71

GREEN SCENE

What you need to know about environmentalism and recycling in Brunswick County.

75 COMMUNITY

Bolivia residents Brian and Kristen Wood, parents of six children, including three adopted children with special needs, hope their story inspires others to make room in their hearts for children in need of a loving family.

62 A S TORIED BEACH RETREAT

The North Carolina Baptist Assembly at Fort Caswell on Oak Island, celebrating its 75th anniversary as a retreat and conference center in 2025, welcomes community guests when summer camps are not in session.

PHOTO BY BRENDA TORREY

Summer 2025 Issue — Volume 2, Issue 4

CEO/PUBLISHER: Justin Williams

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER: Sandi Grigg

COPY EDITOR: Molly Harrison

CONTRIBUTING GRAPHICS:

Teresa Kramer S amantha Lowe

Cissy Russell

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Brian Wilner

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Bill Markowitz

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS:

L aura Cockfield Megan Deitz

E mily Flax G ary Fulton

K ristin Gettleman K atie D Photography

R ick Margin Jo Ann Mathews

M att McGraw Bill Ritenour

Z eb Starnes James Stefiuk

Brenda Torrey

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

Sandi Grigg B eth Klahre

R ick Margin David Putnam

Emory Rakestraw Theresa Ravencraft

Melissa Slaven Warren

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: Hannah Altman

SALES & MARKETING INTERNS: Isla Murphy C aroline Thomas

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.

©2025 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.

About the cover:

Photographer Brenda Torrey captured our cover image of young skater Milo Hamel at Kevin Bell Skatepark on Oak Island. Read Emory Rakestraw's story about the revitalization of the park starting on page 57.

Life in Paradise

TThe only problem with living full-time in paradise is that you must also work in paradise. When summer comes around, here I am sweating through the hottest days of the year in my loafers and dress shirt while watching boats whiz down the waterway, happy families trek over to the beach and guys in boardshorts order beers with lunch.

I am not complaining, just observing, though in summer I do often wish I had a little more time to spend around beaches, boats, pools and tiki bars. But of course working weekdays is a small price to pay for living here in the paradise that southeastern North Carolina. I am not on vacation every day, but when 6 o’clock and the weekends roll around, I don’t have to go far to find summertime joy right here in my hometown.

And even when I’m working, southeastern North Carolina is paradise. In the 20 years I have been living and working here, I have met so many amazing people and found so much support for the magazines we publish. I enjoy this job so much that often it does not even feel like work. It feels like going out to meet new people and visit with friends and explore the area, and that’s why I love this job, even in summer.

We have got a great summer edition for you, with stories that will show what an amazing place the Southport – Oak Island area is. You’ll learn about our fun events, such as the hilarious Oak Island Tide Sit-In, plus places to visit like the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport and the North Carolina Baptist

Assembly at Fort Caswell, a historic Civil War fort that has been repurposed as a conference center (and is open to the public to explore). You’ll also meet some of the big-hearted people who live here, including teachers, parents who welcome adopted children into their family, and people who run nonprofits.

I hope you read this by a pool or on a patio in the shade with a nice refreshing drink in hand. And now that this is edition is done, maybe I’ll cut out a little early today. The ocean is calling.

Justin Williams Owner/Publisher

 publisher@lifeinbrunswickcounty.com

JustinW13

PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ

Teresa Kramer

CONTRIBUTING GRAPHIC DESIGNER

I’ve been a graphic designer for 25 years, mostly creating magazines — something I truly love. For the past nine years, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work closely with Justin and his wonderful team at Carolina Marketing Company, growing my business alongside theirs. Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, I’ve called Wilmington home since 2000. I’m lucky to share life with my amazing husband, Chris, and our energetic 11-year-old son, Jack.

When I’m not designing, you’ll usually find us outside — mountain biking, boating or cheering Jack on from the sidelines of the soccer and football fields, basketball court or bike park. I believe great design conveys a story, and I’m always looking for fresh ways to make that story shine with clarity and creativity.

David Putnam

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

As children who sprouted from the red clay of western North Carolina, my wife, Jill, and I always dreamed of being transplanted into the sandy soil of the coast where our families regularly took summer vacations and created some of our most cherished memories. Both of us are retired English teachers, and I am also retired from student ministry. After years of waiting and planning, our shared dream has become a reality, allowing us the privilege of splitting our time between Oak Island and Shelby. For me, another dream has been to become a full-time writer, and that dream has been realized as well. A graduate of Gardner-Webb University with both a B.A. and an M.A., I enjoy writing fiction (especially Southern fiction) and nonfiction. In 2010, while serving as a feature writer for our local newspaper, I released my first novel, Crickets of the Silver Queen, and I have plans to re-release an updated version of it later this year. I also post regular updates to Marleyventures (Facebook/Instagram) that chronicle life through the eyes of Marley, my adventurous and beach-loving rescue beagle. I also enjoy playing guitar, cooking and gardening. My wife and I have a son, Carson; a daughter-in-law, Laney; and a grandson, James.

Brenda Torrey

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

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

THE KENNEDYS IN-HOME CONCERT

by Melissa Slaven Warren

The Kennedys’ heartfelt in-home concert rekindled Brunswick County’s Listen Up tradition with music, connection and community.

The soft strum of a guitar, the warmth of familiar faces and the gentle hum of voices in harmony — this was the atmosphere at a recent in-home concert by The Kennedys, the beloved folk-rock duo whose music has long resonated with fans across the country. But for Brunswick County, their presence was more than just a musical treat. It was a rekindling of a cherished local tradition: the Listen Up Brunswick County concert series.

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HOME SALES HIGHEST IN A DECADE

Discover how Brunswick County’s real estate market thrived in March 2025, with strong home sales, rising new listings and steady demand.

The residential real estate market in Brunswick County demonstrated remarkable activity in March 2025, with notable increases in home sales and new listings, despite a slight dip in overall sales prices. This performance reflects a strong demand for housing in the region, positioning March as one of the most active months for home sales in the last decade, second only to the extraordinary numbers seen in 2021.

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PHOTO BY BRENDA TORREY

A NEW AMERICAN LIFE

by Jo Ann Mathews

Early College High School student Peter Petchrakrai talks about his experiences as a monk in training in Thailand and his transition to America.

Peter Petchrakrai, a junior at Brunswick County Schools’ Early College High School, remembers entering Southport Elementary School as a second grader after living in Bangkok, Thailand, for eight years.

“I was really scared,” he says. “The first day I didn’t remember where my house was.”

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BCWRT CELEBRATES 15 YEARS

Celebrate 15 years of the Brunswick Civil War Round Table, the nation’s largest, with captivating speakers, rich history and community engagement.

The Brunswick Civil War Round Table proudly marks its 15th anniversary, celebrating a journey that began in May 2010. What started as a small gathering at Trinity United Methodist Church in Southport has grown into the largest Civil War Round Table in the nation, boasting over 1,100 members.

A Journey of Growth and Success

The inaugural meeting featured historian Col. Black Jack Travis discussing “The Guns of Gettysburg,” drawing over 50 attendees. Since then, the organization has hosted monthly meetings from September through May, consistently growing in popularity.

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A NEW FINANCE DIRECTOR IN SOUTHPORT

Joey Kronenwetter, a lifelong Southport resident, is the new Southport finance director.

Kronenwetter, formerly deputy finance director, stepped into his new role on May 5, bringing a wealth of expertise and a lifelong dedication to his hometown.

Born and raised in Southport, Kronenwetter’s journey is deeply intertwined with the community he now serves. He attended Southport Elementary, South Brunswick Middle School and South Brunswick High School before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in Public Policy and a Minor in Business Management from North Carolina State University.

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“The Hideaway” with Dock and Boat Lift

119 SE 15th St · Oak island

“Seaside Manor” with Pool

315 NE 56th St · Oak island

“Seaholly Cottage” with Pool

120 NE 17th St · Oak island

“Caswell” with Wrap Around Porch

165 NW 4th St · Oak island

SeaCoast Homesfor sale on Oak Island

Starting in the $600’s

Dosher Memorial Hospital Nurse Lisa Durler

Recognized with the DAISY Award

Lisa Durler, RN, a nurse in the Dosher Memorial Hospital Patient Care Unit, was recently honored with The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. Durler has been in nursing since 2007 after returning to school with three young children to work toward her degree. Her experience of losing her mother inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare, with the intent of making a positive difference in the lives of her patients. Durler says she feels as if she is honoring her mother through her profession. Her youngest daughter has also become a nurse, carrying on this family tradition of service. Durler and her husband relocated to the area in 2021 from Long Island, New York, and she has been with Dosher since 2023.

Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce Hosts Coffee With the Girls

Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce Hosts Legislative Update

Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce held a Legislative Update for chamber members and local elected

officials at Brunswick Energy & Education Center on February 17. After a welcome from Brunswick Nuclear Plant Site Vice President John Krakuszeski, chamber President Brooke Rudd expressed the importance of chamber membership and the opportunities members enjoy.  Chamber Vice President of Governmental Affairs Hugh Fosbury introduced event speaker Congressman David Rouzer, U.S. House of Representatives – North Carolina 7th District, who was elected to the U.S. Congress in 2014 and is in his sixth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Rouzer serves on the House Agriculture Committee, House Committee on Space, Science, and Technology, and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where he was the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment during the 118th Congress.

Bald Head Woods Reserve Is Added to the Old-Growth Forest Network

Each month the women of Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce’s meet for inspiration and camaraderie at their Coffee With the Girls meetings. At the February 18 Coffee with the Girls meeting, they heard from Jenna Cooley, M.Ed., PCC, ELIMP, owner of Jenna Coley Coaching, on the topic of Leading with Intention and Intuition. On March 18 they met at Cape Fear Gymnastics in Southport to hear from Michel Hunt of Cape Fear Yoga and Wellness, who discussed the benefits of stretching and chair yoga.  In April Coffee with the Girls was all about relaxing, enjoying a spring morning and connecting with Shannon Creamer Franke of Odd Graphic Company and This WEEK St. James and Eric “Fish” Franke of Fish 4 Advice at their homebased business in Boiling Spring Lakes.

In January the N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve, a program of the Division of Coastal Management in the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, in conjunction with the Old-Growth Forest Network, hosted a dedication ceremony to recognize Bald Head Woods Reserve’s addition to the Old-Growth Forest Network. Staff and representatives from the Old-Growth Forest Network were joined by local, state and community partners to celebrate on site with brief speeches and a guided hike through the woods. Bald Head Woods Reserve is a 191-acre component of the Coastal Reserve, added to the program in 1993 to protect the existing maritime forest and interdune swale communities in perpetuity as a living laboratory. The site is in the central portion of Bald Head Island and is characterized by its extremely old, large live oak trees that create an intricate maritime forest canopy system. Bald Head Woods Reserve is now recognized as the 277th forest in the Old-Growth Forest Network. To date, the network includes 39 states, including four other locations in North Carolina.

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MeriKay Hunt Leads Chamber’s Out of the Box Learning Series on Workplace Coaching

Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce held an Out of the Box Learning twopart educational series on February 12 and 19 at its offices. On February 12 presenter Merikay Hunt, M.S. of Coach MKay Companies, LLC, taught chamber members strategies to effectively coach team members and empower them to develop their productivity skills, increased jobs satisfaction and awareness of company culture. The February 19 session, entitled Multi-Generations in the Workplace, focused on learning the unique styles of each generation to solve conflicts, improving communication and collaboration within the business. Out of the Box Learning is a quarterly business development program of the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce. Each session includes a discussion about a topic related to business, led by a local businessperson who is familiar with the material.

Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., Realtors ® Receives Prestigious Award from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World ®

Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., Realtors® (MRA), a leader in the Brunswick County real estate and property management industries, received the Global Referral Award from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE), a global network that interconnects premier local and regional real estate firms worldwide. The award was presented during LeadingRE Conference Week, a series of specialized events that attracted top real estate professionals from more than 30 countries. The Global Referral Award recognizes individuals and firms who successfully assisted clients with real estate needs outside of their local market in 2023 and 2024, working in collaboration with fellow LeadingRE members in the destination market.

Oak Island Par 3 Golf Launches New Look

Wicker & More Expands to Southport

On February 10 Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grandopening celebration for the new location of Wicker & More in Southport at 5030 Southport-Supply Road. Joining Will, Lisa and Robin Andrews, owners of Wicker & More of Shallotte & Southport, were Brunswick County Sheriff Brian M. Chism, Chamber Senior Vice President Felicia Sexton, family, friends, customers and chamber members. Wicker & More is a homeowner and decorators one-stop shopping experience for all indoor and outdoor furniture, with name brands such as Braxton Culler, Cape May Wicker, Coastline Art, Lauren Galleries and Steinworld. They stock rattan, resin wicker, upholstered furniture, accessories, artwork, cushions, lamps and premium outdoor furnishings.

Oak Island Par 3 Golf has a fresh new look reflecting the fun, family-friendly environment that welcomes players of all ages and skill levels. Their new logo design brings new energy to the course and also aligns with the Town of Oak Island’s current brand, creating a cohesive connection. As part of the brand refresh, Oak Island Par 3 rolled out new signage, e-newsletter alerts and expanded advertising.

Margaret Rudd & Associates Recognizes Top Performing Agents & Teams During Annual Sales Awards Event

On March 6 the Real Estate Sales Division of Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., Realtors® gathered at Duffer’s Pub & Grille at the Oak Island Golf Club to recognize its collective, team and individual accomplishments from 2024. Led by President and Property Management Director Karen Brake, Chief Financial Officer and Broker-In-Charge George Brake and Broker-In-Charge Bob Bates, awards were distributed in individual and team sales volume. The top three individuals were Pat Proctor ($9.9M), Elvira Gilbert ($9.4M) and Kathy MacNish ($9.4M). Top three teams were Rudd Sold Group ($20.1M), The Jolliff Team ($4.8M) and The Grays ($1.1M). Elvira Gilbert was named the firm’s 2024 Top

Selling Associate for $5.2M in buyer representation. She also received two new awards, including the High Roller Award for achieving the highest average sales price of $680,850 and the Ambassador Award for her ongoing support and participation in local civic and non-profit organizations as voted on by her peers.

Dosher Staff Members Support Heart Walk

In October 2024 a team of walkers represented Dosher Memorial Hospital at the Cape Fear Heart Walk in Wilmington. Organized by Dosher Environmental Services lead Cindy Register, the team raised more than $1,000 for the American Heart Association. Staff members were encouraged to support the team by purchasing paper hearts in the Dosher Café. While American Heart Month is observed in February, the need for heart health awareness continues year-round. Dosher provides care for community members recovering from cardiac events through their Cardiac Rehabilitation program and just last year, expanded stroke care with tele neurology technology which enables Dosher to diagnose and treat symptoms of stroke sooner.

The Creative Bar by Stingray Creations Opens on Oak Island

On March 14 Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Creative Bar By Stingray Creations at 200 Country Club Drive, Oak Island. Owned by Michelle and Michael Gibson, The Creative Bar is a space where you can bring your ideas to life and design unique apparel and accessories.

Beam Signing Ceremony Marks Milestone in Dosher Emergency Department Construction

On March 17 Dosher Memorial Hospital marked a significant milestone in Phase 1 of its Master Facility Plan with a beamsigning ceremony. Hospital staff and leaders gathered to sign the last structural beam to be placed in Dosher’s new Emergency Department. The signing of the last beam is a time-honored tradition in the construction world that is said to bring good fortune to future occupants of a building. The new Emergency Department will be 8,000 square feet, doubling the size of the current Emergency Department, and will increase current treatment spaces from 10 to 14, including nine beds and five vertical care chairs to streamline wait times and care for patients of lower acuity. Construction completion is expected in late 2025.

Southport Carriage House Inn Opens in Southport

On March 19 Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of Southport Carriage House Inn at 209 E. Moore Street in Southport. Southport Carriage House is a pet-friendly bed and breakfast, the perfect destination for solo travelers, couples seeking a romantic escape, or families desiring a relaxing getaway. Its within walking distance of downtown shops, waterfront restaurants and scenic views.

Living Shoreline Installed at Marina Park on Bald Head Island

On February 24 a living shoreline was installed on a portion of the shoreline at Marina Park on Bald Head Island. The project is a collaboration between the Bald Head Island Village, Bald Head Island Conservancy, Sandbar Oyster Company, the N.C. Coastal Federation and the Johnston Center for Coastal Sustainability. The Village’s public works staff helped unload the large reef frameworks. Conservancy staff and volunteers teamed up to get the muddy part of the work done. The Conservancy says that Marina Park is a great location for a living shoreline because there is erosion along the shoreline by the bulkhead due to boat wakes and sea level rise.

giveaways, demonstrations and special activities like Dosher Memorial Hospital’s Healthy Eating Demonstration Kitchen with Chef Joe, Novant Health Mobile Mammography unit and Novant Health Screenings. The Coastal Health, Fitness & Beauty Showcase is an event of the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Dosher Memorial Hospital, Cape Fear Fitness, Live Oak Med Spa and Novant Health.

Dosher Receives 2024 Press Ganey Human Experience Guardian of Excellence Award®

Dosher Memorial Hospital was named a 2024 Human Experience (HX) Guardian of Excellence Award® winner by Press Ganey, the global leader in healthcare experience solutions and services. This award is part of Press Ganey’s annual ranking of the top hospitals and health systems in the country, according to performance in patient experience, for both their recent 5-star HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) score and inpatient care. As a winner of the Press Ganey HX Guardian of Excellence Award®, Dosher is in the top 5% of healthcare providers in delivering patient experience in the last year.

Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce Names Small Business, Customer Service & Non-Profit of the Year

St. James Hosts Coastal Health, Fitness & Beauty Showcase

On March 11 more than 300 people attended the 2nd Annual Coastal Health, Fitness & Beauty Showcase at the Homer E. Wright Event Center at St. James. The event offered free samples,

Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce recently announced Southport Jazzercise as its 2024/25 Small Business of the Year; Up Your Arts as its 2024/25 Non-Profit of the Year; and FinPoint Insurance Group as its 2024/25 Small Business Customer Service of the Year.

Congressman David Rouzer Congressional Academy Day Held in Southport

On April 12 Congressman David Rouzer held a Congressional Academy Day at Brunswick Energy and Education Center in Southport. High school students from as far away as Greensboro attended in order to get information on how to apply and be accepted to the five federal service academies: U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY; U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD; U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT; U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY; and U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO. The U.S. Coast Guard Color Guard from Oak Island Coast Guard Station opened the event with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Brunswick County Volunteers Recognized with 2025 Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards

The North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service presented the 2025 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award to 10 recipients from Brunswick County. Brunswick County held a reception in honor of this year’s award winners on April 22 at the Odell Williamson Auditorium in Bolivia. To see the local recipients go to: brunswickcountync. gov/264/Governors-Volunteer-Service-Awards.

Escuela Del Sol Opens First Bilingual Preschool in Brunswick County

On April 24

Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Escuela Del Sol Bilingual Preschool at Ocean View

United Methodist Church, 8400 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island. Escuela Del Sol co-owners, native Spanish speakers from Uruguay, are Fabiana Santucci and Gisella Brosche. The preschool staff includes Cynthia Marino from Los Angeles, Grecia Can from Mexico, Augustina Riddle from Argentina and Imelda Ramos from Honduras. Escuela Del Sol combines playbased learning with the magic of bilingual education, helping children build confidence in both English and Spanish. Escuela Del Sol leases classrooms and play spaces within the church facility and is not affiliated with Ocean View United Methodist Church. The preschool welcomes families of all backgrounds in a nurturing, bilingual learning environment.

CPR & First Aid Class at Chamber

On March 18

Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce and We Help at Home teamed up to provide the business community a American Heart Association CPR & First Aid Class. Attendees learned skills needed to respond and manage a first aid, choking or sudden cardiac arrest emergency in the first few minutes until EMS arrives. They also had the option to attend the class for the information or to become certified. Presenters for the training were Stacy Jacobson, RN, BSN, NC-BC of We Help at Home and Joe Snapp, the Town of Oak Island’s fire marshal.

Brunswick County Commissioner Frank Williams Attends Convening of Local Governments Affected by Helene

On February 11

Brunswick County Commissioner Frank Williams, who is a member of the National Association of Counties (NACo) Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force, attended a North Carolina Local Government special recovery meeting for communities affected by Hurricane Helene. The meeting in Buncombe County was co-sponsored by the N.C. League of Municipalities, the N.C. Association of County Commissioners and multiple western North Carolina Councils of Governments.

Tagged

Keep showing us your Southport Oak Island spirit — share your moments, stories and snapshots by tagging Q #sptoki #lifeinbrunswickcounty @southportoakislandmagazine E #sptoki #lifeinbrunswickcounty @sptoki or email photos to: capture@lifeinbrunswickcounty.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Movies

on the Lawn

June 13, July 11

Southport Parks and Recreation presents Movies on the Lawn at the Fort Johnson Garrison Lawn, 203 E. Bay Street in Southport. Bring your family and a blanket or chairs to enjoy the outdoor screenings, which begin at dusk. Popcorn and drinks will be available for $2.

Information: cityofsouthport.com/event/parks-andrecreation-presents-movies-on-the-lawn

Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce 50th Annual Membership Meeting

June 18

Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce will host its 50th Annual Membership Meeting on Wednesday, June 18 at 8:30 am. The meeting will be held at the Southport Community Building, 223 E. Bay Street, with Keynote Speaker Elaine F. Marshall, the North Carolina Secretary of State.

Information: southport-oakisland.com/event/chamberannual-meeting

North Carolina 4th of July Festival

June 27 – July 4

For more than 200 years the small maritime community of Southport has celebrated our nation’s independence in a big way. This year’s celebrations include a welcoming ceremony, fun run, an art show, youth activities, live music, dancing, food concessions, a flotilla, fireworks, military exhibits, a parade and much more.

Information: nc4thofjuly.com

Beach Day

July 1

Beach Day commemorates the July 1, 1999, merger of the towns of Yaupon Beach and Long Beach into what is today known as the Town of Oak Island.  It is held each year on July 1, unless that falls on a Sunday, in which case it is observed on the Saturday before. Beach Day is filled with fun and family-friendly activities organized by the Oak Island Recreation Department, with some events often held in collaboration with the NC 4th of July Festival in neighboring Southport. The day’s events always end with a spectacular fireworks display from the Oak Island Pier.

Information: oakislandnc.gov/ residents-visitors/beach-day

Southport Lions Club Family Day & Car Show

August 30

Southport Lions Club’s 80th Anniversary Family Day & Car Show is scheduled for Saturday, August 30 (rain date September 6) in Downtown Southport. This event includes games, a bounce house for kids, a car/truck/ motorcycle Show, and more. Proceeds benefit Southport Lions vision programs, community programs and youth programs.

Information: southportlions.org

Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity Charity Golf Tournament

September 25

Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity’s annual Golf Tournament is set for Thursday, September 25 at the Thistle Golf Club in Sunset Beach. Breakfast, lunch, prizes and plenty of community spirit are included. Space is limited so register your team early.

Information: brunswickcountyhabitat.org/ events/

Oak Island Loggerheads

Games: June 5 through July 19

The Oak Island Loggerheads are ready to make a splash in the 2025 summer collegiate baseball season as the newest team in the Old North State League’s Coastal Division. Named by their passionate community, the Loggerheads proudly represent Oak Island with the spirit and resilience of the iconic sea turtle. Get ready for unforgettable summer nights at the newly upgraded Bill Smith Park, where you can watch high-energy baseball, enjoy family-friendly fun and experience one-of-a-kind promotions — all in the heart of our beautiful coastal town. Don’t miss your chance to cheer on the Loggerheads, connect with neighbors and be part of Oak Island’s growing baseball tradition.

Information: oakislandloggerheads.com

PHOTO BY

A Splash of Surprise

Plunge into the gingery, fruity fizz of a colorful cocktail made with an unexpected ingredient.

BY SANDI GRIGG

Ilove the magical effervescence of Canada Dry. Whether it’s the crisp taste of their classic ginger ale, the fruity twist of cranberry (which I can only ever find around Thanksgiving and Christmas), or the tart blackberry flavor (a summer-only treat), Canada Dry always manages to elevate any drink. Ginger ale, in my opinion, is a cocktail’s best friend, adding a refreshing, slightly spicy kick that pairs beautifully with all kinds of spirits. From simple spritzers to more complex concoctions, ginger ale brings a unique charm to the mix — and Canada Dry’s flavored varieties take it to the next level.

A few months ago, I attended a high-end charity event at a stunning waterfront venue decked out in bright red and pink. The night was filled with live music, elegant decor and an impressive silent auction, but what truly stole the show was the signature

cocktail: a vibrant red drink. The bartender mixed vodka, brandy and vermouth, then topped it with Canada Dry Fruit Splash Cherry Ginger Ale (a new one for me) and a lemon twist. The result was almost too pretty to sip.

The cocktail was the hit of the evening — tart, sweet and perfectly balanced, with a subtle alcohol flavor that made it approachable for everyone. Its festive color even brightened up every photo. The recipe was simple enough that I had to try it myself, swapping in vanilla vodka, sweet vermouth and cherry brandy, and garnishing with glistening cherries.

The result? A treat for the eyes and taste buds. The Canada Dry Fruit Splash Cherry Ginger Ale adds just the right sparkle and cherry sweetness. It’s my new go-to for cocktails — a true game-changer.

CHERRY SPLASH

Makes 1 drink

INGREDIENTS

1 shot vanilla vodka

1 shot cherry brandy

1 shot sweet vermouth

Top with Canada Dry Fruit Splash Cherry

Ginger Ale

Cherries

METHOD

Combine the three shots into a shaker with ice and shake 30 seconds.

Pour over ice or into a chilled martini glass.

Top with Canada Dry Fruit Splash Cherry Ginger Ale.

Garnish with cherries on the stem

Ordinary meatballs get a boost from fancy garnishes and a dip in a luscious cherry sauce.

BY SANDI GRIGG PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES STEFIUK

They might sound like firecrackers or candies, but these Cherry Bombs are something else entirely — a delightful marriage of savory and sweet, combining tender, spiced meatballs with a luscious cherry sauce. Perfect for parties, family gatherings or even a fun weeknight dinner, these meatballs are bursting with flavor and offer some surprising health benefits.

Cherry on Top

You can also plate the meatballs in a serving bowl with the cherry sauce poured over them and garnished with pine nuts, pomegranate seeds and leaves.

Cherries, the star of the sauce, are more than just a sweet, juicy treat. They’re nutritional powerhouses, packed with antioxidants that help combat inflammation and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases, supporting overall wellness. Cherries are also a natural source of melatonin, which helps regulate sleep cycles. Plus, they can help lower bad cholesterol and regulate blood pressure, making them a heart-healthy addition to your diet.

My first encounter with cherry meatballs was during a family trip to Atlanta, Georgia, over spring break. After a day spent exploring

the World of Coca Cola, the Georgia Aquarium and an Atlanta Braves game, we attended our hotel’s happy hour, complete with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and live music. There, beautifully presented on a hotplate, were glistening morsels of meat garnished with pomegranate seeds and fresh mint, served alongside a rich cherry sauce. Assuming they were just your typical meatballs with BBQ sauce, I filled my plate.

The first bite was an explosion of flavors: warm spices in the meatballs perfectly complemented by the sweet-tart cherry sauce. The dish felt both sophisticated and comforting. Inspired by that experience, I couldn’t wait to recreate the recipe at home, adding my own touches to make it even more memorable.

Making the perfect Cherry Bombs isn’t complicated, but a few simple techniques will ensure your dish is as delicious and visually stunning as possible. When forming your meatballs, aim for uniformity in size to ensure even cooking and a polished presentation. Pay close attention to the consistency of your cherry sauce — if it becomes too thick, a splash of water will loosen it; if too thin, let it simmer until it thickens to perfection.

Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes. Pine nuts, pomegranate seeds and fresh mint leaves are more than decorative — they add texture, vibrant color, and a burst of flavor that truly elevates the dish. Skipping the garnishes would mean missing out on the full sensory experience that makes Cherry Bombs so special. Ready to try something unexpectedly delicious? These Cherry Bombs are sure to be a hit — at your next gathering or just around the dinner table.

INGREDIENTS

For the Cherry Sauce:

2 cups fresh pitted cherries

¼ cup honey

Juice of 1 lemon

½ cup water

½ tsp cinnamon

1 shallot, finely chopped

1 large garlic clove, fine

Salt and pepper

½ cup fresh mint leaves

For the Meatballs:

1 lb. ground beef

½ cup club soda

4 large garlic cloves, minced

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

½ tsp ground cloves

½ tsp ground cumin

½ tsp allspice

Salt and pepper

3 tsp. olive oil

Toasted pine nuts, pomegranate seeds, and fresh mint leaves to garnish

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CHERRY BOMBS

You will need an emulsifier

METHOD

For the Cherry Sauce:

Add the cherries, honey, lemon juice, water and cinnamon to a small sauce pan and bring to a boil but do not let it boil over. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes then set aside.

In a deep non-stick pot, heat olive oil over med-high heat and sauté the garlic and shallots until tender.

Add the hot cherry mixture to the garlic and shallots and bring to a simmer again till thickened. (Add a little water if it’s too thick or let it simmer longer if it’s too thin.)

Use the emulsifier to create a smooth and silky cherry sauce. The deep pot will keep the sauce from creating a mess.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper and finally add the fresh mint. Serve hot.

For the Meatballs:

In a mixing bowl, use your hands to combine the ground beef with the minced garlic, chopped parsley, ground cloves, ground cumin, allspice, club soda and salt and pepper.

Make meatballs by pinching bits of the meat and rolling them your palms into tight, uniform-shaped, bite-size balls.

Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet to medium-high and place the meatballs evenly spaced in the pan.

Let them cook untouched until the underside is golden and then gently turn them to cook the other side. Repeat until the balls are evenly cooked all over. (This process will take about 20 minutes of cooking.)

Arrange the meatballs on a platter with cocktail picks inserted into each meatball. Garnish the meatballs with pine nuts, pomegranate seeds and fresh mint leaves.

Pour the cherry sauce into a small bowl and allow your guests to dip their meatball into the sauce.

Note: You can also plate the meatballs in a serving bowl with the cherry sauce poured over them and garnished with pine nuts, pomegranate seeds and fresh mint leaves. Offer cocktail picks on the side for guests to stab each one themselves.

Log On for Learning

Brunswick County Computers 4 Kids reconditions used donated computers and provides them to students who do not have computers at home.

BY BETH A. KLAHRE

BBack in 2005, when remote learning was not a concept that anyone even vaguely considered, Bruce Maxwell, a retired AT&T executive and future St. James Mayor Pro Tem, received a call from Jane Matthews, then-director of the Volunteer Center of Brunswick County. Matthews was looking for a computer for a student with a health crisis who could not attend class and wanted to see if Maxwell could help. He could and he did.

“The idea got legs,” says Doug Koontz, now serving his sixth year as president of Brunswick County Computers 4

Kids (BCC4K). The nonprofit organization solicits used computers from individuals and businesses for refurbishment and subsequent donation to students.

“That very first request sparked five other requests that year,” Koontz says.

In 2006 Matthews was awarded a $2,000 grant from ATMC and used it as seed money to establish BCC4K. The organization became a 501(c)(3) in 2016 and this year celebrates 20 years of refurbishing and donating free computers to students.

West Brunswick High School School Counselor Megan Hardy receives a computer from BCC4K Delivery Coordinator Tom Maher.

“

My son is dyslexic and struggles with dysgraphia. Every day is a struggle. When our computer crashed, we were beside ourselves. It would have taken us months to save to purchase a replacement, or we would have had to limit his tutoring and therapy sessions to make the funds available sooner. This computer from BCC4K is truly a blessing. Our son sat down at his desk and cried happy tears.

— 3rd grade parent, South Brunswick Charter School

“We recognize the impact of technology on people’s lives,” Koontz says. “It’s probably most visible in education. If someone asks, we say yes. There is no qualification process, and we have never turned anyone down in our 20 years.”

With an average of 325 computer donations per year, and the biggest number in 2019 at 518, the nonprofit is on target to deliver its 5,000th computer by the end of 2025. Conservatively estimating the cost of an inexpensive laptop is $500, BCC4K has made a $2.5 million impact on education in Brunswick County over the last 20 years.

“We are very proud of our record,” Koontz says.

In addition to receiving surplus equipment from Brunswick County, BCC4K receives many donated computers on computer recycling days held in St. James, Brunswick Forest , Ocean Ridge Plantation and Oak Island.

“We show up, and people drop off equipment, mostly laptops,” Koontz explains.

The majority of funding for replacement parts comes from the Brunswick Sheriff’s Charitable Foundation Diamonds & Denim Charity Ball and the St. James Service Club.

Top, left to right, Douglas Koontz, Margie Desderio (board member), Wendy Jones (Power Walking Ministries), Sheriff John W. Ingram (retired), Kristie Disbrow (Matthews Ministry), Monique Stenquist (board chair) and Chris Breissinger present a check to BCC4K from the 2022 Diamonds & Denim Ball.

Additional donations come from Southport Rotary Club, the American Legion Post 543 in St. James, St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church Knights of Columbus and Ocean Ridge Charitable Association. IBM contributes to communities for educational activities where its retirees reside and has donated on behalf of Koontz, his wife, Lynn Koontz, and Chris Breissinger.

Ten volunteers, all with technology backgrounds, overhaul the computers on Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Brunswick County Government Center in Bolivia.

Bringing a wealth of technical skills as a computer programmer with the U.S. Department of Defense and the Library of Congress and a computer capacity planner with the Internal Revenue Service, Ronald Batleman refurbishes laptops, installs new software and tests the computers.

“I get a great feeling of giving back,” he says of his 19 years as a BCC4K volunteer. “There is also comradeship with fellow workers. We’re like a big family.”

BCC4K Volunteers Ralph Ventola and Cliff Reddy refurbishing computers.

HELP KIDS GET CONNECTED

Tom Maher is a 10-year BCC4K volunteer and the equipment delivery coordinator.

“This organization is truly committed to providing students of all ages the means of improving their learning experience with modern technology,” he says. “We are opening the door to vast libraries of knowledge that otherwise may not be available.”

Breissinger, BCC4K vice president, has been involved with personnel, physical and computer security for his entire career.

Brunswick County Computers 4 Kids

To learn more, visit K bccomputers4kids.com or email k bccomputers4kids @gmail.com

Donations accepted on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 am to 3 pm at the Brunswick County Government Center, 30 Government Center Drive SE, Bolivia.

“I get satisfaction from refurbishing, fixing and troubleshooting laptops,” he says, adding with a smile, “It gets me out of the house one day a week, some might even say to give my spouse a break.”

Lynn Koontz, a process and training consultant, was also a student information manager for a North Carolina county school, and Len Trizinsky, a retired school administrator, was involved in the early stages of classroom Internet.

“I believe it is vital for students to have access to computers to support their educational future,” Trizinsky says.

Ninety percent of the refurbished computers are distributed to schools in Brunswick County. BCC4K relies on school counselors, Communities in Schools success coaches, parent facilitators and teachers to identify students

who need a computer. BCC4K has also delivered computers to special needs students enrolled with the Brunswick Interagency Program, charter school and homeschool students, and students at Brunswick County Community College working toward a GED. Additional recipients include families participating with Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity, Brunswick County Literacy Council, Southport Parks & Recreation and Hope Harbor Home domestic violence shelter. “And to anyone who asks,” Koontz emphasizes. “Our mission is education. If a request can be even loosely tied to education, we fulfill it.”

Megan Hardy, a school counselor at West Brunswick High School, says BCC4K provides an invaluable service.

“I can’t put an exact value on this service. It is immeasurable,” Hardy says. “These computers allow students to access online resources used by teachers and staff. There are situations that require students to complete work remotely, and this organization makes it possible for every student to have a device at home. Because the computers get into the hands of the students quickly, students can keep up with school work in a timely manner, reducing stress and anxiety for students, parents and school staff. It has truly made a difference.”

While BCC4K’s reach is county-wide, there are a few schools that have never made a request.

“Our current challenge is public awareness,” Koontz says. “All it takes is one parent, one teacher, one student to hear about us and make a difference in a student’s life.” 

Above left: BCC4K Volunteers Rob Peyton and Tom Maher and President Doug Koontz at Town of St. James Computer Recycling Event in the fall of 2023.

SEA STORIES

The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport is a link to the maritime history of the Lower Cape Fear region.

BY DAVID PUTNAM PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN DEITZ

My first visit to the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport was a few years back on a blistering summer afternoon, and I must admit that the cool air slipping past the front door was what first drew me inside. But within minutes, I found myself enthralled by the exhibits, captivated by the stories they told and basking in the rich history they conveyed . . . history that I should have known as a local resident and native North Carolinian who has vacationed up and down the coast most of my life.

I recently returned to the museum on a cooler day in late winter, this time hoping to learn more about it and share this local treasure with anyone who might never have visited. I was fortunate enough to spend over an hour with John Moseley, the current manager, who shared his personal insights into this unique museum, its mission and its many contributions to the local community.

Moseley, a native Floridian, graduated from The Citadel with a bachelor’s degree in history. A James Madison Fellow, Moseley also earned a master’s degree in history from UNC-Greensboro. Before coming to the museum at Southport, he worked at Fort Fisher State Historic Site directing the educational programming. He is fond of the Southport area, not only because of its rich history, but also because of its similarity to Jacksonville, Florida, where he grew up.

The museum houses a 1:26 scale model of a Monomoy Surf Boat like the ones used at Cape Fear Life-Saving Station and Oak Island Life-Saving Station. The model was made by Jim Gower.

The museum houses a 1:26 scale model of a Monomoy Surf Boat like the ones used at Cape Fear Life-Saving Station and Oak Island Life-Saving Station. The model was made by Jim Gower.

“Every footstep in Southport treads upon history, and the nation’s past is written on every grain of its sand.”

According to the museum’s website, its mission is “to collect, preserve, and interpret material pertinent to the maritime history of the Lower Cape Fear,” a six-county region that includes Brunswick, New Hanover, Columbus, Pender, Onslow and Bladen counties. Moseley fulfills that mission by “connecting artifacts to the stories of the people who owned and/or used them.” And, as I soon discovered, he is as much a storyteller as a historian. Moseley says that the stories from our history are really about the choices that people have made, and if we are to make sense of their choices, we must also know and understand the options that were available to them.

Every footstep in Southport treads upon history, and the nation’s past is

John Moseley, museum manager at the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport

written on every grain of its sand. Even the building that houses the Maritime Museum is an artifact. Constructed in 1953 and located on what was once part of Fort Johnston, the building originally provided duplex housing for personnel assigned to work at the Military Ocean Terminal at Sunny Point.

An original brick structure from Fort Johnston still stands just behind the facility and currently houses the Southport Visitor’s Center and Museum. Constructed in 1745, the fort remained active until 2009. On July 19, 1775, Patriot troops set it on fire, forcing Josiah Martin, the Royal Governor, to flee to the HMS Cruzier anchored in the Cape Fear River. He

never returned. On display inside the museum is an original letter penned by Martin in 1776. This is but one example of how the museum connects artifacts with the stories of the people who owned and/or used them. On July 19, 2025, the museum will sponsor a special program commemorating the burning of Fort Johnston.

Another good example of this connection between artifact and story is the display of items collected from the footlocker of John Haggerty, a crewman who was aboard the SS John D. Gill when it sank just off the coast. A Texas-based tanker bound for Philadelphia, the ship was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat on March 12, 1942. Oil leaking from the

vessel was accidentally ignited when a life ring with a self-igniting carbide light was tossed overboard. The spark from the light ignited the oil, setting both the sea and the ship ablaze and forcing the crew of 49 to abandon ship. Many were killed, seriously injured or badly burned.

In addition to those already mentioned, some of the museum’s other exhibits include shipwrecks, pirates, hurricanes, military conflicts, river boat pilots, indigenous people groups, commercial fishing, lighthouses, a Fresnel lens, the U.S. Coast Guard, prehistoric megalodon teeth and a working periscope. The Southport Maritime Museum also boasts a gift shop that stocks, among

The USCG Diligence was commissioned in 1964 and was home ported in Wilmington until 2020. The museum's 1:48 scaled model of the ship was made by Glenn Darst.

many other things, authentic, locally grown Carolina Gold Rice. This world-renowned rice, along with indigo, were two of the most lucrative cash crops of the region from the 1700s through the Civil War.

New exhibits are always being planned, and Moseley mentioned that the museum is currently gathering information for one scheduled for debut in 2026 that will be devoted to the approximately 300,000 women who served in World War II from 1942 to 1945. They are also seeking information for an upcoming exhibit on Liberty Ships.

The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport is one of three in the state. The other two are at Hatteras and Beaufort. The museum receives state funds that cover basic operational costs but not the many educational programs it offers to the

PERMISSION TO COME ABOARD!

North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport

9 204 E. Howe Street, Southport m (910) 477-5151

K ncmaritimemuseumsouthport.com

E NCMaritimeMuseumSouthport

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 4 pm; closed Sunday and Monday

Admission: Free (donations are appreciated)

community. To fill that gap, a group of local volunteers, the Friends of the Museum, donate their time to raise funds for those programs and related supplies. Other than the manager, John Moseley, the museum is largely staffed by a group of 10 volunteers ranging in age from 16 to 94.

The museum offers many opportunities for families to become engaged with and embrace local history. Programs include Deep Dive, which explores topics led by a costumed interpreter, and Anchors Away, which features hands-on crafts like exploring ciphers and codes as well as dying cloth with indigo. For younger children and parents, Skipper’s Crew features craft activities such as making candle lanterns at Christmas and creating turtle-themed Valentine cards.

If you have not discovered the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport, let me encourage you to visit soon. Bring the family and enjoy a unique experience that brings local maritime history to life. The museum offers tours, live performances, a gift shop and many free and fascinating educational programs available for all ages that will both entertain and create meaningful links to the past. 

Home to Home From LESS

With assistance from Brunswick Partnership for Housing and Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity, a single mother finds a stable home in Boiling Spring Lakes.

BY BETH A. KLAHRE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

BARRY FULTON & KATIE D PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY KATIE D PHOTOGRAPHY

HomeOWNER

From the time she was a teen, Southport resident Kaylee Herring has been on the move — from town to town and home to home. Unfortunately, there have also been times when she was homeless. Herring was born and raised in Leland, spent time in Wilmington and moved out of her grandmother’s home when she was just 17 years old. She moved to Sneads Ferry and then to Jacksonville looking for work, but nothing paid well enough for her to be on her own. She lived in a camper and a hotel room, a rented trailer and her car.

“It was difficult,” she says.

Then she met Pastor Keith Smith of The Studio Church. He contacted Brunswick Partnership for Housing on Herring’s behalf.

Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity

Brunswick Partnership for Housing (BPH), established in 2019, is a private, nonprofit organization that provides safe places for some of the county’s homeless families and individuals. In October 2020 BPH purchased a former medical office building in Southport intending to convert it to transitional housing. In July 2023 the renovations were completed on the 3,500-square-foot building, which has two one-bedroom apartments and two twobedroom apartments. Eligible residents stay for 12 to 18 months at no cost while BPH helps them set goals to transition to permanent housing.

Executive Director Jason Gaver and Robbie Hales, a mentor from Habitat for Humanity, help Kaylee Herring at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for her house in Boiling Spring Lakes.

“The transitional housing program is for homeless families with children,” explains Sally Learned, executive director of BPH. “Adults must work and/or attend school. Children must

PHOTO BY BARRY FULTON

attend school. Families must be willing to work on a case management plan that focuses on budget, savings and access to needed services. Most importantly, families must be open and transparent about their situation and show initiative to eventually move out of the unit.”

When BPH interviewed Herring to determine if she met these eligibility requirements, she shared that she was on and off again homeless for five years. She had a savings account, a car and a job. She also fit the condition for family housing, as she was pregnant.

“My story must have touched them,” she says. “I was accepted into an apartment.”

Herring moved into her apartment in May 2024. “It’s an honor to be there,” she says.

Over the next several

Kaylee Herring, left, with Sally Learned, executive director of Brunswick Partnership for Housing, the organization that helped Kaylee get started on the path to home ownership.

months, Herring worked hard to stabilize her life. BPH did weekly check-ins with her on her finances and monthly check-ins on the apartment. She started a second job in January and continued to work her first job, where she was promoted to manager. Her baby was born in November.

Learned was extremely impressed with Herring.

“Kaylee stayed laser-focused on her goals, making the next right decision and doing the next right thing,” Learned says. “It was hard for Kaylee, working a job and a half, pregnant and then caring for a newborn. There were days Kaylee was exhausted, but she stayed with it and did the hard work.”

Sometimes timing is everything. Smith and Learned approached Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity on Herring’s behalf and learned that a nearly-finished

Habitat For Humanity home in Boiling Spring Lakes had become available.

Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope by partnering with volunteers and families to build decent, affordable housing for those in need. Habitatbuilt homes are sold to families through an affordable below-market interest loan. To qualify for Habitat housing, families must demonstrate a need, have the ability to pay a modest mortgage and be willing to partner in the building of their home.

For Herring, that meant working at the construction site, attending home ownership classes and helping in a Habitat for Humanity's ReStore retail store for a total of 300 hours.

“Because I was pregnant, Habitat made it easier for me,” she says. “Normally I would have done anything the construction crew was doing, nailing walls, hanging the roof. Instead, I used a nail gun, cleaned around the home site by picking up nails and construction debris, and transported stuff that wasn’t too heavy

“I am grateful for everything. I own a car, have a bank account and have credit. And I am moving into a home. I never thought I could achieve all of that.”

to workers. I saw how my house was actually being built.”

At ReStore in Oak Island, Herring spent her sweat-equity hours sorting and pricing donations. Habitat allows family and friends to contribute sweat equity hours as well, so Herring’s boyfriend and his mother, a coworker and Habitat volunteers pitched in.

In February 2025, a ceremony was held at Herring’s new home with representatives from BPH and Habitat for Humanity.

PHOTO BY BARRY FULTON

“I really didn’t expect all the people who showed up,” Herring says. “My best friend’s father, Jeffrey Whiting, spoke. It was really cool and really touching.”

“BPH was honored to give Kaylee safe and stable housing and support, but she was the one who made homeownership happen,” Learned says.

Herring’s three-bedroom, two-bath home sits on one acre. Her mortgage will be 30 percent of her monthly income, making it affordable.

“I am grateful for everything,” Herring says. “I own a car, have a bank account and have credit. And I am moving into a home. I never thought I

could achieve all of that.”

Herring tells her story to give hope to others in similar situations.

“Don’t give up,” she says. “If you put your mind to something, it’s possible, even on the hard days. When you feel like giving up, pray, keep going. It was hard working two jobs and completing the Habitat hours, but I made it work.”

In addition to transitional housing, BPH provides outreach, case management and short-term emergency shelter to unsheltered persons throughout Brunswick County. Overall, the organization has served a thousand Brunswick County residents since July 2022. 

BUILDING

To volunteer or donate or for more information:

brunswickpartnership.org Brunwick County Habitat for Humanity: K brunswickcountyhabitat.org E Brunswickcountyhabitat

Growing Future Scientists

Thanks to the St. James Community Foundation of North Carolina, teachers Tiffani Frink and Julie Ford are getting kids excited about STEM exploration BY

BETH A. KLAHRE

PHOTOGRAPHS CONTRIBUTED BY VIRGINIA WILLIAMSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND THE ST. JAMES FOUNDATION

SScientists are growing like crazy at Virginia Williamson Elementary School.

Under the instruction of teachers Tiffani Frink and Julie Ford, both of whom hold bachelor’s degrees in elementary education, 120 fifth-grade students are conducting hands-on experiments in chemistry and ecology through a program called Empowering Future Scientists: Hands-On STEM Exploration. The program is designed to ignite curiosity and deepen scientific understanding through engaging, hands-on experiments aligned with North Carolina’s fifth grade science standards. The program transforms abstract concepts into tangible experiences, helping students explore science in a way that feels exciting, meaningful and real.

“Our goal is to increase student engagement and science proficiency by 10 percent on the North Carolina Science

Students in Tiffani Frink's class create mini-ecosystems in jars with rocks, activated charcoal, soil, moss, seedlings, water and live worms. Frink is in the lower left photo, to the right.

End-of-Grade test by the end of the 2024–2025 school year,” Frink says. “But beyond test scores, I want students to see themselves as scientists — capable, curious and full of potential.”

Water Cycle In A Bag was one of the first experiments the students conducted in their classroom. Students created a model of the earth’s water cycle by putting water in sealed plastic bags and taping the bags to a sunny window.

It sounds too simple, but Frink says the experiment was a big hit.

“Students were amazed to see evaporation, condensation and precipitation happening right on their classroom windows,” she says. “They checked on their bags each day like little scientists monitoring weather systems. It was amazing to see them connect the dots between something they had heard about and something they created themselves. I heard students excitedly saying ‘It’s raining in my bag.’”

One of the most popular experiments during the year was

EDUCATION

building mini-ecosystems in jars using plants, soil, water and live pill bugs and earthworms. The goal was for students to observe how producers and decomposers work together.

“Some students brought in critters from home to add to their jars,” Frink says. “It was absolutely

messy, but messy learning is memorable learning. Feeling squeamish about the bugs and the worms quickly turned into fascination. I reminded the students how real scientists approach the unknown — with curiosity and care.”

Experimenting with baking soda, vinegar, cornstarch and water and observing the resulting new substances from the chemical reactions was a classroom favorite.

Anne Korsen, St. James Foundation grant committee member, with student Nicholas Taylor.

“Students were amazed to see the bubbling reactions and how the gas

Above, Geri Margin, president of the St. James Foundation of North Carolina, and teacher Tiffani Frink watch students Jackson Clark and Ian Savio make mini ecosystems. Bottom right,

inflated balloons,” Frink says. “The experiment helped explain the challenging concept of conservation of mass in action. There were lots of ‘Whoas!’ that day, and students asked to do it again.”

The young scientists also tackled force and motion, how heat changes matter and even inherited genetic family traits. Each was accompanied with a hands-on experiment.

“Experiment days are electric,” Frink says. “The students buzz with excitement the moment they walk in the door. They collaborate in teams, ask thoughtful questions and engage in trial-and-error thinking. They are more vocal and more confident when working hands-on. There’s laughter, discovery and aha moments that every teacher hopes to see.”

Funding for some of the experiments was awarded to Virginia Williamson Elementary from the St. James Foundation of North Carolina, a 501(c)(3) organization investing solely in education in Brunswick County. The

foundation is committed to enhancing education through direct donations, required minimum distributions (RMDs) and qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from IRAs. These types of donations broaden the St. James Foundation funding sources to better serve the community.

When Frink identified the need in her classroom for more interactive student-centered science instruction, she applied for a grant from the foundation for supplies and materials.

“With the support of the St. James Foundation, I was able to bring my vision to life,” she says.

“STEM is the future,” Frink adds. “It teaches problem solving, creativity, collaboration and resilience. My classroom is built around the idea that learning should be active, joyful and relevant. Hundreds of students have benefited from the hands-on learning opportunities funded by the St. James Foundation that would have otherwise been out of reach.”

The St. James Foundation’s grant process is open to organizations involved in all facets of education including nonprofits that are delivering educational services in Brunswick County, schools, teachers, administrators and local government entities including museums and libraries. The next grant cycle runs from August 1 to October 15.

Frink says that her students’ parents have been incredibly supportive.

“Parents have shared that their kids are coming home excited about science, talking about what they’ve learned, and even trying to recreate experiments at home,” she says.

That is most encouraging for Frink.

“I bring science to life, making a big deal about how real this work is and how my students are doing what actual scientists do,” she says. “I believe that every child is a scientist at heart. Students just need the right opportunities to explore, wonder and discover.”

Who knows? Maybe the next Isaac Newton, Marie Curie or Albert Einstein, all who hailed from rural communities, will be from our own coastal Brunswick County. 

Learn more about educational grant opportunities from the St. James Foundation at stjamesfoundationnc.org.

Virginia Williamson Elementary Principal Joshua Futrell visits with the students in Frink's classroom.

Rebuilt & Rolling

Events like RipRide Ralley are proving that skateboarding is an all-inclusive sport and Oak Island’s rebuilt Kevin Bell Skatepark is a vital town resource.

BY EMORY RAKESTRAW | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENDA TORREY

Oak Island's Kevin Bell Skatepark, recently rebuilt after Hurricane Isaias, is a hot spot once again.

AAfter the Kevin Bell Skatepark was destroyed by Hurricane Isaias in August of 2020, Matt Troetti became instrumental in efforts to rebuild it. As the owner of the Oak Island skate shop Never Ever Boards, he has witnessed firsthand the positive impact skateboarding brings to the community.

“It’s overall good for the health of the community, it’s a dynamic resource that can be used for recreation and community, to bring people together,” Troetti says. “My initial idea to get the park back was that it adds some life to the area. We didn’t really have anything here for the youth. We pushed for it to be free for the community.”

Troetti’s work included garnering 2,000 signatures on the “Rebuild Oak Island’s Local Skate Park” petition and communicating with local newspapers, news stations and councilmembers. He describes it as a big fight with quite a bit of pushback.

In November of 2021, a bid to rebuild the skatepark was approved by the town council, with completion of the new Kevin Bell Skatepark in March of 2023. Since, Troetti has helped host upwards of 30 events at the skatepark, including the recent RipRide Ralley in collaboration with the Town of Oak Island.

The idea for RipRide Ralley came while Troetti was brainstorming an all-inclusive event with past collaborator and event judge Matt Martin. The two wanted to develop something that was inviting for

all levels and not trickdominated like past skate events.

“The town reached out around the same time, and I was like, we can do this event I’ve been thinking about,” Troetti says. “The town was a conduit for making the event happen and making it a lot easier.”

During the planning phase, Troetti worked closely with Jacob Hyle, recreation supervisor for the Town of Oak Island. Troetti served the role of event director, making the calls needed and doing the marketing. He also brought on two event partners, Good News Skate Night and The Heart of Stoke Foundation, Inc.

“I felt like they were perfect for that event,” Troetti says. “They’re both very wholesome.”

Good News Skate Night is a Christian ministry–based skate organization.

“What they do is deliver the message, but behind the rawness of skateboarding,” Troetti says.

Heart of Stoke is an organization that is pivotal in getting kids into skateboarding.

“Stoking somebody means you’re giving something to them for free,” Troetti says.

Above: RipRide Ralley organizers Jacob Hyle, Matt Troetti, Spencer Littlejohn and Matt Martin

SHRED FOR ALL

Kevin Bell Skatepark

9 Middle Park Complex: Intersection of SE 49th Street & E Dolphin Drive, beside the Oak Island Water Rescue Station

m (910) 278-5011

K oakislandnc.gov/ residents-visitors/parks-facilities/ kevin-bell-skatepark

“They give away skateboards to kids all around the country. There are chapters across the country, and we have one in our local area that serves Wilmington to Myrtle Beach. They reached out and said they’d love to be a part of our event.”

RipRide Ralley featured three skill levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced, with participants ranging in age from 7 up to 45 years old. Like Troetti’s initial plan, the event drew the interest of novice skateboarders and served as a confidence builder. Overall, more than 20 participants competed in the circuit race, with nearly 200 spectators attending.

The timed circuit race around the skatepark included a DJ

playing a chosen song for each participant. Cones were added depending on level to increase difficulty and create obstacles, with more advanced skaters able to ollie or show off tricks. The event also included live music, the Lobster Dogs Wilmington food truck, and prizes and raffles, including prizes for each competition division.

“Every skate event, in a sense, is to create awareness for skateboarding and show it can be all-inclusive,” Troetti says. “Specifically, you can come out here and have a good time. There are different types of things you can do with skateboarding that aren’t trick-based and still succeed and have fun.”

Troetti says the event also raised awareness for the skatepark.

“We have this cool park over here,” he says. “When people see everyone riding around, having a good time, they’re like, you know what, I can do that.”

Troetti now has his sights set on future events. For the re-opening day of the skatepark, he was able to bring professional skateboarder Anthony Shetler and his skate team to the event. The two have been in talks about future collaborations at Kevin Bell Skatepark, including expert-level skaters to demonstrate what is possible at the park.

“I think RipRide Ralley put a different filter on skateboarding itself,” Troetti says. “This added a lot of wholesomeness, fun and community. It showed we can seamlessly co-exist and the park can be really good for a lot of the families here. It’s a place anyone can enjoy. Having these events helps create that atmosphere.” 

BEACH RETREAT Storied A

The North Carolina Baptist Assembly at Fort Caswell on Oak Island, celebrating its 75th anniversary as a retreat and conference center in 2025, welcomes community guests when summer camps are not in session.

BY DAVID PUTNAM

Fort Caswell was originally established as a military fort in 1825 to protect the mouth of the Cape Fear River.

The North Carolina Baptist State Convention purchased it in 1949 for use as a retreat and conference center.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA COCKFIELD

The Point at the west end of Oak Island is known for its wide beach and stunning sunsets, while the east end boasts equally magnificent sunrises and historic Fort Caswell. The North Carolina Baptist Assembly at Fort Caswell is one of Brunswick County’s many treasures, and a place Director Brian Hemphill wants the community to embrace and enjoy.

Even though the tools of war have long been set aside, the weight of history hangs heavily in the air of Fort Caswell. It’s a place where many lives have been shaped and transformed, either

through spiritual awakening or by the horrors of battle. Much has transpired there, and an aura of reverence drapes over its live oaks like a thick blanket of Spanish moss.

I discovered Fort Caswell by accident in the early eighties when I was single, fresh out of college and a teacher who spent his summers as a part-time youth minister. When my best laid summer plans fell apart, I decided to gamble on a Youth Week at Fort Caswell. Back then, conditions were rustic, to put it mildly. Nonetheless, we were instantly mesmerized by Caswell’s charm and the historical significance of everything we touched.

We stayed in the barracks that first summer and placed our suitcases on oiled, hardwood floors beside vintage bunk beds with U.S. Army carved into their end rails. We spent sweltering, sleepless nights pondering the fates of unknown soldiers who had slept in our beds over a century earlier. Too hot to move, we would lie perfectly still, transfixed by the sweeping glow of Oak Island’s lighthouse until the late-night sea breezes blew through the tall windows, sent the curtains flying and chased away the hot, humid night. Eventually the breezes delivered sleep followed by mornings cool enough to make us pull the sheets up around our

necks long before daybreak.

The barracks are now airconditioned, and the oiled hardwoods covered with carpet, but the vintage beds remain. And therein lies the unique charm of Caswell — the careful juxtaposition of the old with the new. Many original buildings still stand in a wide circle overlooking a massive parade ground where soldiers once marched. Now, it is an enormous green space, a cherished spot for

walking and recreation, a space that overflows with laughter and joy.

Since the 1980s, many of Caswell’s buildings have been painstakingly repurposed, and extensive renovations have beautifully retained much of their originality, colors and floor plans, thanks in part to the monumental efforts of various Baptist men’s groups from across North Carolina. Caswell currently utilizes 57 buildings for lodging and meeting space. Many of them are original structures.

The fort’s former hospital, Lantana, used the third floor as a prison. Restored in 1999 for adult lodging space, it is one of Caswell’s oldest and largest structures, and it retains its surgical room. Adult lodging is also provided in Smith Conference Center (1989), one of the newer buildings on

In 2024 Fort Caswell hosted 42,285 guests for outdoor recreation, fellowship and stays in the restored and newer buildings that house sleeping quarters.

campus. Youth lodging is provided in most of the original buildings and Pelican and Seagull, Caswell’s newest additions that opened in 2021.

Fort Caswell was originally established as a military fort in 1825 to protect the mouth of the Cape Fear River. Named for the state’s first governor, Fort Caswell remained an active military installation until it was decommissioned in 1923. It was sold in 1925 to a Florida developer with plans to turn the fort into a resort that would utilize the campus’s two artesian wells

to provide naturally heated mineral water for the swimming pools, but the resort never became a reality.

In 1941 the Navy purchased Fort Caswell and briefly returned it to military service, but after World War II, it fell into disuse and disrepair again. The North Carolina Baptist State Convention purchased it in 1949 for $86,000 for use as a retreat and conference center. The first summer camps were held at Caswell in 1950, so 2025 marks their 75th anniversary.

Fort Caswell Director Brian

Hemphill welcomes all who would like to visit and tour the campus. As a valuable historical site with a colorful history, it is of considerable interest to both residents and visitors. Since every day in summer at Caswell is filled with programming for children and teenagers, the campus is closed to visitors during summer months when camps are in session for security. The campus entrance features a manned guardhouse, and while surrounded by a public beach and sand dunes, all points of ingress to Caswell are under constant video surveillance.

When camp is not in session, prospective visitors can purchase a day pass for $5 by simply calling the Caswell administrative office. The nominal cost provides insurance coverage for guests. Group tours can also be arranged through Caswell’s Coastal Education Program.

For nine weeks every summer, Caswell bustles with programming for youth and children. While thousands of teenagers from across the state attend Caswell’s Youth Weeks, hundreds of children attend either of its two day camps. Camp Seabreeze, for rising first through fifth graders, provides environmental education, creative projects, recreation, worship and free time at the pool or at the camp’s playground.

Coastal Explorers, for rising sixth through ninth graders, exposes campers to fishing, kayaking and

environmental topics such as weather and wave formation. Campers also enjoy daily free time on the beach and at the pool as well as various themed contests and activities. Seabreeze and Coastal Explorers, both ministries of North Carolina Baptists, are open to all families, and parents may choose as many weeks as they would like. Contact Caswell directly or visit their website for dates and prices.

Caswell values its strong connection to the community, and Hemphill invites everyone to take advantage of the many events they host for the public. Some of the most popular offerings include their Easter sunrise service, the Christmas Tour of Lights

and various concerts. In 2024 Caswell hosted 42,285 guests for a total of 109,052 guest nights. Although 85 percent of events that occur on campus are Baptist, the conference center also enjoys considerable use by other Christian denominations and nonprofits.

If you have never been to Fort Caswell, the Caswell staff would love for you to take advantage of the many opportunities and colorful history that await you there. Simply contact the administrative office for available times. Remember also to check their

Fort Caswell currently utilizes 57 buildings for lodging and meeting space. Many of them are original structures that have been repurposed and renovated.

Girl on the Go

Whether it’s behind the lens or organizing local events like the Oak Island Tide Sit-In, photographer Katie Dorsett Dye has plenty of energy to share with the people of Oak Island.

BY ASHLEY DANIELS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT MCGRAW & BILL RITENOUR

TThe people and places of Oak Island have a special place in the heart of photographer Katie Dorsett Dye.

Originally from Randolph County in the middle of the state, Dye moved to the Brunswick County coast in August 2019 on the cusp of the pandemic.

“I had always wanted to move to the beach, and I was at a crossroads in my life,” Dye says. “I told myself I would never wait to retire to move to the beach so I built my photography business through Facebook when I got here.”

But photography is not Dye’s only

gig. She also works at Crossroads Gathering Place on the island three mornings a week and at Salt 64 about four nights a week.

“It’s actually a pretty structured schedule,” she says. “I’m lucky to have bosses who are flexible. I also dog walk, too, once every couple of weeks.”

Dye’s Katie D Photography business is thriving. She is known for her landscape and family photography and has been voted Favorite Family Photographer four years in a row in the Southport Magazine Maggie Awards.

I have a big soft spot in my heart for our community, especially for helping out in any way I can... “

“Over the summer, my toes are in the sand in the evenings doing lots and lots of family photography for both locals and tourists,” she says. “And I have a soft spot for senior dogs. If someone has an animal about to pass away, I don’t really charge for those shoots. I just try to let them have some memories before they lose their pet.”

That is just one way Dye shows her passion for the people of Oak Island. She is frequently seen around town helping in other ways as well.

“Whenever there’s a fundraiser, I will show up and participate in some way, somehow, whether it’s donating art for an auction or photographing the event to help promote awareness,” she says.

Left, photographer Katie Dorsett Dye takes a rare rest on her porch swing; below, Katie, left, laughing it up at the Oak Island Tide Sit-In, which she founded three years ago.

“I have a big soft spot in my heart for our community, especially for helping out in any way I can whenever there is a tragedy.”

In fact, Dye started the first Oak Island Tide Sit-In, a fundraiser aimed at gathering much-needed donations and promoting awareness about the Oak Island and Caswell Beach sea turtle programs.

This July 13 will be the third annual Tide Sit-In, in which participants sit in their beach chairs at the water’s edge as the tide comes in. One by one the

waves take them out, and the last one sitting upright is the winner.

“A family in Sunset Beach started a sit-in about five years ago on 4th of July week, and a couple of years ago, people were sharing it on our local Facebook pages and saying, ‘We should do this,’” Dye says. “No one was taking the initiative, so I created the event on Facebook and we had over 100 participants that first year.”

The second year, they had almost 300 people and raised double the money. This year Dye is hoping to get around 500 people sitting on the beach.

“It’s such a fun event!” she says.

Formerly a paralegal for 15 years, Dye chose Oak Island because it is so animal friendly.

“I love animals,” she says. “My husband and I have dogs and a cat, our own little zoo.”

Dye says she also loves the tranquility of the island, the Mayberry feel, if you will.

“Some days I walk to work, stop at the diner, grab my breakfast, say hello at the gas station and pop on into work,” she says. “I love the simplicity of it. I’ve done the big city life, but I like the small-town feel and the community that is created around here — it’s so beneficial and rewarding.”

In summer Dye can be found on the beach during a family photo session, at the Oak Island summer farmers markets selling her photo art, at her side jobs, at the Tide Sit-In event or just helping out the community in some way.

“I love seeing people and meeting people and getting my face out there selling my work, she says. “That’s one of my favorite things.” 

GET IN ON THE SIT IN

Oak Island Tide Sit-In July 13 at 5 pm

9 Middleton Park Beach Access, 46th Street SE, Oak Island

Bring your own beach chair (standard size; beach and camping chairs are accepted, but only standard regulation size) and a donation of your choosing. They will also have Venmo available (check Facebook) for donating closer to and on the day of the sit-in.

E Oak Island 3rd Annual Tide Sit In

PHOTO BY

In 2000 the EPA declared that recycling is one of the best ways to slow climate change.

Teamwork Makes Recycling Work

What you need to know about environmentalism and recycling in Brunswick County.

BY RICK MARGIN

Recycling can be confusing. I get it. I got involved on the industry side of recycling beginning in the late 1980s and have witnessed many twists and turns as recycling has evolved.

For the last two years I have been a student of recycling in Brunswick County to better understand the key participants and the process. I have toured both our landfill and local sorting facility, and I can assure you that recycling is working well in

our county. I may even surprise you with my findings.

Recycling's direct connection to environmentalism is only 50 years old. But that connection is critical to reducing the waste we are needlessly forcing Mother Earth to absorb.

As Jeremy Baker, landfill supervisor for Brunswick County Operation Services, told me, “Our Solid Waste and Recycling Division’s number one priority is to divert placing anything into the Brunswick Landfill because we’re running out of space.”

His comment is echoed by landfill operators across America.

Where does my waste end up?

Landfills remain the primary form of disposal for municipal solid waste, but this graphic shows how well the waste industry has successfully diverted trash from landfills in the time between 1960 and 2018. The amount of solid waste has increased over time, also highlighting the need to reduce and reuse.

In the U.S. the total generation of municipal solid waste in 2018 was 292.4 million tons Of that,

was recycled or composted

Recycling Composting

Combustion with Energy Recovery Landfill Other Food Management MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE

Source: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

History of American Recycling

WORLD WAR I

1914-1918

The first recycling slogan, Don’t Waste It, Save It, was created. Due to large-scale material shortages, the government created the Waste Reclamation Service.

THE GREAT DEPRESSION

1929-1939

This was a time of huge shortages, so citizens were encouraged to recycle everything — scrap metal, cloth, paper, sacks and more.

WORLD WAR II

1939-1945

Recycling became critical to the war effort. Materials were commonly recycled, reused and rationed — everything from rubber to nylon and scrap metal.

RECYCLING TRANSITIONS from HUMAN SURVIVAL to ENVIRONMENTALISM

1970 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is created. Earth Day & the iconic term Reduce, Reuse, Recycle are introduced

1981 First Curbside Recycling Program opens in Woodbury, New Jersey

1988-1992

U.S. Curbside Recycling Programs grow from 1,050 to 5,202. The numbered 1-7 chasing arrows logo is introduced for plastic material identification

2000

The EPA declares that recycling is one of the best ways to slow climate change

No trash has been deposited into the Brunswick County Landfill since 1998. Rather, it is primarily used for construction and demolition debris.

All non-recycled municipal solid waste is hauled to the Sampson County Landfill, a trip of over 100 miles from Southport. Materials collected for recycling are handled separately.

To best understand the process, let’s begin with our recycling service provider, GFL Environmental Inc. GFL is Brunswick County’s primary waste management company and the fourth-largest diversified environmental services company in North America.

In Brunswick County residents can sign up for GFL’s curbside recycling collection service or drop off accepted recyclables at any of the 13 drop-off sites throughout the county. The recyclable materials are transported to the recycling transfer station at the Brunswick County Landfill, where they are deposited in large transfer buildings and then hauled to a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Wilmington for processing.

Sonoco Products Company, the operator of our local MRF, sorts and bales recyclable materials such as cardboard, plastics, metals and glass. These are resold to commodity brokers and end markets mostly in in the Carolinas, and they will be eventually become new products. My tour of this facility was very eye-opening given the huge array of shapes and sizes of all the objects that their machinery must accommodate.

Homeowner error means that 20% of recyclables are not recycled.

According to Nick Formica, plant manager of Sonoco’s recycling MRFs in Wilmington and Jacksonville, “We successfully recycle 80% of all incoming materials. The remaining 20% wasn’t properly recycled and should never have been in our system. If a homeowner recycles properly, we will process 100% of their content.”

Recycling is also working well all around the state.

According to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Deputy Director of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service Division Wendy Worley, “More than 60 North Carolina manufacturers rely on recycled material to make essential products like toilet paper, shipping boxes, packaging, plastic piping and many other products. We consistently hear from North Carolina manufacturers that they cannot get enough supply of recyclable material to meet the demand for their recycled-content product.”

One of the least understood recycling issues is the proper disposal of plastic bags and film wrap, which absolutely cannot be placed in your recycling container. The reason is simple. They jam up the sorting equipment at the MRF, causing expensive stoppages. However, stretchable plastic bags and film wrap are 100% recyclable and are accepted at the collection containers in front of all big-box retailers. I have contacted most of their corporate offices to confirm how they manage the collected plastic bags and film.

A sorting belt inside of Sonoco’s Wilmington facility.

Plastic bags and film are recyclable at Food Lion.

According to Troy Leshko, vice president of retail services at the 1,100+ store retailer Food Lion, “We process millions of pounds of plastic bags and film through our partnership with Trex Company. Because of the program, our Brunswick County neighbors can drop off clean plastic film at our stores while allowing us to divert plastic film from the landfill. It also helps manage costs associated with waste and recycling.”

The evolution of recycling has recently reached a massively important moment, and you will hear more about this in the future. Extended Product Responsibility (EPR) and Circularity policies are being adopted globally, shifting the responsibility from the taxpayer to manufacturers to ensure that their products are designed to be environmentally friendly and that they are easily recycled.

Legislative actions are progressing in several states, including North Carolina.

Are You Recycling?

Recycling is a core environmental community responsibility. According to Joshua Toler, GFL’s Brunswick County general manager, “We offer a recycling subscriber rate that averages around 50 cents per day. On a monthly basis that works out to the cost of a pizza. Given the environmental benefits, that’s a real bargain.”

Depending on your location, recycling costs are either absorbed by the town and then passed along in your utility bill (e.g. Southport, Oak Island) or paid directly to GFL by the individual residential subscriber (e.g. St. James, Boiling Springs Lake).

IF YOU’RE NOT RECYCLING, please reconsider your decision and contact GFL at (910) 253-4177. Recycling is real.

Recycling Right?

Recycling receptacles at Food Lion

Family and Faith

Bolivia residents Brian and Kristen Wood, parents of six children, including three adopted children with special needs, hope their story inspires others to make room in their hearts for children in need of a loving family.

BY THERESA RAVENCRAFT PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENDA TORREY

BBrian and Kristen Wood, both registered nurses, are native North Carolinians and current residents of Bolivia. They moved their family back to the area in October 2024 when Brian accepted the position of high school director and teaching pastor with Generations Church in Southport. Kristen works in healthcare as a private case manager.

The couple met while attending Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst. They were nursing students and got married following graduation. As many couples do, they began building their family, allowing faith to guide them throughout their journey. Now they are parents to six children.

Graysen

Graysen, now 17 years old, was born shortly after Brian and Kristen graduated college and moved to Fayetteville. He is the oldest of their six children, an avid athlete and has a gentle heart.

“Graysen helped me grow up a bit,” Kristen says. “I had just started my job as a NICU nurse when we had him. He is a super sweet kid and wants to be a nurse someday, too.”

Blake

After 18 months of trying to conceive a third biological child, the couple’s prayers were answered, and Blake was born in 2016 while the family was living in Southport.

“Blake is witty and outspoken. He acts much older than he seems and is wise and nurturing with his younger siblings,” Kristen says.

Shortly after Blake was born, the family moved to Chesapeake, Virginia, where their new church family inspired them to continue their journey with adoption.

Emma Rae

Two years later, the Woods welcomed their daughter, Emma Rae, to their growing family. She is a true leader in everything she does.

“She is the spit fire in the family,” Kristen says. “She loves Jesus and is very active in youth group at church. She wants to go into ministry like her Daddy.”

After Emma Rae was born, Brian and Kristen found themselves in a situation that many couples have experienced. They had two children and hoped and prayed for a third child but could not conceive. This is when the couple began exploring adoption.

“It was something we talked about and wanted to learn more about,” Brian says. “We just knew we had room in our hearts and our home for another child.”

Friends had adopted a little girl from China. After praying about it, the Woods decided to move forward with adopting Katie, a Chinese child with special needs.

The adoption process was uneventful until early 2020. After being told that they were approved to go to China to pick up their new daughter, Brian and Kristen received devastating news.

“Covid interrupted our plans,” Brian says. “They said we could not go to China because people were sick and dying and it wasn’t safe to travel.”

While the news was heartbreaking, the couple knew that God had a plan for their family.

As they waited to hear further news about Katie, the Woods learned of other countries that had reopened the process of adoption. Through an online service, they found Viktoria, a girl with cerebral palsy in Bulgaria. With no signs of the adoption of Katie moving forward, they took the necessary steps to adopt Viktoria.

“Anyone who is looking at adoption should prepare themselves for curveballs but stay strong, because when you have your child in your arms, it is worth it,” Kristen says.

Makenna

Brian and Kristen were notified in 2022, while living in Virginia, of a child with severe medical issues who had been born to a family in Lynchburg. Their social worker called and wanted to know if the Woods would foster Makenna.

“She was unexpected and just fell in our lap,” Kristen says. “We were told she wouldn’t walk or talk and may not live long. It was a big decision. She has a rare chromosome disorder and there wasn’t a lot of information on what we could expect.”

Brian and Kristen sat down with their biological children to share Makenna’s story. After talking through it together, they unanimously decided to foster Makenna, who was 16 months old.

Katie

Ten months, later in July of 2023, the Woods were notified that travel restrictions had been lifted, and they had been approved to go to China to bring Katie home. They had waited for more than three years for this news. Katie is now a happy 7-year-old with Down Syndrome.

“She has come a long way. Katie’s very smart and has a sweet spirit. Her living conditions in China were terrible. She’s learning how to be a human, learning new freedoms and expanding her horizons,” Kristen says.

Brian and Kristen made the long trip home from China on September 8, 2023, relieved to finally be bringing Katie home. Upon landing at the airport in Atlanta, Kristen checked her messages and found an email stating that they had been approved to go to Bulgaria to pick up Viktoria.

St. James Community Center Renamed Homer E. Wright Event Center at St. James

April 17 in the Town of St. James

 The Town of St. James held a heartfelt ceremony to rename the St. James Community Center as the Homer E. Wright Event Center. This special event honored the incredible legacy of Homer E. Wright, whose vision and dedication transformed St. James into the thriving coastal community it is today. Starting in 1982, Wright, alongside his partners Claude Smith and John Atkinson, developed the area from 2,500 acres to an expansive

6,000 acres. His efforts culminated in the official incorporation of the Town of St. James in 1999, solidifying its place as a peaceful paradise by the sea. The renaming, decided by the Town Council in November 2024 following Wright’s passing, ensures his contributions will be remembered for generations. The ceremony brought the community together to celebrate a man whose vision left an enduring legacy.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENDA TORREY

Oak Island Spring Fling Market & Music

March 22 at Middleton Park Complex

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SANDI GRIGG

 The Oak Island Spring Fling Market & Music drew a large, enthusiastic crowd to the Middleton Park Complex. With warm, sunny weather setting the perfect backdrop, the event offered free entry for all attendees. Visitors enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere filled with artisanal booths, delicious food vendors, a kids’ zone and live music by the talented Hood’s Creek. It was a delightful way for the community to bid farewell to winter and embrace the joys of spring.

Badges Boats & Boots

May 18 at Middleton Park Complex

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

BRENDA TORREY

 The Badges, Boats & Boots softball game is a annual event brought together by U.S. Coast Guard Station Oak Island, Oak Island Police Department and other first responders for a friendly community competition. Spectators enjoyed watching the teams compete and celebrate the spirit of camaraderie.

Oak Island Seafood Festival

May 3 at Middleton Park Complex

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENDA TORREY

 The Oak Island Seafood Festival delighted attendees at Middleton Park Complex. The event featured cooking demos, a peel-and-eat shrimp competition, live music by The Ford Project, food trucks with lots of local seafood options, and a craft fair. It was a perfect spring day filled with fun, food and community spirit!

Paws for the Cause

April 26 at Dutchman Creek Park

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE D PHOTOGRAPHY

 The 3rd Annual Paws for the Cause event was a resounding success, bringing the community together for a day filled with fun, education, and support for a great cause. After the park event, everyone went to Rusty Hooks to join owners James and Cindy Capps for food, beverages and a chilly dunk tank. A big thank you to the Brunswick County Wellness Center (BCWC) team, along with dedicated staff, volunteers, friends and family for making this event possible. Their efforts helped raise awareness about Parkinson’s Disease and supported BCWC’s mission to improve the quality of life for those in our community. This incredible day highlighted the power of community, support and fun in making a difference.

Fashion with Friends

May 1 at Homer E. Wright Event Center

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZEB STARNES

 The 2nd Annual Fashion with Friends runway show showcased spring fashion from nine local boutiques and outfitters in the Southport-Oak Island area, including Boo & Roos, Cattail Cottage, Dainty Fire Boutique, Hive Sweet Home, Ocean Outfitters/Southport Market, The Pearl, River Road Animal Hospital, Southport Beauty Bar, and Styled by Tracy, Independent Cabi Stylist. Guests enjoyed a lively evening with dinner, dessert, swag bags, gift basket drawings and a Kentucky Derbythemed best hat contest. The Booze Buggy added to the fun, serving wine and signature drinks. Sponsored by local businesses, the event was organized by the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce to support and connect the local business community.

Business Networking After Hours

March 25 at Cape Fear Fitness

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZEB

 The Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce held its March Business Networking After Hours at Cape Fear Fitness at 5130 SouthportSupply Road, Suite 103 in the Dutchman Plaza Shopping Center. Cape Fear Fitness, a locally owned

STARNES

full-service gym since 2008, is known for its modern facilities, premium classes, personal trainers and nutrition programs like Clean Eatz. Cape Fear Fitness is part of a larger brand that includes Cape Fear Yoga and Wellness Center, CrossFit Southport, Cape Fear

Gymnastics, Game Changer Strength and Conditioning and CrossFit Ocean Isle Beach.

Samara’s Village Baby Shower

Throughout March at Samara's Village in Southport

 During the month of March, the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Ladies’ Guild organized a successful baby shower drive to support the Nancy Seitz Dresser Project and Samara’s Village. The community came together to donate new baby items, including clothing (infant to 4T), diapers, wipes, toys, baby monitors and more. Cash donations helped provide essential items like cribs, strollers, car seats and high chairs for young families in need. Samara’s Village, a local nonprofit, supports young parents during their child’s first three years by offering parenting education, mentorship and resources to empower families in Brunswick County. The Ladies’ Guild extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated and supported this meaningful cause.

Earth Day/Arbor Day Festival

April 26 at Middleton Park Complex and Bill Smith Park

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENDA TORREY

 The Town of Oak Island celebrated Earth Day and Arbor Day with events at Middleton Park Complex and Bill Smith Park. Attendees enjoyed educational booths, demonstrations and interactive activities at Middleton Park and a tree

dedication ceremony, food trucks, an orienteering course and a giveaway of 100 live oak saplings at Bill Smith Park. The event concluded with the planting of two live oaks, symbolizing the town’s commitment to environmental preservation.

50th Anniversary of Caswell Beach

May 20 at Duffer's Pub & Grill

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENDA TORREY

 The Town of Caswell Beach, incorporated in 1975, celebrated its 50th anniversary on May 20 at Duffer's Pub & Grill at the Oak Island Golf Course. Attendees enjoyed an evening of fun, food, music and community spirit, honoring the town’s rich history and bright future. The event brought the community together for a memorable celebration.

13th Annual Diamonds & Denim Charity Ball

March 7 at St. James Community Center

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZEB STARNES

[01] Julie Starnes, Wanza Wiley, Bruce Wiley, Zeb Starnes, Gary Zeszotarski, Barbara Zeszotarski, Chris Kain, Judy Kain [02] Tim Clemmons, Kolandra Williams, James Williams [03] Tru Sol Band

[04] Sharon Thompson, Randy Thompson [05] Jon Evans, Sheila Evans [06] Leighann Forte, Mike Forte [07] Sheriff Brian Chism, Serena Chism, Amanda Reynolds, Elliott Reynold [08] Tim Lowry, Sarah Lowry [09] Steve Barger, Brandi Barger, Megan Farmer, Tim Farmer

July August September

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8 6:56 3.4 7:27 4.7

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11:12 4.1 11:28 4.8 5:10 0.1 5:14 0.2

12:04 4.3 5:53 -0.1 6:07 0.3 16 12:17 4.6 12:59 4.5 6:38 -0.1 7:04 0.4

17 1:10 4.4 1:56 4.7 7:27 -0.1 8:08 0.4

18 2:07 4.2 2:58 4.9 8:23 -0.1 9:17 0.5

19 3:10 4.0 4:00 5.0 9:24 -0.1 10:24 0.4

20 4:14 3.9 5:00 5.1 10:24 -0.2 11:25 0.4

21 5:17 3.8 6:00 5.2 11:22 -0.2

22 6:18 3.9 6:57 5.3 12:24 0.3 12:19 -0.2

23 7:16 3.9 7:50 5.4

30 2:29 3.3 3:05 4.2 8:28 0.8 9:36 0.9