Topsail Magazine Fall 2023 Edition

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GLAMPING AT THE BEACH

REOPENING GODWIN’S MARKET THE FAR REACHING IMPACTS OF N SEA OYSTER CO.

TOPSAIL AREA’S FIRST DISTILLERY

FALL LOVE

Surf City & Topsail Island are unique and magical places, so where better to have a fun gift shop full of casual, coastal cleverness?

910-650-2891

ShopCoralCottage.com

becky@coralcottageboutiques.com

14061 NC Highway 50 E Surf City, NC

@coralcottageboutiques

Coral Cottage is the shore thing when it comes to home décor, furniture, original art, books, women’s accessories and more! Stop in and shop our bevy of beach-inspired items from house wares to hostess gifts and hilarious whatnots. We promise you that shopping at Coral Cottage will make you giggle, blush, laugh out loud and pray that your stay could last just a bit longer.

IMPLANT SURGERY & RESTORATION

FEATURES

48 CARRYING ON THE TRADITION

Islanders Jane and Robert Jeffreys have reopened Topsail Beach’s beloved Godwin’s Market, which dates all the way back to 1949.

By Pat Fontana

60 GLAMPING AT THE BEACH

Oceans RV Resort in Holly Ridge is a new luxury campground within easy reach of the Topsail beaches.

By Annesophia Richards

66 OF SALT AND SEA

With N Sea Oyster Co. and Oyster Barn dinners, Conor and Alyssa MacNair are keeping the waters clean, feeding people tasty oysters and contributing to the Topsail-area communities.

By Dalene Bickel

DEPARTMENTS

31 COMMUNITY

Learn the history and meanings behind the beach flags around Topsail Island.

37 W HAT’S NEW

With Hidden Ships Distillery in Surf City, Andy and Amy Szwejbka have opened Topsail Island’s first distillery and craft cocktail bar.

43 PEOPLE

After working all over the world, Steve Smith retired to Topsail Beach and now, as the town's mayor, he's just as busy as ever.

55 NONPROFIT

With consent from Sheriff Alan Cutler, Hampstead resident Cynthia Tart led the charge to establish the Pender Sheriff’s Charitable Foundation.

73 SPORTS

For Andrew and Devon Kovacs, Topsail Island is not only home but also a playground for their favorite sport of kiteboarding.

77 A ROUND TOWN

The Pender County Bicycle and Pedestrian plan looks to the future.

IN

28 W HAT’S HAPPENING

81 BUSINESS PROFILES

85 SNIPPETS

94 TIDE CHART

97 ADVERTISERS INDEX

98 CAPTURE THE MOMENT

PHOTO BY JAMES STEFIUK

PHOTO BY VICKY OLIVER

PHOTO BY CITY 2 SEA MEDIA

PHOTO BY VICKY OLIVER

Open seven days

Brunch Saturday and Sunday

SEE WEBSITE FOR CURRENT HOURS, www.lowtidesteakhouse.com

Fall 2023 Issue — Volume 4, Issue 4

CEO/PUBLISHER: Justin Williams

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Sandi Grigg

COPY EDITOR: Molly Harrison

CONTRIBUTING GRAPHICS: L iza Barry Teresa Kramer

S amantha Lowe E lizabeth Dale Niemann

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Megan Henry Brian Wilner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS:

D aria Amato C ity 2 Sea Media

Pat Fontana A dam Hawley

Vicky Oliver M att Ray

Bill Ritenour James Stefiuk

Unique Media & Design

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

D alene Bickel K ate M Carey

Pat Fontana K atheryn Green

S andi Grigg M ike Johnson

Jo Ann Mathews A nnesophia Richards

Melissa Slaven Warren

FOUNDER: B.J. Cothran

PUBLISHED BY: CAROLINA MARKETING COMPANY, INC.

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

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

©2023 Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. strives to bring correct, accurate information that is published in the magazine. However, Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. cannot be held responsible for any consequences resulting from errors or absences. Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. also cannot be held responsible for the services provided by any and all advertisers in our publications. All material in this magazine is property of Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. and may not be reproduced without authorization from the publisher. Topsail Magazine — A Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. publication is published four times per year and is distributed to residents and businesses in Pender & Onslow County, NC, to subscribers and to select areas of New Hanover County, NC. Interested in back issues, subscriptions or advertising? Contact us at (910) 207-0156 or info@TopsailMag.com.

About the cover:

Unique Media & Design captured our cover image of Topsail Island on a picture-perfect day heading into fall, when ocean conditions were prime for stunning tropical hues. Light offshore winds kept sediment near the ocean floor, resulting in several days of calm, Caribbean blue waters.

Dalene Bickel CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I am a freelance writer and founder of Lasting Legacies (lasting-legacies.net), where I serve as a biographer, nonfiction book coach and legacy speaker. I am the author of The One-Year Collection of Weekly Writing Prompts , have co-authored multiple autobiographies and have contributed to anthologies, local magazines and online publications. A resident of Hampstead for more than 20 years, I enjoy spending time at the beach, reading and sipping java at area coffee shops. I am a history buff who enjoys discovering the stories of the past (both near and far) while also appreciating the amazing opportunities of the present. Life is truly an adventure, full of people and experiences worth writing about! Follow me on Facebook at LastingLegaciesBios.

Vicky Oliver CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Based out of Sneads Ferry, I love being a photographer in the Topsail area. I grew up in Virginia, moved here almost 10 years ago and could not imagine leaving. I met my husband six years ago, and we have two spoiled pups. I also work for a general contractor, which I really enjoy. My husband surfs, and when we met, I started using my camera again, staying on the shoreline watching him catch waves through my lens. This beautiful island led me to my find my passion for art again and indulge in it through photography. I specialize in families, weddings, couples and maternity portraits. I also offer senior sessions, dance portraits, corporate portraits and commercial photography. I strive to capture the emotions you're feeling, exuding and want to always remember. My goal is to create an experience that you'll always remember!

Bill Ritenour

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

My first camera was a Kodak Instamatic back in 1966. It was not much of a camera but it got me interested in photography. I started seeing things differently and appreciating things more than before. There are so many things in everyday life that I had never really noticed before. I started composing images in the viewfinder of my camera, isolating what I wanted to emphasize in the finished photograph. The main thing I learned with time is how important light is as an element. Light affects color, shadows, contrast, texture, mood and the impact of an image. My wife and I moved from Richmond, Virginia, to Wilmington in 2011. After five years of visiting our daughter and her husband, and after the birth of their first child, we knew it was time to make the move. Wilmington and the surrounding area had already become to feel more like home than Richmond. With the beautiful coastline, slower pace of living and friendly people, we have never regretted the move. We are proud to be Tar Heels.

Enjoy the Off-Season F

Fall is here. Clear the air. Back to school. Ring the bell.

That’s a rip-off from the song “We Are Going to Be Friends” by The White Stripes. Every time September comes around, all these things come to mind and this song gets stuck in my head. I don’t know about you, but this time of year I am always ready to get back into the school-year routines and cooler weather.

Now that the craziness of summer is over, I hope everyone is also excited about the months ahead. We all greatly appreciate our visitors, but I think that all locals will agree that it is nice to “get the beach back” for the off-season.

Speaking of visitors, Pender County Tourism recently reported that 2023 was the county’s best tourism year ever — even better than during the pandemic, and that’s saying something. I can believe it, though, based on the number of people on Topsail Island this summer! More and more people are discovering the Topsail area, not only to visit, but also to make a home in this amazing place.

Whether they are longtime locals or new to the area, so many people around here make their living in the tourism sector, and in this issue you’ll meet some of them. People like Andy and Amy Szwejbka, who have opened Hidden Ships Distillery, the area’s first distillery; Conor and Alyssa MacNair, who keep the local waters clean and feed people with their oyster farm N Sea Oyster Co.; and Jane and Robert Jeffreys, who have restored the beloved Godwin’s Market in Topsail Beach.

Of course, with increased tourism comes the need for careful community management, and that’s a lot of work. In this issue you’ll also meet locals who are dedicated to our community, including Topsail Beach Mayor Steve Smith and Hampstead resident Cynthia Tart, who helped get the Pender Sheriff’s Charitable Foundation off the ground. And you will learn about a plan to make Pender County more bicycle and pedestrian friendly.

My team and I love putting this content together, and we hope you enjoy this issue of Topsail Magazine. Please make sure you tell our article subjects and advertisers you saw them here — we could not do this without them.

Have a great fall!

Justin Williams Owner/Publisher Publisher@TopsailMag.com

PHOTO BY MATT MCGRAW

HAMPSTEAD’S NEW LIBRARY

Pender County Library

invites public input on the location of the new Hampstead Library.

Pender County is contemplating the construction of a new, larger library in Hampstead and is seeking public feedback on the location. The new library would replace the existing Hampstead Branch.

Two options are under consideration, both on U.S. Highway 17. The first option is to renovate and expand the existing Hampstead Branch on Library Drive (across the street from Taco Bell and Wendy’s), while the second proposes constructing an entirely new library next to the Pender County Government Annex in Hampstead (across the street from Bojangles).

JINGLE SING-OFF

Rocky Point Elementary wins $5,000 for its orchestra program.

Rocky Point Elementary School was one of 10 grand prize winners in the Michael & Son's Services Jingle Sing-Off contest. A grand prize check for $5,000 was recently presented to the school after music teacher Laura Black submitted an entry for the contest.

"These funds will go toward purchasing instruments for the Rocky Point Elementary Orchestra program," Black says. "We were also just awarded a $1,000 grant from The Mockingbird Foundation on June 13."

GETTING THE WORD OUT ABOUT PENDER COUNTY

Pender County Tourism and Carolina Marketing Company are collaborating to publish the 2024 Visitor Guide for Pender County. For its 2024 Visitor Guide, Pender County Tourism will collaborate with Carolina Marketing Company for an amazing guide promoting Pender County.

Pender County Tourism Office is the official tourism office of Pender County, working closely with state tourism office Visit NC to represent and promote Pender County and the surrounding area. The office also works in collaboration with the local chambers of commerce. Carolina Marketing Company is the publisher of Topsail Magazine, North Brunswick Magazine, South Brunswick Magazine and the new SPT OKI Magazine as well as other regional guides and magazines in southeastern North Carolina.

CONTINUE READING

THE FUTURE OF FIREFIGHTING

Surf City Fire Department hosted its first Kids Recruit Academy for ages 7 to 11 in August.

By Pat Fontana

Families looking for something different for kids to do in Surf City this summer had a great new option. Kids donned turnout gear, joined a platoon of firefighters and even watched a medical helicopter in action. These are just some of the activities Surf City Fire Department offered in its first annual Kids Recruit Academy.

A GROWING BUSINESS

Franchising expands Burrito Shak’s footprint across North Carolina and South Carolina.

Burrito Shak’s fresh, tasty food, friendly beach vibe and affordable prices have made it a favorite Hampstead dining spot for nearly eight years. Those ingredients have also made the restaurant a successful franchise.

Burrito Shak’s founder, David Longo, is a Wilmington native who grew up in Topsail. He graduated from Johnson & Wales University’s culinary school and then served as a sous chef in Charleston and Hawaii before returning home to work in dining establishments such as Castle Bay Country Club and Beauchaines 221.

CONTINUE READING ONLINE |

Lt. Timothy VanPelt, who oversees community programs for the fire department, came up with the idea for the academy, which was similar to going through an actual fire academy.

Go FIGure

Who knew the sweetness of figs, the freshness of rosemary and the piney taste of gin could come together for such a tasty cocktail?

BY SANDI GRIGG

II did not grow up eating figs. In fact, the first time I tried a fresh fig I was in my thirties and they were on a charcuterie board provided at an event I attended. There were little teardrop-shaped purple halves with pink flesh laying around the board, and, honestly, I thought they were fake and just a garnish. I picked one up to inspect it when the host came up to me and said, “Eat it.” So I did.

The flavor was mild and sweet, while the texture was complex, including the chewiness of the fruit and the crunchiness of the seeds. Prior to that moment, I had only had dried figs or a fig bar, but this was more honey-like sweetness with a slight hint of berry.

Figs are rich in nutrients such as magnesium, calcium and

potassium. They are also naturally fat-free and cholesterol-free, so you can feel good about adding them into your diet (even into your cocktails!). Fresh figs are typically available May through November in the produce section.

The sweet and fragrant fig syrup I created for this gin cocktail is perfect to enjoy during the fall months, plus it is easy to make. The fig syrup takes about 20 minutes to make, and you will have extra to store in the fridge for future use or more drinks.

The sweet and fruity flavor combination of the fig pairs perfectly with the fresh herbal rosemary and piney taste of the gin. Topped off with a bit of tonic water, you have the perfect fall evening sipper.

SWEET FIG AND ROSEMARY GIN

Makes 1 drink

INGR EDI ENTS

For the Fig Syrup:

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

2 medium figs, halved

2 springs of rosemary

For the Cocktail:

1½ ounce gin

1 squeeze of lemon

8 ounces tonic water

1 sprig of rosemary

1 fig half for garnish

METHOD

For the Fig Syrup: Bring the water to a boil then add the sugar. Stir until it dissolves. Add the figs and simmer for 15 minutes.

Add the rosemary and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Strain the liquid and store it in the

fridge for up to a month.

For the Cocktail: Fill a lowball glass with ice.

Add the gin, 1½ ounces of Fig Syrup and a squeeze of lemon. Top up with tonic water.

Garnish with a fig half and a sprig of rosemary.

Passing It On

My mother’s Baked Bean Casserole is my go-to dish when I’m asked to “bring a side,” and I’m always asked to share the recipe.

BY SANDI GRIGG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES STEFIUK

Whether you call it a hot dish, a bake or a casserole, we can all agree that this Baked Bean Casserole recipe is Southern comfort food at its very best and it’s one that you will most certainly pass on.

This casserole is my designated covered dish as I have taken it to most of the cookouts that I have been invited to. It is popular among all ages and it goes great with just about any meat including barbecue, chicken, steak and even fried seafood. It never fails, there is always someone who asks me for the recipe. It is also great for a one-dish dinner. I will never forget about 20 years ago when my family was invited to a cookout with friends. The hosts were grilling burgers, and everyone was asked to bring a side dish or dessert. But the hosts specifically requested that my mother make her Baked Bean Casserole. On our way, we picked up my aunt and uncle. My Uncle Bob sat in the back holding my mom’s casserole on his lap. Once we arrived, he hopped out of the car, turned to use his elbow to shut the door and by accident slung the casserole against the car as the momentum of his upper torso shut the door. There were beans all over the side of the vehicle.

The disappointment from the partygoers was evident as they knew they were not going to get any Baked Bean Casserole, but the

complete comedy of the entire situation was also in full display by the belly laughs. Uncle Bob was mortified, but the bit of beans that remained were gently placed in a container like some sort of precious gold and gobbled up before the buffet table was even open.

The original recipe my mother passed on to me calls for fewer lima beans because she is not as fond of them. Feel free to reduce the lima beans or even the kidney beans if you don’t like them as much. The recipe calls for dark kidney beans, but you can certainly use light kidney beans instead. You can also incorporate sautéed green peppers with the onions, but my son does not like green peppers so typically I leave those out. I have even substituted ketchup when I was out of tomato paste, and the flavor was just as delicious.

This casserole is one I make time and time again, and I think you will also. Not only do I frequently make this for covererd-dish gatherings but the leftovers (if there are any) make for a great lunch or dinner all by itself. Please pass on the recipe as I am sure your friends and family will request it.

Did you know?

Worcestershire sauce, concocted by two pharmacists in England, adds depth and savoriness to baked beans.

WHAT’S COOKIN’ WITH SOUTHERN SANDI

Baked Bean Casserole

Serves 8

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. ground beef

8 slices of bacon, cut into pieces

1 onion, chopped

6 ounces tomato paste

12 ounces tomato sauce

1 teaspoon yellow mustard

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

15 ounces lima beans, strained

15 ounces dark kidney beans, strained

30 ounces pork n beans

¼ cup brown sugar

Salt and pepper

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef until done and remove from the pan to drain.

In the same pan over medium/high heat, fry the bacon pieces. When the bacon is about halfway done, add the onions and cook until the bacon bits are done and the onion pieces are opaque. Remove from the pan to drain the grease.

Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl.

Pour into a large, greased baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

Enjoy!

Q Southern.Sandi

New Seed Library Launched at Pender County Library’s Hampstead Branch

for residents. Each year NACo’s Achievement Awards are given in 18 categories that reflect the comprehensive services that counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, county administration, information technology, health, civic engagement and more. Each nominated program is judged on its own merits and not against other applications. The Beach Clean program urges residents and visitors to Leave No Trace. They are encouraged to use trash containers, bring no glass to the beach, pick up after pets, fill in the holes dug on the beach and reduce the use of plastics. The program discourages the use of plastic bags on the beach or on waterways and the release of balloons on the beach.

Denise Pollock Recognized as Southeast Region CIMC of the Year

The Topsail Township Friends of the Library received a $1,000 grant from the Pender County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association for the initial setup of a seed library. A variety of vegetables, herbs and flower seeds are available to Pender County Library patrons for free. Patrons may select up to five seed packets to take home and plant. To restock the seed library, the public is encouraged to harvest seeds from their crop and donate them back to the seed library. The goal of the seed library is to promote community, improve local sustainable food sources and enhance food security. The seed library is housed in a repurposed card catalog cabinet. The labels for the seed library were hand-drawn by Meg McGrew, owner of Elegant Envelopes in Wilmington, who donated her time and talent. The seed library is open during regular library hours. For more information or assistance, call Pender County Library’s Hampstead branch at (910) 270- 4603.

Pender County Earns Award for Beach Clean Project

Pender County has been recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for its Beach Clean program. The award honors innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services

Pender County Schools Curriculum & Instructional Management Coordinator (CIMC) Denise Pollock was recognized as the Southeast Regional CIMC of the Year during the Career and Technical Education state conference luncheon in Winston-Salem. Pollock has a long history of involvement in Career and Technical Education (CTE). She was on the state Performance Based Measurement Data Team, which is responsible for collecting and analyzing data on CTE programs. She also completed her first year of CTE Administration Internship this past year. In addition, she served as the SE Region CIMC vice president for the 2023-23 school year and will be the president for the 2023-24 school year. Regional Coordinator Amanda Dixon, State CIMC Consultant Misty Wolfe and State CTE Director Trey Michael presented the award to Pollock.

Ribbon Cutting Held for Cape Fear Paddle Co.

Excite Credit Union Offers Mobile Office in Surf City

The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 27 for Cape Fear Paddle Co. Offering a variety of kayaks and paddleboards for rent including single kayaks, fishing kayaks, tandem kayaks and fiberglass paddleboards, Cape Fear Paddle Co. offers delivery and pick up in Wrightsville Beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach and can satisfy all your group and multipleday needs.

Pender Arts Council Hosts Art in the Park

Pender Arts Council hosted its first Art in the Park event on July 29. Held at Dees Park in historic downtown Burgaw, the event featured live music and artists from around the region.

Pender Bridge of Hope Holds Fundraiser Event

Pender Bridge of Hope, an all-volunteer nonprofit that raises funds to help those in financial need, held a fundraiser on August 18 at JM’s Pub. Fusion Blue Zones provided food truck fare, and Joey Blackburn and Sandy Dave entertained the crowd with live music. There was a 50/50 raffle and auction as well. All monies raised will go to helping Pender County residents.

Share the Table Wins Nonprofit of the Year

At UNCW’s 2023 Coastal Entrepreneur Awards Breakfast on May 31, Share the Table won in the Nonprofit category for their up-and-coming ventures in our region as well as for being an established community service that keeps innovating. The annual awards, held at UNCW’s Burney Center in Wilmington, recognize businesses and services in Pender, Brunswick and New Hanover counties.

Excite Credit Union sets up a Mobile Office on Tuesdays from 10 am to 2 pm at the Greater Topsail Area Chamber Office located at 133775 N.C. Highway 50 in Surf City. Stop by the chamber office to learn more about what financial services they can offer you.

The Gift Basket Celebrates 50 Years

Since 1973 The Gift Basket has been the beloved destination for shoppers in Topsail Beach. Now is the perfect time to drop by their location at 702 S. Anderson Boulevard in Topsail Beach to explore their wide selection of gifts, jewelry and clothing and wish them a happy 50th anniversary year.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

New Principals in Pender County Schools

Pender County Board of Education has approved several new principal roles for the 2023-24 school year.

BURGAW MIDDLE SCHOOL - Effective June 5, Brian Allen (below right) is now the principal at Burgaw Middle School. Allen was most recently principal at Surf City Elementary, where he served since the school opened for the 20182019 school year. Prior to becoming principal, he was the assistant principal at Topsail Annandale Elementary School and taught

3rd and 4th grades at Cape Fear Elementary School. A native of Wilmington, Allen loves living on the coast to accommodate his water-loving lifestyle. He earned his bachelor’s degree and his master's degree from UNC Wilmington. He is currently working on attaining his doctoral degree from UNCW.

PENDER INITIATIVE LEARNING

ACADEMY - Nikki Braune has been appointed as the principal of Pender Innovative Learning Academy. Prior to this role, Braune served as an assistant principal at Rocky Point Elementary School from 2021 to 2023. She also gained experience at Malpass Corner Elementary and Cape Fear Elementary. With her roots in North Carolina, Braune lived in various parts of the state before settling on the coast in 2014. She holds a bachelor's degree in Middle Grades Education, specializing in math and language arts, as well as a master's degree in Mathematics Education and Public School Administration, both earned from Appalachian State University. During her 18 years as a middle school teacher, she also coached soccer, track, cheerleading and softball.

SOUTH TOPSAIL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Kathryn Bates began as South Topsail Elementary School principal on July 11. Bates graduated from Catawba College in 2010 and began teaching in August of 2010 at Hanford Dole Elementary School for Rowan Salisbury Schools. It was during her time as a teacher, she began working diligently to create opportunities for the school and the surrounding community to work together to create a meaningful partnership. While leading these endeavors, a passion ignited from within that propelled

her to seek more leadership opportunities. She applied and was accepted into the North Carolina Principal Fellows Program in 2017. As a scholarship recipient, she worked with a cohort of 25 aspiring principals across North Carolina and acquired knowledge and skill sets applicable to school leadership. She graduated from UNC Charlotte with her master's in School Administration in May 2020. She served as an assistant principal for East Rowan High School for two years before coming to Pender County, where she previously served as assistant principal at Topsail High School.

SURF CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Kelly Flynn , an experienced local educator with more than two decades of experience in Pender County Schools, is the new principal at Surf City Elementary. Flynn began her career as a teacher at Rocky Point Elementary School and recently completed her sixth year as an assistant principal at South Topsail Elementary School. Flynn earned a BA in Elementary Education, a master’s in Elementary Education and a master’s in School Administration, all from UNC Wilmington.

SURF CITY MIDDLE SCHOOL - For the 20232024 school year, Crystal Hall will step into her new role as principal of Surf City Middle School. Hall holds two Master of Education degrees: a master’s in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix Glendale and a master’s in Educational Leadership from Arizona State University Tempe. In addition to her academic accomplishments, Hall brings 14 years of experience in public education to her new role. Jeremy Perkins, who took on the role of assistant principal for Surf City Middle School in 2022, will remain in that role and serve in Hall’s administrative team.

Ocean Fest

Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival

September 8 & 9

The Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival is celebrating its 52nd anniversary in 2023. Be sure to come out to enjoy the annual parade, live music, craft vendors, games, children’s activities, fireworks and fresh N.C. shrimp.

Information: sneadsferryshrimpfestival.org

Surf to Sound 5K

September 16

Whether you are an experienced runner, an occasional jogger or a walker, the Surf to Sound 5K is the perfect event to celebrate with the Topsail area communities. Starting in Soundside Park, participants will head across the Surf City Bridge and back to the island, while taking in the Topsail Sound and views of the Atlantic Ocean for 3.1 miles.

Information: runsignup.com/race/nc/ surfcity/surftosound5

Mustang and Ford Show

September 23

The 20th annual Mustang and Ford Show will be held at the Hampstead Baptist Church from 8 am to 4 pm. Register to participate by September 1 or just stop by and enjoy the cars in the show.

Information: mustang.org/event/20thmustang-and-ford-show

Over-Under Biathlon and 5K

September 30

The Over-Under Biathlon is a 5K SUP paddle under the bridge followed by a 5K run over the bridge. This year's event has five categories including run only, paddle only, biathlon – standard, biathlon – wild card and relay division. Awards will be given for the top three men and women in each division and the top three relay teams. Registration includes a t-shirt, a pint glass and a post-race party and morning of fun. It all takes place at Sound Side Park, 517 Roland Avenue, in Surf City. The races support Make a Wish of Eastern NC, and last year the event was able to donate $16,000 to the cause.

Information: runsignup.com/Race/NC/ SurfCity/OverUnderBiathlonand5k

Ocean Fest

October 13 & 14

Ocean Fest is an award-winning, nonprofit eco/surf/arts/live music festival. It is a free two-day event featuring live music, a vintage surf contest, a 5K beach run, two large beer gardens, local arts and food vendors, and eco-education. Everything benefits causes that support Mother Ocean.

Information: theoceanfest.org

The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina Fall Festival

The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina Fall Festival

October 14

The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina will hold its second annual Fall Festival on October 14. The event includes family-friendly activities including covered-wagon rides, shopping and ample opportunities to explore the beautiful gardens. The festivities will kick off at 10 am, and admission is free to the public. You can explore a vast array of mums, flowers, shrubs, trees and more, all available for purchase. In addition, support locally owned businesses featuring candle makers, home decor, wreaths, flower arrangements and other unique offerings. The Event Tent will offer beer, wine and soda and fresh, madeto-order pizza from brick-fired ovens.

Information: fallfestnc.com

Autumn With Topsail Festival

October 20, 21 & 22

The Autumn With Topsail Festival, now in its 34th year, is held on the grounds of the Historical Society of Topsail Island and the Assembly Building, which houses the Missiles & More Museum in Topsail Beach. The festival features an Artists’ and Crafts Court with more than 100 regional artists displaying and selling their work. There is also live musical entertainment, food, beer and wine, inflatables and crafts for children and much more.

Information: autumnwithtopsail.com

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Burgaw’s Autumn Fest

October 21

The Town of Burgaw is pleased to announce the first-ever Autumn Fest to be hosted in downtown Burgaw on October 21 from 9 am to 5 pm. The event is sponsored by Burgaw Parks, Recreation and Tourism, Pender County Parks and Recreation and the Burgaw Tourism Development Authority. Autumn Fest will feature numerous activities including craft vendors, kids’ activities and candy, pumpkin decorating, kids’ costume contest and live entertainment provided by Massive Grass Band, The Smoky Dunes, No Sleeves Magic and a live demonstration by Lion’s Crest Martial Arts.

Autumn Fest also will feature a Graveyard 5K and Boo-Gaw Trick or Treat One Mile run sponsored by Go Time of Wilmington. The Graveyard 5K is a traditional race through town including running on the scenic Osgood Canal Greenway and Urban Trail and through the Burgaw Cemetery. The one-mile run will feature candy stations for young runners and will occur in the downtown area.

Information: (910) 300-6401, burgawnc.gov/ autumnfest

Halloween Haunt Fun Run and 5K

October 21

Full Send Racing and Surf City Fitness will host a new 5K on October 21. The inaugural Halloween Haunt 5K and Fun Run will be held at Kiwanis Park. This will be a dash at dusk style 5K with a mile fun run built in as well. Costumes are encouraged since there will also be a costume contest judged throughout the event. After the event, there will be a showing of the movie Hocus Pocus in the park.

Information: surfcity24fit@gmail.com, surfcity.fitness

GooseBumps in the Grove

October 28 & 29

Poplar Grove hosts a day-time Halloween Gift Show & Carnival for all those young at heart, full of verve and aged 2+. The $5 admission includes trick or treating with the 75 artisan vendors, a witches candy

shoot, vintage carnival games, Mr. Mark’s “Monster Mash” sing-a-long, Halloween vignette photo opportunities, Mr. Twister’s fabulous balloon creations and access to food trucks. Admission to the Haunted Manor is an additional $5 and the brave will earn additional treats. All proceeds benefit conservation, education and preservation of Poplar Grove.

Information: poplargrove.org

All is Bright — A Holiday of Lights

November 24 though December 23

Take a stroll around the lighted grounds of Poplar Grove for the All is Bright light show presented by Patriot Illumination. Tickets are $10 for one person, or the family package is $35 (two adults and two kids ages 15 and younger), plus taxes. Admission includes a juried gift show to stuff those stockings, photo opportunities for the entire family, snow machines, Santa’s mailbox to post letters to the North Pole, a USO letter writing station

to send warm wishes to our military men and women serving abroad for the holidays, Grinch’s Junk Shop, camp fires to roast marshmallows, Christmas movie favorites, food trucks, concessions and a libations tent, so plan to spend the entire evening!

Santa will be hearing wishes at the gazebo every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. And Balloon Extraordinaire, Mr. Twister, will be twisting up those balloons every Saturday and Sunday evening.

Information: poplargrove.org

New Year’s Eve Blueberry Drop

December 31

Join in on the New Year tradition and family fun at the Town of Burgaw’s Blueberry Drop on December 31 from 5:30 to 8 pm.

Information: burgawnc.gov/351/BurgawBlueberry-Drop

All is Bright — A Holiday of Lights at Poplar Grove

All is — A Holiday of Lights at Poplar Grove

Jackie James

Safety First

Learn the history and meanings behind the colorful flags around Topsail Island.

BY KATHRYN GREENE

Have you ever noticed the colorful flags flying above the beaches of Topsail Island? If you have, you might have wondered who is behind them or what they mean. If you have not, you should pay attention — they are important indicators of the safety of Topsail’s glittering oceans. Although the local towns of Topsail Beach and Surf City implemented the flag program in recent years (North Topsail Beach does not fly the flags), the use of flags to foretell ocean conditions dates back decades, used in one form or another the world over.

In 2002 the International Life Saving Federation (ILS) based in Leuven, Belgium, developed a set of guidelines for warning flags to help foster worldwide cohesion. Although colors, symbols and shapes may still vary from country to country due to expense, cultural norms about colors and patterns or language differences, Surf City’s flag system adheres to the standards of the system outlined by the ILS. The system was also adopted by the

The ocean may look calm, but if yellow flags are flying, rip currents may be present so use caution when swimming.

United States Lifesaving Association (USLA), a nonprofit association of beach lifeguards and open-water rescuers.

So what do the different flags mean? Although the ILS system outlines nine different flags, you might see four on the local beaches

Red - A single red, rectangular flag indicates a strong hazard is present and it is recommended to stay out of the ocean, although it is only the second most critical alert.

Double Red - Double red flags (one stacked on top of the other) are the strongest warning, and the public should remain out of the water. Furthermore, rescue attempts may not be possible due to the hazardous conditions.

Yellow - When yellow, rectangular flags are flying, conditions — while not at the maximum level of danger — are not ideal for swimming, and everyone should use caution while in the ocean.

Purple - If you see purple rectangles, take heed. While the currents may not be an issue, it is an indication that dangerous marine life such as jellyfish or stingrays may be present.

To help make this important daily decision, local officials analyze a combination of factors including wind direction, wind speed and tidal ranges, all of which are important indicators of current conditions. If conditions change during the day, the flag color may also change.

Since both red (a standard color usually associated with danger) and yellow (used to indicate caution) are both employed in the flag system, you might be wondering why there are no green flags utilized by the ILS or the USLA. When working to create the set of universal standards, the ILS determined that when it comes to the perpetually changing and often-unpredictable ocean, it was better to focus on clear communication of the conditions present at any given moment, rather than suggesting it is ever 100 percent safe to swim in the ocean. It is important to note, however, that Topsail Beach will occasionally fly a green flag when it is entirely safe to swim in the ocean, but officials there

KNOW YOUR BEACH FLAGS

Learn the beach warning flag meanings before you head into the water.

DOUBLE RED

Double red flags (one stacked on top of the other) are the strongest warning, and the public should remain out of the water. Furthermore, rescue attempts may not be possible due to the hazardous conditions.

RED

A single red, rectangular flag indicates a strong hazard is present and it is recommended to stay out of the ocean, although it is only the second most critical alert.

YELLOW

When yellow, rectangular flags are flying, conditions — while not at the maximum level of danger — are not ideal for swimming, and everyone should use caution while in the ocean.

PURPLE

If you see purple rectangles, take heed. While the currents may not be an issue, it is an indication that dangerous marine life such as jellyfish or stingrays may be present.

If conditions change during the day, the flag color may also change.

say it is rare for them to fly green flags.

Should you need a refresher on the different flag colors and their various meanings, metal signs are on display at accesses and walkways to the beach. And remember that an absence of flags does not mean that there is no hazard present. Swimmers should always proceed with caution. And, as always, in case of an emergency, one should always dial 911.

The next time you decide to spend time on the beautiful shores of Topsail Beach or Surf City, make sure to check out the flags flying that day. And remember, they are subject to change given any variances in conditions.

In case you do happen to encounter a rare day when you cannot go swimming, there are plenty of other exciting things to check out in the area. This fall in Topsail, there are so many beautiful days ahead — be sure to get out there and make the most of them and remember, there is no wrong way to spend time in this little slice of North Carolina paradise. 

That’s the Spirit

With Hidden Ships Distillery in Surf City, Andy and Amy Szwejbka have opened Topsail Island’s first distillery and craft cocktail bar.

BY KATE M CAREY PHOTOGRAPHY BY UNIQUE MEDIA & DESIGN

AA cocktail can be as humble as a jigger of spirits poured over ice and topped with a mixer. Or, at a place like Hidden Ships Distillery in Surf City, where mixology is a calling, a cocktail can be an exquisite craft. This is the first place in the Topsail area where you can sip bourbon at the bar overlooking the copper pot where the bourbon was born.

Hidden Ships Distillery opened in September. Owners Andy and Amy Szwejbka, a former Marine and a former nurse, have lived with their family in the Topsail area since 2007.

Andy’s journey from Marine to Master Distiller started in an RV. After his retirement, Andy, Amy, all four kids and the dog poured into a recreational vehicle and toured the United States. Their first 10 days were spent on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail,

where the Szwejbkas experienced some of the best tastings and tours that eventually influenced their own distillery.

As the idea of building a distillery fermented, Andy and Amy researched distilleries, suppliers and, of course, cocktails, both in state and out. North Carolina has seen a growth in distilleries in the last 10 years as craft spirits have increased in demand and become tastier.

Both Szwejbkas graduated from Moonshine University, and Andy graduated from the University of Louisville Distilled Spirits Business Program. He oversees distillation operations, front-ofhouse management and sales. An equally competent distiller, Amy manages the marketing and merchandise.

The name Hidden Ships Distillery pays homage to Topsail Island’s pirate lore, where it is said that ships “hid” behind the island to escape the authorities. The ships were so hidden that only the tops of their sails were visible.

In the spring of 2023, after a successful Kickstarter campaign

brought cash to supplement the family’s savings, Amy and Andy signed a lease and hired an architect. The distillery space in Triton Village began to take shape.

“We had Steve Tomori of Kindred Spirits in Wilmington advise us along the way,” Andy says. “We asked him to design the space as if he were working here. He helped us figure out where to put the distillers, the cookers. A funny story … we met Steve at the End of Days Distillery when it opened in February 2020. He even signed a bottle for me. When I called him, we realized we knew each other.”

The space at Triton Village has been maximized for efficiency. The bar and lounge occupy about half of the space, while the distillery exists in an almost mirrored space. The tasting room is at its northern end, near the parking lot. Tours will flow freely from the lounge and through the distillery to end in the tasting room.

The distillery floor was reinforced almost to the strength of an airport runway and will easily support barrels of spirits stacked four high. The tasting room has a long table where guests can sip and learn about

Left: Bourbon and gin trials tasting days. Above: Andy Szwejbka sniffing out the goods.

the spirits. Merchandise is available in the tasting room. The jewel tones of the bar area offer homage to speakeasies of the past. Small tables and a lounge area create conversation spaces, like those of the pre-Prohibition era of drinking and socializing. The signature curved bar seats a dozen guests on comfortable stools. The back bar area was structurally adapted to install a 19-foot window so patrons can view the distillery operations.

“The sexy, copper-plated, 250-gallon pot still sits front and center,” Andy says. “You can see the pots used for initial distilling and final distilling. Each spirit requires a different amount of time. Gin, for example, takes two weeks to a month to settle and age before it’s ready to drink.”

Hidden Ships distills gin, white rum, bourbon, bourbon cream and vodka. All are available for sale in the tasting room.

Amy says they use as many local products as possible in their distilling process.

“We sourced our initial bourbon from Southern Distilling Company in Statesville, N.C.,” Amy says. “After we received the bourbon, we took it through secondary aging with sherry-infused spirals. That created a taste profile unique to Hidden Ships. We sourced local corn for the bourbon and have local farmers take away the used mash to feed livestock.”

PERMISSION TO COME ABOARD

Ice in a cocktail can be as important to balance and taste as the spirits in the drink. The distillery has a reverse osmosis system to purify the water for both ice and spirits. Machines crank out 2-inch square cubes for sipping drinks as well as the more traditional crescent-shaped ice cubes used in cocktails. The Szwejbkas are drawn to the preProhibition era, when drinking was a social

The copper-plated, 250-gallon still sits front and center at Hidden Ships.

experience in a quiet place with stimulating conversation and an Old Fashioned or Rob Roy. This brings to mind the dinner clubs in old movies, with patrons in tuxedos and floor-length dresses, or many sultry New Orleans with drinkers enjoying a Sazerac of rye, absinthe and bitters from the local apothecary, Peychaud. These were cocktails made with three or four ingredients, like the John Collins and Tom Collins, one made with gin and the other with whiskey, and both with simple syrup and lemon.

The diverse cocktail menu offers pre-Prohibition standards like Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, Martinis and drinks long forgotten like the Boulevardier (or Man About Town, named after the magazine) created for ex-pats living in Paris in the 1920s. There is also The Last Word, a ginbased drink created in Detroit. Hidden Ships’ cocktails will cost about $11.

A historian by nature and college degree, Andy has a healthy respect for and knowledge of the vast history of spirits in America, and he plans to share what he has learned with everyone.

“Hidden Ships Distillery offers educational classes on mixology, sensory training and pairings,” Andy says. “Our tours conclude with a full tasting that teaches you how to smell and taste each spirit.”

Hidden Ships is open Wednesday through Sunday, and, according to Andy, is the only place for bottle sales on Sunday.

And there is something for everyone here.

“We serve local craft beers,” Amy says. “We serve wine and mocktails made with nonalcoholic spirits too.”

While Hidden Ships Distillery is not a sports bar, Buffalo Bills fans will rejoice to hear the business is the first local Bills-backed bar. Outdoor seating

complements the statement bar and offers great views of the setting sun. Several food establishments and food trucks are nearby. Much of Surf City’s off-island growth is within walking distance of Triton Village, now filled with shops, services and restaurants.

“I think there’s an appetite here for

quality spirits and classic cocktails,” Andy says.

The first few months of operations bear witness to that. Tours and tastings of bourbon cream, bourbon, white rum, vodka and gin are available Wednesday through Sunday at this service-disabled veteranowned small business (SDVOSB).

2023 Christmas Mini Sessions

November 4th & 5th

We will be bringing back our amazing Santa this year & we’ll be using the handsome blue VW Bug for a blue & silver themed setup!

Holiday

Fully Focused on the Future

After working all over the world, Steve Smith retired to Topsail Beach and now, as the town's mayor, he's just as busy as ever.

BY PAT FONTANA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY UNIQUE MEDIA & DESIGN

SSteve Smith has traveled the world. With a father in the Army, he moved from one town to another as a child, then spent a great deal of time at Ft. Bragg. Smith went to college in Greenville, North Carolina, at East Carolina University, with an eye on being in corporate life and running his own company. “That’s what I got to do,” he says.

Joining the Eveready Battery Company after graduating, Smith worked in several places across the United States, eventually taking on leadership positions with the company in Indonesia and Kenya. He retired as managing director and CEO of Eveready East Africa Limited in 2011.

That retirement lasted about six months.

Smith and his wife, Dr. Edna Cascioli Smith, have owned property on Topsail Island since the late 1960s. They had visited quite often throughout the years, and he says they always knew they would retire here. When the time came to move to Topsail Beach, Smith took about six months off and then started looking for

ways he could contribute. He found many ways to make a difference for his community and for the island as a whole. Smith was elected Mayor of Topsail Beach in 2019. Prior to that, he served on the town’s board of commissioners for four years. He is also currently chairman of the Topsail Island Shoreline Protection Commission, director of the North Carolina Beach, Inlet and Waterway Association and a trustee for the Historical Society of Topsail Island. He is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Topsail Island. He was co-chair of the Topsail Beach 50-Year Celebration in 2013 and chair of Topsail Beach’s Beach, Inlet and Sound Committee from 2014 to 2015.

“I enjoy being part of this town,” he says. “It has a certain pull, a draw.”

Looking to the future, he says that he wants the town to stay family oriented. “That is the charm of the community,” he says. This once-small town is growing, just like others in the area, and Smith points to that huge growth as one of its challenges. However, he says, “We have something here that a lot of towns want to hold onto.”

The Smith family’s roots run deep on the south end of the island. Smith says he and his wife remember when the water system was put in, and Dr. Smith has fond memories of coming across from the mainland on the pontoon bridge, going fishing with her granddad and having picnics on the beach. Even when working in Indonesia or Kenya, the couple would make the trip back to Topsail for extended vacations. It would take them 40 hours to travel from

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Owner

Indonesia and 18 hours from Kenya. Smith met many interesting individuals during his work for Eveready, including Kofi Annan, a Ghanaian diplomat who served as secretary-general of the United Nations, then-Senator Barack Obama, Madeline Albright, Hillary Clinton, several Olympians and notable authors. Back in Topsail Beach, he notes that he now “works with a lot of fine people who are motivated and understand the challenges.”

fixture that had been a big part of the community for many years.

In his work on the Topsail Island Shoreline Protection Commission, Smith says he is focused on education. While it is important to manage the beach across the entire island, as the waterways are used more and more, it’s also important to ensure that residents and visitors understand the impact of certain things such as microplastics in the water and invasive vegetation on the dunes. He

environmental groups on issues such as microplastics, are designed to make a difference in the environmental health of the entire island. Educating everyone, including government representatives, is a critical aspect of moving that work forward.

“Managing the beaches helps the total economy of North Carolina,” Smith says. He emphasizes that on the island, there are “two sets of roads — the asphalt and the water” and that both need to be managed properly for a positive impact.

On the asphalt side, paid parking has become a topic of concern in Topsail Beach in recent years. Smith says the Topsail Beach Board of Commissioners has voted no to paid parking for Topsail Beach except for one lot. “All options were discussed, and keeping our current parking arrangement was deemed to be the best for Topsail Beach at this time,” he says.

For his future, Smith plans to run for another term as mayor and to continue his work listening to the citizens of Topsail Beach and “make sure their voices are heard.”

In his position as mayor, Smith says he is “fully focused on what this town needs and how it will fit the future.” Noting that he listens to the citizens of Topsail Beach, who have made it known that they want to “keep it low-key, relaxed,” he says there are a few businesses and restaurants in town and all are locally owned. He is excited about the reopening of Godwin’s Market, a local

adds that the commission is “looking at synergies to move forward.”

All three Topsail Island towns — North Topsail Beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach — have adopted a ban on nonencapsulated polystyrene and are working on securing the right to deal with abandoned vessels in the waterways. These strategies, along with efforts to work with

Another important position for Smith is closer to home — doing a good job as a grandfather. He says he enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and taking shorter vacations to other places across the world. One aspiration is to set foot on Antarctica. Other plans for his own future include trips across Canada and Europe and spending some time in northern Italy, the site of his wife’s heritage. Mostly, though, he plans “to live here and enjoy the island.” 

... He listens to the citizens of Topsail Beach, who have made it known that they want to 'keep it low-key, relaxed.'

CARRYING ON THE Trad

BY PAT FONTANA

ition

When Jane Jeffreys was four years old, she started going to Godwin’s Market in Topsail Beach with her family. As a young adult, she teased Mr. Godwin that she was going to buy the store one day. That day has come, and now Godwin’s has reopened with the new owners carrying on the tradition of the neighborhood grocery store.

Jeffreys says she loved the original owners of Godwin’s Market. “They were sweet, good people,” she says. Mary and Bill Godwin were fixtures on Topsail Island. Bill died in 2018, after operating the family store with his wife since the 1970s. Jeffreys says that about six months after Bill died, “I told Mary, all jokes aside, that if you ever decide to sell that store, I’ll buy it.”

Shortly after Mary died, in April 2020, a local Realtor called Jeffreys and told her the store was for sale. She jumped at the opportunity and has spent the past three years renovating and upfitting the building. Jeffreys reopened the store in April 2023. She says of her “new” store and the Godwins, “I think they’d be very happy with what I’ve done with the place.”

Islanders Jane and Robert Jeffreys have reopened Topsail Beach’s beloved Godwin’s Market, which dates all the way back to 1949.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CITY 2 SEA MEDIA

Jane Jeffreys

Jeffreys’ own connection to Topsail Beach goes back to the 1970s as well. Her family bought a house on the island, and it is where they vacationed “every weekend, every summer” since she was four years old. Her parents, especially her mother, loved to fish. Jeffreys has raised her own children here and says, “My children have spent every summer here since they were born.” She now lives in that same house, even though she has “improved that too.”

The original Godwin’s Market was built in 1949 by Bill’s parents, who lived in the upstairs apartment. Mary and Bill returned to the island in 1977, moving back from their home in Graham to take over the operations of the family store. Jeffreys says of the couple, “I always thought it was so interesting over the years watching Bill and Mary. This was their life, who they were.”

Mary, affectionately known as Miss Mary, knew everybody. She and Bill

would go across the street to the bar after they closed the store each evening. That bar has changed hands several times and is now also being renovated to open under new ownership.

As a long-time resident on Topsail, Jeffreys now also knows most people on the island.

“I always thought it would be great to be the person that people depended on for their necessities,” she says. “It would be great to be Miss Mary.”

Jeffreys says she is hoping that kids who come into her store now will someday tell their kids they knew “Miss Jane.”

The response to the reopening from residents and visitors in Topsail Beach has been tremendous. Godwin’s is the only grocery store in the town, with the nearest store being 7.5 miles away in Surf City. Many people in the area are thrilled to see the store reopen and bring in their memories to share with Jeffreys, who says she gets “a story every day.”

Comments like “I’ve been coming here all my life,” "So glad you guys are open – this is great," and “My granddad used to bring me in here” are common. One customer said she used to work for Mary, that she used to pump the gas when the store had pumps. Those were removed in 2013.

Barrington Law is the law practice of Attorney C. Adam Barrington III in coastal North Carolina, located in Pender County. A Fayetteville native and third generation attorney, Adam came to the practice of law after prior careers in ministry and nonprofit management. Those experiences gave him a heart for helping people through their most difficult times. His practice emphasis on personal injury, auto accidents, estate planning, and post-conviction relief are all ways that he navigates his clients through life’s rough waters.

Miss Mary was known for her ice cream, Jeffreys says, adding, “If anybody has any memory of this store and Mary, it’s about the ice cream.” Of course, there will be ice cream in the new store as well.

Jeffreys says everyone has been “so inviting, so welcoming” and is happy to share that “I haven’t heard any negative feedback.” She adds, “I just want to give them what they need, what they want, as best as I can.” To that end, she is following another tradition of stocking the items her customers want to see offered in the store. While Mary and Bill would keep track of how many times a customer would ask for something, Jeffreys keeps a “wish list” of what people say they want to see in the store.

There are a few changes in the newly

Life is difficult. The unexpected happens. Be ready.

Clockwise from top left, Melissa Hood prepares the cheeseburgers on the market's Mr. Wilson's Burgers & Bites food truck; Jane Jeffreys shows off the food truck; diners waiting outside; Graysen Jeffreys on the cash register; customers in the market.

renovated store, most notably the addition of an HVAC system. The Godwins never had air conditioning. Jeffreys and her partner, Robert, have also had to update the plumbing. Even though they “tried to keep it as original as possible, structure-wise,” there have also been updates to the inside of the store, with new shelving, a walk-in cooler and a fountain drink machine.

Godwin’s sells lottery tickets now, too. In fact, just a few weeks after opening, they had a $10,000 winner on a $20 scratch-off ticket. They are the only lottery shop in Topsail Beach at this point.

Outside, they purchased an additional two lots for parking and the septic tank. They are also installing a self-serve ice machine and are planning a “huge food truck.” The truck, named “Mr. Wilson’s Burgers and Bites,” after their dog, will offer grilled items. Upstairs, the two, two-bedroom apartments also underwent significant renovation and are occupied again.

They put picnic tables in front of the store for their customers, “to make it more inviting, so they’ll have somewhere to sit,” Jeffreys says. Plans for the neighborhood grocery store also include an electric vehicle charging station.

Jeffreys, who owns a property management company with Robert, says, “The south end needed a market and restaurants.” Godwin’s officially reopened on April 14, and Jeffreys is glad to see a number of new and renovated restaurants opening in the area.

Jane and Robert's 22-year-old twin daughters, Lexi and Graysen Jeffreys, work in Godwin's as well. Jeffreys hopes they will take over in the market after they graduate from college in May. All in all, Jeffreys is excited to follow in Miss Mary’s footsteps.

“If I can make things easier and less stressful for this end of the island, that's my goal,” she says “I’m happy we're making things happen. It's been needed for a long time.” 

Support for the Sheriff

With consent from Sheriff Alan Cutler, Hampstead resident Cynthia Tart led the charge to establish the Pender Sheriff’s Charitable Foundation.

BY JO ANN MATHEWS PHOTOGRAPHY BY VICKY OLIVER

YOU

TRY TELLING THIS FACE SHE CAN’T COME ON VACATION TO THE BEACH WITH YOU.

Residents of Pender County came together at the inaugural Taste of Pender Charity Dinner on July 22 to celebrate the formation of Pender Sheriff’s Charitable Foundation, Inc.

The purpose of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is to provide charitable support for programs, equipment, technology and other items the sheriff’s office tax-provided budget does not include. The Foundation’s Sunshine Committee, Jail Ministry, K9 Committee, Scholarship Committee and Events Committee have begun developing projects that bring residents together to assist the sheriff’s office.

Cynthia Tart, a resident of Hampstead, proposed the idea to Sheriff Alan Cutler a year ago after she and her husband, Danny, attended the first Pender County Citizens Academy. Cutler consented, and the process began to form the foundation.

“It was a four-month process to complete the documents to form the foundation, and we couldn’t start without getting funds to pay for the start-up,” Tart says.

Frank Williams Building Company Inc. in Scott’s Hill, the foundation’s first donor, provided the needed funds.

Tart reached out to residents and formed the 13-member board of directors, and she agreed to be president. She has leadership experience, having been executive director of Communities In Schools (CIS) for 20 years in Brunswick County and a North Carolina CIS regional coach for the eastern counties for three years. Jennifer Brady is treasurer, Kiren Jaswel is secretary, Savannah Holman is in charge of events and fundraising, Pastor Joey Canady leads the Jail Ministry Program, and other board members include Mike Ortiz, Rhett Pollock, Art Saurer, Jeff and Cindy Caldwell, Sgt. Chester Ward, Jennie Coleman, Sam Jones and Carla Cotton.

Tart’s idea for the foundation began when she and Danny moved to Hampstead in 2020 and wanted to learn what programs Pender County offered its residents. The notice that the first-ever Citizens Academy would begin in July 2021 attracted her attention, so she and Danny enrolled.

“I thought that would be a good way to learn about Pender County,” Tart says. She explains that other counties across the United States have these informative training programs. She had attended the one in Brunswick County, where she and Danny lived for more than 40 years.

The 90-minute sessions at Pender County meet Tuesday

evenings for seven weeks, and participants learn about the sheriff’s office responsibilities including jail administration, the narcotics division, the 911 center, the K9 unit, helicopter and marine patrol and investigations.

As she processed what she was learning and realized the needs, Tart considered how she could support the sheriff’s office. Pender County has 65,737 residents as of July 1, 2022, with 59 percent between the ages of 18 and 65. The academy brings the community together, Tart says, and she believed a charitable foundation with all funds benefiting the sheriff’s office was appropriate. The foundation includes residents and businesses, all volunteering their time and donations.

“The community is willing to help,” Tart says.

To determine the sheriff’s priorities, Tart asked Cutler for his wish list.

“Number one, my inmates need Jesus,” he said.

“He doesn’t want inmates coming back to jail,” Tart says. “That’s how the jail ministry was formed.”

Currently, seven to 10 ministers of different denominations are involved in the jail ministry and are available to assist inmates who

The purpose of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is to provide charitable support for programs, equipment, technology and other items the sheriff’s office tax-provided budget does not include.

request their help. The ministries meet monthly to decide what is needed.

“The dream is to have a transition home for the released inmates who have no place to go,” Tart says. “This is to help them, so they don’t go back to jail.”

Second on Cutler’s wish list is to provide incentives and appreciation gifts to employees.

“I would love to be able to give employees gifts monthly to build morale and let them know how much I and the community appreciate them,” Cutler says.

Tart says the Sunshine Committee formed to provide appreciation baskets and incentives. Erich Fritz and his wife, Alexa, owners of A Taste of Sunrise Coffee House in Hampstead, donated the first gift basket.

“I am a retired firefighter medic,

and I like to support first responders,” Erich says. “I have a soft heart for firefighters, and I support their charities.”

The basket contains a pound of their house-blend coffee, crackers, candy and novelty items.

“Our goal is to have four gift items from the community in the sheriff’s office at all times,” Tart says.

The Taste of Pender event at Hampstead Women’s Events Center on July 22 was created for the sole purpose of raising funds to benefit the sheriff’s office.

“I feel it’s a privilege to do this and to have the help, experience and willingness of the board members, and to have the sheriff give us a chance,” Tart says. “This shows we care. I love being here.”

CAN YOU HELP?

Ways to support the Pender Sheriff’s Charitable Foundation include:

 Donate gift baskets, vacation packages, gift cards or gift items to the Sunshine Program

 Host a community fundraiser

 Become a foundation volunteer or serve on a committee

 Participate in the Pender County Sheriff’s Citizens Academy

 Make a monetary donation

Mail donations to the Pender Sheriff’s Charitable Foundation, P.O. Box 363, Hampstead, NC 28443.

For more information

m (910) 523-1012

k pendersheriffscharity@outlook.com.

Oceans RV Resort in Holly Ridge is a new luxury campground within easy reach of the Topsail beaches.

BY ANNESOPHIA RICHARDS PHOTOGRAPHY BY VICKY OLIVER & MATT RAY

AT THE

The world of RVing has changed in many ways since the pandemic and so has the landscape of campgrounds across the country. As RV ownership continues to increase and more people are choosing to travel and camp in their recreational vehicles, luxury RV resorts are raising the bar on outdoor vacations.

Oceans RV Resort, a brand-new luxury RV resort in Holly Ridge, provides visitors and local camping enthusiasts with a fresh, first-class campground experience unlike anything else in the area.

A project of real estate firm Evolve Companies, Oceans RV Resort opened in January 2023 after two years of planning and construction. The origin of the resort’s concept stemmed from the surge in demand for RVs post-pandemic as well as a demographical shift as younger generations began embracing the RV lifestyle.

“There’s been a recent boom since COVID in the RV industry, which is how the idea sparked,” says Evolve

Companies Development Manager Michael Buckland. “We saw it as a way to do something different that’s outside our wheelhouse, but in an industry with a lot of upsides that could add another arm to our professional portfolio.”

Oceans RV is only 5 miles from Surf City and 10 miles from Topsail Beach, making it the perfect coastal vacation spot for ocean lovers. The 30-acre park has more than 200 RV sites and 10 premium cabins available to rent. Each site has a firepit, a tree and a picnic table, and the entire resort is surrounded by woods with a restaurant within walking distance.

The resort’s high-end amenities include a heated swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a dog park and dog wash station, two pickleball courts, a 5-hole putting green, a children’s playground, a basketball hoop and golf cart rentals. Other convenient features include a clubhouse with an onsite bar and fireplace, laundry

PHOTO BY VICKY OLIVER

Each site in the 30-acre park has a firepit, a tree and a picnic table, and the resort has a pool and clubhouse with a bar.

PHOTO BY VICKY OLIVER

PHOTO BY VICKY OLIVER

PHOTO BY MATT RAY

facilities and a general store offering an array of RV necessities, snacks, drinks, dog treats and cleaning supplies.

“We believe the quality of construction and amenity package is first class,” Buckland says. “There is not another RV park with park models, a pool and an amenity center that compares to the standard we’ve set at

Oceans. When you package that with its location being less than 5 miles from the Surf City Bridge, it provides a way for visitors to stay that are not otherwise available nearby.”

With more than a decade of experience in the RV industry, General Manager Joel Beck’s primary focus is on Ocean RV’s guest experience. Having worked in both the Adirondack

Mountains and the Pocono Mountains before moving to the Carolina coast to help open the park, he understands the importance of building relationships with visitors while overseeing the campground and all daily operations.

“We’re always trying to provide an exceptional adventure and vacation for our guests,” Beck says. “We have an activities director who offers activities throughout the week like arts and crafts, tie dying, pool parties, bands and music at the pool, and we sometimes have food trucks

The 30-acre park has more than 200 RV sites and 10 premium cabins, and the clubhouse has a gathering space, a fireplace and general store.

PHOTO BY VICKY OLIVER

PHOTO BY VICKY OLIVER

PHOTO BY VICKY OLIVER

PHOTO BY MATT RAY

on site.”

Oceans RV Resort is open year-round, something Beck believes makes the resort an ideal destination for not only vacationers, but also people visiting the Topsail area for short-term work assignments. He says the park also sees a lot of weekend visitors, weekly guests and some longer-term seasonal stay guests. But its biggest draw is families.

“We’re well suited for all kinds of guests, but we definitely see more family-oriented vacationers,” Beck says. “I think the thing that makes us stand out is our availability as an RV resort as opposed to full-time campground living. We offer a great opportunity for people to come and vacation here because that is what the community needed.”

“There aren’t many hotel options if you want to visit Surf City,” Buckland agrees. “Our cabins even allow for those without an

RV to still enjoy the amenities that come with an RV park. This is a great alternative for those with smaller parties who don’t want to rent an entire home on Airbnb.”

As Oceans RV completes final additions to its park models, security gate and golf cart barn, Beck and his staff are busy making sure the resort’s amenities provide guests with everything they need to enjoy their vacation. In addition, the park continues to add more events to its activity calendar, including many holiday weekend celebrations throughout the year.

Wanting to focus on the community as well, Beck and his team are working to grow their outdoor events and find ways to give back to the local community. Resort staff and guests recently participated in a beach cleanup after the busy Fourth of July weekend, with other similar events to come.

“Our vision is that the park will create a space for families and friends to come together to relax and have fun,” Buckland says. “We want the park to be a memorable experience and for folks who visit to remember us for our genuine hospitality and an enjoyable stay.”

PHOTO BY VICKY OLIVER

PHOTO BY VICKY OLIVER

PHOTO BY VICKY OLIVER

PHOTO BY MATT RAY

SEASHORE REALTY GROUP

SeaShore manages our beach rental at Topsail and we could not be any happier with our choice. The SeaShore staff and the company owner Jason Hyde have always been there for us. They go the extra mile and really treat the house like they own it. They have assisted in storm related issues along with giving us quality advice on everything from replacing furniture to getting quality maintenance personnel. They have made it easy for us to keep our beach home rented and handled all the transactions, so all we had to do was cash the check each month.

From the time I made a phone call to SeaShore through the process of buying my condo at St. Regis to managing my condo for everything you could imagine, I have only had the best of experiences. I love staying at my condo but when not there, I don’t feel any reason to be concerned about ANYTHING. I often recommend SeaShore when asked for a recommendation. I will continue to do so.

BY DALENE BICKEL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY VICKY OLIVER

aised in Chesapeake, Virginia, Conor MacNair is a second-generation oyster farmer whose uncle owns and operates a farm on the West Coast. He and his wife, Alyssa, considered moving to California to work with him, but that plan changed when Conor discovered a locally harvested green-gilled oyster as he finished his studies at UNC Wilmington.

“At that moment, I knew we had to put a farm here,” he says. “The area felt like it was a completely untapped resource.”

STRATEGIC SUSTAINABILITY

Conor’s excitement over the green-gilled oyster stems from the fact that these particular bivalve mollusks only grow in the presence of Haslea algae. Highly sensitive to impurities in water, the algae comes and goes within a week in many places, hardly long enough to dye the oysters’ gills. However, it is known to grow for months at a time in the coastal waters of France and, as Conor was surprised to discover, North Carolina.

Almost immediately, the MacNairs began their

quest to cultivate the perfect oyster. It was a humble beginning almost 10 years ago, but soon the business began to grow. In 2020 they purchased their current location: a tree-lined plot along a quiet country road only minutes from the busy intersection of N.C. Highway 210 E. and N.C. Highway 50 at Surf City.

Maintaining a positive impact on the environment is a big part of the N Sea Oyster Co., which operates under the three tenants of sustainability: good for the planet, good for people and good for profit.

“Our oysters filter 50 gallons of water per day,” Conor says, “which is spectacular for the water and benefits all of us. We limit the number of boats on the water, reducing the amount of gas going into the product. We ensure our employees are well paid and that they have a good time. And by focusing on streamlined farming techniques, we can turn a profit on making great American protein.”

A CULTIVATED CRAFT

On track to harvest approximately one million oysters this year, N Sea Oyster Co. is considered a small farm by industry standards. Nevertheless, the MacNairs have big goals and consistently try new things to enhance sustainability, improve productivity and increase their bottom line.

Toward those efforts, they replaced their traditional French-style trellis system with the newer Australian longline system. The benefits were many.

“We found that for where we're at, the multiple 300-foot-long lines out in the water work best,” Alyssa says. “We like it because the lines are adjustable, allowing us to easily lower or lift the entire farm.”

This means that rather than having to manually rotate and dry out the oysters every day, the lines can be dropped so the tides can rock the oysters and

"OUR OYSTERS FILTER 50 GALLONS OF WATER PER DAY, WHICH IS SPECTACULAR FOR THE WATER AND BENEFITS ALL OF US."

COME OUT OF YOUR SHELL & TASTE FOR YOURSELF

The Oyster Barn at N Sea Oyster Co.

674 Old Landing Road, Hampstead m (910) 778-9242

K nseaoyster.co

Tide to Table Dinners

Gather your friends and grab an outdoor table at the Oyster Barn, where N Sea Oyster Co. creates meals focused around their freshly harvested oysters. Online reservations are recommended due to limited seating, especially if your dinner party consists of more than two tables (12 or more people).

Purchase oysters in the shell or already shucked, along with side provisions.

“We can teach people how to shuck them or we can do it for you and take the whole mess out of it,” Conor says.

In the summer when it is hot, you can enjoy ice-cold oysters, wine and seafood rolls, but when it cools down outside, you can keep warm with a tableside grill and hearty seafood stew in a fresh bread bowl.

“We want people to have an opportunity to get outside and enjoy a great dinner experience,” Alyssa says. “Feel welcome to sit here and be comfortable for a couple of hours.”

then lifted so they can dry naturally.

“We can go through the whole farm and look at everything in one day, setting hands on every group of oysters on every single line,” Conor says.

This system also enables them to harvest, grade and store the oysters in a cooler in less than two hours, a timeline well below the traditional four hours.

The MacNairs cultivate two types of oysters to ensure year-round harvesting: Dukes of Topsail Sound (spring through fall) and Divine Pines of Topsail Sound (fall through spring).

All of Conor and Alyssa’s hard work and innovative, sustainable farming isn’t going unnoticed. They’ve recently been approached by some big-name brands including Sperry ® and YETI® to participate in some of their campaigns.

COMMITTED TO THE COMMUNITY

While the MacNairs are proud of the fact that their oysters are shipped around the nation and served at some of the finest restaurants in cities like San Francisco and Atlanta, their primary focus is serving the local community.

“We believe the people who live here should have the most access to the oysters,” Conor says.

Alyssa agrees: “We obviously want people traveling here to enjoy the experience, but we really want locals to feel like this is their pride-and-joy spot. We're trying to really make the community proud.”

The couple delivers oysters directly to area raw bars. They also enjoy interacting with people and showering them with hospitality, whether it is educating shoppers about oysters at local farmers markets, serving guests from their mobile raw bar

and grill at catered events, or showing patrons how to shuck and grill the shellfish at one of their Oyster Barn dinners.

At the Oyster Barn dinners, they support fellow farmers and fishermen by purchasing local produce and fresh fish to use in their signature recipes.

“I don't know many other people who personally drive around picking up their ingredients from the makers and creators,” Conor says, “but that's what we do. Our ingredients are fresh and high quality; you can taste the difference.”

Conor says there’s nothing better than watching somebody eat and enjoy their first oyster. “Ours are perfect for that because they’re small, approachable, very salty and something you can chew on. It only takes one oyster to be hooked for life.” 

Riding the Wind

For Andrew and Devon Kovacs, Topsail Island is not only home but also a playground for their favorite sport of kiteboarding.

BY ANNESOPHIA RICHARDS PHOTOGRAPHY BY UNIQUE MEDIA & DESIGN

On any given day along the shores of Topsail Island, dozens of surfers can be seen riding the waves or floating out beyond the breakers. Beachgoers might take a moment or two to watch as the riders pop up, take off or wipe out, but most who live or vacation along the coast have seen it all many times before. But anytime kiteboarder Andrew Kovacs or his wife, Devon, take to the waters (and the skies) all eyes are on them. The adventure sport of kiteboarding’s first official event took place in 1998 in Maui with only 22 competitors. Since then, it has gained in popularity and garnered the interest of hundreds of thousands of windsports and watersports enthusiasts around the

world. Combining elements of other action sports like windsurfing, wakeboarding, surfing, skateboarding and paragliding, kiteboarders are harnessed to a large hand-controlled kite and stand atop a board to glide or jump across open water. As long as there is adequate wind strength to keep the kite flying, waves aren’t necessary to enjoy the ride.

When Andrew first met Devon four years ago in Jacksonville, Florida, he was an avid surfer and she was an avid kiteboarder.

“Devon would be out there kiteboarding while I was surfing, and one day we exchanged contact information because I wanted to learn to kiteboard and she wanted

to learn how to surf, so we decided to help teach each other,” Andrew says.

Lessons led to love, and after the couple married, they moved to Topsail Island when Devon’s career with the Navy led her to Camp LeJeune. Having just completed his medical residency, Andrew quickly found a position as an OBGYN in Wilmington, so Surf City seemed like the perfect location to live and continue

kiteboarding as much as possible.

“When we moved here three years ago, there were only a few other people kiteboarding on the island, so we formed a bit of a community,” Andrew says.

Devon agrees, saying, “Because we moved during the pandemic, it was hard to make friends, so kiteboarding was a great way for us to get connected with people, and now those folks are some of our closest friends here.”

The Kovacs kiteboard any chance they get, which, depending on the season and the wind, might sometimes be two or three times a week or once or twice a month. Whenever they go out, people constantly stop and ask questions about what they are doing.

Andrew says one of the biggest misconceptions people have is that kiteboarding is dangerous, or that kiteboarders need extraordinary physical strength to be able to control their kite. He counters that the sport is very accessible to almost anybody at any age as long as they take the time to take lessons and learn about the proper techniques and safety systems.

“One possibility of danger is if someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing just buys kiteboarding gear and tries to figure it out and jump on a board, because then there’s a high likelihood they can get hurt,” he says.

In addition to lessons, Andrew also recommends kiteboarders select appropriate conditions for their comfort level. Those newer to the sport are encouraged to choose more conservative conditions such as light to moderate wind levels, minimal waves and mostly flat water. As they progress and feel confident, kiteboarders can then ride in more extreme environments.

“One question we always get is how we handle different wind strengths and if we are going to get pulled off our board unintentionally,” Andrew says. “And the answer is no. We check the wind forecast and pick our kite size accordingly because the lower the wind, the bigger area of the kite that you use. As the wind gets stronger, then the size of the kite we use decreases.”

Kiteboarding has many different disciplines within the sport. Some of the Kovacs’ favorites include kitesurfing, where with a normal surfboard, the rider uses a kite to be pulled out into the waves, then turns and rides the surfboard back in. Kite foiling is another option and involves using a board with a hydrofoil mounted to the bottom. As riders gain speed, they are lifted a couple of feet off the ocean. With twin tip, which is similar to wakeboarding, the kiteboarder’s feet are strapped to a board

while he or she rides, glides and jumps across the open water.

“I still enjoy surfing, but kiteboarding can be addicting, probably because there’s less downtime and more constant action,” Andrew says. “You’re getting that adrenaline rush more frequently than with surfing, where most of the time you’re sitting waiting for a wave.”

Andrew says kiteboarding gives enthusiasts like himself an excuse to travel and see new places. Some of the locations he and Devon have kiteboarded either separately or together include Turks and Caicos, Guam, Vietnam, Union Island, the Dominican Republic and Cape Hatteras, which is one of the better-known kiteboarding spots in the United States. No matter where they go, the kiteboarding community always makes them feel welcome.

“Kiteboarders are always happy to chat and share knowledge,” Andrew says. “Whenever we’re in a new place and see a kite in the air, we know immediately we have a connection with that person and something in common, so it’s been a great way to meet new friends.”

Last year the Kovacs welcomed a son, Peter, to their family, which means kiteboarding excursions now include taking turns hanging back on the beach with the baby while the other one is riding. Regardless of their busy schedules, the couple still prioritizes being outside and active in their time off, and they try to take advantage of every opportunity to get out on the water.

“I think kiteboarding is all about being humble and patient when waiting for the right conditions because sometimes the conditions can be inviting and kind and sometimes they can be pretty harsh,” Devon says. “When the wind and the current and the waves line up, it makes those moments and those sessions that much more special.” 

Kiteboarders Devon and Andrew Kovacs with their son, Peter.

A Plan to Share the Road

The Pender County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan envisions a future in which walkers and bikers are just as safe as drivers.

BY MIKE JOHNSON

IIf you have ever sat in local bumper-to-bumper traffic and thought “I could walk faster than this,” you may get to test that theory in the future.

Over the past several months, Pender County has been collaborating with the Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization to gather suggestions and data in order to make improvements to an infrastructure that is predominately vehicle-centric. According to their press

release, the Pender County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan’s goal is “to identify existing challenges to bicycling and walking, propose a preferred bicycle and pedestrian network to strive for, and lay out the specific policy, program and infrastructure recommendations.”

From late 2022 through early 2023, the Pender County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan team assembled a steering committee, created media, issued press releases, held

in mind. Of course, there are a lot of people who depend on their own two feet or a bicycle to get them from place to place since the luxury of having an automobile at the ready is not guaranteed. These people are at a distinct disadvantage as there are no public transportation options either. Walkers must walk through the tall grass along Highway 17, and rumble strips are the only things to protect anyone on a bike. Not to mention that there are no crosswalks, no shade and not many breaks in the heavy vehicular traffic coming from both directions at all times.

WHERE HAS IT BEEN DONE WELL?

The Town of Surf City has done a superb job with the pedestrian lane on the bridge and boardwalks leading onto the island and the beach, all proud segments of the Mountains to the Sea Trail. There are also many neighborhoods scattered around that had forethought when developing their own infrastructure, complete with sidewalks and bike paths and a calmer, quieter, cleaner traffic flow. But oftentimes those neighborhoods are isolated islands of progress with nothing to connect them to one another. They are all separated by busy roads where biking or walking would be dangerous endeavors.

What if it was easier to take a leisurely stroll to the coffee shop or a retailer, to bike to an appointment or to feel okay letting your kids walk to school? These things are important, and achievable.

Even without the Hampstead Bypass project, there is plenty of ongoing construction and development at any given time, and the thought of adding biking and pedestrian lanes into the mix only sounds like more traffic and more hassle. But to many in the community, it is well worth the collateral sacrifice. Riding a bicycle is a great way to immerse yourself in an environment rather than being encased in a temperature-controlled automobile roaring by at 60 miles an hour. Our status as a sedentary and overweight populace is well documented and people want more movement in their lives, oftentimes through walking. Without a gym membership or a home treadmill, those 10,000 steps are hard to come by when your house is surrounded by busy roads.

An improved biking and walking infrastructure could have a tremendous positive impact on public health.

THE NEXT STEPS A Proposed Network map shows suggested changes for specific neighborhoods, roads and highways, so it is easy to look at your street and imagine what those changes could be.

Pender County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan team hosted popup events, like this one in Castle Bay, to gather public feedback.

But remember, this is just a draft. Daniel Adams, Pender County Planning & Community Development director, is quick to point out that final decisions, even in the short term, are pending.

WANT TO SEE THE PLAN?

Draft recommendations and the full report are available at K wmpo.org/pender-county-bicycle-and-pedestrian-plan.

While the bike ped plan is wrapping up, there's another way for your voice to be heard. The Metropolitan Transportation Plan focuses on the entire region, not just Pender County, and includes all transportation modes. The public outreach period is ongoing through the end of November. For more information visit: K wmpo.org/2050mtp

“Once the draft is finished, it goes to a planning board of appointed subject matters experts, then is put before the board of commissioners,” Adams says. “We’re trying to put together a plan that makes sense and brings as many of these ideas together as possible.”

In the meantime, we will drive these roads and picture what it would look like with fewer cars and more people on foot and bikes, as we bring this vision of the future to the present. 

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Let’s talk about Real Estate!

I am a Sales and Marketing Professional with over 30 years of experience. I would be honored to help you buy or sell your vacant land, residential, commercial or investment property, while also finding ways that you can become involved in our amazing community.

Let’s talk about

I am a Development Professional with over 30 years of experience in fundraising and grant management. I’d love to assist your small business or non-profit with finding money to help you grow and expand your services to help others in our beautiful and thriving community.

Rhonda Davis

Rhonda Davis Consulting Business Profile

BY KATHRYN GREENE

Topsail Island resident Rhonda Davis pays it forward in the community through her eponymous business.

Although she grew up in West Virginia, Topsail has been a part of her story for as long as she can remember. Her father, who was in the U.S. Marines, served at nearby Camp Lejeune, and she spent every summer of her life vacationing on the island.

Reflecting on her upbringing, she says, “My parents raised me to be service-minded, and as a Christian, Jesuit Graduate and Rotarian, I know that ‘service above self’ is a daily choice.”

Davis exemplifies this calling throughout her career. Over the last 30 years, she has worked in higher education, healthcare, homelessness services and addiction recovery, real estate and advocacy and has raised funds for businesses, schools, churches and nonprofits. In 2019 — just a few years after making Surf City her fulltime residence — she founded Rhonda Davis Consulting, which serves the local community and offers a variety of services including grant writing and research, fundraising and talent management and image consulting.

“The availability of funding opportunities for women, minorities and veteran-owned businesses are substantial, and I want to help spread the word to those looking for help,” she says.

What Davis found with grant writing is that it marries her need to help others with her love of storytelling and writing. One of her recent successes is likely a familiar face to those in the area — LaRhea Burke, co-founder of Picnic Haven. Davis recently helped Burke raise funds to compete as a bodybuilder on a national level in the 2023 NPC Atlantic Coast Championship.

“My hope is that through my journey, others can see their incredible strength, just as Rhonda’s support helped me see mine,” Burke says of working with Davis. “I want to be a beacon of inspiration, to empower women to rise above hardships and realize the greatness within themselves.”

This is just one example of the call to action Davis embodies in her work: “Strong women lift each other up" and it is indicative of what she is trying to create in the Topsail community and beyond.

Davis says she has found that so many in the area share the same sentiment about helping others, and that is why she and several local business women are creating a new foundation (for which they are currently seeking board members).

“I know I cant help everybody, but at least I can maybe spread awareness and steer people in the right direction to find funding to pursue their dreams and goals, while

hopefully improving the quality of life for themselves and others.”

Davis is also the broker in charge of the Surf City branch of Wicker Properties of the Carolinas. Though that is a different type of role, Davis notes how everything she does is rooted in service. “I love to help people. That’s what I do,” she says.

Davis offers free monthly Grant Writing Workshops at different businesses around the area. To attend or host a session, volunteer or inquire about getting on the foundation's board of directors, contact Davis through her website at rhondadavisconsulting.com or call her at (910) 660-1205.

Rhonda Davis Consulting

(910) 660-1205

rhondadavisconsulting.com

PHOTO BY DARIA AMATO

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate® Treasure Business Profile

WhenTim Baker and his cousin Richard Baker got started in the real estate industry on Topsail Island in 1990, they already understood the importance of a family-owned business. Having grown up together with fathers who owned a bread company, it was instilled in them at a young age that faith and family were everything.

For the past three decades, the cousins have made sure that serving the Lord was at the forefront of their decision-making and the cornerstone of everything they did at Treasure Realty. Treasure’s team will continue to do so with their recent change to the national franchise Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, where the dedicated experts are still as committed as ever to serving and caring for every client like they are part of the family.

This past year saw many changes, including a transition away from vacation rental property management and a franchise purchase. The new company, now known as Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Treasure®, still has many of the same faces that made Treasure Realty one of the strongest and most trusted real estate forces in the entire area.

“The name and logo may have changed, but what hasn’t changed is the company’s local expertise and generational knowledge, now with the added benefit of a national reach,” says Sandi Monroe, marketing director.

“Treasure is no different than it ever was, as we’re still singularly focused on the client and the customer,” Tim says. “We went from an independent real estate company to attaching to a national franchise brand that we feel is the best in the business in order to better serve those same clients and customers that we’ve been serving for over 30 years.”

Attaching the family-owned business to a nationally recognized franchise offers many benefits to Treasure’s ever-

BY ANNESOPHIA RICHARDS

growing team of agents. These include access to world-class marketing resources, leadgeneration tools and a variety of advertising options that further complement the brokerage’s efforts, allowing it to deliver an even deeper wealth of knowledge and a more individualized customer experience.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate® Treasure is growing, with offices in Sneads Ferry and Surf City and its newest location in Wilmington. Also growing is the team of passionate agents committed to providing concierge-style service through every step of the commercial and residential sales and long-term property management process. Many of Treasure’s agents have been with the brokerage since the beginning, something Tim says is not only important in terms of their deep knowledge when it comes to the local marketplace, but also as it relates to the value they bring to the company’s family-centric business.

“It’s really the brokers and the way they care for the client that’s the driving force behind our success,” Tim says.

Taking care of clients and treating people like family is part of the business model, Tim says.

“We know success comes from caring about the client and taking care of the people we work with and believe are our family,” Tim says. “At the end of the day, we understand that the good Lord does these things for us and for others, and we’re just very thankful.”

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate® Treasure

1950 N.C. Highway 172, Sneads Ferry

14061-B N.C. Highway 50, Surf City 7971 Market Street, Wilmington (910) 327-4444

treasurerealty.com

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Sea Turtle Release

PHOTOGRAPHY BY UNIQUE MEDIA & DESIGN

 Thousands of people gathered at the Crews Avenue Beach Access in Topsail Beach on August 16, eagerly awaiting the release of several sea turtles back into their ocean home. Thanks to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, sea turtles like Opal, Jadeite, Aquamarine II, Azurite, Turquoise and Slimey the Wormas were given a second chance at life. This incredible event not only raised awareness about the importance of sea turtle conservation, but also showcased the dedication and efforts made by The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City to protect these beautiful creatures.

Surf City Mural Unveiling Ceremony

PHOTOGRAPHY BY UNIQUE MEDIA & DESIGN

 Local artist David Mercer recently painted a beautiful mural, which he calls “Home is where the heART is” on the Surf City Water Tower pump house. This is the first project of Surf City’s Beautification and Enhancement Committee, and it has set a high bar for future projects. An unveiling ceremony for the mural featured comments from Surf City Mayor Teresa B. Batts, Beautification and Enhancement Committee Chairwoman Sandi Monroe and, of course, David Mercer, the artist himself. You can find the mural at 121A S. Topsail Drive in Surf City. It can easily be seen from the traffic circle at the base of the Surf City bridge or when traveling along S. Topsail Drive.

Ocean Fest

Benefit Gala & Oyster Roast

 On May 20 100 participants were lucky enough to score tickets to the sold out Ocean Fest Benefit Gala & Oyster Roast at N. SEA. Oyster Co.'s Oyster Barn in Hampstead. They enjoyed dinner from by Chef Marcus Buric of Culinary Creations, live music by Michael Eakins, a silent auction, great drinks and fresh oysters.

Excited about Ocean Fest?

The award-winning, nonprofit eco/surf/art/music festival will be held October 13 and 14 in Surf City. K theoceanfest.org | E theoceanfestorg

Historical Society of Topsail Island Volunteer Appreciation Event

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL RITENOUR

 Historical Society of Topsail Island treated volunteers to a Mardi Gras celebration at the Historic Assembly Building last spring. This annual event is held as a thank you for the countless hours volunteers spend preserving and sharing the rich and unique history of Topsail Island.

Historic Society volunteers wear many hats including maintaining and preserving the Historic Assembly Building; hosting Bingo, luncheons and other fundraisers; educating local school children; helping organize the popular Autumn With Topsail Festival and much more.

If you’re looking for a way to get involved visit topsailhistoricalsociety.org/get-involved/volunteer.

Suzanne & Steve Jones

Celia & Ed Broadhurst

Steve Smith, John Morris, Cecile Broadhurst, Dave Stipe, Michael Nelson, Gwen Ward, Bill Tumblin

Ann Tumblin, Beth Holder, Kathy Hart

Fireworks at Soundside Park

PHOTOGRAPHY BY UNIQUE MEDIA & DESIGN

 Thousands in the Surf City community marked Independence Day with live music starring Jim Quick and Coastline, dancing, mobile food vendors, and the renowned grand finale fireworks display on July 3 at Soundside Park. The event was hosted by the Town of Surf City.

The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Luncheon

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL RITENOUR

 On June 20 The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual luncheon to celebrate the achievements of businesses and individuals while bringing members together for networking and awards. Thanks to luncheon sponsor Godwin’s Market, attendees enjoyed a great meal from Surf City BBQ at the Historical Society of Topsail Island Assembly Building. The chamber offers special congratulations to this year’s winners:

HOSPITALITY OF THE YEAR: The Trailer Bar

NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR: Share The Table

AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR: Liz Trojan of Ward Realty –Topsail Island, NC

CIVIC PERSON OF THE YEAR: Heather Reynolds of the Town of Holly Ridge

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR: Dr. Steve Olmstead of Topsail Dental

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

RECIPIENT: Doug Medlin

Ginger Boger, Dr. Stephen Olmstead, Liz Trojan, Dawn Ellis, Doug Medlin, Heather Reynolds

A&B Saltwater Adventures LLC

East Coast Sports

My Time Rentals

Shoreline Party Supplies & Rentals

DoodyCalls

Petco

All Pets Animal Hospital of Sneads Ferry

Harmony Pet Spa

Holly Ridge Veterinary Hospital

Surf City Pet Hospital

Johnson Drug & Home Medical Co.

TH Photographic Studio

Outer Sky Imaging LLC

Tootsie Wootsies, LLC

Topsail Dreamscapes, LLC

Clarity Communications & Consulting

Security Technology Group

Beach Side Realty of Topsail Island

BlueStar Real Estate

Century 21 Action

Coastal Carolina Real Estate

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage

Intracoastal Realty Corp.

Lewis Realty Associates, Inc.

Oceanaire Realty The Re/Max Essential

Sea to Shining Sea USA Properties

Summerhouse on Everett Bay

Taron Realty Group powered by Fathom Real

Teresa Batts Real Estate, LLC

The Carolina Experience

Bella + James Children's Boutique

Blue Ridge Boutique

Linen & Leather Interiors

Salt Marsh Market

South End Outfitters

Isla Advanced Skincare & Hair

Cape Fear Community College

Arbor Landing at Hampstead

Woodbury Wellness & Stonebridge

Coastal Estates

Beach Furniture Outfitters, Inc.

Bettini Farm Incorporated

Bumblebee Market, Inc.

Fred's Beds

Friendly Mart

Gift Basket, The Have to Have it! Thrift Shop

Idle Nomad Gift Shop

Lewis Seafood Market

Porch & Nest, LLC

Quarter Moon Books & Gifts

Southern Emporium

Surfside Sportswear & Gifts, Inc.

Topsail Island Trading Company

Wicked Stitch The Coastal Mini Storage

Topsail Self Storage

Albert J Ellis Airport

Excel Limousine Service, LLC

Holtzman Propane

Parker Gas Company

Sneads Ferry LP Gas

Spectrum Reach

NC Wedding Officiant Rev. Angela Kelley

Focus Broadband

Corning Credit Union

Truist Bank

Holland's Shelter Creek II, Inc.

Publix

Walmart Neighborhood Market Vacasa

Beach Shop and Grill

Saltwater Suites

Treasure Realty, Inc

Novant Health

Farm Bureau Insurance

SFI Group, Inc. - Surf City

Surf City Line

Pluris, LLC

Coral Cottage Boutiques

Jones-Onslow EMC

EACH TOPSAIL MAGAZINE FEATURES APPROXIMATELY 75 CHAMBER MEMBERS ON ROTATION.

TOPSAIL SUNSETS

Photo captured by Lauren Sigmon

Your home is not just another house, it’s a reflection of you. It’s your style, your personality, your taste. It’s the place where your fondest memories are made, and where your dreams can come true. That’s why Better Homes and Gardens®

Real Estate Treasure is dedicated to helping you find the ideal home, one that will inspire and comfort you for years to come. You can count on us to guide you through every step of your home buying or selling process – before, during, and long after the sale.

Just what you’d expect from your Trusted Local Experts.