Topsail Magazine Summer 2023 Edition

+

FUSED-GLASS ARTIST

SATISFY YOUR LOBSTER CRAVINGS

SURPRISINGLY EASY POKE BOWLS

WAVELENGTH

LOCAL SURFERS TAKE TO THE AIRWAVES AND SWAP EPIC STORIES WITH PODCASTER MATT PERKINS

IMPLANT SURGERY & RESTORATION

FEATURES

44 DIVE RIGHT IN

Diver Surfside Cafe, a family-run business offering coffee, freshpressed juices, smoothies, bowls and bites, is run by a longtime local and a couple who are newer to town. By Kathryn Greene

DEPARTMENTS

33 BEHIND THE BUSINESS

The family of Maine Lobstah Shack serves up authentic Maine lobster on the Carolina coast.

39 ART & CULTURE

The Locals Art Gallery & Wine Bar in Surf City is a new place to appreciate the finer things in life.

51 NONPROFIT

PORCH Pender works on a neighborhood level to assist local food pantries.

55 SPORTS

Childhood roots on Topsail Island led Megan Zipfel to UNCW then out West, where she’s a rising star in NBA communications.

70 T HE JOY OF FUSION

Retired school counselor Mary Beth Utt enjoys the creativity of making fused-glass art from her Surf City home.

By Kate M Carey

59 PEOPLE

Matt Perkins’ Surf Shorts podcast collects the stories of recreational surfers for the world to hear.

65 A ROUND TOWN

With the help of volunteers, Terry Kramer is on a mission to save historic Yopp Cemetery and honor the historic figures of Sneads Ferry.

PHOTO BY DARIA AMATO

PHOTO BY DYLON YORK

PHOTO BY JAMES STEFIUK

Summer 2023 Issue — Volume 4, Issue 3

CEO/PUBLISHER: Justin Williams

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Sandi Grigg

COPY EDITOR: Molly Harrison

CONTRIBUTING GRAPHICS:

L aura Glantz 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

Terry Kramer L ighthouse Films

M att McGraw Vicky Oliver

Bill Ritenour James Stefiuk

Jodi Tolbert Unique Media & Design

Wilton Wescott

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

A nna Beth Adcock D alene Bickel

K ate M Carey A shley Daniels

Pat Fontana K atheryn Green

S andi Grigg 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:

Photographer Eric Vithalini captured this image of surfer Bryan Gillen on the north side of Surf City Pier. Surfing the Topsail waves is a pastime close to many locals’ hearts, and in this issue we have a story about a local surfer who collects wave-riding stories for the world to hear. See our story on Matt Perkins on page 59.

Open seven days

Brunch Saturday and Sunday

SEE WEBSITE FOR CURRENT HOURS, www.lowtidesteakhouse.com

Daria Amato CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

I am a native New Yorker and graduate from the School of Visual Arts. Throughout my 30 years of experience, I have photographed for a wide range of editorial, advertising, company branding and corporate clients in addition to music, fashion, portraiture, weddings and still life. As a photographer, I have been recognized and awarded by the Society of Publication Designers and Graphic Design USA Magazine and have received the Optima Design Award for best cover photography. I am an enthusiastic storyteller of moving and still images within lifestyle, food and travel, along with being a health foodie, yearning traveler, forever student and beach lover.

Kathryn Greene CONTRIBUTING WRITER

As a lifelong Southerner (with the exception of five years living in New York City), I spent many summers enjoying North Carolina’s beautiful beaches and coastline. Since receiving my bachelor’s degree from the Grady College of Journalism at the University of Georgia, I have been a freelance lifestyle and travel writer. My work has been published by national and regional print and online publications including TripSavvy, Culture Trip, Southern Bride and Edible Manhattan . When I am not writing articles, I am either at work on my upcoming thriller novel, studying wine to become a Level 1 sommelier, or my favorite activity of all — spending time at the beach with my feet in the sand and a drink in my hand.

Sandi Grigg — Southern Sandi DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT / FOOD EDITOR

Growing up in a small town in the foothills of North Carolina and attending the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, I always dreamed of working for a company that valued my contributions, tenacity and loyalty. I earned my degree in marketing/branding and started to build a life with my spouse and son. Together, we enjoy fishing, attending live music events and spending time on the water. At home I love to cook and write recipes, take on DIY home improvement endeavors and gardening. Being a part of the Carolina Marketing Company team has showed me that you really can enjoy your job, and we feel like a family. I am truly grateful to have a career I love.

Why We Love Topsail

As I sit on the beach this morning soaking in the Topsail Island atmosphere, I can feel the week's challenges melting away. It’s like magic the way my stress dissolves almost instantly here. Most everyone I talk to around here feels the same way — there is just something special about this place, and it begins as soon as you cross the bridge.

So, while I sit here by the ocean, writing this (yes, I am doing it on my phone for those wondering) I thought I would share the things I most love about Topsail. Here are five of my favorite things to do, in no particular order.

1Sunsets at Serenity Point on the South end of Topsail Island

This is where to watch the perfect sunsets. Depending on how far you walk out at the Point, you can feel like you are on the edge of earth. I recommend taking a beach chair and some headphones as a relaxing way to end the day. Find it at 1 Shore Line Drive, Topsail Beach.

2Surf City Bark Park

Take your four-legged friend to Surf City Dog Park. There are two different parks, one for larger dogs and one for smaller dogs. It’s at 201 Community Center Drive in Surf City.

3Sunrises on the beach by Surf City Ocean Pier

Grab a coffee from The Daily Grind or Surf City Coffee and head out to the public beach access by the pier at 13 N. Shore Drive in Surf City. You'll see many

others here doing the same. If the clouds are working in your favor, you'll capture some great imagery. Maybe you’ll even make some new friends among the folks out here.

4Walking or running the Surf City Bridge

Is there a better way to get your steps in than with a 65-foot climb for a view of the island? The bridge is 3,600 feet long, so a little more than a half-mile. It’s an easy way to get some exercise in, say hi to friendly faces and capture great photos of the island. Park on the mainland or at one of the many paid parking spots available on the island.

5North Topsail Beach - Shark Tooth Hunting

Take a walk out to the end of the northernmost point of the island in North Topsail Beach to look for shark's teeth and shells. Note that this is not a safe place to swim; the currents from the inlet are very dangerous.

Keep reading for more great things about the Topsail area. You’ll read about local businesses Diver Surfside Café, The Locals Art Gallery & Wine Bar and Maine Lobstah Shack, meet glass-fusion artist Mary Beth Utt and read about good-hearted people who love to help in the community.

Please support our advertisers, and if you like our magazine, subscribe so you can get it mailed to you at home at TopsailMag.com/subscribe.

What are your favorite things about Topsail Island? Tag us on Instagram, and we might feature them in print! (See page 14.)

Justin Williams Owner/Publisher Publisher@TopsailMag.com

Life is difficult. The unexpected happens. Be ready.

PROUDLY SERVING

Hampstead, Topsail Island, Surf City, and Sneads Ferry

Pender, Onslow and New Hanover Counties

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.

Practice Areas

Personal Injury

Wrongful Death

Wills & Estate Planning

Post-Conviction Relief

Life Insurance Denials

CENTURY 21 Action has been helping people with their real estate needs in Topsail Island NC! We are excited to welcome Scott Erickson and his sales associates to the CENTURY 21 Coastal Advantage Family!

CENTURY 21 Coastal Advantage, led by Shirley Morrison, has been a leader in the local real estate arena for over 30 years, becoming the most successful Century 21 Franchise in our area and in North Carolina! Century 21 Coastal’s team of agents and staff have award winning success that ranks them in the Top 21 Century 21 companies in the world!

The coming together of these companies means a heightened level of service for area real estate buyers and sellers.

Owner

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.

ACCIDENTAL ARTIST

by Kate M Carey

Topsail Beach resident Leslie Marsh is a self-taught fiber artist, book artist, photographer and painter. If books spoke aloud, the ones made by Leslie Marsh might first comment on how intricately they were made. Cutting, steaming, pressing, soldering, stitching. They might preen and

show their eco-dyed covers where a daisy’s color and form leave a lasting impression next to a pansy’s happy face and the citronella leaf’s implied protection.

Or maybe they would be silent and hold the secrets for which their pages were designed.

FOCUSED ON FUN AND SAFETY

By Pat Fontana

Whether you want to learn safe boating skills or see Topsail Island from the water, Topsail Voyages has you covered.

You’ve just purchased a beautiful new boat and are excited to get out on the water. Do you know how to back the trailer to launch the boat? Are the waterway rules clear? How much do you know about tides, currents and sandbars in the Topsail area? The team at Topsail Voyages is made up of experienced, seasoned boaters who are eager to guide you through all of these critical areas of safe boating and more.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

FRESH FOODS AND FARM PRODUCTS

by Kate M Carey

The new Hampstead Farmers Market is held on Thursdays at Ironclad Golf.

Red, yellow and pink flowers emerge from canning jars. Herbs and vegetable plants wave in the light breeze. Honey glows golden as the sunlight passes through the bottles. Fresh oysters, seafood and pastured raised meats await the grill. For folks in the Hampstead-Holly Ridge-Surf City area, a new farmers market means fresh produce and products every Thursday from 4 to 7 pm at Ironclad Golf. The Hampstead Farmers Market is held in the new Shaka Taco Beer Garden.

Folks are invited to shop the market, drink a cold beer and dance along to live music. Kids and leashed dogs are invited to join in. The ever-fresh Shaka Taco full menu is available until 9 pm. The Hampstead Farmer’s Market is the only Thursday evening market in the area; other markets are Wednesdays or Saturdays.

FARMING AT THE COAST

by Kate M Carey

Dave Borkowski raises chickens and pigs and grows vegetables on his 36-acre Changin’ Ways Farm, just a couple miles off the Intracoastal Waterway outside Holly Ridge.

Changin’ Ways Farm presents a bucolic scene on a sunny, spring day. A dozen or so chickens scrabble in the grass, clucking contentedly around two fancylooking Caribbean-blue chicken coops. Beyond the pond, Berkshire hogs root in a pen. In fields on the far side of the new barn, red and green lettuces shiver in the light breeze, and green leaves of elephant garlic stand tall nearby. The greenhouses are full of tomatoes, beets, spinach, carrots, kale and bok choi, and in the tidy fields are planted with potatoes and onions.

CONTINUE READING ONLINE

BIG WINNERS

by Pat Fontana

Two Pender County events, Ocean Fest and The Blueberry Drop, win 2023 ShowFest Awards.

Burgaw’s Blueberry Drop and Surf City’s Ocean Fest were named as Excellence Award Winners for their events, outreach and merchandise at the 2023 ShowFest Awards, presented by the North Carolina Association of Festivals and Events (NCAFE).

A Taste of Hawaii

Poke bowls look and taste impressive and are surprisingly easy to make at home.

BY SANDI GRIGG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES STEFIUK

PPoke bowls are a tradition in the Hawaiian islands, and locally they seem to be popping up on the menus of most fresh seafood restaurants. These colorful, customizable bowls are so versatile and surprisingly easy to make at home.

The word poke refers to raw, cut, marinated fish layered on top of rice with fresh-cut vegetables and some sort of sauce. The first time I created my own poke bowl I had just picked up freshly cut bluefin tuna from my local seafood market. I frequent this seafood market often, and although they always have ahi tuna, I was eager to taste the raw freshness of local bluefin tuna. [Read more about a local tuna fisherman featured on Discovery Channel’s Wicked Tuna at lifeinbrunswickcounty.com/fishing-with-the-underdogs/.]

The difference in yellowfin, or ahi tuna, and bluefin tuna is the fin color. Ahi tuna has yellow fins and is a bit more in abundance, while the ever-coveted and usually expensive bluefin tuna has blue fins and is harder to come by. Yellowfin tuna is leaner with a lighter taste and usually lacks the fat content that runs through bluefin tuna.

Other than the tuna, the ingredients for this recipe can be found at your local grocery store. Even the edamame can be found in the freezer section in little packets.

If you don’t like some of the ingredients I have offered in this recipe, feel free to change it up. As I said before, this recipe is completely customizable. You can use salmon instead of tuna or sticky rice instead of brown rice. If you do not like green onions, then use a sweeter onion or incorporate radishes – even tomatoes would be a good component. Many people do not like spicy sauces so you can certainly use soy sauce instead. The options are endless!

Make it your own!

Substitute tuna with salmon or crab. Add new flavors with tomatoes, cilantro, cumin.

Kick up the heat with wasabi.

Any way you choose to serve your poke bowl, I am sure your taste buds will be happy and you will feel good for supporting local fishermen!

Have a recipe request for Southern Sandi?

Shoot a message to Sandi@TopsailMag.com

Tuna Poke Bowl with Sriracha Mayo

Makes 2 bowls

INGREDIENTS

¼ cup soy sauce

2 teaspoons rice vinegar

2 teaspoons sesame oil

1 teaspoon grated ginger

Pinch of crushed red pepper

2 cups raw, fresh ahi tuna, bluefin tuna or any higher grade tuna, cut into cubes

2 cups cooked brown rice

1 avocado, peeled and sliced thin

1 cup cucumber, chopped into cubes

1 cup edamame

1 cup purple cabbage, chopped into thin 1” pieces

1 cup carrots, julienned

1 cup mango, chopped into cubes

1 cup green onion, chopped

Tuxedo sesame seeds

Slices of lime

For the Sriracha

Mayo Sauce

Make 1 day ahead

1 garlic clove, finely grated

1 cup mayonnaise

3 tablespoons Sriracha

Juice of ½ a lemon

½ teaspoon honey

Pinch of salt

METHOD

In a bowl, mix all the ingredients for the Sriracha Mayo sauce, cover and store in the refrigerator overnight.

In a large bowl whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger and red pepper flakes. Add the tuna chunks and toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to an hour.

Meanwhile, divide the rice in the bottom of two serving bowls.

Top the rice, in small individual piles around the bowl, with the avocado, cucumber, edamame, cabbage carrots, mango and drained tuna. (Tip: Reserve the tuna marinade and use it as an additional sauce if it seems too dry for your liking).

Drizzle each bowl with the Sriracha Mayo Sauce.

Garnish with sprinklings of green onions and tuxedo sesame seeds.

Add a slice of lime and chopsticks. Enjoy!

Sipping into Vacation Mode

Let the tropical flavors of this cocktail carry you away.

BY SANDI GRIGG

IIt’s time to take a vacation, and as the Beach Boys sing, “Aruba, Jamaica, ooh I wanna take ya…”

This pineapple, banana and coconut daiquiri is the perfect cocktail to indulge in on a hot summer day. Packed with the flavors of the Caribbean, it is an easy summer cocktail recipe.

It has been more than three years since my spouse and I have traveled anywhere for a vacation due to COVID-19, but that is all about to change. I recently booked a week-long vacation to Aruba, and we are super excited to experience an all-inclusive, stress-free vacation. We have never been to Aruba, but I would imagine that this cocktail is exactly what I will be drinking.

After booking our trip, I created this cocktail to celebrate the finalization of our reservations. I had already called my in-laws to make sure they would keep our son and was eager to surprise my spouse with the confirmation printout and this cocktail in hand. After much anticipation and discussion about finally booking a trip, it was a welcomed and tasty decision.

Most all-inclusive resorts offer a range of bold and bitter, to sweet and rich, to light and fresh cocktails. This vacation-inspired cocktail is a balance of sweet and rich. Fresh banana and pineapple with coconut milk adds a rich texture without giving it a sense of nauseating sweetness.

Endless summer vibes are just a cocktail away. I know you might rather be here on our happy little island, but if that’s not possible for you right now, a good tropical cocktail will instantly transport you to Aruba’s warm sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters in no time.

PINEAPPLE, BANANA, COCONUT DAIQUIRI

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

4 ounces coconut rum

1 ripe banana

½ cup pineapple chunks

½ cup coconut milk

Juice of 1 lime

1 ounce orange

Curacao

3½ cups of crushed ice

Sliced pineapple for garnish

Fresh mint for garnish

METHOD

In a blender add the rum, banana, pineapple, coconut milk, lime juice orange Curacao and ice.

Pulse until smooth. Add more ice for a thicker consistency or add more coconut milk for a thinner consistency.

Pour into a cocktail glass and garnish with a slice of pineapple and sprig of fresh mint.

Pender EMS and Fire Paramedics Win State Paramedic Competition

Pender EMS and Fire submitted two teams in the 2023 N.C. Office of Emergency Medical Services (NCOEMS) regional competition. The teams competed at regional sites in Johnston and Cumberland counties. On Monday, March 6, NCOEMS announced that Pender Team 1, consisting of Mckenzie Shipp and Owen Feest, had won their region and would advance to the state championship held in Greensboro. In May Shipp and Feest competed in the 31st N.C. Paramedic Competition state finals against teams from Rowan County, Iredell County, Guilford County and Chatham County, including the reigning champions from Mecklenburg County – and they won the state championship! Shipp was the first female from the Eastern Region to win the competition, and the last time the Eastern Region won a championship was in 2013.

Ribbon Cutting at Apricot Lane Boutique

Locally owned specialty boutique Apricot Lane Boutique held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in conjunction with Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce on March 23. Apricot Lane offers fashionable women’s apparel, jewelry, handbags, accessories and gifts. They are located at 201 Alston Boulevard Ext. Suite 201-E in Hampstead.

Ribbon Cutting at Petco

On April 14 Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Petco. The superstore for pets is located at 2737 N.C. Highway 210 E. in Surf City.

Ribbon Cutting at The Wicked Stitch

On April 6 the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Wicked Stitch. The yarn shop, located at 16406 U.S. Highway 17, Suite 7 in Hampstead, specializes in luxury and hand-dyed yards.

Topsail Beach Top Secret Hike

On March 11 Pender County Tourism partnered with the Historical Society of Topsail Island Missiles and More Museum on a 1-mile family fun hike. The event was one of the 12 events Pender County Tourism planned as part of the 2023 NC Year of the Trail to celebrate and highlight trails across North Carolina. Pender County’s hikes are community based and family friendly, and each walk is in a different area of the county. Go to visitpender.com/ year-of-the-trail to see the remaining hikes for 2023.

Pender Arts Council Hosts Art Gala

On April 29 Pender Arts Council hosted its Southern Swamp Soirée, a gala that featured local artists and authors while continuing to advance the importance of the arts in Pender County. The Southern Swamp Soirée featured savory hors d’oeuvres, local wine and beer, live music and entertainment by Chip Davis and his Southern Swamp Boogie as well as book signings by local authors Claudia Stack (School Belongs to Me), Curtis Hardison (Griot: The Evolution of Edgecombe) and Gary E. Turawick (Born in Reconstruction - The Story of Pender County 1524-2010) all under the mossy canopy and Carolina starlit sky.

Surf City Middle School Students Place in National Art Contest

A total of five Surf City Middle School students placed in the Wildlife Forever Art of Conservation Songbird Art Contest. Eighth graders Luke Cherry, Julia Clark and Nicole Frye finished first, second and third in North Carolina for their age division (7th to 9th grade). Sixth graders Emerson Freeman and Quinn Noto placed second and third in the 4th to 6th grade division. A panel of judges from across the conservation industry selected state and national winners from more than 2,000 entries. This year’s contest featured the rose-breasted grosbeak, the golden-crowned kinglet, the chipping sparrow, the brown creeper, and the cedar waxwing. After students select and research their species, they create both an artistic rendition and a piece of creative writing. First-place winners in each state go on to be judged for national honors. The 12 national winners receive prize packages from Wildlife Forever.

Holly Ridge Man Wins Lottery

Gregory Gray of Holly Ridge bought a $2M Diamond Dazzler scratch-off ticket for $20 from the Circle K on U.S. Highway 17 N. in Holly Ridge and won big in the North Carolina Education Lottery. Gray claimed his prize at lottery headquarters. After required state and federal tax withholdings, he took home $71,256.

Historical Society of Topsail Island Announces 2023 Scholarship Winners

Historical Society of Topsail Island recently named its 2023 scholarship winners. The winners are: Sidney Herring from Pender Early College, Kelsey Rochelle of Dixon High School and Carolina Lotten and Grace Deitz from Topsail High School.

Burgaw Hosts Adult Prom

On May 20 the Town of Burgaw Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department held its first-ever Red Carpet Affair at the Historic Burgaw Train Depot. The adult prom event attracted adults ages 30 and older and offered a live DJ and a photo booth and crowned a king and queen.

Clearing the Lot for Share the Table’s New Facility is Underway

Demolition on the new lot for Share the Table has started. Permits for construction are still being processed, but things are underway. Share the Table sends special thanks to donors AnA Builders, Mark Hargrove, John Urban, Coastal Bank & Trust and Kraken Groundworks for moving this project along.

ART BY QUINN NOTO

ART BY JULIA CLARK

ART BY LUKE CHERRY

ART BY EMERSON FREEMAN

ART BY NICOLE FRYE

Paddle 4 Troops Held in Hampstead

The Paddle 4 Troops second annual charity golf tournament took place on April 29 at The Olde Point Golf Course in Hampstead. The event was a celebration of local military heroes and included 32 teams of four with a shotgun start. All proceeds went to help “Convert Challenges into Opportunity One Veteran at a Time.”

Cape Fear Elementary Teacher Recognized with Roy. E. Harkin Award

Topsail High Teacher Named 2023-24 Kenan Fellows Recipient

Topsail High School Science Teacher Matthew Yaeger has been named a 2023-24 Kenan Fellows recipient. As part of the fellowship Yaeger will spend three weeks with leaders in STEM fields and will receive a $5,000 stipend while participating in 80 hours of professional development focusing on project-based learning, enhancing the relationship between the school and community as well as peer coaching among other things. The Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership (KFP) is a K-12 education initiative of the Kenan Institute for Engineering, Technology & Science at N.C. State University.

2023 Recipients of the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award

Cape Fear Elementary physical education teacher Dr. Chris Wirszyla has been recognized as the spring 2023 recipient of the UNCW Watson College of Education Roy E. Harkin Teacher Recognition Award. The award is given annually to recognize contributions to the preparation of future teachers by demonstrating excellence as a Professional Development System (PDS) partner. The Roy E. Harkin Teacher Recognition Award was established in 2008 in memory of Dr. Roy E. Harkin, who served as the chair of the Education Department at UNCW and later Dean of the School of Education. A plaque recognizing award winners is on display in the Watson College of Education at UNCW.

The N.C. Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service presented the 2023 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award to eight people in Pender County. The award honors people who have shown concern and compassion for their neighbors by making a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service. The following individuals were recognized for their hard work and dedication to their community. Tammy Proctor, the Pender County coordinator for the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award program, says, “These volunteers have given hundreds of hours in Pender County for the betterment of the community.”

Scott Franko, Chamber of Commerce Board President and Treasure Realty

Diane Mangus, Hampstead Women's Club

Leo Urban , Coastal Pender Rotary Club

Jim and Kathy Sabella , All Saints Catholic Church

Dixie Rhinehart , RSVP, Meals on Wheels

Jeanette Jones, historical associations of Pender County Jaliese Blackburn , paid director category, N.C. Blueberry Festival

Hampstead Alive After Five

June 9, 30, July 21

Enjoy live music, food trucks and fun at the Hampstead Alive After Five Summer Concert Series. All concerts will be held at Hampstead Kiwanis Park located at 586 Sloop Point Loop Road in Hampstead from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets.

June 9: Chocolate Chip & Company

June 30: North Tower

July 21: Heart Stop

Information: pender.recdesk.com

Blueberry Town Hike

June 14

The Year of the Trail is a statewide celebration to introduce North Carolinians to state trails. Pender County and its partners are sponsoring one family-fun hike per month. The June hike will explore Blueberry Town on June 14, starting at noon at Hankins Park in Burgaw. The park is located at 310 N. Walker Street. This hike will be led by Cody Suggs, director of Burgaw Parks and Recreation.

Information: tproctor@ pendercountync.gov, (910) 259-1278

Hampstead Alive After Five

Summer on the Square Concert Series

June 15, 29, July 13, 27

Mark your calendars for the Town of Burgaw’s Summer on the Square concert series. All concerts will be held on the Pender County Courthouse Square from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Food vendors will be onsite during all concerts.

June 15: Rivermist

June 29: Carl Newton’s Review

July 13: Bacon Grease

July 27: Blackwater Band

Information: (910) 259-1330; visitpender.com

Blueberry Classic Cornhole Tournament

June 15

Celebrate Blueberry Week in Burgaw and sign up for the 2003 Blueberry Classic Cornhole Tournament on the lawn of the Courthouse Square. This event will be accompanied by live music and food trucks.

Information: pender.recdesk.com

20th Annual North Carolina Blueberry Festival

20th Annual North Carolina Blueberry Festival

June 16 & 17

The North Carolina Blueberry Festival Association is happy to host its 20th annual North Carolina Blueberry Festival this summer. The festival will take place on and around Burgaw’s Historic Courthouse Square, located at 100 S. Wright Street. On June 17 from 9 am to 10 pm there will be concerts and vendors. Kick-off events begin June 16 from 3 to 10 pm. The event is free to attend and features an array of attractions including more than 100 artisan vendors, local blueberries for sale, children’s activities, beer and wine, delicious food, and live music from well-loved beach music bands like Band of Oz, The Embers and more. The festival also offers opportunities to participate in a wide range of events from a recipe contest and BBQ cook-off to a 5K race and car and truck show. New this year, the North Carolina Blueberry Festival and Pender Arts Council will host an art exhibit before and during the festival commemorating local legend Ivey Hayes and other contributing artists.

The North Carolina Blueberry Festival is a heritage celebration that connects communities by honoring the historic, economic and cultural significance of blueberries grown in the southeastern region of North Carolina. Proceeds from the festival are used to provide educational scholarships to students residing in the blueberry-producing counties of Bladen, Duplin, New Hanover, Pender and Sampson. Further, proceeds are utilized to support academic and sports-related school programs, medical clinics in schools and other local charitable efforts including Meals on Wheels.

Information: ncblueberryfestival.com

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Juneteenth Celebration

June 24

Come out to the Pender County Courthouse on Wright Street in Burgaw for fellowship, vendors and to celebrate Juneteenth from 10 am to 4 pm on June 24. This event is to celebrate and engage present and future generations and keep alive the relevant culture and rich history of African Americans.

Information: visitpender.com/events

Topsail Sounds Summer Concerts

June 27, July 25 and August 22

Come out to Topsail Beach Town Center at 624 S. Anderson Boulevard each month this summer to enjoy live music hosted by the Town of Topsail Beach. Bring your lawn chairs on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

June 27: JT Parrothead

July 25: The Cruise Brothers

August 22: Dos Eddies

Information: topsailbeachnc.gov

13th Annual Ocean City Jazz Festival

June 30 to July 2

Join the Ocean City Jazz Festival in its mission to present the gold standard of jazz by producing a showcase event that raises an appreciation of the genre

of jazz, fosters economic growth, unites artists and attendees and inspires a new generation culturally through the history of the Ocean City Beach Community. Food trucks will feature an eclectic mix of delicious food for purchase. Beer and wine tickets will be for sale, and beverages are sold with ticket/token only. Remember, you must be 21 to drink in North Carolina. New this year they will be offering mixed drinks.

Information: oceancityjazzfest.com

Fourth of July Fireworks

July 3

Enjoy Independence Day fireworks over Surf City on July 3. Live music featuring Jim Quick and Coastline will be among the entertainment. Dancing, food trucks and famous grand finale fireworks at 9 pm will be part of the event.

Information: surfcitync.gov

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 something for everyone with 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 top three relay teams. Registration includes a t-shirt, a pint glass and a post-race party and morning of fun. The fun 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

Over-Under Biathlon and 5K September

Over-Under Biathlon and 5K

Fourth of July Fireworks

13th Annual Ocean City Jazz Festival

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Lobster L ve

The family of Maine Lobstah Shack serves up authentic Maine lobster on the Carolina coast.

BY ASHLEY DANIELS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARIA AMATO

Once you put your hands on a lobster roll and your feet on the grounds of Maine Lobstah Shack in Surf City, your heart will be filled with love.

“From day one, we just wanted to love on people,” says co-owner Trevor Dostie. “From the start, we knew the food was going to work. We’re blessed to

have the best. But the number one thing is, I want those people to feel more loved than any place they’ve ever been in their life.”

And it seems to be working. Dostie says according to online reviews, the biggest focal point of the restaurant is the service. Then, the second is the food.

Dostie runs and operates Maine Lobstah Shack with Jen Williamson, his former wife, and their daughter, Addi Dostie, along with Chris Williamson, Jen's current husband. It’s a family dynamic and working relationship that is a rare gem in this world, and the family wouldn’t have it any other way. Addi’s younger siblings, Corbin and Eastyn Williamson, also pitch in over the summer.

Lobstah Shack opened in July 2022, only three months after they met with the landlord of the vacant building, which looks identical to a fish shack in their native state of Maine. Addi spotted the shack while crossing the Surf City Bridge with her mom one afternoon.

“She looked over and said, ‘That’s the shack we should

have,’” says Dostie. “We should start praying about it.”

Aside from family and food, faith is one of the cores of this group. A scripture they live by is Psalm 133:1: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Trevor and Jen remained great friends after their divorce, with Trevor moving here from Maine shortly after sending Addi off to Liberty University.

“Jen, being the visionary, has always said there should be a lobster shack down here,” says Dostie. “And I was so blessed to have connections back home in Maine.”

Dostie’s entrepreneurial gifts landed them a partnership with a lobster processor near Bar Harbor, Maine. The lobster meat is cooked in Maine and gets

Addi Dostie, Brettnay Neff, Trevor Dostie, Olivia Maddox (back row), Corbin, Jen, Chris and Eastyn Williamson in front of "The Shack". Below: Addi Dostie in the kitchen.

flown in fresh the next day.

“Many years ago we used to joke about the idea and then, when we did leave Addi at college her freshman year, that’s when it really became, okay, let’s do this.”

Without any traditional restaurant experience, the two hit the ground

running, with Jen playing around with logos after renting the shack and securing the processing partner, and Addi promoting the business on social media. Then their dream of a Maine lobster eatery came true.

“People from far and wide have heard about the Lobstah Shack

already,” Dostie says. “It’s been unreal.”

And it’s all because of the “Lobstah Shack Love,” a saying that they take to heart and that you’ll see in many places throughout the Shack. The Maine Lobstah Shack menu offers a variety of lobster rolls (¹∕ 8 , ¼, ½, or 2 pounds of fresh Maine lobster served chilled on a grilled New England roll with mayo hot-drawn Plugra butter on the side (all rolls served with chips, coleslaw and a pickle), lobster mac and cheese, lobster bisque, lobster grilled cheese and New England Clam Chowdah.

Choose to dine alfresco on one of their picnic tables that overlook the Surf City Bridge crossing over the bay for killer views of the sunset. Or order one of their take-home packs, which includes one pound of fresh Maine lobster meat for six rolls, six New England split tops rolls, Plugra butter, mayo, chips, pickles, a lemon, bisque,

chowdah or lobster meat to go. For dessert, a must-order is their Maine-made whoopie pies: classic, peanut butter, chocolate chip and seasonal varieties. They also serve beer, including a Maine IPA, and wine.

Running the kitchen at Maine Lobstah Shack is chef Olivia Maddox, a native of Georgia, who was always told by her grandmother to cook with love.

“She’s amazing,” Dostie says. “She just headed a fundraiser for Make-a-Wish of Eastern North Carolina held at UNCW, and we were chosen out of 12 restaurants to serve our lobster bisque to 400 people, and now they want us to be on the board of directors. We believe Olivia is the one that will be long-term and maybe run our franchise division, training new people.”

In addition to future plans to franchise Maine Lobstah Shack, Dostie says they also have purchased a trolley in Key West, the Harry S. Truman, that used to cart people around Truman Square, which they plan to convert into an indoor dining area for inclement weather.

“We’ve been trying to get the trolley mechanically sound,” Jen says. “We think it’s going to be

MOUTH WATERING?

Maine Lobstah Shack

411 Roland Ave., Surf City m (910) 548-6789

K mainelobstah shack.com

E MaineLobstah ShackSurfCityNC

something really cool and like a landmark for Surf City as well. … And, when it’s running and functional, someone can rent it for an event. We’re also looking to buy a food truck or trailer for catering because we’ve had a lot of people asking about that.”

The good food and love combine into an experience that folks want to return to again and again – both for dining and working.

“Besides the fact that I absolutely love the food, I just love working with my entire family in one place,” Addi says. “And the people we’ve brought onto the team have been so incredible and we've fostered so many close relationships with them … It’s just become a home away from home.”

“For us, we really believe with every ounce of our soul that God has had a hand from the second we stood on this property until now,” Dostie adds. “It's unbelievable and the blessing is incredible.” 

Staffing the register at "The Shack" is a family affair with Eastyn Williamson, Addi Dostie and Corbin Williamson (above left) and Jen Williamson (above right).

A New Level of Luxury Hospitality

Experience a new level of luxury on Topsail Island. Saltwater Suites is a newly built 24-unit mini hybrid hotel that offers the perfect combination of luxury and relaxation, with a range of amenities that will leave you feeling pampered and rejuvenated.

With no nightly minimum, you can enjoy a short getaway or an extended stay, making it ideal for anyone looking for flexibility and convenience.

Guests can easily book their stay online or over the phone with 24/7 self-check-in, providing a hassle-free and seamless experience.

Each suite is designed with comfort and convenience, featuring spacious living areas, fully equipped kitchens with dining tables, full-size front-loading washers and dryers, Samsung Smart HDTV, High-Speed WiFi, a sofa that converts to a queen size bed, and stunning ocean views.

605 North Topsail Drive

Surf City, NC 28445

(910) 886-4818

The Perfect Pairing

The Locals Art Gallery & Wine Bar in Surf City is a new place to appreciate the finer things in life.

BY MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN

SSurf City’s newest art gallery also happens to be its newest wine bar. Adam and Alicia Hawley opened The Locals Art Gallery and Wine Bar in Surf City in April of 2023. But don’t let the name fool you — it’s an all-inclusive space.

“We thought it would be funny to call it Locals because nobody's local anymore, even though we all claim to be,” Adam says.

The sleek new spot provides a destination for a vast collection of wines, North Carolina craft beers, community events and local art. Nothing else like it existed in the area — an area that Adam saw as having great potential.

“We kind of jumped all in,” he says. “This area is booming. It’s like our little Mayfaire (a shopping district in Wilmington).”

Currently, The Locals establishment is surrounded by a handful of boutique shops and restaurants, a coffee shop and a nail salon, and a distillery is coming soon. Additionally, a highend apartment complex is under construction across the street. It’s the perfect location to drop in for a

Eclectic beverages, beautiful art and space for hanging out are the hallmarks of this new gallery and wine bar in Surf City.

mimosa during a day of shopping or to grab a glass of wine or beer before or after dinner.

Adam designed The Locals Art Gallery and Wine Bar from top to bottom. From the beautiful and cozy bar to the leather barstools and, of course, the art on the walls, he expertly managed every detail.

“I was probably a little more hands-on than I really needed to be, but I wanted it to be right,” he says. “I wanted a true art gallery because I know so many artists who are always looking for somewhere to display and sell their work.”

The Hawleys, longtime Topsail residents, also own the Unique Media and Design firm that specializes in real estate photography and virtual tours. When Adam is not shooting properties around the state — and the world — he is a professional artist himself, capturing coastal landscapes and creating long-exposure pieces that freeze time. His passion for art helped drive this latest endeavor. But he didn’t want

this to be “his gallery.”

The artwork selected for display at The Locals must be original and exclusive to the gallery. There are some photography prints, but they are limited copies. To get started, Adam approached artists he knew or whose work he was familiar with. He’s hoping to attract other local artists as well (apply through the website).

Adam is trying to work collectively with artists to give them the most beneficial exposure. That means not oversaturating the wall space with the same theme at one time.

“If I’ve got a great picture of the pier already on display, I don’t necessarily want to put another one out at the same time, so I’ll hold one back until the next rotation. This way, we aren’t really competing against each other,” he says.

Meanwhile, the beverage options at The Locals are eclectic. The Locals boasts an impressive selection of wine, including

The art hanging in the gallery, which includes owner Adam Hawley's photographs, rotates often to keep things fresh.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

BY

LOCALS, FOR LOCALS

COMMITTED TO CUSTOMER SERVICE & OUR COMMUNITY

PackageHub Business Centers® are independently owned and operated by local entrepreneurs, which means they are tailor-made to fit your neighborhood needs.

GraphicsOnSite -atShipOnSite

Being locally owned and operated isn’t just part of our charm, it’s our advantage-our stores are friendly, helpful, and welcoming, just like any good neighbor. Because we’re local, we love our communities in a way big box stores don’t.

Gabrielle Co-Owner/Graphic Designer

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU

Did you know we have a graphic designer here at ShipOnSite?

It’s not about how much business we can do, it’s about how we can contribute to our customers & communities — that is our Customer Commitment.

FREEDOM

Our graphic designer can help you create anything from a simple birthday invitation, a detailed logo, beautiful wedding invitations, or even a banner or poster for your high school student.

Gabrielle can help take the frustration and struggle of ordering your print needs online, and off your plate. We will make sure exactly what you are asking for is printed the right way, the first time and we usually beat online pricing!

What does this mean for you as a customer? We are one step closer to being able to accept QR codes! We aren’t sure exactly when that will be, but by joining this program we are moving in the right direction to be able to provide universal services. This also means that no matter where you are in the country, you can go to www.packagehub. net, and search for a third-party location, like ours, to provide you great customer service far beyond what a first-party location can offer. PackageHub Business Centers® are the “corporate” backers to our mom-and-pop shops, and we are thrilled to be able to provide the shipping, packing, and printing store our community needs.

If you're starting a business in the Surf City area or know someone who is, contact our graphic designer at printing@theshiponsite.com, to see what different marketing opportunities we can offer.

ShipOnSite - Surf City 201 Alston Blvd, Suite C Hampstead, NC 28443

FOLLOW US on Facebook and Instagram for the quickest updates and message us for any questions!

(same info as always; add QR code)

(910) 803-2292

sales@theshiponsite.com

a wide variety of wines by the glass. Some of their current offerings include Eric Louis Sauvignon Blanc from France and The Seeker Sauvignon Blanc, an Argentina variety sure to rival any one from New Zealand. They’re also serving Besson Rose Granite, Joe Wagner’s Quilt Threadcount, Patz & Hall Chardonnay and Caymus Cabernet.

“Our goal is to have a extensive variety of wines from all over the world. Some you might know and some you don't. We want to get you to try something different which will become your new favorite!” Alicia says.

As for the beer, they carry a rotating selection of local and North Carolina craft beers, including their own private-label beers.

“Going into the summer, we’ve partnered with a local brewer to private label beers that we’ll sell at our location,” Adam says. “We’ll feature four different beers that will have our logo on it and range in styles.” They will also carry some domestic as well as nonalcoholic drinks.

The Hawleys plan to host events like their recent Kentucky Derby DIY Fascinator Hat Party hosted by La Crema Wines. The gallery is also available to rent for private events including Christmas parties, baby showers, company events and birthday and engagement parties.

Philanthropy is an important part of the Hawleys’ business model. Adam often donates some of his own artwork to local charities

FEELIN' THE VIBE?

The Locals Art Gallery and Wine Bar

112 Charlie Medlin Drive, Unit B, behind the Salty Turtle in Surf City m (910) 803-2046

K localsgallery.com

Hours: Monday to Thursday 10 am to 9 pm

Friday and Saturday 10 am to 10 pm

Sunday 12 to 5 pm

including the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle

Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, The Reel Housewives of Topsail Island annual bike ride, the Paddle 4 Troops SUP race and Share the Table. “Last year, my prints brought organizations $15,000 worth of donations,” Adam says.

Throughout the summer, the gallery will offer a portion of the sales from each of their private-label beers to rotating charities. “As we promote the different beers to support local organizations, it’s a great opportunity to get the rest of the community involved,” Adam says.

For the Hawleys, The Locals Art Gallery and Wine Bar is about creating a unique space that has something for everybody and where people feel comfortable and connected. 

Dive RIGHT IN

Diver Surfside Cafe, a family-run business offering coffee, fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, bowls and bites, is run by a longtime local and a couple who are newer to town.

BY KATHRYN GREENE

n a pink building just across the bridge in Surf City is one of the area’s newest additions to the food scene, Diver Surfside Cafe. With its two levels and beach house-like exterior, visiting the waterfront cafe feels a bit like being inside someone’s home. And in a way it is, at least an extension of one. Diver is co-owned by three family members: husband and wife Matt and Brittany Shaw and Brittany’s sister, Emily Lara.

“I know a lot of people say they feel so much love when they walk in here,” Emily says. “We put a lot into this place, and it makes me happy to hear that because we try our best bring to bring that feeling to people.”

Each of the owners has a background in hospitality and knew they wanted to go into

business for themselves. It was not a question of if they would open something but what? And where? Residents of Nashville, Tennessee, for 12 years, the Shaws had been looking to move to Topsail Beach full-time to be near Brittany’s family, including Emily, who has lived in the Topsail area for 20 years. The Shaws are hardly strangers to the area, however, having vacationed in Topsail Beach since 2007.

In fact, it was a moment during one of the Shaws’ trips that inspired the concept of what would eventually become Diver. A search for fresh-pressed juice nearby made them realize

PHOTO BY DYLO

Diver

Surfside

Cafe offers plenty of space to linger and enjoy the water views.

AVO C ADOTOA

they would need to go to Wilmington to find what they were looking for.

Having recently decided they wanted to trade Nashville for beach life full-time, it seemed like the right moment to make their dreams come true. Emily, who worked at Sears Landing off and on for seven years, had been scoping out local real estate when

PHOTOS BY UNIQUE MEDIA & DESIGN

the perfect opportunity appeared right across the street. When the space at 809 Roland Avenue opened up, it seemed like a good sign.

On the Diver menu, there is a small illustration of a shell and cursive writing proclaiming, “The Pearl of Surf City.” Although the owners may have given the restaurant the moniker, one visit to the cafe verifies it is a gem of an addition to the area. While the cafe is a team effort by its owners, Matt, Emily and Brittany each have an area they are most passionate about — menus, coffee and cocktails, and creative design, respectively. The confluence of these talents is evident in every detail of the design and the food and drink offerings.

Counter Culture coffee is brewed and offered in all the classic coffee drinks from cortados to macchiatos. Punch up the flavor by adding a house-made syrup in vanilla, chocolate or caramel. Not into coffee? Try one of the jeweltoned juices, pressed from fresh fruits and vegetables, or a smoothie like the Lifeguard, blended with homemade almond milk, bananas, cashews, kale, spinach, dates, vanilla, flax and spirulina. For a more substantial bite, try an açaí bowl or Emily’s favorite, the

B.L.A.T. (organic grain bread, Bibb lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, crisp bacon and paprika aioli).

“It’s simple but it’s so good,” Emily says.

In the years since they have opened, Diver has added a counter-service bar on its second floor. It’s not a late-night kind of spot — after all, Topsail Beach has plenty of options for that — but it’s the perfect waterfront location to enjoy craft cocktails and a view of the sunset.

The best of Diver, according to Matt, is “having a little bit of a sense of a place in the community like I never had before. I value taking ownership of what we built and sharing that with our staff here and then also sharing it with the people of Surf City. We moved here without knowing anybody besides family really, but we’ve been meeting people who have been here for years; they come in and talk to us and accept us for being the new kids on the block.” 

PHOTOS BY DYLON YORK

All three owners are hands-on, with Matt focusing on the menu, Emily (left) on the coffee and cocktails, and Brittany on the creative design.

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

Put It on the Porch

PORCH Pender works on a neighborhood level to assist local food pantries.

BY PAT FONTANA

TThe concept is simple, but the impact is huge. Volunteers pick up food donations from the porches of their neighbors once a month and take the contributions to area food pantries. That is the model of PORCH Pender, a group that works with existing nonprofits to serve the needs of the community.

Christine Cotton, inspired by her son who packed extra food in his lunch for his friend at school who didn't have enough to eat, joined forces with two friends back in 2010 to create the first PORCH model in Chapel Hill. What started as a few PORCH neighborhoods has grown into PORCH Communities, a grassroots group of more than 1,500 volunteers across 10 states and 20 chapters.

Jodi Tolbert oversees the newly established local chapter of PORCH Communities, PORCH Pender, along with co-leader Kim Joyce. Tolbert and Joyce worked together in the corporate world.

“We started talking about the increased cost of food and how that impacted us and other families in our area,” Tolbert says. “We decided we could do more.”

Tolbert’s sister, Jana Sauer, had launched a PORCH Communities chapter in the Raleigh area nine years ago.

“We reached out and stated that we wanted to start a community within Pender County,” Tolbert says.

That effort began in January 2023, and they are working with three local food pantries and multiple neighborhoods throughout Pender County as well as establishing new

communities in Wilmington. The group provides food donations to Share the Table, Livingstone Tabernacle and the Christian Community Caring Center (4 Cs) in the greater Hampstead area.

PORCH Communities is focused on neighbors helping neighbors. In a neighborhood, residents are encouraged to leave food donations on their porches for volunteers to pick up. The volunteers are neighborhood coordinators who

Kim Joyce and Jodi Tolbert pick up donated food in WyndWater for PORCH Pender's first food drive.

COURTESY OF JODI TOLBERT

work with Tolbert and Joyce to schedule the monthly food drives and to then deliver the donations to local food pantries.

There are two to three coordinators for each neighborhood, and, to date, Tolbert says they have about 40 neighborhood coordinators helping with their porch pickups and pantry deliveries. Those volunteers include students participating in the newly launched PORCH Student Ambassadors Program.

The student program gives high school and college students an opportunity to get involved in the fight against hunger in their own communities. By agreeing to be an advocate to help educate the community and holding two pop-up food drives over six months, the students help connect PORCH to new members in the community with the goal of expanding the base of neighborhood coordinators. The program, led by Lori Webster of PORCH Communities, gives the students all the support and materials they need to be successful.

Tolbert says the program teaches the students the significance of what their impact could be and encourages them to eventually become a neighborhood

coordinator. “The goal is to get new people involved on a monthly basis in their neighborhoods,” Tolbert says.

The simple concept of “local people feeding local people” has grown tremendously since PORCH was launched in 2010. Through the efforts of its volunteers, PORCH has donated more than 770,000 pounds of food and generated more than $10 million in hunger relief. In 2022 the organization as a whole collected 740,000 pounds of food, most of which has been literally picked up from neighborhood porches.

WANT TO HELP?

Volunteers are at the heart of the PORCH Communities concept. Neighborhood coordinators will post about the food drive to let everyone in the area know what day they will need to place their food donations outside for pickup. They put out reminders in the days leading up to the pickup, and then pick up the food on the designated day and time.

Tolbert says PORCH Pender

PHOTOS BY LIGHTHOUSE FILMS

Clockwise from top: Kinley and Alex load groceries from the food drive in the Pecan Grove Neighborhood; PORCH Pender neighborhood coordinators in WyndWater; Kim and Jodi in Pecan Grove.

collected 300 pounds of food at its first food drive in January. The group hosted five food drives in February and collected 1,400 pounds of food in total over the first two months of operation. They have plans for expansion and growth. “Now more than ever our porches need to be filled,” she says.

The PORCH Communities model can work differently in different areas. PORCH Pender volunteers collect the food and deliver it directly to the local food pantries, without needing to sort through and organize the items. Other communities have their volunteers sort the collection before delivering the food items. Tolbert says she has met with the pantry representatives to learn more about their specific needs and about what kind of items they can take and store.

Simplicity and convenience are the keys to the model for all communities. “You just put it on your porch,” Tolbert says, adding that “some people don’t know where to give and this takes that out of the equation.”

The concept is a change of mindset in that they are giving neighbors the opportunity to get involved on a monthly basis by donating and volunteering rather than asking for financial contributions.

The Hampstead community has been overwhelmingly supportive. Joyce explains that they promote the monthly pickups through social media. “The more we posted, the more people came to us,” she says. PORCH Pender’s growth has been quick and effective, with neighborhoods being added every month.

Every food donation, no matter how small, makes a difference.

“Coordinators sometimes feel bad if they don’t pick up a lot of food,” Tolbert says. “What they don’t realize is that even 70 pounds of food can feed 100 people.”

She says she and Joyce do a lot of talking through that with neighbors to remind them of this fact.

In addition, Joyce says, they “wondered early on if we would be seen as competition to other food drives.” She explains that they are not and, in fact, are partnering with the food pantries, which, both of them say, “do a phenomenal job.”

The focus of PORCH Pender is to keep it local, Tolbert explains. “The shorter amount of time food sits on someone’s porch to getting it on a pantry shelf, the quicker it’s going to get on someone’s table.” 

Slam Dunk Career

Childhood roots on Topsail Island led Megan Zipfel to UNCW then out West, where she’s a rising star in NBA communications.

BY KATHRYN GREEN

Megan Zipfel has been connected to Topsail since the age of 3, when her father, Patrick, purchased a home in the area as a retreat from their main Pennsylvania residence.

“From the minute I would be off school in June, we would go to Topsail and stay in the beach house until almost the end of August,” says Zipfel, recounting her summers.

Right, Megan Zipfel at her UNCW graduation, and above with her father, Pat Zipfel, on the Utah Jazz home court.

Although she spent the majority of the year up North, Zipfel says, “It almost felt like I grew up in Topsail.”

After all, Topsail is where met her current best friend, whose family purchased the house across the street from theirs. And Topsail is where she had her first job at the retro-inspired burger and milkshake spot Island Delights. Despite the dual residences, one thing remained a constant as Zipfel grew up — basketball.

“My dad’s a single dad, and we bonded over the fact that we both love [basketball],” she says. “I found that love because of our conversations that started when I was a kid.”

Once Zipfel finished high school in Pennsylvania, her sights were set on coastal living thanks to her cherished summers, and she decided to attend UNC Wilmington, where she majored in communications. While she grew up with a love of sports, Zipfel credits a sports journalism professor whose class she took during her senior year for clinching her path.

“There’s a whole other field to sports other than just the athletes on the court or the reporters in front of the camera,” she says. “There’s so much that goes into it from the radio broadcasters to the beat writers. [There’s a] little bit of everything.”

During her junior year of college,

Zipfel snagged a coveted internship with the NBA Summer League, and they flew her out to Las Vegas for a month. She did everything from working with agents to escorting players to their seats. Waking up around 6 am every day, reporting to the arena before 7 am and working

with the teams until around 10:30 pm every night, Zipfel recalls that by the time she got back to her hotel room, it was time to sleep and start everything all over again the next day. But buoyed by her love of the sport, the long hours were hardly a dealbreaker.

“For me, that experience was just incredible because I was in this environment of like-minded people who also love sports and specifically, basketball,” Zipfel says.

It was during that event that she ended up hitting it off with the executive NBA Summer League co-founders Warren LeGarie and Albert Hall, who connected Zipfel with the PR director of the Los Angeles Clippers. Zipfel assisted the Clippers at NBA Summer League the following year. She also worked with ESPN and assisted with the Sacramento Kings and Damien Lillard’s press conferences.

After another internship with HallPass Media, Zipfel got the call of her dreams — an offer from the Utah Jazz to be an assistant for their PR department. In that role, Zipfel assists with all media opportunities for the coaching staff and players, including assisting with team press conferences, media interviews and social media campaigns. After less than three months in that position, Zipfel was promoted to an expanded full-time coordinator role, which includes managing all public

...that experience was just incredible because I was in this environment of like-minded people who also love sports and specifically, basketball.

“

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

relations for the Salt Lake City Stars (the Jazz’s G League affiliate team) while also coordinating Jazz media efforts.

While game days are some of her favorites, she loves the spontaneity of the job. “No day is the same,” she says.

As her career progresses, one thing is certain, Zipfel has found her passion. In the future, she sees herself working her way up within the basketball communication space, becoming a go-to point person and chief decision-maker, whether it’s with the NBA or as a media relations director at a prominent basketball college or university.

“I foresee myself working in basketball in any capacity,” she says.

Although — for the time being — she’s traded the salty shores of Topsail for the snow-capped mountains of Salt Lake City (where the NBA All-Star Game took place in February) to pursue

her dreams, she comes back to the island as often as she can.

When asked what her favorite thing about Topsail is, she laughs before admitting, “Everything. That is my happy place.”

But some highlights are walking the pier with her childhood best friend, grabbing Shaka Taco, reading a book on the beach and going to Surf City Coffee.

“I love how friendly everyone is in Topsail,” she says. “It’s just that awesome small-town environment that I feel like I’ve grown up in.” 

Megan Zipfel returns to Topsail Island as often as she can to take a break from her fast-paced job in basketball communications.

Surfing’s Narrator

Matt Perkins’ Surf Shorts podcast collects the stories of recreational surfers for the world to hear.

BY DALENE BICKEL

SSurfers and their stories go hand in hand, much like their boards and the waves they ride. It doesn’t matter if you speak with a grom from Surf City or a seasoned veteran from Surfers Paradise, they’re all eager to recount their harrowing crashes and rad rides.

In fact, it was a story share that ultimately led Topsail-area resident and longtime surfer Matt Perkins to create the podcast he aptly titled Surf Shorts.

“A few summers ago, some friends and I were at a beach party and within 10 minutes, all three of us had told a really good surf story,” Perkins recalls. “It gave me the idea to collect others’ stories and publish them as a book.”

However, as a family man, full-time Topsail High School chemistry and physics teacher and leader of the school’s surf club, he did not have the time to pursue the project right away. While sitting on the idea, he began to listen to podcasts and because he also had experience as a professional DJ and MC, he decided to turn the book into a podcast that would encompass surfing stories from around the globe.

Since there were already a number of surfing podcasts focusing on the pro circuit, he chose to differentiate his show by interviewing recreational surfers.

TIPS FOR NEW SURFERS

“Topsail Beach is really friendly to people learning to surf,” Perkins says. “If you want to learn to surf, come on.” But he does offer the following advice:

• Stay away from the piers.

• Don't paddle out to the crowd.

• Look at the cameras before you come.

• Start meeting people.

• Take a surf lesson from a local surf school.

PHOTO BY VICKY OLIVER

“The idea was for someone to tell me their best surf story while keeping it short. Hence the name Surf Shorts,” Perkins says.

Interestingly, podcasting is not Perkins’ first foray into storytelling.

Back in the 1990s he recorded amateur surf videos around Wrightsville Beach, and every two years, he aggregated the most recent footage into movies that were shown at Surferpalooza parties.

“It was all very crude – not professional – but every two years, all the surfers and beach people would come into the bar, where they would show it on the big screen,” Perkins says. “So Surf Shorts was a natural fit at this stage of my life and reconnected me with some people.”

Listeners to the podcast will recognize a nod to those earlier video days in the Surf Shorts intro: “…the storytelling podcast recorded on VHS and then downloaded to cassette for maximum audio quality. It’s totally radical.”

Since the first episode aired in 2020, Surf Shorts has steadily grown an audience around the world.

“I'm not saying it's this huge audience because that's not the case; my audience is moderate,” Perkins qualifies. But he actively works to grow that audience, for both himself and his local advertisers, by sharing weekly clips of the podcast on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. His goal is to grow Surf

Shorts to become his primary source of income after he retires from teaching in four years.

Perkins is not willing to grow the podcast at any cost, however.

“I make sure it’s family oriented,” he says. “No cursing; no sexual references. I have four kids, and I'm a teacher. I want to make sure all these kids can listen to it, and that the surf shops can play it in their stores.”

Surf Shorts airs a new episode every Thursday, with occasional bonus episodes throughout the week.

“If Thursday’s is a little shorter than usual, I may put out another one on Sunday,” he says. “And some episodes don't really fit the mold as surf shorts but are adventure interviews — like the recounting of a deathdefying scuba diving incident — so I release them on different days of the week.”

Perkins appreciates the local support he is receiving.

“The surfing community is small,” he says. “You don't think it is because you see it on TV, but it's a very small, well-connected community. Even locally, everyone tends to know everyone else and supports each other. I’m appreciative of all the community support I’ve received about Surf Shorts, and the opportunity to promote it at local events like the annual Ocean Fest here in Surf City.”

To him, the biggest reward is hearing from listeners about how much they like the podcast.

“It’s all about the stories,” he says. 

GOT A STORY TO TELL?

Perkins welcomes surfers of all backgrounds and skill levels to share their best surf stories. Email him at SurfShortsPodcast@ gmail.com and follow him on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and TikTok: @surfshortspodcast.

Two of Perkins’ favorite episodes are “We'll Always Have Paris” about 1970s Mexico with Jim Skiba (the owner of Sweetwater Surf Shop) and “Jack in the Fog” about big wave surfing in Ocean Beach, California.

RIGHT: PHOTO BY VICKY OLIVER

Since February 2022, a small group of volunteers has been clearing brush, cleaning headstones and learning about the families buried in a historic cemetery in Sneads Ferry. Terry Kramer, her husband, Steve Kramer, and an assortment of individuals have worked diligently to transform Yopp Cemetery from an overgrown, perhaps forgotten, piece of property to a flower-filled local treasure.

“We had been going by the cemetery for a few years and couldn’t believe someone wasn’t taking care of it,” Terry Kramer says.

After much research, she found that Yopp Cemetery is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and held graves dating back to the late 1840s. Many of those graves belong to the Yopp family as well as the Midgett family and other families long established in the Sneads Ferry area. There is also a segregated section for African Americans in the

Uncovering Local History

With the help of volunteers, Terry Kramer is on a mission to save historic Yopp Cemetery and honor the historic figures of Sneads Ferry.

BY PAT FONTANA

PHOTO BY TERRY KRAMER

PHOTO BY TERRY KRAMER

cemetery. Representatives from five wars are buried there as well, from the Civil War through World War II. And yet the cemetery has been neglected for decades, until Kramer decided that something had to be done.

Kramer connected with Heather Whitfield, who had been posting on social media about cleaning headstones at the cemetery. The two met and walked around the property together, inspiring Kramer to organize volunteers and make a difference for the historic site.

As to why she would spend so much time and energy on cleaning up a cemetery that has no connection to her personally, Kramer says, “It just drew us, talked to us.” She and Steve moved to North Topsail Beach five years ago from Wisconsin, where they had been involved in many similar projects.

Yopp Cemetery covers about 4 acres, and Kramer estimates they have cleaned up about threefourths of it so far. She credits Whitfield for recruiting Marine volunteers, who cleaned and cleared a huge portion of the space, revealing even more headstones. “A lot of headstones would surprise us,” Kramer says. “They were buried under brush.” The stories behind those headstones have fascinated Kramer and the others working on cleaning up the cemetery.

Located along N.C. Highway 172, the church by the cemetery was established in 1890. Yopps Meeting House was also once known as the Yopps Primitive Baptist Church. Jeremy Yopp deeded the land in 1813.

The description in the National Register describes the cemetery: “East and north of the edifice are cemeteries containing burials for white and black members. Family plots nearest the church are enclosed by ironwork fences and contain stone and concrete markers. Further afield, both the white and black areas display masonry markers as well as rare, wooden head- and footboards, a regional feature of Primitive Baptist graveyards.”

Kramer learned that the original church burned but then the congregation built this current church. She also learned that during services it would not be unusual to have five to seven preachers. The service would be extensive and then families would gather afterward, spreading chicken wire between posts and putting out a meal. Sunday service would essentially be an all-day affair. The church was supposed to be “a free place of worship by all denominations.” The last service was held at the meeting house in 1925.

Within the cemetery, graves date from the 1840s. Many do not have headstones but rather are indicated by wooden

markers. Kramer says that there were pine needles covering up a lot of the stones. She also pointed out that some of those headstones were handmade out of concrete.

Some of the stones are very weathered and starting to fall over, but because the cemetery is an official historic site, Kramer says they are not allowed to alter the headstones without permission. Work to clean up the cemetery, uncover those historic markers and refurbish

Clockwise from top: Volunteer Doug Smith fixing the roof; a view of the Yopp Cemetery and Yopp Primitive Baptist Church; congregation members gathering inside and outdoors at the church in past decades.

AROUND TOWN

PHOTOS BY TERRY KRAMER

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HISTORICAL RECORDS

the yard and the church building has been ongoing and challenging. The Marine volunteers helped tremendously, but the program they were participating in has ended. Steve bought a riding lawn mower and other tools that were necessary to clear out some of the brush. In addition, the Kramers paid to have the water hooked up so they could water the plants.

Volunteers do come out to help, although Kramer says she is looking for more, as well as financial help. They ask for small donations to cover their costs and are actively seeking grants for restoring the cemetery and the church, particularly given the historic significance of both.

One volunteer, Doug Smith, was instrumental in securing the church roof, a much-needed repair for maintaining the integrity of the historic structure. Others have been key to the progress made over the past year and a half.

“Matthew Salmons and his landscaping crew have been so much help that I truly believe we couldn’t have made it through the extreme heat this past summer without them,” Kramer says. “He is a hero to us.”

Kramer says that there have been many volunteers, some of whom just came once. “It all helps,” she says.

She cites Tim Supple’s social media work in the Sneads Ferry Village News Facebook group with helping spread the word. Supple’s business, Ace Hardware, also donated mulch for the project. Local restaurants also donated meals to groups of volunteers. “Those are the kinds of things that help,” Kramer says.

Other volunteers have included visitors from Minnesota and New Jersey. Neighbors Dave and Sandi Soles have helped since the beginning, working the

events, leaf blowing, headstone cleaning and contributing financially. Steve has been integral in organizing and supervising volunteers.

The work is important to the Kramers as more headstones — and more history — are revealed. They note that they are still trying to find records and welcome anyone to contribute any information they might have. It’s critical to them and to the community that the stories are not lost.

“Douglas Yopp is our closest tie to the property,” Kramer says. He has helped with cleaning his family’s spots and has donated tools such as rakes for clearing the land. Douglas is third cousin to Robert Yopp Jr., who came out for the first event, Kramer notes. Robert Yopp told Kramer, “I want to do what I can,” and then gave her some papers that contained a list of the people buried in the cemetery. Unfortunately, he died five days later.

WANT TO HELP?

Kramer is on a mission to save the building and the cemetery. Among other goals, she wants “to use equipment to find people buried for which there are no markers.” She plans to launch a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring the cemetery and the meeting house. The group has been selling Yopp historic t-shirts as a fundraiser. Kramer envisions a museum or other venue on the site as a place for visitors to learn more about the historic figures of Sneads Ferry.

“I am not a good retired person,” Kramer says. “I have to do something with myself. This is my calling, where I’m supposed to be. I don’t know how many people have thanked us for what we’re doing out there.” 

PHOTOS BY TERRY KRAMER

Fusion Joy in

Retired school counselor Mary Beth Utt enjoys the creativity of making fused-glass art from her Surf City home.

BY KATE M CAREY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILTON

WESCOTT

Mary Beth Utt hopes people find as much joy in her fused glass art as she does. If her ever-increasing sales are any indication, the year she has spent making art full-time has been worth it.

The former school counselor began working with sea glass and resin, then a small kiln (she now has three) allowed her to move into creating fused glass art. Her first show was at Poplar Grove in 2018, then she began to attend summer and weekend festivals as an artist while remaining a school counselor. Life became so busy working two full-time jobs that in 2022 she retired from education after 29 years

of helping children.

Since then, Utt has been busy working shows and festivals up and down the coast with the help of her husband. This past winter she traveled to Jupiter, Florida. Her spring shows were closer to home – Oak Island, Emerald Isle, Poplar Grove, Carolina Beach and Ocean Isle Beach. This summer

she will be at weekly markets in Ocean Isle Beach and Topsail Beach as well as at various one-day festivals and markets, including two October shows, OceanFest and Autumn with Topsail.

Utt’s Facebook cover page photo illustrates one of her biggest selling items — an ocean

wave, inspired by her coastal surroundings and, perhaps, her surfing son. Bursting with color and energy, the shades of blue in the waves roll from cobalt and aquamarine through cerulean and turquoise to artic, ending in clear, tenured glass evoking the foam as waves hit the shore. The fused-glass

violets, geometrics and abstracts in all shades of the rainbow are in constant demand, and she continues to add new designs. New this spring are small puck lights that hold a piece of fused glass art. The lights change colors, reflecting on the glass.

Beyond the ocean theme, bright gnomes and birds pose on small plant stakes. Flowers of all shapes and sizes — sunflowers, daisies, poppies, hydrangeas — are featured on nightlights, in frames of various sizes and suncatchers. She makes abstract and geometric designs too: studies in blue

waves can be hung on the wall or in a window or rest in a half-circle metal stand.

At local markets, Utt’s booth showcases her Topsail Island home with sea turtles swimming across a glass serving dish, a trio of fish floating above a driftwood remnant of Hurricane Florence and the signature waves in various sizes. Nightlights bearing sailboats or sunflowers, daisies and

for a bathroom window, brights in lime and orange to hang near the bird feeder or from a low tree branch. She has a knack for mixing design and color into various works of art as well as functional items.

In the fall season when there are not as many shows, Utt is busy fulfilling Facebook and Instagram orders as well as getting ready for holiday markets. She ships all over the

Mary Beth Utt in her garage studio in Surf City. Top left, some of Utt's art: a fused glass wave, fish in driftwood and a glass waterfall.

United States, with Ohio among the top destinations. “We have a lot of visitors from Ohio,” she explains, adding that she has many repeat customers and summer folks who see her at a market and order later for gifts or commissions.

Christmas markets feature her glass trees of various sizes that sit on a cedar base made by local artist Frank Divinie of Surf City Wood Crafts. She also makes a wide variety of tree ornaments that can double as sun catchers, as well as natureinspired art.

elementary and middle school counselor for nearly 29 years in Burlington and both New Hanover and Pender County schools. Her sons graduated from Topsail High School.

“I was always all about little kids, babysitting, being with the little cousins, neighbors, so when I went to college, that interest took me to the education field,” she says. “I did my undergraduate degree in high school social studies and after my internship, I realized I wanted to work more individually with kids, so I got my master’s in school counseling.”

The Asheboro, North Carolina, native was a crafty child in a family of artists. She has fond memories of making Christmas ornaments with her grandmother.

“My neighbor taught me how to cross-stitch,” she says. “My dad is an artist. He went to the Ringling School of Art, had a sign painting business early on and then went into showroom design in the furniture business. One of my sisters is a potter, while the other two also have creative leanings. Our mom supports all our endeavors!”

Her path to fused glass stopped in schools along the way. Not as a student. She was an

Twice a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the avid Tar Heels fan offers the traditional blue foot with the black dot in wall hangings, garden stakes or anything else your Heel’s heart desires. If she doesn’t have it, she’ll make for you.

“I’ve made suncatchers designed for a particular window or pictures with a specific subject like mom’s favorite flower or even a name,” she says. Commissions are becoming an increasing part of her work from suncatchers with a favorite flower to drawer pulls, shower niches and cabinet door inserts.

FEAST YOUR EYES

See Mary Beth Utt’s fused glass art on Facebook and Instagram

E facebook.com/ TopsailIslandGlassWorks

Q @topsailisland glassworks

k Contact her at MarybethUtt @gmail.com

Utt considered herself an optimist. She says that approach to life applies to fusedglass making as well.

“Well, that didn’t work out. What can we do with it now?” she says. “Glass can be very forgiving. So, if you mess up, you can smash it and make something else . . . add something. Tweak it and fire it again.”

Utt says she likes that flexibility, and her ability for “reevaluation of where it is and where it’s going.” 

Jackie James

Carolina Coast Contracting & Coastal Carolina Real Estate Business Profile

BY MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN

It’sa family that makes a house a home. And for Jackie and Jeff James, that takes on a literal meaning. This husband-and-wife duo put people in their dream homes — whether they find the perfect home with Jackie at Coastal Carolina Real Estate or custom build it with Jeff and Carolina Coast Contracting.

“We just make a good team, and we work very well with each other,” Jackie says. “Clients can make one call and they get a real estate professional and a construction company. With one stop, we can help you buy a lot and build a custom home.”

In addition to each other, they have a small, tight-knit team of employees and talented and reliable trade contractors who have worked with Jeff for years.

“It takes a good team to build something,” Jeff says. “I have excellent subs that do quality work, consistently. Building a home is like putting a puzzle together. You need all the pieces to create exactly what the client wants.”

Jeff has been building homes for 23 years, specializing in custom homes, mostly on Topsail Island, Surf City, North Topsail and Hampstead, but 90 percent of their new homes are on the island. Their specialty is large beach homes that are mostly vacation homes.

“With custom homes, you get what you want,” Jeff says. “I’ve been out with Jackie and clients looking at houses and they just don’t see themselves in that house or find what they want. That’s when I tell them, ‘I’m going to build you what you want.’”

With a low inventory of existing homes for sale, it’s much easier for clients to buy a lot and then build the home of their dreams. On average, Jeff and the team build 10 homes each year.

Jackie has been in real estate as long as Jeff has been building homes on Topsail Island. What she loves most about what she does is seeing people happy at the end of the deal.

“When you help someone find something they like, it’s such a satisfaction,” Jackie says. “And then the real work begins. The negotiations, the inspections, coordinating attorneys, everything. That’s where experience and local knowledge are important.”

Jeff and Jackie have called Topsail home since 2000. Though they run separate businesses, together they create a unique opportunity that’s a win-win for their clients.

“When you hire one of us, you have both sets of eyes on a build, remodel or home purchase,”

Jackie says. “I can come into one of Jeff’s homes and I might see something that I would do differently, and he values my opinion. And I’ll go through a house when it’s just about finished and check it out and come back to Jeff with my own punch list before the clients ever see the home.”

This team knows how important a stellar reputation is for referrals and repeat business in both industries, and neither would want to recommend someone they could not stand behind.

“We have a very strong referral business,” Jeff says. “Not only clients that we’ve built homes for, but other real estate agents who know the quality of Carolina Coast Contracting’s work. They trust us.”

Carolina Coastal Contracting carolinacoastcontracting.com

Coastal Carolina Real Estate easternnchome.com

PHOTO BY ALICIA HAWLEYUNIQUE MEDIA AND DESIGN

Lewis Realty Associates & Salon Blue Business Profile

BY MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN

Chrisand Misty Rackley juggle two businesses and two kids, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. This talented entrepreneurial couple inspires and supports each other every day — Chris in his real estate business, Lewis Realty Associates, Inc., and Misty in her own salon and spa, Salon Blue.

Both were bitten by the entrepreneurial bug early in life. Chris was just eight years old when he learned firsthand about running a family business.

“My great-aunt owned the real estate company, and I started working with her as a kid washing real estate signs,” Chris says. “Then, as a teen, I worked in the office during the summer, handling accounting stuff. After college, I came back home, figuring out what I wanted to do when I grew up. So, I went back to work for my aunt and got my real estate license. And in 2000, when she was ready to retire, I took it over.”

Today, Lewis Realty Associates Inc. has grown from a one-person office to a team of 23, managing more than 140 vacation rental properties and even longterm rentals along with selling properties in and around Topsail Island.

“We’ve been here for a long time,” Chris says. “We’re all local. We know Topsail. We all live and work here. Anyone looking to purchase in the area, whether it’s an investor or a family looking to relocate or to buy a second home, Lewis Realty is an expert in this market.”

While Chris has been earning designations and recognition as a top Realtor in Topsail, Misty has been successfully building Salon Blue. She started working as a stylist at the young age of 19. She spent the first few years of her career working for other salons but wanted her own independence.

“I had worked for salons that closed down, and so that was the motivation for me to open my own place,” Misty says. “I realized I didn’t want to be dependent on anyone else.”

In 2010 she opened Salon Blue in Holly Ridge, but after eight years of the business flourishing, she outgrew the space. She and Chris purchased an old farmhouse off Highway 210 and renovated it into a charming cottageinspired aesthetic The new location opened just three months prior to COVID in 2020 and the consequential shut-

down. Fortunately, Salon Blue was able to weather the pandemic and continues to grow.

Today Salon Blue has six stylists, a receptionist and an esthetician providing a wide range of hair, brow and lash services as well as spa services including facials and microdermabrasion.

Chris and Misty aren’t the only business-minded members of their family. Their two daughters are also budding entrepreneurs.

“Six-year-old Harbor draws imaginative stick figures with cute sayings like “spring into action” and our oldest, 10-year-old Brielle, makes her own perfumes out of essential oils that she sells at the salon,” Misty says.

Lewis Realty Associates, Inc.

320 N. New River Drive, Surf City (910) 328-5211

Vacation rentals: vacationsontopsail.com

Sales: realestatetopsail.com

Salon Blue

1775 N.C. Highway 210 E., Hampstead (910) 507-1272

salonbluehampstead.com

PHOTO BY HANNAH MCMAHON, (910) 520-3674, WWW.HANNAHMCMAHONPHOTO.COM

A TEAM OF NINE SPINE SPECIALISTS TO HELP YOU EMERGE STRONGER.

EmergeOrtho’s team of board-certifi ed, fellowship-trained spine surgeons and pain management specialists bring decades of experience and expertise to the coastal region. Consult with the experts, o ering surgical and nonsurgical solutions in conditions and injuries of the back, neck and spine.

Young Lu, MD Spine Surgery

To request or self-schedule an appointment, visit EMERGEORTHO.COM, call 910.332.3800 or text APPT.

Ruth K. Anderson, MD Anesthesiology Pain Management

Mark D. Foster, MD Spine Surgery

Jeremy J. Ho , DO Interventional Pain Management / PM&R

Lawrence A. Montalto II, DO Anesthesiology Pain Management

Francis S. Pecoraro, MD Interventional Pain Medicine

R. Mark Rodger, MD Spine Surgery

D. Todd Rose, MD Spine Surgery

David W. Zub, MD Anesthesiology Pain Management

CENTURY 21 Coastal Advantage Business Profile

BY ANNA BETH ADCOCK

Twoof southeastern North Carolina’s top CENTURY 21 offices have joined forces to amp up the Greater Topsail area real estate scene. CENTURY 21 Action has merged with CENTURY 21 Coastal Advantage, North Carolina’s number one CENTURY 21 office, to provide a stellar real estate experience via a team of talented agents and a commitment to excellence.

Shirley Morrison, broker/owner of CENTURY 21 Coastal Advantage, has been with the CENTURY 21 brand for more than 35 years and is known for her industry and community leadership along with working for the military. Under her professional prowess, the company has made its way to the title of the most successful CENTURY 21 franchise in the area and in the state, earning the number 1 CENTURY 21 franchise in closed sales in North Carolina for more than 14 years. In addition, her talented team of agents ups the ante with award-winning accolades that have earned them a spot among the Top 21 CENTURY 21 companies across the globe!

“For decades my team has been proudly providing the people and families of the communities we serve with personalized, unique and memorable moments along every step of the agentcustomer relationship,” Morrison says.

The Topsail branch of CENTURY 21 Action had been assisting locals with their real estate needs since the 1960s, with Scott Erickson, owner/president of CENTURY 21 Action, bringing industry experience dating back to 1995. He has actively brokered and managed thousands of real estate properties and transactions throughout the Greater Topsail Island, Hampstead and Sneads Ferry areas.

“The coming together of these companies means a heightened level of service for area real estate buyers and sellers,” Morrison says. “This strength and presence combined with the success, reputation and knowledge of both companies yields a synergy unsurpassed. We are able to put the resources of two great companies together to meet the varied needs of our clients.”

Erickson adds, “The merging of our companies provides an exceptional amount of exposure, resources, knowledge, experience and benefit to both our clients and our associates. It’s a huge leap forward for anyone involved in any part of a real estate transaction in southeastern North Carolina. I am extremely proud to combine forces with Shirley Morrison and for everything we will build in the Topsail area for our associates and clients at CENTURY 21

Coastal Advantage.”

CENTURY 21 Coastal Advantage is strongly rooted in community and philanthropy. Throughout the years, the company has been a top fundraiser for Easter Seals and is a proud sponsor of a slew of local charities such as Reel Housewives of Topsail Island, Annual Book Bag Giveaway, Boys & Girls Club, Girls on the Run, Wounded Warriors, Little Pink Houses of Hope and Holly & Ivy.

Morrison and her team have a cultural legacy of exceeding customer experiences with an energy and enthusiasm for helping families, in particular their work with the military, which is unparalleled. Their team looks forward to doing everything that they can to have an impact on the community.

CENTURY 21

Coastal Advantage

518 Roland Avenue, Surf City (910) 328-2511

www.c21coastalnc.com

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Channel Marker Builders LLC Business Profile

Channel

Marker Builders, located in coastal North Carolina, is a custom home builder that has gained an outstanding reputation for their exceptional work and topquality craftsmanship. With unparalleled experience and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, the company has become a trusted name in the industry.

Established by Greg Downing and Jason Smith, Channel Marker Builders has become the local reputable custom builder due to their ability to take their clients' visions and turn them into reality. With a team of experts and designers, they are able to create unique and custom homes that are tailored specifically to their clients' needs. Whether they are building a home from scratch or renovating an existing one, Channel Marker Builders takes pride in producing homes that are both aesthetically appealing and fully functional.

“The more I want to get something done, the less I call it work,” Downing says.

With an emphasis on quality and years of experience under their belts, Channel Marker has a proven keen eye for detail and a commitment to using only the best materials available. This ensures that their homes are not only beautiful but also durable and long-lasting.

Customer satisfaction is also a top priority for Channel

Marker Builders LLC. They understand that building a custom home can be a stressful and daunting task, which is why they work closely with their clients throughout the entire process. From the initial planning stages to the final walk-through, they are there every step of the way to ensure that their clients are satisfied with the finished product.

“Draw it on a napkin and we will build it,” Smith says.

Channel Marker Builders is also known for their excellent communication skills. They understand the importance of keeping their clients informed and up-to-date throughout the building process, which is why they make a concerted effort to remain in constant contact with them. This ensures that the project stays on track and the final product is exactly what their clients envisioned.

Need help in the home department in coastal North Carolina? Trust Channel Marker Builders for an outstanding experience and a truly magnificent home build, renovation and outdoor living options.

Channel Marker Builders LLC

(910) 541-1277

channelmarkerbuildersllc.com

ANNA BETH ADCOCK

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Surf City Fitness Race to the Coast 5K

 More than 500 people came out to run at the Surf City Fitness Race to the Coast 5K on May 13. The event was made possible through generous community sponsorships. All of the moms who ran received a rose, and afterwards Food Lion was on site to supply water and bananas while Salty Turtle provided beer and mimosas. Taking first place in the race was Steven Shepard of Raleigh with a time of 19:24:10.

Learn more about next year's race at: surfcity.fitness/page5k

Wild West Casino Night

 At Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Casino Night on March 4, a rootin’, tootin’ good time was had by all. The Western-themed event was full of gambling fun, dinner, dancing, a photo booth, a 50/50 raffle and prizes for members and their guests. The annual event, held at Ocean’s Edge on New River Inlet Road, will return in March of 2024.

10th Annual A Day in the Country

A fundraiser for The Harrelson Center on April 21 at Genteel in Atkinson.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL RITENOUR

Tyke Toler, Polly Jackson

Greta Harrelson, Bobby Harrelson, Kimberly Harrelson

Margee Herring, Mead Van Pelt

Perry Miley, Susan Winstead

Mead Van Pelt, Susan Nelson

Jeff Troutman, Mark Steelman, John Daniels

Alisa Brightman, Casey Davidson, Marge Brightman

Surf City Business Expo

March 4 at the Surf City Community Center

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL RITENOUR

Aubrey Maldonado, Sadie Logozio, Laura Smith

Stephen Rivenbark, Michael McDonald, “Princess Lea”

Brooke LeBouf, Jessica Sickler

Stephanie Faye

Coastal Fitness

Rich Wittmeir

Mark Hellmann

Terry Vanecek, Linda Ritenour

Aaron, Brittany & Isla Smith

Kim Pattishall, Amelia Shealy

Annis Collins, Erica Talbert

Stella Spera, Phoebe Hood, Cindy Kay

Levi, Elizabeth, Levi and Nathan Duplango

The Locals Art Gallery & Wine Bar Ribbon Cutting

Hosted by the Greater Topsail Chamber of Commerce on April 27

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL RITENOUR

Annette Erny, Tiffany Mokrynchuk, Stephanie Garofano, Beth Hardison

Bob & Tiffany Mokrynchuk, Dave Lesesky Savon Terukina, Karen Seibert, Karen Williams Burton, Jessica Mosley Brittany Lampe, Aubrey Kessler

Adam Hawley, Austin Hawley, Alicia Hawley, Teresa Batts, Dr. Steven Hill

Wilton Wescott, Liz & Andy Trojan Dave Lesesky, Teresa Batts

SurfDog Bites and Brews

Topsail Steamer

TopSea Wingz

A Taste of Sunrise LLC

Burry Chocolates

Daily Grind Coffee, Donuts & Ice Cream

Daybreak Donuts

Sea Blue Coffee & Gifts

Topsail Island Popcorn Factory

Topsail Pie Company Inc.

The Cove at Salty Turtle Beer Company

Altitude Trampoline Park

Surf City Ocean Pier

Surf City Florist {c}

Jones Funeral Home

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation

Bear Trail Golf Club

Castle Bay Country Club

New Olde Point CCC, LLC

North Shore Country Club

Rock Creek Golf & Country Club

Guy C. Lee

Village Ace Hardware

Assure Wellness Group-Coastal Carolina

Exotic Hemp Company

Swingbridge Nutrition, LLC

ValleBlake Aesthetics & Wellness

910 Chiropractic

Barnes Chiropractic

Hampstead Chiropractic

HearingLife

Island Family Medicine

Pierpan Family Dentistry

Sandy Shores Medical Center & Urgent Care

Topsail Dental

ValJoy Beach Care

Wilmington Eye, P.A.

Wilmington Health - Hampstead

Carolina Sports Medicine

Coastal Fitness Center

Providence Physical Therapy

Surf City Fitness

Coastal Window Fashions

East Coast Storm Shutters

Floors Galore

Sands Solutions

A-D's Metal Roofing Co.

All Comfort Heating & Cooling

Badger Box Mobile Storage

Gideon Heating & Air

Intracoastal Climate Control, LLC

Pleasant Air, Inc.

Sherwin Williams-Surf City

Southern Touch Painting & Maintenance Inc

The Kitchen and Floor Store

Watkins Floor Covering, Inc.

Along the Atlantic Property Inspections

April Jones Insurance

Brad Sizemore Insurance

Crew Insurance Agency

Darden Insurance Agency

Globe Life-Liberty National Division

D's Interior Design

Edward Jones - Anne Proukou

Atlantic Mulch & Stone, Inc.

Element Land Design & Care, LLC

Freedom Lawns USA, Inc.

FitBliss Nutrition

Sweet Dreams Linens, Inc.

Atlantic Tool & Die Co., Inc.

Yopp Brothers, Inc.

Coastal Wing & Spirits Co.

Hidden Ships Distillery

Scallywags

Trailer Bar, The Unwined

CopyPro, Inc.

Herrings Outdoor Sports

EACH TOPSAIL MAGAZINE FEATURES APPROXIMATELY 75 CHAMBER MEMBERS ON ROTATION.

HAVE YOU CAPTURED THE MOMENT?

If so, email your photos to capture@topsailmag.com.

MAGGIE ROSE ON THE JENNY-JO

Photo captured by Jennifer Sawyer

TRUSTED EXPERTS

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.