6 minute read
WHAT’S HAPPENED
The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism has hired Dr. Steven Hill as its new executive director. Dr. Hill, a Surf City resident, served as superintendent of Pender County Schools for more than five years. Under Dr. Hill’s guidance Pender County Schools experienced many successes including the naming of Pender Early College as a National Blue Ribbon School, increased graduation rates and the addition of new schools and renovations. The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce believes that Dr. Hill’s knowledge of the coastal region and its rapid growth will complement its vision of smart economic development, helping the chamber continue to be a positive force in the community.
Greater Topsail Flotilla and Christmas Market
The third annual Greater Topsail Flotilla and Christmas Market, an event of the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce, took place at Soundside Park on December 3. A Christmas market, food trucks, live music and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus made for a fun evening thanks to sponsor Topsail Dental. Look for this event again in 2023.
Golf Tournament for Share the Table
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A handful of teams came out to North Shore Country Club on October 15 to support Share the Table’s Capital Campaign. This golf tournament began at 8 am and included a continental breakfast.
Holly Ridge Liberty Festival
The Town of Holly Ridge held a Liberty Festival on September 3 at Holly Ridge Municipal Park. The festival included a flamingo foam party, a bounce house, craft vendors, food trucks, live music and a beer garden, and a ton of fun was had by all attendees. Be sure to look for the event next year.
A Rave for the Waves
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Members of the Wrightsville Beach Outrigger Canoe Club recently paddled the North Carolina coast to advocate for clean water, empower local communities, bring awareness of
contamination and protect the most vital element of our lives: water. The journey along the southeastern North Carolina coast kicked off on September 14 when paddlers launched from Sunset Beach on their first 120-mile leg. Then many came out to the N. Sea Oyster Barn on Friday, September 16 for a Bivalves, Beer and Burrito Bash to meet the paddlers as they came through.
Scallywags Ribbon Cutting
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On August 24, The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the grand opening of Scallywags at 121 N. Shore Drive in Surf City. Owners Matt and Jill Wiles were welcomed to the business community by chamber board member Annette Cox Erny. Good times were had by all as delicious food was provided by Berserkr food truck, and local band T-Bone and the Blues Butchers had the crowd dancing in the sand courtyard. Several games of volleyball were played on the new sand court behind the bar. The highlight of the night was a check presentation to Bob Phiel of more than $25,000, raised by Scallywags to help his fight against cancer.
Pender County Humane Society Open House
On September 14 Pender County Humane Society (PCHS) held an open house for the public at the shelter, located at 1407 Highway 53 in Burgaw. Everyone toured the shelter and asked questions about the operations. New PCHS merchandise (bandanas, hats and t-shirts) were available for sale and information on the shelter was provided. PCHS’ goals for 2023 include increasing community awareness of the shelter and increasing both membership and volunteers (committee members, shelter volunteer workers, For Our Furry Friends Thrift Store volunteer workers and more).
FitBliss Nutrition Ribbon Cutting
The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for FitBliss Nutrition on October 13. FitBliss, located at 104 Charlie Medlin Drive, Suite E in Surf City, offers coffee, tea, shakes and products for healthy living, including protein shakes, energy teas, protein ice cream and more.
Vacasa Vacation Home Management Ribbon Cutting
The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Vacasa Vacation Home Management on October 3. Vacasa, located at 14061 Highway 210 B in Surf City, offers vacation rentals and property management services in the Topsail area.
Share the Table Turns 12
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Dozens of people came out to help Share the Table celebrate its 12th birthday on October 10. Refreshments and comradery were in abundance. Share the Table provides a food pantry, a school backpack program and free community meals for people in Surf City, Holly Ridge, Hampstead, Rocky Point, Scotts Hill, Sneads Ferry, Jacksonville, Topsail Beach and North Topsail Beach. Volunteers and donations are always welcome.
Additionally, Share the Table thanks the Topsail High School softball and baseball teams for hosting a food drive for Share the Table at their annual Halloween game.
Dr. Brad Breedlove Appointed Pender County Superintendent of Schools
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The Pender County Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. William Bradley (Brad) Breedlove as the new Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Breedlove will succeed Dr. Steven Hill, who retired after serving since 2017. Dr. Breedlove will step into his new role January 1, 2023.
Dr. Breedlove spent 23 years climbing the ranks of Union County Public Schools, where he most recently served as chief academic officer to support the superintendent by overseeing all areas of teaching, learning and school performance.
Dr. Breedlove served as assistant principal at Monroe High School for two years and also taught social studies for six years at Sun Valley High School, where he coached football, basketball and track.
A graduate of Duke University (B.A. history), Dr. Breedlove also played football and ran track for the Blue Devils. He received his master’s degree in education from DePaul University, his Certificate of Educational Leadership from Winthrop University and his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from High Point University.
Dr. Breedlove and his wife, Myriam, have two children, Payton and Jalyn.
Restaurant Round-up
On November 16 nine local restaurants (Beach Shop & Grill, Shuckin Shack, Daddy Mac’s, The Crab Pot, LowTide Steakhouse, Topsail Steamer, Camino Real, Sundial Coffee & Tea and Sears Landing) were highlighted at this year’s Restaurant Round-up. Attendees were able to sample a few bites while supporting Share the Table.
This event featured an exciting new dessert auction, with cakes, pies, cookies and other treats donated by some of the best local bakeries and sweet shop in the area.
