PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Soaking in the Topsail Vibes

YYou probably already know this since you’re reading this magazine, but the Topsail area is an amazing place, full of good vibes, friendly people and stunning scenery. I’ve known this a long time, and it’s why I jumped at the chance to publish Topsail Magazine three years ago. In November 2022 I was reminded of the area’s special charm once again. I attended a lot of holiday events around town — the Town of Surf City's Christmas Tree lighting, the Surf City Flotilla and various

PHOTO BY MATT MCGRAW events off the island throughout Pender County as well. I stopped by the craft fair at the ever-famous Lake Linda and had the chance to swing by and speak with Haywood, Eric and Rhonda Bryant, who have been selling Christmas trees from Branch & Brush Debris Depot in Hampstead for almost two decades now.

All along the way I reconnected with people, met new wonderful people and witnessed just how truly welcoming these communities are, not just to their own but to visitors and strangers as well. I saw first hand how supportive these communities are of each other. I left all of these events with images of people helping people and remembering conversations with men, women and children I genuinely enjoyed connecting with.

This is why I love being the publisher of Topsail Magazine. My staff and I love working with the local writers and photographers who know the area best. It’s an honor to be the place where they show and tell you all about the good things in this area. In this edition of Topsail Magazine they tell you all about North Topsail Beach Mayor Joann McDermon, the family that started Watermen’s Warehouse to provide free swimming lessons to locals and a local woman who started Funky Fins to educate children about science and the environment. They tell us about Hampstead Women’s Club, muralist David Mercer and Felicia Greene, who empowers victims of domestic abuse at Safe Haven.

Reading about the Topsail area is one thing, but experiencing it and feeling its good vibes for yourself is another. I hope you can spend a good amount of time on Topsail Island or in Hampstead, Sneads Ferry or somewhere else close by in 2023.

I am truly thankful for everyone in these communities who supports Topsail Magazine, our advertisers and one another. Happy 2023!

Justin Williams Owner/Publisher Publisher@TopsailMag.com