Topsail Magazine Winter Issue 2022-23

WINTER 2022-23

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COMPLIMENTARY

Whims From doodles to logos to murals, David Mercer is putting his creativity on display.

9 Topsail FUNK Y FINSMagazine | WATERMEN’S WAREHOUSE

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NTB MAYOR JOANN MCDERMON

We will make it shine while you recline

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CO N TAC T O N E O F O U R I S L A N D E X P E R T S TO DAY!

1 0 4 T R I T O N L A N E | S U R F C I T Y, N C 2 8 4 4 5 | 9 1 0 - 3 2 8 - 3 0 0 0 | T O P S A I L . I N T R A C O A S TA L R E A LT Y. C O M

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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WINTER 2022-23

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VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

18

PHOTO BY JAMES STEFIUK

64

PHOTO BY DARIA AMATO

40

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE

29 WIT AND WHIMSY

35 NONPROFIT

8

From doodles to logos to murals, David Mercer is putting his creativity on display.

By Dalene Bickel

52 MOVER & SHAKER

Whether she’s selling real estate, working for the town or volunteering in the community, North Topsail Beach Mayor Joann McDermon makes things happen on the island she loves.

By Pat Fontana

64 SHARING THE STOKE

With the founding of Watermen’s Warehouse, a nonprofit brand that raises money for free swimming lessons, the Schieffer family is helping others love the water as much as they do.

By Annesophia Richards

Safe Haven Chief Operating Officer Felicia Greene has a passion for empowering people and teaching the tools of selfsufficiency to victims of domestic abuse.

By Anna Beth Adcock

40 PEEK INSIDE

Instead of a teardown, a Topsail Island eyesore gets a major upgrade.

By Melissa Slaven Warren

47 COMMUNITY

Hampstead Women’s Club raises funds for scholarships, seniors and so much more.

By Kate M Carey

59 BEHIND THE BUSINESS

Our Yard, Your Sale shop offers everything you need — including a taco.

By Kate M Carey

73 EDUCATION

Chris Lener’s Funky Fins offers eco-conscious education for the curious minds of Topsail.

By Ashley Daniels

CONTRIBUTORS

10 PUBLISHER’S NOTE 12 TAGGED 17 SPIRITS

Cranberry Sauce, Sauce

18 WHAT’S COOKIN’ Cherry Clafoutis

20 ONLINE EXCLUSIVES 23 WHAT’S HAPPENED 27 WHAT’S HAPPENING 79 BUSINESS PROFILES 81 SNIPPETS 88 TIDE CHART 89 ADVERTISERS INDEX

29 4

Topsail Magazine

90 CAPTURE THE MOMENT

Helping Your Family Smile For 25 Years zz

NEW STATEEOFFTHEEART FACILITY

VENEERS & SMILE MAKEOVERS

SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT

SURESMILE CLEAR ORTHO ALIGNERS

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About

Winter 2022-23 Issue — Volume 4, Issue 1 CEO/PUBLISHER: Justin Williams DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Sandi Grigg

Publishing Quarterly

COPY EDITOR: Molly Harrison

25,000 copies printed each issue 14,000 copies directly mailed to area homes

CONTRIBUTING GRAPHICS: Laura Glantz Teresa Kramer Samantha Lowe Elizabeth Dale Niemann

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Anna Beth Adcock Dalene Bickel Kate M. Carey Ashley Daniels Pat Fontana Sandi Grigg Annesophia Richards Melissa Slaven Warren

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FOUNDER: B.J. Cothran

Want to advertise? ads@TopsailMag.com PUBLISHED BY: CAROLINA MARKETING COMPANY, INC.

Have a story idea? edit@TopsailMag.com Are you a writer or photographer? freelance@TopsailMag.com 910.207.0156 TopsailMag.com

©2022-23 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.

Topsail Magazine

E Q

PO Box 1361, Leland, NC 28451 (910) 207-0156 • info@TopsailMag.com Reproduction or use of the contents in this magazine is prohibited.

TopsailMag.com

WINTER 2022-23

A publication of Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. Winter 2022-23

Volume 4, Issue 1

Topsail Magazine

COMPLIMENTARY

About the cover: Our cover image of local artist David Mercer, who’s a popular muralist around Topsail Island, was captured at Surf City Line by Unique Media & Design. Writer Dalene Bickel met the man behind the paintbrushes for our story, which starts on page 29.

Whims From doodles to logos to murals, David Mercer is putting his creativity on display.

9 Topsail FUNK Y FINSMagazine | WATERMEN’S WAREHOUSE

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|

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NTB MAYOR JOANN MCDERMON

ALL THE SPECIALTIES. ALL THE SERVICES. ALL THE LOCATIONS. AND THAT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE.

Now Offering Self Scheduling Online

EmergeOrtho provides an exceptional level of orthopedic and spine care to residents of the coastal region. Patients benefit from the expertise of 34 highly trained physicians, including fellowship-trained, board-certified specialists, performing both non-surgical and minimally

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invasive procedures, including robotic-assisted joint replacement.

Now there are three convenient ways to request or self-schedule an appointment: visit EmergeOrtho.com, call 910-332-3800, or text APPT to that same number.

WILMINGTON

JACKSONVILLE

LELAND

BURGAW

SHALLOTTE Winter SOUTHPORT 2022-23

7

CONTRIBUTORS

Anna Beth Adcock CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A North Carolina native, I grew up in small-town Sanford before moving to Raleigh to attend N.C. State University. Last year, I lived overseas in Bangkok, Thailand, just recently returning to reside in the City of Oaks. From numerous nostalgic summers at the N.C. coast with my family growing up to spending tons of time in Wilmington visiting family and friends, I love our state's coastal region! In addition to penning articles for Carolina Marketing Company, I work as an editorial assistant with Raleigh Magazine, teach fitness classes and work with a nonprofit ministry. When I'm not working, you can find me out for a run, grabbing coffee with a friend or seeking out my next travel or outdoor adventure. In short, I love writing, I love North Carolina and I love living life to the fullest!

Ashley Daniels CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Based in Myrtle Beach, I am a full-time freelance writer, wife and mother of three sons. My folio boasts nearly 20 years of regionally and nationally published work, including profiles on such South Carolina celebs as Darius Rucker, Dustin Johnson, Vanna White, Nancy O'Dell, the late author Mickey Spillane and more. I've also taken home two Best of Show ADDY awards and numerous silver ADDYs for my copywriting work that ranges from travel/tourism and hospitality campaigns to food and apparel retail, telecommunications and more. I received my BA in English writing from the University of Pittsburgh and my MA in writing from Coastal Carolina University. When I'm not in front of my laptop, I'm by the water on the beach or on the water on the boat with my family.

Vicky Oliver CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

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

Q olivers_photographync E OliversSpecialMemories

8

Topsail Magazine

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Winter 2022-23

9

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Soaking in the

Y

Topsail Vibes 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!

PHOTO BY MATT MCGRAW

You 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

10

Topsail Magazine

Justin Williams Owner/Publisher

Publisher@TopsailMag.com

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Topsail Magazine

Life is difficult.

The unexpected happens.

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Barrington Law’s mission is to navigate you through life’s rough waters.

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Wishing you a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

May you have a prosperous and prepared New Year.

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.

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SPIRITS

Hittin’ the Sauce

I

There’s more than one way to enjoy leftover cranberry sauce around the holidays.

BY SANDI GRIGG

I don’t know about you, but some of my favorite aspects of the holiday seasons are the leftovers. After cleaning the house top to bottom, cooking for days and making room for everyone in my home while simultaneously being the hostess with the mostess, I am usually so tired that during the actual gathering I’m spent.

By the time everyone adds their dishes to the mix of what I have already prepared, we have enough for an army. There is typically plenty of everything for us all to have leftovers for days; however, even after leftover nights, many sandwiches and snacks, there is always that one Tupperware of my homemade cranberry relish stranded in the back of the refrigerator (find the recipe here: lifeinbrunswickcounty.com/so-verycranberry). There aren’t many options for reinventing leftover cranberry sauce aside from just adding it to a sandwich, so I created a cocktail to use it up.

Most who know me well know that I despise wasting food and will find ways to reuse a dish, freeze it or eat on it for days.

This tasty cocktail makes brilliant use of leftover cranberry sauce. A shot of bourbon adds peppery depth, plus there’s a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a splash of ginger beer and garnishes of aromatic lemon peel and fresh mint. I’ve also come to realize that people can be quite picky about the way they take their cranberries, but just add liquor for a crowd pleaser — it adds new meaning to “hittin’ the sauce.”

This recipe would be just as delicious with vodka or gin, but I personally like the spicy complexity that bourbon adds, and since each cranberry sauce can vary, you may want to adjust the proportions to taste. My cranberry sauce uses fresh oranges, orange juice and pineapple, so it is already citrusy, but a bit of lemon juice adds the perfect amount of tartness.

I don’t get to use my copper mule mugs that often, so that is my mug of choice for this drink, especially since I incorporate ginger beer. But you can certainly use a glass if you prefer.

Cheers!

CRANBERRY SAUCE, SAUCE Makes 1 drink

INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce 2 ounces bourbon ½ ounce lemon juice Ginger beer or club soda 1 lemon peel twist, fresh cranberries and sprig of fresh mint for garnish

METHOD Add cranberry sauce to a copper mule mug and then add the bourbon and lemon juice. Stir to combine.

Add ice, then top with ginger beer or club soda to taste and stir again.

Garnish with a lemon peel twist, fresh cranberries and a sprig of fresh mint.

Please note: This recipe has chewable pieces of chopped cranberries in the drink. I like it that way, but if you don’t, just strain before serving.

Winter 2022-23

17

WHAT’S COOKIN’

Feeling Fancy and French

F

This classic French fruit-based recipe is as good for breakfast as it is for dessert.

BY SANDI GRIGG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES STEFIUK

For Christmas last year I received a set of Le Creuset stoneware mini cocottes. They are the most beautiful color of blue and match my kitchen and dining room perfectly. I’ve used them for individual baked macaroni and cheese, pot pie, potato au gratin and most recently cherry clafoutis.

Clafoutis is a classic fruity French patisserie somewhere between a cake and a flan. It fluffs up like a moist cake then settles as it cools, transforming into a custardy, creamy consistency like a flan. I have chosen to share the cherry version with you; however, you can use other stone fruits like apricots, peaches, plums or apples — or even use a couple fruits for a more complex flavor and texture.

Cherry season in North Carolina is typically June thorough July, but the warmth and tartness of the taste when cooked lends to the cooler months in my mind. Cherries are available in several forms throughout the year at most grocery stores; therefore, they are in season constantly. But there are certain types of fresh local cherries that you can only find during peak season.

For this recipe I choose to pit the cherries. I don’t own a cherry pitter, so I used a chopstick.

You can also use a metal straw or a thick plastic straw and simply just push the pit out of each cherry.

If you feel like being authentic, then don’t pit the cherries. The traditional French way of making cherry clafoutis leaves the cherries whole. It keeps 18

Topsail Magazine

the cherries from leaking their juices into the pastry, and the pits are said to add a hint of almond flavor. To me it is just irritating to spit them out while trying to enjoy the dish so I incorporate almond extract instead. You do whatever you feel, but be sure to warn your guests if you leave the pits in!

While clafoutis is usually and traditionally served as a dessert, I found that it is also wonderful for breakfast. When I prepared this

dish for my family of three it was chilly outside and we had the fireplace roaring. There were three left over, which we stored in the refrigerator overnight and enjoyed the next morning for breakfast. Paired with dark roast coffee, it was a magical start to the day.

Feel free to use whipped cream or vanilla ice cream instead of powdered sugar. You really can’t go wrong!

WHAT’S COOKIN’

Cherry Clafoutis Serves 6 You will need 6 mini cocottes or ramekins

INGREDIENTS 3 cups pitted cherries ½ cup white sugar 3 eggs /8 teaspoon almond extract

1

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup all-purpose flour 1¼ cups whole milk /8 teaspoon Chambord liqueur

1

Almond slivers Softened butter, for preparing the dishes Powdered sugar, for dusting

METHOD Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease six mini cocottes or ramekins with softened butter.

Distribute cherries among the cocottes and sprinkle with half the sugar (¼ cup).

Beat the eggs in a bowl. Add the flour and remaining sugar and beat. Add milk, almond and vanilla extracts and Chambord and beat until well combined.

Pour the batter over the cherries and sugar into the mini cocottes then sprinkle the top with almond slivers.

Bake for about 20 minutes.

Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes and serve sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Winter 2022-23

19

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

D EXTRAS YOU WILL ONLY FIND ONLINE D TOPSAILMAG.COM

A NEW PROGRAM AT THS

By Topsail Magazine Contributor

DEFEATING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Topsail High School is one of only six high schools in the country to have a U.S. Coast Guard JROTC Program.

By Anna Beth Adcock

A United States Coast Guard JROTC program has officially been established at Topsail High School (THS), making THS one of only six high schools in the country to have such a program.

“About nine weeks ago about 80 students made their way across the parking lot, right out those doors, to our classrooms, and each had their own reasons for being there, but I would dare say none had a full understanding of what they had signed up for,” said Joseph Solomon, Senior Maritime Science and Coast Guard JROTC instructor at Topsail High School.

“They are in a sense what we in the Coast Guard call ‘plank owners,’ an inaugural crew challenged with the daunting task of building a unit from scratch, and that’s what they’ve been hard at work doing.” | CONTINUE READING ONLINE 20

Topsail Magazine

|

Safe Haven of Pender County provides hope, healing and help for victims of domestic abuse in Pender and Duplin counties.

Everyone knows someone who has been affected by domestic violence — and the statistics are staggering, with as many as one in four women and one in seven men experiencing domestic violence during their lifetimes. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE

|

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

D EXTRAS YOU WILL ONLY FIND ONLINE D TOPSAILMAG.COM

LET’S GET PHYSICAL

By Kate M Carey

TALK OF THE TOWN

By Kate M Carey

The Town of Topsail Beach is lobbying for a specialty license plate to build civic pride.

The small town of Topsail Beach, population 466, is asking the North Carolina General Assembly to approve a specialty license plate to help the town improve recreational opportunities. It’s a small ask for politicians who routinely approve requests for schools, roads and other important services that serve North Carolinians, but it could be a large boost for the beach town. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE

Rusty and Tiffany Walker run three local physical therapy offices in Hampstead, Sneads Ferry and Topsail to help people stay strong and flexible and to heal from injuries.

As the Hampstead-TopsailSneads Ferry area population grows, so has the need for physical therapy. One local practice, Hampstead PT has grown to three offices to meet that need.

Husband and wife Rusty and Tiffany Walker have worked together for more than 15 years owning three successful physical therapy practices.

The key to their success is simple, Tiffany says, “We help our patients get back to living their lives.” | CONTINUE READING ONLINE

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ROAD TRIP

By Pat Fontana

Biltmore Estate in Asheville makes for a great escape from the beach any time of year.

When you live in paradise, where do you go for vacation? Of course, the sand and saltwater of Topsail cannot be beat, but when you’re looking for a change of scenery, it may be time to head inland. So, fuel up the car, jump on Interstate 40 and head west for your next road trip. You’re only a few hours away from an exciting adventure at Biltmore Estate in Asheville. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE

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Winter 2022-23

21

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WHAT’S HAPPENED

The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Welcomes Dr. Steven Hill

Golf Tournament for Share the Table

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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.

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.

A Rave for the Waves

Greater Topsail Flotilla and Christmas Market

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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.

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 Winter 2022-23

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WHAT’S HAPPENED

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.

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

Scallywags Ribbon Cutting

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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.

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

Pender County Humane Society Open House

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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.

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.

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Winter 2022-23

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WHAT’S HAPPENED

Share the Table Turns 12

School for two years and also taught social studies for six years at Sun Valley High School, where he coached football, basketball and track.

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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

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

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 26

Topsail Magazine

PHOTOS BY DARIA AMATO

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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.

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.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Dolphin Dip

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Dolphin Dip January 1 Hundreds, maybe thousands, of people will take the plunge into the freezing Atlantic Ocean at the 18th annual Dolphin Dip on January 1. The fun begins at 11 am with entertainment and costume contests at Roland Avenue beach access in Surf City.

The dip is promptly at noon. This is a free event for all ages, but please plan to purchase a t-shirt or make donation to support Share the Table.

Information: Facebook: @dolphindip

half-marathon course is 10.5 miles of beach and 2.6 miles on the road. The 10K and 5K courses are on the beach. Races start at 8 am, the costs are the lowest you’ll find: $25 to $55. To keep costs low, the organizers have created the option to purchase a shirt separate from registration. Register by January 26 to receive a shirt.

Information: runsignup.com/Race/NC/ NTopsailBeach/SledgehammerBeachRun

NC Blueberry Festival Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser February 18

Sledgehammer Beach Run February 4 Take in the views and explore North Topsail Beach while running on the beach in either a half marathon, 10K or 5K. Presented by Marine Federal Credit Union and Jacksonville-Onslow Sports Commission, the Sledgehammer Race Series is held in memory of Dr. E. B. Sledge and all combat veterans. Sledge was a lifelong Marine who spent the remainder of his post war years coming to terms with what he and his fellow combatants experienced during World War II. The

A fundraiser for the NC Blueberry Festival in June, the annual NC Blueberry Festival Pancake and Sausage Breakfast benefits the NC Blueberry Festival Scholarship Program. It’s held from 8 until 11 am in the Burgaw Fire Station at 109 N. Walker Street in Burgaw.

Surf City Expo March 4 Surf City Parks, Recreation & Tourism proudly presents The Surf City Expo on March 4. Enjoy a day of shopping and door prizes from local businesses. Vendor categories include beauty, education, fitness, health services, home decor, jewelry and much more.

Information: SurfCityNC.gov

Pender County Wedding Expo & Bridal Showcase March 25 The Pender County Wedding Expo & Bridal Showcase will highlight wedding venues and wedding services along with a tour of the Penderlea facilities. Mark your calendars now and reserve your spot. Wedding Expo & Bridal Showcase will feature wedding venues and wedding professionals ready to help you plan for your special day. Included will be goodie bags for attendees, fun photobooth opportunities and more.

Information: visitpender.com

Information: ncblueberryfestival.com Winter 2022-23

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Jackie James

CoastalCarolinaReal@gmail.com

Jeff James

CarolinaCoastContracting@gmail.com

13775 NC-50 Ste 401, Surf City, NC 28445

Whims From doodles to logos

to murals, David Mercer is putting his creativity on display.

BY DALENE BICKEL PHOTOGRAPHY BY UNIQUE MEDIA & DESIGN

Winter 2022-23

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William William is a USMC Veteran, cancer survivor, and now a proud co-business owner with his soon to be wife Gabrielle. William spent nearly 10 years in the Marine Corps. and ended his career here with MARSOC & Wounded Warrior Battalion. That is where he decided to continue giving back and serving others with ShipOnSite of Surf City; “This is a tough business, our area here needs us, and we are here to stay, and become masters of craft. We most certainly couldn’t do this without the support of our little towns here and we are grateful to have an opportunity to serve again and make shipping, printing, or any other service we offer to be an experience like nowhere else.” The ShipOnSite team takes pride in our ability to make that errand for our customers easy, memorable, and handled with care. Come get to know us and see what we can do for you!

We now offer a 10% discount to Active Duty Military, Veterans, and First Responders shipping with FedEx or UPS. DISCOUNT APPLIES TO FEDEX OR UPS SHIPPING ONLY WITH VALID ID, THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE PACKING MATERIALS.

WOMAN & VETERAN OWNED

Gabrielle Gabrielle was born and raised in Kansas City, MO, and moved to our lovely area in September of 2020 to be with her now fiance William. After visiting Surf City a few times, she quickly fell in love with the small town feel and couldn’t wait to live here.

“William and I always dreamed of owning our own business, and you as customers make that possible. You wouldn’t believe the stories we hear with each item we ship or print. This business is more intimate than most would think and that alone helps us get to know each person who walks through our doors.”

Being the resident graphic designer here at ShipOnSite, Gabrielle can take care of all your printing needs, no matter how big the job!

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910.803.2292 30 Topsail Magazine

Early Riser Special

Starting December 2nd, Mon, Wed, & Fri we will open at 7am for “Early Riser” shippers and they’ll receive a 10% discount between 7am and 9am.

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conveniently located Next to the Harris Teeter off Hwy 17 & 210, is your one-stop-shop for packing, shipping, printing and business service needs. Our team of dedicated, professionally trained experts understands the meaning of Super-Star Customer Care - we focus on saving you time and money by ensuring you get the right products and services at the right price - in a single, quick visit. We can pack and ship [almost] anything to [almost] anywhere in the world, but shipping is not the only one way we can help to make your life easier. Come in today and meet our team, we are ready to serve you.

I

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

I

f you look closely while exploring Topsail Island, you’ll undoubtedly spot some of David Mercer’s artwork on display.

What started out as a hobby to help bring in a few extra dollars is fast becoming a serious side hustle. While most of Mercer’s time is spent working at his family’s business, General Rental, with its two locations in Holly Ridge and Jacksonville, he spends his off hours creating custom artwork for clients.

As a young kid growing up in Jacksonville, Mercer says he “doodled everywhere,” and his parents provided notepads to deter him from drawing on the walls of their home.

He now gets paid to paint murals on the walls of various businesses and

town structures.

Mercer never planned to become an artist. He attended East Carolina University and didn’t pursue any formal art training. Instead, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in geology.

Over the years, he continued to dabble in different art media — acrylics, aerosols, spray paint and digital software.

“As my day job got busier, I had to put up the paints and fit in artwork where I could,” he explains. “The digital stuff — using an iPad and Apple pencil — has improved my flow and opened up new doors.”

Mercer believes that his style is just now becoming recognizable but is still evolving.

“I’m always trying to figure out what I like to do,” he says.

Approximately 10 years ago, Mercer and a friend who owned a boutique in Wilmington developed a recurring art show.

“We hit it pretty heavy for a little bit,” he Winter 2022-23

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on the computer.” It did.

On January 15, 2023, Mercer will begin work on a new mural, this time for the Town of Surf City. He estimates that it will take approximately a month to complete the 40’ x 9’ project on the pump station near the town’s water tower.

“It will be the biggest thing I’ve ever done,” he says. Although unable to go into detail about the design — he doesn’t want to ruin the planned unveiling ceremony — he does describe it as “a very artfully done colorful craziness” that you’ll be able to see from far away.

The project was supposed to have occurred in September of

reflects, and while he considered the shows fun to do, they also took up a lot of his time. Eventually, he bowed out. But he never stopped talking about his artwork, and before long, the customers who came into General Rental began asking Mercer if he could help them revamp their branding.

“I said I could try to help with logos; let me doodle something up. And then it just took off from there,” Mercer says.

He values the organic growth his artwork has experienced both on and off the island, and he enjoys the work. Yet as a recently married man with a new baby at home, his time is more limited now than ever, making him more selective about the projects he takes on.

In 2020 a business owner approached Mercer about painting a mural at his restaurant, and he said yes.

The owner was so pleased with the end result that he came back to Mercer, requesting three murals for his Surf City hotel-turned-Airbnb studios, Key West. This time, Mercer was given creative license for their design.

“Anytime I hear Key West, I think of the chickens,” Mercer says, smiling. “It took a little convincing for him to get on board with my idea of painting chickens on the sides of his building. But in the end, he let me paint three chickens up there.

It was a blast; by far the most fun I’ve had yet.”

The digital art process began by uploading a picture of the building to his software. Mercer then sketched out his design directly on top of it, and once that was complete, he went to the wall and “hoped it would go up the same way I had put it 32

Topsail Magazine

I joke that on my deathbed, I might reveal a key of what I’ve hidden and where. But honestly, there’s a lot of stuff I’ve hidden in my paintings.

2022 but was postponed due to water tower repairs taking place at that time. Now the completion of the project will largely depend on the weather this winter as cold temperatures will impact both his movement and how fast the paint comes out of the cans.

“It will be a challenge,” Mercer admits, “but I hope the exposure from the new Town of Surf City mural will open up more opportunities to do even larger art projects.”

When asked what he hopes to evoke in people as they look at his artwork, Mercer’s response is immediate: “Laughter. At the very least, I hope somebody looks at it and smiles a little bit; that they dig it.”

Unlike the reverence paid to masterpieces of old, Mercer hopes no one takes his artwork too seriously, especially since he doesn’t take himself too seriously. “I want people to know that I had as much fun conceptualizing it as I did painting it. I do it for fun.”

He particularly enjoys hiding at least one element in each piece of art.

“I joke that on my deathbed, I might reveal a key of what I’ve hidden and where,” he says with a chuckle. “But honestly, there’s a lot of stuff I’ve hidden in my paintings.”

At this writing, Mercer was busy developing a series of one-of-akind paintings for the upcoming Locals Art Gallery & Wine Bar opening in 2023 in Surf City, which has selected him as a featured artist.

The good news is that you don’t have to wait until then to view and purchase his artwork. Be sure to check out his current online gallery at davidmercerart.com and follow him on Instagram (@ Davids_not_home). 

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NONPROFIT

Fostering Strength Safe Haven Chief Operating Officer Felicia Greene has a passion for empowering people and teaching the tools of self-sufficiency to victims of domestic abuse.

BY ANNA BETH ADCOCK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA GLANTZ

Winter 2022-23

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M NONPROFIT

Meet Felicia Greene. She grew up in western North Carolina in the small mountain community of Hendersonville, a place famed for apples and fall foliage. She traded in her mountain life for coastal living, and now she’s doing life-changing work with a nonprofit in Pender County named Safe Haven.

Felicia Greene, top, is photographed in the Safe Haven Thrift Store, a fundraising arm of the organization that serves victims and survivors of domestic abuse in Pender and Duplin counties.

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Safe Haven’s mission is to help domestic abuse survivors escape their situations, an endeavor that hits close to the heart for Greene, since she was affected by domestic violence in her family growing up.

“I actually am a survivor of domestic violence, so it’s very personal to me what we’re doing,” Greene says. “I saw through my mother’s experience the impact that domestic violence has on adults, on children, on extended family and friends ... it isn’t limited to isolated incidents, and it’s everywhere.”

Statistics show that as many as one in four women and one in seven men experience domestic violence during their lifetimes. These alarming numbers prove that domestic violence is a pervasive problem, one that not only disrupts the lives of the victims but also affects victims’ loved ones and families.

While Greene’s personal experience with domestic violence is painful, it gave her direction for what she wanted to spend her life doing and ultimately brought her to work with Safe Haven in December 2020.

Safe Haven serves victims and survivors of domestic abuse throughout Pender and Duplin counties, providing emergency

shelter, services, resources and referrals to those who need to get out of abusive situations.

Essentially, the organization’s goal is to help “empower and teach self-sufficiency to victims of abuse.”

“The work that we do impacts people who are in their most vulnerable state, who have just lost hope and sight of themselves,” Greene says. “And what we do is walk alongside them until they are back into a better state of health.”

Chief operating officer of Safe Haven, Greene keeps the back-office operations, logistics and organizational aspects flowing smoothly, but her passion lies in working directly with domestic abuse survivors and supporting her staff and volunteers by making sure they have the tools they need to serve Safe Haven’s clients.

When she reflects on the clients she’s worked with, the first characteristics Greene highlights of each are strength and resilience.

“Sometimes we have people come in, and it just looks like everything is stacked against them,” Greene says. “They don’t have transportation or employment, and they don’t know where to go. Our initial goal is just to get them into a safe environment.”

Simple necessities like safety,

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NONPROFIT

CAN YOU HELP? If you’re looking to partner with Safe Haven in its fight against domestic violence, the organization is always looking for volunteers willing to give of their time, money or other resources like clothing or food donations. There’s a wish list of needed items for the shelter on the website.

“We are always looking for people who have passion, a huge heart and are willing to go the extra mile,” Greene says. “And we are really easy to work with.”

Volunteers are needed at the shelter and in the thrift store.

Safe Haven volunteers can help as often as once per week or once a year during the holiday season, and everything that is donated to Safe Haven is used. “I think we are good at using the resources that come our way and putting it where it needs to be,” Greene says.

Learn more at: safehavenofpender.com/

DO YOU NEED HELP? Visit safehavenofpender.com, call (910) 259-8989 or email info@safehavenofpender.com.

If you feel you are in immediate danger, call 911.

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shelter, a good night's sleep, new clothes or even moral support can make a huge impact on a victim’s morale and help provide the groundwork to help them get back on their feet.

Greene loves seeing the people she works with soar, taking the resources available to them at Safe Haven and running with them.

“We believe that every survivor can make the wisest decisions for their situation,” Greene says. “Our role is to provide referrals and resources and let them make their own decisions with no judgment from us.”

The survivors she works with aren’t the only ones that Greene impacts with her work at Safe Haven. Lori Kirkpatrick, Safe Haven’s outreach coordinator says, “One thing that makes [Greene] a great leader is her sincere enthusiasm for the work that we do serving victims and survivors of domestic violence.

Communicating with co-workers and empowering them to achieve their potential comes naturally to her. She leads by example, motivating and inspiring our

staff by demonstrating to them how the work is done.”

Carol Stewart, Safe Haven’s finance manager, adds, “I have worked for many different types of supervisors, but no one quite like Felicia. Felicia is kind, compassionate and always willing to help, no matter what the task entails. I feel she works with everyone as a coworker, although she is not afraid to put her supervisor hat on when the need arises.”

When she isn’t hard at work to help further Safe Haven’s mission, Greene enjoys outdoor activities, volunteering at a local museum and spending time with her husband, son and their two rescue dogs.

Looking ahead, Safe Haven is studying the feasibility of opening a shelter in Duplin County.

“We don’t want to grow this business, we want to be put out of business, to be completely honest, but if there is a need for another shelter we are prepared to do what we need to do to make that happen,” Greene says. 

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Winter 2022-23

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Going Overboard Instead of a teardown, a Topsail Island eyesore gets a major upgrade.

BY MELISSA SLAVEN WARREN

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O

On Topsail Island there are so many great things that don’t go unnoticed. Like magical sunsets, softly rolling dunes and sunwarmed sea oats tussling in the breeze. And you can’t forget the oceanfront cottages dotted along the gold-hued sands of the Atlantic. Except for one — until recently.

The house at 810 S. Shore Drive in Surf City was an eyesore. Its owners had let the house fall into disrepair. The walkway to the ocean was unwalkable, shingles and siding were missing from the

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

PEEK INSIDE

exterior, and the landscaping was overgrown. But KJ Steinhoff saw potential in the neglected property that had gone into foreclosure. He placed a bid when the house went up for auction and won.

“It was a great location, but the house was very dilapidated,” Steinhoff says. “I had to completely gut the house down to the studs. We added a new roof, siding, windows, doors, all new electric and plumbing. We had to level the floors and ceilings. There were water leaks in the past that had never been properly fixed. What really appealed to me, though, is that every bedroom had its own en suite bath and oceanfront views.”

With the extent of the repairs, many builders or developers may have opted to demolish the house and start over.

But Steinhoff was up for the challenge.

Although this was his first renovation project, he’s been designing, building and selling properties on Topsail Island since 2014.

Steinhoff, who develops under Kage Properties, Inc., moved from New England in 2013 to North Carolina and fell in love with the beautiful, family-oriented island of Topsail.

“At the time, oceanfront property was inexpensive compared to what it was in New England,” he says. “That’s when I started buying lots and designing and building my own homes.”

Steinhoff began working with Realtor Jim Cornelison of Carolina Real Estate, learning about the Topsail market and what makes a “good piece of property versus a less desirable property.”

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

PEEK INSIDE

Top, KJ Steinhoff stops for a photograph at Overboard, the oceanfront house he renovated in Surf City. Bottom, The house that others might see as a teardown was a welcome challenge for Steinhoff.

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PEEK INSIDE

“The first house I built on Topsail was 3,000 square feet. It had six bedrooms and an oceanfront shower with a window. I try to do things that other people aren’t really doing. Like three-stories. I want to give people more space and more value for their land,” Steinhoff says.

Influenced by his dad, who retired from one career and then started a construction company, Steinhoff has spent his career in technology.

“But I’ve always loved designing and creating things,” he says. “When I sell a million dollars in computers to a company — it disappears once the sale is over. When I get to design something from the ground up, it’s always there. I like creating something that when somebody walks in, they get that wow feeling.”

And that’s just what happened with the house at 810 S. Shore Drive, now called Overboard.

The renovation took nearly two years to complete at a time when lumber prices were historically high and supply chain shortages were unavoidable. But the setbacks were worth it.

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CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Steinhoff's cohesive interior decor lends a calming quality to the oceanfront home.

“I tried to bring the ocean in as much as I could with big, vaulted ceilings, lots of windows, even portal windows in the showers,” he says.

“I tried to create a house where guests would feel like they were staying in a five-star hotel.”

The house includes some high-end features like a five-foot, double-

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PEEK INSIDE

paned rectangular fireplace that’s kid-friendly. There are transoms above all the sliders on the main level to enhance the ocean view. There’s a chef ’s kitchen with stainless appliances and a large island. There is a private seven-person hot tub and tiki bar patio room on the ground level. There are oceanfront open and covered gated deck areas with expansive Atlantic Ocean views.

Steinhoff also completely revamped the driveway and the 44

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front yard landscaping, which includes palm trees and other plants that will thrive in the sea air.

When Steinhoff sets out to name his beach homes, he always gives them a name that has something to do with his experience during the process.

Overboard just fit. “You could argue that I went overboard in renovating it, but then there is the charm of the nautical terminology,” he says.

Overboard, now a vacation

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Each of the home's bedrooms has an en suite bath and an ocean view. On the ground level, is a private seven-person hot tub and tiki bar patio room.

PEEK INSIDE

rental property, has gone from the neighborhood eyesore to one of the nicest houses on the street.

“During the renovation process, there were several year-round residents that live on the street who came up to me and thanked me for saving it,” Steinhoff says. “It had been run down for years. One of the neighbors loved the house so much, he rented it for his son’s wedding.”

The property, managed by Topsail Realty, first started renting in May of 2022 and stayed booked all summer. “Once people started finding it online, it started renting very quickly,” Steinhoff says.

With all the challenges that came along with renovating Overboard, Steinhoff says the hardest part was trying to keep it a secret from his fiancé as to what the final project would look like.

“From the tile to the wood molding, I did it 100 percent on my own,” he says. “Once she saw the end result, she said I had talents she didn’t know about!”

Steinhoff and his fiancé were married on Topsail Island in October, and he has no plans to slow down on building and renovating houses on the island. He has several projects in the works or soon to start. “I have a house being built at 1705 Ocean Boulevard on Topsail Island. It’s another beautiful oceanfront property. It’s 2,950 square feet and will feature a rooftop deck. I just bought another house that was neglected on South Shore. It’s called The Big Kahuna.

It’s an eight-bedroom house. And I’m finishing up a new construction project in December, with another one starting in 35 to 40 days.”  Winter 2022-23

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COMMUNITY

The Power of

Women

Hampstead Women’s Club raises funds for scholarships,

T

seniors and so much more.

BY KATE M CAREY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA GLANTZ

Tucked away in Hampstead just off Highway 17, a grey brick building hosts a mighty collection of women who have met community needs since 1959.

Originally known as the N.C. Homemakers Extension Club, Hampstead Women’s Club operates a thrift shop, donates to various community needs, provides college scholarships and is a fun place for local women to gather.

“We donate $35,000 to $45,000 back to the community each year,” says Vice President Diane Mangus. “Donations are made to local food banks, school projects, scholarships, the library, the Topsail Senior Center, Lump to Laughter, Save a Vet, Alzheimer’s Association, Wounded Warriors, Carousel Center, Lake Linda's Christmas Lights, Safe Haven and many more.”

Hampstead Women's Club welcomes anyone who has a passion for working together to better the community, including men.

Winter 2022-23

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COMMUNITY

The Women’s Club building hosts the Thrift Shop and a large event space that’s available for rent. The Thrift Shop has four generous rooms of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, games, books, household items and home decor. Volunteers sort, price and display items for sale, and the shop is open weekly from 9 am to 3 pm (it’s closed on Wednesday and Sunday).

“We have 40 members and are always looking for more volunteers to process donations in the shop and help with special projects,” Mangus says.

“Donations may be dropped off during business hours or placed in the donation bin after hours.”

The banquet room can be the perfect place for a small get together or large formal event. With the capacity of 140 guests, the venue hosts family parties, wedding receptions, showers, special events and meetings. Adjacent to the room is a full-service kitchen and two smaller meeting rooms.

The club opened the Thrift Shop in 1989 to provide funds for the maintenance and upkeep of the community building and to make donations to other organizations. A year later, the club became a nonprofit organization.

In 1991 a scholarship program was established to support local high school seniors seeking higher education. More than $175,000 has been awarded in scholarships. The scholarship recipients for 2021 were Michael Erickson, a computer science major at North Carolina State University; Makayla Obremski, an elementary education major at East Carolina University’ Luke Anders, a political science major at Wake Forest University; and Jon Siemon, a mechanical engineering major. The 2022 students were Nicole Coursey, environmental policy and management major at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Julien Mouney, also at UNC-CH and majoring in physical therapy; Drew Jones, a public relations and strategic communications major at High Point University; Ryan Garmendiz, a criminal justice major at Guilford College; and Isabella Cogan, a biology and mathematics major at North Carolina State University. Each student received $2,000 from the club.

The Women's Club Thrift Shop funds scholarships and donations to other community organizations.

Volunteers are always needed.

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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

COMMUNITY

The Women's Club's Event Venue can host up to 140 guests for parties, wedding receptions, reunions, meetings and more.

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COMMUNITY

While the Thrift Shop may be the most visible part of the Hampstead Women’s Club, club members are busy serving many others, especially senior citizens.

That service began when the community building was used twice weekly by the Senior Citizens Services of Pender County to provide a hot meal to local senior citizens. With funds from the thrift shop,

the Hampstead Women’s Club supported the cost of providing and maintaining a nutrition site for this program and volunteers served meals and organized craft classes, holiday parties and games.

The Topsail Senior Center came about in part thanks to the club. The Women’s Club opened a building fund for a new senior center by depositing 25 percent of the Thrift Shop profits into the fund each month until the Senior Center opened in 1996.

The club continues to support senior citizens with annual donations. They remain active throughout the year providing bags of food for seniors who receive Meals on Wheels and fixing a Thanksgiving meal for seniors. 

WANT TO JOIN? Hampstead Women’s Club Annual membership dues in Hampstead Women’s Club are $15. Memberships are open to men and women as both volunteers or as social members.

In addition to their outreach efforts, the club hosts a Christmas Bazaar, a volunteer luncheon each spring and has regular member events including the popular Bingo games.

For more information and to contact the event center, see hampsteadwomensclub.com/

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r e v o Mhaker S Whether she’s selling real estate,

working for the town or volunteering in the community, North Topsail Beach

Mayor Joann McDermon makes things happen on the island she loves.

BY PAT FONTANA PHOTOGRAPHY BY VICKY OLIVER

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Topsail Magazine

"We're extremely

lucky to live where we do."

Joann McDermon repeats these words often as she explains how much she is enjoying what she is doing and who she is doing it for at this point in her life.

McDermon is a successful real estate agent, sits on the boards of the Onslow Water and Sewer Authority (ONWASA) and the Topsail Island Association of

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"It's all about forming relationships and working to solve problems."

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Topsail Magazine

Realtors and serves as the mayor of North Topsail Beach. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and living life on the island. She has no plans to retire anytime soon.

“I very much enjoy everything I’m doing – working for the town, selling real estate,” she says enthusiastically.

McDermon moved to the Topsail area from Pennsylvania in 2013. She and her family followed her parents,

who moved to Sneads Ferry in 1998.

McDermon and her husband, Ed, had owned property here before moving, using it as a vacation rental as well as for their own family when they visited.

“We fell in love with the area,” she says.

A seasoned businesswoman, McDermon worked for Shared Medical Systems, which was bought

by Siemens Healthcare. That company was then purchased by Cerner. After several years with the organization as a business development executive, she decided to retire from the corporate life and secured her real estate license in 2015.

The work in business development prepared her well for her current roles. McDermon says that her responsibilities “included forming relationships with vendors to enhance our product suites, which benefited our clients.” That platform enabled her to expand her skills as she transitioned into real estate then took on the role of mayor.

“It’s all about forming relationships and working to solve problems,” she says.

McDermon’s real estate involvement extends to her family members. Her daughter, Ashley McDermon, has just joined her as part of her sales team at Treasure Realty. Ed and their oldest son, Zack McDermon, run Topsail Moonlight Management, a contracting and landscaping firm that McDermon co-owns.

Her political career stemmed from observing several challenges in North Topsail Beach that she felt needed to be addressed and resolved.

“I’m one who believes if you want to impact change, you have to get involved,” she says. And so she did.

She was elected as an alderman in

Winter 2022-23

55

2015 and re-elected in 2019.

She was also a write-in candidate for mayor in 2019 and won that position as well.

She was re-elected mayor in 2021.

One of the aspects of being an alderman that was particularly appealing to McDermon was the fact that she had a vote. As mayor she very rarely has the opportunity to vote as her vote only comes in case of a tie among the aldermen. With an official count of five aldermen, there are very few occasions that require the vote of the mayor. However, she says, she feels that in the mayoral position, she can “effect some change within the board.”

As mayor, McDermon counts off the many achievements that align with her goals, saying, “When I ran for mayor, there were several things I wanted to accomplish, and I have.” Among those are the recovery efforts from Hurricane Florence, including restoring Richard Peters Park and getting the North Topsail Beach Town Hall “back up and running.” McDermon also points to the “continuous beach projects planned that offer federal assistance with no impact for our taxpayers.”

She adds that the town has hired a financial analyst firm that “has helped us remove the debt from the USDA loan for Phase 5.” Next on the list is replacing the fire station at the south end of town.

McDermon says that there is a capital improvement line item in the budget now.

The implementation of paid 56

Topsail Magazine

"We are working very well together as an island, not three separate towns." parking has been one of the town’s more significant accomplishments under McDermon’s leadership. “The revenues significantly help us as a town, and it removes the safety issues,” she says. Previously, visitors parked along the street, in residents’ yards and in other areas that created hazards.

McDermon adds that the town’s board of aldermen tries “to be open to all the issues that face ONWASA.” Her position on that board enables her to provide input and influence decisions there as well. She says that one of the needs on the island is to address the low water pressure, adding that is one of the things she brought to the table, based on feedback from residents. To help resolve that, ONWASA will be

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installing a booster pump this year.

Among McDermon’s proud accomplishments is bringing the three towns on the island together on several important issues.

“We are working very well together as an island, not three separate towns,” she says.

Another challenge is that two different counties span the island. She adds, though, that North Topsail Beach’s relationship with Onslow County is also improving. With the increase in new residents and visitors, she says that “we continue to invest in our infrastructure and school system to support the growing needs.”

As mayor and as a real estate agent, McDermon gets involved in the

community in many ways. She participated in the recent building of the living shoreline at Peters Park and a number of beach cleanups. She emphasizes that she is available to the aldermen, the town manager and to residents and visitors for questions, input and discussion of important issues that impact North Topsail Beach and the greater community. The town has launched an updated website (northtopsailbeachnc.gov/) to make that easier.

McDermon describes the feeling she gets every time she crosses the bridge from Sneads Ferry to North Topsail Beach, indicating a sigh of relaxation and happiness. Then she adds one more time, “We’re just lucky to live here.” 

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BEHIND THE BUSINESS

Our Yard, Your Sale owner Shelly Turco.

Upscale Resale Our Yard, Your Sale shop offers everything you need — including a taco.

I

BY KATE M CAREY PHOTOGRAPHY BY VICKY OLIVER

“If we don’t have it, you don’t need it” says the sign above the counter, and after visiting the more than 100 vendors at the Surf City upscale resale shop, Our Yard, Your Sale, you would probably agree with owner Shelly Turco.

Need a funny dish towel for Aunt Jane? An aqua towel that proclaims “Salty about not being a mermaid” might fit the bill. How about casual outdoor furniture that can withstand the coastal environment. Take your pick from a large selection of heavy-duty Adirondack chairs in several colors. Or maybe you are looking for a few new signs for your beach house: “Thankful.

Blessed. Welcome to Topsail Island.”

“We have vintage items, jewelry, household items, farmhouse deco, beachy deco, clothes, signs, lamps, new and slightly used items,” Turco says of the family-owned business located off Highway 210 near the Surf City disc golf park. The parking lot is always full of cars with license plates from New Winter 2022-23

59

BEHIND THE BUSINESS

With 9,000 square feet and more than 100 vendors, Our Yard, Your Sale is a treasure trove of home decor, vintage items, clothing, toys and so much more.

York, Ohio, Florida and North Carolina as the business brings in tourists and locals alike.

Among the booths, products range from coastal chic beach signs to vintage toys and fishing reels, unusual table lamps to a set of drawer pulls shaped like seahorses. One booth houses a wall of earrings while another has shoes of many styles. Hand-crafted wreaths and seasonal decorations fill one space, gently used household items another.

There’s gently used clothing, brandnew slogan t-shirts, vintage signs and more. This is the kind of place you will want to visit over and over again just to see what’s there.

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Topsail Magazine

And when you get hungry, have a taco or quesadilla from Los Gordos Tacos. The food truck, run by Turco’s cousin Anthony Cinanni, sets up daily at the shop during lunch unless it’s at an event.

Our Yard, Your Sale originally opened in 2020 inside the DDT Outlet on Highway 17 between Hampstead and Surf City.

“We rented a 6,000-square-foot spot in the back of the building for two and a half years,” Turco says. “We opened right before the pandemic but still had an epic year. From there we grew and decided it was time to venture out and build our own building.”

They moved to their brand-new, 9,000-square-foot building on July 8, 2022. Turco’s husband, Mike, was the developer and builder.

“Everyone who walks in loves the new building because it’s so bright and cheerful,” Turco says.

Top seller Linda Robinson of Linda’s Closet Creations didn’t hesitate to move to the new location.

“I create and make a lot of my items, such as floral arrangements and coastal-themed pillows, tea towels, valances, table runners and recycled bag holders that are one of a kind,” Robinson says. “I enjoy recycling old things and making them beautiful

BEHIND THE BUSINESS

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Everyone who walks in loves the new building because it’s so bright and cheerful.

Winter 2022-23

61

BEHIND THE BUSINESS

again. I’m very selective about what I sell because most customers can identify my products, and the response has been overwhelming. I’ve gotten nothing but positive feedback since day one. I’m looking forward to what the future may bring for Our Yard Your Sale.”

Foot traffic in the new building is much busier than the previous location, Turco says, and on weekends, an outside vendor market offers additional merchandise choices.

“We are a family business, and my kids, cousins and kids’ girlfriends all work here,”

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Everyone who walks in the doors is always so happy, and we hear all the time how this is their favorite store. That right there tells us that we are doing something right.” 

WANT TO GO? Our Yard, Your Sale 101 H20 Place, Hampstead (910) 803-0820 ouryardyoursale.com/404.php To see what’s new, stop by daily 10 am to 5 pm (4 pm on Sunday)

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g n i r a h S THE STOKE

With the founding of Watermen’s Warehouse, a nonprofit brand

that raises money for free swimming lessons, the Schieffer family is helping others love the water as much as they do.

BY ANNESOPHIA RICHARDS PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARIA AMATO

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Topsail Magazine

Jacob Schieffer, co-founder of Watermen's Warehouse, shows off the soft goods the nonprofit designs and sells to fund swimming lessons for Topsail-area residents.

G

rowing up in Southern California, Josh Schieffer didn’t give much thought to the fact that every nearby high school had a pool. It made sense, since being comfortable and capable in and around water was such a huge part of his everyday life on the West Coast. So,

when he and his wife, Jayme, moved to the Hampstead area seven years ago, he couldn’t understand how, in a region where knowing how to swim is crucial, none of the local public schools had their own pool.

“It was mindboggling to be living at the beach and realizing public schools don’t have pools,” Schieffer says. “I have

a background in manufacturing health and safety, including water safety, and I just couldn’t believe there were no public pool programs anywhere near Topsail.”

Concerned that such an essential service was missing in his otherwise perfect coastal community, Schieffer saw an opportunity to make a change when his two teenage sons approached him in 2020 with the idea of starting their own business.

Wanting to create a surf-inspired clothing company, 19-year-old Blake and 15-year-old Jacob’s initial goal was to make a profit, but Schieffer challenged the boys to think bigger.

“I told them to find a purpose greater than financial gain, something that motivated them and pulled them out of bed,” Schieffer says. “They wanted it to be surf and water-related, so I asked what some purposes were that they could rally behind in this area, and as a family we started thinking about the lack of public pools.”

Schieffer and his sons researched drowning statistics and found that, according to the American Red Cross, nearly 50% of Americans don’t know how to swim. 79% of children from low-income households have few-to-no swimming skills, and African-American children ages 5 to 19 drown at a rate more than five times higher than Caucasian children of the same age. They also found that the average income levels of Pender, New Hanover and Onslow counties seemed to hover around the low-income level.

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became clear — make swim lessons accessible to everyone and therefore help prevent drowning deaths.

Schieffer told his sons he would help start the nonprofit as long as all profits went to charity while they learned how to run it.

Once the boys understood the business and were ready to go out on their own, Schieffer would step back and let them take the reins.

“That’s basically how Waterman’s Warehouse got started,” Schieffer says. “We put together a five-year business plan and decided to crowdfund our first shirt design with a local artist, and it immediately took off.”

Their crowdfunding efforts enabled Whether teaching the Schieffers to start selling shirts on people to swim in their website and through a big push on a pool or surfing social media and at the same time form in the ocean, the a partnership with the local Hampstead Shieffer family's gym Coastal Fitness Center, home to life is centered on the water. the only indoor pool in the area.

Through an application process, Waterman’s Warehouse would cover the cost for any low-income families needing swim lessons and help offset the cost of lessons for middle- and higher-income families.

“We bought a bunch of yard signs and put them all over Pender County advertising free swim lessons in a heated indoor pool, which helped get the word out,” Schieffer says. “The boys were able to network with a few surf shops, who started selling our shirts as well, and it just snowballed from there.”

By providing financial assistance to help families afford the cost of swim lessons with certified instructors, Waterman’s Warehouse put more than 100 kids in the water in 2021, with their current total standing at 286. In addition to Coastal Fitness, the organization offers lessons through partnerships with Courts Plus Fitness Center in Jacksonville and the YMCA in New Hanover County. With the help of a dedicated team of volunteers and board members, the organization is committed to helping anyone who wants to learn how to swim or become more comfortable in the water.

“We cater to anybody from babies to adults,” Schieffer says. “We recently had a student in her 60s

Winter 2022-23

67

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Topsail Magazine

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Jacob, Jayme, Josh and Blake Schieffer

who had moved to the area and didn’t know how to swim but really wanted to go in the ocean.”

The name Waterman’s Warehouse reflects both the organization’s mission as well as part of its strategic five-year plan.

Schieffer says the term “waterman” is all-inclusive, describing someone who fishes, boats, dives or surfs.

“This area is known for commercial fishing and oyster farming, and we want to continue to develop that,” Schieffer says. “If 80% of these kids don’t know how to swim, how will they sustain those careers?”

The “warehouse” part came about as Schieffer and his sons looked to the potential future of their endeavor. If the nonprofit became successful, the family thought maybe another goal down the road might be to build a pool

somewhere the high school could easily access.

“We thought we could take an existing building or warehouse that’s no longer in use and put a pool in the middle of it,” Schieffer says. “We started with the end goal in mind, because if this is successful, at least we have a name we can grow into.”

One distinct aspect of the organization’s marketing campaign is the fact that everything is in black and white. From the company’s current line of t-shirts, hoodies and flannels to the splashy images of surfers and waves spread across their social media channels, the lack of color throughout is intentional.

“If your parents don’t know how to swim, there’s a significant likelihood they won’t sign you up for swim lessons, because they have Winter 2022-23

69

a natural fear of the water,” Schieffer says. “That means there are generations after generations of families who’ve never gone into the water, so we decided to focus on diversity and make sure that our student base is reflective of our community. We use black and white imagery strategically on our website and through our clothes and marketing to represent that inclusivity.”

Schieffer believes the education his sons are receiving from running Waterman’s Warehouse is one of the best things to come out of starting the nonprofit with his kids. After Blake completes his current service in the Navy and heads to college and Jacob graduates high school, the two brothers intend to continue dedicating as much time as possible to Waterman’s Warehouse while being

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Topsail Magazine

full-time students. It’s a big stretch, but neither one of them can image stepping back from something they’re so passionate about.

“Blake just applied for his first grant and got it,” Schieffer says.

“There’s no college course that can teach my kids what they’re learning from running Waterman’s.”

Schieffer also values the bond he and his sons have formed through the experience. He says he recently told Jayme, whom he credits as being the glue that holds the rest of the family together, how Waterman’s will always be a significant chapter in their life.

“The other day I stopped by the pool and saw all these Waterman’s families, and it just brought me to tears,” Schieffer says. “Nothing else in my 25-year career has made me sob like that, just knowing that we all did this together.”

In addition to bonding with his sons and having the ability to teach them solid business principles, Schieffer values the opportunity he’s been given to make the Topsail community a better place to live.

“Moving to this area, I didn’t want to be that guy who just showed up in the water to surf someone’s waves who’d grown up here,” Schieffer says.

“If I’m going to come to this community, to this beach break, I’m going to give back. I believe that as a family we need to give back, so this experience really serves a great purpose for all of us.” 

WANT TO KNOW MORE? watermanswarehouse.org Instagram: @watermanswarehouse

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Funky Fins is everything to Chris Lener, the retired marine biologist and teacher who founded this hands-on educational program for the kids of Topsail Island in the summer of 2022.

“It’s everything that I love: it's science, it's kids, it’s hands on, it’s conservation, it’s education,” she says. “And I’m doing it because I love it. … I had my career. I don’t have to do this. But I really enjoy it.”

Children ages 4 and older are diving full-force into Lener’s 60- or 90-minute summer programs, taught right on the sands of Topsail’s Beach Access 10 near the water tower.

There’s an Explore the Shore scavenger hunt, a Learning with Loggerheads class, an Aquanauts program that has students building a portable bathyscope and more. Some classes even welcome the entire family to dip their toes in the ocean and explore.

“I just really love the kids and working with them in person,” Lener says. “And I really love this area because these are my people.

Everybody’s about conservation and environmentally focused.”

Originally from Connecticut, Lener earned degrees in marine biology and environmental science from Western Connecticut State University. Postgraduation, she first worked at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, specializing in sea turtle migration, until she had her first child.

“When I left, people said, ‘You’re really good with kids.

You should start doing something with kids,’” Lener says.

So, she started up a precursor business to Funky Fins called Traveling Squirts, which catered to kids from preschool to fourth grade and had Lener traveling all over the state of Connecticut and New York teaching marine science to kids for the next 15 years. Lener’s next gig took her away from the beach and landed her in the classroom for a 20-plus-year career teaching science in an independent school.

Fast-forward to 2018, when Lener and her husband, now in their mid-50s, closed on their house here in Topsail Beach, following the move of their son, a teacher at Cape Fear Academy, and daughter, an athletic trainer

EDUCATION

Chris Lener, above in the black T-shirt and hat, teaches a variety of hands-on, feet-wet summertime classes for kids and families on Topsail Island.

Winter 2022-23

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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

EDUCATION

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EDUCATION

Land & Residential V A L U A T I O N S Since 1983

PHOTO BY UNIQUE MEDIA & DESIGN

C. Nathan King & Associates Appraisals

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

at the University of Alabama.

“My kids are grown, and I’m kind of going back to my roots,” Lener says. “I found this really awesome new place, which I find really exciting, and they probably spend 99.9 percent of the time in the water and on the beach here.”

But, when COVID hit and before Lener and her husband officially moved to live full time along the Carolina coast in June 2022, schools were closed and she was forced to write online science curriculum for

many publishers from her home in the north.

“When I came down here and COVID started settling down, I really missed [teaching] the kids,” she says. “And I thought, ‘What can I do and offer the community that would be fun for the kids?’

Everybody kept saying, ‘Do what you know how to do best.’ So, I started Funky Fins over the summer.”

It didn’t take long for Funky Fins to take off and catch on in the Topsail Beach community (and those

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Winter 2022-23

77

EDUCATION

visiting) over the summer, expanding from programs for kids and teens into programs for families and adults, based on high demand. In the fall of 2022, Lener kept busy teaching hands-on science programs for small groups of kids enrolled in homeschool.

“I’ve been meeting at Soundside Park in Surf City and doing programs with kids there, which has been super fun,” Lener says. “It’s more of a general science theme, so I’m teaching anything from why leaves change colors to a little bit of ocean conservation to force and motion. I’m really teaching hands-on science because, what I’m finding in the schools and what the parents were telling me, was that we’re missing the hands-on piece. ... I learned kinesthetically. That’s how I learn: by

getting down and dirty and touching things and exploring things. And I think that's why it’s been really popular because people are trying to get back the hands-on learning aspect of science.”

If that’s not enough, the retiree is also working as a private tutor and part-time teacher of hands-on science for a small private school in Hampstead in the off-season. She says she’s also up for doing pop-up science class in the park for kids at home over the holiday break. Lener and local artist Cheryl Crane also are planning some sort of science and art series in the spring before she gears back up for her Funky Fins summer programming.

“I just really want kids to be excited and to love science,” Lener says. “I feel that right now, as a part-time teacher

in the system and a tutor, I’m seeing a lot of paperwork, and when I talk to kids, I find that science is something that they just want to get done. They don’t see how it fits into their lives.

What I always try to do is make it real to them, so that they can relate it to real-world situations. … If I can make it fun for kids, that’s half my battle.

And if I can use the ocean and the environment as the vehicle to get them excited about science, then it’s a win-win for me.” 

WANT TO LEARN? For more information on how to book a Funky Fins class or schedule any science programming with Lener, visit: google.com/view/funkyfins/home or Facebook.com/funkyfins.

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Topsail Magazine

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Business Profile

Above Topsail

BY ANNA BETH ADCOCK

eff Wenzel’s small business, Above Topsail, is a photography studio that specializes in Topsail landscape artwork printed on canvas.

Wenzel’s central mission for his business is to create wall art reminiscent of the fond memories made on Topsail Island. He likes to pair local landmarks such as bridges, piers, boats and Topsail’s iconic missile towers with the colors and clouds of beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

“Topsail is a special place to many people,” Wenzel says. “I strive to take photos that remind people of the irreplaceable memories they make. Many times I hear that my art was purchased because the sunset or a Topsail landmark reminds them of a specific memory they have that is tied to Topsail.”

The name Above Topsail stems from Wenzel’s start taking drone photos from high above Topsail Island. He began to learn the basics of photography about seven years ago. He taught himself through online videos (which he calls “YouTube University”) and gaining insight from other experienced photographers.

Now he not only creates amazing art of his own, but also teaches other aspiring and professional photographers across North Carolina through classes and workshops.

Since its start seven years ago, Above Topsail has grown to a include a team of seven staff members. With a fun, relaxed and team-based culture, Wenzel says, “We are a veteran-owned small business employing seven of your neighbors.”

According to Wenzel, Above Topsail is set apart from its competitors because of its commitment to going the extra mile.

“No matter what brings you into our studio, we will go above and beyond to ensure that you feel at home and enjoy your products from start to finish,” he says.

Touting a love of Topsail through photography and artwork is easy when it's a place that is near and dear to you, as it is for Wenzel.

“I love working in this area because of the relaxed pace of being near the ocean and the ability to meet, get to know and serve the local community as well as those visiting on vacation,” he says.

When you stop in Jeff Wenzel's studio, you will be greeted by Tommy the shop cat, who is always ready to accept treats and be petted.

The business recently launched a design service that allows them to use a cellphone picture of a customer’s wall to help them visualize digitally what a piece of artwork might look like in their home, taking away the stress of sizing choices for certain spaces in the home — talk about developing its business model! As Wenzel says, “We help make bare walls beautiful.”

Besides landscape artwork, Wenzel’s studio also does family and high school senior portraits, business headshots, canvas printing and custom picture framing. All of these divisions share the same mission – creating art to be hung on walls to be enjoyed daily.

PHOTOS BY AMY CONRY DAVIS

J

“Most pictures live on the internet for a day or two,” Wenzel says. “The best pictures live on walls. We strive to take pictures that live on walls.”

Above Topsail’s studio is located just off Topsail Island in Holly Ridge. Wenzel’s artwork can be seen there and at many different galleries, coffee shops and restaurants around the area.

Above Topsail 301 U.S. Highway 17 S., Holly Ridge (910) 803-1759 abovetopsail.com Winter 2022-23

79

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

T

ropical Smoothie Cafe is a chain with almost 1,200 locations around the country, but each location is run by someone with a heart for the local community and quality service. Brandon Korman is one of those people.

Moving to North Carolina from New York, Korman and his wife, Deena, began their franchise in Long Leaf Mall more than eight years ago. They also own Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations in Porters Neck and Leland. Korman says he loves living in coastal North Carolina because it’s a place where people care, work together and give back to the community.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is open all day and offers an array of healthy eats you can feel good about — think sandwiches, bowls, wraps, flats, quesadillas, grilled cheeses and, of course, smoothies.

During the holiday season, be sure to snag the limited-edition gingerbread cookie smoothie.

When it comes to community

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Topsail Magazine

involvement, Tropical Smoothie Cafe is involved in several organizations throughout the community, including No Kid Hungry, The American Heart Association, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Toys for Tots, Food Bank of Central NC, local schools and other clubs and organizations. In addition, all the Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations Korman owns helped health workers amid the pandemic by giving away more than 2,000 free smoothies.

“Our mission as a family business is to be part of this community, to make it more tropical and inspire happiness and health,” Korman says. “It’s a national brand with the spirit of family caring.

We live here, we own our business here and it's our sense of togetherness in this community that sets us apart.”

With an online app, an impressive awards program and a presence on third-party platforms like Grubhub, Uber Eats, DoorDash and Postmates, the cafe makes snagging a healthy meal simple.

Business Profile

BY ANNA BETH ADCOCK And if you’re looking for a caterer for an upcoming event, party or meeting, Tropical Smoothie Cafe can serve up enough smoothies and fare to satiate anywhere from 10 to 500+ people.

Looking ahead, Korman says more Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations are slated to open around the region in the next couple years, with a store opening in Shallotte as soon as March 2023. Stay tropical!

Tropical Smoothie Cafe 2804 College Rd Unit 108, Wilmington (910) 769-3939 130 Hays Lane, Unit 130, Wilmington (910) 821-8677 143 Poole Road, Unit B, Leland (910) 765-1144 Coming March 2023: 123 Smith Avenue, Unit 15, Shallotte tropicalsmoothiecafe.com

SNIPPET

Shuckin' Shack's Fresh & Raw Tour benefiting Share the Table PHOTOGRAPHY BY VICKY OLIVER

From September 22 to October 22, 17 locations of Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar participated in the Fresh & Raw concert tour featuring Nashville singer/songwriter CJ Solar and special guests Warren Garrett and Ryan Rubich. The free concerts raised money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

The concert at the Surf City location was held on October 15 and also benefited Share the Table.

Winter 2022-23

81

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Connecting Business and Community 82

Topsail Magazine

SNIPPET

Surf City Live PHOTOGRAPHY BY CITY 2 SEA MEDIA

Bring the music and food, and they will come! The locals came out to Soundside Park in Surf City on November 5 for Surf City Live 2022, presented by Corona Seltzer. Diamond Rio with musical guest Paige King Johnson played the tunes, while local food trucks and beverage vendors served the crowds. Look for this event next year with big-name artists to headline.

Winter 2022-23

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SNIPPET

Ocean Fest PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILTON WESCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY

Thanks to the more than 10,000 people who attended Ocean Fest on October 7 and 8 in Surf City, the Ocean Fest organization raised enough money to be able to grant $45,000 to fellow nonprofits that are doing good work to protect the ocean and marine waters.

Ocean Fest’s festival footprint grew by more than 40 percent in 2022, allowing for a more walkable experience and making room for two beer gardens presented by Fat Tire and Voodoo Ranger. Nine live bands, including headliners Signal Fire, Blue Footed Boobies and national act Dalton & the Sheriffs from Boston entertained the crowds.

Nick Rupp of Wilmington won the Ocean Fest Vintage Surf Contest presented by Salty Turtle Beer Co. Ales Albrecht of Surf City won the Ocean Fest 5K Beach Run presented by Fat Tire with a time of 19:43.

In the Eco Zone, 11 nonprofit eco organizations helped spread the word about ways we all can be better stewards of our ocean and marine environment. And in all, 460 lbs. of compostable waste was collected along with the filling of 27 recycle carts and 11 trash carts.

Ocean Fest is volunteer operated with no paid staff. The organizers give a big shout out to everyone who volunteered to make the festival possible and thanks all of their sponsors, especially premier level sponsors Fat Tire, Voodoo Ranger, Daddy Mac's Beach Grille, Salty Turtle Beer Co. and Monos.

Ocean Fest will return to Surf City in October 2023.

Winter 2022-23

85

SNIPPET

Share the Table Fundraiser September 3 at The Crab Pot in Surf City.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL RITENOUR

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Winter 2022-23

87

NEW RIVER INLET TIDES

January Febr uary D a t e

High Tide AM Time (EST)

Low Tide PM

Height Time (ft) (EST)

AM

PM

Height Time Height Time Height (ft) (EST) (ft) (EST) (ft)

D a t e

High Tide AM Time (EST)

Mar ch

Low Tide PM

Height Time (ft) (EST)

AM

PM

Height Time Height Time Height (ft) (EST) (ft) (EST) (ft)

D a t e

High Tide AM Time (EST)

Low Tide PM

Height Time (ft) (EST)

AM

PM

Height Time Height Time Height (ft) (EST) (ft) (EST) (ft)

1

3:18

3.1

3:30

2.3

9:46

0.2

9:32

0.0

1

4:39

3.0

4:57

1.9

11:18

0.2

10:46

0.1

1

3:12

2.8

3:36

1.9

9:55

0.4

9:26

0.3

2

4:13

3.2

4:26

2.2

10:45

0.2

10:21

0.0

2

5:28

3.0

5:44

2.0

12:03 PM

0.1

11:33

0.0

2

4:11

2.8

4:33

2.0

10:49

0.3

10:24

0.2

3

6:11

3.1

6:25

2.1

--

--

12:43

0.1

3

5:02

2.8

5:20

2.1

11:34

0.3

11:14

0.1

4

6:50

3.1

7:03

2.2

12:16

-0.1

1:19

0.0

4

5:45

2.9

6:01

2.3

12:12 PM

0.2

11:58

0.0

5

7:26

3.1

7:40

2.3

12:56

-0.1

1:53

0.0

5

6:24

3.0

6:38

2.5

--

--

12:46

0.1

6

6:59

3.0

7:13

2.6

12:38

-0.1

1:17

0.0

3

5:02

3.3

5:17

2.1

11:37

0.1

11:07

0.0

4

5:47

3.3

6:02

2.2

12:23 PM

0.1

11:50

0.0

5

6:29

3.3

6:44

2.2

--

--

1:04

0.1

6

7:08

3.3

7:23

2.2

12:32

-0.1

1:43

0.0

7

7:46

3.3

8:01

2.2

1:11

-0.1

2:19

0.0

8

8:23

3.2

8:38

2.2

1:50

0.0

2:55

0.0

9

8:59

3.1

9:16

2.2

2:28

0.0

3:30

10

9:34

3.0

9:54

2.3

3:07

0.0

11

10:10

2.9

10:35

2.3

3:47

12

10:48

2.7

11:19

2.4

13

11:29

2.5

--

14

12:07

2.5

15

1:01

2.6

6

8:01

3.1

8:15

2.4

1:34

-0.1

2:25

-0.1

7

8:34

3.0

8:50

2.5

2:12

-0.1

2:55

-0.1

0.1

8

9:06

2.9

9:25

2.5

2:49

-0.1

3:25

4:03

0.1

9

9:39

2.8

10:02

2.6

3:27

0.0

0.1

4:37

0.1

10

10:14

2.6

10:43

2.7

4:09

4:31

0.2

5:12

0.1

11

10:53

2.4

11:28

2.8

--

5:20

0.3

5:49

0.1

12

11:39

2.2

--

12:15

2.4

6:16

0.3

6:32

0.1

1:09

2.2

7:19

0.3

7:20

0.0

13

12:21

2.9

14

1:22

15

7

7:32

3.0

7:48

2.8

1:16

-0.1

1:47

-0.1

8

8:05

3.0

8:22

2.9

1:53

-0.1

2:16

-0.1

-0.1

9

8:37

2.9

8:56

3.0

2:31

-0.1

2:45

-0.1

3:55

-0.1

10

9:11

2.8

9:33

3.1

3:10

-0.1

3:16

-0.1

0.0

4:27

-0.1

11

9:47

2.6

10:14

3.2

3:51

0.0

3:49

-0.1

4:55

0.1

5:03

0.0

12

11:28

2.4

--

--

5:37

0.1

5:28

0.0

--

5:48

0.2

5:46

0.0

13

12:00

3.2

12:15

2.2

6:29

0.2

6:14

0.0

12:32

2.1

6:49

0.2

6:38

0.0

14

12:54

3.2

1:11

2.1

7:30

0.2

7:10

0.0

3.0

1:36

2.0

7:59

0.2

7:38

-0.1

15

1:58

3.2

2:19

2.1

8:40

0.3

8:17

0.0

2:29

3.1

2:46

2.0

9:11

0.2

8:46

-0.2

16

3:08

3.2

3:33

2.1

9:52

0.2

9:32

0.0

16

3:37

3.3

3:56

2.1

10:18

0.0

9:54

-0.3

17

4:19

3.3

4:45

2.4

10:58

0.1

10:46

-0.1

17

4:41

3.5

5:00

2.4

11:17

-0.1

11:00

-0.5

18

5:24

3.4

5:49

2.7

11:56

-0.1

11:53

-0.3

19

6:22

3.6

6:46

3.0

--

--

12:46

-0.3

16

1:59

2.9

2:09

2.1

8:27

0.3

8:14

-0.1

17

2:59

3.1

3:12

2.1

9:35

0.2

9:12

-0.2

18

3:59

3.4

4:14

2.2

10:38

0.0

10:12

-0.3

19

4:58

3.6

5:14

2.3

11:36

-0.2

11:11

-0.5

20

5:54

3.8

6:11

2.5

--

--

12:30

-0.3

18

5:39

3.7

5:58

2.7

--

--

12:10

-0.3

20

7:15

3.6

7:38

3.3

12:53

-0.5

1:33

-0.4

21

6:48

4.0

7:06

2.7

12:09

-0.7

1:21

-0.5

19

6:34

3.8

6:53

2.9

12:00

-0.6

12:59

-0.5

21

8:04

3.6

8:27

3.6

1:49

-0.6

2:17

-0.5

22

7:41

4.0

8:00

2.8

1:06

-0.7

2:10

-0.5

20

7:25

3.8

7:45

3.2

12:58

-0.7

1:46

-0.6

22

8:51

3.4

9:15

3.7

2:42

-0.6

2:59

-0.5

23

8:32

3.9

8:54

3.0

2:02

-0.8

2:58

-0.6

21

8:13

3.7

8:36

3.3

1:53

-0.8

2:31

-0.6

23

9:37

3.2

10:01

3.7

3:33

-0.5

3:41

-0.5

24

9:23

3.7

9:48

3.0

2:58

-0.7

3:46

-0.6

24

10:22

2.9

10:48

3.6

4:24

-0.4

4:22

-0.3

25

10:13

3.4

10:44

3.0

3:54

-0.5

4:34

-0.5

25

11:07

2.7

11:35

3.4

5:15

-0.2

5:04

-0.1

26

11:55

2.4

--

--

6:07

0.0

5:48

0.1

27

12:25

3.2

12:47

2.1

7:03

0.2

6:37

0.3

26

11:04

3.0

11:41

3.0

4:54

-0.3

5:22

-0.4

27

11:58

2.7

--

--

5:56

-0.1

6:12

-0.3

28

12:41

3.0

12:55

2.3

7:03

0.1

7:04

-0.1

29

1:43

2.9

1:57

2.1

8:13

0.2

8:00

0.0

30

2:46

2.9

3:01

1.9

9:22

0.3

8:57

31

3:45

2.9

4:03

1.9

10:25

0.2

9:54

22

9:01

3.5

9:26

3.4

2:46

-0.7

3:15

-0.6

23

9:48

3.2

10:17

3.4

3:40

-0.5

3:58

-0.5

24

10:36

2.8

11:09

3.3

4:35

-0.3

4:43

-0.3

25

11:26

2.5

--

--

5:32

-0.1

5:29

-0.1

26

12:03

3.1

12:20

2.2

6:34

0.1

6:20

0.0

28

1:21

3.0

1:47

2.0

8:05

0.4

7:34

0.4

29

2:23

2.8

2:55

1.9

9:11

0.5

8:41

0.5

0.1

27

1:03

2.9

1:22

2.0

7:41

0.3

7:17

0.2

30

3:29

2.7

4:02

2.0

10:14

0.5

9:51

0.5

0.1

28

2:07

2.8

2:30

1.8

8:51

0.4

8:21

0.3

31

4:30

2.7

5:00

2.1

11:07

0.5

10:53

0.4

*TIDE CHARTS ARE ACCURATE TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE. IF YOU ARE CHECKING TIDES FOR NAVIGATIONAL PURPOSES, PLEASE VERIFY THESE TIMES WITH ANOTHER SOURCE.

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Topsail Magazine

ADVERTISERS INDEX

Advertiser

Phone# Page#

Access Realty............................................ 910-241-0477

BC

Above Topsail ........................................... 910-803-1759

Advertiser

Phone#

Page#

79

Intracoastal Realty Corporation - Topsail Area Agents................................. 910-328-3000

3

AnA Builder's, Inc...................................... 910-329-9819

BC

Island Time Cleaning & Construction........... 910-520-1594

IFC

April Jones insurance................................. 910-660-0215

74

Kinco Inc.................................................. 910-803-0695

71, 77

ArtExposure.............................................. 910-803-0302

72

Landmark Sotheby's International Realty..... 910-328-2276 14 & 15

Barrington Law.......................................... 910-421-0421

13

Low Tide Steakhouse & Sandbar.................. 910-803-0738

9

Beach Bums Pizza Bar & Grill..................... 910-328-1044

74

Maven Roofing.......................................... 910-294-9817

50, 58

Beach Furniture Outfitters Inc..................... 910-803-0455

46

Mia's Marketplace...................................... 910-803-0316

68

Beachy Keen Cleaning Company................. 910-650-9173

78

New Estuary Home Care............................. 910-541-1160

78

Burrito Shak.............................................. 910-803-2382

22

New River Pottery...................................... 910-791-7522

66

Carolina Coast Contracting.......................... 910-328-6400

28

North Topsail Rentals................................. 919-741-9389

45

Cheek & Belly........................................... 910-407-1819

58

Oliver's Photography.................................. 910-650-4633

80

Coastal Carolina Real Estate....................... 910-329-1133

28

Pet Supplies Plus...................................... 910-803-2440

11

Coastal Insurance...................................... 910-754-4326

68

Pierpan Dentistry....................................... 910-270-1222

5

Coastal Window Fashions of NC.................. 910-388-6995

57

Quarter Moon............................................ 910-328-4969

45

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage.......... 910-328-5626

39

Sea Vista Motel......................................... 910-328-2171

37

Ship on Site.............................................. 910-803-2292

30

Surf City Dental......................................... 910-329-0298

70 66 51

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage - Holly Hobbs............................................ 415-748-8227

66

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage - Tanner Gray............................................ 910-547-9618

34

Surf City Pet Hospital................................ 910-329-4700

Computer Warriors..................................... 910-238-2277

84

The Daily Grind Surf City............................ 910-541-0471

Coral Cottage............................................ 910-650-2891

55

The Fancy Flamingo................................... 910-465-3776

55

Crew Insurance.......................................... 910-329-3691

71

The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce ................

82

East Coast Sports...................................... 910-328-1887

33

The Topsail Island Trading Company............ 910-328-1905

63

East Coast Storm Shutters.......................... 910-777-9697

62

Topsail Steamer......................................... 910-328-2645

72

EmergeOrtho............................................. 910-332-3800

7

Topsail Voyages...............................................................

83

Floors Galore............................................. 910-803-2498

16

Town of Surf City....................................... 910-328-4131

43

Hampstead Preschool of the Arts................. 910-406-1358

77

Treasure Realty.......................................... 910-328-4444

IBC

Hands to Home......................................... 910-262-8342

33

Tropical Smoothie Cafe.............................. 910-821-8677

80

Historical Society of Topsail Island....................................

72

Unique Media & Design Inc........................ 910-526-7926

87

Holtzman Propane..................................... 910-803-2407

71

Valle Blake Aesthetics and Wellness............ 252-424-2624

82

Intracoastal Realty Corporation................... 910-328-3000

25

unWINEd.................................................. 910-541-0095

51

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 SCAN ME Winter 2022-23

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Topsail Magazine

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910-327-4444 1950 NC Hwy 172 Sneads Ferry, NC 28460

910-328-4444 14061-B NC Hwy 50 Surf City, NC 28445

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Treasure Realty has grown to be the real estate leader for the Greater Topsail Area Greater Topsail Area Includes Sneads Ferry, Surf City, Topsail Beach, North Topsail Beach, Hollly Ridge and Hampstead. Now offering International Listing Services.

CONTACT US US FOR FOR SALES SALES OR CONTACT OR RENTAL RENTAL INQUIRIES: INQUIRIES: 910.241.0477 || SSaleS aleS@B @BeachSide eachSideV 910.241.0477 Village illageTTownhomeS ownhomeS.com .com Residential Built By Residential Built By

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