WilmingtonBiz Magazine Pulse Issue 2025

Wilmington B iz M A G A Z I N E

THE REGION’S HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY

on their

own 2025

path INDEPENDENT PROVIDERS LIKE UMAR BOWERS KEEP UP STAND-ALONE PRACTICES

UPDATES ON LOCAL MEDICAL EXPANSIONS MEET CORNING’S NEW WILMINGTON PLANT LEADER INSIDE: GOOD LIFE WILMINGTON

Published by

Greater Wilmington

BUSINESS JOURNAL

SUMMER 2025

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M A G A Z I N E

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CONTENTS WilmingtonBiz

M A G A Z I N E

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V O L U M E

V I I I

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I S S U E

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2025

THE REGION'S HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY

32

ISLANDS IN THE STREAM

36

SPACE FOR RECOVERY

40

INDUSTRY TRENDS

95 98

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WilmingtonBiz

M A G A Z I N E

CEA WINNER MEDICAL CHECK-IN

CONTENTS WilmingtonBiz

M A G A Z I N E

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V O L U M E

V I I I

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I S S U E

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D E PA R T M E N T S

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7 9 11 13 17 18 104

98

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR BIZ BITES BEHIND THE NUMBERS SOUND OFF THE DIGEST C-SUITE CONVO THE TAKEAWAY

F E AT U R E S

22 28 102

MAYFAIRE UPDATES HEALTH HEAD FEAST UNWRAPPED:K38

ON THE COVER

102 w i l m i n g t o n b i z m a g a z i n e . c o m

Photographer Malcolm Little took this issue’s cover shot of physician Umar Bowers. Bowers and his wife, Tiffany (shown above), who is a nurse practitioner opened their independent practice Dawson Med in 2021.

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Wilmington B iz

CONTRIBUTORS

M A G A Z I N E

SUMMER 2025 – $4.95

MADELINE G R A Y MADELINE GRAY is a freelance documentary photographer based in Wilmington. With a master’s degree in photojournalism, her work is regularly featured in local and national publications. Gray photographed the Coastal Entrepreneur of the Year award (PAGE 95). For our Good Life Wilmington section, she photographed the cover and line dancers (PAGE 78) and chef Courtney Matheson (PAGE 84). madelinegrayphoto.com and @madelinepgray on Instagram

Publisher Rob Kaiser rkaiser@wilmingtonbiz.com

President Robert Preville rpreville@wilmingtonbiz.com

Editor Vicky Janowski vjanowski@wilmingtonbiz.com

Managing Editor Cece Nunn cnunn@wilmingtonbiz.com

Reporter

MALCOLM L I T T L E MALCOLM LITTLE is a portrait, editorial and brand photographer based in Wilmington. Little photographed the issue’s cover of physician Umar Bowers as well as nurse practitioner Tiffany Bowers on PAGE 32, The Healing Place executive director Brian Mingia on PAGE 39, MedNorth CEO Althea Johnson on PAGE 98 and photographer Brownie Harris on PAGE 104. malcolmlittlephotography.com and @_malcolmlittle on Instagram

Emma Dill edill@wilmingtonbiz.com

Vice President of Sales & Marketing Angela Conicelli aconicelli@wilmingtonbiz.com

S e n i o r M a r k e t i n g C o n s u lta n t s Maggi Apel Craig Snow

M a r k e t i n g C o n s u lta n t s Alexis Alphin Jillian Hon Jake Quilla

Events Director

B A R B A R A L. NELSON BARBARA L. NELSON has a diverse background in storytelling and journalism. She began her career by reporting for local newspapers in California, Louisiana and New York. Later, she became the editor of a real estate trade magazine in New York City. Currently, she works as a digital content creator. Nelson wrote about communities geared toward residents who are 55 years old and up in the Good Life Wilmington section on PAGE 50. blncontentstrategy.com

Jamie Merrill jmerrill@wilmingtonbiz.com

E v e n t s & M e d i a C o o r d i nat o r Alec Hall ahall@wilmingtonbiz.com

Art Director - Editorial Suzi Drake art@wilmingtonbiz.com

Art Director - Marketing Tara Weymouth tweymouth@wilmingtonbiz.com

A u d i e n c e D e v e l o pm e n t M a n a g e r Julia Jones jjones@wilmingtonbiz.com

Director of Feast Wilmington

C E C E NUNN CECE NUNN has been writing and editing for more than twenty years, currently working as managing editor and residential real estate reporter for the Greater Wilmington Business Journal.

Nunn checked in with several area physicians for the issue’s cover story on independent practices (PAGE 32).

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WilmingtonBiz

M A G A Z I N E

Jessica Maurer jmaurer@wilmingtonbiz.com

Contributing Photographers Logan Burke, Megan Deitz, Madeline Gray, Terah Hoobler, Malcolm Little, Wilton C. Wescott

Subscribe To subscribe to WilmingtonBiz Magazine,visit wilmingtonbiz.com/subscribe or call 343-8600 x201. © 2025 SAJ Media LLC

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

meeting growing needs

T

HE WILMINGTON REGION REMAINS IN GROWTH MODE.

It’s evident when driving around town, shopping for housing or scheduling a doctor’s appointment.

On the plus side, more people attract additional retail options – case in point, read about Mayfaire’s growing mix on page 22.

The growing population also is fueling the need for expanding medical services and facilities.

In this year’s Pulse section, we check in some of those expansions from the major medical providers in the area.

Construction, for example, is underway in northern New Hanover County at Novant Health’s new hospital and in downtown Wilmington at MedNorth’s facility.

Wilmington Health recently marked the expansion of its endoscopy and surgery center. For more details about these projects and others, turn to page 98.

In New Hanover County, there is 1 primary care physician per 1,090 people, according to County Health Rankings data snapshot. That compares to the statewide ratio of 1,410 people sharing one primary care physician.

Some of those primary care physicians have chosen to into practice for themselves, even as health system consolidations have absorbed practices nationally for years now. Read about some of the challenges and reasons for remaining standalone from

w i l m i n g t o n b i z m a g a z i n e . c o m

independent providers on page 32.

The need for substance abuse treatment options also has been a growing issue for the region in recent years as the population has increased. Find out how facilities have addressed capacity to try and meet that need on page 36.

And in an international expansion, Frontier Scientific Solutions is growing its capabilities for temperature-controlled storage in the pharmaceutical supply chain from its base in Wilmington and now in Ireland.

That worked earned them the Coastal Entrepreneur of the Year moniker this year. You read more about why and their upcoming plans on page 95.

VICKY JANOWSKI, EDITOR vjanowski@wilmingtonbiz.com

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M A G A Z I N E

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

B i z B i t es BEHIND THE NUMBERS | SOUND OFF | THE DIGEST | C-SUITE CONVO

SHIFTING SANDS

This summer, Surf City residents and visitors will be greeted by fresh sand on the beach because of the Banks Channel Shallow Draft Navigation Project earlier this year.

Town officials said the improved channel will enhance navigation for both commercial and recreational boaters, along with the advantages of an expanded shore.

“This added 60 feet of dry sand on the beach, and this is a recreational benefit as well as enhanced storm protection and erosion protection,” said Kyle Breuer, Surf City town manager.

The Banks Channel project came with a price tag of nearly $20 million and is an intermediary project to an Army Corps of Engineers major renourishment plan, anticipated to start in December.

“Erosion is ever consistent.

Aside from truck haul projects from FEMA money after storms, we have never had a renourishment project, so it is important to do,” Breuer said.

“High tides, King Tide events, storm events, named-storm events all take a toll, and we are very much looking forward to re-establishing the dune system in the 50-year plan.” photo by WILTON C. WESCOTT

w i l m i n g t o n b i z m a g a z i n e . c o m

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M A G A Z I N E

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MILLION

AMOUNT THE ENDOWMENT HAS COMMITTED IN GRANT FUNDING SINCE INCEPTION

ENDOWMENT OFFICIALS SHARE GRANT PLANS BY RICKIE HOUSTON MORE THAN 150 PEOPLE RECENTLY GATHERED as officials with the New Hanover Community Endowment provided updates on the endowment's grants and current initiatives.

The endowment’s strategic plan outlines the measurable objectives, goals and desired impacts the organization envisions for New Hanover County in four pillars: education, social and health equity, community safety and community development, according to Amber Rogerson, the Endowment’s director of communications.

Since its inception, the endowment has committed $125 million in grant funding in New Hanover County, the endowment’s board chair, Shannon Winslow, said during a public meeting May 21. Those funds were distributed through 195 grants.

The endowment was created from the sale of county-owned New Hanover Regional Medical Center to Novant Health in 2021.

Winslow also added that endowment officials had concluded that it was necessary to be more focused and strategic in grantmaking. This realization prompted Winslow to appoint an ad-hoc strategy committee earlier in the year.

That committee is being led by board vice chair Chris Boney, and its members include endowment president and CEO Dan Winslow, board chair Shannon Winslow (who is not related to Dan Winslow) and board members Jack Barto, Cedric Dickerson and Bill Blair. According to Shannon Winslow, the committee’s work has been centered on prioritizing and refining the endowment’s priorities, and it has worked to “guide strategic and impactful grant-making aimed at truly transforming” the community.

As for the four pillars, more than $27 million went out in grants toward the community development focus area in 2024.

Last year, the endowment also awarded more than $1.4 million in grants for community safety, more than $9.1 million in grants for the education pillar and grants in the social and health equity pillar exceeded $15 million, bringing the 2024 grant total to more than $53 million.

According to the vice president of programs and grants, Sophie Dagenais, the endowment’s budget for this year is nearly $55 million. w i l m i n g t o n b i z m a g a z i n e . c o m

TOP PLACES PEOPLE ARE MOVING TO 1 2 3

WILMINGTON / MYRTLE BEACH OCALA, FL RALEIGH

TOP PLACES PEOPLE ARE MOVING FROM 1 2 3

LOS ANGELES NORTHERN CALIFORNIA SOUTH FLORIDA

(Jan. 2024-March 2025, PODS customers)

WILMINGTON

$125

BRUNSWICK COUNTY

NUMBERS

CITY POPULATION GROWTH

122,891

2020 2021

116,243

2022

118,294

2023

121,309

2024

123,756

HOME SALES VOLUME (JAN-APRIL)

2024 2025

$837,018,297 $828,735,872

$$$ MEDIAN SALES PRICE (JAN-APRIL)

2024 2025 SOUTHEASTERN NC

BEHIND THE

SOUTHEASTERN NC

B i z B i t es

$377,238 $363,535

ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON PREDICTIONS

13-19

NAMED STORMS (WITH WINDS OF 39 MPH OR

HIGHER)

OF THOSE, 6-10 FORECASTED TO

BECOME HURRICANES

Source: PODS customers moving trends report, Census Bureau, Brunswick County Association of Realtors, NOAA

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M A G A Z I N E

B i z B i t es

SOUND OFF LOCALIZING POTENTIAL MEDICAID CUTS

T

HE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING CUTS TO THE MEDICAID PROGRAM, A JOINT FEDERAL AND STATE INITIATIVE, WHICH COULD HAVE FAR-REACHING CONSEQUENCES. Proposed changes include per capita caps, reductions in state flexibility, work requirements and cost-sharing benefit reductions.

As of May, Medicaid enrollment for the state of North Carolina across all programs, both traditional and expansion, was 3.1 million individuals, representing roughly 28.1% of the state’s population.

The changes will have uneven consequences as there are significant differences in reliance on federal programs across the state.

At the local level, Medicaid enrollment is as follows: 34,979 people in Brunswick, 48,316 people in New Hanover and 18,397 people in Pender.

There is significant variation in sources of health insurance by area due to factors such as industrial composition, demographics and other economic

w i l m i n g t o n b i z m a g a z i n e . c o m

MOUHCINE G U E T TA B I drivers.

Take Brunswick and New Hanover counties, which are part of the same metropolitan area but have vastly different sources of health coverage.

Data from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey shows that in Brunswick County, 63.4% of residents have only one type of health insurance coverage, compared to 72.9% in New Hanover County.

Employer-based insurance (ESI) alone is more common in New Hanover, covering 43.3% of residents versus just 31.8% in Brunswick.

Similarly, direct-purchase plans are slightly more prevalent in New Hanover (10.7%) than in Brunswick (8.8%).

Importantly, Brunswick County has a higher reliance on public coverage, especially Medicare. The two counties have roughly similar shares of the population on Medicaid (10.9% in New Hanover and 9.7% in Brunswick) residents are covered

by Medicaid alone.

The most significant

difference between the two counties is in terms of Medicare coverage. Due to Brunswick County’s older population (median age of 62), 11.8 % of its residents have Medicare-only coverage, compared to 6.7% in New Hanover, where the median age is 40.1.

There are also important differences between the two counties in the number of residents with two or more types of insurance: 30.1% in Brunswick, nearly double New Hanover’s 18.1%, which suggests a higher rate of dual eligibility for programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and retirees who maintain private insurance.

In terms of uninsurance, Brunswick has a higher uninsured rate at 12.6%, compared to 10.1% in New Hanover.

Why does this matter?

The variation in public coverage across the counties indicates that changes in federal policy may have uneven effects, and the ripple effects will look different from one county to the next. Therefore, it will be important to understand how access, affordability and economic activity will be impacted at the local level.

Mouhcine Guettabi is a regional economist with UNCW’s Swain Center and an associate professor of economics at UNCW’s Cameron School of Business.

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B i z B i t es

SOUND OFF MINDING THE

T

WIDENING GAP

HE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION’S ZEAL TO DIMINISH OR ELIMINATE FEDERAL GRANTS HAS LEFT NONPROFITS, UNIVERSITIES, PUBLIC SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS AND THEIR EMPLOYEES SCRAMBLING TO CONSIDER THE STATUS OF PREVIOUSLY FUNDED STUDIES, SERVICES AND PROGRAMMING. From scientific research to refugee resettlement, the breadth of the impact has been breathtaking.

Though various orders have been either reversed by the administration or held up in courts, the intent is clear: Communities must wean themselves off long-assumed federal funding.

Priorities may shift, but social needs do not evaporate or diminish merely because the government is focused elsewhere. This is nothing new. Nonprofits have always operated in the gap between government and business, or more to the point: filling the gap between what government can’t do and business won’t do.

Of course, the business sector exists to make money, and issues like poverty, homelessness or systemic injustice don’t fit into a profit-driven model. While some corporations embrace corporate social responsibility (CSR), their core priority is financial return, and when there’s no return on investment, there’s no business incentive.

Meanwhile, the public sector, even before this moment, has often

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MEADE VAN PELT lacked the political will to tackle long-term challenges, instead leaning on grants to nonprofits, universities and NGOs. Governments may have resources and reach, but they are frequently hampered by bureaucracy, partisanship and short-term negotiations. Such practices, true on the right and left, have and will leave vital programs underfunded or nonexistent.

Today, with the federal government clearly stepping aside, the burden of society’s neglected needs becomes the messy, unprofitable, politically inconvenient work of nonprofits. Nonprofit leaders who step into the breach are driven toward public service and problem-solving.

They are big thinkers committed to impacting and improving their communities.

They are asked to be nimble, responsive and transformative. And they are up to the challenge. By working collaboratively, they engage in the real work of community building, creating integrated networks and innovative solutions that are measurable and by which they are held accountable.

Whether it’s access to food, housing, health care, education or legal support, nonprofits become the front line. When crises strike – from hurricanes to public health emergencies – nonprofits mobilize M A G A Z I N E

faster than most institutions. They are embedded in the fabric of the communities they serve, trusted by residents and uniquely positioned to respond with empathy, efficiency and relevance. Yet they are rarely funded or staffed at levels that match the scope of the responsibilities they shoulder.

Could the work of nonprofits be better accomplished by the private or public sector?

Should our public school systems deliver what Communities in Schools does with after-school and summer, teen parenting and teen court programming? Is StepUp Wilmington’s work to provide job training for under- and unemployed people, a mission more reasonably met through our community college or for-profit learning institutions? Or LINC, which addresses the unmet needs of our recently incarcerated residents, assuring they have skills and resources to remain productive members of our community – and avoid recidivism.

Should we leave that to local parole boards and state corrections departments? And, if the Alliance for Cape Fear Trees stopped giving away or planting trees, would those planted by our local governments be sufficient?

Neither public funds, nor private business models will address these challenges. But nonprofits are not the backup plan – they are the plan.

Often first-in and last-out responders, nonprofits provide communities with informed, missiondriven leadership to tackle society’s toughest challenges. Yet they operate within a persistent imbalance of power – constrained by the outdated expectation that they should do more

B i z B i t es with less. Burdened by restrictive funding, short-term grants and unrealistic expectations, these organizations are often denied the resources and influence they need to lead systemic change.

Marginalized communities, endangered ecosystems and longterm societal inequities don’t attract investors or voters. Nonprofits step into these voids without the luxuries of market incentives or political consensus. They act on the collective will of a community of concerned citizens, embark on addressing pressing issues with limited resources and get to work, motivated instead by a community’s moral imperative to care for its own.

They aren’t just about charity – they’re about change.

Unencumbered by profit margins or partisan pressures, nonprofits advocate for bold ideas and challenge the status quo.

Nonprofits are not a convenient safety net; they are the dam holding back a flood of societal neglect.

As governments and businesses sidestep social responsibility, we expect nonprofits to fill the gap.

This is no time to withdraw support for the work of nonprofits.

Indeed, they are innovative problem solvers, economic drivers, employers and change agents, building resourceful, safe and equitable communities for all.

As we continue to see government – local, state and federal – shift its spending and priorities, we must realize that our communities will bear new challenges. Nonprofits will be called upon to fill this breach, but nonprofits are only a reflection of their communities. Volunteers, donors, advocates and neighborsall, we must lean in.

Meade Van Pelt is executive director of the Jo Ann Carter Harrelson Center, a nonprofit corporation 501(c)3 that supports and partners with other nonprofit organizations in the Wilmington community.

CROWDSOURCING REACTIONS, OPINIONS AND QUOTABLES FROM OUR ONLINE SOUNDING BOARDS

O N FA C E B O O K . C O M / W I L M I N GT O N B I Z WHICH GROCERY STORE DO YOU PREFER AND WHY? WHICH GROCERY STORE CHAIN DO YOU WISH WOULD MOVE INTO THE WILMINGTON AREA? “ WEGMANS. 10000000%. My life here would be complete.”

– TANYA PIETILA

“ WEGMANS!!! Please!!!” – ANGELA LAMBERT “ DEFINITELY WEGMANS as everyone else declared!!

Yes yes yes!!” – SUZANNE MARIE “ ALBERTSONS!” – TIMOTHY HALSEY “ HEB WITHOUT a doubt (H-E-B is a Texas-based grocery store chain named after the founder’s son, Howard E. Butt)” – BARB THOMPSON

“ ALDI. Good products. Great prices.” – KASIA FOLTYN “ WEGMANS and Stew Leonard’s.” – DESIREE SPIRES O'MALLEY “ THEY ALL PULL from the same distributor, doesn’t matter.”

– RONNIE MUND

X (FORMERLY KNOWN AS TWITTER) POLL: @WILMINGTONBIZ

HOW MUCH DO YOU PLAN TO SPEND ON A VACATION THIS SUMMER?

$0 TO $500

33.3%

MORE THAN $1,000

66.7% rem

mu

s

W I L M I N GT O N B I Z . C O M “ALONG WITH MANY OF MY CURRENT COLLEAGUES, I started my own sales career in this office. We will recreate the same great energy and environment I experienced during those incredible inperson days. I am excited to recruit new Wilmington-based talent to my team as we continue to grow Untappd for Business globally.”– JESSICA SEASHORE, VICE PRESIDENT OF RETAIL SMALL- AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESS SALES AT NEXT GLASS, ON NEXT GLASS INC., THE PARENT COMPANY OF

UNTAPPD, RECENTLY OPENING AN OFFICE IN THE DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON SPACE IT HAD OCCUPIED FROM 2016 TO 2023.

SIGN UP FOR DAILY NEWS UPDATES AND SUBSCRIBE TO THE GREATER WILMINGTON BUSINESS JOURNAL AT WILMINGTONBIZ.COM

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Quality Service Quality Infrastructure Quality of Life Cape Fear Public Utility Authority is your source for quality water, sewer, and development services.

Each month, our team completes hundreds of inspections and permit reviews, making sure residents, businesses, and developments can tap in to CFPUA services.

Over the next 10 years, we’re planning more than half a billion dollars in capital improvements.

That’s an investment in the future of our community and the economic vitality of Wilmington and New Hanover County.

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M A G A Z I N E

www.CFPUA.org

B i z B i t es

DIGEST

A R O U N DU P O F R E C E N T NE WS PHOTO C/O N.C. PORTS

THE

NCINO TO LAYOFF 7% OF GLOBAL WORKFORCE

PORT INTERMODAL RAIL YARD ON TRACK

Work is moving ahead on a new intermodal rail yard at the Port of Wilmington, with the project on track for completion next year.

The $22.5 million intermodal rail yard project broke ground in the fall of 2024, according to a N.C. Ports spokesperson. It will add four new working tracks to the Port of Wilmington’s container terminal with a combined length of 5,000 feet.

Once complete, the project will expand the port’s intermodal capacity to more than 50,000 container movements by rail annually, according to the spokesperson. The port’s intermodal activity is currently capped at approximately 14,000 intermodal rail movements annually.

In recent years, N.C. Ports has seen record intermodal rail volumes because of new and expanding programs that use

the port’s express rail products, including the Queen City Express, which provides daily service from the Port of Wilmington to the Charlotte Inland Port.

In addition, the Wilmington Midwest Express puts cargo in Chicago and other Midwest markets in five to seven days, while the Wilmington-Rocky Mount Express provides daily access to and from the CSX Carolina Connector terminal in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

Paving is set to begin soon on the new intermodal rail yard, and three dedicated, specialized reach stackers have been ordered and are expected to arrive in early 2026, officials said.

“This will provide our customers with reliable, costcompetitive rail services while helping to divert nearly 250,000 container boxes from trucks to rail over the next decade,” according to ports officials.

TO STAY IN THE LOOP ON THE LATEST REAL ESTATE HAPPENINGS, CHECK OUT THE WEEKLY REAL ESTATE UPDATE EMAIL. SIGN UP AT WILMINGTONBIZ.COM.

w i l m i n g t o n b i z m a g a z i n e . c o m

Wilmington-based software firm nCino announced plans in late May to lay off approximately 7% of its global workforce.

“As a global market-leader, nCino continuously evaluates our organizational structure to optimize operations and drive efficiency across the business,” Natalia Moose, nCino’s head of brand marketing, wrote in an email to the Business Journal on May 27.

“To ensure our long-term success in the face of evolving market conditions, we’ve made the challenging decision to reduce our global workforce by approximately 7%.” Moose added.

A majority of the impacted roles are located in the U.S., according to Moose, who said the impacted positions weren't "limited to a specific office, location, group or division." When asked how many local employees were affected by the layoffs, Moose didn't provide a number.

135

FEET

MINIMUM VERTICAL CLEARANCE THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS FORMALLY RECOMMENDED LAST MONTH FOR THE CAPE FEAR MEMORIAL BRIDGE’S REPLACEMENT

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B i z B i t es

C-SUITE C O N V O Corning’s Wilmington fiber optic plant on North College Road employs about 1,000 people.

PHOTO C/O CORNING INC.

CONNECTIVITY FOCUS

T

BY VICKY JANOWSKI

WHAT HAVE YOU BROUGHT TO YOUR NEW ROLE AS PLANT MANAGER SINCE STARTING THIS YEAR?

HE START OF 2025 MARKED A CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP AT CORNING’S WILMINGTON FACILITY.

Bryce Dill started as manager of the Wilmington plant for the New York-based company, taking the role over from Russ Lopatka, who is now serving as Corning’s North America manufacturing manager for optical fiber.

About 1,000 people now work at the Wilmington facility, which opened in 1966. The Wilmington facility, originally an electrical resistors facility in the 1960s, was converted over time into an optical fiber plant and continues to be a staple facility for Corning.

Though relatively new to this role, Dill has a history with Corning.

He has worked for the company

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WilmingtonBiz

B R YC E D IL L

WILMINGTON PLANT MANAGER, CORNING INC.

for 17 years holding various roles – living in Wilmington that full time.

Dill was most recently the Wilmington plan’s operations manager before moving into the site’s top role.

Following is a recent Q&A with Dill. To read more, go to WilmingtonBizMagazine.com.

M A G A Z I N E

“In this new role, I have built upon the strong foundation of the plant, which has been at the cutting edge of manufacturing for decades.

Our talented workforce here in Wilmington uses advanced, proprietary manufacturing processes to make optical fiber – the revolutionary material invented by Corning more than 50 years ago that forms the backbone of today’s telecommunications networks.

I am honored to continue the legacy of innovation.”

WHAT PROJECTS ARE THE FACILITY FOCUSING ON THIS YEAR?

“The optical fiber that our workforce makes here in Wilmington has never been more important,

B i z B i t es

C-SUITE C O N V O because connectivity is so central to the way we live today.

Fiber is critical to Generative AI, and to the important work of bringing high-speed connections to more people in more places. Think about it: Every time you type a query into a Gen AI application, you’re relying on optical fiber.

For us here in Wilmington, as the world’s first optical fiber manufacturing facility, this all translates into a continued focus on innovation – one of Corning’s core values.”

FUTURE PROJECTS FOR YOURSELF AS PLANT LEADER OR THE FACILITY OVERALL FOR NEXT YEAR AND BEYOND? “With our Wilmington site being the technology center for our division, it’s here that we continue to develop and implement our latest products and processes – as demand for Corning’s innovations continues to grow.”

ARE THERE OTHER COMMUNITY GROUPS YOU’RE INVOLVED WITH? IF SO, IN WHAT WAYS HAVE YOU OR ARE CURRENTLY VOLUNTEERING AND WHAT DROVE YOU TO WORK WITH THEM?

“I have been engaged with the United Way of the Cape Fear Area since 2016 and joined their board of directors last summer. The United Way is an incredible organization that understands the needs of our community and leverages their funding to create a 4x impact in our region.

Our United Way works tirelessly to improve our community, and I am excited to be part of the team making that impact.” w i l m i n g t o n b i z m a g a z i n e . c o m

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D EV E LO P M E N T

IN PLAY

BY EMMA DILL | PHOTOS BY LOGAN BURKE & TERAH HOOBLER

MAYFAIRE SEES ANOTHER BOOST OF NEW NAMES AND PROJECTS

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OR MORGAN KOROUS, GENERAL MANAGER OF DAVE & BUSTER’S IN MAYFAIRE TOWN CENTER, PLAYING ARCADE GAMES IS A PART OF THE JOB.

In his seven years with Dave & Buster’s, Korous has helped manage locations up and down the East Coast from Orlando to Charlotte and then Baltimore. He moved to Wilmington this spring to take the helm at the new Mayfaire venue.

The adult arcade chain, which officially opened on Memorial Day, is the latest brick-and-mortar space to add to the mix in Mayfaire Town Center, a 21-year-old mixed-use development not far from Wrightsville Beach that recently has witnessed an uptick in new retailers and chains with a nationwide presence.

Beyond its stores and restaurants, the Mayfaire area is evolving, as a nearby hotel reaches completion and developers outline plans for a new neighborhood that could bring nearly 500 apartments, townhomes and carriage homes to the area.

Over the past year, Mayfaire Town Center has added more upscale clothing retailers, including Free People, Aerie and J. Crew Factory. Mayfaire officials have said such stores have helped “elevate” the shopping center’s tenant mix.

Paige Coniglio, marketing director with Mayfaire owner CBL Properties, said the additions demonstrate a “commitment to continually enhancing the tenant mix at Mayfaire Town Center.”

“As the Wilmington market has continued to grow, Mayfaire is growing along with it, adding new retail, entertainment and hospitality options that are in line with the expectations of today’s consumer,” Coniglio wrote in an email.

In the weeks ahead of Dave & Buster’s grand

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Morgan Korous, general manager of Dave & Buster’s in Mayfaire Town Center, stands in the new entertainment facility.

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WHEN HIGHPROFILE BRANDS such as these open and thrive at Mayfaire, it helps us attract upscale dining, boutique retail and wellness services that want to take advantage of the new traffic they draw.

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PAIGE CONIGLIO marketing director with Mayfaire owner CBL Properties

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opening, Korous fielded a flurry of inquiries from local influencers, business owners and neighbors wanting to tour Mayfaire’s new 22,000-square-foot arcade and restaurant.

Although it’s about half the size of a typical Dave & Buster’s, Korous said, the venue offers the same “sports bar arcade” feel, with a massive, 40-foot-wide TV screen capable of displaying multiple sports games at once.

“We pretty much have every single new game that came out this year,” Korous said about the facility’s arcade. “We have over 100 games here … Some of these games I didn’t even know (Dave & Buster’s) had, and they got them for us.”

The arcade features a wide range of games and amusements.

Some require users to wear virtual reality goggles to play; others involve interactive playing screens. And several games offer an arcade-style take on sports such as basketball, baseball or dodgeball. There’s PacMan skee ball, a Top Gun: Maverickthemed game – Korous’ favorite, Mario Kart racing, miniature bowling and a few more traditional carnivalinspired games.

Mayfaire’s Dave & Buster’s, which has about 150 people on staff, also includes a full-service restaurant, sports lounge and areas that can be reserved for parties or small groups.

More new businesses are slated to open in the lifestyle shopping center later this year, according to Coniglio, including jewelry brand Kendra Scott, piercing studio Rowan and clothing brand Madewell. Adding new stores to the shopping center helps draw both shoppers and other businesses to the area, Coniglio said.

“The addition of these new-tomarket brands not only appeals to customers but to potential tenants,” she said. “When high-profile brands such as these open and thrive at Mayfaire, it helps us attract upscale dining, boutique retail and wellness services that want to take advantage M A G A Z I N E

of the new traffic they draw.”

Currently, just one retail space is vacant inside Mayfaire Town Center – approximately 3,400 square feet at 924 Town Center Drive. Negotiations are underway with a potential tenant, according to Coniglio.

Diane and Daniel Perez said the shopping center’s diverse tenant mix was a key factor in their decision to open a Drybar-branded salon in the area.

“We chose to open in Mayfaire because we felt our brand and offerings would complement the existing mix of businesses and resonate well with the local clientele,” they wrote in an email.

The husband-and-wife duo began planning to open the store late last year with the goal of launching the new Drybar location this spring. They opened the salon in early May. The Perezes said they expect the opening of Dave & Buster’s and an Element by Westin hotel, which is slated for completion this summer, will attract a “fresh wave” of visitors to the area. They see particular potential in catering to hotel guests.

Construction is wrapping up on the Element by Westin, a 139-room hotel at 1055 International Drive. The project, a joint venture between CBL Properties and Vision Hospitality Group, marks Element’s entrance into the Wilmington market. The brand caters to both short- and long-term stays with in-room kitchens and onsite laundry, among other amenities.

Mayfaire, which opened in 2004, has grown in phases over the past two decades. Following the opening of the center’s first anchor tenants, construction started on Mayfaire’s second phase in 2006.

Then, in 2015, Mayfaire bought 40 acres at 1105 Eastwood Road, on the backside of Mayfaire, to prepare for more growth. The shopping center’s third phase of expansion, which took place in 2016, added more than 46,000 square feet of retail space.

Office buildings and residential neighborhoods add to the existing

Emily Grob, sales associate at Isa Roe, is shown at the boutique in Mayfaire Town Center.

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M A G A Z I N E

A rendering shows Mayfaire West, a proposed development that could bring 256 apartments and 233 carriage houses and townhomes to the area.

Rendering c/o BrodyCo

mix of uses in the Mayfaire area.

Earlier commercial and residential developments in the Military Cutoff Road corridor, including Landfall, The Forum and Landfall Center, along with the city of Wilmington’s mixed-use zoning designation ultimately helped pave the way for Mayfaire’s development.

Mayfaire Town Center codeveloper BrodyCo announced plans this spring to bring another neighborhood, called Mayfaire West, to just over 42 acres of undeveloped land between Town Center Drive and Gregory Road. The project is expected to include 256 apartments and 223 carriage houses and townhomes.

Developers said they’ve spent years “carefully considering and designing the right project for the site.” BrodyCo purchased the land in 2015, and the proposed

development has been shaped by market research, the city of Wilmington’s Comprehensive Plan and an understanding of the land and surrounding community.

“Today, Mayfaire Town Center has transformed the area into a vibrant destination where people can live, work, shop, play and dine,” BrodyCo officials wrote in a statement. “This adjacent piece of land presents a natural progression of that original vision – an opportunity to thoughtfully extend a thriving district that has already brought so much to the area.”

Developers plan to ask Wilmington officials to rezone the site from its current R-15, moderatedensity single-dwelling district, and a mixed-use district to a conditional MD-10 and MD-17, medium- and high-density multiple-dwelling residential districts.

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The project faced pushback from residents in the surrounding Windemere, Eastwood Village and Parkside neighborhoods, who have voiced concerns about the project’s density and how the development could affect ongoing traffic and stormwater issues in the area.

As of the publication deadline, developers said they hadn’t submitted a rezoning application for the project.

Instead, they’re “continuing to refine” their plans, following feedback raised at a community meeting held in early May. BrodyCo officials said they view Mayfaire West as a “natural step in the area’s continued growth, offering residents several different types of high-quality, well-connected living options that extend Mayfaire Town Center’s live, work, shop, dine and play concept.”

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H E A LT H

HEAD P H O T O B Y D A R I A A M AT O

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PROFILE

Laurie Whalin on moving up the NHRMC ranks

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arlier this year, LAURIE WHALIN was promoted to run Novant’s hospitals in Southeastern North Carolina.

Whalin, who first joined New Hanover Regional Medical Center in 2009, rose through the ranks at the then-county-owned hospital – from pharmacy clinical manager to the director of pharmacy to vice president of clinical support services. In 2021, she became president and chief operating officer of Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center after NHRMC was sold to Novant Health. The following year, she was named chief operating officer of Novant NHRMC and president of Novant Health’s future community hospital in the Scotts Hill area.

Now, she is the system’s president of acute care operations and NHRMC for the Novant Health Coastal Region.

Whalin talks about the latest step in her career and leadership lessons learned along the way.

When did you start in your new role with Novant Health, and what does it involve?

“I began my new role with Novant Health in February 2025.

As part of the regional leadership team, I am responsible for overseeing all hospitals and acute care operations across (Novant’s) Coastal Region, which includes New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick counties.

In this role, I provide strategic direction and operational leadership to ensure high-quality, patient-centered care,

drive performance excellence and support workforce development initiatives that align with Novant Health’s work to improve the health of the communities we serve.”

How is it different than your previous work with the local health system?

“While it is not an extreme departure from my previous role, this new position marks an important pivot. Transitioning from serving as president of Scotts Hill to also leading New Hanover Regional Medical Center expands my scope significantly. In this role, I now work directly with community hospital presidents across the region to ensure we are meeting the needs of our patients closer to where they live.

It’s a broader, more strategic focus on regional alignment, operational excellence and community-centered care across all hospitals in the Coastal Region.”

What is previous Novant Health NHRMC President Ernie Bovio’s new role and how do the two of you work together now with the changes?

“Ernie Bovio continues to serve as president of the Coastal Region. His role has evolved, and his dedicated focus is now on regional growth, strategy and market development. I often say Ernie and I are the ‘dynamic duo.’

We have a strong, collaborative partnership and work closely together to lead the Coastal Region. Our shared focus is ensuring we meet the needs of our community, team members and physicians, while driving both operational excellence and strategic growth across the region.”

You have been heavily involved in the building of the new Scotts Hill hospital. Are you still leading that project?

“Yes, I am still leading the development of the Scotts Hill hospital. As the project moves closer to completion, we plan to hire a dedicated president to oversee day-to-day operations at the facility, who will report directly to me.

We anticipate filling that leadership role within the next six months to ensure a smooth transition and strong operational foundation.”

What are your other focuses and goals this

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year?

“We have the unique privilege of being the health system for our community – caring for our family, friends, neighbors and one another – and I take that responsibility very seriously. This year, we are focused on ensuring exceptional quality of care, an outstanding patient experience and expanding access to health care services in locations that are convenient for our growing population.

Additionally, as the largest employer in the county, we recognize the importance of supporting our team members and physicians. Taking care of our people so they can take care of our patients is my top priority. Creating a thriving, supportive environment for both our patients and our teams remains at the heart of everything we do.”

How would you describe your leadership style?

“My leadership style is deeply rooted in building and supporting high-performing teams, which I believe is the true key to success.

My overarching philosophy is simple: I build high-performing teams that change the world.

I am proud to say that we have exactly that kind of team at New Hanover Regional Medical Center and throughout the Coastal Region. Together, we are driven by a shared purpose and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.”

What things have you picked up in your career that have helped shape your leadership style?

“One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that empowerment breeds confidence. Throughout my career, I’ve seen the power of tapping into each individual’s unique strengths and giving them the space and trust to lead in their own way. By fostering an environment where people feel supported and valued, we unlock their full potential and maximize their impact – not just within the organization, but within the community we serve.”

This Q&A with Laurie Whalin appeared in the summer issue of WilmingtonBiz Magazine’s sister publication WILMA. S U M M E R

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INDUSTRY TRENDS CEA WINNER MEDICAL CHECK-IN

Nurse practitioner Tiffany Bowers of Dawson Med photo by MALCOLM LITTLE

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Gregory Bebb and Elizabeth Weinberg are surgeons with independently owned Wilmington Surgical Associates.

Islands in the Stream

photo c/o Wilmington Surgical Associates

BY CECE NUNN

INDEPENDENT MEDICAL PRACTICES REMAIN, EVEN AS LARGER HEALTH SYSTEMS GROW AROUND THEM

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N THE FRONT LINES OF HEALTH CARE, PARTS OF THE YEAR 2021 WERE “BANANAS.”

That’s one of the ways Wilmingtonbased physician Umar Bowers describes the hectic nature of that time, a period when the Omicron variant of global pandemic culprit COVID-19 swept through the U.S. Umar Bowers and nurse practitioner Tiffany Bowers, Umar’s wife, opened Dawson Med, which includes an urgent care and primary care practice, in August 2021.

In the health care industry, independent practices like Dawson Med come with numerous challenges and benefits as mergers and consolidations with bigger organizations remain a trend.

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The pressure to deliver results sooner, for example, can be greater.

For a larger system, “if that one primary care office that’s new on the other side of town doesn’t meet its initial targets, well, the health care system is not going to crumble, right?” Umar Bowers said. “We knew that we had to see patients and generate revenue and produce as an entity, or we wouldn’t be able to survive.”

The need for Dawson Med’s urgent care practice to respond to the Omicron variant overshadowed any worries about how quickly the primary care side could get off the ground.

“On the urgent care side, we were busy right away,” Umar Bowers said, mostly with COVID testing and treatment.

Umar Bowers said he hopes to never see days like

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In 2021, physician Umar Bowers and nurse practitioner Tiffany Bowers opened Dawson Med, an independent primary and urgent care practice. photo by MALCOLM LITTLE

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those of the pandemic again. Within two or three months of opening on Dawson Street, Dawson Med’s urgent care had “lines out of our parking lot backing all the way to the (Cape Fear Memorial Bridge), and we had to call the Wilmington Police Department for traffic control,” he said.

Four years later, the Bowers’ practice has normalized to patient care outside the hectic days of the pandemic, and Dawson Med has established its own base.

But because of their smaller number, independent doctor’s offices like Dawson Med can be seen as islands surrounded by larger health systems’ provider networks.

Health care consolidation and absorption of independent medical practices by larger health care companies and systems has been an ongoing trend for multiple decades.

“Over the past five years, nearly 75,000 physicians have shifted from private practice to employment within hospitals and large health systems,” wrote Paul Berggreen, chairman and president of the board of the American Independent Medical Practice Association, in an opinion piece published by the Savannah Morning News this year.

The editorial’s focus was on the impact of Medicare physician reimbursement declines.

“Doctors in independent practice have now endured five straight years of Medicare payment cuts,” Berggreen wrote. “The expenses required to keep a practice running are climbing – they’re projected to rise 3.5% this year alone. After adjusting for inflation, Medicare’s payments to physicians have dropped by roughly 33% since 2001.”

Medciare reimbursements are a big concern for independent physicians, said Gregory Bebb, a surgeon at Wilmington Surgical Associates.

“Whenever the government is involved in something, as one of the parties to the business, they can write laws, change budgets,

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change reimbursement to favor one side versus the other, and so, over the past several years, they had decreased payment to private physicians and increased payment to employed physicians, which is quite unfortunate,” Bebb said.

He said one of the benefits to patients of independent practices is the ability of smaller practices “to move a little easier. It’s like a small boat moves easier than an aircraft carrier.”

Wilmington Surgical Associates surgeons have admitting privileges at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, “and the hospital has done well by us because we have very good outcomes because of the quality of surgeons that we’ve hired,” Bebb said.

The costs and other stressors of striking out on one’s own aren’t new to Umar Bowers.

“The pressure to be able to execute is something I lost sleep over,” Umar Bowers said of starting Dawson Med. “But … this is not the first business I’ve started, so that’s just kind of how it works. When you’re starting a business … if you’re sleeping well every night as an entrepreneur, you might be a little too comfortable.”

On the primary care side of Dawson Med, maintaining an office independently has been eased by working with Aledade Inc., a network of independent primary care, said Umar Bowers, who is a national ambassador for Aledade after previously serving as a local medical director. According to Aledade’s website, Aledade’s accountable care organizations (ACOs) “help practices and health centers improve patient outcomes and generate sustainable revenue.”

“Yes, we’re independent but we’re not entirely alone,” Umar Bowers said.

One local exception to the national trend of consolidation is Wilmington Health, an independent practice that is physician-owned.

With multiple sites and 300 providers, the practice has worked on projects

M A G A Z I N E

to collaborate with other practices around the county, particularly helping those running their own ACOs. Ellis Tinsley, president and CEO of Tinsley Surgical in Wilmington, is a second-generation independent practice surgeon who has seen health care undergo major changes since he was a nursing assistant at age 14.

“As systems for delivery and payment become larger, more business-oriented and more bureaucratic, the actual care at the bedside and in the office is challenged.

We keep throwing out the good with the bad,” Tinsley said. “The healing nature relationship between care receiver and caregiver is reduced by distraction. As an independent, I have more control over the environment and the excellence that becomes the patient experience.”

He said his practice also allows him to rapidly use technology, be financially independent and create a work environment consistent with his beliefs and values, Tinsley said.

Because doctors have always been at least partly trained in hospitals, some tend to want to practice in the environments in which they were trained, Tinsley said, and once they are employed physicians, it can be hard to know how to make the transition. New coaches, software and consultants, however, have made it easier, he said.

“There is renewed interest in independent practice and many more ways to participate,” Tinsley said.

The pressures independent practices might feel to join health systems tend to be all financial, he said. It’s important to hire a good team, Tinsley said.

“You have to have great people around you that understand the basic principles of business but who value your work as a clinician and want to combine their skills with your skills.

It really is two different languages that you have to learn, but it is essential that the clinician learns how to speak business,” he said. “Once you do it, it

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Tinsley Surgical’s chief operating officer Mary Floyd and surgeon Ellis Tinsley are shown at the independent practice that specializes in vascular surgery.

photo by SUZI DRAKE

is incredibly rewarding.”

Tiffany Bowers was born at what is now Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. When the building at 608 Dawson St. in Wilmington became available, the Bowerses decided to move full time to the area from their previous home base in Charlotte.

“It’s been really nice being able to see some people that I’ve known since high school who randomly come to the clinic,” said Tiffany Bowers, who grew up in Rocky Point, graduating from Pender High School, and had a job and friends in Wilmington.

One of the challenges Tiffany Bowers has been working on is getting Dawson Med’s name out, particularly the urgent care side now that COVID is under control, to all of the people the office can serve.

“We take care of everyone … We serve the entire population,” she said.

“We serve Leland. We serve the greater Wilmington area. We serve people who are just traveling. About half my day is spent with travelers vacationing or visiting. And so just getting more brand awareness and getting our name out there more would be one of the biggest challenges we’re having now.”

The Bowerses said some of the benefits of being independent are being able to take care of a team, developing a workplace culture of their own and helping staff members develop their careers. Dawson Med has six providers – one doctor (Umar Bowers), two nurse practitioners (including Tiffany Bowers) and three physician assistants.

“We’ve seen over the past nearly four years several team members grow

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personally and professionally,” Umar Bowers said.

Dawson Med has been able to leverage resources to accomplish this feat.

The South East Area Health Education Center (SEAHEC) “has been amazing as a partner with us,” Umar Bowers said.

SEAHEC is a nonprofit organization, part of the N.C. Area Health Education Center, that aims “to provide and support educational activities and services with a focus on primary care in rural and underresourced communities,” according to its website.

Umar Bowers said, “We have been really intentional about being independent, which we’re passionate about, but also being collaborative.”

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Space for recovery

BY RICKIE HOUSTON | PHOTO BY MALCOLM LITTLE | ILLUSTRATION BY MARK WEBER

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FACILITIES HAVE BUILT OUT IN RECENT YEARS TO ADDRESS SUBSTANCE ABUSE NEEDS IN THE REGION

OCAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT CENTERS OFFER AN ARRAY OF SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS IN NEED, INCLUDING SUBSTANCE USE AND MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT, CRISIS INTERVENTION, NONMEDICAL DETOX SERVICES, LONG-TERM RECOVERY SERVICES AND MORE.

Among the several health treatment centers in town, Coastal Horizons and The Healing Place have worked relentlessly to meet community demand.

And both have established physical presences with the intention of ensuring there’s enough space and services to accommodate clients.

As for Coastal Horizons, the private, nonprofit health treatment center operates in 58 counties, with many of its buildings located in Southeastern North Carolina, according to Margaret Weller-Stargell, president and CEO. It’s also been in operation for nearly 55 years.

“We have, over time, been able to have a more diversified treatment approach so that we know that we’re meeting the needs of the community with a tailored plan of care for individuals,” said Weller-Stargell. “Those services include individual counseling, peer support, family and group counseling, medication-assisted treatment, psychiatric w i l m i n g t o n b i z m a g a z i n e . c o m

care and a full array of supportive services.”

The health treatment center’s other offerings include substance use and mental health services, mental health awareness training, crisis intervention, community-based family services, school-based health services, justice services and veteran services.

It also offers primary care and wellness services through Horizon Health.

Its major funding sources come from the federal and state government, New Hanover County, the city of Wilmington, Cape Fear Area United Way, Cape Fear Memorial Foundation, Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, N.C. Council for Women, Duke Endowment and corporate, individual and foundation giving.

And according to Weller-Stargell, the nonprofit has had several building expansions in recent years to offer more services to individuals in need.

In the past few years, Coastal Horizons added space for a child site in Brunswick County, and that allowed its Shallotte office to expand to add an opioid treatment program, said Weller-Stargell. She added that they established an opioid treatment program in Pender County as well and spoke on the addition of mobile clinics in multiple counties.

“In terms of expansion, we have added two mobile clinics that serve rural counties and communities, and those are largely focused on Bladen, Columbus and Brunswick,” she said. “Those mobile clinics are vitally important to those rural S U M M E R 2025

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WE HAVE, OVER TIME, BEEN ABLE TO HAVE A MORE DIVERSIFIED TREATMENT APPROACH SO THAT WE KNOW THAT WE’RE MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY WITH A TAILORED PLAN OF CARE FOR INDIVIDUALS.

“

communities.”

The health treatment center’s Wilmington Health Access for Teens program has also doubled in size in terms of the number of clients it is seeing, she said. Coastal Horizons was able to expand that program since it moved from its Oleander location to a new building.

Weller-Stargell said that Coastal Horizons is also in the process of building a new administration building. She added that that would allow the nonprofit to expand its treatment operations in New Hanover County. Plus, the health treatment center moved its justice services to a stand-alone building on South 17th Street, ensuring that all of those services are housed in that building.

“When you look at the behavioral health, the substance use and mental health needs in our community, we do look to expand, not just in this county but in the other counties we serve as well,” she said.

She also emphasized that Coastal Horizons is meeting community demand, expressing that the center is always looking to bridge gaps in its services by either addressing the provided services directly, or by linking with community partners to make sure that they can address the needs of individuals.

“It’s a program that we can all be very proud and happy is here because it does meet the needs of so many people every single day,” she said.

The Healing Place is also on a mission to meet community demand.

According to its website, its mission is to transform individuals affected by addiction or homelessness through accountability and connection. It offers services for both men and women and welcomes everyone regardless of race, gender, religion or economic status.

But as for its history, a lot of groundwork went into starting The Healing Place.

It took nearly 10 years for the

MARGARET WELLER-STARGELL president & CEO, Coastal Horizons

program to get to New Hanover County, said executive director Brian Mingia. In addition, officials originally wanted to have two locations, but due to some permitting issues and other problems encountered along the way, the project had died multiple times, Mingia said. But determination led to the eventual birth of the health treatment center.

“It was really only through the perseverance of both Trillium and New Hanover County that this program actually came into existence here,” Mingia said. “Trillium was the entity that donated the land to the project, M A G A Z I N E

and New Hanover County paid for the building here, so we have five buildings on roughly 9 acres of land.”

The Healing Place in New Hanover County is modeled after The Healing Place in Louisville, Kentucky, and it uses a nationally recognized social model recovery program, according to its website.

Mingia also said that one of the reasons The Healing Place program was selected for New Hanover County is that it was an alternative to some of the things that already existed in town.

He added that the health treatment center is the only free long-term recovery program in New Hanover County.

“We are the largest in this region, and with the opioid use as well the addiction as a whole here in this community, there was an alternative that needed to be presented,” he said.

Individuals in The Healing Place’s long-term residential recovery program typically complete it in six to nine months, but the length of stay depends on each individual. And for both The Healing Place’s long-term recovery and nonmedical detox programs, individuals 18 and older struggling with substance abuse can join.

The nonmedical detox program strives to detoxify and stabilize individuals from drugs or alcohol. In addition, the program offers peer-led recovery and separate accommodations for men and women.

“It’s free of cost to individuals that are coming through the program, and it is incredibly low barrier,” Mingia said. The Healing Place campus has 200 beds.

In 2022, The Healing Place received a grant of $200,000 from the New Hanover Community Endowment. In the same year, Coastal Horizons received $250,000 from the endowment. The endowment was created from the sale of county-owned New Hanover Regional Medical Center to Novant Health in 2021.

Brian Mingia, executive director of The Healing Place, sits in the courtyard of the treatment facility's campus.

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he region is seeing an expansion of medical facilities and services (for more details on specific projects, turn to page 98).

Meanwhile, medical education, clinical trials and partnerships on health care models are other areas where local health officials are investing resources.

BY VICKY JANOWSKI

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MEDICAL REAL ESTATE

RESEARCH INVESTMENT

A local investor acquired a medical office in Hampstead for more than $2.5 million in May. DaVita Dialysis, a national kidney care provider, has occupied the just over 7,900-square-foot medical building at 22804 U.S. 17 since 2015, according to a news release.

KY Young Investment Partners LLC, an out-of-state, family-owned investment group, sold the property and the surrounding nearly 3 acres in a transaction that closed on May 8. Real estate investment services firm Marcus & Millichap represented the seller.

Deed records show Charles Rabinowitz and his son, Michael, both trustees of the Charles Rabinowitz Living Trust, purchased the property. The purchase is a “strategic acquisition” for Charles Rabinowitz, according to the release.

Ginny Dunn, of Maus, Warwick, Matthews & Co., represented the buyer.

“Medical real estate assets anchored by national providers like DaVita,” Dunn said, “remain highly desirable, especially in growing communities like Hampstead.”

Wilmington-based Novant Health physicians will partner with UNC physicians and researchers on two clinical research efforts, bolstered by $1 million in grants.

A collaborative including Novant Health, UNC Health and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine awarded two $500,000 research grants, officials announced in May. The money will launch joint Novant Health and UNC School of Medicine studies “focusing on evaluating tools that expand access to prenatal scans and advancing efforts to improve surgical care,” according to a news release.

That collaborative awarded a separate $1 million grant last year for two different research projects.

The recently announced grants will fund studies on maternal health and the post-surgical use of opioids, Mark King, vice president of research and innovation at Novant Health and the chair of the collaborative’s Research Advisory Council, said in the release.

“In addition,” he said, “these collaborations will build additional infrastructure for future research here at the coast.”

M A G A Z I N E

TRENDS

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ACO INITIATIVE

BOND PROJECTS

MEDICAL TRAINING

This spring, Wilmington Health and the American Medical Group Association partnered up to launch a value-based care initiative network for members of the trade group.

The AMGA Value Care Network is designed to help health care practices across the country that are pursuing accountable care organization (ACO) models.

Wilmington Health CEO Jeff James and AMGA president and CEO Jerry Penso finalized the partnership at the group’s annual conference in April, according to an announcement.

The network is intended to leverage Wilmington Health’s experience with ACOs “to help medical groups and health systems implement proven strategies, improve patient outcomes, and enhance financial performance under ACO models,” a news release stated.

Wilmington Health has participated in accountable care organizations since the model’s early days after it was born out of the Affordable Care Act that passed in 2010.

“This initiative represents our shared mission to transform the health care delivery system across the country,” James said.

County officials approved supporting $855 million in taxexempt bonds to help Novant Health finance projects across the Carolinas, including upgrades at facilities in the Cape Fear region.

Proceeds from the sale of the bonds would help fund various Novant projects, including the construction of Scotts Hill Medical Center, along with energy-related projects and routine capital expenditures at other Novant facilities in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties.

Bond proceeds would also help finance projects at other facilities in the Charlotte and Winston-Salem areas and on Hilton Head Island.

The National Finance Authority would issue the bonds, said Charles Boyer, who spoke on behalf of the finance authority and Novant at a New Hanover County Board of Commissioners meeting.

“It is required by federal tax law that you host this hearing in every jurisdiction where the bond proceeds will be spent,” he said. “In no way is the county responsible for the debt or have any liability for the debt, it is just a federal requirement.”

This spring’s cohort of the local UNC School of Medicine campus, which started in 2016, was the program’s largest-ever group of thirdand fourth-year medical students.

In March, the local class included 30 third-year medical students and 18-20 in their fourth year.

The Wilmington physical campus equates to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and other local Novant facilities.

At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, Jared Wood became the first student to earn a doctorate in pharmaceutical chemistry in May. That doctoral program, seeded by a $5 million gift from Yousry and Linda Sayed to start it, began in 2023.

It trains doctoral students for academic and private careers as scientists for pharmaceutical And Cape Fear Community College continues work this year on the second phase of its Saklad Health and Human Services Building in downtown Wilmington. This phase is expected to triple the instructional space for CFCC’s dental programs and expand the number of classrooms and simulation labs available to its nursing and health sciences programs.

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S U M M E R 2025

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WilmingtonBiz

M A G A Z I N E

RETIREMENT LIVING IN COASTAL N.C.

Line up and get down 55+ neighborhoods on the rise Giving for better health Flavors of Leland

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You Deserve This 55+ Active Adult Community Now Leasing 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Cottages

Located in the beautiful, wooded city of Leland, NC, our 55 and older apartment community features 1- and 2-bedroom floor plans with upscale amenities so you can live the lifestyle you love.

Chef-Inspired Kitchens Granite Countertops In-unit Washer and Dryer Oversized Closets Private Balconies

Salt Water Resort-Style Pool Manicured Courtyards 24 Hour Fitness Club Yard Games/Activity Lawn Creative Arts Center

(910) | InspireBrunswickForest.com Proudly Owned By R E T I R E M E N T L I V I N G I N C O A 44 S TA L 756-5721 N.C.

Concierge Service Pickle Ball Court Dog Park & Pet Spa Theatre Room Community Garden

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SUMMER 2025 • ISSUE 4 • $4.95

About Our Presenting Sponsor

Publisher Rob Kaiser rkaiser@wilmingtonbiz.com

President Robert Preville rpreville@wilmingtonbiz.com

Editor Vicky Janowski vjanowski@wilmingtonbiz.com

Managing Editor Cece Nunn cnunn@wilmingtonbiz.com

Reporter Emma Dill edill@wilmingtonbiz.com

Vice President of Sales & Marketing Angela Conicelli aconicelli@wilmingtonbiz.com

S e n i o r M a r k e t i n g C o n s u lt a n t s Maggi Apel Craig Snow

M a r k e t i n g C o n s u lt a n t s Alexis Alphin Jillian Hon Jake Quilla

“Liberty Senior Living is excited to once again sponsor ‘The Good Life’ – A Guide to Retirement Living in Coastal North Carolina.

For almost 150 years, Liberty Healthcare Management, a Wilmington-based, familyowned organization, has been helping older adults manage their healthcare and residential needs. Our portfolio of communities throughout the Southeastern United States continues to grow as we expand our service offerings, which include communities for active adult living, independent living, assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing care. We have proudly served the Wilmington area for over 30 years and now have three communities to select from: Brightmore of Wilmington, Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall and our newest Active Adult Community, Inspire Brunswick Forest. We invite you to visit LibertySeniorLiving.com where you can learn more about all of our premier communities, which have been designed for active seniors who have high expectations for living life to the fullest and on their own terms. We look forward to welcoming you!”

Dean Dellaria / Corporate Director of Marketing and Sales / Liberty Senior Living

Events Director Jamie Merrill jmerrill@wilmingtonbiz.com

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Events & Media Coordinator Alec Hall ahall@wilmingtonbiz.com

Art Director - Editorial Suzi Drake art@wilmingtonbiz.com

Art Director - Marketing Tara Weymouth tweymouth@wilmingtonbiz.com

A u d i e n c e D e v e l o pm e n t M a n a g e r Julia Jones jjones@wilmingtonbiz.com

Director of Feast Wilmington Jessica Maurer jmaurer@wilmingtonbiz.com

Contributing Photographers Logan Burke, Megan Deitz, Madeline Gray, Terah Hoobler

Subscribe To subscribe to WilmingtonBiz Magazine,visit wilmingtonbiz.com/subscribe or call 343-8600 x201. © 2025 SAJ Media LLC

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Want the Good Life all year long?

Stay tuned to GoodLifeWilmington.com for regular updates.

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HEWLETTS CREEK: A LOCAL COMMITMENT, A NATIONAL RECOGNITION The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized Hewletts Creek as a national success story for restoration efforts resulting in measurable water quality improvements, thanks to the City of Wilmington’s long-term investment in stormwater solutions and the power of community action.

Since adopting the Bradley and Hewletts Creek Watershed Restoration Plan in 2012, the City, its partners, and the community have implemented more than 200 nature-based projects—including constructed wetlands like the one at JEL Wade Park—designed to slow, soak in, and filter polluted runoff before it reaches local waterways, like Hewletts Creek. These efforts have led to steady declines in bacteria levels, as noted in recent reports from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries.

This is just one part of Wilmington’s broader commitment: $88 million invested in stormwater infrastructure since 1998—including the city’s largest-ever project at Clear Run Branch—to reduce flooding, protect property, and improve water quality citywide. While there is still work to be done, these projects are a testimonial to the power of smart investments, strong partnerships, and shared responsibility.

More information:

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R E T I R E M E N T L I V I N G I N C O A S TA L N . C .

G o o d L i f eW i l m i n g t o n . c o m

wilmington

Letter from the editor

Getting and

Staying Active

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t’s never too late to start.

While cliché, it’s not wrong.

For example, I never watched Twin Peaks when it came out, but now that the episodes are streaming, it’s never too late to start.

On a more ambitious end, Robyn Godfrey learned that it’s never too late to take up running – and marathons. She started on a treadmill at the age of 47, which morphed into a goal of running a marathon by the age of 50. And that turned into a goal of completing a circuit of international races. (You can read more about her start on that path on page 62.)

But even if our goals are a little smaller, like Godfrey’s journey, they often start with the first step.

Or a first heel tap in the case of Kelli Derengowski, who heads up Beaches and Boots Line Dancing in Carolina Beach. At the regular meetups, dancers – many of them aged 50-80 – get moving while having fun (page 78).

And for those looking to pick up a pickleball paddle or tennis racket for the first time, turn to page 60 for a list of area parks to practice at.

So whether you’re new to the area or have been here for years and looking to

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try something new, here’s a sampling of what you’ll find in this year’s Good Life Wilmington issue: • Homes + Communities: Get a rundown on custom-home trends catering to older adults on page 56.

• Health + Wellness: Find a directory of the region’s hospitals and largest physician groups on page 70.

• Lifestyles + Connections: Read about recent expansion projects for local historic attractions on page 74.

• Food + Drink: Explore Leland’s growing dining options on page 88.

It’s never too late to try something new, especially as summer greets us at the coast – big or small.

Vicky Janowski, Editor Wilmington Media + Marketing vjanowski@wilmingtonbiz.com

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G o o d L i f eW i l m i n g t o n . c o m

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CONTENTS S U M M E R

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Homes + Communities

50 55+ Communities 56 Forever Homes 58 Senior Living Options 60 Tri-County Info Health + Wellness

62 Running the Gamut 66 Philanthropy Nods Physicians & 70 Area Hospitals Lifestyles + Connections

74 Historical Attractions 78 Boogie Brigade 82 Music Venue Roundup Food + Drink

84 88 91 92

Personal Chef Taste of Leland Area Food Festivals Local Farmers Markets

About the Cover Madeline Gray photographed the Carolina Beach line dancing group Beaches and Boots for this year’s Good Life Wilmington cover.

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Homes + Communities

Neighborhood options

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ABOUND

By Barbara L. Nelson

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ob and Pattie Accordino, active retirees, sought community and quality of life in their coming years. They found it at Riverlights, a 1,400acre master-planned community off River Road.

“After living in Southport for 17 years, we were ready for a change,” Bob Accordino said. “We were finding ourselves in Wilmington more frequently for shopping, entertainment, restaurants and health care.”

Situated along the Cape Fear River, Riverlights features a commercial village, eight public parks and a 38acre freshwater lake. It also includes two clubhouses: Riverhouse, which will be completed later this year, and Lakehouse, which is equipped with pools and workout facilities for community gatherings.

“For buyers seeking a relaxed lifestyle, there’s just nothing else like Riverlights,” said Margee Herring, spokeswoman for Riverlights. “It’s very welcoming with shops and restaurants and club-like amenities delivering a dayto-day that doesn’t require you to run all

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around the city.”

With several pockets of housing communities spread over 1,400 acres, each neighborhood has its own personality. The project includes 3,182 residential homes, including the soldout Del Webb age-qualified community, single-family homes, duplexes, townhomes, apartments and singlefamily homes for rent.

“Our Marina Village community is a tight-knit group of 44 townhomes and 10 riverfront homes,” Bob Accordino said. “We have made friends in all sections of the community, adding to an active social life. This, coupled with proximity to all that downtown (10-minute drive) has to offer, as well as the beaches, theater, shopping and health care, makes it an ideal location and community.”

The Accordinos live in a 3,100-square-foot home situated on the Cape Fear River. They appreciate the neighborhood for its ability to foster connections among people of all ages, providing a small-town feel while still being part of a larger community with ample amenities. Before moving to Riverlights in 2017, they lived in a leisure community in Brunswick County, primarily comprised of retirees.

“We realized aging around people who are all the same age is not a positive thing,” Pattie Accordino said.

“We know every single person in the

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neighborhood. We like that part of it very much.”

Originally from New York, the couple has lived in various areas of Riverlights for the past seven years and has enjoyed the community’s many amenities.

They first moved into a brandnew rental single-family home in 2017 while their townhome in Marina Village was being constructed. A year later, they transitioned to that townhome.

After living there for five years, they purchased a lot on one of the ten available riverfront homesites and had a custom home built on it.

“Living in the Marina Village, we have the ability to walk to stores and restaurants, which is one of the things that made it so attractive to us,” Bob Accordino said. “We use the pool for regular exercise as well as relaxing and cooling off on the warm summer days.

Pattie walks both the lake path and the neighborhoods. I enjoy riding my bike on the miles of streets that are safe and lightly trafficked.”

Residents can also enjoy pickleball courts, a dog park and a playground for grandchildren. Additionally, there are miles of nature paths and a dock for crabbing, fishing or launching kayaks to watch the sunset over the Cape Fear River. There are also planned social events and activities throughout the year.

“We have regular gatherings in our G o o d L i f eW i l m i n g t o n . c o m

Homes + Communities

Retirees Bob and Pattie Accordino recently moved to Riverlights.

Photo by Terah Hoobler

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Homes + Communities

“

Living in the Marina Village, we have the ability to walk to stores and restaurants, which is one of the things that made it so attractive to us. We use the pool for regular exercise as well as relaxing and cooling off on the warm summer days.

Pattie walks both the lake path and the neighborhoods.

I enjoy riding my bike on the miles of streets that are safe and lightly trafficked.”

Bob Accordino, Riverlights resident

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Photo c/o Riverlights

Live Oak Commons that feature live music, food trucks and an open-air market,” Herring said. “And our HOA welcomes residents with a tremendous variety of clubs and activities. It’s a vibrant place!”

The final phase of the masterplanned community, to be completed in 2026 or early 2027, features 7Bridge, a 121-acre mixed-use village. This development will include a second pedestrian-friendly commercial hub in addition to the existing Marina Village retail area. Future plans include Luminance, a 180-unit senior living facility, as well as a Refuel gas station and convenience store. Construction is also underway for the Riverhouse, an approximately 3,000-square-foot amenity and recreation center, which is expected to be completed sometime next year.

“We welcome buyers from all over the country and many who relocate

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from within the Cape Fear area,” Herring said. “We are on track to complete residential sales by the end of 2026 or early 2027.”

In recent years, several senior living communities have expanded or opened.

The 4,500-acre master-planned community of Brunswick Forest has a collection of neighborhoods spanning all age groups, with over 3,000 homes and several phases still underway.

In 2021, Liberty Senior Living, a division of Wilmington-based Liberty Healthcare, unveiled plans to build rental apartments and townhomes for active seniors on land the company purchased at Brunswick Forest going back to 2016.

There, Inspire Brunswick Forest opened in 2023 in the Villages at Brunswick Forest as a 55+ luxury apartment rental community with oneand two-bedroom units.

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Homes + Communities Brunswick Forest is situated on the edge of Town Creek, a tributary of the Cape Fear River. Just 10 minutes from historic downtown Wilmington and 30 minutes from the beaches, the masterplanned community is nestled on heavily wooded acres, including parks, nature trails, and creeks. It offers a wide range of amenities, offering residents an active lifestyle close to nature. There’s a connected, town center that offers convenient shopping, dining and access to medical and other important services.

Last summer, Oak Grove at Blake Farm, located at 49 N. Assembly Drive, began renting its apartments for residents aged 55 and over.

The community highlights a vibrant lifestyle with various social activities and fitness classes. Residents can enjoy maintenance-free living along with amenities such as a saltwater pool, fitness studio, rooftop lounge, golf simulator, library, dog park and storage facilities. The new apartments feature luxurious finishes, including quartz countertops and spa-inspired bathrooms.

For older adults on a budget, this May, the city zoning commission approved an innovative new project – Onyx Place. Nestled at 710 N. Kerr Ave. Onyx Place is a proposed development with a 48-unit affordable housing complex. Spearheaded by Wallick Communities, the developers are searching for funding from city and federal sources, aiming to create a vibrant living space.

With income-based housing for those earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income, this project hopes to pave the way for a supportive and inclusive community.

The Wilmington City Council was slated to consider the rezoning and annexation applications for Onyx Place in June.

According to a report from the N.C. Office of State Budget and Management in 2023, the population of older adults (ages 65 and older) in the state is projected to double by 2040, increasing from 1.8 million to an estimated 2.7 million.

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910.769.3583 loudermilkarch.com

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Envision Your

INDEPENDENT LIVING ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE BrightmoreOfWilmington.com

Visit one of our three communities in the Wilmington area.

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New Lifestyle INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY SUPPORT | SKILLED NURSING CarolinaBayAtAutumnHall.com

Friday 21

Walk throug

h park

Drinks on th Terrace at 7 e

55+ ACTIVE ADULT LIVING InspireBrunswickForest.com

A Life Plan Community offered by Liberty Senior Living

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Photo c/o Turtle Bay Homes

Photo c/o Bell Custom Homes

Homes + Communities

with

style

By Jenny Callison

Photo c/o Bell Custom Homes

Photo c/o Bell Custom Homes

Builders and home buyers plan for the future with thoughtful details, modern upgrades to make life a little easier

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Photo c/o Bell Custom Homes

aging in place

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new report from PODS shows Wilmington tied with Myrtle Beach as the top relocation destination in the U.S. In the moving and storage company’s most recent assessment, it tracked its customers’ moving decisions from January 2024 through March 2025.

In recent years, Wilmington has ranked among PODS’ customers as a popular place to settle, thanks to its “affordability, welcoming community, mild climate, laid-back lifestyle, and access to nature, appealing to retirees and families,” according to the report.

Since many of these incomers are retired, or are on the runway toward retirement, some local builders and developers have tailored their offerings specifically to this demographic.

“As a custom builder in this market, we gear our homes to empty nesters and retirees, and also to clients with immediate ADA needs,” said Cress Bell, referring to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Bell, owner of Bell Custom Homes in Wilmington, says his company builds homes that most of its clients call their forever home.

“The clients we serve, some think toward the future; they plan to be in their home indefinitely,” he added.

“They plan for the unknown future, whether they are 65 or 75. It could be an in-law or parent coming to live with them, or (themselves) aging in place.”

Bell designs and builds its singlefamily houses on its clients’ lots.

Premier Homes, by contrast, acquires tracts of land, designs and then builds a whole community or neighborhood. Having almost completed The Home Place of Southport, a neighborhood of 42 patio homes and 10 townhomes, it’s starting work on Turtle Bay, located on Hwy. 211 about 2 miles from Southport.

Plans call for 100 single-family homes in a gated community of G o o d L i f eW i l m i n g t o n . c o m

Homes + Communities nearly 55 acres. Like The Home Place of Southport, this development is designed with older adults in mind.

Future residents choose and buy their lot, then meet with Premier Homes’ representatives to select their floor plan and options.

Although Turtle Bay’s land/home packages start in the $600,000s, its target market is people who are looking for value, said Terry Ando, Premier Homes’ managing partner.

They are also looking for features that will serve them well as they age.

Full lawn maintenance is included in residents’ dues.

“Our standard package includes things like comfort-height toilets, interior and exterior lever door handles,” Ando said. “The doors are wider, and our walk-in showers are wide.”

All Turtle Bay homes have open floor plans, with nearly all daily living spaces on the main level. Several floor plans are one-level only.

Ando said all the Turtle Bay homes will have brick exteriors for easy maintenance, with a range of brickand-mortar colors to choose from.

Turtle Bay plans wide sidewalks on one side of each street to accommodate walkers, bikers and even golf carts. A nature trail will wind around the property; there are also natural common areas, each with a gazebo and bench.

What will Turtle Bay not offer?

“There will be no pool, clubhouse, tennis courts or fitness center; that’s to keep (HOA) dues affordable,” Ando said. “In a subdivision with 100 lots, these amenities are not feasible for retirees. You need 250 lots minimum to support those things. People in Turtle Bay can have their own pool.

This will be a gated community with private streets; we think that’s more important than having amenities.

The town of Southport has parks, tennis and pickleball courts, and right downtown you have the waterway and close proximity to beaches.”

Bell Custom Homes clients, 6070% of whom are retirees, usually have purchased their lot when they meet with company designers to plan their new home. Regardless of the design, Cress Bell recommends incorporating

They plan for the unknown future, whether they are 65 or 75. It could be an in-law or parent coming to live with them, or (themselves) aging in place.

Cress Bell owner of Bell Custom Homes aging-in-place features from the beginning rather than perhaps having to retrofit later.

“We include wider doorways in all areas of the house,” Bell said. “There’s also a grandeur to the home with wider doors and wider hallways.”

Like Premier Homes, Bell’s company focuses on accessible features for bathrooms: raised toilets, zero-entry showers and grab bars.

Kitchen designs favor pull-out shelves or drawers in the base cabinets.

Bell homes incorporate smart home technology to make controls easier.

“You can use your phone to control items in the house: lights, thermostats and fans,” Bell said. “You can check remotely to see if you have closed the garage door. These are in our standard package for homes regardless of the (owner’s) age.”

If a homebuyer has immediate accessibility issues, the home design can incorporate other accommodations, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms.

“We’ve done a lot of research; we can design a house for a fullsize wheelchair. We can also build wheelchair ramps,” Bell said. “Usually, a developer building for an older demographic doesn’t require a raised foundation, so there are no entry steps. It also makes building a ramp easier.”

Building a home with an eye toward possible future physical limitations doesn’t add much to the cost, according to Bell.

“You can really upfit a house,” he said, “to be very efficient for ADA needs at minimal cost.”

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Homes + Communities

Senior Living Options

Cambridge Village 75 Cavalier Drive, Wilmington, NC 28405 | (910) 239-9500 | cambridgevillageofwilmington.com No. of residents: 250 No. of units: 219 No. of full-time employees: Not listed Type of residents accepted: 60+ independent adults who are ready to enjoy a maintenance-free, all-inclusive apartment style residency. Residents with care needs have options for care available all within the community.

Services offered: Hybrid senior living community with multiple on-site health care partners; allinclusive resort-like rental includes $400 credit for dining, pub, room service, smoothie bar and salon; transportation, housekeeping, Wi-Fi, fitness and saltwater pool, hot tub and steam room with 30 classes/ week; studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments Year founded: 2015

Porters Neck Village 1200 Porters Neck Road, Wilmington, NC 28411| (910) 6867181 | portersneckvillage.org No. of residents: 221 No. of units: 292 No. of full-time employees: Not listed Type of residents accepted: Independent Services offered: Fine dining; meal delivery service; leisure and concierge services; regular housekeeping and linen service; 24-hour security staff; transportation to shopping, grocery stores and doctor appointments; a 24hour Resident Care Center & Licensed Home Care Agency; fitness center with indoor pool, salon services, auditorium; discounted green fees at neighboring golf courses Year founded: 1988

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photo c/o Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall

Good Life Wilmington’s sister publication, the Greater Wilmington Business Journal, publishes an annual list of local assisted living and independent living facilities. The list is based on voluntary surveys sent to facilities in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties.

Places that do not submit answers aren’t included, so this is not a comprehensive list below, but it does include details about many of the region’s options.

The list is ranked and listed in order below by the number of residents at each facility as of November 2023. The Business Journal will publish an updated list in December and in its annual Book on Business publication.

For more info, email editor@wilmingtonbiz.com.

Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall 630 Carolina Bay Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403 | (910) 769-7500 | carolinabayatautumnhall.com No. of residents: 184 No. of units: Not listed No. of full-time employees: Not listed Type of residents accepted: Independent living, assisted living, memory care and rehab Services offered: Planned continuing care retirement community with flexible meal options, 24-hour emergency response, weekly maid service, on-site health care and rehab, life enrichment programs, wellness center, scheduled transportation and spa/salon Year founded: 2015

Champions Assisted Living at Davis Community 1007 Porters Neck Road, Wilmington, NC 28411 | (910) 6866462 | thedaviscommunity.org No. of residents: 148 No. of units: 123 No. of full-time employees: Not listed Type of residents accepted: Offers assisted living and memory care to

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seniors in a community environment with the look and feel of home; campus offers a continuum of care Services offered: Continuum of care in an all-inclusive community that includes private suites and private bath, personal care, medication administration, 24-hour nursing professionals, meals and snacks, housekeeping, laundry services, medical transportation, activities, church services and wine socials, membership to Wellness Pavilion, WiFi and DIRECTV Year founded: 1999

Brightmore of Wilmington Independent Living 2324 S. 41st St., Wilmington, NC 28403 | (910) 350-1980 | brightmoreofwilmington.com No. of residents: 138 No. of units: Not listed No. of full-time employees: Not listed Type of residents accepted: Seniors who desire a community atmosphere offering 24-hour security with other amenities and non-medical services as well as access to additional services if or when needed Services offered: Rental retirement living with studio, one- and twobedroom apartments with full kitchens and porches; monthly fee includes utilities, cable, Wi-Fi, chefprepared meals, housekeeping and flat linen service, emergency call, transportation and complete enrichment/wellness program with social activities and classes Year founded: 1997

Inspire at Brunswick Forest 6146 Liberty Hall Drive, Leland, NC 28451 | (910) 756-5714 | inspirebrunswickforest.com No. of residents: 121 No. of units: 174 G o o d L i f eW i l m i n g t o n . c o m

photo c/o Wilmington Health

photo c/o Cambridge Village

Homes + Communities

No. of full-time employees: Not listed Type of residents accepted: Residents 55 and older Services offered: Smoke-free community, community pool, creative art center, pet park, pet spa, fitness center, yoga studio, theater room, billiards room, library, salon, indoor mail and package concierge, planned daily resident events, concierge services, outdoor courtyards with grilling stations, pickle ball, bocce ball and community garden Year founded: 2023

The Commons at Brightmore–Assisted Living and Memory Care 2324 S. 41st St., Wilmington, NC 28403 | (910) 335-2945 | brightmoreofwilmington.com No. of residents: 90 No. of units: Not listed No. of full-time employees: Not listed Type of residents accepted: Residents who need more moderate to substantial assistance with activities of daily living Services offered: Hands-on personal care for individuals who are medically stable but need help with meals, bathing, grooming and medication administration and management; transportation; 24-hour staff, daily housekeeping and laundry service, three meals per day and snacks, beauty/barber shop, social activities; secure memory support area with an enclosed safe courtyard; on-site therapy with gym and services Year founded: 2003

Bradley Creek Health Care 740 Diamond Shoals Road, Wilmington, NC 28403 | (910) 335-4263 | carolinabayatautumnhall.com No. of residents: 69 No. of units: Not listed No. of full-time employees: Not listed Type of residents accepted: For residents that require individualized assistance with daily living, memory support, rehabilitation or skilled nursing Services offered: Assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation, skilled nursing Year founded: 2015 G o o d L i f eW i l m i n g t o n . c o m

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Homes + Communities

Cape Fear Region Overview New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties cover nearly 2,000 square miles in Southeastern North Carolina – including some of the fastest-growing areas in the state. Here are some quick facts about the region.

NEW HANOVER COUNTY POPULATION

Total Area (square miles) 191.5 Population (2023 census estimates) 238,852 Population (2020 base) 225,707 Population growth (2020-23) 5.8%

HOUSEHOLDS

Total households (2018-22) 99,975 Housing units (2023) 123,264 Owner-occupied housing unit rate (2018-22) 59.5% Median value of owner-occupied housing units (2018-22) $320,000 Median gross rent (2018-22) $1,249 Building permits (2023) 2,883

INCOME

Median household income (2018-22, in 2022 dollars) $67,515 Persons in poverty 11.7%

GOVERNMENT

New Hanover County Government 230 Government Center Drive Wilmington, NC 28403 (910) 798-7311 nhcgov.com City of Wilmington 929 N. Front St. Wilmington, NC 28401 (910) 341-7800 wilmingtonnc.gov Wrightsville Beach

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321 Causeway Drive PO Box 626 Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 (910) 256-7900 townofwrightsvillebeach.com

Population (2023 census estimates) 159,964 Population (2020 base) 136,695 Population growth (2020-23) 17%

Carolina Beach 1121 N. Lake Park Blvd.

Carolina Beach, NC 28428 (910) 458-2999 carolinabeach.org

Total households (2018-22) 60,915 Housing units (2023) 102,934 Owner-occupied housing unit rate (2018-22) 83.7% Median value of owner-occupied housing units (2018-22) $284,100 Median gross rent (2018-22) $1,187 Building permits (2023) 6,663

COUNTY PARKS

Here are some of the county’s parks. Go to nhcgov.com/962/ParksGardens for a full list.

Arrowhead Park, 720 Arnold Road Amenities: Picnic shelter, tennis courts, basketball court, 18-hole disc golf course and multi-purpose field Veterans Park, 555 Halyburton Memorial Parkway Amenities: Pickleball courts, baseball/ softball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, playground, picnic shelters River Road Park, 6500 River Road Amenities: Accessible fishing pier, picnic shelters, boat ramp for kayaks and small boats

BRUNSWICK COUNTY POPULATION

Total Area (square miles) 847

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HOUSEHOLDS

INCOME

Median household income (2018-22, in 2022 dollars) $71,193 Persons in poverty 8.5%

GOVERNMENT Brunswick County Government 30 Government Center Drive NE Bolivia, NC 28422 (800) 442-7033 brunswickcountync.gov Town of Leland 102 Town Hall Drive Leland, NC 28451 (910) 371-0148 townofleland.com Town of Oak Island 4601 E. Oak Island Drive Oak Island NC, 28465 (910) 278-5011 oakislandnc.gov

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Homes + Communities City of Boiling Spring Lakes 9 East Boiling Spring Road Boiling Spring Lakes, NC 28461 (910) 363-0025 cityofbsl.org

COUNTY PARKS

Here are some of the county’s parks. Go to brunswickcountync. gov/367/Parks-Recreation for a full list.

Brunswick Nature Park, 2601 River Road Amenities: 911 acres of undeveloped wilderness, kayak/ canoe launch site, picnic pavilion, hiking and biking trails Leland Community Park, 1490 Village Road NE Amenities: Baseball fields, community building, paved walking path Ocean Isle Beach Park, 6483 Old Georgetown Road Amenities: Tennis courts, four pickleball courts, baseball and softball fields, dog park, amphitheater, multipurpose field

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PENDER COUNTY

pendercountync.gov

POPULATION

Town of Burgaw 109 N. Walker St. Burgaw, NC 28425 (910) 259-2151 burgawnc.gov

Total Area (square miles) 869.8 Population (2023 census estimates) 68,521 Population (2020 base) 60,199 Population growth (2020-23) 13.8%

HOUSEHOLDS

Total households (2018-22) 23,258 Housing units (2023) 32,794 Owner-occupied housing unit rate (2018-22) 82.3% Median value of owner-occupied housing units (2018-22) $240,800 Median gross rent (2018-22) $1,039 Building permits (2023) 1,082

INCOME

Town of Surf City P.O. Box 2475 Surf City, NC 28445 (910) 328-4131 surfcitync.gov

COUNTY PARKS

Here are some of the county’s parks.

Go to pendercountync.gov/576/ Parks-Recreation for a full list.

GOVERNMENT

Hampstead Kiwanis Park, 586 Sloop Point Loop Road Amenities: 53 acres with athletic fields, walking trail with fitness stations, picnic area

Pender County Government 805 S. Walker St. P.O. Box 5 Burgaw, NC 28425 (910) 259-1200

Millers Pond in Rocky Point, 12762 US Hwy. 117 Amenities: 7-acre pond surrounded by a half-mile walking trail, fishing, kayaking, picnicking

Median household income (201822, in 2022 dollars) $74,538 Persons in poverty 10.5%

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Health + Wellness

Running the Gamut

By Meghan Corbett | Photos by Terah Hoobler

A

for the better.

fter a career in corporate America was slowing down, Robyn Godfrey decided to totally switch gears to help others achieve their goals and thus, change their lives

“I’m a speaker, writer and running coach based in Wilmington. My goal is to inspire people of all ages to chase their dreams, no matter where they’re starting from,” Godfrey said. “Whether it’s running a marathon or simply building a healthier routine, I believe lasting change begins with a decision.”

Though a seasoned runner now, Godfrey did not begin her journey as one until the age of 47.

“At the time, I was working in sales, going to fancy dinners and drinking more wine and cocktails than I care to admit,” Godfrey said.

“After one particularly late night in Tampa, I woke up on just three hours of sleep and dragged myself to the hotel gym – completely hungover – and managed to run for 30 seconds on the treadmill. I did a run/walk interval for 30 minutes.

That tiny moment changed everything.”

She joined the Wilmington Road Runners Club (WRRC) and started entering local races.

“As I gained confidence and mileage, I set a bold goal – run a marathon for my 50th birthday,” she said. “That challenge launched me into a whole new chapter of life.”

While bold, Godfrey’s goal was achieved in 2016 when she completed the London Marathon.

“It was absolutely unforgettable,” she said.

“The sights, the energy, the outrageous costumes – it was like running through a street party. The course winds past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and the crowds were incredible – six to eight people deep in some places, all cheering their hearts out. I was completely hooked. The next year, I ran the Chicago Marathon and loved it just as much. That’s when the idea took hold – I was going to run all six of the World Marathon

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Majors. It felt like the perfect mix of adventure, personal challenge and global community.”

Though running marathons may seem tedious to some, Godfrey’s experiences prove how thrilling it can be to not just achieve personal goals but to see others do the same in an environment that offers something different each time with once-in-alifetime opportunities ready to be explored.

Godfrey completed “… all six of the World Marathon Majors: Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York and Tokyo. At the end of this incredible journey, you’re awarded the Six Star Medal – an honor given to runners who finish all six races.

“For me, it was the ultimate adventure – a chance to see the world and run through some of the most iconic cities on the planet,” she said. “Each race held a unique, unforgettable moment. I ran the London Marathon the year they celebrated their one-millionth finisher, with a ‘One in a Million’ campaign that made it feel extra special.”

Godfrey was in Berlin when Eliud Kipchoge shattered the world record. “Sharing the course that day was surreal,” Godfrey said. “And I ran the Boston Marathon when it was held in October for the first time in more than 125 years, due to COVID – a historic experience. Each city brought its own magic, and collecting those six stars was about so much more than medals – it was about resilience, grit and determination.”

A Six Star Finisher doesn’t have to be an Olympic runner. To achieve this goal, participants must complete all six majors within an official cutoff time.

“The Six Star journey has become hugely popular worldwide, with runners from more

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Health + Wellness

Where Living

than 100 countries participating,” Godfrey said. “As of early 2025, just over 13,000 people have earned this prestigious medal – making it one of the most coveted achievements in distance running.

It’s not just a personal milestone; it’s a celebration of perseverance, global travel and the unifying spirit of marathoning. These races aren’t easy to get into either – entry is highly competitive. I ran three of the races through charity programs, raising more than $18,500 for causes. The other three I secured through the lottery system which can be just as challenging. Every start line was hard-earned – and every finish line unforgettable.”

To share her journey in a thoughtful way, Godfrey decided to write a book.

“I decided to write Running the World because, behind all the race medals and finish lines, was a much deeper story, one filled with adversity, resilience and transformation,” she said. “While training for and running the World Marathon Majors, life threw just about everything at me.”

Her husband was diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer, which brought on years of ongoing health challenges. The couple weathered Hurricane Florence, navigated the pandemic “and even faced a wildfire during my virtual Boston Marathon out West.”

“Two days before the Tokyo Marathon, there was an earthquake,” Godfrey said.

And, in the midst of it all, Godfrey dealt with severe knee issues that threatened to sideline her completely.

“I want readers to know that it’s never too late to go after your dreams,” Godfrey said. “I’m 59 now, still setting goals and chasing them. Whether it’s running, biking or any dream you’ve been carrying for years, I want people to know – it is possible. I hope my journey encourages readers to believe in their own and to take that first step – even if it’s just 30 seconds on a treadmill. Because sometimes, that’s all it takes to begin transforming your life.”

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Delivering Comprehensive Family and Cosmetic Dermatology to Wilmington Waccamaw Dermatology is now in Wilmington and is accepting new patients of all ages and most forms of insurance, with same-day and next-day appointments available!

Contact Us Today!

2725 Iron Gate Drive, Suite 100, Wilmington, NC 28403 910-909-4242

G o o d L i f eW i l m i n g t o n . c o m

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Health + Wellness

CFCC donor Dan Saklad stands outside the building named for him and his late wife. The couple have made more than $3 million in contributions to health eduction.

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Photo by Logan Burke

Photo c/o Lower Cape Fear LifeCare

Health + Wellness

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare has remembrance areas at each of its facilities where tribute plaques are displayed.

Giving Back

T

to Health Needs

he motivation behind charitable giving varies from person to person.

Sometimes it’s as modest as empathy for a cause. Sometimes that becomes so impactful that it can change a community.

“People care about the communities where they live, work and play,” said Katie Tate, foundation director at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, the fundraising arm of Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.

Founded in 1980 by local physician Daniel Gottovi and a group of dedicated volunteers, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare was established with a vision that everyone deserves access to high-quality hospice and palliative care regardless of ability to pay.

“Many of our donors want to ensure that the same, compassionate care that their loved ones received at the end of life are available for their families, friends and neighbors,” Tate said. “Many choose to give in honor or memory of their loved ones after their death. We have recently seen a lot of funders supporting efforts to increase and enhance our local health care workforce.

I hear incredible stories about my teammates and the patients and families they care for every day. It inspires me, and I believe it inspires philanthropy within our

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By Beth A. Klahre

community.”

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare is not alone in receiving financial support for the health care workforce.

Since 2000, Dan Saklad and wife, Sheila – who died in 2020 – have contributed to health care education at Cape Fear Community College, at first through scholarships.

In January 2024, the college announced that the Saklads made a transformative $3 million contribution for the renovations to the building at 319 N. Front St. The facility, recently dedicated as the Dan and Sheila Saklad Health and Human Services Center, includes four new simulation hospital rooms, six additional interdisciplinary simulation spaces and three new nursing labs outfitted with the latest technology and equipment.

“These advanced simulation areas allow students to engage in realistic clinical scenarios, better preparing them for real-world health care environments,” said Mary Ellen Naylor, CFCC’s health and human services dean. “The interdisciplinary spaces have been particularly impactful in promoting teamwork across different health care fields, a critical skill in today’s collaborative patient care settings. Hands-on learning opportunities are allowing nursing students to develop and refine clinical skills in a controlled, supportive environment.”

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Health + Wellness

Linda and Yoursy Sayed are shown with UNCW chancellor Aswani Volety. This year, the Sayeds gifted $25 million to the university, benefiting medical and heath research and education program.

Photo c/o UNCW

because of the direct impact on individuals and communities, said David Howell, executive director of Cape Fear Community College’s Foundation, which supports student education opportunities through programs, scholarships, faculty grants and capital projects.

“Health care touches every person at some point in their lives. Investing in the education of future health care professionals is a meaningful way to improve the quality of life in our community, address critical workforce shortages and leave a lasting legacy,” he said.

“Donors see their contributions as a way to support students and ensure that high-quality care is available for future generations. Gifts supporting community health care are powerful, tangible ways to make a difference for years.”

According to Howell, donors are essential to CFCC’s health care initiatives, providing resources that public funding alone cannot.

“Gifts like the Saklads’ make it possible to create advanced learning spaces, fund cutting-edge technology and expand critical health care programs,” he said. “Their support directly enhances student training and helps prepare a skilled workforce ready to meet growing

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health care demands. Ultimately, donors invest not only in education but in improving the health and wellbeing of our entire community.”

Saklad said his decision to donate to CFCC for health care education was easy.

“I got to know the college in the early 2000s,” he said. “I saw what the college was doing for young men and women and the people they serve.

My exposure to the students and the faculty showed me that they are doing the right thing by these young men and women.”

While Saklad has contributed to other causes within the community, he said that donating to CFCC was a wise choice. “In my heart, the U.S. deserves more professional nursing.

It’s not rocket science. Nurses and teachers make a community better,” he said. “This opportunity came out of nowhere. I’m just a regular person who was presented with an opportunity. I know that Shelia and I did something to impact people’s lives, and everyone is better for it.”

Similarly, the University of North Carolina Wilmington received a $25 million gift commitment from Yousry Sayed and his wife, Linda, for the advancement of UNCW’s programs in medical education, clinical care, research and health

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care accessibility. Five million dollars is designated to programs to recruit prospective teachers. A portion of this funding will support scholarships for individuals transitioning to a teaching career. The Sayeds’ gift marks the largest philanthropic commitment in the university’s history.

The Sayeds said the need for health care education at a time of workforce shortages and other enormous challenges prompted them to take action.

“Our journey began here at UNCW, and over the years, this wonderful place provided a foundation for us to raise our family, to join a community and build careers that have inspired us to learn, grow and lead. It is our hope that the programs and opportunities created and supported by this gift will benefit generations to come,” Linda Sayed said.

Yousry Sayed, a member of the school’s board of trustees and former UNCW faculty member, said, “If you talk to friends, if you talk to family members, they talk about education and the importance of it, and how we could do better, right?

What’s the next thing? The health care system. So, it was an easy decision for both of us."

In May 2024, Brunswick Community College announced that its new state-of-the-art nursing simulation laboratory was named in honor of Pamela Jones, daughter of BCC donor Maureen Wright.

Jones was a graduate of Emory Law School and chief legal officer and vice president of human resources at Lee Hecht Harrison. Jones was described as “kind and thoughtful, a beautiful person with an energetic mind and a wide, caring heart,” in the BCC announcement.

In that same spirit, Saklad said, “When I see the results from what I have given, that makes me happy.

The notes I receive from students are written from the heart. The students are achieving. They are happy and grateful. They will add value to this world. Very simply, my life has been good, and so I give back. And that gives me heart.”

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An Alternative To Nursing Home Placement.

Services are covered by Medicaid and Medicare.

If Elderhaus seems like the solution you have been looking for call us at 910.343.8209

1380 North College Road, Wilmington, NC 28405 www.elderhaus.com

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Health + Wellness

Area Physician Groups & Southeastern NC Hospitals On these pages are directories of list of local doctor offices and area hospitals, according to info from voluntary surveys compiled in late 2024. Groups in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties that did not respond to the surveys are not included below. For more info, email newsroom@wilmingtonbiz.com. photo c/o Wilmington Health

Area Physician Groups Novant Health Medical Group 2131 S. 17th St., Wilmington, NC 28402 | (910) 662-6000 | novanthealth.org No. of local doctors: 304 No. of NP/PAs: 227 No. of nurses: 253 No. of local employees: Not listed Specialties: Cardiology, family and internal medicine, gastroenterology, endoscopy center, general surgery, surgical oncology, maxillofacial surgery, plastic surgery, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, pediatrics and pediatric specialties, psychiatry, pulmonary and sleep medicine, rheumatology and more Hospital affiliation: Novant Health NHRMC and Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center

Wilmington Health 1202 Medical Center Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401| (910) 3413300 | wilmingtonhealth.com No. of local doctors: 138 No. of NP/PAs: 127 No. of nurses: 90 No. of local employees: 982 Specialties: Primary care through family medicine, internal medicine, OB/GYN and pediatrics departments; urgent care services; including Today’s Cares, Today’s Care Pediatrics, Today’s Care+ and Urgent Care in Jacksonville; specialty care services ranging 35+ specialties

EmergeOrtho-Coastal Region 2716 Ashton Drive, Wilmington, NC 28412 | (910) 332-3800 | emergeortho.com No. of local doctors: 45 No. of NP/PAs: 47 No. of nurses: 6 No. of local employees: 600

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Wilmington Health providers at its Ambulatory Surgery Center

Specialties: Practice offering the latest advancements and treatments for conditions of the bones, muscles and joint health throughout Southeastern North Carolina; team of specialists offering orthopedic and spine care in each sub-specialty area Hospital affiliation: Novant Health, Novant Health NHRMC Orthopedic Hospital, Brunswick Surgery Center, Wilmington SurgCare, Dosher Memorial Hospital, Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center

UNC Health Children’s Wilmington 2131 S. 17th St., Wilmington, NC 28401 | (910) 667-7360 | med.unc. edu/pediatrics/specialty-care No. of local doctors: 40 No. of NP/PAs: 27 No. of nurses: 0 No. of local employees: 60 Specialties: Pediatric: neonatology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, pulmonology, inpatient services, neurology, hematology, urology, newborn services, pediatric critical care, cardiology Hospital affiliation: Novant NHRMC Women’s & Children’s Hospital,

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UNC Health Children's-Chapel Hill, UNC Health Southeastern, Onslow Memorial, Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, Columbus Regional Medical Center

Delaney Radiologists Group PLLC 1025 Medical Center Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 | (910) 7623882 | delaneyrad.com No. of local doctors: 35 No. of NP/PAs: 11 No. of nurses: 1 No. of local employees: 87 Specialties: Radiology, neuroradiology, musculoskeletal, pediatric radiology, women’s imaging, interventional radiology Hospital affiliation: Novant Health NHRMC, Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center, Novant Health Pender Medical Center, Dosher Memorial Hospital

North American Partners in Anesthesia 2131 S. 17th St., Wilmington, NC 28401 | (910) 442-1100 | napaanesthesia.com G o o d L i f eW i l m i n g t o n . c o m

Health + Wellness No. of local doctors: 33 No. of NP/PAs: 8 No. of nurses: 7 No. of local employees: 48 Specialties: Anesthesiology with subspecialty training in pediatrics, cardiothoracic, pain management, neurosurgical, and critical care medicine Hospital affiliation: Novant Health NHRMC, Cape Fear Hospital, Novant Scotts Hill Surgicenter, Dosher Memorial Hospital, Novant Health Pender Medical Center, EmergeOrtho ASC, Wilmington Health ASC, and multiple physician offices

Wilmington Eye 1729 New Hanover Medical Park Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403 | (910) 763-3601 | wilmingtoneye.com No. of local doctors: 25 No. of NP/PAs: 1 No. of nurses: 21 No. of local employees: 191 Specialties: Ophthalmology

Wilmington Gastroenterology 5115 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403 | (910) 362-1011 | wilmingtongi.com No. of local doctors: 9 No. of NP/PAs: 10 No. of nurses: 17 No. of local employees: 100 Specialties: Diagnosis and treatment of digestive and liver diseases including colorectal cancer screening Hospital affiliation: Novant Health NHRMC

Dermatology Associates 6781 Parker Farm Drive, Wilmington, NC 28405 | (910) 763-1555 | DermatologyAssociatesWilmington. com No. of local doctors: 7 No. of NP/PAs: 1 No. of nurses: Not listed No. of local employees: 41 Specialties: Medical dermatology and cosmetic dermatology Hospital affiliation: Not listed

Wilmington Pathology Associates PA 1915 S. 17th St., Suite 100, Wilmington, NC 28401 | (910) 3629511 | wilmingtonpathology.com No. of local doctors: 7 G o o d L i f eW i l m i n g t o n . c o m

No. of NP/PAs: Not listed No. of nurses: Not listed No. of local employees: 12 Specialties: Anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, surgical pathology, dermatopathology, hematopathology, gynecologic pathology, cytopathology, gastrointestinal pathology Hospital affiliation: Novant Health NHRMC, NHRMC Orthopedic Hospital, Novant Health Pender Medical Center, Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center

Wilmington Surgical Associates 2739 Iron Gate Drive, Wilmington, NC 28412 | (910) 763-7363 | wilmingtonsurgical.com No. of local doctors: 7 No. of NP/PAs: 4 No. of nurses: 8 No. of local employees: Not listed Specialties: General and abdominal surgery, minimally invasive surgery (robotic and laparoscopic), breast surgery, oncologic surgery, bariatric surgery, colon surgery, vein and wound care Hospital affiliation: Novant Health NHRMC

Coastal Vascular Institute PA

Southeastern NC Hospitals Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center 2131 S. 17th St., Wilmington, NC 28401 | (910) 667-7000 | NovantHealth.org No. of licensed beds: 800 No. of physicians: 909 No. of local staff: 6,495

Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center 240 Hospital Drive NE, Bolivia, NC 28422 | (910) 721-1000 | NovantHealth.org No. of licensed beds: 74 No. of physicians: 402 No. of local staff: 566

1411 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 | (910) 343-0811 | coastal-vascular.com No. of local doctors: 3 No. of NP/PAs: 3 No. of nurses: 3 No. of local employees: Not listed Specialties: Vascular Hospital affiliation: Novant Health NHRMC

Novant Health Pender Medical Center

Magnolia Family Medicine

924 N. Howe St., Southport, NC 28461 | (910) 457-3800 | dosher.org No. of licensed beds: 25 No. of physicians: 100 No. of local staff: 400

3720 Shipyard Blvd., Wilmington, NC 28401| (910) 796-3212 | magnoliafmed.com No. of local doctors: 1 No. of NP/PAs: Not listed No. of nurses: Not listed No. of local employees: 5 Specialties: Family medicine Hospital affiliation: Novant Health NHRMC, Novant Health New Hanover Orthopedic Hospital Year founded: 2000

507 E. Fremont St., Burgaw, NC 28425 | (910) 300-4000 | NovantHealth.org No. of licensed beds: 25 No. of physicians: 261 No. of local staff: 207

Dosher Memorial Hospital

Novant Health New Hanover Orthopedic Hospital 5301 Wrightsville Ave., Wilmington, NC 28403 | (910) 667-8100 | NovantHealth.org No. of licensed beds: 800 No. of physicians: 909 No. of local staff: 6,495 S u m m er

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Good Shepherd Center 2024 Program Highlights

500

4

volunteers

campuses

9

programs

Our mission is to feed the hungry,

76,500

127,987

meals provided through the Grocery Giveaway

hot meals served in the Soup Kitchen

52,000 meals delivered to rehoused seniors and families

shelter the homeless,

330 unduplicated adults and children sheltered overnight

316

unduplicated individuals provided Day Shelter services

36,459 total nights of safe shelter accessed in our Night Shelter

and foster transition to housing.

193 men, women, and children returned to a safe, stable home of their own

48 chronically homeless adults rehoused with supportive services at SECU Lakeside Reserve and the Sgt. Eugene Ashley Center

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homeless Veterans returned to independent housing through the Sgt. Eugene Ashley Center

Our mission is made possible through the support of donors, volunteers, and community partners. Get involved today at www.goodshepherdwilmington.org.

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Volunteer Opportunities

How Can You Help?

The mission of Good Shepherd Center is to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and foster transition to housing.

Serving On Site

Ways to get involved.

Join Good Shepherd Center in our mission to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and foster transition to housing. By volunteering your time and talents, you can directly impact the lives of our most vulnerable neighbors. Whether you’re interested in meal prep, event planning, organizing silent auctions, or gathering essential supplies, we have a place for you! Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate community—one volunteer hour at a time.

Soup Kitchen Meal Prep & Service: Help prepare, serve, and clean up after meals for guests. Assist in creating a welcoming atmosphere while ensuring that those in need receive nutritious food.

Second Helpings Food Sorting & Distribution: Sort and organize rescued food donations from local grocery stores, preventing waste and providing fresh supplies for both our guests and partner organizations.

Shelter Support & Special Projects: Tackle hands-on tasks such as cleaning, painting, or basic maintenance in our Day or Night Shelter spaces, helping maintain a safe and dignified environment for guests.

In The Community Donation Drives & Collection Bins: Host off-site donation drives at your workplace, neighborhood, or faith community to gather high-need items like toiletries, nonperishable foods, and cleaning supplies.

Gardening & Grounds Maintenance: Assist with mulching, weeding, and seasonal plantings at our main campus and supportive housing sites to create a warm, welcoming outdoor environment.

“Volunteering at GSC has completely changed my outlook.

Every meal we serve and every conversation we share makes a real difference.”

– Sarah, Volunteer

Extending Our Reach

Purchase With Purpose

Event Planning Committees: Join one of our special event planning teams, where you can help coordinate logistics, brainstorm new ideas, and promote gatherings that raise critical funds for our mission.

Silent Auction Item Collection & Coordination: Work with local businesses and community members to gather donated items for our silent auctions, which serve as a significant fundraising component of various Good Shepherd Center events.

Soup Kitchen Needs: Butter, sugar, salad dressing, and condiments to keep meals running smoothly.

Toiletries: Travel-size shampoo, razors, toothpaste, and laundry detergent for guest essentials.

Shelter Supplies: New men’s and women’s underwear, flip flops, earbuds, cough drops, antacids, and OTC medications to support daily comfort and health.

Cleaning Supplies: Disinfectant spray, paper towels, and trash bags to maintain a safe and clean environment.

To get involved, contact our Volunteer Coordinator at ebrown@goodshepherdwilmington.org G o o d L i f e W i l m i n g t o n . c o m or call (910) 763-4424 x 142

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Fort Fisher State Historic Site director Jim Steele stands with one of the site's Confederate cannons.

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Fort Fisher State Historic Site's restored earthworks fortifications

HISTORY BUFFS Projects to spotlight the area’s history are making room for more visitors

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he Port City is set to unveil several major historical and cultural initiatives including the upcoming Cape Fear Museum revamp, efforts to try and bring a submarine museum to the region and a newly expanded Fort Fisher State Historic Site building. Visitors and residents alike have plenty of existing and new attractions in the Cape Fear region and many to look forward to in the coming years, as well.

EXPANDING HISTORY Fort Fisher, site of the Civil War’s largest amphibious battle located at Kure Beach, boasts a G o o d L i f eW i l m i n g t o n . c o m

By Moment Palmer | Photos by Logan Burke

new 20,000-square-foot visitor center complete with event space for private and public occasions, new exhibit galleries and the Friends of Fort Fisher Gift Shop.

The expanded center opened in November.

“Around 15 years ago we were realizing that we had a great need for more space, and we were watching visitation numbers go up from about 500,000 to 600,000 in 2007 when I started, and by 2010 that number had risen to nearly 800,000,” said Jim Steele, manager of the Fort Fisher Historic Site.

Annual visitor numbers have since increased to more than 1 million, he said.

After nearly two decades of setbacks – finances, construction and the pandemic – and with the help and backing of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and the nonprofit organization Friends of Fort Fisher,

the project became a reality, and doors opened on Nov. 1.

“Our new center is three times the size of the old one and has a tremendous activity hall that’s a big open space with a balcony that can be set up for anything from a classroom to a symposium to a wedding reception,” Steele said. “The other wonderful thing is that given all the extra space, we were able to make this visitor center exactly what we wanted it to be: not just a Civil War museum and a tourist attraction but also a community space. We wanted to be able to share this and work with our partners in the community who supported us through all these years.”

Currently, visitors can check out the “CB100: Bathing Suit Exhibit” – a retrospective of women’s swimwear over the past century – as part of this year’s Carolina Beach Centennial Celebration.

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ON THE HORIZON The N.C. Submarine Foundation has big plans for its vision of the future, which involves the idea to build a museum in the Port City.

Christopher Perrien, executive director of the N.C. Submarine Museum Foundation, said the establishment could feature an abovethe-surface facility, rather than a decommissioned or retired submarine, which are featured at most submarine museums.

A virtual reality component is also being considered for the project, which further progresses the foundation’s vision and mission of its STEM Education and Workforce Innovation Center (SEWIC). Perrien said foundation officials hope the museum would “excite people about what we think is the most sophisticated machine built in the world – the American nuclear-powered submarine.”

In 2008, the Navy commissioned the USS North Carolina (SSN 777) submarine in Wilmington. Since then, the city has continued to build on its strong maritime legacy, offering several advantages that support the effort to establish a new museum.

These include its close connection to the ocean and a deep-rooted military and maritime culture, as well as its existing reputation as home to one of North Carolina’s most popular attractions — the Battleship North Carolina.

“There are 1,500 family members across three

Photo by Madeline Gray

MUSEUM MOVES Project Grace, New Hanover County’s $56 million project in downtown Wilmington, will feature a new facility and mixed-use development, including new spaces for the New Hanover County Main Public Library and the Cape Fear Museum.

The new area which will be known as “The Grace District” is underway with construction on track as of late April of this year with the following projected timeline:

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Rendering c/o the N.C. Submarine Museum Foundation

submarines that we support,” Perrien said. “These boats go on patrol for seven months at a time underwater, and that puts a lot of strain on the average family.”

This museum would not only continue to honor and support submarine veterans and their families but also inspire interest in those entering the workforce to pursue careers in math and science and more specifically, submarine technology.

Perrien predicts a budget of $35 million to $65 million and projects that the museum could be open for business by 2028 if funding and approvals come through – 20 years after the commissioning of the USS North Carolina submarine.

• August: The NHC Main Public Library on Chestnut Street will close and reopen in the new facility in October.

• November through May: The Cape Fear Museum will temporarily close.

• Early 2026 (projected by May): Project Grace opens to the public.

“I’m excited to see all of the new exhibitions that we have been working on for so long and can’t wait to see the public engage with them,” said Kate Baillon, director at the Cape Fear Museum. “Having a 5,000-square-foot exhibition for temporary exhibitions means that we have more opportunity to bring new, exciting experiences to the community.”

Once the project wraps and the new museum at Grace Street opens, Cape Fear Museum’s building on Market Street will remain part of the museum complex, housing the main collection and serving as the research and development hub.

Staff will continue caring for the collection, developing content for new exhibitions and articles, designing and fabricating new exhibitions for the Grace Street location, and repairing and maintaining exhibits at the new facility.

“As we get closer to opening, we will be beginning our new volunteer program as there will be so many more opportunities for volunteers to engage at the Grace Street location with our new exhibitions and expanded programming,” Baillon said.

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boogie brigade

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By Lynda Van Kuren | Photos by Madeline Gray

group of seniors in Carolina Beach are defying the stereotypes about aging. One, two, maybe three nights a week they are on the dance floor, kicking up their heels. They may not be perfect as they do the Boot Scootin’ Boogie and other classic and new line dances, but they are having tons of fun.

These women (and a few men) are students of Kelli Derengowski, who heads up Beaches and Boots Line Dancing. Some of the dancers, most of whom are aged 50-80, dance simply for their own enjoyment. Others join Beaches and Boots performance arm and also dance at charities and raise money for local causes.

“You can stay at home and grow old, or you can do something to keep you young,” said Johanna Kjesbu. “Through Beaches and Boots Line Dancing, you have goals. Everything stays vital.

You are part of society, and you know you are making a difference to someone else.”

Line dancing, which has had a recent resurgence in popularity, provides many of

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the elements older adults need to be healthy and happy in their golden years. It improves everything from balance to stride to heart rate, Derengowski said. Line dancing is also good for memory, as new nerve pathways are created when the dancers learn new dances and dance sequences, she added.

But Beaches and Boots also improves the dancers’ lives in another vital way. They gain friends who are there for them on and off the dance floor.

“We are just a group of girls doing something we love to do, and we support each other and become very close,” Trudy Robare said. “When new people come, we embrace them. … We become a family.”

Derengowski currently teaches Beaches and Boots line dancing classes at the Carolina Beach Recreation Center, Carolina Beach American Legion and El Cazador Mexican Restaurant. The classes are geared to three different skill levels: absolute beginners, beginners and experienced dancers.

Her classes are unique in that she uses all types of musical genres for line dancing. Also, thanks to her background in ballroom dancing, Derengowski’s choreography is full of surprises.

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Lifestyles + Connections

Kelli Deregowski leads a Beaches and Boots line dancing class at American Legion Post 129 in Carolina Beach. The group meets there to dance every Thursday evening.

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“

We are just a group of girls doing something we love to do, and we support each other and become very close. When new people come, we embrace them. … We become a family.

“

Trudy Robare, Beaches and Boots line dancer

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Lifestyles + Connections In addition to traditional and even new line dancing steps and sequences, she incorporates steps and movements from the waltz, cha cha and mambo into her dances.

While Derengowski’s classes can be intense – students get a great cardio workout while progressing from the basic line dancing steps and sequences to more intricate patterns and dances – she modifies the steps and breaks them down so her students can master them.

Derengowski also makes her classes engaging and fun. Putting movement to music and getting one’s boots (or tennis shoes) in the right sequences on the floor leaves no room for drama, social media, caregiving or other family concerns, or other stressors.

“It’s a time for the dancers to have fun and forget their worries, just for a little bit,” Derengowski saod.

Fun is so important to Derengowski that she makes it a priority. She is the first to admit that she messes up, so her students feel okay about messing up, too. They laugh through their mistakes and keep on trying. And they keep improving. Beginners move up to the next level and then the next, and soon people who never dreamed they’d advance so far are doing the hitch kick, Derengowski said.

Jamie Bowman said that it was just that encouragement and good-natured fun that gave her the incentive to continue line dancing despite her first fumbling efforts.

“They (her classmates) kept telling me to get back out there,” she said. “They support you and pull you in and help you.”

Some dancers also join the Beaches and Boots Performance Team, which raises funds and dances at local charities. One of the team’s most popular fundraisers is the annual Witches Pub Crawl.

The dancers, dressed as witches and armed with festive wands, perform in front of one pub after another to raise money for little-known but worthy causes. One year the team raised more than $12,000 for a child who had leukemia, and in another they raised enough money for a roof for a local resident’s home, Derengowski said.

An unexpected but cherished part of Beaches and Boots is the bonds the dancers form. The women leap into action when illness or a surgery strikes a dancer or her family, bringing meals and visiting to help alleviate the strain.

They are there when tragedy strikes, too. For instance, they helped Boman, when a new widow, get through her grief. Boman says the women were instrumental in getting her to socialize instead of staying home alone with her sadness.

And when times are good, the women take on the town, going out to line dance on their own, meeting for dinner, and attending cool events together.

“I have never had as many friends as I have gained through line dancing,” Kjesbu said. “I couldn’t be more grateful. I’ve never seen anything like this.”

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Lifestyles + Connections GREENFIELD LAKE AMPHITHEATER

Photo c/o Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

Performance Venues

The region features entertainment venues large and small that house local productions as well as touring music acts and plays. Here are some of the places to check out performances.

Airlie Gardens 300 Airlie Road, Wilmington, NC 28403 | (910) 798-7700 | airliegardens.org Entertainment: The Airlie Summer Concert Series with live music outdoors runs from June to late August or early September Other attractions: Formal gardens, walking trails, views of Bradley Creek, 10 acres of freshwater lakes, azaleas, the 480-year-old Airlie Oak, N.C. Birding Trail location, Bottle Chapel, Butterfly House (May-Sept.), Art Exhibit (Jul.-Dec.), seasonal events such as Blooms & Brews, The Airlie Oyster Roast and Enchanted Airlie

Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park 10 Cowan St., Wilmington, NC 28401

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| (910) 343-3614 | livenation.com/ venue/KovZ917A0DZ/live-oak-bankpavilion-events Entertainment: National live performances, civic events, rentals 2025 lineup: Upcoming shows include The Black Keys (June), Dwight Yoakam (June), Brad Paisley (July), Jim Gaffigan (August), John Legend (October)

Thalian Hall Center for Performing Arts PO Box 371, Wilmington, NC 28402 | (910) 632-2241 | thalianhall.org Entertainment: Main Attractions series, Opera House Theatre Company season, Thalian Association Community Theatre season, Big Dawg Productions season, film festivals, Cinematique and Techmoja

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Theatre and Dance Company season 2025 lineup: Upcoming shows include Hairspray (June/July), Oklahoma! (August), Carling Gunhild (October), Cameron Carpenter (October), A Celtic Christmas (December)

CFCC’s Wilson Center 703 N. Third St., Wilmington, NC 28401 | (910) 362-7999 | wilsoncentertickets.com Entertainment: National Broadway tours, national and international concerts, comedy and other performing arts events, including local renters 2025-26 lineup: Upcoming shows include Wynonna Judd (June), Gladys Knight (June), Three Dog Night (August), Chicago (February), Mamma Mia! (March), Kinky Boots (April)

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Lifestyles + Connections

Cameron Art Museum 3201 S. 17th St., Wilmington, NC 28412 | (910) 395-5999 | cameronartmuseum.org Entertainment: The Art of Food wine dinner (June), Port City Music Festival (June), Jazz at CAM live season, Live! at CAM Café series Top exhibits/attractions: Rotating exhibitions in two wings of the museum, situated on 9.2 acres that include the PNC USCT Park featuring the Boundless sculpture, a large Whirligig, nature trails, pond and a Civil War historic site

ELVIS COSTELLO AT CFCC'S WILSON CENTER

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater 1941 Amphitheater Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401 | (910) 343-3614 | greenfieldlakeamphitheater.com Entertainment: Live Nation-booked concerts, civic events and rentals at an outdoor stage overlooking Greenfield Lake 2025 lineup: Upcoming shows include Shakey Graves (July), Drive-By Truckers (August), The Struts (August), Trombone Shorty (September), The Revivalists (November)

Photo c/o Wilson Center

wilmingtoncommunityarts.org Entertainment: Performing and visual art shows and classes, World War II museum, Orange Street Pottery, film festivals and more; Thalian Association Community Theatre season, Voices in Community Choir, USO Show & Dance (November)

UNCW Kenan Auditorium

Hannah Block Historic USO/ Community Arts Center

601 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403 | (910) 962-2515 | uncw.edu/ seahawk-life/arts/presents

120 S. Second St., Wilmington, NC 28401 | (910) 341-7860 |

Entertainment: Kenan Auditorium Presents, UNCW Seahawk FAM; other

performances

Brooklyn Arts Center + The Annex 516 N. Fourth St., Wilmington, NC 28401 | (910) 859-4615 | brooklynartsnc.com Entertainment: Concerts, private events, fundraisers

Bellamy Mansion Museum 503 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28401 | (910) 251-3700 | bellamymansion.org Entertainment: Special events include jazz concerts, history lectures, free community events, a Christmas open house and more; open daily for tours; also features rotating exhibits focused on fine art, history, historic preservation and design arts

Odell Williamson Auditorium 150 College Road NE, Bolivia, NC 28422 | (910) 755-8513 | https:// bccowa.com

THALIAN HALL CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS Photo c/o Thalian Hall G o o d L i f eW i l m i n g t o n . c o m

Entertainment: A 1,500-seat performing arts facility at Brunswick County Community College 2025 lineup: Upcoming shows include Big Daddy Weave (June), Taylor’s Thread Tribute to James Taylor (October), Sail on the Beach Boys Tribute (November), Get Ready: The Motown Tribute (January) S u m m e r

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Personal chef Courtney Matheson helps people of all ages make meals easier and healthier

By Stephanie Bowens | Photos by Madeline Gray

It’s been said that there’s nothing like a home-cooked meal. Through Delish, a personal chef service, Courtney Matheson is taking the stress and worry out of meal prep and cooking for her clients by creating and serving healthy meals in their homes throughout the week. She also offers chef services for special occasions.

From busy professionals, older adults, exhausted parents, vacationers and people experiencing

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major illnesses or diet restrictions, through Delish’s weekly meal plan service, Matheson offers clients convenient access to healthy, fresh chef-prepared meals, cooking four meals for her clients each week.

Saving her clients time and energy, she purchases and picks the food and ingredients, prepares and cooks the meals in the client’s home and cleans the dishes.

“It’s freeing up time,” Matheson said. “We all know that meal planning, grocery shopping, prepping and cooking and then cleaning up afterward, take a long time. So, if you are busy, (my service) relieves a lot of people’s stress, not having to do that part of life.”

But doing that part of life, the cooking and food prepping, is something Matheson enjoys.

“I love cooking,” she said. “I’ve always been

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Lifestyles + Connections the cook of the house. If I had roommates, I would be the person that made the family dinners. I also cooked for myself a lot as a kid.”

Matheson was born in Syracuse, New York, graduated from Buffalo State University, and lived in Brooklyn before moving to Wilmington about 21 years ago. In Brooklyn, she worked as a textile designer, but she found her niche in professional cooking when she started working in restaurants in Wilmington.

Matheson first worked in frontof-the-house positions, but during her first time cooking at Elijah’s restaurant in downtown Wilmington, she quickly felt at home. “When I got in the kitchen, I felt so comfortable and with my people,” Matheson said.

Matheson cooked at various local restaurants, including 10 years at Elijah’s, where she served as a sous chef. After her son, Hendrix, was born in 2012, Matheson soon left restaurant work to spend more time with him, turning instead to personal cheffing.

She launched Delish in 2013, where she serves the Wilmington area, areas up to Topsail Beach and down to Sunset Beach.

Matheson said she enjoys making it possible for more people to have a personal chef. “I love being accessible to everyone because everyone deserves to eat healthy, good food,” she said. “It’s not just for people with million-dollar mansions or people who have a lot of extra money, but I enjoy being able to provide a service for everybody of any socialeconomic status.”

Delish’s meals include fresh ingredients Matheson said are locally sourced from local farm markets and pastures in Southeastern North Carolina and her garden. Clients of Delish’s weekly meal service can customize provided meal plans to fit their diet and preferences.

Delish also offers personal chef

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and cocktail service on location for special occasion events, providing service for beach rental dinner parties, bachelorette parties, anniversary celebrations and more.

Matheson said the special occasion service attracts a variety of people, especially vacationers and people who want a nice dinner but don’t want to drive or wait in lines.

It’s freeing up time.

We all know that meal planning, grocery shopping, prepping and cooking and then cleaning up afterward, take a long time. So, if you are busy, (my service) relieves a lot of people’s stress, not having to do that part of life.

Courtney Matheson personal chef and owner of Delish Matheson limits this service to gatherings with under 20 people, emphasizing her service differs from catering services.

“I try to keep things really small so that all of the food is cooked fresh,” she said. “The thing about catering is that you’re cooking food at 2 p.m. to serve at 6. They’re so many people, you have to pre-cook everything, and that’s just not my jam. I like everything to be fresh.”

Upon request, Matheson customizes meals to meet special diets, such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free and low-carb diets.

Matheson said she’s seen an increased interest in services like hers, and it’s not just for convenience, but also healthier

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meals.

“I think eating healthy and clean is becoming more trendy, and more people are learning about it,” she said. “People are becoming more aware of what they are eating and how nutrients affect your body, including how they can help you heal.”

Eating healthy, however, requires work.

That work sometimes includes researching alternative ingredients and ways to make good-tasting food fit special diets. Matheson said many who choose her service want to eat healthy but lack the time or don’t know how to do it.

“Eating healthy is more work because you’re prepping vegetables, and that’s a huge thing,” Matheson said. “People don’t want to chop 14 different vegetables to put into something. I do a lot of grain alternatives, such as spiralizing sweet potatoes or spiralizing zucchini, (making) spaghetti squash and cauliflower rice. Those things are labor intensive, and they take time.”

Matheson said for her, being a personal chef goes beyond cooking for people; it’s also about building connections. She said it also feels “amazing” to be part of some clients’ health journeys. “Food is my love language,” Matheson said. “For me, connecting with people is easiest with food.”

Whether her clients are undergoing treatments like chemotherapy and have food restrictions or need help reducing or eliminating a certain type of food from their diets based on their doctors’ instructions or personal health goals, Matheson embraces the times her clients let her help them make important dietary changes.

“I’m working with them and trying to help them with their health, and that’s a big thing,” she said. “I’m very connected with my clients for sure.”

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ORDER

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Building out restaurant options in northern Brunswick

By Randall Kirkpatrick | Photos by Megan Deitz

n defining an area’s growth, there is gradual incremental growth, there is better than average growth, and there is breathless, whomping “Leland Growth.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Leland’s population surged 70% from 2010 to 2020, when nearly 23,000 were recorded as living in the town.

Things haven’t slowed down, as the Bureau broke out the 15 fastest-growing cities and towns (with populations of 20,000 or more) between July 1, 2023, and July 1, 2024. With a projected total population of more than 34,00 and a 9.2% growth rate, Leland was ranked as the 14th-fastest growing town or city. Although one could fairly argue that Leland’s boom is a result of Wilmington’s maturation as a cultural, business, tourist and culinary destination.

Growth, whether slow and steady or “whomping” sprints like Leland’s, almost never develops in perfect synchronicity in the infrastructure and retail amenities puzzle. That is certainly true of the restaurants that are yet to come trailing behind the population boom. Restaurants are in phase one in Leland; a high concentration of the roughly 60 are primarily franchise establishments with a casual or fast-food association.

Never mind the recurring resident buzz along the lines of “We really need more good restaurants here.” No matter the genuine urgency of people’s clamor for more and better, there is a process for these essential staples of life to be

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Chingon Taqueria opened in Leland in 2019.

Photo c/o Chingon

built and/or opened up.

Leaders like Leland Town Councilman Bill McHugh emphasize that the road to getting to those grand openings is strewn with a number of unavoidable details.

“Especially for restaurants who are building out new construction,” said McHugh, “there’s often the matter of clearing land, responsibility for connector streets, electrical, water.

“And yes, there’s the overall cost of construction and everything, which can easily reach seven figures

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and are more easily handled by deeper-pocketed franchises. We know what the need is, but it’s the decision of the future owners to locate here – we can’t just order it to happen.”

McHugh adds that hotels can be and often are the natural catalysts for adjacent restaurants coming in, like moths to a 300-room short-stay flame.

“Once hotels are in, they inevitably attract restaurants,” he said. “With our new hotels like Tru G o o d L i f eW i l m i n g t o n . c o m

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Al's Burger Shack brought its classic burger-and-fries menu to Leland in November.

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by Hilton, Marriott and prospectively Hampton Suites, we believe that growth will occur.”

The emotional appeal of events such as the N.C. Rice Festival in nearby Winnabow engender a stirring reminder of the area’s cultural roots, McHugh said.

“Having something that spotlights the Gullah Geechee culture,” he said, “helps us better understand how far we’ve come.

Leland also hosts the N.C. Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Festival, with Gullah Geechee-themed performances and an authentic four-course dinner.”

Chingon Taqueria is a Leland restaurant that has made its imprint on the town and on the Wilmington region. Like so many businesses, the innovative Mexican-themed restaurant opened up its doors on the eve of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Founder and owner Alex Zaragoza came to North Carolina from Mexico 25 years ago and in keeping with his self-proclaimed workaholic nature doesn’t often make it back. Opening Chingon Taqueria in late 2019 was at first of a growing eatery footprint.

Zaragoza is also a part owner of the popular Peruvian Chicken restaurant Papi’s Chicken less than a mile away on Route 17 in Leland.

Chingon opened up a second location, in Wilmington to serve those many customers who were looking to satisfy their taqueria cravings without crossing the Cape Fear.

One of the newer additions to the Leland restaurant scene is represented by Al’s Burger Shack, which opened up in November.

The restaurant’s Bobo Chili Cheeseburger in 2018 was voted Best Burger in America by Trip Advisor. The honored, signature burger is topped with chili sauce, coleslaw, onion, yellow mustard and American cheese.

Business partners Charlie Farris and Jason Kesler met and

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Jason Kesle co-owns the Leland Al's Burger Shack.

became friends at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and eventually – after Kesler spent his first nine years as a maritime lawyer – connected to buy and manage a number of Jersey Mike’s locations that now number about 30. Those include the Leland Jersey Mike’s, a chip shot away from Al’s Burger Shack.

Kesler grew up in Wilmington, graduating from Hoggard High School in 2000 and remembers the time when Leland was a lot of farmland.

“It had become a challenge to find locations in the Triangle, and we saw there was opportunity here,” he said. “Lucky for us, Charlie became aware that Al’s might be up for sale, and we were able to move on that.”

The restaurant also offers vegetarian options such as black bean and Impossible burgers. Kesler and Ferris decided that far too few restaurants in Southeastern North Carolina had good, family-friendly

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children’s menus.

“I know it seems obvious,” Kesler said. “But we thought that was key to bringing up the happiness level of families – and children who drive those food decisions.”

One of the more interesting coming development projects in the Leland area is the Belville Downtown project on the Brunswick River, just “upstream” from the Brunswick Riverwalk at Belville, a park heavily utilized by area residents. The project’s discussion, stakeholder surveys and SWOT analysis began almost 20 years ago, and are poised to reach fruition, starting with an existing boardwalk expansion.

The town has also drafted a highly detailed master plan for the project, Belville Vision 2030, which lays out an ambitious wish list. They include a hotel, an amphitheater and a marina that could possibly include a restaurant in the vein of the Dockside restaurant at Wrightsville

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Beach. Boaters would be able to dock their boats there and visit the restaurant. The town has contracted with developer Urban Smart Growth to carry through development plans.

Athina Williams, Belville’s town manager, conveys that they have visited several other riverfront locales, including Savannah, to glean ideas. Among other plans, Belville has discussed with Wilmington the possibility of a water taxi running from Wilmington to the new downtown.

“We have universal support from area residents and stakeholders like the utility companies,” Williams said.

“It’s exciting to consider how our upcoming downtown can turn into something magnificent, not just for Belville but for everyone in Brunswick and New Hanover counties. And I need to add that 85% of our survey respondents chose dining at restaurants as their top choice for our development.”

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Food + Drink

photo by Matt Ray Photography

photo c/o N.C. Oyster Festival

photo by Matt Ray Photography

Food Festivals Lineup

The area plays host to food and drink festivals throughout the year, from regional dishes to international fare.

Here are some of them to explore.

N.C. Blueberry Festival This annual celebration in downtown Burgaw highlights the significance of blueberries in Southeastern North Carolina. It includes artisan vendors, fresh local blueberries, children’s activities, food trucks, beer and wine, live music, a blueberry recipe contest, and more.

When: June 20-21, 2025 Where: 106 E. Wilmington St., Burgaw Info: ncblueberryfestival.com

Lighthouse Beer and Wine Festival Beer and wine samples flow at this annual event benefitting the Carousel Child Advocacy Center. Live music and food round out the day.

When: Oct. 18, 2025 Where: Live Oak Bank Pavilion, 10 Cowan St. Info: lighthousebeerandwine.com/ the-beer-wine-festival

N.C. Oyster Festival This year marks the 44th anniversary of the Brunswick County festival of all things oysters. Visitors can experience a variety of foods, crafts, contests, children’s activities and musical performances as well as the event’s signature oyster shucking contest.

When: Oct. 18-19, 2025 Where: Town Center Park, 11 E. 2nd G o o d L i f eW i l m i n g t o n . c o m

St., Ocean Isle Beach Info: ncoysterfestival.com

St. Stanislaus Polish Festival This annual fall festival offers authentic Polish food such as pierogi, stuffed cabbage and kielbasa, along with traditional music, dancing and Polish wares for sale.

When: Nov. 1, 2025 Where: St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 4849 Castle Hayne Road Info: ststanspolishfestival.org

Taste of Wrightsville Beach The festival showcases Wrightsville Beach’s diverse fare with over 40 local cuisine, beer, wine and spirit tasting booths. Celebrity judges rate their favorite dishes, and participants choose the People’s Choice Awards.

When: Nov. 1, 2025 Where: Bluewater Grill, 4 Marina Street, Wrightsville Beach Info: weekendmealsonwheels.org/ taste-of-wrightsville-beach

Festival Latino This festival celebrates Latin American flavors, featuring food vendors, traditional dances, and free dance lessons.

When: Nov. 8-9, 2025 Where: Ogden Park, 615 Ogden Park Drive Info: facebook.com/ FestivalLatinoILM/

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival A day-long event of more than 60 beers, over 40 bourbons and barbecue for tastings, with games and live music to round out the festivities.

When: March 2026 Where: Live Oak Bank Pavilion, 10 Cowan St. Info: wilmington.beerandbourbon. com

Feast Wilmington A weekend of showcasing the area’s culinary and beverage scene. It features tastings from top local restaurants, craft breweries and live music.

When: March 2026 Where: Live Oak Bank Pavilion, 10 Cowan St. Info: feastwilmington.com

Wilmington Greek Festival Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church hosts an annual food and cultural festival in May. The weekend-long festival includes food, traditional music and dancing, church tours, a marketplace and cooking demonstrations.

When: May 2026 Where: Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 608 S. College Rd.mag Info: stnicholaswilmington.org/ greek-fest-2025 S u m m er

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Farm-to-Market

photo c/o Riverfront Farmers Market

Fresh produce, artisan crafts, baked goods and more fill vendor tables at farmers markets around the area.

Whether for weekday grocery shopping or weekend meandering, here are local markets to check out.

Riverfront Farmers Market Where: Dock Street, between 2nd and Water streets in downtown Wilmington When: Saturdays 8 a.m.-1 p.m. (rain or shine), April-November Sampling of vendors: Willie Mike's Seafood, Castle Hayne Farms, Hanchey’s Produce Info: riverfrontfarmersmarket.org

The Wilmington Farmers Market at Tidal Creek Where: 5329 Oleander Drive When: Saturdays 8 a.m.-1 p.m., yearround; Tuesdays 4-8 p.m., April-July Sampling of vendors: Altar Cross Farms, Carolina Greenhouses, Elderberry Syrup Mamas Info: thewilmingtonfarmersmarket.com

Wrightsville Beach Farmers Market

+Destination

Where: Wrightsville Beach Municipal Grounds, next to Town Hall When: Mondays 8 a.m.-1 p.m., MayDecember Sampling of vendors: Brighter Days Coffee, Wilmington Bread Company, Old Heritage Farm Info: townofwrightsvillebeach. com/183/Farmers-Market

Poplar Grove Open Air Market Where: Poplar Grove Plantation, 10200 US Hwy. 17 When: Wednesdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m., May-fall Sampling of vendors: Noni Bacca Winery, Green Meadows Farm, Clay Vino Info: poplargrove.org/farmers-market

Carolina Beach Market Where: Carolina Beach Lake Park, 400 Lake Park Blvd. S. When: Saturdays 8 a.m.-1 p.m., MayOctober Sampling of vendors: 341 Furniture, Eden’s Produce, Element Farm Info: facebook.com/ CarolinaBeachMarket

Kure Beach Market Where: Ocean Front Park and Pavilion, 105 Atlantic Ave. When: Tuesdays 8 a.m.-1 p.m., JuneAugust Info: facebook.com/KureBeachMarket

Southport Summer Market Where: 146 E. Bay St., Southport When: Wednesdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m., May-August Sampling of vendors: Port Plants & Preserves, Alpaca Bella Fina, Angie’s Fresh Produce Info: cityofsouthport.com/southportsummer-market

Hampstead Farmers Market

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Where: 2368 Country Club Drive, Hampstead When: Thursdays 4-7 p.m.

Sampling of vendors: Red-Tailed Farms, Sarah’s Cookie Jar, Lotus Haven Hives Info: linktr.ee/ hampsteadfarmersmarket

G o o d L i f eW i l m i n g t o n . c o m

Let’s start a conversation about charitable giving.

As retirees, we give to community impact because we can see the difference our dollars make right here in the Cape Fear region where we live. We don’t have the expertise to determine what nonprofits are making the most difference, but we know United Way has a rigorous review process, and we can feel good that our dollars are going where they’ll do the most good.

Lori and Allen Feezor Call Tommy Taylor, CEO of United Way of the Cape Fear Area to learn about Qualified Charitable Contributions 910-789-0302 UWCFA.org/charitable-contributions

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Frontier Scientific Solutions CEO Steve Uebele accepts the 2025 Coastal Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

meeting supply & demand

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BY CECE NUNN & RICKIE HOUSTON

or this year’s Coastal Entrepreneur of the Year, the journey started, as many entrepreneurial journeys do, with an important question.

“How do we make sure life-saving therapies get to the people who need them without delay, without compromise?”

Frontier Scientific Solutions, the 2025 Coastal Entrepreneur of the Year, wanted to come up with an answer.

“That one question sparked a mission that spans time zones, temperature zones and regulatory zones most of us didn’t know existed. They’re not building an app, they’re building an infrastructure, a w i l m i n g t o n b i z m a g a z i n e . c o m

| P H O T O B Y M A D E L I N E G R AY

530,000-square-foot facility right here in Wilmington and another at an international airport in Ireland,” said Morris Nguyen, co-founder and CEO of AI health care company Predicate Healthcare Performance Group (HPG), last year’s Coastal Entrepreneur of the Year.

Nguyen made the remarks as he bestowed the Coastal Entrepreneur of the Year award upon Frontier Scientific Solutions during the Coastal Entrepreneur Awards (CEA) celebration held at the University of North Carolina Wilmington on May 21.

The Coastal Entrepreneur of the Year is awarded a wooden surfboard engraved with each year’s winner, which Frontier Scientific Solutions CEO Steve Uebele accepted during the ceremony.

Uebele’s company, a temperature-controlled storage and transportation firm serving the life sciences industry, in November announced plans to develop state-of-the-art facilities at Wilmington S U M M E R 2025

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International Airport and Shannon Airport in County Clare, Ireland.

The projects, including the more than 500,000-square-foot facility at ILM’s business park and an initial 70,000-square-foot facility at Shannon Airport, are supported by a $1.5 billion commitment from real estate firm GID. Frontier Scientific Solutions got its start in the pharmaceutical logistics space after Uebele discovered a problem that needed solving.

“I started Frontier Scientific Solutions to solve critical gaps I saw in the pharmaceutical supply chain – especially in temperature-controlled logistics, regulatory inefficiencies and fragmented international distribution,” Uebele said. “The mission was clear: build a purposedriven platform that prioritizes quality, compliance and speed to ensure life-saving therapies reach patients without compromise.”

The pharmaceutical supply chain consists of all the processes – such as manufacturing, distributing and dispensing – required to deliver medications to patients. The supply chain is also comprised of multiple stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, wholesalers, health care providers, pharmaceutical manufacturers and patients.

According to Uebele, Frontier Scientific Solutions is a pharmaceutical logistics company that focuses on temperaturecontrolled storage, handling that is Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliant and global transportation of clinical and commercial products.

He noted that the company also provides end-to-end support for life sciences companies and combines infrastructure, regulatory oversight and technology to manage complex supply chains with precision and reliability.

Uebele additionally emphasized that the company goes a step further than merely moving products; he said that it protects the products’

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integrity across the full supply chain and listed several things he believes set Frontier Scientific Solutions apart. Among these are specialized infrastructure, regulatory expertise, direct tarmac access for timesensitive shipments, full-use facilities that are Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)bonded, a scalable workforce and technology platform and a customs border patrol and TSA screening center within the facility.

An FTZ zone doesn’t have to follow normal customs regulations since it’s located within a geographical area that isn’t considered U.S. customs territory.

This designated area allows companies to minimize or eliminate duties and excise taxes on imported goods. However, FTZ-bonded facilities differ from customs-bonded facilities in that customs-bonded facilities are regulated by customs authorities and go through customs procedures; they’re considered part of U.S. customs territory.

And with customs-bonded facilities, goods can be stored, manipulated or manufactured without duties for up to five years.

Another difference between the two types of facilities, though, is that companies can store goods in an FTZ-bonded warehouse for an unlimited period. With customsbonded warehouses, however, imported goods have a five-year storage limit.

And as for milestones, Frontier Scientific Solutions has accomplished a great deal since its inception. This includes designing two major facilities in North Carolina and Ireland, building a specialized logistics and regulatory team, partnering with key stakeholders across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and government spaces and investing in integrated quality systems and cold chain infrastructure, according to Uebele.

The company’s slate for 2025 includes launching facilities in both Wilmington and Shannon, Ireland,

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hiring more than 100 specialized employees, rolling out advanced tech platforms and expanding internationally into markets in Europe, the Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, Uebele said.

“Our long-term goal,” he said, “is to become the global standard for compliant, temperature-controlled pharmaceutical logistics.”

Uebele said at May’s CEA awards ceremony that building Frontier Scientific Solutions required believing in the mission.

“We went through so many hard times to try to figure this out.

This team came together and never wavered ... We stuck to the mission.

Purpose is what it takes. If you don’t have purpose, you just don’t have that mission, and everybody in this organization and our company has so much purpose,” he said.

In addition to Coastal Entrepreneur of the Year, the CEA celebration at UNCW’s Burney Center honored 11 category winners, including Frontier Scientific Solutions in the biotech category.

The awards are a collaboration between the Greater Wilmington Business Journal and UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

T H E F O L LO W I N G A R E A L L OF THIS YEAR’S CATEGORY WINNERS: • Biotech: Frontier Scientific Solutions • Biotech: Sandbar Oyster Co. • Emerging Company: FloorTress • Emerging Company: Synaptigen • Manufacturing + Distribution: Infinite Structures • Minority/Woman-Owned Business: Maritime Maids • Nonprofit: Welcome Home Angel • Professional Services: Capone & Associates • Retail + Hospitality: Salt & Charm • Technology: Boreas Monitoring Solutions • Technology: Lumos Technologies Inc.

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MedNorth Health Center CEO Althea Johnson is shown at the expanding facility’s construction site. photo by MALCOLM LITTLE

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MEDICAL Check-In Health care leaders meet growing needs

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BY LAURA MOORE

s the Cape Fear region continues to grow, so do the health care needs of its residents. The area’s largest providers are responding to those needs through expansions in the next couple of years.

The MedNorth Health Center, for example, in downtown Wilmington is expanding by leaps and bounds, and CEO Althea Johnson is looking forward for the grand opening of its new facility.

“Construction is going very well, and I’m excited to see how it’s progressing and learning so much about the construction process,” Johnson said. “The planned completion is March 2026.”

The new two-story structure, being built at the corner of North Third and Bladen streets, will add approximately 35,000 square feet to the health center’s campus.

“We don’t have room to fit the increasing number of patients, so this new space will improve work flow and increase space needed for us to see more patients,” Johnson said.

The new building will also include added space for teaching those going into the medical field: medical students, medical assistants, residents, nurses, dental assistants and hygienists, and pharmacy techs.

“The purpose of this built-in space is to grow our own by exposing other health care professionals to what a community health center is doing, and it’ll serve as an ongoing work interview to grow others who want to help the community,” Johnson said.

Growing the workforce is a major goal for those in the health care industry, according to Alexis Hunter, Wilmington Health’s executive of strategic relationships and foundation.

According to Hunter, Wilmington Health has launched a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program to train their own staff members to become CCMAs and fill much-needed clinical roles within their organization.

“It is kind of tough to recruit and retain clinical employees, and medical assistants are really important to the daily functions of Wilmington Health,” Hunter said.

Long-serving nurse managers teach on the Wilmington Health campus and the program includes clinical time to “learn the ropes” throughout the six-month program, Hunter explained. At the end of the program, they will take the state certification exam and fill a vital role within the organization. “It is an exciting opportunity for some of our employees who want to fulfill a clinical role while keeping their full-time job. We like to advance our own personnel here at Wilmington Health. It is something we’re just really proud of,” Hunter

w i l m i n g t o n b i z m a g a z i n e . c o m

ALEXIS HUNTER executive, Strategic Relationships & Foundation, Wilmington Health

LAURIE WHALIN president, Acute Care Operations and Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Novant Health’s Coastal Region

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said.

Wilmington Health, with its 1,250 providers treating patients over four counties, sees close to 165,000 unique patients every year, according to Hunter. To meet these demands, they continue to expand their reach in a four-county area.

One of the latest expansions is the Wilmington Health Endoscopy and Surgery Center, a newly renovated facility at 2421 Silver Stream Lane. The 9,000-square-foot facility includes several facility enhancements to provide patients with the highest level of care and comfort.

“It’s a bigger space with more advanced equipment to give providers opportunities to utilize more innovative ideas and modern tools to provide fantastic care,” Hunter said.

Wilmington Health also has partnered with the American Medical Group Association to establish a value-based care alliance.

This arrangement with health insurance companies rewards health groups for preventing illnesses and maintaining patient health. Instead of the fee-for-service model, this encourages helping patients to stay well and stay healthier by managing chronic conditions to live vibrant, fulfilling lives.

“We are early adopters as it is part of our culture at Wilmington Health care as a physician-owned private practice, so they are leaning on us to better understand value-based arrangements and we are really excited to partner with this national group and showcase what we do,” Hunter said.

Laurie Whalin, who was named earlier this year president of Acute Care Operations and Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center for Novant Health’s Coastal Region, said plans for the area’s newest hospital are moving forward.

The Scotts Hill Medical Center is slated to open next summer, and the community hospital with seventy-four inpatient beds will provide care for a host of medical and surgical needs and decompress pressure on the main medical center on 17th street.

The hospital expands the Scotts Hill campus, which already includes the Medical Office Plaza that opened last December, to bring specialty care to that part of New Hanover County.

The medical plaza includes a Novant Health Cancer Institute hub to offer both infusion treatments and radiation and a multispecialty clinic offering primary care, specialty care and other services including cardiac rehab and outpatient physical therapy co-located in that spot.

“This provides a wide range of ambulatory services, which is the outpatient focus where health care has been headed over the last ten years,” Whalin said.

Other areas of expanded services include Leland and Bolivia in Brunswick County and in Pender County at the Novant Health Pender Medical Center in Burgaw.

“Our focus is meeting the health care needs of every patient in the community,” Whalin said, “and we take it seriously as we are treating our sisters and brothers and our own team members, and it is a privilege to do so.”

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rendering c/o MedNorth Health Center

MedNorth Health Center’s new downtown buidling will add approximately 35,000 square feet to the health center’s campus and include teaching space for medical careers. photo c/o Wilmington Health

Wilmington Health recently renovated its Endoscopy and Surgery Center at 2421 Silver Stream Lane. rendering c/o Novant Health

Novant Health’s Scotts Hill Medical Center is being built in the northern part of New Hanover County and expected to open next year.

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BY SAMANTHA KUPIAINEN | PHOTOS BY MEGAN DEITZ

K38 BAJA GRILL OPENS SIXTH LOCATION 102

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ive.Eat.Surf Restaurant Group celebrated the grand opening of its sixth K38 Baja Grill location last month. The newest location, 100 N. Lake Park Blvd., was also the first restaurant to open in the Proximity development in Carolina Beach that has more than 25,000 square feet of shopping and dining.

Additional eateries there will include Boombalatti’s, Drift Coffee + Kitchen and Riko’s Pizza.

Live.Eat.Surf Restaurant Group was founded 32 years ago by Josh Bach when he opened his first restaurant and K38 Baja Grill location on Oleander Drive.

Bach died from cancer in 2019, and three years ago, Brian Brennan was named president of Live.Eat.Surf Restaurant Group.

“He’s the founder and was the owner-operator for a long time and has had an impact on the community as a philanthropist,” Brennan said about Bach. “He was very popular within the surf community and amongst the very long-tenured team that we’re grateful to have. A number of employees range from 10-20 years of experience with this business, which is pretty unique for restaurants.”

Nationally, the restaurant industry has a 79.6% turnover rate, and the average restaurant employee tenure is 110 days, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, stats that point to the uniqueness of keeping team members around as long as K38 has.

In addition to its Carolina Beach storefront, K38 has four locations in Wilmington and one location in Raleigh.

A second Raleigh location is slated to open this fall in Seaboard Station. Also owned and operated by Live.Eat.Surf Restaurant Group is Tower 7, a Baja Mex-inspired restaurant that has one location in Morehead City and one in Wrightsville Beach.

“K38 has been operating in the Cape

BRIAN B RE N N E N PRESIDENT, LIVE.EAT.SURF

Fear region for 33 years this summer, which started with our Oleander Location in 1993, and we were just really excited to bring everything about K38 to the Carolina Beach location,” Brennan said. “We’ve always been a growth brand over that time, from multiple concepts to multiple locations, and K38 was an obvious destination to bring our beach and Baja-themed flavors and experience to CB.” Expanding K38 Baja Grill to Carolina Beach also gave the restaurant group an opportunity to give the restaurant and brand a refresh.

“There are some common touches, but ultimately it’s unique in that it’s brand new,” Brennan said. “We have restaurants that are 28 and 32 years old between Oleander and Porters Neck.

Along with our Independence location, Carolina Beach is a brand new take on the brand itself, so just a refreshed interior-exterior design, huge patio, onyx style windows that open to our indoor-outdoor bar, and new touches from a design standpoint.”

As for why Live.Eat.Surf Restaurant Group chose to expand to Carolina Beach, it’s largely because of the growing market and familiarity the Proximity development has, Brennan said.

“We partnered with Cape Fear Commercial on the development side as one of the first businesses that you see coming to the market,” he said.

K38 Baja Grill’s menu is largely inspired by Bach’s time spent on the

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West Coast, surfing and experiencing the fresh flavors of local taco shops. Its menu is packed with different varieties of tacos, burritos, fajitas, quesadillas, enchiladas, salads and wraps. Its drink menu includes more than eight different margaritas, a variety of mocktails and a selection of domestic and Mexican beers. “… Bach was the person who welcomed Baja fish tacos to the Cape Fear region,” Brennan said. “That continues to be one of our most popular menu items. We also have a chopped salad that is beautiful and a bit lighter fare for the summertime season. Our cantinarita margaritas, as well as our skinny margaritas, are some of our most popular cocktails.”

As for future expansion, it’s currently in the works.

Tower 7 at Wrightsville Beach recently reopened after going through an extensive remodel. Future growth plans are “currently taking place for 2026 locations and beyond,” Brennan said.

“We hope to continue growing a thriving business and providing opportunities for our guest experience and our team’s own growth individually,” he said. “I came from an operations background. At one point, I was a busser and a dishwasher and worked pretty much every role leading up to my current role, and nothing is more rewarding than being able to provide those opportunities for others.”

As Live.Eat.Surf Restaurant Group juggles its expansion, Brennan notes that many of its “loyal guests” have shown support for K38 Baja Grill’s Carolina Beach expansion.

“It’s a very exciting brand with diehard guests, loyal guests and people that are really passionate about the business, both amongst our team and within the community,” Brennan said. “It’s a proud brand with very loyal guests that sits minutes away from the ocean.”

For more restaurant news, sign up for the weekly Feast Unwrapped email newsletter by going to FeastWilmington. com.

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Behind the

Lens

PHOTO BY MALCOLM LITTLE

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Wilmington-based photographer Brownie Harris recently published his book Photography Retrospective: 1970-2020, a collection of his work over the past 50 years.

“The book shows a wide range of subjects – not just well-known persons but of industrial landscapes and lesser-known people. There are a few of Wilmington people and film/TV that I shot here,” Harris said. He worked on the book that came out last month with Matt Summers, of Provis Media, who designed and edited the book.

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