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The Social Dinkers

AUGUST 2026

Cover Photo by Debby Daigle

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MEET OUR EXPERTS

JBG Painting Services

Take the Pain Out of Painting

Jeremy and Billie Gunn, owners

Service@jbgpainting.com

keith@brunswater.com brunswater.com

FAMILY & GENERAL DENTISTRY

Blue Wave Dentistry

Dr. Chad Biggersta (910) 383-2615

1300 S. Dickinson Drive Leland, NC 28451

GARAGE DOOR SPECIALIST

Jimmy Davis, Owner (910) 833-1961

9550 Ploof Rd SE Building 3 Leland, NC 28451

JimmyDavis@ garagedoorspecialist.net

INTERIOR DESIGNER

LUXE Home Interiors (910) 371-0464

Waterford Village 2013 Olde Regent Way #270 Leland, NC 28451 Luxewaterford.com

HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING

O'Brien Service Company

Proudly Serving the Wilmington/ Brunswick County area since 1981

Call: (910) 239-4922 5516 Business Drive Wilmington, NC 28405 OBRIENSERVICE.COM

KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN/BUILD

Mary Ellen Willson, Owner

LRG Kitchen and Bath Design Mobile: (910) 512-0017 147 Old Fayetteville Rd Leland, NC 28451

LRGKitandBath.com

ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALIST

Dr. Joseph B. Norris, MD Advanced Orthopedics (910) 641-8670

509 Olde Waterford Way, Suite 102 Leland, NC 28451 crhealthcare.com

PEST CONTROL SERVICE

Avid Pest Pro

Ryan Lapps, Owner (910) 465-0923 avidpestpro@gmail.com avidpestpro.com

PORCH CONVERSION

Taylor Waddle, Owner/President 1536 Castle Hayne Rd #24 Wilmington, NC 28401 (910) 777-3363 porchconversion.com

REAL ESTATE RE/MAX Essential

Debby Daigle, CLHMS Email ddaigle@remax.net debbydaigle.com choosetheballoon.com

PUBLICATION TEAM

PUBLISHER: Debby Daigle

CONTENT COORDINATOR: Doreen Sargente

DESIGNER: Nadine Schmitt

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: G. Frank Hart Photography

ADVERTISING

Contact: Debby Daigle

Phone: 910-443-3199

Email: ddaigle@bestversionmedia.com

FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS: Have feedback, ideas, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 1st of each month. Email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: dsargente@bestversionmedia.com.

NEIGHBORHOOD SUBMISSION INFORMATION: Are you on the communication committee for your neighborhood? Contact us for information on how you can submit articles, updates, reminders, events and more to your neighbors. Email dsargente@bestversionmedia.com.

CONTENT SUBMISSION

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Hello Friends and Neighbors, August… Can It Get Any Hotter?

August has always been known as one of the hottest months of the year, although I'm not sure how it could possibly get any hotter than it already has!

For those of us with college or school-age kids, August also brings mixed emotions. After three wonderful months of having my daughter, Izzi, home from Wake Forest, it's time to pack the car once again and send her back to campus. While I'm excited to see her continue chasing her dreams, I'll certainly miss having her around the house. If you're sending children or grandchildren back to school this month, I know you can relate.

Speaking of learning, did anyone happen to read The Atlantic's August cover story, "The Age of Reading Is Over?" The author argues that we're living in a "post-literate world,"where fewer adults are reading books and even questions whether civilization can thrive without readers.

I have to admit—I don't buy it.

In fact, I think the headline is meant to stir the pot more than re ect reality. After all, August 9 is National Book Lovers Day, and right here in Brunswick Forest we have a thriving community of readers. I know of at least ve active book clubs, and I'm sure there are even more. Our neighbors continue to gather, discuss great books, and build friendships through a shared love of reading. That doesn't sound like a postliterate world to me.

What do you think?

This month's feature story, written by resident Bex Helton, is one you won't want to miss. It tells the heartwarming story of the Social Dinkers, a group that was born during the height of the pandemic and has grown into something much bigger than pickleball. Be sure to read it on page 12.

If you know me, you also know I never pass up a good glass of bourbon. So when I came across a recipe featuring bourbon, I couldn't resist giving it a try. It's perfect for your next cookout and just might impress your bourbon-loving friends. You'll nd this recipe on page 20.

I'd also like to thank BioSymmetry for contributing this month's educational article on hormone therapy. I've personally experienced the bene ts of working with their team, and I can honestly say I'm feeling better than I have in years. I hope you'll take a few minutes to read their informative article.

Finally, please join me in welcoming Beach Aesthetics as one of our newest sponsors. They've recently opened their beautiful new medical spa in Leland at 1022 Grandi ora Drive, Suite 230, and we're excited to have them as part of the Brunswick Forest Living family.

As always, thank you for reading Brunswick Forest Living and for supporting the local businesses that make this publication possible. I always enjoy hearing from you, so please keep sharing your story ideas, article suggestions, and the things you love most about living in Brunswick Forest.

Enjoy the last days of summer—and try to stay cool!

Ciao,

Debby Daigle, Publisher, ddaigle@bestversionmedia.com

From the White House to Wildlife: Trish Zemple Has Done It All!

By Doreen Sargente | Photos provided by Trish Zemple

If you’ve ever wondered what a life driven by a "why not?" attitude looks like, just chat with Cape Fear resident Patricia "Trish" Zemple. From auditing federal prisons and working at the White House on 9/11 to rescuing fawns and establishing local food drives, Trish’s life is a masterclass in embracing new adventures.

As the daughter of an Air Force ofﬁcer, Trish grew up traveling the world, living in Scotland, France, and Turkey. After graduating with

an English degree from St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana, she launched a remarkable career in public service. She began as a secretary for the Army’s M-1 tank division at the Pentagon, moved into public affairs for the Tomahawk cruise missile project, and later became a writer-editor for the U.S. General Accountability Ofﬁce (GAO).

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Trish transitioned into auditing at the GAO, where she

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interviewed high-security inmates at Lorton Reformatory to study education programs. She later joined the Inspector General’s Office at the Federal Reserve Board, eventually becoming an ethics specialist. Her career even took her to the White House ethics office under George W. Bush, leading to a seared memory of Secret Service agents rushing through the halls on September 11, 2001. Before retiring, Trish also served at the Office of Government Ethics, traveling internationally to help foreign governments establish financial disclosure systems.

Trish’s personal life is just as vibrant. This August, she and her husband, Tom, celebrate 27 years of marriage. The pair met at a swimming pool in Fairfax, Virginia. Tom, recovering from a running injury, was water-jogging with a headset and a ski belt when he boldly struck up a conversation with Trish while her daughters took swimming lessons. A week later they went on their ﬁrst date, and they’ve

been inseparable since. Together, they share a love for travel, spending time with friends and family—including Trish’s two daughters, Allison and Rachel (who live in Houston), and two grandsons.

Since moving to Brunswick Forest 7.5 years ago, Trish and Tom have fully immersed themselves in the community. Both avid athletes, Tom plays pickleball ﬁve days a week (and even scored a hole-in-one playing golf), while Trish stays active with golf, reading, and toying with powerlifting. Trish also serves as the President of the Ladies Golf Association at Cape Fear National.

Deeply committed to giving back, Trish co-founded the Cape Fear PORCH community collecting food and hygiene products for Brunswick Family Assistance and local schools. Her compassion extends to animals as well; she volunteers with Adopt-an-Angel at PetSense, caring for adoptable cats (like her own beloved rescue, Mookie), and helps Morgan Creek Rescue rehabilitate fragile, orphaned fawns.

"I love it here," Trish says of Cape Fear. "I love my neighbors and my community. I’ve built some great friendships here that I could call upon at a moment’s notice."

Ball Court

Pet Park

Pet Spa

Fire Pit

Grilling Stations

Community Garden

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There is something truly magical about a home that just feels right— where the layout ﬂows effortlessly, the lighting is perfectly warm, and the vibe instantly washes away the stress of the day. Helping the Leland community achieve that exact feeling is what drives Kelly and Kyle, the enthusiastic new owners of Luxe Home Interiors Waterford. Located right in the heart of Waterford Village, this boutique home furnishings and interior design studio has long been a local go-to. Now, with Kelly and Kyle at the helm, it is entering an exciting next chapter ﬁlled with fresh inspiration and timeless coastal style.

The Fresh Faces Behind Luxe Home Interiors Meet Kelly & Kyle:

By Doreen Sargente | Photos provided by Kelly Zacholski

Staying Right Where They Belong

First things ﬁrst: if you’ve heard any whispers through the grapevine about Luxe Home Interiors packing up, Kelly and Kyle are here to put those rumors to bed for good! Since taking over, the duo has had plenty of curious clients pop in to ask if the studio is closing or moving. The answer is a resounding no. Luxe Home Interiors is staying right where it has always been, with no plans to move anytime soon. They are deeply rooted in Waterford Village and thrilled to keep serving the community from their familiar, welcoming showroom.

The Luxe Difference: Seamless, Custom Design

For Kelly and Kyle, a home should be a personal sanctuary, and designing it should actually be fun. They have carefully maintained the ultimate "best of both worlds" experience, but what truly makes Luxe Home Interiors stand out from the crowd is their unique, comprehensive approach to custom design.

Unlike traditional retail stores, their professional in-house design services are included with your project. This ensures a true custom experience where every rug, lighting

ﬁxture, and piece of furniture is thoughtfully selected for your speciﬁc space, completely eliminating the guesswork and preventing costly mistakes along the way.

To top it all off, the premium experience doesn't end when you make a purchase. Kelly and Kyle offer a premier white-glove delivery and installation service. Their team handles all the heavy lifting, assembly, and perfect placement, meaning you can sit back, relax, and watch your dream space come together ﬂawlessly.

Creative Chaos & Coastal Inspiration

If you peek behind the scenes at Luxe Home Interiors on any given day, you will ﬁnd a dynamic whirlwind of creativity. From restyling the showroom ﬂoor with fresh collections to managing those white-glove deliveries, no two workdays look the same. Kelly and Kyle thrive in this fast-paced environment, keeping things fun and lighthearted while ensuring an elevated customer experience. When they aren't busy transforming local homes into relaxed coastal retreats, they are fully embracing the North Carolina lifestyle. They love:

• Spending as much time out on the water as possible

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• Traveling to scout new design trends

Exploring the local culinary scene (they are self-proclaimed big foodies!)

Rooted in the Community

Above all, Kelly and Kyle are incredibly grateful for the warm embrace they have received from the Waterford and Leland neighborhoods. Building meaningful, lasting relationships with their clients and neighbors is at the very core of who they are. As they look to the future, the duo is thrilled to continue building on the trusted legacy of Luxe Home Interiors while introducing sophisticated new collections and timeless inspiration. Whether you need a single perfect statement piece or a complete top-to-bottom home redesign, you are cordially invited to swing by their Waterford Village showroom, say hello, and start creating a space you truly love coming home to. e

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Rediscover You with Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

By Deb Read

At BioSymmetry, serving Leland, NC, we specialize in Bioidentical Hormone Therapy for Women—a personalized approach to restoring natural hormone balance and enhancing overall well-being. Hormonal changes due to aging, menopause, or stress can cause symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, weight gain, and low libido. Our medically supervised treatments use bioidentical hormones, which are molecularly identical to those naturally produced by your body, to safely relieve symptoms and help you feel like yourself again.

HORMONE THERAPY CAN BE A GAMECHANGER AFTER MENOPAUSE

Menopause is a natural transition, but that doesn’t mean women have to simply “live with” the symptoms. For many women, hormone therapy can provide signiﬁcant beneﬁts that improve quality of life and support long-term health.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HORMONE THERAPY AFTER MENOPAUSE?

Better Sleep

Hormone therapy may help reduce night sweats and improve sleep quality, allowing you to wake up feeling refreshed and energized.

Improved Mood & Mental Clarity

Many women report less irritability, anxiety, brain fog, and mood swings when hormone levels are optimized.

Relief from Hot Flashes & Night Sweats

One of the most effective treatments available for reducing vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause.

Supports Muscle Mass & Strength

Healthy hormone levels can help maintain lean muscle mass and support an active lifestyle as we age.

Protects Bone Health

Estrogen plays a critical role in maintaining bone density and reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Improves Vaginal & Urinary Health

Hormone therapy can help reduce vaginal dryness, discomfort with intimacy, urinary urgency, and recurrent urinary tract infections.

May Support Cognitive Function

Many women notice improvements in focus, memory, and overall cognitive performance when hormonal imbalances are addressed.

Cardiovascular Beneﬁts

For appropriate candidates who start therapy near menopause, hormone therapy may offer cardiovascular beneﬁts when individualized and closely monitored.

Feel Like Yourself Again

Perhaps the greatest benefit is simply feeling more like you—having the energy, vitality, confidence, and motivation to fully enjoy life. Every woman is different, and hormone therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. A comprehensive evaluation at Biosymmetry Leland can help determine whether it’s right for you and which approach best fits your health goals. d

UP & DELIVERY

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Your Neighbor Might Be Going Hungry

Food insecurity doesn't always look the way we imagine it. There's no single face to it. It's the family down the street quietly skipping meals at the end of the month. The senior on a ﬁxed income is choosing between groceries and medication. The working parent who earns just enough to be disqualiﬁed from assistance but not enough to keep the pantry full.

It's closer to home than most of us think. Right here in Brunswick County, families are going without, and the need is sharpest in summer, when school is out and the meals children depend on during the school year simply disappear.

A group of Brunswick Forest residents decided they weren't going to wait for someone else to ﬁx it.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

PORCH Brunswick Forest is part of PORCH Communities, an all-volunteer hunger relief organization with a model so simple it almost sounds too good to be true. Once a month, participating households drop off a bag of non-perishable food on their designated neighborhood coordinator's porch. Volunteers collect the food and deliver them directly to local food pantries serving families in need. That's it. No events to plan, no dues to pay, no

Here's What One Brunswick Forest Group Is Doing About It

By Kavita Kostek | Photo by Giovani Leone

long commitments to make.

What makes it work is exactly that simplicity. Most people genuinely want to help. The problem is friction: ﬁnding a drop-off spot, loading the car, carving out time. PORCH eliminates all of that. When giving is this easy, more people do it. And when more people do it, more food reaches more families.

More Ways to Make a Difference

Food contributions are powerful, but not always possible for those who want to get involved. Another option is to give cash. When local pantries receive monetary contributions from PORCH, they can purchase exactly what they need, in bulk, right when supplies run low. Twenty dollars can stock more meals than most people realize. With PORCH Brunswick Forest, every dollar goes to a pantry you can drive to.

Volunteering is another way to get involved. On collection days, residents drop their contributions on the neighborhood coordinator's porch. Volunteers then gather everything and deliver it directly to local pantries. It takes a few hours and the reward is immediate. You can see exactly where your effort lands. No experience needed. No ongoing obligation. Show up once and most people ﬁnd themselves coming back.

Where the Food Goes

PORCH Brunswick Forest currently supports seven local organizations working on the front lines of hunger in our community: Brunswick Family Assistance, Brunswick Senior Resources Inc., Hope Harbor Home, Manna Ministries, Mother Hubbard's Cupboard NC, Brunswick Community College Food Pantry, and The Snack Pantry at Town Creek Elementary School.

These pantries serve real people in your zip code year-round, not just at the holidays, to keep their shelves stocked.

Since 2020, Brunswick Forest residents have collected 358,876 pounds of food and $194,505 in cash for neighbors who need them. And in 2026, that number is still growing. Residents have already added 33,152 pounds and nearly $21,000 more. All of it, one bag at a time.

Ready to Get Involved?

Brunswick Forest is a community that knows how to show up. The same people who organize pickleball tournaments and neighborhood cleanups show up for their neighbors in need just as naturally.

One bag. Once a month. Real families fed. Join PORCH Brunswick Forest! w

left to right: Kavita Kostek, Doris Cardinalre, Linda Hatﬁeld, Terri Signal, Liz Gustin, John Stipa

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REAL ESTATE STATISTICS - JUNE 2026

1229ClendonCircle$350,000$345,00020233/21,487164

1272ClendonCircle$385,000$387,50020223/21,618224

5121KillogrenWay$412,000$412,00020203/31,702186

1319StarGrassWay$449,900$445,00020182/21,40428

1168LillibridgeDrive$450,000$442,50020073/21,72912

1162EvangelineDrive$485,000$485,00020124/42,47350

7948HarrierCircle$495,000$485,00020233/32,217194

4041ConagreeLane$498,990$498,99020244/22,05953

3008BroadhavenDr$509,900$495,00020184/32,08338

4906GlenGardenCircle$515,000$495,00020224/42,193288

4078DruidsGlenDrive$534,900$534,90020184/32,52065

8217CenterwoodDrive$554,000$545,00020233/32,40939

2225UmsteadLane$569,000$555,00020133/32,34475

2157SimmermanWay$569,900$558,00020163/32,27923

1018LeesburgDrive$619,000$615,00020073/42,6532

1173LeesburgDrive$649,900$625,00020113/42,80755

3479BitternsBranch$674,999$674,99920203/22,1749

1378StarGrassWay$675,000$675,00020174/32,7049

2830PineBloomWay$683,000$685,00020164/32,9201

5026StoneyPointDrive$759,000$759,00020143/32,83532

6053ShoreParkDrive$764,000$720,00020144/43,21133

2152VillamarDrive$775,000$775,00020094/43,52017

5185BarcroftLakeDrive$783,900$760,00020214/32,995194

5117StoneyPointDrive$825,000$800,00020184/43,18529

5301BarcroftLakeDrive$844,900$850,00020204/42,81146

5107CreswellDrive$950,000$940,00020193/32,87330

BestVersionMediadoesnotguaranteetheaccuracyofthestatisticaldataonthispage.The datadoesnotrepresentthelistingsofanyoneagentoragencybutrepresentstheactivityof therealestatecommunityinthearea.Anyrealestateagent’sadappearinginthemagazineis separatefromthestatisticaldataprovidedwhichisinnowayapartoftheiradvertisement.

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The Family That Chose Us

“Look to your right and left. These are the people that will become your family.” Little did we realize how prophetic these words from our newfound pickleball instructor, Coach Pete (Gilinson), would be. It was the fall of 2020 when a group of Covid19 weary Brunswick Forest newcomers began taking Friday morning pickleball lessons. Having recently moved to new homes during the height of the pandemic, we were eager to shrug off the chains of conﬁnement. In doing so we came face-to-face with a group of people who would not only become friends but who would quickly transform into the “Puka-ohana," the name of one of our entries in the Brunswick Forest Cardboard Boat Regatta meaning “Pickleball family.”

Fast forward ﬁve years and most of the original class from that fall is

still together. Names and contact information were shared to form a group that plays on the courts three times weekly. Neighborhoods grew and more people were invited to join the group which swelled to thirty-three within a year. As Covid restrictions were eased, participants became increasingly social sharing in dinners, holiday parties, milestone celebrations, vacations, competitive games and philanthropy. We have rejoiced in family weddings, the birth of numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and in the accomplishments of our children. We have supported one another through health concerns, family issues and loss, including the passing of two dear spouses within our group. In the process we found that home was not the place to which we had moved but was the people whom we had found.

Our group, now known as the Social Dinkers, has experienced change over the years but has continued to demonstrate love, respect and support for each other, our community and the world as a whole. The Brunswick Forest Cardboard Boat Regatta originally sounded like a crazy but FUN challenge, so in 2022 the decision was made to craft a vessel out of cardboard and race in an alligator habitat. Say, what??? Many hours went into the design and build of that ﬁrst boat which became an homage to the plight of the Ukrainian people embroiled in war. Knowing that basic supplies were needed in Ukraine, the decision was made to solicit donations during regatta festivities. This resulted in a donation to ShelterBox of $1,450 for the beneﬁt of the Ukrainian people. Since that time the Social Dinkers

Story and photos by Bex Hilton

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have continued to enjoy participation in the regatta supporting the local chapter of the American Legion and this year the local ALS United organization.

Tony Favaloro, a Dinker with a wicked line shot that was hard to return, struggled with what were initially felt to be side effects of nasopharyngeal cancer treatment. However, over time, he developed neurological symptoms and a host of other health issues and complications that were difﬁcult to interpret despite research and frequent consultation with many

medical practitioners. The dreams of retirement life that Tony and his wife Sandy had envisioned were snatched away. They were “drowning in appointments” and “were functioning more like caregiver and patient, rather than husband and wife.” Finally, a neurologist referred them to the ALS United clinic who took over Tony’s medical care. They “compacted our long list of appointments to one, with all specialties working together in the same room.” Tony was diagnosed with Bulbar ALS. There was relief at having a diagnosis that

could be addressed, and through ALS United Tony and Sandy were able to receive the coordination of care that they desperately needed. They were grateful that this support “helped us to be husband and wife again (and) helped us to be a family again, supporting one another (through) this journey.” During this time, consideration was given to moving closer to their children, however, Tony and Sandy decided to remain with their “family” in Brunswick Forest. With humor and an ever-positive disposition Tony continued to participate in a myriad of activities with the Social Dinkers, while simultaneously cultivating relationships within the ALS community.

With a pay-it-forward mindset, the Favaloros began discussing the idea of participation in the ALS United Walk. Their goal was to raise awareness and funding for the local chapter that had so richly blessed them with assistance in navigating this disease. In October of 2025 the

Favaloros were invited to give opening comments and cut the ribbon to launch the 2025 ALS United Walk in Wilmington. A band of approximately 45 family, friends and neighbors dubbed “Team Papa Tony” and dressed in blaze orange T-shirts were led through Long Leaf Park by Tony himself! They, along with another one hundred online team members, raised over $7,000 for ALS United.

Four short weeks later, Tony passed away in the arms of his family.

This year the Social Dinkers, determined to honor and preserve Tony’s legacy, raced in the Brunswick Forest regatta as “Crew-saders for a Cure”. The group won “Best in Show”, provided educational information to race attendees, raised an additional $2,772 for ALS United, shared memories of Tony and had FUN! There is no cure

for ALS. Funding is needed for additional research, medical assistance and support for people navigating this life limiting disease. The Social Dinkers and the Favaloro family are appreciative of all contributions received thus far and continue to ask for your support. The ALS United Walk will take place in Wilmington on October 17, 2026. Please consider joining “Team Papa Tony” at alsnc.org as we ﬁght for a cure and continue Tony’s legacy.

The conﬂuence of factors that brought us together may never be repeated, and we hope the atrocities of a situation parallel to Covid19 never recur, but for the Social Dinkers the “silver lining” of our chance meeting resulted in relationships that will support us and feed our souls for the remainder of our lives. The “Puka-ohana” is truly the family that chose us! -

Ten Women, Three Regions, One Unforgettable Italy

Rome gave us history around every corner: especially on our golf-cart tour of the city. Tuscany slowed us down with rolling hills and meals that lasted hours because nobody wanted them to end. Also, there were wine tastings! And the Amalﬁ Coast? It gave us the stunning picturesque views from our private boat ride and beautiful cliffside towns tumbling toward that amazing turquoise water.

We all enjoyed the amazing Italian food at every stop. From the handmade pasta, just-pressed olive oil, generously poured wine, gelato, and cheeses that somehow tasted different in every town we visited. We didn't just eat in Italy — we savored it, together, course after course, story after story.

Article and Photos by Gina Garera, Travel Advisor

There's a moment on every group trip when nearstrangers becomes friends. On our Italy women's trip, it happened somewhere on the road between Tuscany and Sorrento. The conversations got easier, the laughs got bigger, and by the time we hit the coast, we weren't ten women on a tour anymore. We were a group of friends. That's the moment I plan trips for.

Ten of us set off together to experience Rome, Tuscany, and the Amalﬁ Coast, and from the very ﬁrst morning, it was clear this wasn't going to be a "see the sights and move on" kind of trip. We had a guide with us the entire time, which meant we never wasted a minute wondering where to go or worrying about logistics. We just got to be there — fully present, fully in it.

But if you ask the women on this trip what they'll remember most, I don't think it'll be the food or even the views. It'll be each other. Ten women who didn't all know one another going in left as genuine friends — the kind

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who already are scheming their next trip together. That's the part of group travel I love most. You don't just come home with photos. You also come home with new friends. This is exactly why I do what I do. Travel is meant to be shared, and the right group, the right guide, and the right details (handled by someone else!) can turn a trip into something that stays with you long after you've unpacked. What members of your community are saying:

Sandy Sackrison: Our Italy trip was a dream come true. Gina was excellent in planning every detail. She is intelligent, informative and made the planning experience fun. I have already suggested her services to several of my friends. I can’t wait to go on my next vacation with her company.

Trina Peters: Italy was amazing. It was a great worry-free, easy, fun and interesting trip. Everything taken care of. Even added on Rome. Going to do the Iceland trip next. Dreaming of your own adventure with your people? I'd love to help you plan it. e

You have choices!

Tired of your dated kitchen or bathroom?

Go big with a complete remodel, OR opt for luxury cabinet refacing - where we change out the doors and drawers leaving the boxes in place. Either way, Mary Ellen and Drew will deliver the kitchen and bathroom of your dreams! Call today to set up your free in home consultation.

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A Garden Stroll Success

By Barbara Humphries & Francis Lewis | Photos by Barbara Humphries

On May 21, the Brunswick Forest Garden Club hosted A Garden Stroll 2026, a self-guided tour of seven private gardens in Brunswick Forest. The event was a tremendous success and a delight for all who attended. Visitors enjoyed the diversity and beauty of the gardens, the hospitality of the garden hosts who generously shared their knowledge and experiences, and the impressive selection of rafﬂe prizes.

Because ticket and rafﬂe sales far exceeded expectations, we are pleased to announce that proceeds from A Garden Stroll have been donated to two deserving organizations: the Brunswick County

Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association (BCEMGVA), and the Alliance for Cape Fear Trees (ACFT).

BCEMGVA has been working this year on renovations to the Discovery Garden, which is one of 16 themed gardens within the Brunswick County Botanical Garden. Originally designed approximately ten years ago, the garden is being refreshed with new tree and shrub specimens, along with interactive features and educational elements designed to engage children. The Botanical Garden is open to the public seven days a week from dawn until dusk.

ACFT is a nonproﬁt 501(c)(3) organization based in Wilmington. Its mission is to preserve, protect, and plant trees to enhance the quality of life throughout the Lower Cape Fear region. Through hands-on

is stronger than the weather.

Ryan Huffman, agent, FSCP

Jared Speight, agent FSCP

Adam Clark, agent

Ashley Spine, agent

Mark A Ellenberg

LUTCF, Agency Manager mark.ellenberg@ncfbins.com (910)371-2111 www.ncbins.com

left to right: Taylor McDaniel, Brunswick County Extension Horticultural Agent; Lisa Schrager, Master Gardener; Frances Lewis and Barbara Humphries

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projects, long-term stewardship, and strong community partnerships, ACFT addresses the challenges of tree canopy loss caused by severe storms, rapid development, and climate change. During the 2025–2026 season, ACFT distributed 1,800 native trees in Leland. Looking ahead to the 2026–2027 season, the organization expects to plant 25–30 trees in Leland and conduct another tree giveaway. To learn more about ACFT, please visit acftrees.org.

On behalf of the Brunswick Forest Garden Club, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who purchased tickets and supported A Garden Stroll 2026. Your enthusiasm and generosity helped make this event an outstanding success and enabled us to support two organizations whose work beneﬁts our community and environment.

With gratitude, Barbara Humphries and Frances Lewis, Co-Chairs, A Garden Stroll 2026

left to right: Frances Lewis, Isabelle Shepherd - ACFT Executive Director, Barbara Humphries

and

PREPARATION

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease an 8-x-8-inch (2-qt.) baking dish with butter.

2. Prepare the ﬁlling: Slice each peach into 8 wedges. Toss the peaches with the lemon juice, sugar, vanilla bean seeds or extract, cornstarch, and bourbon to coat.

3. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Set aside.

4. Prepare the topping: Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium-low and cook until golden brown and fragrant (watch closely as it can easily burn), 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Bourbon-Peach Crisp

INGREDIANTS

Peach Filling

• lb. ripe peaches, washed

• Juice of 1 lemon

⅓ cup turbinado sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tbsp. cornstarch

• 3 tbsp. bourbon

Brown Butter Crisp Topping

8 tbsp. butter

¾ cup all-purpose ﬂour

• ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats

• ⅓ cup turbinado sugar (see note)

1 tsp. lemon zest

¼ tsp. kosher salt

• ½ tsp. ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg

For Serving

Fine sea salt, vanilla ice cream

5. Blend ﬂour, oats, sugar, lemon zest, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Drizzle brown butter over dry ingredients, tossing to incorporate and create a crumbly mixture. Spread topping over peach ﬁlling.

6. Place the baking dish on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes or until the ﬁlling is bubbly and caramelized at the edges and the topping is golden brown and crisp. Carefully remove from the oven and let cool 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

7. Salt lightly with sea salt. Serve in bowls topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream

Recipe

Photo by Debby Daigle

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

August Golf Opportunities for Women – LPGA Amateur Golf Association Cape Fear/Wilmington NC Chapter

SATURDAY, August 1

@Vineyard Golf at White Lake, Elizabethtown

Time: 8:30 AM | Cost: $45

SATURDAY, August 15

@Oyster Bay Golf Links, Sunset Beach

Time: 9 AM | Cost: $46

SATURDAY, August 29

@Brunswick Plantation, Calabash

Time: 8:35 AM | Cost: $45

THURSDAYS

@Beau Rivage Golf, Carolina Beach

Time: 11:30 AM | 18 holes

Time: 4:30 PM | 9 holes - dining after

MONDAYS (2nd and 4th of the month) 10AM:

@Ironclad Golf, Hampstead Time: 10 AM

Cost: 9 holes ($20) | 18 holes ($39)

Non-members may golf twice before they decide if membership is right for them.

VISIT: lpgaamateurswilmingtonnc.com for details and to register. For questions, email lpgaamateurswilmingtonnc@ yahoo.com

Experience. Compassion. Care You Can Trust.

Expanded Team, New Technologies and Added Serviceselevating care for longtime clients while welcoming new clients.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5

Poplar Grove Open Air Market

@ Historic Poplar Grove Plantation

A long-running, family-friendly farmers' market beneath ancient oak trees featuring regional produce, crafts, and artworks.

Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Cost: FREE (items available for purchase)

THURSDAY–SUNDAY, AUGUST 6–23

Same Time, Next Year

@ Brunswick Little Theatre

A classic, heartwarming comedy tracking a two-person annual affair over 25 years, charting their personal growth and changing cultural times.

Time: Check venue for details

Cost: Ticketed: prices vary by performance

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7

The Oak Ridge Boys

@ Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College

A classic vocal group concert delivering harmony-driven country and gospel hits perfect for multi-generational family outings.

Time: 7:30 PM

Cost: Ticketed: prices vary by seating

MONDAY, AUGUST 10 – SEPTEMBER 14

Judy Lewis Art Exhibit

@SWEET NECTAR FLORIST

“Imagination and Inspiration” Watercolor and Pastel Paintings. Reception is on Wednesday, August 19 from 5PM to 7PM.

Cost: FREE

THURSDAY–SUNDAY, AUGUST 13–23

West Side Story

@ Thalian Hall

The classic, soaring musical retelling of Romeo and Juliet pulses with iconic dance numbers and Bernstein's powerful score to close out the summer theatre season.

Time: Evening at 7:30 PM; Sunday Matinee at 2:00 PM

Cost: Ticketed; prices vary

FRIDAY–SATURDAY, AUGUST 14–15

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19

Bad Company Legacy Concert

@ Leland Cultural Arts Center

A lively rock performance tribute keeping summer energy high right in the heart of Leland.

Time: 7:30 PM | Cost: $116