Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
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FROM THE PUBLISHERS
e celebrated America’s birthday last month, but our 250th anniversary lasts the entire year, and we plan to keep celebrating. Historically, it’s a big deal for a country to operate under that same government, the same Constitution, for 250 years. And to have that happen in a country ruled by its citizens is unique in human history, and something we should all take as a point of pride. Understanding our history is particularly important here because we aren’t now, and never have been, bound by a common ethnicity or religion. What holds us together is our shared history and common belief in the ideals upon which our nation was founded. If we lose track of these things, or if we fail to teach the new generations, we could lose that glue and the nation could come apart at the seams. So expect more history in our pages, including in this issue. This month, you’ll learn about a traveling exhibit on the American Revolution that is being brought to Shallotte’s Rourk Library by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Our newest writer, Gabriel Hughes, shares the story of a graduate student intern at Brunswick Town and his work uncovering the history of the port and one of it’s wharves. And we spoke to an artist who helped create a memorial , also at Brunswick Town, to one of the bleaker aspects of our shared history, the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Hundreds of men, women and children were imported to Brunswick Town and now their story is getting the honor it deserves. We hope you appreciate this continued national birthday celebration!
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jeffrey Stites
Carla Edstrom Patty Langer Loiuse Sheffield-Baccarny Janet Fortney Lisa P. Stites Jeffrey Stites
editor@southportmag.com
ASSISTANT EDITOR Lisa P. Stites lisa@southportmag.com
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Biz Q&A Spicing Up Southport
You have huge variety of teas. How do you find them and decide which to carry?
Southport Spices (and Teas) Brings New Options
Initially, I wanted to have a small variety of the different types of tea: black, oolong, green, white, herbal, botanical, and fruity. From here, I listen to the customers, their suggestions, and what they normally drink. Hopefully we can continue to build this into the Southport Pantry. Everyone’s pantry looks different based on experience, where they grew up, and their travels. I can only get us so far. It’s really up to the locals to take us the rest of the way, to make this Southport’s Pantry.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES
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e watch a lot of Food Network in our home. Cooking together was something we learned as a couple, enjoyed as a family, and now that our son has moved away, once again enjoy as a couple. The competition shows on Food Network often feature ingredients we’ve never heard of, and often can’t find in our area. Now, thanks to Southport Spices, we can find some ingredients we never could have before. As an example, the lovely and talented Lisa wanted to try za’atar, a savory spice blend (I think it’s a blend) from the Middle East. Of course Southport Spices had it. We brought some home, tried it, and it’s now in our regular rotation. Discoveries like this are all over the store. To learn more about Southport Spices (which also specializes in teas) we spoke to owner Manuela Suslik about how she manages this drive of culinary treasures
When did Southport Spices open? March 13, 2026
Do you have a background in food and beverage? What inspired you to
open a spice and tea shop? We were franchise owners of Marco’s Pizza a few years ago. We had visited the Highlands and walked into a Spice and Tea Exchange (franchise) and thought it was a neat idea. We vacationed in Egypt two years ago as my retirement gift. In Cairo, there was a small store front with marble pillars and floor tiles, large glass jars, and all spices I had never heard of. It was bright, fun, and two floors. This was as close to it as I can get.
How do the two facets, spices and teas, go together? Both come from plants. I am fascinated with the idea that someone, somewhere
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
in history thought of grinding, eating, and steeping plants for all different purposes.
What can people expect when they visit Southport Spices? Do you have tastings? Samples? Most people walk in and are overwhelmed. They do not expect the number of spices or teas or the fact that they can open all the jars and smell everything. We offer tea samples of what is on tap. We can make a 12-oz cup to go of any of our teas hot or cold. I am working on how to provide spice tastings, but we are not there yet.
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How do you point a customer to a tea they may not have tried but might enjoy? We ask what they normally drink — water, soda, coffee, etc. What types of tea do they normally lean toward? Then we smell everything within those categories. As we smell, either they like something or they don’t because of a certain ingredient. That helps us narrow down new selections.
What’s your own favorite tea? My favorite is Orange Grove Vanilla, with honey, either hot or cold.
Biz Q&A do that at the grocery store? How many spices have you purchased in the past couple of years for only one time use because what you made didn’t wow you enough to use that spice again?
Can you recommend a spice to our readers that they might not have heard of that you personally enjoy using? The sumac berry powder, although some people believe it smells too sour. It is a vibrant red spice that most home cooks do not use, but it reliably delights them. Derived from dried berries, it offers a bright, tart, and fruity citrus flavor. People are pleasantly surprised because it provides a fresh, “lemony” pop to a dish without the sour liquid or acidity of actual lemon juice.
Your spice selection is even larger than your tea selection. How do you pick which to stock? The spices and herbs I carry are the most common with a few surprises because we are on the coast. Sumac Berry always surprises people. If more than two customers ask if I carry a particular spice, I start looking for it. We already carry six new spices and four grilling blends due to requests.
ing for new and different while others are looking for old faithful.
your shop rather than the grocery store?
Aside from the variety, what’s the advantage to buying spices from
Seriously, this is a question? Have you not come in and smelled the spices? Can you
Southport Spices Spice, Herb and Tea Merchant 114 N. Howe Street (910) 363-4422 sptspices.com
If someone is trying a spice they’ve not used before, what options do you have for buying different quantities? If someone is trying out a new recipe and not sure about a spice, I sell most in teaspoon and tablespoon sizes. There are seven that I cannot do this with, because the price point doesn’t allow this option. For example, Green cardamon pods and Juniper berries cannot be purchased in such a small quantity. I currently offer one ounce and three ounce packages, but I believe we will change this over the next year. One ounce packages seem to be the best option. Then we will sell larger quantities upon request.
Do you offer suggestions on how possibly unfamiliar spices can be used? Yes, each jar offers the flavor profile, common uses, and spice pairings.
Do you have a lot of people trying new things or are they mostly after something they already know? It’s a mixed bag. Some come in search-
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Community
Africa To Carolina
New Art Installation At Brusnwick Town STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES
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istory is endlessly fascinating and also complicated and sometimes difficult. It is, after all, the story of humans beings, and humans are complicated, doing great and terrible things often at the same time. The citizens of Brunswick Town are no different. They helped kick off a revolution that led to a nation founded on the ideals of freedom and the notion that all men are created equal. These same people also imported, sold and owned men, women and children. The Brunswick Town State Historic Site has done a great job telling the first part of that story, and now the second part is getting its due. Last month the Africa To Carolina Inclusive Public Art Initiative was dedicated at Brunswick Town. The installation includes sculpture, two dimensional artwork, and poetry that all tell the story of, and pay homage to, the
people who came to Brunswick Town on slave ships and were sold on its docks, worked on its farms and in its homes, and helped build the town. The monument is found on the path around Brunswick Town next to a pavilion. You won’t miss it — it’s impressive in both size and the quality of the design
David Wilson (left) and Stephen Hayes at the unveiling of the Africa to Carolina Inclusive Public Art Initiative
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
and artwork. When you visit, be sure to read the plaques under the sculptures. They contain an original poem by North Carolina’s Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green that is quite moving. The monument is the work of artists David Wilson and Stephen Hayes. Wilson is a 2-D artist and Hayes a sculptor, and this collaboration is the result of about three years of work. The project was commissioned by the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission with major funding provided by the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. By luck I’d met Hayes while stopping by to take photos of the work being installed. “We had community engagements and stuff,
so we work with the community and see about what they’re interested in, and then we come up with our design and present it back to them and see if they like the work,” Hayes explained. “It’s going to be an inviting space to bring people in and to imagine what went on on these ships as they disembark from the water,” he said. Hayes is an art professor at Duke University and has dedicated his artistic works to honoring and teaching about the contributions and sacrifices of those
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brought to the Americas as slaves. He has work in several states and in the Caribbean and said his goal is to have a piece at every slave port in the Americas. He told me he was inspired by what sees as the hidden history of the slave trade. “Just me not knowing much about the transporting of people from Africa to America, and learning it was a six- to eight-week journey for them to be on the boat with no sights, and being able to tell that story and continue to tell a story that’s never been told or that doesn’t get
Community told in history books,” he said. He said much of this story gets skipped over in textbooks. “We learn about the Civil War, we learn about slavery, but we don’t learn about the exact amount of time or how many ships it took to transport people here. You know, over 15 million people that were transported here.” A monument like this tells an important story, one that was getting less attention than it deserves at sites like Brunswick Town. “This is my life’s work,” Hayes said. “To create great artwork that continues to tell the story that’s been untold. So if I can use more artwork as a way of continuing to tell the story, this is what I want to do and that’s my goal to do. You know,
I want to be able to set an example for my kids in the next generation to come. I feel like artwork is a thing to connects people across generations or cultures, so if I can create an artwork that’s going to create a conversation between people who are from totally different, you know, walks of life, that’s my job, what I wanna do.”
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Community
History of a Gallery
Associated Artists of Southport at 50 Years STORY CONTRIBUTED
A
s our nation celebrates its 250th birthday, the Associated Artists of Southport (AAS) proudly celebrate its own historic anniversary this year — 50 years of making and sharing art at Franklin Square Gallery, the historic blue building with the white columns that is home to AAS.
The two-story structure at 130 E. West St. in Southport has a story as colorful and varied as the art it now houses. This year, AAS proudly celebrates 50 years of stewardship, preserving the building’s legacy as a beloved community space and landmark of historic Southport.
A Little History Nestled among the live oaks, azaleas and camellias at the eastern end of Franklin Square Park in Southport, the Gallery began life in 1904 as the first public, graded school in Brunswick County. As originally built, its two-story structure featured a cu-
pola with a school bell, a broad stoop and wide steps — but no columns. By 1910, the school had 165 pupils and offered instruction in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, Latin, English literature, composition, rhetoric, geography and history. (Grazetti, J., et al., “Ïf These Walls Could Talk,” 2nd ed. 2004 at 10.) Enrollment soon outgrew outgrew the existing space, so two one-story wings were added in 1918. Classes continued until 1936, when the City of Southport purchased the building from the school board and remodeled it to house Southport’s City Hall, an American Legion Post and a Community Center. The City added the four white columns that highlight the entrance to the building and a walk-in vault at the back of the first floor. A group of high school students was “hired” — for free — to paint the large room on the second floor for use as a Community Center. Apparently, artistry came alive in the building even then, as one of those high school students, Leila Pigott, remembered, “The ceiling was [painted] blue with white stars, and poems were painted on the walls.” (Id. at 21.) The City occupied the first floor offices to the right of the
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
entrance, with the American Legion occupying the offices on the left. The second floor, with its starry ceiling and poetry on the walls, served as a venue for parties and dances with live music for children and adults. (Id. at 21-22.) Southport’s Catholic community also used this space for services until 1941, when the original Sacred Heart Church was built on Caswell Avenue. Later, Southport’s Public Library used the building’s second floor space from the early 1960s until 1968.
Enter AAS In April 1972, five Southport artists formed a group to support artists in Southport and the surrounding area. They drafted a constitution and bylaws to create AAS. A sixth artist joined shortly thereafter, and AAS began establishing itself as an artistic presence in Brunswick County. As the bylaws state, AAS is “dedicated to the cultural enrichment of the community.” Its purposes include promoting the fine arts, fostering the exchange of ideas, contributing services to the community in the field of visual arts, and providing “educational
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programs for all ages and demonstrations and lectures for both its members and the community that will lead to a better public understanding of art.” To meet these goals, AAS initially met in various locations around town, but soon petitioned Southport’s leaders for permis-
Community sion to use city-owned space for meetings, activities and exhibits. In 1976, Southport approved the use of the building that is now Franklin Square Gallery for the production of a summer musical and for use by AAS. Thus began AAS’s 50-year and continuing love affair with this historic building.
A New Chapter: Franklin Square Gallery Under its original lease agreement with Southport, AAS was required to “provide any maintenance of the interior of the building and any renovation approved by the Board [of Aldermen of Southport].” That agreement continues to this day, with the additional requirement that AAS also maintain the building’s exterior and grounds. Because AAS is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization, its members have always volunteered their time, effort and personal funds to take good care of Franklin Square Gallery. They donate 25 percent of all sales to the organization, which has provided for remodeling and continually refreshing the Gallery’s nine bright rooms of display space for paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, pottery and ceramic and glass sculpture. AAS members also spend hours on the exterior of the building and its landscaping, maintaining the building’s presence as a stately sentinel overlooking Southport’s historic Franklin
Square Park. Just as its founders hoped, AAS strives continually to ensure that the Gallery meets the needs of the community. Members voluntarily staff the Gallery from mid-February through late December, Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. All artwork is always for sale and no admission fee is ever charged. The Gallery also offers numerous art programs open to the public. Its regional Spring, Summer and Maritime Art Shows attract artists from all over Brunswick County and beyond. At First Friday receptions March through December, AAS invites the public to enjoy various art exhibits, demonstrations, complimentary refreshments, live music and conversations with artists. The second floor room with its once-starry ceiling is now a classroom that hosts weekly painting studio sessions, bi-weekly figure drawing sessions with live models, art history lectures, and artists’ workshops, all open to the public for a nominal fee to cover costs. Annually, AAS hosts a Fourth of July raffle of original artwork, and Kids’ Day Art in the Park, a free event that transforms Franklin Square Park into an open-air art studio where children of all ages can enjoy art activities. Every four years, AAS organizes and hosts Empty Bowls, a nationwide effort to alleviate food-insecurity “one bowl at a time,” raising more than $30,000 in 2025 for local food banks and charities. And this year, AAS has proudly hosted the
Veterans Creative Arts Program, offering free art classes at the Gallery to veterans, active-duty military, and first responders. These are just some of the ways in which AAS members have opened Franklin Square Gallery to the public, to share their enthusiasm and love for the arts with the greater Southport community. From humble beginnings as a school, a city hall, a dance hall and a library, Franklin Square Gallery now operates as the finest non-profit art gallery in southeastern North Carolina.
50th Anniversary Celebrations & Fundraising To celebrate 50 years in the building they call home, AAS members are working hard to ensure that Franklin Square Gallery continues to shine as a community asset for many years to come. Essential maintenance for this 122-year old building includes, among other things, costly electrical equipment repair, the repair and painting of the Gallery’s entire exterior and trim, and extensive repairs to the Gallery’s handicap
ramp. Fortunately, the generous folks at Solstice Builders, LLC have graciously offered to complete all handicap ramp repairs as a donation to the Gallery, for which AAS is deeply grateful. To help pay for the remaining repairs and ensure that Franklin Square Gallery continues to function as a cultural hub in Southport, AAS will kick off a major fundraising effort with a commemorative social at the Gallery on August 23, 2026. Plans include a 50th Anniversary Club comprised of community members who donate “$50 for 50,” representing $1 for each year of the Gallery’s existence. Donors will receive special benefits and invitations to future events, and will be recognized publicly on the Gallery’s website. Commemorative prints, t-shirts, stickers, a painting party and a gala are also planned for the coming months. For more detailed information about these and other efforts to ensure the next 50 years of art and culture are alive and well in Southport, please visit the Gallery’s website at www.franklinsquaregallery.com.
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Community Supporting the Library Oak Island Library Seeks Funds For Expansion COLU M N BY PAT RICIA LA NGE R
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e’re fortunate here in Brunswick County to have a wonderful library system that caters to people of all ages. Our local libraries also have amazing volunteer groups to support them and fill in the gaps when funding doesn’t quite match wish lists. Members of the Friends of the Library Southport-Oak Island are doing just that for the Barbee Branch on Oak Island, raising money for a very real need. We’re more than happy to do our part and help spread the word because of course we want everyone reading lots — books, emails, and especially our magazines. We asked one of our writers, who volunteers with FOLSOI, to write something from the heart about the fundraising campaign and why it’s important to help. --Lisa Why I support FOLSOI’s Fundraiser for the Barbee Library Expansion Project FOLSOI (Friends of the Library Southport-Oak Island) is a true champion of both Barbee and Harper libraries, constantly advocating for county resources and filling the gaps where budget funds fall short. FOLSOI has raised money for
committed to covering one half of the total $300,000 project cost. Now it’s up to FOLSOI to raise the other $150,000 and we are well on our way, having just crossed the $100,000 mark! We are asking residents and local businesses to help us cross the finish line. I spent so much of my childhood in my local library, an old stone building with creaky wooden chairs, shelves so high I could never reach the top, and a strong scent of old books. Having my very own library card that allowed me to borrow as many books as I could carry home was a thrill that never grew old (it still hasn’t!) I read my way through the Boxcar Children to Nancy Drew Mysteries and then Agatha Christie. In my teens and twenties, I moved on to the classics, falling in love with Ernest Hem-
books, audio subscriptions, shelving, computers, and so much more. Their current fund drive, “Building Our Next Chapter – The Barbee Library Expansion Project,” is for a much-needed expansion of Barbee’s meeting room space. This project is the culmination of FOLSOI’s efforts over the last few years, made possible through a partnership with Brunswick County. The County has
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ingway and Jane Austen. For me, the library has always been a place to escape, whether I am in the mood for a good mystery, an adventure through history, or a period romance. When my husband and I moved to Oak Island as empty nesters in 2018, I began volunteering at Barbee Library as a “shelf sorter.” I soon learned about the Friends of the Library Southport/Oak Island (FOLSOI) and signed up to volunteer with their publicity team, eventually moving to the role of coordinator for FOLSOI’s popular “Meet the Author” program. In 2022, I joined the FOLSOI board as Chair of Programs & Events and have loved every minute of it! Over the years, I have seen firsthand how our libraries continually reinvent themselves to serve the modern needs
Community
of our communities. From book clubs to Lifelong Learners, poetry slams and writing groups, music and crafting programs. Programs for children like Summer Reading, Lego Mania, Birthday-in-a
Bag, and STEAM kits are not only just popular, they are typically maxed out. Barbee Library is a terrific community resource that provides our residents with limitless opportunities for learning, creating personal growth and connection. I am happy to personally support FOLSOI’s campaign by donating to the “Barbee Library Expansion Project” because I have seen firsthand the need for more space at the library. The population of Oak Island has exploded since Covid and the popularity of Barbee’s programs presents constant challenges in terms of space and attendance. The proposed expansion will create a meeting room with triple the capacity, allowing for expanded programing and larger community events. There will also be a smaller meeting room for private bookings. I am happy to know that my donation to the Barbee Library Expansion Project will benefit our local community for years to come. I hope you’ll join me in supporting this great cause!
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Community Discovery Wharf The Wait
described this project as “another piece of the puzzle.” He explained that there are not really any true visuals of how Old Brunswick Town-Fort Anderson was used in colonial times, and that “it is like building a jigsaw puzzle with three-quarters of the pieces missing.”
Intern Uncovering Brunswick Town History STORY BY GABRIEL HUGHES
O
ld Brunswick Town-Fort Anderson, a site deeply shaped by American colonial history, is a true “hidden gem,” said Christos Darras, a graduate student at East Carolina University (ECU). For Darras, who is pursuing his degree in Maritime Studies, it is also the site for his graduate thesis. His current project might just help to answer some questions about the area’s true importance in colonial history. Darras, who attended ECU’s Field School earlier in the summer, was offered an internship with the Friends of Old Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson. He began researching a former colonial wharf that is no longer truly “accessible” to the public, but is hidden from view. It is Darras’ goal to bring new life to this wharf in a way the public may not immediately expect. As part of his project and internship, Darras is working on developing a digital reconstruction of the wharf, known as Moore’s Wharf or Wharf 01, to aid in the understanding of why that wharf specifically carries importance and how it may have been used in the colonial era. The land on which Old Brunswick
Town-Fort Anderson sits was once owned by the renowned colonial Colonel Maurice Moore and his brother “King” Roger Moore. It was known in the colonial ages due to the depth of its water, which allowed for easy passage of larger, goods-laden merchant ships. This enabled Brunswick Town to become a world-class port and the fourteenth busiest in all of the colonies by the mid1700s. What was once a major port for lumber, pitch, tar, and turpentine, is now a historical site offering visitors a glimpse of early life in the American colonies. However, part of that glimpse might require goggles and a swimsuit, given that part of the site — including Moore’s Wharf — is now submerged under the surface of the water. Darras describes his ambitious undertaking as a “project of understanding,” as it will allow him and the public to discover how the wharf was constructed, why it was positioned where it was, and ultimately why the wharf was important in colonial times. Currently, Darras estimates that he is “modestly halfway” complete with the project, stating that he has already created some concept art using artificial intelligence (AI). Though he has used AI in the initial designs, Darras maintains that it is just “a supportive tool,” and that the only way to actually know how the wharf was shaped is through “more archaeological research and survey.”
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
While Moore’s Wharf is the focus of Darras’ project, McKee clarified that this wharf is not the only one. William Dry’s Wharf, which began washing up in 2008, has been systematically mapped by McKee. The two or three more wharfs that lie to the south are additional projects of ECU’s Field School.
Cristos Darras in front of the wharf that is the subject of his research (Above and Bottom Left photos by Gabriel Hughes
The site itself is marked with wave attenuators, which were installed in 2019. These help to absorb shock from wake energy. While the attenuators do not fully absorb the waves, they aid in protecting the site from erosion due to the marsh-like environment. Though this project has been very successful thus far, Darras said that his biggest challenge to date has been the digital reconstruction software. He explained that the software works, but that his current setup is not as compatible, compared to if he was creating this digital model on ECU’s campus. Even through the challenges, Darras loves interacting with the public because “people want to know,” he explained. “Then they tell their friends who then become interested,” he went on to say. He views one of his biggest successes as being able to reach out to the community, as it feels as though what he is doing is actually important. Jim McKee, site director for Old Brunswick Town-Fort Anderson,
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McKee said that everyone has different visions of what a wharf looks like now, but that this project will allow for a representation of what a wharf looked like 250 years ago. McKee is helping to support the project by providing technical information from William Dry’s Wharf due to its similarity to Moore’s Wharf. In the near future, Darras intends to meet with his advisor to plan his next steps regarding data and models. You can follow along with the progression of his project at Friends of Brunswick Town/ Fort Anderson on Facebook.
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Community
Artist Scholarship
Barn and Beach Makes Second Annual Award STORY BY JEFFREY STITES, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
O
ur friends at Barn and Beach Designs have gone through a lot of changes recently with the moved from three buildings to two, but did not let their annual art scholarship fall through the cracks. This year’s winner of a $1,500 scholarship is South Brunswick High School (SBHS) Senior Emilee Lake. “With all the changes and transitions here at Barn & Beach Designs of shifting three businesses into two over the past few months, there was one thing that was true to my heart and a priority during the shift,” said Barn and Beach owner Francesca Talbot. “That was our Crafty Corner, a program I started where folks can donate unused or gently used art supplies which generates revenue for our scholarship program that is awarded yearly to an AP art student at SBHS.” Emilee’s mom, Amanda Lake, said
Emilee has always been an artist. “Since she could walk, she’s been creating something, whether it was arts and crafts or baking something in her Easy Bake Oven. Her creativity from baking to art never fails to amaze me! I couldn’t be more proud of her.” “Art has always been one of the biggest passions in my life,” said Emilee. “Even as a young child I loved to play with Easy Bake Ovens and kiddy art sets. I realized as I got older that my passion grew further than a hobby. When I first started high school, I
k n e w r i g h t away I wanted to take art class. Thanks to all the resources and support from Ms. Belter, Mr. Sands, and Mrs. Caldwell I was able to expand my artistic talent throughout these three years. I am so thankful for all of the support that I have been given to achieve my dreams in the artistic world. I want to thank all of my mentors throughout the years — Thank you Mom for pushing me through and giv-
ing me all the resources and love I could have ever asked for. Thank you, Mr. Sands, for pushing me out of my shell, helping me through AP art, and always making me laugh. Thank you, Mrs. Caldwell, for all the creative support — even though | just met you this year I am truly grateful to have taken art with you. And lastly, thank you to my greatest supporter Ms. Belter, who has given me all the support and encouragement to achieve my dreams. Without her I wouldn’t be where I am today and I am so honored she chose me to be the scholar-
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Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
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Community great artist with a kind heart, sweet spirit and a beautiful creative spark. Emilee will continue to ignite her creative spark in the Culinary Arts program at Cape Fear Community College. Yes Chef!” Talbot said, “We look forward to watching Emilee grow as an artist and can’t wait to see what creations come of her next adventure! There is truly something magical ship recipient.” SBHS art teacher Stacy Belter said Emilee’s high school art journey started the first day of her sophomore year. “Her artistic talent and creativity were evident immediately. She created without fear and used mediums such as beads, yarn, and clay to make her art. As a Junior, Emilee enrolled in and successfully completed Advanced Placement 3D art. She designed and created beautiful, meaningful 3D pieces. Emilee continued to grow artistically her senior year as she took advantage of her time to create in art class daily. Her ideas and pieces show personal growth and of course continued to be unique in style, Emilee style. Emilee’ is always making the art, in art class and at home. Whether it was a miniature bookshelf or clay slabs with holes for thread designs, sculpted fruit with beads, mosaics of tomatoes, clay sheep, or oversized clay buttons, Emilee’s creative style shined through. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to have Emilee in art for the past 3 years. She is such a
that happens when you get to watch members of your community follow their hearts and dreams of creating and seeing something tangible come from those visions and hard work. You can continue to help us grow this amazing program by donating supplies at both of our locations, Barn & Beach Too and Barn & Garden, 4880 and 4890 Long Beach Road in Southport.”
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www.SouthportMag.com /July /July 2026/ 2026/ Southport Magazine 15
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Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
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Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
www.SouthportMag.com /July /July 2026/ 2026/ Southport Magazine 17
Kids Making It
Community
Teaching Life Skills Through Woodworking STORY BY CARLA EDSTROM
S
ince 1994, Kids Making It has been a successful 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth woodworking program in Wilmington on Castle Street that teaches valuable vocational, entrepreneurial, and life skills to at-risk, low-income, and disadvantaged youth.
They recently celebrated the largest graduating class in Kids Making It’s history, with seven kids graduating. “Our goal for every student is to stay in school, stay out of trouble, and transition successfully into the work force, a trades program, or a university/college,” said Matt Anlyan, Marketing and Volunteer Manager for Kids Making It. “Our wood shop and gift shop are located at 617 Castle St., Wilmington, in the Arts & Antiques District.” Originally started by Jimmy Pierce, a retired attorney and North Carolina native, Kids Making It continues to set kids up for success in everyday life. What started small in Jimmy’s garage teaching one fos-
ter kid woodworking skills has grown substantially to what it is today. They now serve about 950 young people yearly through three core programs: an outreach program, an after-school program for teens, and an apprenticeship program for young adults facing barriers to employment. “Our outreach program serves children ages 5–18 in public housing sites, community centers, and partner agency locations. Our after-school program serves teens ages 13–18 and combines entrepreneurship, mentorship, and skill-building through woodworking,” said Matt. “Our Apprentice Program helps bridge a gap between high school and life after high school. In
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
you will. We also offer therapeutic woodworking classes for mothers and children at domestic violence shelters across southeastern North Carolina. Our programs are free to participants. We are mostly donor and grant-funded, although we also generate funding through our apprentice program.” While woodworking is the heart of the program, a broad introduction to the skilled trades is also taught, including construction, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. “We have an Art Room where painting, oiling, finishing, and other crafty and creative work take place. We also teach CNC machining and laser engraving, and have dabbled a bit in jewelry making. While there are no concrete plans, we would love to introduce 3D printing, metalworking, welding, ceramics, and more into our programming in the future.” It is very rewarding to get the chance to addition to teaching more advanced wood- be a positive influence on a child in their working techniques, we help our apprentices formative years, and there are currently 35 with resume writing, mock interviews, and volunteers and many more opportunities to additional life skills training. The apprentice volunteer with Kids Making It. “Volunteer program fulfills large custom orders, which opportunities include after-school woodare a source of revenue for the organization. working instruction and mentorship, art It helps us ‘keep the saw-blades spinning,’ if room assistance, teaching skilled trades,
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Community
outreach events, operating the gift shop, cleaning and organizing, and tool maintenance. Being a woodworker is not a requirement,” he said. “We are looking for good people first and foremost. Currently, the most needed volunteer roles are in the gift shop during the workweek (Monday-Friday), helping with outreach events, and working in our after-school woodworking program. All volunteers must pass a background check. Anyone interested can visit our website for more information and
a link to our application.kidsmakingit.org/ volunteer.” “We’re gearing up for a busy summer full of field trips, guest speakers, camps, and a lot of woodworking. The teens can sell their creations in our gift shop and receive 100 percent of the profit from any items they sell,” said Matt. “We continue to grow, though demand currently outpaces our available resources; our waitlist has grown to more than 40 applicants. While growth is important, our goal is quality over quantity. We’re also in the planning stages of expanding our apprentice program as part of our effort to become more sustainable. Through this program, we produce large custom orders for businesses and organizations across Southeast North Carolina. Our goal is to broaden our offerings and expand our reach by offering products online.” Visit Kidsmakingit.org for more information. All of their social media handles are @ kidsmakingit. Gift shop hours for the summer are 11 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. During the school year, the gift shop hours are 12 pm to 6 pm Monday through Friday.
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www.SouthportMag.com /July /July 2026/ 2026/ Southport Magazine 19
Community
DAR History Exhibit Traveling American Revolution Display STORY BY LISA STITES, PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES
I
t’s been a year of celebrating all things American, and though the July 4th holiday has passed, the 250th Anniversary lats all year and there are still more ways to learn more about the founding of our country and commemorate America250. The Brunswick Town Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) has secured a spot on the schedule for a traveling exhibit entitled the American Revolution Experience. The Chapter applied two years ago to serve as a host for the exhibit, and the scheduled visit is August 14-21 at the Southwest Brunswick Branch Library. “All DAR chapters were given the opportunity to apply for hosting the exhibit,” Teresa McLamb said. McLamb is a past president of the Brunswick Town Chapter of NSDAR and currently serves as as Registrar and Media/PR co-chairman for the group. “We applied two years ago! It has been so
popular that the time period for traveling the country was extended,” she said. The exhibit may be seen during normal operating hours for the library at 9400 Ocean Hwy West (U.S. 17) in Carolina Shores. NSDAR’s mission statement is the promotion of patriotism, education and historic conservation, McLamb explained. “We have many local initiatives that center on education including the nationally recognized Constitution Week in September and support of several schools and colleges including Crossnore’s two North Carolina campuses,” she said. Bringing the exhibit to Brunswick County
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
DAR Member Marilyn Lee O’Brien at the 4th of July Festival Naturalization Ceremony
gives residents and visitors to learn more about the colonial citizens of southeastern North Carolina who played key roles in the rebellion that became the American Revolution, in defiance of the Stamp Act at Brunswick Town, the Patriot victory at Moore’s Creek bridge, riders alerting Isaac
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Marion at the Boundary House of the advancing British troops, the Tory Hole victory at Elizabethtown, and much more, according to a release from the Brunswick Town Chapter. It’s a chance to consider “how fortunate we are to live in a democracy; how fragile that right is, and how we have a responsibility to protect our freedoms that were so valiantly fought for by our ancestors,” McLamb said. Funded by American Battlefield Protection Program Interpretation Grants and NSDAR, the exhibit opened at DAR headquarters in 2023 and has been traveling the country since in honor of America 250, according to the release. The exhibit consists of 12 panels arranged in pairs that cover thematic topics raised by the individuals featured in the exhibition. Examples include “Choosing Sides,” “On the Front Lines” and “Freedom or Slavery.” Three touchscreen displays augment the panels – one focused on the featured individuals, one highlighting places connected to those stories that can still be visited and one that includes Trust-produced animated maps that offer deeper context by showing the course of the full Revolutionary War as battles unfolded across the continent.
Community The exhibit is free and all residents are encouraged to attend. It arrives in Brunswick County after being exhibited in Sampson County and will travel from here to Conway, South Carolina. The opportunities to learn more about Brunswick County’s role before and during the Revolution don’t end when the exhibit leaves for its next stop. There are many local resources available for residents. McLamb suggests first and foremost, going to Brunswick Town where the first armed resistance in the colonies against British rule took place. “Site Manager Jim McKee is a treasure trove of local historical knowledge,” she said. “A complete set of the Colonial Records of North Carolina is available at the Brunswick Community College library in Building A on campus where there is also a genealogy research repository created by Brunswick Town NSDAR for public use. Southport Historical Society has a collection of local information at their headquarters as well as online. Brunswick Historical Society has all of their publications online. Many new books and documentaries have been produced in honor of America 250! They’re available on several streaming ser-
Brunswick Town Chapter DAR Members at the Brunswick Town sign dedication (with Jim McKee)
vices and at all the local libraries.” The mission of NSDAR is the promotion of patriotism, education and historic conservation. “We have many local initiatives that center on education including the nationally recognized Constitution Week in Septem-
ber and support of several schools and colleges including Crossnore’s two North Carolina campuses,” McLamb said. (Crossnore Communities for Children provides holistic care to children and families who have experienced trauma.) Besides bringing the exhibit to Brunswick
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
County, the group has been participating in other America250 events, including installing and dedicating historic markers at Brunswick Town and the county courthouse. Members also participated in Flag Day, and in the NC 4th of July Festival, when members hosted the newly-sworn citizens at a reception in their honor. The group also sponsored a float in the parade and created and published a series of articles on local patriots. And there’s more to come. “Our next scheduled event is dedication of a Liberty Elm at Rourk Library in commemoration of the elm tree under which the Sons of Liberty met,” McLamb said. Members of the Brunswick Town Chapter also encourage finding out more about our own families — there may be some patriots in our family trees. “Many local residents descend from Patriots of the American Revolution, but are unaware,” McLamb said. “Brunswick Town NSDAR and Cape Fear SAR (Sons of the American Revolution) can assist those who have an interest in celebrating their heritage through membership in the organizations.”
www.SouthportMag.com /July /July 2026/ 2026/ Southport Magazine 21
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
www.SouthportMag.com /August /August 2026/ 2026/ Southport Magazine 22
Chamber of Commerce News
Annual Meeting
2026-7 Board Is Seated, Awards Given
M
embers of the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce gathered on June 17 at the Southport Community Building for the Chamber’s 51st Annual Meeting. The event provided an opportunity for members to network, celebrate the Chamber’s 50th Anniversary, reflect on five decades of accomplishments, and recognize the leadership that has helped shape the organization and the community it serves.
A key component of the Annual Meeting is the ceremonial transition of leadership within the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Outgoing President Felicia Sexton, Independent Associate with LegalShield and IDShield, passed the gavel to Kevin Annas of MOcean Contracting, Inc., who will serve as the Chamber’s 2026–2027 Board President. Before concluding her term, Sexton reflected on the year’s accomplishments and presented several special recognitions. President’s Award Zeb Starnes, Zeb Starnes Photography,
for his contributions to the Chamber and community through the documentation of local events and activities. Retiring Board Members Recognized for Service Gina DiSabato, Island Treasure Hunt Jack Hamilton, Hamilton Realty Group at eXp Realty Kate Inman, Dosher Memorial Hospital Will Mitchell, Corning Credit Union The Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors. Five directors are elected annually to serve staggered three-year terms.
Front row: Kevin Annas, Victoria Bellamy, Jessica Niedomanski, Heather Kinlaw, Abby Carson, Carysa Overcash & Hank Troscianiec. Second Row: James Boatwright, Justin Lovin, Michael Blue, Steve Lewis, & Jeffrey Stites. Not pictured: Ilene Evans, Matt Mansfield & Russ Yarrow. Photo: Zeb Starnes
President Kevin Annas introduced the incoming Board members for 2026–2027: James Boatwright, Oak Island Loggerheads Ilene Evans, Dosher Memorial Hospital Heather Kinlaw, Doodles Market & Con-
venience, Atmosphera, and Independent Advocate with Green Compass Global Matt Mansfield, Mansfield Sales & Service and Brunswick Supply House Hank Troscianiec, Keller Williams Innovate Continuing Board members include: Victoria Bellamy, Novant Health Brunswick Medical
Center Michael Blue, Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation Abby Carson, Carolina Resort Company, LLC Steve Lewis, Booster Member Justin Lovin, The Landings of Oak Island Jessica Niedomanski, Coastline Insurance Associates of NC, Inc. Carysa Overcash, Cape Fear Fitness Jeffrey Stites, Southport Magazine Russ Yarrow, Cape Fear Radio
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www.SouthportMag.com /July /July 2026/ 2026/ Southport Magazine 23
Community
Chamber History
Celebrating 50 Years of the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce CON TRIBUTED BY FELICIA SEXTON AND KAREN SPHAR
Editor’s Note: The Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce holds a special place in my heart. Soon after moving here, we joined a newly reformed Jaycees chapter and through that met the Chamber’s Executive Vice President Karen Sphar. We volunteered at Chamber events and ended up building a relationship with Karen that didn’t end when the local Jaycees did. Fast forward a couple decades and we found ourselves the new owners of Southport Magazine, full of enthusiasm but a bit overwhelmed by the challenges of running our own business. I was appointed to the Chamber board to fill the seat vacated by Southport Magazine’s founder Kris Beasley, which was a Godsend, as we were just months away from Covid entering the picture. Having the Chamber’s support and advice, and the friendship of Chamber members, was instrumental in getting us through dealing with a pandemic while building a new business. I’m a huge fan of Chambers of Commerce in general and this one in particular, but I realize not everyone understands all our Chamber has done and continues to do for our community. What follows is a transcript of a presentation made by Karen and outgoing Chamber President Felicia Sexton at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting in July when the Chamber began celebrating its 50th Anniversary. From the Chamber’s founding to all its current work, this is a story that needs to be told. This will be a multi-month series, here’s part one
O
ne of the things I enjoyed most while preparing for this celebration is learning how our Chamber came to be.
The seed was planted at a workshop presented by the Whiteville Chamber of Commerce. Two local visionaries, Judy White and Wayne Berry, attended the presentation. What they heard that day sparked an idea—an idea that our growing Southport-Oak Island area needed a Chamber of Commerce of its own. Not long after that meeting, a group of community leaders came together to make that vision a reality. Those early pioneers included Judy White of Waccamaw Bank—known today through its successors, United Carolina Bank, BB&T, and now Truist—along with Ed Harper of The State Port Pilot, Morris Ferrell of SouthWind Realty, Carl Ward of Carl Ward Construction and Carl Ward Mini Storage, John Barbee of Carr Insurance & Realty, and a representative from CP&L. As these founders looked to the future, they were actually following in the footsteps of an earlier effort. Research uncovered official minutes dated April 26, 1900, docu-
menting the formation of a Chamber of Commerce in Southport. The purpose, according to those minutes, was to “foster and promote all industrial enterprises in our midst, and to encourage and unite new industries, the businessmen and others interested in the growth of the City of Southport.” Although that organization existed only from 1900 to 1906, it laid an important foundation. The spirit that inspired those business leaders more than a century ago is the same spirit that inspired our founders in the 1970s—and continues to guide us today. While the Chamber was not officially registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State until 1980, leadership was already hard at work. The Chamber’s first president was John Barbee of Southport in 1976. He was followed by Morris Ferrell of Oak Island in 1977, Ed Harper of Southport in 1978, and Judy White in 1980.
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
The Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating chamber in Brunswick County. Over the years, many dedicated individuals have guided the Chamber’s daily operations. There have been seven Chamber executives who have helped shape the organization we know today. Patrick Dowling was the first Executive Director and later left to lead the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce. He was followed by Connie Ledgett, Steve Foster, Doug Kerr, Sabrina Hodges, and our current Executive Vice President, Karen Sphar. Karen first joined the Chamber staff in July of 1988 and became Executive Director in 1992. As we celebrate 50 years, it is important to remember that organizations do not build themselves. They are built by people—people with vision, people willing to volunteer their time, people willing to take a chance on an idea, and people committed to making their community better than they found it.
Location, Location, Location
Our Chamber’s story began in a small trailer in the Live Oak Shopping Center, where Hobby Lobby stands today. While modest in size, that first office was filled with big dreams and a strong belief in the future of our community. As the area grew, Chamber leaders recognized the need for a permanent home. A meeting was held and according to local legend, doors were locked and no one was allowed to leave until enough money had been pledged to build a new facility. Through the support of community members and a land lease donated by George Suggs, the Chamber moved to 4841 Long Beach Road, where additions over the
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years allowed the organization to grow alongside the community it served. Of course, that location came with challenges. Situated near Jump & Run Creek, the building experienced multiple floods. Yet each time, the Chamber continued serving members without interruption, sometimes operating from little more than a card table and telephone in a storage room. Brad Hilaman purchased the chamber’s property lease from George Suggs. Eventually, the property and building were acquired by the State of North Carolina for the construction of the bridge over Jump & Run Creek. Thanks to the generosity of Brad Hilaman, proceeds donated from the sale helped the Chamber purchase its current home at 4433 Long Beach Road. Additional meeting and storage space was added, and in 2011 the community gathered to celebrate the opening of the facility we continue to call home today. The address may have changed, but the mission remained the same: to serve as a champion for local businesses and a driving force for the Southport-Oak Island community.
Challenges Met
One thing that has remained constant throughout the Chamber’s history is its ability to rise to the occasion when challenges arise. Over the past 50 years, our community has faced hurricanes, floods, economic downturns, a worldwide pandemic, and even the closure of major transportation arteries. Through every challenge, the Chamber has remained focused on one thing: keeping commerce moving. One of the most significant challenges came in September 2018 when the G.V. Barbee Bridge, the primary commercial connection between the mainland and Oak Island, was closed for six months. For many businesses, the closure created uncertainty. Customers wondered if businesses were open. Visitors questioned whether the extra drive was worth it. The Chamber immediately went to work advocating for the business community. We worked with NCDOT on road closure signage and messaging to help direct travelers to local businesses.
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Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
www.SouthportMag.com /July /July 2026/ 2026/ Southport Magazine 25
Community But advocacy alone wasn’t enough. We needed to remind people that our businesses were still here and ready to serve. That’s when the “It’s Worth the Drive” video series was born. Each week, we started at a business on the mainland and made the drive to a different business on Oak Island. Along the way, we featured guest passengers discussing topics important to our community, and every episode began and concluded with an interview highlighting a local business. The message was simple: support local businesses and keep our economy moving. The campaign became a hit, and the community responded with overwhelming support. Then, just two years later, another challenge emerged—one unlike anything most of us had ever experienced. In March of 2020, the world seemed to stop as the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the globe. Businesses were facing shutdowns, changing regulations, workforce challenges, and uncertainty about the future. The Chamber did not go dormant. Instead, it became an information hub for the business community. We advocated for
our members, connected businesses with critical information about grants and loans, interpreted changing regulations, and worked tirelessly to help businesses navigate an ever-changing environment. Most importantly, we searched for innovative ways to keep commerce moving while operating within the confines of government restrictions. The Christmas by the Sea Parade on Oak Island was the perfect example. We couldn’t have a regular parade, so we reversed the idea and had a drive by parade – the parade units sat still while the spectators drove by in their vehicles. When businesses need answers, they
turn to the Chamber. And of course, living on the coast means weather will always be part of our story. Storms present challenges for every business owner. Long before a storm arrives, the Chamber works to prepare the business community by sharing information on insurance coverage, protecting equipment, backing up critical data, managing employees during emergencies, and planning for reopening after the storm has passed. After the skies clear, the Chamber continues its work, advocating for businesses during recovery efforts and helping communicate reopening information to resi-
dents and visitors. We coined the phrase “The Coast is Clear” after 1999 Hurricane Floyd. But if history has taught us anything, it is that every challenge also brings opportunity. In June of 1990, the final section of Interstate 40 opened, connecting Wilmington to Raleigh and completing the 2,554-mile route stretching all the way to Barstow, California. Rather than simply celebrating the new highway, local leaders saw an opportunity. The Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber and the South Brunswick Islands Chamber teamed up for an Interstate 40 media blitz. Armed with sand buckets filled with promotional materials and a healthy dose of enthusiasm, representatives traveled across North Carolina stopping at radio stations, television stations, welcome centers, and anywhere else they could share the message. The message was simple: the Brunswick Islands were now an easy drive for millions of travelers. The campaign worked. In fact, some might say it worked a little too well.
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Duke Energy Opens Visitor Center To Public STORY CONTRIBUTED
D
uke Energy invites the coastal community to visit the Brunswick Energy & Education Center (BEEC), 8520 River Road SE, which showcases nuclear energy’s role in powering the Carolinas. Duke Energy’s Brunswick Energy & Education Center is now open to the public during walk-in hours, Tuesday-Thursday, noon - 3 pm, welcoming individuals and small groups. Brunswick Nuclear Plant generates 1,870 megawatts, enough to power more than 1.5 million homes in the Carolinas, and employs more than 600 people. The education center highlights how Brunswick Nuclear Plant teammates ensure safe operations while protecting coastal ecosystems. Visitors can view educational exhibits and learn more about energy, the environment, and Brunswick Nuclear Plant. Weekly summer programming is also offered through “Discovery Days at the BEEC” now through Aug. 19, featuring free, fun hands-on science and STEM activities for children ages 5-12, with adult supervision required. All Discovery Days at The BEEC begin at 10 am. The complete schedule for “Discovery Days at the BEEC” is available at duke-energy.com.
All activities being free and open to the public.
About Duke Energy: Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, NC, is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,700 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, and Kentucky. Duke Energy is executing an energy modernization strategy, keeping customer value at the forefront as it invests in electric grid upgrades and efficient generation resources to strengthen the system and serve growing energy needs. More information is available at duke-energy.com. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for stories about the people and innovations powering its communities.
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
www.SouthportMag.com /July /July 2026/ 2026/ Southport Magazine 29
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
www.SouthportMag.com /August /August 2026/ 2026/ Southport Magazine 30
YOU OU THANK YOU THANK THANK Y A PL
TI
TOM & SUSAN RABON CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
A
E
SP
E AG L E EAGLE NUM E
GL
S E NT I N RE
G
P
TO OUR 2026 SPONSORS
ONSOR S T A RS & STRIPES STARS S T R IP ES Beach Road Furniture • Dosher Memorial Hospital • Intracoastal Realty - Waterway Community • Southport Lions Club • Downtown Southport, Inc. • Duke Energy - Brunswick Nuclear Plant • Novant • The State Port Pilot P AT R IO T PATRIOT
Bald Head Island Club & Shoals Club • Bald Head Island Limited • Blackbridge Financial • Blueprint Wealth Management Group, LLC • Cape Fear Distillery and Winery • Capital Vacations • Chuck’s Homemade Ice Cream • Coastline Insurance • Cutco Cutlery • Duke Energy Carolinas • iTrip Vacation Rentals - Hugh and Lisa Fosbury • LeafFilter Gutter Protection • Live Oak on Howe • Mike Stidham & Associates / Yachts & Brokerage • Passanante's Home Food Service • Renewal By Andersen • Southport Cares • Southport Dermatology • Southport/Leland Magazine • Sunspace by Eastern Sunrooms • Town Of St. James • Travel+Leisure • WWAY Leland • Alice & Robert Gardiner
L I B E RT Y LIBERTY Azalea Limo • Bald Head Island Club & Shoals Club • Better Beach Rentals and Sales • Cape Fear Fitness • Coastal Cremations • First Citizens Bank • Flava's Ice Cream Southport • Infinity Payment Systems • Intercoastal Financial Group • Northrop Realty • Oak Island Loggerheads • Pair Electronics • Provision Company • Truist Bank • Southport Fire Department • Peacock Newnam & White Funeral Home
F RE E D O M FREEDOM Rob & Donna Blakely • Bonnie Bray • Coastal Painting & Improvements • Charles Drew • Donald & Trisha Howarth • Heather Terhune • Edgewater 122 • Fishy Fishy Cafe • Ginger Harper Real Estate Group • GSJJ • Hamilton Realty Group • Dr. Linda Sharkey • Ocean Outfitters • Port City Java • River Road Animal Hospital • Rick & Shawna Sanders • Southport Carriage House Inn B&B • Southport EMS Auxiliary • Southport Market • Southport Realty • Kathy Mulligan • Kathy & Joe Cabral
S P AR K L E R SPARKLER American Legion Post 543 • Captain Newtons Inn • Cape Fear Cruisers Car Club • Flip Tide Cleaning • FOCUS Broadband • Hive Sweet Home • Robert Ruark Inn - Rick & Linda Pukenas Sarah Hunter - Intracoastal Realty • Shoresound Productions • Southport ACE Hardware • Southport Barre Southport Cheese Shoppe • Southport Coffee Co. • Southport Historical Society • FREEDOM Three Degrees Consulting • Trust Mortgage, Powered by Future Home Loans - Wally Simpson • Unleashed, The Dog & Cat Store Robert Aboe • Gloria Anderson • Larry & Abby Ashley • Terri & Frank Behnke • Wayne & Jill Berry • Carol Brolley & Bob Holben • Michael Callaghan • Amy Coggins • Nancy Cook • Leslie Crumpton • Peter Cudlip Ellen DeYoung • Dawn Drabble • Lois Ellis • Patricia Fee • Hugh & Lisa Fosbury • Clark Freise • John Garrett • Jere & Wendy Jones • Mary Joyce • Teresa & Ted Kazaglis • Patricia Kirkman • Geri & John Knuth • William Lawrence Jr. • James Lawson • Joan Forrester Lenahan • Mildred Mazzone • John McIver • Bobby & Diane McKeithan • Todd McNamara • Mary Middleton • Raeford Moore • Judd & Ellen Moul • Jeff & Meredith Muehleib • Joseph & Cindy Nimmich • Leigh Ann Odom • David Pearce • Joyce & Robert Pennock • Kathleen Ragan • Maryann B. Redinton • Peter Renfree • Keith & Leslie Reschly • Beverly Rounds • Constance Scanlon • Daniel Shiels • Judith Shulick • Musette D. Steck • Judy & Wayne Tharp • Kevin Thompson • Ralph Treadway • John Voss • Joyce & Walter Walling • Karen Williams • Woodrow Wilson • Susan Wiman • David Winterhalter • Donald & Pamela Yarrow
WWW.NC4THOFJULY.COM Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
www.SouthportMag.com /July /July 2026/ 2026/ Southport Magazine 31
THE LOCAL EXPERTS
6138 River Sound Circle The Landing at Southport 3 bed | 2.5 bath, $775,000
458 Raven Glen Drive The Oaks at Highland Park 4 bed | 3 bath, $698,900
3826 Timber Stream Drive Arbor Creek 3 bed | 2 bath, $505,900
301 E. West Street Historic Southport 3 bed | 2 bath, $989,500
205 W. Moore Street Historic Southport 3 bed | 2 bath, $1,099,000
3618 Button Bush Court Arbor Creek 4 bed | 4 bath, $579,000
6179 Compass Court The Landing at Southport 4 bed | 3.5 bath, $897,000
207 River Drive Southport 3 bed | 3.5 bath, $1,195,000
3375 Portside Drive Oyster Harbour 3 bed | 3 bath, $648,800
2813 Sea Vista Drive Sea View 3 bed | 2.5 bath, $639,000
114 W. 14th Street, Unit C Smithville Townes 3 bed | 2.5 bath, $489,000
2014 Ferry Landing Drive Live Oakes 3 bed | 2 bath, $475,000
SOUTHPORT-REALTY.COM 727 N. HOWE STREET SOUTHPORT, NC 28461
SALES: 910.457.7676 RENTALS: 910.457.6401
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
SALES@SOUTHPORT-REALTY.COM RENTALS@SOUTHPORT-REALTY.COM
www.SouthportMag.com /August /August 2026/ 2026/ Southport Magazine 32
OUR TEAM Brian Deutsch
Myles Williams
Pam Hayes
Pamela Frandano
Brian Quinn
Katherine Hufham
Verilyn McKee
Sarah Smith
Sherol Lappala
Fred Fiss
David Thorp
Lee Ann Walker
Katherine Wooten
Tanya Broussard
Sally Stidham
Jill Oakley
Karen Saunders
Valerie Earman
Annabelle Pivarnik
Kim Moss
Shea Williams
Andrea Milligan
Karen Hufham
Christian Stiller
Jason Hester
Mary Carneiro
SALES | RENTALS | VACATIONS
Your Local Lender
910.471.4200
The perfect home may not wait for rates to drop.
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Don’t Let Your Dream Home Pass You By!
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Buy the home you love based on what comfortably fits your budget today—and if rates improve in the future, refinancing may be an option.*
Let's explore your possibilities today! *Refinancing in the future is never guaranteed. Please note by refinancing an existing loan, the total finance charges may be higher over the life of the loan. For informational purposes only. All mortgage loan applicants are subject to underwriting and qualification guidelines. This is not a commitment to lend. Integrity Home Mortgage Corporation is licensed in NC, SC, and VA NMLS ID #208516 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
www.SouthportMag.com /July /July 2026/ 2026/ Southport Magazine 33
Community Safe Plates Classes CONTRIBUTED BY NC COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
N
C Cooperative Extension in Brunswick County is offering the Safe Plates Food Safety Manager Class. This comprehensive course is appropriate for food service managers and supervisory staff in restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes, childcare facilities, and other food-handling establishments. Both in-person and virtual trainings are available. A two-day class in-person Safe Plates training will be held on Mondays, September 14 and 21 from 9 am to 4 pm. The classes will meet in the Training Center at the NC Cooperative Extension Service, Building N at the Government Center in Bolivia. The registration fee is $135 per person. This includes all instruction, materials and the certification exam. Participants are encouraged to bring their own snacks, and beverages. Certification is provided by the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals and is based on successful completion of the course and passing a written examination. The certification test will be given on September 21 at 2:30 pm for both in-person and virtual students. Check the NC Cooperative Extension, Brunswick County Center website for more details or contact Avery Ashley at Brunswick County Center of the NC Cooperative Extension, 910-
253-2610. Registration can be made electronically through Eventbrite. Pre-registration is required.
CELEBRATING
26 years
OF ADVENTURE
Offering guided kayak tours Information & Reservations
910-454-0607
www.theadventurecompany.net
LOOKING TO PURCHASE A LIGHTWEIGHT KAYAK? Give us a call!
Time to get on the water and out in nature!
ABOUT N.C. COOPERATIVE EXTENSION NC Cooperative Extension is a strategic partnership of NC State University, NC A&T State University, USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and local governments statewide. Extension professionals in all 100 counties, and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, connect millions of North Carolinians with research-based information and technology from the universities. Educational programs specialize in agriculture, food and nutrition, 4-H youth development, community development and the environment. Find your local center at www. ces.ncsu.edu/local-county-center.
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
Kayak
www.SouthportMag.com /August /August 2026/ 2026/ Southport Magazine 34
SUMMER TIME fun time on the water
112 E. Moore Street • Downtown Southport • 910-363-4275
Relax. Restore. Rebalance.
Full optical with designer frames and contact lenses Most insurances accepted
Custom Therapeutic Massage
Dr. Michael Howard
Treat yourself—take a look at our website for details Leeann Bové
LMBT (NC#22847)
Vision Source of Brunswick
@VitaMassageNC • 984-800-2006 (Text or Call)
We’re Growing Come Grow With Us! Celebrating 35 Years on OKI
Extensive Rental Marketing Strategy Friendly Guest Services Representatives
Matthew Benko OD
To schedule new appointment call (910) 457-6667 or visit: visionsource-howardeye.com
30 Minute, 60 Minute, 90 Minute and 2-Hour sessions
VitaMassageNC.com
Comprehensive routine exams, medical eye care, emergency care
Property Management for Vacation & Long Term Rentals
4633 Long Beach Road Southport, NC 28461
(910) 457-6667
www.howardeye.com
GREAT CARE STARTS WITH LISTENING Now Accepting Patients
MIGUEL PINEIRO, PA-C Family Medicine
Fluent in English & Spanish
Full-Service Maintenance & Housekeeping 24/7 Online Reservations
2026 Maggie Award Winner for Favorite Property Managers
Oak Island Accommodations
855.942.8835 | ComeToOakIsland.co Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
Dosher Medical-Long Beach Road | (910) 457-3996 www.SouthportMag.com /July /July 2026/ 2026/ Southport Magazine 35
Art Beat
Recovering History
Found Ceramics Molds Spark Memories STORY BY CARLA EDSTROM
B
ack in the 1970s, my best friend’s mom was really into ceramics and went to a class every Wednesday night. It felt a lot like today’s “paint your own pottery” or a fun girls’ night out. She made things like Christmas trees and ashtrays, learned how to paint them, smoked a few cigarettes, and enjoyed a relaxing evening with friends each week. After a few weeks, she’d bring home her creations and show them off. I always loved her Christmas trees the most. Most of us who are a certain age know someone who did ceramics. Or you have the Christmas tree or giant garden frog your grandma made in 1965.
During the 1960s and 70s, ceramic shops were everywhere in America. These places made greenware slip castings using all kinds of molds bought from manufacturers and dealers around the country. There were thousands of molds you could order from catalogs, and many ceramicists liked to collect and own their own molds. The problem with owning these molds is that they take up a lot of space, and some are extremely heavy. When ceramics lost popularity in the 1990s, many molds were stored away in barns, sheds, and basements, where they were forgotten. Some were damaged by rain or
bugs and lost forever. The mold companies went out of business. It wasn’t until the last five years or so that the ceramic hobby started to make a big comeback. During the COVID-19 pandemic, potters and others stuck at home started sharing videos online about finding old piles of molds, pouring them, and learning ceramics. Many people have a similar story. They were given a garage or an abandoned studio full of molds and a kiln. Now, it’s almost a game to grab free molds from Facebook Marketplace and borrow a friend’s truck to drive all the way to South Carolina in the hot, humid weather, to see if there’s a Christmas
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
tree mold. I resisted for years, but I’ve also been drawn into the satisfying world of slip casting. As a potter and pottery teacher, people are always offering me art supplies and, of course, plaster ceramic molds. I’m not complaining—I wish I had a bigger studio to store them and share them with my students and pottery friends. I really believe these molds are an important part of pottery art history and social history. An artist created every mold design, and many of these designs ended up in millions of homes. Some, like the Christmas trees, never go out
www.SouthportMag.com /August /August 2026/ 2026/ Southport Magazine 36
of style. There are also some extremely weird molds like the anatomically correct turtles, and all you can say is, “why?” And some that you can’t even identify until you pour them. Many households used the famous and highly sought-after mushroom canisters that grandma made in 1972. Or the avocado green ashtray and frog sponge holders that were a part of every home. Some are quirky or even a little creepy. And then there are the doll molds—there’s no way I’m keeping those in my studio. The history of ceramics reminds us of a gloriously slower time without social media or iPhones. Ceramics of the 1970s usually involved stay-at-home wives and mothers getting together to create art and socialize. I would love to hear your stories of going to do ceramics, maybe going with your mom or friends. Or even about a cherished piece you have. Email me your stories at Carlaedstrom@gmail.com.
Southport Cottages by
C.L. Smith Construction Cameron Smith Cell:
910-443-5080 Email: CLSmithGC@gmail.com
Ready to Build YOUR DREAM HOME? CALL TODAY!
SARAH SMITH
910.443.8000
SARAHSMITH@SOUTHPORT-REALTY.COM COASTALLIFESTYLEPROPERTIES.COM
LOT/ HOME PACKAGES AVAILABLE IN COTTAGES OF PRICES CREEK & JONAS CREEK Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
www.SouthportMag.com /July /July 2026/ 2026/ Southport Magazine 37
FISHING REPORT
August Fishing Report
Fish Out There If You Know Where To Look BY CAPTAIN STEELE PARK
W
ell, we’re midway through summer, and it’s been a busy season with some outstanding fishing along our coast. July brought steady winds and rough seas, but now the “dog days” of summer are here. While some anglers will say the fishing is slow or the fish have disappeared, that’s not necessarily true. It simply means you may need to adjust your techniques and target different species. Fishing can still be incredibly rewarding this time of year. Inshore – Finger mullet have arrived in big numbers and are easy to find patrolling the marshes, marinas, and sandbars throughout our area. Despite the statewide flounder closure, flounder fishing has been absolutely on fire, with many big fish being caught both inshore and around the nearshore wrecks and reefs. A simple Carolina rig with a ¾-ounce egg sinker and a live finger mullet is really all you need. The Southport waterfront produces excellent flounder this time of year, along with the main feeder creeks and the islands on the Cape Fear River. Yaupon Reef, McGlamery Reef, and the Ella Wreck are also outstanding places to fish. Red Drum can be found along the marshes, especially on a falling tide as they ambush finger mullet leaving the small creeks. Another often-overlooked spot is the windward side of marsh islands, where bait is pushed against the banks and redfish cruise for an easy meal. Sheepshead fishing continues to be very
Captain Steele Park, a US Navy Veteran, has been fishing the oceans, rivers, and lakes of southeastern NC since he was 7 years old and knows these waters like the back of his hand. He calls Southport home and captains the Catherine Anne Sportfishing & Excursions fleet. For more information please call at 910-6209919
good. A light jig head tipped with fiddler crabs and dropped alongside pilings, retaining walls, and rock piles will consistently draw bites from these feisty fish. The biggest challenge is detecting their subtle bite and setting the hook. Bring plenty of patience—and plenty of bait—and you’ll have a fun day on the water. This time of year, your best fishing will be early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Fish are more active during the cooler parts of the day, and it’s much more comfortable for anglers as well. Once the midday heat sets in, fish generally move to deeper water to cool off. Nearshore – The warm water along the beaches has pushed most of the Spanish mackerel and bluefish offshore. While a few are still around, the days of catching a quick limit are on pause for a few weeks. Fortunately, there are still plenty of opportunities. Head a little deeper or farther offshore—we’ve been finding good action around the shoals. Watch for diving birds, and you’ll usually find aggressively feeding
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
fish beneath them. One of our favorite nearshore trips this time of year is taking inshore spinning rods rigged with smaller king rigs using #6 treble hooks, along with big finger mullet or small pogies, and fishing reefs like Yaupon Reef or Lighthouse Rocks. Slow troll or drift over structure where suspended fish are marked, and you’re almost guaranteed to hook into big Spanish mackerel that are a blast on light tackle. By late August, we’ll begin seeing the first schools of Bull Red Drum along the beaches. They’re typically found around the massive menhaden bait balls stretching from Cape Fear south toward Lockwood Folly Inlet. A larger Carolina rig with a 2- to 3-ounce egg sinker and a 6/0 or 7/0 circle hook is ideal. Cast a live menhaden into the bait ball and let it sink naturally through the school. Bull reds will pick it up off the bottom, and the fight is unforgettable. Be sure to use heavier spinning tackle— your cobia setup works perfectly. Landing these fish quickly helps prevent exhaustion, improving their chances of recovery and reducing their vulnerability to the sharks that also patrol the bait schools. Offshore – August still offers plenty of offshore opportunities. While king macker-
www.SouthportMag.com /August /August 2026/ 2026/ Southport Magazine 38
el and mahi fishing will begin to slow, we’ll start seeing the first sailfish of the season in the 15- to 35-mile range. Finding the green-to-blue water color change is often the key to locating these spectacular fish. Circle-hooked ballyhoo allows you to cover more water than slow-trolling live bait and is an excellent approach this time of year. Bottom fishing remains consistently productive. Start in about 100 feet of water and work your way offshore. There are still a few keeper sea bass around, along with plenty of vermilion snapper, scamp grouper, and amberjack. Squid on a double-hook rig works great for sea bass and snapper, while live cigar minnows or pinfish are the preferred bait for grouper. Both can be caught using Sabiki rigs. One often-overlooked fishery is freelining for big barracuda. These “silver bullets” strike aggressively, make blistering runs, and put on incredible aerial displays. They’re commonly stacked around shipwrecks and the buoys marking artificial reefs in the 5- to 10-mile range. They simply can’t resist a live pinfish, and the strikes are unforgettable. Gulf Stream – It won’t be long before Gulf Stream fishing really turns on. While there are fish to be found now, the water remains extremely warm and fast-moving— not the ideal combination for the pelagic species we love to target. Toward the end of August, we’ll begin seeing the first wahoo arrive around 20 Fathom. My preferred approach for these early-season fish is high-speed trolling. Once I locate them, I’ll switch over to ballyhoo rigs with wire leaders. Be patient—peak Gulf Stream fishing is just around the corner. See you on the water! While August can be one of the slower months, fall fishing is right around the corner, and some of the best action of the year is just ahead.
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Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
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Showcase
Same Time Next Year Brunswick Little Theatre August Show STORY CONTRIBUTED
B
runswick Little Theatre (BLT) celebrates its 2026 summer season with “Same Time, Next Year,” a classic, quarter-century love story written by Bernade Slade and directed by Elizabeth Michaels, running from August 6-23. What happens when a chance meeting between two married people meeting once a year at the same inn develops into a decades-long affair? Come explore this unique relationship showing growth and a long-lasting connection over 25 years. This well-known and poignant play is lauded for its sharp, witty, and sometimes touching dialogue that
elevates the romantic comedy genre. Critics often highlight that the narrative serves as a deep dive into adult development, tracking the couple’s shifting personalities, evolving worldviews, and profound emotional connection. All that and the production remains a crowd pleaser through the years! Tickets are available online at www. brunswicklittletheatre.com or at
Ricky Evans Gallery, 211 N. Howe St. in Southport. Brunswick Little Theatre is located at 8068 River Rd. SE, Southport. The Brunswick Little Theatre is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization whose mission is to create awareness and appreciation of the performing arts in the greater Brunswick County area. Our mission is to entertain, enrich and educate. We strive to produce transformative theatre and provide quality theatrical and technical instruction for all in a nurturing inclusive environment.
Every day is a Tapestry of Fine, Fresh, International Flavors
Relish our summer Cuisine for Lunch & Dinner
CELEBRATE OUR 15TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR! Enjoy Our
Wednesday Night Jazz Soirées Your Favorite Cocktails and Bar Drinks, Tapas and Entrée Specials, and discounts will continue! A New Focus on Our Regular Dinner Services with Extra Hours • Offering a New Seasonal Menus; Thank you for voting us: “Best Bistro 2026” (People’s Choice Offering Group Lunches and Special Event Contracts • Robust and Flavorful Specials for each Meal Service Award) and “Best International Bistro 2026” (Southport MagaA broader Range of Authentic International Cuisines • An increasing variety of House made desserts zine) “Most Creative Menu” - 2024 &2025 Maggie Award, And Using our Space & Services to foster Unity: Out of Many One! “Best Bistro” and “Best Martini” – 2024 People’s Choice Awards
Create loving memories when you dine with us! • Dine-In Seating and Take-Out Orders
Lunch: Tuesday thru Saturday 11:30 am to 2:30 pm Dinner: Tuesday thru Thursday 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm Dinner on Friday and Saturdays: 5:00 pm to Close
116 N. Howe St., Historic Downtown Southport
portsofcallbistro.com The Full Menus for both of the these events will be posted on our Facebook Page
We’ve been working to Serve You since 2011 People’s Choice Awards: “Best Bistro”– ( 2023, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2013) Maggie Awards: Best International Cuisine (2023); “Most Creative Menu” – (2021, 2019); Most Creative Chef (2020) Wooden Boat Show: Best Chowder
RESERVATIONS • 910-457-4544
FINE INTERNATIONAL BISTRO DINING & GOURMET GIFT ITEMS • DINE IN/TAKE OUT • portsofcallbistro.com Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
www.SouthportMag.com /August /August 2026/ 2026/ Southport Magazine 40
Get Your Pet Ready For Hurricane Season
Let Us Help You Achieve the Lawn of Your Dreams
SUPPLY KIT CHECKLIST • Documentation and Identifying tags/Paperwork • Food and Water for 7 Days • Toys & Other Comfort Items • Harnesses and Leashes or Secure Carriers
Voted Best Thing for Visitors To Do!
• Custom Water Features • Landscape & Hardscape Design • Maintenance
ADULTS
20
$
CHILDREN
We work hard, so you don’t have to!
IS YOUR PET MICROCHIPPED?
Don’t let them get lost in the storm
8593 River Road SE | Southport, NC Southport | Oak Island | St. James
(910) 454-8910
AG
GIE WINN
Bring the whole family and join us for a fun-filled ride through Southport’s historic waterfront district aboard our state-of-the-art tram! One Hour Tour Covering: • History and Culture Reservations • Movie Locations Advised • Spectacular Coastal Views • Shopping and Dining
Tour departs from Southport Visitors Center • 203 E. Bay Street
2025
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10
$
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724 N. Howe St. | Open 7 Days a Week
910-713-3373
www.southportfuntours.com
Cover Your Yard with Bold Blooms! Come See Us!
We are open DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
1200 North Howe St. Southport
Monday - Thursday 5-9pm • Friday-Saturday - 5-9:30pm • Closed on Sundays
336.953.4254 • allinbloomlandscape.com
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
2025
VOTED BEST OUTDOOR SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
M
AG
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www.SouthportMag.com /July /July 2026/ 2026/ Southport Magazine 41
ER
Meet Our Southport Team!
Kaitlin Ridder, MD
Dana Point, MD
Anna Thompson, PA-C
Angela Plichta, PA-C
The most complete urological services in the region. Over 50 plus years, four generations of making you a part of our family. Based in Wilmington and Southport.
UROLOGY ASSOCIATES OF SENC, P.A.
www.urologywilmington.com Schedule your appointment today! Every Other Monday 8:30am-5pm • Tuesday 8:30am-5pm • Wednesday 8:30am-5pm
SERVICES OFFERED Bladder Cancer Blood in Urine Enlarged Prostate Erectile Dysfunction Fertility Frequent Urination Hydrocele Kidney Cancer Kidney Stones Low Testosterone Penile Implants Peyronie’s Disease Prostate Artery Embolization Prostate Cancer Prostatitis PSA Screening Testicular Cancer Urinary Tract Infection Urinary Incontinence Urolift Vasectomy Reversal Vasectomy Varicocele
910-763-6251
4222 Long Beach Road SE Suite B • Southport, NC 28461 Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
www.SouthportMag.com /August /August 2026/ 2026/ Southport Magazine 42
SOUTHPORT / THE “O” IS READY TO GO
BOLIVIA / WINDING RIVER PLANTATION
BOILING SPRING LAKES / INVESTORS LOOK HERE FIRST
8039 RIVER ROAD SE
482 RIVERWOOD DRIVE SE
113 WILLETTS DRIVE
MLS #100581310 $675,000
MLS #100563594
Price Improvement!
New Listing!
MLS #100575865
$550,000
$799,000
Price Improvement!
SOUTHPORT / HEART OF SOUTHPORT
SOUTHPORT / SOUTH HARBOR VILLAGE
350 TREVALLY COURT
4985 GLEN COVE DRIVE SE
MLS #100576522
MLS #100562955 $339,999
$365,000
Sale Pending!
Sale Pending! SOUTHPORT / PRIME COMMERCIAL LOCATION
SOUTHPORT / LAND
1205 N. HOWE STREET
413 N. HOWE STREET
MLS #100540503
MLS 100567964
$135,000
$500,000
Prime Business District!
Price Improvement! SOUTHPORT / COMMERCIAL
SOUTHPORT / 27 HOMESITES
SOUTHPORT / NEW CONSTRUCTION
1676 N. HOWE STREET
N. CASWELL AVENUE
418 RAVEN GLEN DRIVE
MLS # 100370424
MLS 100457934
MLS #100543070
$ 1,500,000
PRIME 2.6 ACRES +/-!
$1,950,000
Sale Pending!
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
$650,000
Sale Pending! www.SouthportMag.com /July /July 2026/ 2026/ Southport Magazine 43
History 2026-7 Season Preview
ing! Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2027: “A Hell of a Regiment: To Gettysburg and Beyond with the Twentieth Maine.” From a regiment best known for their miraculous bayonet charge at the Battle of Gettysburg, to the postwar lives of these brave men is told by Jared Peatman. Ph.D. He is an award-winning author, and uses history to examine leadership and performance challenges in his over 1,000 seminars.
Brunswick Civil War Round Table STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
T
he Brunswick Civil War Round is pleased to announce its programs for the new season kicking off on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Every month, attendees gather at Hatch Auditorium on the historic grounds of Fort Caswell in Caswell Beach to hear from a diverse group of nationally recognized historians, authors, and educators. True to the organization’s mission, this year’s lineup promises unique, interesting topics, always representing both Northern and Southern viewpoints in an entertaining manner to audiences young and old, men and women. As the organization begins its 17th season, it is worth noting that its programs are the key reason this organization continues to enjoy its enviable reputation as the largest Civil War round table in the country! So please, mark your calendars and join us! A Brief Preview of the 2026 – 2027 Monthly Meetings:
guide. His dramatic assessment of Hill includes insights and incredible stories about this contentious West Point graduate, celebrated for his bravery yet always at the heart of pivotal moments, and fierce controversies.
Tuesday, Sept. 1: Confederate General Robert E. Lee, as portrayed by Thomas Jessee, a nationally renowned living historian returns to take center stage in his Confederate uniform. He is eager to share Lee’s personal insights and answer audience questions about his life, his illustrious military career, and some of his crucial battle-
field decisions. Tuesday, Oct. 6: “The Battle of Olustee” will be discussed by popular guest speaker Capt. Ed Gantt (U.S. Navy, Ret), a dynamic Civil War historian and re-enactor. This little known battle was the largest and bloodiest engagement in Florida, and significant as the U.S. Colored Troops (USCT) fought for the U.S. Army displaying significant acts of heroism in a losing battle.
Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2027: “Civil War Deserters.” Award-winning historian Judkin Browning, Ph.D., explores who these deserters were, and the various factors that motivated them to leave their units. This includes their changing attitudes over the course of the war. In fact, North Carolina is a classic case study of the entire South since the “Old North State” contributed the greatest number of deserters in the war.
Monday, Oct. 19: The Brunswick Civil War Ladies’ Forum will present “Southport’s Own Kate Stuart” as portrayed by Sue Crippen, a performer and member of the Southport Historical Society. Kate Stuart, a formidable presence in Southport during the Civil War, was considered the matriarch of Southport, and referred to as the Grand Old Lady of North Carolina. Tuesday, Nov. 3: “D.H Hill: I Am So Unlike Other Folks.” First time guest Chris J. Hartley is a frequent Civil War speaker, award-winning author, and battlefield tour
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
Tuesday, Dec. 1: “The Battle of Fredericksburg.” Frequent guest speaker Chris Mackowski, noted Civil War historian and author shares his perspectives on this battle based on years of personal experience guiding visitors across this battlefield. He always addresses the sheer brutality in one of the most lopsided Union defeats of the war. His presentations are always captivat-
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History Tuesday, May 18, 2027 “Formation of the Confederacy in Early 1861.”Joining us to help celebrate our 17th anniversary is William C. “Jack” Davis, award-winning historian, author of 60 books, and so much more! He will explain how 50 men met in Montgomery, Alabama in February, 1861 simply to talk. The result was the birth of the Confederate government. Jack will provide all the fascinating details.
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Tuesday, March 2, 2027: “Sherman’s Engineers during the 1865 Carolinas Campaign.” According to Union Gen. Sherman, his “March to the Sea” was child’s play compared to his engineers’ construction of over 400 miles of roads, nearly 1.5 miles of pontoon bridges, and destroying miles of Confederate railroads. Popular guest speaker Col. Wade Sokolosky (Ret.) shares these incredible feats.
(910) 620-9919 • CatherineAnneSportfishing.com Everyone is cordially invited! Every monthly meeting is another opportunity to be both informed and entertained. Registration always begins at 6:15 pm and programs start at 7 pm. The monthly visitor fee remains at only $10, and it can be applied toward the $25 annual membership dues, which can include a spouse. For more information about the upcoming season, or if you wish to become a member now, please contact president John Butler at Brunswickcwrt@gmail.com, or call him directly at 404-229-9425. Or, visit the group’s website at Brunswickcivilwarroundtable. com. for background, news, and updates.
Tuesday, April 6, 2027: “Raised From Obscurity.” Three rarely discussed cavalry battles were fought in Virginia’s Loudoun Valley, and were a critical prelude to the Battle of Gettysburg. Highly regarded historian Kevin Pawlak reflects on how these cavalry clashes were overlooked by historians despite the fact that the once inferior Federal cavalry began to fight with renewed confidence and aggression.
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Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
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Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
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Community
Master Gardeners Sign Ups For Next Class Now Open STORY CONTRIBUTED
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nterested in becoming a NC State Extension Master Gardener ℠ volunteer in Brunswick County? Fill out the interest form (http:// bit.ly/4haPuEi) and read below for more information!
Next Class starts January 2027
Join a network of passionate gardeners in Brunswick County who are dedicated to learning and sharing research-based information, enhancing the communities in which they live through horticulture, and connecting people with the benefits of gardening. Become a Master Gardener℠ volunteer in Brunswick County! NC State Extension Master Gardener SM volunteers (“EMG”) are essentially an “extension” of NC State Cooperative Extension and NC State University, a North Carolina land-grant institution. They assist in our mission of public outreach and education. The EMG volunteer training program for Brunswick County is offered once a year. EMG volunteers: Represent NC State Extension. Promote the research-based recommendations of NC State Extension. May only use the title “Extension Master Gardener volunteer” when engaged in Extension-sponsored activities. Follow the policies and procedures found in the NC State Extension Master Gardener
Program Guidelines Abide by the NC State Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Code of Conduct
EMG volunteers complete the following steps to join the program: Submit An Application
Becoming an EMG volunteer begins with an interview and an accepted application to our local county program. Upon acceptance into the program, the fee is $230, payable in advance through our Eventbrite site. A hard copy of the textbook “Extension Gardener Handbook” and a companion workbook are included in the fee.
Complete Initial Volunteer Training
Initial training prepares you to be a EMG volunteer. The course introduces a wide range of horticultural topics, with a focus on finding research-based information and sharing the science behind sustainable gardening practices. Initial training includes: Visit the Extension Gardener Handbook online to explore more about the program and training curriculum.
Minimum of 75 hours of in-person instruction and homework. Special Events • Better Meetings
Look how happy this class of Master Gardners are! You cna be one too!
The classes will be in-person at the Cooperative Extension Office, 25 Referendum Drive, Building N, Bolivia NC Class dates: Tuesdays and Fridays, 9 am12 pm, Jan. 13 through March 10 Classes are mandatory and taught by Extension staff and other experts. Topics include, but are not limited to, soils and plant nutrients, turf, insects, diseases, Integrated Pest Management, food production, herbaceous, woody and native plants, wildlife, landscape design, and more. Weekly assignments and quizzes Take-home or in-class, open-book exam Intern Project Once initial training is complete, volunteers complete a minimum 40-hour Internship in Brunswick County, to learn even more about horticulture, our local program, and volunteer opportunities, and give back to the community. During the internship, volunteers rotate through a variety of required volunteer opportunities that support the educational outreach priorities of their local Extension center. Once the 40-hour internship has been completed the volunteer is eligible to become a Certified Extension Master Gardener volunteer.
(Formerly St. James Community Center)
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Complete Volunteer Internship
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quirements, with a minimum of: 40 hours of volunteer service in Brunswick County and 10 hours of continuing education.
Maintain Certification
In order to remain active in the program, Master Gardener volunteers in Brunswick County must meet annual recertification re-
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
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Golf Tips Topped and Thin Shots
Short And Sweet Swing Fixes For Your Game BY NICOLE WELLER, LPGA / PGA TEACHING PROFESSIONAL
O
ne of the most fun aspects of hitting a golf ball is that crisp, solid sound and feel when the ball finds the absolute center of the club face during impact…there’s nothing like it! A friend and colleague of mine who played successfully on Tour for a long time said players expect maybe 3-5 great shots during a round as planned, the rest are mostly acceptable and get the job done. She noted that Tour players miss the ball much better than most golfers though, so their missed shots aren’t as bad. Good misses are key and as long as poor misses are playable and can be advanced, golfers can still score.
What’s happening? Topped shots occur when the bottom of the club head contacts only the top of the golf ball and may hop forward a few feet or some yards forward. It’s not a solid strike at all. Thin shots occur when the bottom of the club head contacts
the equator or middle of the ball and flies out further but doesn’t gain much altitude although it may run a long way, which is great if nothing is in the way and it can roll on its merry way. It’s not pretty but it can work. My first hole-in-one at age 14 with
FITNESS IS OUR BUSINESS • Mindset Coaching • Nutritional Guidance • Fitness Training • Accountability • Customized In-Person & Virtual programs
VICTOR FERNANDES
my Dad during a practice round at Scituate Country Club in Massachusetts on hole two never made it off the ground. It was a beautiful, thin shot that rolled all the way up the hill and into the hole. The scorecard said 1 — it didn’t say how, and I’m often happy that we aren’t judged with quality scores like in the Olympics. Can you imagine also getting a rating for each shot like an 8.5 or 9.2? You don’t need a perfect 9.9 or 10 to play good golf. The shots just need to move towards the hole in most cases. It’s definitely more fun and there are times we have to be solid to gain trajectory over obstacles and for soft landings.
Possible Causes:
1) The ball is positioned too far forward in the stance nearer the lead foot where the swing arc is beginning to ascend up. Shorter irons tend to be played best near the middle of the stance, longer irons / hybrids / fairway woods mid-forward under the lead eye or ear closer to the target and driver inside the lead foot. 2) The arms (levers) begin extended allowing the club head to reach the ground
at set-up. Unfortunately for a variety of reasons they don’t return back to that low point during impact. The arms and club make a Y at set-up and should return as such but topped or thin shots have the arms look more like a letter W with the arms folded up, lifting the club off the ground during the most important moment, impact. 3) The body’s posture changes taller during the swing. Some may not even begin bent forward enough from the hips at the start and then others may also change posture (spine angle) during the swing. It’s not normal for a body to bend forward and then rotate while in a side bent posture. While many are told they picked up their head, it’s usually not that but the entire spine that the head is connected to that has elevated for whatever reason. To find out which of these causes it might be, contact your local PGA or LPGA teaching professional to figure out how to hit the ball more solidly! Nicole Weller instructs local area golfers at Compass Pointe Golf Club in Leland. For more information on Nicole and her tips / videos, visit www.nicoleweller.com.
Swing For Success:
Master Your Game with Nicole Weller Instructing Local Area Golfers at Compass Pointe Golf Club
Golf Digest Best Teacher in State 2023-2024 Top 50 LPGA Teacher
US Kids Golf Master Teacher
Wake Forest University D-1 Scholarship Player
Master’s Degree - Sport Psychology PGA & LPGA National Award-Winner
Nicole Weller
Owner, Fernandes Fit LLC
LPGA / PGA Golf Teaching Professional
814.504.7774
www.nicoleweller.com
912-695-5211
www.fernandesfit.com Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
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Planning For Wins
Keeping Fit mill at a slow pace, but the plan I follow is simple, straightforward and effective. I simply do the work, day after day, month after month, year after year.
Making A Simple Plan That Simply Works
Because I simply know it works – and works well.
BY VICTOR FERNANDES
Victor Fernandes is owner of Fernandez Fit, helpjng clients achieve personal and professional success through health and fitness
W
hy does my college refrigerator still work three decades after I purchased it? Because it’s simple. You plug it in. It turns on. It gets cold. It doesn’t have an LED screen and a bunch of technology within it increasing the odds of something malfunctioning. It doesn’t need all that complicated stuff because it has one job to do every day - keep my drinks and snacks cold. And it does its job well. It’s a Welbilt brand after all.
Real quality health and wellness has a similar approach. It’s simple. Eat protein. Move daily. Sleep 7-8 hours a night. Drink water. Manage stress. It doesn’t need all that complicated stuff you find all over social media and the internet – the latest fads and flavors of the week — because it only has one job to do every day—to help you get healthy and fit. And if we do the job right, day after day, it works every time because, unlike those fads and flavors of the week that
come and go, it has survived the test of time. It’s all real simple, but we human beings are a complex, complicated bunch – and we are hard-wired to overcomplicate most anything we attempt to tackle, especially when it comes to our health and wellness. We convince ourselves that if it’s not either complex or complicated, there’s very little that it will work. So, we scour the internet and social media for a plan, any plan, that seems revolutionary (often because some social media influencer tells us so), but really it’s a plan that may provide some shred of results initially but isn’t easily sustainable long term.
expected to do at the time. Then we built off that, by taking simple steps – literally and figuratively – that moved me in the right direction at a pace that was comfortable and manageable enough while still challenging me. That approach has continued day after day, month after month, year after year with consistent success. And even when there have been setbacks along the way, like the Achilles tendon tear I sustained in April 2024, that philosophy remained intact. All it took was scaling back the workouts I did as I continued to rehabilitate from the injury. I couldn’t do what I had done before but following that process gave me the confidence to know that my fitness level would eventually return to where it was. To this day all those years later, with a new coach I began working with three years ago, I take the same simple, stepby-step approach. Of course, I take on much more than 10 minutes on a tread-
Just like that refrigerator of mine, which I purchased in 1992 and then sat in my parents’ shed from 1993 until a handful of years ago, when I stumbled across it while digging through some boxes. There was no way it still worked, I thought to myself. I pulled it out. I plugged it in. It turned on. It turned cold. It works just as well today in the Vicnasium – the home of Fernandes Fit in Bolivia – as it did all those years ago. So, if you’re focused on your health and wellness (as you should be, as we all should be), and if you find yourself struggling with a plan that’s too complex and complicated to maintain long term, we need to talk. Contact me at 814-504-7774 or by email at info@fernandesfit.com, or through my website at fernandesfit.com and the various social media platforms I’m on. Because at Fernandes Fit, Fitness Is Our Business – and if you give it some time, it will work.
That happened to me often in my early adult years, although since the internet and social media didn’t exist back then, my search for the next great plan meant watching what other people at local gyms did and attempt to mimic them. Which worked for a few weeks, perhaps a month or two, but soon became too difficult to maintain much longer. I would get frustrated with the work and lack of legitimate results and then quit – only to follow the same ill-fated process a few months later. Until the day I hired my first health and fitness coach nearly 16 years ago. My first training session was 10 minutes on a treadmill at a very slow pace. That’s all I could do at the time, so that’s all I was Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
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MARKETPLACE
H OM ES/ L A ND FOR SA LE
3100 MARSH GROVE LANE, #3201, SOUTHPORT, NC. 2nd Floor Condo with Waterway Views. 2 BR | 2 BA | 1,503 SF | $359,000. Turn your dream of coastal living into reality! This beautiful, 2nd floor condominium in The Preserve at Oak Island occupies the top floor and offers peace and tranquility with recent updates and more! Offered at $359,000 with Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS. Reach out to Elvira Gilbert at 910-619-4087 for more information or to discuss the possibilities! 7576 PLANTATION ROAD, WILMINGTON, NC. 5.52 AcreInvestment Opportunity in New Hanover County. 5.52 Acres Acres | Zoned R-15 | $340,000. It’s a great time to consider investing, especially in an upand-coming area where all the coastal Wilmington-area highlights are within reach! Listed at $340,000 with Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS. Call Rhomni Williams at 919306-2638 for more information.
16+/- ACRES MIXED USE OPPORTUNITY. Signalized Access on NC 133/Long Beach Road. 16+/- Acres | Zoned R-6000/CLD | $700,000. Seize
this rare opportunity to develop approximately 16 acres in one of North Carolina’s fastest growing areas! With signalized access, this prime location is perfect for builders, developers, and investors. Listed at $700,000 with Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS. Reach out to Jonathan McLaughlin at 910269-8200 for information or to discuss the possibilities!
LOT 6 NW 17TH STREET, OAK ISLAND, NC. Serene, Tree-Lined Lot Available Near Boat Ramp. 0.15 Acres | Zoned OK-R-6 | $209,000. Take advantage of quick launches into the Intracoastal with this serene, tree-lined lot on Oak Island! Listed at $209,000 with Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS. Call Doug Oldham at 910-448-1872 for more information.
4911 SOUTHPORT SUPPLY ROAD SE, SOUTHPORT. 431+/- SF of Hwy 211 Road Frontage. 2.2 Acres | 3 Parcels | Zoned Co-Cld | $1,400,000. Prime location along Highway 211!! Check out these 3 parcels, zoned for commercial and perfect for a variety of business types! Listed at $1,400,000 with Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc., REALTORS. Call Pat Proctor at 910-523-0087 for more information.
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
4911 BEECH TREE DRIVE$349,900. This 4-bedroom home in Carolina Place sits on a .26-acre lot with a huge, fully fenced backyard and NO city taxes - just minutes to the Oak Island bridge and Southport. The open layout features a split-bedroom floor plan, cozy gas fireplace, sunny breakfast nook, and a double-car garage. A versatile upstairs bonus/4th bedroom is perfect for a home office or flex space. Outdoor living shines with room for grilling, fire pit nights, recreation, a custom putting area, storage building, and a unique catio with endless potential. Community amenities include a pool, crabbing dock, and RV/ boat storage. Only 3 miles to beach access and 4 miles to historic downtown Southport. Call Katherine Wooten, Southport Realty, Inc., for more details (910) 620-8962.
2100 MARSH GROVE LANE, #2304 - $394,000 CORNER UNIT WITH EXTRA WINDOWS + WATERWAY VIEWS! This 1-bedroom condo with a spacious flex room offers a rare opportunity to enjoy natural light from multiple sides, thanks to its coveted corner position. Located in the sought-after Preserve at Oak Island. Call Valerie Earman, Southport Realty, Inc., for more details, (540) 878-9465.
1171 NORTH CASWELL AVENUE, SOUTHPORT $475,000. With no HOA and easy golf cart or bike access to downtown Southport, you’ll be just minutes from the waterfront, restaurants, and local shops. Inside, enjoy an open-concept design filled with natural light, a beautiful kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a large island, plus a first-floor primary suite with a tiled walk-in shower. Upstairs offers three additional bedrooms, including a private en-suite, along with thoughtful features like laundry hookups on both levels and an expanded patio for outdoor living. Move-in ready and designed for easy coastal living - don’t miss this Southport gem! Call Myles Williams, Southport Realty, Inc., for more information, (910) 457-7676.
4778 ABBINGTON OAKS WAY, GROVES AT SOUTHPORT $259,000. No city taxes, shortterm rentals allowed, and just 4 miles from downtown Southport and Oak Island beaches! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath Dream Finders home features an open floor plan, luxury vinyl flooring, a spacious granite island, private owner’s suite, and modern finishes throughout. Perfect as a primary home, beach getaway, or investment opportunity! Call Myles Williams, Southport Realty, Inc., for more information, (910) 457-7676.
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Want to know what’s happening this week?
Find the best local events, happenings, and more in the area’s go-to Culture & Events Magazines
SouthportMag.com
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CALENDAR
e’ve included events here that are listed as scheduled, but please remember that all events, dates and times are subject to change. (For programs offered through the Town of Leland, visit https://apm.activecommunities.com/townofleland/ to register online or register in person at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way). Register online for Town of Oak Island programs at www.OakIslandNC.gov/PROGRAMS. — Lisa
August AUG 1 - SEPT 3
LCAC Artist Showcase
The Gallery at the Leland Cultural Arts Center features artist Sabine Baeckmann, and there will be a reception with the artist on August 6, from 6-8 pm at the Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.
AUG 6
School Supply Donations Accepted — Dosher Dosher Memorial Hospital’s annual “Operation School Supplies” school supply donation event is scheduled between the hours of 9 am and 1 pm. Residents are invited to drop off new school supplies at the hospital front entrance, which will be donated for the benefit of students served by Communities In Schools of Brunswick County. Participants will be able to “drive through and drop off” donations without having to leave their cars. This event will be held in conjunction with the Communities In Schools annual Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive which takes place each August, when collection boxes can be found at their thrift shops and local businesses.
AUG 6
Cape Fear A Cappella Concert
Enjoy a free concert at 3 pm at Barbee Library, Celebrating America’s Hit Parade through the decades. Dust off your saddle shoes and poodle skirts and enjoy the music of Judy Garland, the Andrews Sisters, American Bandstand with Dick Clark, and the English invasion. In honor of USA 250, Cape Fear A Cappella presents hit music you know, and you’re welcome to sing and dance, and just enjoy being an American. The Library is at 8200 E. Oak Island Drive.
AUG 7
Touch a Truck
Kids of all ages are invited to get a close look at some awesome vehicles and meet the men and women who use them to protect the community right here in Brunswick County. The program starts at 9 am at the Southwest Branch Library, 9400 Ocean Highway, Carolina Shores.
AUG 11-13
National Rarities Buying Event at Renee’s Fine Jewelry Turn unwanted items into cash at this buying event. Buyers are looking for gold and silver jewelry, diamonds and fine jewelry, luxury watches and purses, coins and currency, gemstones and sterling silver and estate pieces. Take your items by the shop get a no-obligation evaluation and offer on the spot. The store is at 602 N. Howe St. in Southport, and hours are 10:30 am to 5 pm.
AUG 14-21
American Revolution Experience Exhibit The Brunswick County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution have arranged for a traveling exhibit — the American Revolution Experience — to make a stop at the Southwest Brunswick Branch Library, 9400 Ocean Hwy (U.S. 17) West, Carolina Shores. The exhibit consists of 12 panels arranged in pairs that cover thematic topics raised by the individuals featured in the exhibition. Examples include “Choosing Sides,” “On the Front Lines” and “Freedom or Slavery.” Three touchscreen displays augment the panels – one focused on the featured individuals, one highlighting places connected to those stories that can still be visited and one that includes Trust-produced animated maps that offer deeper context by showing the course of the full Revolu-
tionary War as battles unfolded across the continent. The exhibit may be seen during regular library hours, 9 am to 6 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; 9 am to 7 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays; and 9 am to 5 pm on Saturdays.
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
AUG 19
Duck Derby — Kiwanis
The Kiwanis Club of Southport-Oak Island will release 2,000 rubber ducks into the rapids at Oak Island Jungle Golf for the club’s second annual Duck Derby fundraiser. Ducks will race for a $500 first prize. The second-place duck will pay $250, and the third-place duck will
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be worth $100. A 3:30 pm splashdown is scheduled for this family-friendly event. The Kiwanis offer support to Brunswick County students through reading, tutoring, robotics, leadership development, and more. Visit https://www.soikiwanis. com/duckderby to adopt a duck ($5) or to take on a whole flock ($20).
AUG 22
Cornhole Tournament — NC VIPS
NC Volunteers in Public Schools will hold a cornhole tournament at AYE! Toro Restaurant located at 1174 Turlington Ave, Leland. Registration will start at noon and bags will start flying at 1 pm. There will be no outside food or drinks allowed. Register through the Scorholio app or register the day of at the tournament. The tournament will have two divisions. The backyard division is for casual players and will cost $40 per two-person team. The advanced division for more competitive players will be $60 per two-person team. There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each division. NC VIPS is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in Brunswick County — Reading Buddies spend as little as an hour a week to help get students reading on grade level by the end of third grade. No prior experience is required and new volunteers are always welcome. Visit http://www.ncvips.com/ for more information.
AUG 29
Summerween Party at Needful Things Get your spooky vibes started early this year with a specialty drink from Moody Bean, and fun fall activities like dressing in your favorite witch getup and decorating your own mini broom. The festivities are at the Needful Things bookstore, 114 E. Nash St., Southport, starting at 10 am.
AUG 29
Contra Dance — Leland
Join in on this fun and approachable partner line dance with English and Scottish roots. A beginner lesson will run from 7 to 7:30 pm, followed by open dancing. The dance goes until 10 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way, and the cost is $15.
SEPT 1
Annual Meeting and Membership Appreciation Event Friends of the Library Southport-Oak Island will hold its annual meeting at 1 pm at the Southport Community Building. The event features special guest and author Mary Kay Andrews, and registration is required. The group is also raffling off a private dinner with the author set for August. 31. Proceeds from ticket sales will go toward the fundraising campaign for the Barbee Library expansion.
SEPT 4
Kayak Adventures
Fall is coming, and it’s time to get your paddles out. This kayak tour traverses Sturgeon Creek to Eagles Island, an area with history dating back to 1671. The tour is 1:45 to 5 pm and the fee is $75. This 6-mile trek is for intermediate to advanced paddlers, and supplies are included.
SEPT 5
Sunset on Summer
Oak Island celebrates the end of another great season with this all-day music festival, noon to 8 pm at the Middleton Park complex, SE 46th and Dolphin Drive. The festival features four bands, along with food trucks on site and adult beverages for purchase.
SEPT 5
Car Show — Southport
The Southport Lions Club hosts this car show is 8 am to 2 pm in downtown Southport. There will be lots of cars and trucks to see and hamburgers and hot dogs available for purchase. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Southport Fire Department.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College 701 N. Third St., Wilmington Aug 1 — Graham Nash
Aug 7 — The Oak Ridge Boys Aug 13 — Brit Floyd - Best of The Wall Aug 14 — Brit Floyd - Dark Side of The Moon Aug 15 — Leann Rimes
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
Visit https://wilsoncentertickets.com for more information.
Thalian Hall
310 Chestnut St., Wilmington
Visit https://www.livenation.com/venue/KovZ917A2qV/greenfield-lake-amphitheater-events for tickets.
Aug 13-23 — West Side Story by the Opera House Theatre Company
Summer Concert Series
Check https://www.thalianhall.org/ calendar for more information.
Oak Island Summer Concerts
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater
1941 Amphitheatre Dr., Wilmington Aug 7 — The Wallflowers Aug 8 — Dumpstaphunk
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Bands by the Beach
Middleton Park Complex 4610 Dolphin Drive Concerts are 6-8:30 pm Aug 7 — I-42 Band
Aug 14 — 52nd Street Band
Aug 21 — Hoods Creek
Aug 19 — Pink Slips
Aug 28 — The Conspiracy
Aug 26 — Whitewing Dove
Bald Head Island Marina Park
Concerts are 6-9 pm Aug 12 — Snapback Aug 26 — Austin
Sept 2 — Julio and The Saltines
Shallotte Concert Series
Mulberry Park Amphitheater 123 Mulberry Street Concerts are 7-9 pm
Sept 2 — Chairman of the Board
Aug 6 — Julio & The Saltines
Boiling Spring Lakes Summer Concerts
Aug 20 — Too Much Sylvia
Spring Lake Park 210 Pine Road
Concerts are 6-8 pm Aug 7 — Parrot Party Duo
Calabash Summer Concert Series Calabash Town Park 868 Persimmon Road
Concerts are 6-8:30 pm Aug 4 — Chocolate Chip & Company
Holden Beach Summer Concerts
The season starts off at Bridgeview Park and changes to Block Q midseason Concerts are 6:30-8 pm
Aug 2 — The Sand Band Aug 9 — North Tower Aug 16 — Continental Divide Aug 30 — The Main Event Sept 6 — Chairman of the Board
The Peggy Hughes Summer Concert Series Ocean Isle Beach Town Center Park, 11 E. 2nd St. Concerts are 6:30-8 pm
Aug 7 — Special Occasion Band Aug 14 — The Embers featuring Craig Woolard Aug 21 — Uptown Easy Aug 28 — Julio & The Saltines Sept 6 — The Extraordinaires
Sunset Sound Waves
Sunset Beach Town Park 26 Sunset Blvd North Concerts start at 6 pm Aug 5 — North Tower Aug 12 — Pushh
Aug 13 — Jack Jack 180 Aug 27 — Jebb Mac Band Sept 3 — North Tower Sept 10 — The Extraordinaires
Southport Summer Concert Series Franklin Square Park, Howe Street Concerts are 6-8 pm
JAug 6 — Burning Bridges Jazz Aug 13 — Latitude Adjustment Aug 20 — The Doorsmen Aug 27 — Honey & Bones Sept 3 — Salt Road
Sunset Beach Pier 101 W. Main St.
Concerts are 6-8 pm unless otherwise listed Aug 6 — Honeycutt & Co. Aug 13 — Salt Road Aug 20 — MacDaddy’s Aug 27 — Sea & Sand Band Sept 3 — Johnny Toppings Sept 6 — Labor Day Weekend Show featuring Trublmkrz from 1-3 pm and Randy Knight and Parrot Party from 3-5 pm
Moonlight Movies Town Center Park 11 E. 2nd Street, Ocean Isle Beach
Movies start around dusk (7:15-ish) Aug 5 — Shorts
Aye 12 — Ruby Gillman: ‘Teenage Kracken’ Aug 19 — Middle School - The Worst Years of My Life
OPEN AIR MARKETS Oak Island Farmers Market
The Market can be found on the Middleton Park Fields, SE 46th Street and Dolphin Drive, on Mondays from 8 am to 1 pm. Shop for local fresh produce, homemade jams, cakes, and a variety of homemade goods, all while enjoying ocean breezes.
Summer Market in Southport
The summer market begins May 6, and will be open 9 am to 2 pm on Wednesdays (except the week of July 4th). Find the Market in Waterfront Park at East Bay Street.
OneLove Market
NC 179/Beach Drive SW (field next to RE/Max This community based-non-profit helps local rescue organizations with financial support. Shop, Munch and Mingle! Enjoy music, free craft table, fresh produce and other vendors. Wednesdays 8:30-12:30 through August
Sunset Beach Town Park
206 Sunset Blvd North (mainland)
The Market begins April 30, and will be held on Thursdays throughout the season from 9 am to 1 pm.
1st Saturday Artisan Fair — Olde Southport Village Shoppes This market at the Olde Southport Village Shoppes (1102 N. Howe St.) will feature artisan vendors, handmade goods, vintage treasures, live painting, gifts, self-care products, fizzy sodas, and fun finds for everyone. The fair is the first Saturday of the month, 10 am to 4 pm.
ONGOING EVENTS
Storytime By the Sea
Oak Island hosts this program for children 12 and younger, which features a coastal-themed story and a craft to take home. The program is 10-11 am on July 8, 15, 22, and 29, and Aug 5 at the Town’s 801 Ocean Drive events center. The program is free, but pre-registration is required (OakIslandNC.gov/ PROGRAMS)
Art in the Park - Ocean Isle Beach Children can make a new art project each week at Ocean Isle Beach’s Town Center Park, 11 E. Second St. The program is 10-11 am on Tuesdays through Aug. 11. Art in the Park is weather dependent.
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
Tide Dye Tuesdays
Make your own beach tye dye t-shirt with the Town of Holden Beach. Tide Dye Tuesdays through Aug. 4, 1-2:30 pm (participants must be ib line by 2 pm) at Bridgeview Park Picnic Shelter, 125 Davis St. There is a cost for the shirt, depending on the size needed. Check Facebook for weather updates.
Friends of the Library
The Once More used bookstore, at Southport Realty (727 N. Howe St.), with new-to-you books, is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and Saturdays 10 am to noon. Visit https:// folsoi.org/blog/ for information on upcoming programs. Barbee Library, 8200 E. Oak Island Drive: Call 910-278-4283 for details on children’s story time and other programs. The Lifelong Learners Group meets at 10 am on Thursdays. Other programs offered at the library include chair yoga, one-on-one tech support on Wednesdays from 1-3 pm, and more. Harper Library, 109 W. Moore St., Southport: The Southport Historical Society’s “Second Tuesday Talk” is planned for 10 am on Aug. 11 at the library. Sue Crippen, popular speaker on Southport history, will introduce audiences to Kate Stuart, whose hospitality made Southport a destination for visitors from around the world. Celebrated for her intelligence, business acumen, charms, and cooking, she was equally comfortable with a hunting rifle, a fishing line, and a swamp garden. When she died, a Wilmington newspaper wrote that “a woman like Kate lives but once in a century.” The meeting is free to attend and all are welcome. Reservations required: 910-457-6237. One-on-one tech support is offered on Thursdays, 1-3 pm. Leland Library, 487 Village Road NE: Baby storytime is at 10 am on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and Pre-K and older storytime is at 11 am on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Rourk Library, 5068 Main St., Shallotte Baby storytime is at 10 am on Mondays, Stay and Play is at 10:30, Crochet and Knitting is at 10:30 am, Library Legends: Teen Chess and Board Games Club are at 4 pm. On Tuesdays, Hand Embroidery is at 3:30 pm. Zen Coloring at 10 am on Wednesdays and Journal-
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CALENDAR
ing Club is at 3:30 pm. On Thursdays, the library hosts storytime for Toddlers & Pre-K at 10:30 am and Stay & Play at 11 am.
Southwest Brunswick Branch, 9400 Ocean Hwy West (U.S. 17), Carolina Shores: Road Scholar Lecture: Making Political History in London’s Westminster District is Aug. 3 at 1 pm; Dinosaur Escape with Indiana Bones is Aug 4 at 5:30 pm for children ages 12 and older; and Dinosaur Terrarium making is set for Aug 14 at 1 pm for children aged 5 and older (adult help is required). There are also classes and group meetings for learning Italian and various crafting techniques.
NC Maritime Museums - Southport 204 E. Moore St.
The Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 10 am to 4 pm at 204 E. Moore St., Southport. Admission is free, but donations are accepted and there is a gift shop too offering maritime and seasonal items for visitors of all ages. Visit www.ncmaritimemuseum.com.
Franklin Square Art Gallery
The Gallery is open 10 am to 4 pm Monday through Saturday and can be found next to Franklin Square Park.
First Friday Gallery Walk — Southport The First Friday Gallery Walk is 5-7 pm in Southport at participating galleries, such as Lantana’s, The Rickey Evans Gallery, the Franklin Square Art Gallery, Artisans on Howe and Southport Studio Artists. Stroll along, or jump on the trolley, browse in the shops, and see what local artists have to offer. The first Gallery Walk for the year will be March 7.
Oak Island Recreation Department Join the Striders Club at various locations and dates/times to get out and about with a group or try your hand at art with a new class. There are book clubs, kayak tours in the Davis Canal, surf fishing lessons, and much more. Visit https://parksrec.egov.basgov.com/ oakislandnc for details on programs.
Town of Leland/Parks & Recreation Check out https://www.townofleland. com/parks-recreation-and-cultural-resources for more information on classes and programs, including starting an
art journal, pottery, gardening, writing creative nonfiction, acting, dance and more.
Bingo at the Elks Lodge — Oak Island
Bingo games are on the second and fourth Tuesdays at the Lodge, 106 E. Dolphin Drive, Oak Island. Games are open to the public; no one under 16 and no outside food or drinks allowed. Doors open to the public at 5:45 pm with games starting at 6:30 pm. Snacks and drinks available for purchase (cash or checks only). Winner takes all coverall.
Battleship North Carolina — near Leland Tour the USS NORTH CAROLINA and participate in group programs and special programming throughout the year. Visit https://battleshipnc.com/. The battleship site is at 1 Battleship Road NE, Wilmington (west side of the Cape Fear River).
Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site 8884 St. Philips Rd. SE, Winnabow
There is plenty to do and see, with a museum, historic ruins, great information on the site’s history, and some of the most beautiful riverfront property in the County. Hours are 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. .Museum of Coastal Carolina
21 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach
The Museum is open Monday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm (until 7 pm on Tuesday and Thursday), and Sunday noon to 4 pm. The Museum is not open on Saturdays in the summer. Visit https://museumplanetarium.org/ for the programs calendar, which includes lots of special programs for the summer, including the Shark Soiree Aug 3-7, Sandbar Lectures Tuesdays at 5:30, and Snakes Alive! Thursdays at 6 pm. .Ingram Planetarium
7625 High Market St., Sunset Beach
The Planetarium is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm; dome shows start on the hour from 11 am to 3 pm. Laser shows are Thursdays through Saturdays at 6 pm and 7 pm. Visit https://museumplanetarium.org/ ingram-planetarium/ to see the show
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
schedule.
Brunswick Newcomer’s Club — Southport
The Brunswick Newcomer’s Club is a non-profit social club of more than 300 adults who live in Southeastern Brunswick County, including the Boiling Springs, Bolivia, Leland, Oak Island, St. James, Shallotte, Southport and Supply areas. Meetings are held the third Tuesday morning of every month at 9:30 a.m. in Murrow Hall at Trinity United Methodist Church, 209 E. Nash St., Southport. For more information visit: Brunswick Newcomer’s Club or contact us at brunswick.newcomers@gmail.com or find them on Facebook. Please note that the group does not meet in June, July or August, but will resume meeting in September..
Wilmington River Tours
212 S. Water St., Wilmington
Tour the beautiful Cape Fear River and learn more about the area’s history and ecology. Sunset cruises include acous-
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tic music Thursdays through Sundays! Tours are offered daily, to the north along historic downtown Wilmington, the USS North Carolina Battleship and Eagles Island on the even hours, and to the south under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and past the shipyard on the odd hours; visit https://wilmingtonwatertours.net/ for schedules and to purchase tickets.
Don’t see your event or location listed? Try as we might, we don’t catch everything, so to be sure to be included send your events to lisa@southportmag.com before the 20th of each month! Thank you!
Meet The Author
Book Events Throughout the County July 3 Needful Things and Moody Bean Book Cafe will host S. R. Fabrico, author of The Southport Series, from 1-3 pm. The Pelican Bookstore in Sunset Beach hosts a series of book signings, held at the Silver Coast Winery, 6680 Barbeque Road, Ocean Isle Beach (mainland). The festivities at the Winery start at 5:30 pm. Tickets are $45 and include a glass of wine, light hors d’oeuvres, a copy of the book, and a meet and greet with the author. For more details and a longer synopsis of the book selections, visit www.pelicanbookstore.com. July 16 Ashley Winstead - “Hot Girl Murder Club” What’s a girl got to do to get some fame, a few million record sales, and justice for murder? Ten years ago, aspiring singer-actress Scout Sage lost the only thing that mattered: her sister, Georgia. Ever since Georgia’s mysterious death at a Hollywood party, Scout’s done her best to honor her memory, clawing her way through the industry and collecting a network of climbers along the way, fellow hot girls in stilettos with cutthroat ambition, a new Hollywood order. Winstead will be in conversation with the New York Times best selling author Stacy Willingham. July 28 Kristin Harmel - “Meet Me In Paris” Nine Americans in Paris, seven intertwined love stories, and one City of Light. “Love Actually” meets “The Notebook” in a tale of love, loss, and finding your way home, all set over the course of one life-changing week in Paris. Julia Glover has brought her twenty-three-year-old daughter, Piper, to Paris for the first time—but they know it will also be their last trip here together. Julia is dying, and as the mother and daughter desperately try to make memories together as the clock ticks down, the world opens up around them. Piper meets a cute French waiter, who might just understand her better than anyone she’s ever met, and Julia meets a man at a dive bar and struggles with how to tell him the truth about her future. July 30 Lisa Scottoline - “This Changes Everything” In this twisty and emotionally resonant thriller from bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, a woman risks her life for justice and realizes she has more power than she ever knew. Julia Pritzker loves her new life as a wife and mother in beautiful Tuscany – except that she misses her best friend Courtney, back in the States. One night, Julia calls Courtney and reaches her as she’s arriving at her grandmother’s farm in Pennsylvania. Then the unthinkable happens. A dreadful premonition overwhelms Julia as Courtney is entering the house, but it’s too late to stop Courtney, who makes a heartbreaking discovery. Her beloved grandmother has been murdered, and the killer is escaping out the back door.
Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
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Discover Coastal Waterfront Living 1606 E Yacht Drive
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Thank you for your support!
DONNA FINDLAY dfindlayrealtor@gmail.com 910.269.3049
Fill Each Backpack With or Donate Individually: 1 Box of Spaghetti (pot-size preferred) 1 Chef Boyardee item 1 Box of Macaroni & Cheese 1 Can of Soup 1 Can of Vegetables 1 Can of Hunt's Pasta Sauce 1 Box of Individual Oatmeal Packets l R Carrol 1 Box of Granola Bars PR I OPERT 1 Box of Lance Crackers 1 Can of Chicken 1 Packet of Ramen Noodles
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Donna Findlay
Here's how you can help: Donate a standard backpack Donate one or more of the requested food items Donate a fully stuffed backpack
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4 Beds | 5.5 Baths | 4,560 Sq Ft
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You can drop off donations at REMAX Southern Coast in Southport now through August 14th 319 N Howe St
4 Beds | 4.5 Baths | 2,985 Sq Ft
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This back-to-school season, we’re partnering with Matthew's Ministry to help provide weekend meals for children experiencing food insecurity in Brunswick County.
Oak Island | $2,990,000
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Help us Adopt a Backpack and make a difference for local children.
121 SE 67th Street
Oak Island | $2,499,000
Robert Carroll
ROBERT CARROLL robert@robertcarrollproperties.com 910.465.2717
Robert Carroll
PROPERTIES
319 N Howe Street, Southport, NC 28461 Celebrating Fourteen Years of Serving Our Community
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