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STAFF EDITOR
FROM THE PUBLISHERS
CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS Chuck and Sue Cothran
Jeffrey Stites
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
jeff@liveoakmediainc.com
Louise Sheffield-Baccarny Carla Edstrom
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Patricia Langer Jan Morgan-Swegle
Lisa P. Stites
Janet Fortney
lisa@southportmag.com
Lisa P. Stites Jeffrey Stites
LEAD DESIGNER
PUBLISHER & SALES
Liz Brinker lcbgraphicdesign@gmail.com
Jeffrey Stites jeff@liveoakmediainc.com 910-471-7741
Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine is published once a month by Live Oak Media, Inc The opinions of contributing writers are not necessarily the opinions of the staff. Annual Subscription: $45 email jeff@liveoakmediainc.com 910-471-7741 Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine PO Box 10175, Southport, NC 28461 www.shallottemag.com email jeff@liveoakmediainc.com 910-471-7741
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Annual Pet Issue
hough it’s a bit like having to pick a favorite child, I have to admit the Pet Issue is my favorite issue of the year. And I know I’m not the only one who loves it--readers tell me they love and this year even the folks who print the magazines for us said they look forward to the Pet Issue too! It starts when I put out the call for pet photos and you all answer, filling my email inbox with fun. Imagine how great it is to wake up every morning and check your work email and be greeted with kittens and puppers and even the occasional goat or rooster. How can you have a bad day after that start? Then I have to organize the pet photos, which isn’t easy. I know how important each critter is to its person and I want everyone to have the joy of seeing their little fur baby in print. But even that’s fun as it lets me see them all again and try to figure who should be on the cover. Finally I lay the magazine out which means looking at everyone again and reading the names. Oh the names y’all come up with! I honestly sit here and giggle to myself. Well, to myself and the News Hound, Copper. See, I’m a pet person too, a dog person really, and a hound person specifically. Working in a home office by myself would be terrible without Copper. He makes me smile and keeps me moving around and generally makes each day better. I hope having a look at these pets inside makes your day a little better. And I hope it inspires you to give your dog or cat or horse or goat a little head scratch.— Jeffrey
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Community Buldoc Wildlife Rescue Taking Care Of Injuried Wild Animals STORY BY JEFFREY STITES, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
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e’re all familiar with the wonderful and important work done by our community’s pet rescues, but did you know there are people out there looking out for injured wild critters as well? Life in the wild can be dangerous, and whether it’s nature or a manmade danger like a car, wildlife can be hurt or left orphaned when a parent is killed. Luckily for the woodland critters, Anna Bolduc and Bolduc’s Wildlife Rescue are here to help! Located in Boiling Spring Lakes, Bolduc’s Wildlife Rescue is dedicated to taking in injured and orphaned wildlife, raising/healing them, and releasing them back into the wild when they are ready. It takes more than a big heart to properly care for wild animals. “It takes a large amount of studying, taking classes, and practice to learn how to properly care for each individual species in their various life stages,” Anna said. “I am currently licensed for small mammals (opossums, squirrels,
rabbits, etc) and hope to be licensed for fawns by this spring. Continued education is an important part of wildlife rehabilitation, whether via webinars, wildlife symposiums, or independent studying.” Out of all the animals in our area, which is Anna’s favorite to care for?“Opossums are my favorite animal to rehab, and the most unusual to some people,” she said. Bolduc’s covers a wide area. “Most of my intakes come from Wilmington and
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Oak Island, but I often get calls ranging as far as Ocean Isle Beach to Hampstead,” Anna said. “In general, I ask that the finders bring the animal to me. It is difficult to find time to pick up the animal or even meet while juggling all the other aspects of rehab and daily life; infants require
around-the-clock feedings/pottying, cleaning cages, prepping food, washing dirty blankets, updating patient logs, cleaning wounds, administering medications, answering phone calls, coordinating with other rehabbers, training apprentices, etc. This is on top of daily life as a mom to two boys, Banner age 9 and Conrad age 6,” Anna said. It’s certainly a big job, and volunteers can be a big help, Anna said, but it isn’t an easy job. “I do accept volunteers, and an interview can be set up via phone to see if they are a good fit. A lot of people think that volunteering consists mainly of cuddling, feeding, or playing with cute baby animals… but it does not. I mainly need help with cleaning cages, prepping food, washing dishes, emptying latrines, changing out bedding,
and occasionally pottying the babies. I very rarely accept help with feeding the babies, because it is very easy to do it wrong and harm them,” she said. If cleaning up animal cages isn’t your cup of tea, but you’d still like to help out, defraying the costs of animal rehab is always an option as well. “Wildlife rehabilitators do not get any funding from the city or state. We rely solely on donations to cover costs,” Anna said. “I have a variety of options available for people wanting to contribute — checks, Cashapp, Venmo, PayPal, and even GofFundMe, although I’m trying to discourage this method because they take a portion of every donation.” The address for mailing donations is 2020 Albemarle Rd, Southport, NC 28461. You can also
find Buldoc’s Wildlife Rescue on Facebook for even more cute phots like the ones you see here.
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Biz Q&A
Better Display Cases
orabilia from being damaged. But, yes it is important to wipe off the dust to keep the case looking the best it can. We also sell a polish on our site that helps with that and also will shine the acrylic and even remove any small scratches or smudges that get on the case. All of the info about this is on our website at https:// www.betterdisplaycases.com/pages/caringfor-your-case.
Helping Keep Treasures Safe And Sound STORY BY LISA STITES, PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
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e’re always fascinated by the types of businesses people start in our community and we love to tell their stories. Some are hyper-local, started here specifically to serve our coastal population. Others just happen to be located here, filling a niche and selling products nationwide, or even worldwide. We caught up with the owner of just such a business — Mo Johnson of Better Display Cases in Ocean Isle Beach — to find out more about how he got this family business started.
We understand that you were looking for a second career after retiring from the military. Can you tell us how you got into the display case business? Actually while still in the military I started up a hobby sports website -- www. secsportsfan.com. After retiring from the military, I started selling Fatheads and football helmets on the website, and later on Ebay and Amazon. One day someone called me from Ebay and said they noticed I was selling sports memorabilia. They asked if I sold display cases. I didn’t even know what display cases were but said I’d look into it. At first I tried to sell other people’s cases. Eventually we designed our own and
make our own mostly based on customer ideas and suggestions.
Better Display cases is family owned and operated — who from your family is involved? Everyone is involved in one way or another, either helping to unload trucks or helping with picking and packing orders. My wife has just started doing nameplates which is a new service we now offer.
Over the holidays, many people are likely given items they’d like to display. How can you help them find the perfect way to show off their treasures? Yes, that’s interesting you say that. We actually are just about as busy after the holidays as before for that very reason. The best thing they can do is go to our website and search for whatever it is they want to display. We may have a case just for it. Also we have a “search by size” page on our website that lists all the size display cases we offer. That can be found here: https://
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www.betterdisplaycases.com/pages/display-cases-search-by-size. Of course, people can always call or email or use the chat box on our website to ask any questions.
On your website, you also have tips on how to clean and care for the display cases — why is that important? Over time the case will at least get dust on it. It’s much better for dust to get on the case (which is a square box) rather than the memorabilia inside. It’s much easier to dust the case then the memorabilia. And it keeps the mem-
Can you tell us what kinds of products you have built cases for?
What’s the most unique item you’ve made a display case for? That’s hard because there are sooo many things. And I’ve learned about so many different things from hearing from customers about their collections and memorabilia. We have a blog that details some of these stories. Maybe the one I remember most was one I didn’t even know about until after it happened. I was watching the show “Shark Tank” one night. It was the Benji Lock guy who was offered a deal with Alex Rodriguez and almost all the Sharks; then surprisingly picked Kevin O’Leary. Anyway, I happened to be watching and noticed he was displaying his lock in a display case. I looked closer and was like “I think that’s our display case.” I could tell by the unique shape of our risers. At first I thought someone had ripped off our risers (we’re the only company that offers 12 different color risers). But I contacted him and sure enough
-- it was our case he had purchased on Amazon. Amazing. You can read more about it on our website at https://www.betterdisplaycases.com/blogs/display-cases-inspiration/our-display-case-was-on-shark-tank
MISSES, JUNIORS, PLUS & MEN’S
What do you love most about the work you do? I love when customers tell me how they used our display cases to help them remember and share a cherished memory in their life.
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Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know? Yes! Please visit us at playcases.com :)
www.betterdis-
labelshopper.com
4956 LONG BEACH ROAD SE, SOUTHPORT (910)454-0816 • labelshopper.com MONDAY–FRIDAY: 9am - 8pm • SATURDAY: 10am - 6pm SUNDAY: 12pm - 5pm shallottemag.com /January /January 2025/ 2025/ Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine 7
Community
Our Readers’ Pets
Here Is Some Furry Fun For The New Year
Malibu
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his month, we’ve gone to the dogs. And cats, and various other critters. Thank you to all our readers who shared photos of their furry friends. we hope you enjoy seeing them as much as we did!
Beau and Bingo
Berk, Burton and Roy
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Lolo
Community Mister Burton Daisy
Sandy
Pepper
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Community BoBo George
Mr. Berkeley
Harry shallottemag.com /January /January 2025/ 2025/ Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine 10
Community
FITNESS IS OUR BUSINESS • Mindset Coaching • nutritional guidance • fitness training • accountability • Customized in-person & Virtual programs
VICTOR FERNANDES Owner, Fernandes Fit LLC
Punkin and Tater
814.504.7774
www.fernandesfit.com
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT Dosher is proud of the emergency care that we are able to provide today. Wait times are short, our Emergency Department physicians and nurses are highly trained, and our patient experience ratings are extraordinary. That care will be further enhanced when our new 8,000 square foot Emergency Department (ED) is completed by the end of 2025. The new ED is a testament to our dedication to Brunswick County’s growth and to our support for the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors for years to come.
Scarlett
SCAN & LEARN MORE Dosher.org | 910.457.3800
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Community Hi! My name is Delta and I’m 3 years old ! I am an all American full-blooded black lab! I am not just your average Labrador — I am very important to the town of Shallotte. I have been working at Jumpin’ Java Espresso Company on Main Street for almost two years now. I absolutely love to greet all the customers who walk in the door and put a huge smile on their faces. Many of my favorite customers bring me treats and trust me, I’ll remember who brings them and who doesn’t. Next time you really need a pick me up, come inside and let me make your day better. Editor’s Note: I can confirm that Delta is 100 percent a ray of sunshine! Every month when we deliver the new issue to Jumpin’ Java, I hope she’ll be on duty. I think of her as The Roomba Dog because she’s always other bed until someone comes to the door, then she gets up and goes to give greetings and receive head scratches, then returns to her bed like it’s a charging station. If you haven’t met her yet, go grab a cup of java and make your day better!—Jeffrey
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Community
The Pets Of Focus Broadband Feliks
Oakley
Tucker & Percy Pinkie
Pretzel shallottemag.com /January /January 2025/ 2025/ Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine 13
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Community
Happy Noon Years Eve Family Fun You Don’t Need To Stay Up For
STORY BY LOUISE SHEFFIELD-BACCARNY, PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES
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he year 2024 is almost over and a new year is right around the corner. After all of the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving and Christmas, the last few days of the year are a great time for reflection. Did you accomplish everything you set out to do this year? Is there anything new you would like to learn, experience, grow or make in 2025? Exercising, saving money and traveling are always common resolutions and according to the Forbes Health Survey. Making more time for loved ones is also in the top 10 for this year, so what better way to welcome 2025 than surrounded by close friends and family? Whether you are 2, 42, or 82 years old, the reality of staying awake to watch the ball drop at midnight and ring in the New Year just isn’t in the cards for most of us. Good news for the early birds is that the Town of Ocean Isle Beach will be hosting the 3rd Annual “Noon Year’s Eve” Celebration again this year on Tues-
day, Dec. 31 from 11 am to 12:30 pm at Town Center Park on Ocean Isle Beach! The Town’s Recreation Department has created this family-friendly, free event that will include music and refreshments provided by the town, and crafts and entertainment provided by the Museum of Coastal Carolina. Vicki Paints will also be doing face painting and a surprise appearance by the OIB Fire Department may be in store for even more fun. A count down will start at 11:59 am and when the clock strikes 12 noon, a “Noon Year” will be welcomed in with party poppers and great cheer from the am-
phitheater stage. Several hundred people were in attendance last year and the town’s Recreation Director, Hayley Burgess, anticipates an even larger crowd this year. Burgess and the Recreation Department put on numerous events through-
out the year at Town Center Park including the Bunny Hop, Summer Concert series, Art in the Park, Movies in the Park, Trunk or Treat and Letters to Santa. Please follow the Town of Ocean Isle Beach Recreation Department on Facebook or visit oibgov.com for the most accurate information about town events. After St. Nick makes it back to the North Pole the countdown for a fresh New Year begins. So, pick out your party pants and get those resolutions ready because 2025 will be here in 5, 4, 3, 2………….
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FISHING REPORT
January Fishing Report
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 910620-9919
Good Fishing If You Know Where To Look BY CAPTAIN STEELE PARK
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appy New Year to all the anglers out there! December wrapped up on a high note, with solid fishing opportunities in the backwaters, nearshore, and offshore areas. Although favorable weather windows can be rare this time of year, when conditions align, the fishing has been remarkably good. As we move into January, there are still some rewarding fishing opportunities for those who know where to look. Backwater Water temperatures will remain in the low to mid-50s, so the best fishing can often be found in creeks. These areas warm slightly during the day as shallow, dark-bottomed waters absorb sunlight. Look for red drum feeding on shrimp in
shallow mudflats near deep holes. To improve your chances, approach quietly and watch for schools of red drum cruising the flats. Clear winter water makes them skittish, so long, accurate casts are essential. Speckled trout can also be found in creeks with slightly warmer water temperatures. Focus on tide rips, especially where feeder creeks converge, creating small current funnels. Effective baits include MirrOlures, smaller paddle tails on jig heads, and live shrimp. It’s crucial to slow your bait presentation— if you think you’re fishing slowly, slow down even more. Bites tend to be subtle during the colder months.
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Nearshore A few bull red drum remain active around the shoals. Although their numbers are limited, you can spot schools feeding on spots and menhaden near the shoals off Bald Head Island.
The annual Bluefin Tuna migration is also in full swing. These massive fish challenge your patience, tackle, and physical endurance. They are typically found near shoals, the fairway buoy, the knuckle buoy, and areas like East Beach on Bald Head Island or out toward the Cucumber and Cabbage Patch areas. To target Bluefin Tuna, try trolling horse ballyhoo rigged on large jag heads in white, pink, or red. Another effective technique involves using a planer on a downrigger. Here’s how: Deploy about 100 yards of line, with 30–50 feet of 300-pound fluorocarbon leader and the bait attached at the end.
FISHING REPORT Wrap a rubber band around the line several times and attach it to a double snap swivel. Clip the swivel to the downrigger line, allowing it to slide down to the planer. This setup positions your bait just off the bottom, where tuna feed on spots, bunker, and eels. Heavy-duty tackle is a must—use 80-pound class reels or higher with roller guides on your rods. These fish can weigh 800–1,000 pounds and put up an unrelenting fight. Look for gannets diving on baitfish to locate active feeding areas. Troll along the outer edges of the activity to avoid disrupting the feed.
cate fish, then switch to skirted rigs with ballyhoo once you find a productive spot. Additionally, there are still opportunities to catch bottom dwellers offshore. While grouper season is closed, species like vermilion snapper and triggerfish can be caught in 100–150 feet of water and make for excellent table fare. Winter Fishing Tips Winter fishing offers plenty of action and is well worth the effort, but safety should always come first. Be
sure to check weather forecasts carefully and assess conditions before heading out. Long rides in cold water can quickly become dangerous if the weather worsens. Spray from 50-degree water can lead to hypothermia in short order. The good news? Winter here only lasts 2–3 months, and spring fishing will be just around the corner. Good luck out there!
Offshore Some of the best fishing in the area takes place offshore in the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. With colder water temperatures near the coast, the Gulf Stream brings warmer waters (70°F and above) that hold wahoo, yellowfin tuna, and blackfin tuna.
Start with high-speed trolling to lo-
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Keeping Fit
Holiday Eating Tips
with your health and fitness goals while still savoring what you love.
Bouncing Back From The Holiday Bulge BY VICTOR FERNANDES
Victor Fernandes is owner of Fernandez Fit, helpjng clients achieve personal and professional success through health and fitness
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id you struggle with keeping your weight in check during the holidays?
Trust me, you’re not alone.
During the holiday season, we experience a seemingly endless array delicious foods, especially when we sit down for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s meals – not to mention the alcoholic beverages that flow like wine, including wine. That’s always true for me when I head home to New York City for Mom’s home cooking, as my family and I do every Christmas. She always makes all of my favorites – mostly fried of course – and enough to last us the nearly full week we spent there. And of course, I indulge – because I don’t experience Mom’s cooking more than two or three times a year, which in years past meant falling among the average American who gains be-
tween one and eight pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Those who are more fit hover closer to one pound, while others creep toward the eight-pound mark. What’s more concerning is that holiday weight gain often accounts for 50 percent of the total weight gained annually, and most people never lose it. Why is there such a disparity between the weight gain for those who are fit and those who aren’t? Yes, knowledge plays a role in that, but not as large a role as you may think. It’s awareness. It’s paying attention to the choices being made, and better yet planning ahead to make better choices overall. Now, there’s nothing we can do about the choices we made during the holidays. That time has
come and gone. But what if I said that the approach to maintain your weight, or even to shed unwanted pounds, is the same the rest of the year too? Because it’s not rocket science, no matter how much we as human beings feel the need to overcomplicate matters, especially pertaining to health and fitness. Too often we fall into the trap of believing that health and fitness plans need to be complex and complicated – and let’s face it, hard – to gain the desired results. But in reality, the plan isn’t different now than it was during the holidays. We simply faced more temptations in front of us trying to steer us off course during the holidays (and too often, doing a very good job of doing just that). Anyone who works with me can recite what I’m writing next because they have heard it time and time again during our time together. Make healthy choices. Watch portion sizes. Drink plenty of water, preferably half an ounce per pound of body weight. And be active. Still, I know how hard how it is to turn away foods we enjoy, at holiday time and the rest of the year. Here are five helpful tips when faced with making choices that will help you stay on track
1. Eat in advance – Don’t arrive at any gathering hungry. That’s a recipe for making poor choices. 2. Take your time eating – How often have you been so hungry that you eat a meal so quickly, still feel hungry along the way, and then a short time later feel bloated? Studies show it takes at least 20 minutes for our brain to send signals to our stomach saying that we’re full. So, eat slowly to prevent overeating. 3. Feel satisfied, not full – When you’re eating slowly, and you start to feel full, that’s when you should stop eating, even if there’s food left on your plate. Whenever I eat out, I ask for a to-go box before my meal arrives. Then I cut the meal in half (because portion sizes at restaurants are at least twice the normal serving size) and put it in the box before I eat the rest. Now, I have a healthy meal for lunch or dinner the next day. 4. Indulge…a bit – If you plan, for example, to have a piece of pie for dessert, don’t have a second helping of the main course. If you prioritize what you want to eat, you can still enjoy all the choices without overdoing it. 5. Forgive yourself – No one is perfect. Simply make a healthier choice the next time. If you need help with building better awareness over the nutritional choices you make, or any challenges you face on your health and fitness journey, I’m here to help. Contact me at 814.504.7774 or by email at info@fernandesfit.com to get started. You can also get more information on my website at fernandesfit. com.
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History
Civil War Hospitals
January Brunswick Civil War Round Table STORY CONTRIBUTED
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s battles raged throughout the course of the Civil War, at least 600,000 soldiers died from wounds or sickness. The vast majority of these men were treated in both battlefield and general hospitals. So, how vital were hospitals throughout the war? Were they effective, efficient, and helpful to those who were admitted? Did hospitals face limitations; e.g., medical treatments, sanitary conditions, diseases, or overwhelmed by the unexpected number of patients being admitted every day? Returning guest speaker Col. Wade Sokolosky (Ret.) will draw on many firsthand accounts which describe the challenges and opportunities both sides faced. His enlightening presentation will take place at the Brunswick Civil War Round Table meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 7 at Hatch Auditorium in Caswell Beach.
Clearly hospitals were essential to the survival and recovery of countless soldiers. They played a crucial role in treating the wounded, controlling disease, advancing medical knowledge, and providing even psychological support. Despite their effectiveness and efficiency, they had serious limitations because of the lack
of medical knowledge at the time, resulting in hospital stays lasting weeks or even months for recovery. The downside meant unsanitary conditions because of overcrowding and a lack of clean water. Disease
control was sporadic, resulting in the spread to other quarantined patients, poor hygiene practices prevailed, and poor ventilation complicated medical progress. On the positive side, new surgical techniques, improved anesthesia, and better medical supplies such as bandages, splints, and surgical instruments created some hope of optimism. Throughout the war, both sides relied on hospitals for addressing the physical and emotional trauma of their patients. As an example, by 1864, the Confederacy was clearly on the defensive. Here in North Carolina, with the fall of Ft. Fisher and Wilmington, Maj. Gen. Sherman’s 1865 Carolinas Campaign, and Maj. Gen. George Stoneman’s devastating cattle raid throughout much of western North Carolina, the state’s Confederate hospital system was on the brink of failure. Food and medical supplies were scarce, affecting the ability of surgeons overseeing hospitals to provide a proper diet and treatment for patients. Despite such challenges, the Confederate Medical Department expanded the hospital network along the state’s vital
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railroad system further into the Piedmont region to meet the ever increasing flow of the sick and wounded. This was one step in the never-ending need to ease the distress and frustration in all hospitals. Guest speaker Wade Sokolosky is highly qualified to discuss what he per-
History
ceived as a forgotten yet crucial Civil War oversight by most other historians – the hospitals. He rectified this oversight, in part, with “North Carolina’s Confederate Hospitals, Vol. 1, 1861 – 1863.” Wade is a native of Beaufort, N.C.; a graduate of East Carolina University; and a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Army. In addition, as a career army officer, he has used his expertise in
military affairs to produce a definitive study of another overlooked yet significant part of North Carolina history; i.e., its significant involvement in the Civil War. He is one of North Carolina’s leading experts in the 1865 Carolinas Campaign, and frequently leads tours of these battlefields. He also serves as a tour guide with the Friends of Bentonville Battlefield, and has been
an advisor to the Brunswick Civil War Round Table for years. Registration for this monthly meeting begins at 6:15 pm and the program starts at 7 pm. Everyone is welcome. The visitor fee is $10, and can be applied toward the $25 annual membership dues. For more information about this meeting, the easy online registration process, how to attend meetings
remotely, or how to become a member, email president John Butler at Brunswickcwrt@gmail.com, or call him directly at (404) 229-9425. Also, you can visit the website at Brunswickcivilwarroundtable.com, or the Facebook page for additional information, news, and updates.
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
LPGA / PGA Golf Teaching Professional
www.nicoleweller.com
912-695-5211
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SPOTTINGS
Christmas at the Old Bridge featured a tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus, entertainment by the West Brunswick High School Show Choir and candlelit caroling. What a perfect start to the festive Christmas season!
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Nicole’s Golf Notes
Golf Tips
Putting Pointers Part One: Solid Contact BY NICOLE WELLER LPGA/PGA GOLF TEACHING PROFESSIONAL
Nicole Weller instructs local area golfers at Compass Pointe Golf Club in Leland. Feel free to submit your question or topic for the Nicole’s Notes column via her website ‘Contact Nicole’ page. For more information on Nicole and her tips / videos, visit www.nicoleweller.com.
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hat is putting other than rolling a ball into a hole across an uneven surface…seems simple, right? It can be simpler if we let it, and there is always a mix of both luck and skill that produces result. Some keys are an effective putter face, path and centeredness of contact through impact after a good green read. In this article, we’ll focus a bit on good contact.
Every putter has a sweet spot where solid contact happens and it might not be exactly in the middle of the putter face pending on the design of the putter (shaft insert, head design, etc.). You can hold a putter lightly between your thumb and index finger with the toe pointing toward you at face-height and take a tee in your other hand and lightly tap the pointy end against the putter face. Where does the least amount of twist happen? If you tap the toe and then the heel, you should notice twisting of the putter head. Keep working away from the putter heel and put-
ter toe until you find where the least amount of twist happens. That’s the sweet spot and where the ball should be striking. Off-center putts twist the putter head creating off-line putts and also affect the solidness of a putt and therefore speed. For example, golfers may contact a ball off-center on the putter head, leave it short and then think they might need to ‘hit it harder,’ which they then do AND hit the center and now the ball shoots by way too far.
Being able to strike the center consistently is a big plus and part of our challenge with the game as variable humans. There’s a great machine called the SAM Putt Lab (Science And Motion) and one of the 50+ parameters it measures on a single putt is centeredness of contact. It shows the dispersion pattern pretty vividly. Check out Loggerhead or other golf fitting places in the area to have staff run you through a SAM session. The data is great if used well. I have several drills I like to prescribe for centeredness of contact in putting. One is to set up a tee gate station six feet on a flat or uphill putt with a tee one quarter of an inch outside the toe and another the same distance outside the heel of the putter. Then roll some putts without hitting one of the tees as the putter head passes through the tees. Newer golfers and higher handicappers can widen the tee gate just a little more. I watched Tiger run this drill at the Masters during one of my visits there. The ability to start and return the putter head back to the center position is key. Make up some games… -- How many putts out of 10 can you make at six feet without hitting a tee gate?
-- How many putts in a row can you make at six feet without hitting a tee gate? ●-- How many putts out of 10 can you make at six feet with your eyes closed without hitting a tee gate? I also like using the Eyeline Golf Ball of Steel, it gives instant feedback if a ball was struck solidly or off-center. Feel free to check out the Eyeline Golf link through my website under Products. Get better at finding the center of the putter face and when playing — make that your putting goal during the round, bring that into your soft awareness. Have a line item on your scorecard to keep track of the percent of solid putts, thereby upping your awareness of that. Give a checkmark for center and an X for not and see what your percentage is for the day. And putters are the most used and least-fitted clubs in the bag. It might be a good idea if you want to improve your putting to make sure you have a putter that has the right length, head type, weight, shaft insert and other aspects that make the putter work for you and not the other way around… get a putter fitting and take that variable off the table!
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SPOTTINGS
We had a ball enjoying the Ocean Isle Beach Holiday Flotilla from the Sheffield’s Seafood and Grocery dock. It wound up being perfect spot. We were able to enjoy pre-flotilla DJing from Sharkey’s and the play-by-play while to boats passed by. The Flotilla raised more than $50,000 for Brunswick Family Assisstance this year, which will go toward making life just a little easier for some of Brunswick County’s needy families, and if that doesn’t say “Christmas Spirit,” we don’t know what does!
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The 29th Calabash Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade brought out the community for all sorts of festive fun! After a great nighttime parade, Santa arrived on a firetruck, bringing joy to young and old. He officially kicked off the Christmas season, everyone enjoyed some songs and then joined in on carols as the tree was lit. Small town holidays don’t get any better than this! shallottemag.com /January /January 2025/ 2025/ Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine 27
CALENDAR
January
We’ve included events here that are listed as scheduled, but please remember that all events, dates and times are subject to change.
THROUGH DEC 31
Festival of Trees - Museum of Coastal Carolina The Museum becomes a holiday wonderland, with 20 trees sponsored by area groups, businesses and individuals. There’s a little friendly competition to have the best tree, and each tree sponsorship is there to benefit a local non-profit through silent auction. Themes for this year’s event include ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, “Elf” (the movie), Disney as well as coastal, nautical and traditional holiday themes.
DEC 31
Noon Year’s Eve - Ocean Isle Beach
The Town’s Recreation Department and the Coastal Museum of Coastal Carolina are hosting this mid-day endof-year celebration dance party. This kid-friendly begins at 11 am and includes refreshments — everyone will enjoy the countdown to noon! Noon Year’s Day is at Town Center Park, 11 E. Second St.
JAN 7
Brunswick Civil War Round Table
“Civil War, Uninterrupted: Jefferson Davis, George Washington Rains, and Confederate Gunpowder Strategy.” George Rains was instrumental in providing Jefferson Davis’s army with gunpowder. This enabled the South to achieve early success at the Battle of Bull Run in 1861, building momentum and confidence in the South’s war effort. It was referred to as the “Confederate gunpowder strategy,” a critical component of their war effort. Guest speaker: Ted Savas is an award-winning author, college professor, attorney, and publisher of a company specializing in military and general history subjects. The group meets at Hatch Auditorium at Fort Caswell; doors open at 6:15 pm
and the program starts at 7 pm. Anyone can attend; the cost is $10 but can be applied to $25 annual membership dues.
Rourk Branch Library
5068 Main St., Shallotte
Family movie night all summer on Tuesdays, starting at 4:30 pm. Snacks are provided.
JAN 25
NC Maritime Southport
Hidden Battleship
This behind-the-scenes tour takes visitors into the unrestored areas of the ship, from top to bottom. This program requires climbing ladders, crossing high hatches, and going through tight/confined spaces, and is limited to ages 16 and older. The cost is $75, and tickets sell out quickly. The battleship site is at 1 Battleship Road NE, Wilmington (west side of the Cape Fear River).
Hours are 10 am to 4 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays. Sensory Saturdays (low light and quiet time in the museum) are the first Saturday of the month, 10 am to noon. Visit www.ncmaritimemuseum.com to register for special programs.
Battleship North Carolina
Brunswick Civil War Round Table
Don’t miss the beautiful Festival of Trees at the Museum of Coastal Carolina in Ocean Isle Beach
ONGOING EVENTS
Museum of Coastal Carolina
21 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach
The Museum is open Thursday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. The Museum will be open Sunday and Monday, Jan 19-20 for Martin Luther King Day and Feb 17-17 for President’s Day. .
FEB 22
Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site 8884 St. Philip’s Rd. SE, Winnabow
7625 High Market St., Sunset Beach
Old Bridge Historical Society
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!
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Odell Williamson Auditorium
150 College Road NW, Bolivia (Brunswick Community College) Jan 17 — Rumours: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show Jan 24 — Solitary Man - Neil Diamond Tribute Feb 9 — Can’t Get Next To You - A Temptations Concert Experience March 1 — The Brothers Doobie - A Tribute to the Doobie Brothers
Tour the USS NORTH CAROLINA and participate in group programs and special programming throughout the year, such as Memorial Day observances, Battleship 101 (Oct 12 this month) and more. Visit https://battleshipnc. com/. The battleship site is at 1 Battleship Road NE, Wilmington (west side of the Cape Fear River).
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.
.Ingram Planetarium
Chefs of Brunswick
The Southport Rotary Club hosts this annual event, which features samples and tastings from chefs, restaurants and wine sellers in the county. Tickets are $30. The event is 5:30-9 pm at the St. James Community Center, 4140 Southport-Supply Road.
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204 E. Moore St.
FEB 4
Licensed battlefield guide and historic site manager Kevin Pawlak discuss a major turning point in the Civil War entitled, “Never Such a Campaign: The Battle of Second Manassas.” The group meets at Hatch Auditorium at Fort Caswell; doors open at 6:15 pm and the program starts at 7 pm. Anyone can attend; the cost is $10 but can be applied to $25 annual membership dues.
Museums
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The Planetarium is open Thursdays through Saturdays; dome shows start on the hour from 11 am to 3 pm. Laser shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 6 pm and 7 pm. The Planetarium will be open Sunday and Monday, Jan 19-20 for Martin Luther King Day and Feb 17-17 for President’s Day. Visit https://museumplanetarium.org/ingram-planetarium/ to see the show schedule. Check out the old swing bridge at Sunset Beach and visit the museum too (ask to push the yellow button and make the siren sound)! The museum is open 10 am to 2 pm Wednesdays through Saturdays. Visit http://www. theoldbridge.org/ for more information.
SPOTTINGS
Holden Beach’s Sandy Paws Parade
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Looking for something to do besides going to the beach? Here you’ll find lots of fun for the entire family. Be sure to check before you go as hours may change and some attractions may be seasonal
Attractions INGRAM PLANETARIUM
7625 High Market Street Sunset Beach (mainland) https://museumplanetarium.org/ingram-planetarium/ Enjoy musical laser shows and learn more about the night sky; check website for schedule and tickets. Hands-on activities and interactive displays are available in the Paul Dennis Science Center, and admission to the Center is free.
MUSEUM OF COASTAL CAROLINA 21 E. 2nd St. Ocean Isle Beach https://museumplanetarium.org/
Learn more about our coastal environment, with a live touch tank, saltwater aquariums, interactive exhibits, lectures and family programs. The Mu-
Attractions Guide
seum is open 10 am to 4 pm Thursday through Saturday, and 5-7 pm on the second Tuesday for sandbar lectures.
SHALLOTTE RIVER SWAMP PARK
5550 Watts Road SW Ocean Isle Beach (mainland) https://www.shallotteriverswamppark. com/ This adventure park features zip line tours, an aerial park, guided ATV tours and eco-tours on a swamp boat.
PLANET FUN/STARZ GRILL 349 Whiteville Road Shallotte https://planetfuncenter.com/
This family entertainment center offers arcade games, laser tag, and bowling (including cosmic bowling on weekends), many TVs for watching all the games, and a restaurant.
SHALLOTTE RIVERWALK
Gazebos at 159 Cheers St. and 146 Wall St.
The Riverwalk is open from dawn to dusk, and features a quarter mile boardwalk, gazebos at each end and beautiful views of the Shallotte River.
OLD BRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY 109 Shoreline Drive West Sunset Beach (mainland) http://www.theoldbridge.org/
The old swing bridge that used to connect Sunset Beach to the mainland has been preserved as a museum. The Museum is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 am to 2 pm, with stories about the Sunset Beach Swing Bridge tender house, local history, and more.
STUMP HILL FARMS
2030 Ash-Little River Road NW Ash https://www.stumphillfarms.com/
The farm is open on Saturdays in April and October, and by appointment or for special events other times of year, with hay rides, games for children, and educational opportunities covering bee pollination and local crops.
GRAYCE WYNDS FARM AND THE WILD HORSE RESERVE AT GRAYCE WYNDS 2450 Grayce Wynds Drive Supply, NC 28462
Visit the farm, take a guided tour, or participate in special events. Check https://www.graycewyndsfarm.com/ for tours available and events.
TREASURE ISLAND MINIATURE GOLF 3445 Holden Beach Rd. Holden Beach (910) 842-4878
Parks
There are so many great spots to get out and enjoy this beautiful county. We’ve listed a few of the main parks here, but keep an eye out for smaller pocket parks and water access areas.
HOLDEN BEACH PAVILION AND BRIDGEVIEW PARK
The Pavilion is tucked in next to the west side of the bridge on the island, and Bridgeview Park is a couple blocks down the Intracoastal Waterway, at Davis Street.
TOWN CENTER PARK 11 E. Second St. Ocean Isle Beach
This town park has an amphitheater, interactive fountain, bocce ball court, playground, and plenty of bike parking.
SHALLOTTE PARK 5550 Main St.
Ball fields, tennis courts, basketball court, a playground, picnic shelters and a dog park.
MULBERRY STREET PARK SILVERY COAST WINERY
6680 Barbeque Road Ocean Isle Beach https://silvercoastwinery.com/
Winery tours, tastings, and shop for wine accessories and gifts; event rental space also available.
OCEAN ISLE MINI GOLF Go Under The Sea at the Museum of Coastal Carolina in Ocean Isle Beach
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6391 Beach Drive SW Ocean Isle Beach http://oceanisleminigolf.com
123 Mulberry Street Shallotte
Picnic shelters, an amphitheater, and home to Shallotte’s outdoor markets
SUNSET BEACH TOWN PARK
Sunset Boulevard North (mainland)
Stroll through five acres of live oaks along the Intracoastal Waterway, sit a spell on a bench, do some fishing or visit the Veterans Memorial.
OCEAN ISLE BEACH PARK 6483 Old Georgetown Road
The Park features 2 playgrounds, eight tennis courts, four pickleball courts, baseball and softball fields, a dog park, basketball courts, an amphitheater, picnic shelter and a multipurpose field for soccer/football with walking trail and fitness stations.
WACCAMAW PARK
5855 Waccamaw School Road NW, Ash This park features ball fields, basketball court, tennis courts, playground, bocce ball and a nine-hole disc golf course.
CAROLINAS COASTAL ADVENTURE TOURS 2000 Sommerset Road SW Ocean Isle Beach (mainland) https://www.ccattours.com/
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SALT FEVER GUIDE SERVICE
21 Causeway Drive Ocean Isle Beach https://www.saltfeverguideservice. com/
HURRICANE FLEET - LEAVES FROM THE CALABASH WATERFRONT https://hurricanefleet.com/
Offshore/Nearshore/Backwater Fishing Charters Local Experience Packages/Excursions BHI Shuttle/Water Taxi
CALABASH FISHING FLEET
Fishing Piers SUNSET BEACH FISHING PIER 101 W. Main St. Sunset Beach http://sunsetbeachpier.com/
OCEAN ISLE BEACH PIER 1 W. First St. Ocean Isle Beach https://oibpier.com/
Fishing Charters Boat Tours Boat Rentals OCEAN ISLE FISHING CENTER 65 Causeway Drive Ocean Isle Beach https://www.oifc.com/
TOUR H2O
Locations in Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach and Southport https://tourh2o.com/
9945 Nance St. Calabash https://calabashfishingfleet.com/
HOLDEN BEACH FISHING
https://www.holdenbeachfishing.com/
(910) 620-9919 • CatherineAnneSportfishing.com
HOLDEN BEACH WATERSPORTS
3325 Old Ferry Road SW Holden Beach https://www.holdenbeachwatersports. com/index.html
BLUE PLANET WATERSPORTS
7156 Beach Drive Ocean Isle Beach https://blueplanetwatersports.com/
HOLDEN BEACH JET SKI RENTALS 1305 Cedar Landing Road SW Supply https://www.holdenbeachjetski.com
SORTA SALTY FISHING CHARTERS Holden Beach https://sortasalty.com
OLLIE RAJA CHARTERS
3238 Pompano St. SW Holden Beach/Oak Island https://holdenbeachfishingcharters. com/
Available at: THE PAINTED MERMAID Handcrafted Pottery
817 N Howe Street, Southport
w w w. B l u e E a r t h Wo r k s . c o m
SOUTHPORT, NC • BREVARD, NC • FLETCHER, NC • NORTHEAST, MD • BLUEEARTHWORKS.ETSY.COM shallottemag.com /January /January 2025/ 2025/ Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine 31
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