North Brunswick Magazine Winter 2008-2009

TheNBM.com

Winter 2008-09

Compass Pointe

A Resort Style Community Meets Affordability

Understanding Solar Energy

Dr. Joanne Allen’s Olympic Adventures

Brunswick County

Sheriff John W. Ingram

Steel Magnolias

“Play for Pink” Golf Tournament Complimentary

The key to your storage needs.

Monkey Junction Self Storage Office Hours for all locations are: Monday - Saturday: 9:00am - 6:00pm Sunday: 11:00am - 4:00pm 2306 North 23rd St. Wilmington, NC 28401

910-762-1601

1862 Mt. Misery Rd. Leland, NC 28451

910-371-0942

5044 Carolina Beach Rd. Wilmington, NC 28412

910-791-1150

L Loceland Ope ation SOOning N!

Boat & R.V. Storage 5800 Carolina Beach Rd. Wilmington, NC 28412

910-791-1150

Novant Medical Group is a fast growing network of healthcare professionals with a mission to improve the health of our communities, one person at a time.

Our physicians are nationally board certified, and they are committed to serving local neighborhoods and communities with quality medical care, accessible services and a friendly

approach to providing healthcare. Our specialties currently include family medicine, internal medicine, gynecology, obstetrics, surgery, pulmonary medicine, cardiology, endocrinology, orthopaedics and urgent care.

If you are a patient looking for a doctor, please call the clinic number listed in the directory below.

PHYSICIAN CLINIC DIRECTORY Azalea Coast Family Medicine Family Medicine John Irvin, M.D. Wrightsville Beach (910) 256-2877 Batish Family Medicine Family Medicine Sanjay Batish, M.D. Leland (910) 383-1500 www.BatishFamilyMedicine.org Brunswick Primary Care Internal Medicine James E. Boston, M.D. Family Medicine Angela Thompson, M.D. Supply (910) 755-6802 www.BrunswickPrimaryCare.org Brunswick Pulmonary & Internal Medicine Pulmonary Medicine Babysarojah Ravindran, M.D. Shallotte (910) 754-4441

Brunswick Surgical Associates General Surgery A. Richard DeSandre, M.D. Richard Scallion, M.D. Mark Tillotson, M.D. Supply, Leland, Calabash, Southport (910) 575-4606 Brunswick Women’s Center OB/GYN Robert Hassler, M.D. L. Joseph Swaim, M.D. Susan Kady Wilson, M.D. Larry Wilson, M.D. Supply, Leland, Calabash (910) 754-9166 www.BrunswickWomensCenter.org Cascade Primary Care Internal Medicine Kevin Price, D.O. Leland (910) 383-1600 Heart Specialists of Brunswick Cardiology & Nuclear Cardiology J. L. Aldrich, M.D. Southport, Supply (910) 457-9081

James B. Adams, MD Internal Medicine James B. Adams, M.D. Southport (910) 457-5597

Ocean Isle Family Medicine Family Medicine Daniel Blizzard, D.O. Ocean Isle Beach (910) 575-5004

Novant Urgent Care Urgent Care Shallotte - (910) 755-5440 Southport - (910) 454-8889 Delco - (910) 655-9900 www.NovantUrgentCare.org Oak Island Medical Center Family Medicine Peter Almirall, M.D. Endocrinology Sidney Fortney, M.D. Oak Island (910) 278-3316

Orthopaedic Specialists Orthopaedics John A. Azzato, M.D. Eric Lescault, D.O. Michael M. Marushack, M.D. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Joanne Allen, M.D. Supply - (910) 755-7217 Southport - (910) 457-4789 Leland - (910) 371-3331 Carolina Beach - (910) 458-8884 www.TheOrthoSpecialists.com

Oceanside Family Medicine – Shallotte Family Medicine Christopher Isenhour, M.D. Shallotte (910) 754-4441

Seaside Orthopaedics Orthopaedics Richard Young, M.D. Ocean Isle Beach, North Myrtle Beach (910) 575-9099

Oceanside Family Medicine – Sunset Beach Family Medicine Lori Church, M.D. Sunset Beach (910) 575-0006

Southport Internal Medicine Internal Medicine Thomas Beckett, M.D. Douglas Hiltz, M.D. Southport (910) 457-9127

A PURE ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY COMPANY

Town Center

Life In High Definition!

Banana Republic Bath & Body Works Catherine’s Plus Sizes Chico’s Claire’s Coldwater Creek Cost Plus World Market David’s Bridal Eddie Bauer Edwards Hallmark Shop Francesca’s Collections GameStop Glo Medspa GNC Good News of Wilmington Haircolorxperts J. Jill Jos. A. Bank Clothiers Julie’s Clothing & Boutique Kirkland’s Limited Too Linens ‘n Things Liz Claiborne Shoes Massage Envy Mayfaire 16 Cinemas

Michaels MW Tux Norwalk Furniture NY & Company O2 Fitness Pier 1 Imports Portrait Innovations Rack Room Shoes Red Bank Wine Reeds Jewelers Rug Decor Select Comfort Sprint/Nextel Sunglass Hut Sweet & Sassy Swoozies Talbots Talbots Woman The Fresh Market Trade Secret TrendyS TrySports Vanity Victoria’s Secret White House Black Market

Atlanta Bread Co. Brixx Pizza City Tavern Cold Stone Creamery Fox & Hound Pub & Grille LongHorn Steakhouse

Main Street Brewery Mama Fu’s Asian House Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Romano’s Macaroni Grill Starbucks

Community Center Bike Cycles Bonjour Nails Butterfly Life Carolina First Cleaners Plus Alterations Eye Care Associates Great Clips

Harris Teeter Schumacher Homes Ultra Tan US Cellular Verizon Wireless Wachovia Bank

Mayfaire Events...

Santa Village

Come see Mayfaire’s Santa Village located in the breezeway between Massage Envy and New York & Company. Visit Santa next to his life-sized gingerbread house and receive a free goodie bag (while supplies last). Professional photos with Santa will also be available for purchase as well.

Santa Village Hours: Monday – Friday 11am-6pm; Saturday 10am-4pm; Sunday 12pm-4pm.

Winter Wonderland

Mark your calendar for a magical kickoff to the holidays at Mayfaire Town Center. Join the excitement Friday November 28th at 6:30pm in front of the Theater as we count down the lighting of 120 trees on Main Street, the lighting of Mayfaire’s 18 foot tree, and introduce Winter Wonderland’s nightly snowfall. See Santa, snow fairies, a holiday marching band, dancing lights, and holiday characters. Santa will be giving away snow wands to the children to keep. Winter Wonderland snowfall hours: Monday – Saturday 7pm-8pm through Christmas Eve in front of the Theater.

Get ready for a sensational holiday at Mayfaire!

Chick-Fil-A Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina Panera Bread Ruby Tuesday’s Rudino’s Pizza & Grinders

Coming Soon…

The Melting Pot

www.MayfaireTown.com | 910.256.5131 Military Cutoff Road at Eastwood Road

• NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION PRE-WIRE • • HOME THEATER DESIGN & INSTALLATION • • DISTRIBUTED AUDIO & VIDEO SYSTEMS • • HOME BUSINESS •

• COMMERCIAL DIGITAL SIGNAGE • • PLASMA - LCD SALES & INSTALLATION • • AUDIO & VIDEO COMPONENTS • • MEDIA ROOM FURNITURE •

LOCATED IN WATERFORD OF THE CAROLINAS

910.371.2038

WWW.ACOUSTICREATIONS.COM

table of contents

Winter 2008-09

26

PHOTO BY KEITH KETCHUM

PHOTO BY WENDY HUNT

30

32

ILLUSTRATION BY LOIS WATSON

40

8

North Brunswick Magazine

16 18 21 22 24 25 26 28 30 32 36 40 48 54

PHOTO BY KEITH KETCHUM

54

publisher’s note By Justin Williams need to know North Brunswick County Numbers & Info. what’s happened What’s Been Going on Around Town. what’s happening Upcoming Events You Won’t Want to Miss. community Steel Magnolias “Play for Pink” Golf Tournament. By Mary Jarvis around town Share the Road: Leland’s Bicycle Plan.

By Kate Smith gifts & gadgets Top-of-the-line gadgets for this winter. nonprofit Manna Ministries: Leland Churches Join Forces to Fight Hunger. By Heather Stewart q&a With Lou Mushakos, President of LM Restaurants.

By Michelle Macken relocation An Incredible Journey to North Brunswick County: Pam Betz and Chris Rizzo of North Brunswick Chiropractic and Acupuncture. By Kate Sweeney home building Building in Lanvale Forest: Scott and Elizabeth DiSpirito. By Heather Lowery new construction The Good Life: Compass Pointe Comes to Leland. By Kate Sweeney green feature Understanding and Using Solar Energy.

By Rebecca Pierre special feature For the Love of Teaching: Lynn Olsen’s Classes at AcoustiCreations. By Kristen Nieto

Courtesy of ASHEVILLE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

table of contents

across the cape fear Creative Control: Jimmy Ellington’s Vision for The Skate Barn. By Kate Sweeney education Leland Middle School: Planting the Seed for Higher Education. By Heather Lowery across the carolinas A Winter Escape, Asheville Style. By Sandra Chambers across the county Innovative Leader: Sheriff John W. Ingram. By Billy Jason Frye brunswick history Brunswick Town: Once Bustling Port, Home of Governors and Site of a Spanish Raid. By Sarah Downing behind the business The Bradshaw Family of CrawlSpace Concepts: Giving 110 Percent in Life and Work. By Allison Ballard

PHOTO BY JENNIFER HARPER

98

feature Dr. Joanne Allen: Leland’s Olympic Doctor.

By Allison Ballard

98

10

102 106 112 118

102

PHOTO BYKEITH KETCHUM

68

PHOTO BY KEITH KETCHUM

60 68 76 80 88 92

128 North Brunswick Magazine

80

92

health A “Well-Being Routine” — the Real Key to Health. Courtesy of ARA Content lifestyle & leisure The Arc of the Line: Fly Fishing in Brunswick County. By Joe Zentner business and neighborhood profiles Learn more about these businesses and neighborhoods: Grayson Park, Cape Fear Dental Care, Riegelwood Federal Credit Union, Atlantic Coast Pest Management, Brunswick Forest, The Grape & Ale, Andy’s Burgers, Shakes & Fries. Stories by Kelli Bemelmans, Billy Jason Frye, Molly Harrison, Ken Little and Tobin Spirer. faces & places Grand Opening Celebration for East Carolina Bank; Sixth Annual Pat’s Tire and Auto Service Center Ultimate Golf Tournament; Seventh Annual Leland Founders Day Celebration; Business After Hours at Capeside Animal Hospital; First Annual Waterford Fall Festival; Young Professionals Network Event at San Felipe; CD Release Party for John Sweeney; Business After Hours at Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty’s Leland Office. capture the moment A photo contest for North Brunswick residents. Photo by Keith Ketchum.

NORTH BRUNSWICK

NBM

M A G A Z I N E North Brunswick Magazine – Winter 2008-09 Volume 3, Issue 2 Owner/Publisher: Justin Williams Production/Associate Publisher: Kristy F. Williams Editor: Molly Harrison Account Executive: Wendy Hunt Contributing Graphics: Jenny Rosen Luke Worley

www.thorpedesigns.com

Contributing Photographers: Asheville Convention & Keith Ketchum Visitors Bureau Wendi Pittman Megan Deitz Jed Whitley George Edwards Ophard Willis Wendy Hunt Joe Zentner

Contributing Writers: Allison Ballard Michelle Macken Kelli Bemelmans Kristen Nieto Sandra Chambers Rebecca Pierre Sarah Downing Tobin Spirer Billy Jason Frye Bryan Stange Molly Harrison Heather Stewart Mary Jarvis Kate Sweeney Ken Little Linda Thomas Heather Lowery Joe Zentner

PUBLISHED BY: CAROLINA MARKETING COMPANY, LLC PO Box 1361 Leland, NC 28451 (910) 207-0156 info@TheNBM.com Reproduction or use of the contents in this magazine is prohibited without permission from the publisher. © 2005-2009 Carolina Marketing Company, LLC Carolina Marketing Company, LLC strives to bring correct, accurate information that is published in the magazine. However, Carolina Marketing Company, LLC cannot be held responsible for any consequences resulting from errors or absences. Carolina Marketing Company, LLC also cannot be held responsible for the services provided by any and all advertisers in our publications. All material in this magazine is property of Carolina Marketing Company, LLC and may not be reproduced without authorization from the publisher. North Brunswick Magazine – A Carolina Marketing Company, LLC publication is published four times per year and is distributed to residents and businesses in North Brunswick County, NC, to subscribers and to select areas of New Hanover County, NC.

On the cover: Our Winter 2008-09 cover image is a 3-D illustration of a part of the future of Northern Brunswick County. It’s a vision of how a section of Compass Pointe, a new community on Highway 74/76, will look when it’s complete. Compass Pointe will feature around 6,000 homes, golf courses, soccer fields, a dog park, a future commercial district and more. This 3-D illustration was created by Magnolia Studios.

Publisher’s Note: The image is not subject to scale and this actual view at Compass Pointe may look different once completed. (Visit www.CompassPointeNC.com for more information on this community.)

12

North Brunswick Magazine

NORTH BRUNSWICK

NBM M A G A Z I N E Reader/Advertising Services Subscriptions Want to subscribe to NBM? Subscriptions are $15 per year and include 4 issues of NBM. Subscribe safely online using PayPal, credit or debit card at www.NBsubscribe.com.

Call our office at (910) 207-0156 or email us at subscribe@TheNBM.com to request a subscription.

C C C “Pain Relief and Wellness Care” Same Day Appointments “See Us on the Web!”

www.cromshawchiro.com Dr. Gil Cromshaw Chiropractic Physician 304 Village Road Across from Coastal Seafood

371-2525

Back Issues When available, back issues of NBM can be purchased for $5. Call or email us for information.

Letters We welcome your letters and comments about NBM. Send your letters to PO Box 1361, Leland, NC 28451 or email them to info@TheNBM.com.

When sending your letters, keep in mind they may or may not be published in a future issue of NBM. The publisher reserves the right to make the final decision.

Writing Opportunities We are always willing to consider freelance writers and article ideas. Please send suggestions or inquiries to North Brunswick Magazine, Attn: Editor, PO Box 1361, Leland, NC 28451. Or email us at edit@TheNBM.com.

Change of Address If you move, please submit your new and old address to North Brunswick Magazine at info@TheNBM.com.

Stevens Fine Homes believes in giving you CHOICES for your new home – without breaking your bank account.

Come see all of the features that are included with every Stevens home. All in one place. All just for you.

U Brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze fixtures throughout (includes door knobs and hinges, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, towel bars, toilet paper holders) U GE Stainless Steel appliances U GE side-by-side refrigerator UÊGranite countertops U Crown moulding & chair railing U Hardwood flooring throughout kitchen, living and dining areas U Tile floors in bathrooms UÊNAHB Green rating U Energy Star rating

Visit our Design Studio today and design the home of your dreams!

Advertising Interested in advertising in NBM? Please contact us to set up a meeting with an Account Executive.

Our main office number is (910) 207-0156, or you can email us at advertise@TheNBM.com.

Marketing Services Carolina Marketing Company, LLC provides a wide range of marketing services. This includes advertising design services, custom publications, mailing services and more. Contact our office for additional information or to set up a meeting with a Marketing Consultant.

Directions: Traveling south on S. College Road, turn left onto Oleander Drive. Design Center is located 3 miles on the right in the Oleander Business Center, 5710 Oleander Drive. 910-332-8500

StevensFineHomes.com

NorthBrunswickMagazine.com Visit us online at the above website. With any additional questions, call us at (910) 207-0156.

14

North Brunswick Magazine

The Builder Who Gives You More.

from the publisher

The First Publisher’s Note If

you read NBM every quarter you may wonder why we have never had a Publisher’s Note until now. Truth be told, I would rather take an extra page and add it to a nice editorial spread or fill it with a good-looking advertisement.

You may also wonder why most magazines have a Publisher’s Note. More often than not, it’s almost a carbon copy of the Table of Contents. “Turn to page 54 for our feature, see this story on page 83,” etc., etc.

Well, here is my first message in my first Publisher’s Note — I promise to not make the Publisher’s Note a carbon copy of the Table of Contents. If you thumb back to the Table of Contents on page 8, you can see what stories are in the rest of this issue.

NBM Publisher Justin Williams with daughter Ava Grace, born on October 17.

Feedback “When I picked up the past issue of the NBM, I was filled with pride. Pride for the Leland area, the businesses and the individuals who have invested time and resources to make the northern end of Brunswick County ‘the place to be!’ As a past 20-year resident of Leland, the citizens have waited a long time for a professional and informative publication that positively reflects the good works of the area communities. The magazine is top notch and ranks among the most professionally designed journals in NC. It is a jewel for the county and those that are fortunate enough to get a spot in it. To the staff and community supporters: ‘Job Well Done.’ You make us proud.”

SERIOUS Homemade Food.

A fan from Oak Island, Cynthia Tart CIS Executive Director

With that subject taken care of, let me update you on what’s going on here at NBM. Kristy, my wife, who has been the publisher until now, has given birth to our first baby girl, Ava Grace Williams. She was born on Friday, October 17, 2008, at 5:44 pm. She was 6 pounds, 5 ounces and 19 inches long and she brings change to our formerly normal environment. This means a shift in duties here at NBM as Kristy will be taking less involvement in the magazine than she has in the past.

For me, this now means, umm, not too much different actually when it comes to NBM. I still get to do late nights when we are at a deadline, and the only difference is if you get an email from me at midnight, it may be in all lowercase because I may be feeding or holding Ava and will only have one arm available. So as long as you can handle an all lowercase email response back from me, then I welcome your feedback on the magazine. We welcome opinions, story ideas or whatever else is on your mind.

Don’t hesitate to email me at publisher@TheNBM.com. I look forward to responding to you, even if it is in all lowercase.

Oh yeah, why did we start doing a Publisher’s Note? Interaction. I want you, the reader, to interact, share your thoughts and ideas and at least be able to put a face with a name you are contacting. So now you know what I look like, and Ava too!

“Your magazine provided me with a lot of info regarding housing developments in your area. For this reason, I would like to receive it every time that you come out with a new edition.”

Pedro S. Fonseca Kissimmee, FL “Wow… the magazine just keeps getting better and better!! I’ve received NBM from the very beginning and just wanted to say that you and your crew are doing a fabulous job. The articles and topics are just wonderful. Keep up the outstanding magazine!!”

J. E. Stegall Winnabow, NC

Sincerely,

Correction Justin Williams Owner/Publisher Publisher@TheNBM.com 16

North Brunswick Magazine

In the Fall 2008 issue of NBM, in an article about Cape Fear River Wood, we reported that “Since January Cape Fear River Wood held exclusive permits to reclaim logs from the Cape Fear River.” We regret that this information is incorrect. Another company, Old Growth Riverwood on Castle Hayne Road, is also permitted to reclaim logs from the Cape Fear River.

Check out Old Growth Riverwood at www.oldgrowthriverwood.com.

Book your holiday party early! Gift Cards available.

EDDIE ROMANELLI’S

503 Olde Waterford Way I Leland, NC 28451 I 910-383-1885 Hours: Sunday and Monday 11:00 am - 11:00 pm Tuesday-Saturday 11:00 am - 2:00 am Open daily for lunch! www.romanellisrestaurant.com

need to know

North Brunswick County

Numbers & Info‌

Where is the post office?

Leland Post Office (910) 371-9013 1123 Village Road NE, Leland, NC 28451-8479 Winnabow Post Office (910) 253-5576 6351 Ocean Hwy. E (Hwy. 17 South) Winnabow, NC 28479-5559 How do I get cable, phone or internet access?

Time Warner Cable (910) 332-7800 (phone, cable or internet) Atlantic Telephone Membership Corp.

(910) 754-4311 (phone, cable or internet) AT&T (888) 436-8638 (phone, internet) Where is the nearest grocery store?

Food Lion on Village Road (off of Hwy. 17) (910) 371-1951 309 Village Road NE, Leland, NC 28451 Piggly Wiggly on Village Road (off of Hwy. 17) (910) 371-2696 112 Village Road NE, Leland, NC 28451 Food Lion (off of Hwys. 74/76) (910) 383-1467 1735 Reed Road NE, Leland, NC 28451 Where are the nearest medical facilities?

Cascade Primary Care (910) 383-1600 509 Olde Waterford Way, Suite 200, Leland, NC 28451 North Brunswick Family Medicine (910) 371-0404 117 Village Road NE #H, Leland, NC 28451 Brunswick Urgent Care (910) 383-2182 503 Olde Waterford Way, Leland, NC 28451 Morgan Internal Medicine (910) 332-0241 503 Olde Waterford Way, Leland, NC 28451 Brunswick Community Hospital in Supply (910) 755-8121 1 Medical Center Drive, Supply, NC 28462 18

North Brunswick Magazine

New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington (910) 343-7000 2131 S. 17th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 Where is the library?

Leland Library (910) 371-9442 487 Village Road, Leland, NC 28451 Where is the nearest drug store?

CVS Village Road (910) 371-0794 117A Village Road, Leland, NC 28451 Walgreens Village Road (910) 371-1806 319 Village Road NE, Leland, NC 28451 Rite Aid in Waterford (910) 383-1098 501 Olde Waterford Way, Leland, NC 28451 Family Pharmacy (Clairmont Shopping Center) (910) 371-3181 112-G Village Road, Leland, NC 28451 Where are the town halls located?

Leland Town Hall (910) 371-0148 102 Town Hall Drive, Leland, NC 28451 Navassa Town Hall (910) 371-2432 334 Main Street, Navassa, NC 28451 Sandy Creek Town Hall (910) 655-3153 114 Sandy Creek Drive, Leland, NC 28451 Belville Town Hall (910) 371-2456 497 Olde Waterford Way, Suite 205, Belville, NC 28451 Northwest Town Hall (910) 655-5080 4889 Vernon Road, Leland, NC 28451 How do I get involved in the community or volunteer?

(910) 253-2412 www.volunteer.brunsco.net

Above: Maxine Adams, Angie Edwards and Jim Adams.

Call us today.

Consultations are always no charge.

Harris Teeter Opens in North Brunswick County

NEW CAROLINA CHIROPRACTIC

Photo by KEITH KETCHUM

• State of the art Chiropractic • • Spinal Disc Decompression • • Therapeutic Rehabilitation •

Located Between Waterford & Magnolia Greens

910.371.6073

Above: Harris Teeter Manager Chris Rivenburgh cuts the ribbon to officially open for business.

6eTV^f \a lbhe YbhaWTg\ba be jT__f2 <Y lbhÇiX abg\VXW f\Zaf bY YbhaWTg\ba fXgg_X`Xag \a lbhe [b`X VT__ Ybe T 9E88 Xfg\`TgX gbWTl ÄG[X cebVXff \f iXel `hV[ jbeg[ \g! Bhe Wbbef TaW j\aWbjf bcXa f`bbg[_l baVX TZT\a! Lbhe Vb`cTal W\W j[Tg jTf ceb`\fXW TaW cebi\WXW T _baZ gXe` jTeeTagl! G[Ta^f TZT\a Ybe ZXgg\aZ bhe [b`X UTV^ ba fb_\W ZebhaW!Å

589BE8

589BE8

Area Bikers “Ride” for Rape Victims 49G8E

49G8E

J\_`\aZgba ;b`XbjaXe ,$# &+& ,,$# < jjj!TfheXYbhaWTg\ba!Vb` 20

North Brunswick Magazine

On Wednesday, September 24, Harris Teeter opened its doors to Northern Brunswick County. Harris Teeter held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and area business owners, residents, and government officials attended the event. Harris Teeter is located at 2021 Olde Regent Way in the Waterford Commercial Center in Leland. The store is open 24 hours a day.

On Saturday, August 30 a group of Brunswick County Bike Riders got together to “ride” for area rape victims. Approximately 100 riders met at Wal-Mart parking lot in Leland and rode down Highway 133 to Southport, back up Highway 211 to Route 17 and from Route 17 to Captain Bill’s Backyard Grill in Wilmington.

Signature Homes Holds Green Building Seminar in Seabrooke On September 30 Signature Homes held a Green Building Seminar in Seabrooke, its subdivision off Lanvale Road in Leland. Area business owners took part in this informative seminar to learn more about green building and its benefits. Seabrooke is the first ALL Green Built, Energy Star-certified neighborhood in Brunswick County.

Photo by WENDY HUNT

Chiropractic plays a vital role in minimizing arthritis and maximizing your ability to live your life.

The Historic Wilmington Foundation held its 30th Annual Gala Saturday, October 18 at Orton Plantation. The gala was a black tie affair, with cocktails, dinner, dancing and live and silent auctions. All proceeds from the gala helped advance the Historic Wilmington Foundation’s efforts to protect and preserve the irreplaceable historic resources of Wilmington and the Lower Cape Fear region. Since its formation in 1966, the Historic Wilmington Foundation has successfully saved more than 200 historic properties from demolition.

Above: Robin and Deans Hackney, Jaimie Kline and Laura Heal.

Leland Business Association Donates to Leland Middle School D.A.R.E. Program The Leland Business Association donated $2,092 to the Leland Middle School D.A.R.E. Program on Tuesday, November 4. The money was raised through a reverse raffle drawing that was held this past August.

Left: LBA members Lee Kent, Erin Alderman and Sheila Hanby present Leland Middle School Principal Patricia Underwood with a donation.

Below: Brunswick County Bike Riders ride for a cause on Highway 133 towards Southport.

Photo by WENDY HUNT

How much you accumulate and how comfortable you can be depends a great deal on what you do to maintain your body.

Historic Wilmington Foundation Holds 30th Annual Gala at Orton Plantation

Photo by Wendi Pittman

Photo by GEORGE EDWARDS

There is help for arthritis sufferers!

what’s happened

Eddie Romanelli’s in Leland Opens for Lunch Eddie Romanelli’s made its long-awaited lunch debut on October 1.

The restaurant had been open previously for dinner and “curbside to go” but now is officially open for lunch daily at 11 am.

Above: Wendell Horrell at Eddie Romanelli’s in Leland on the first day of lunch opening.

Winter 2008-09

21

what’s happening

This winter there are so many things to do in the Cape Fear Region.

We have highlighted some not-to-miss events below…

Friday, December 5 - Tuesday, January 6

Contributed Photo

The Battleship North Carolina is dressed in lights from bow to stern as part of Wilmington’s holiday celebration. Enjoy the lights nightly from dusk to 11 pm.

Battleship North Carolina Downtown Wilmington (910) 251-5797 www.battleshipnc.com

Friday, November 28 – Wednesday, December 24

Mayfaire Winter Wonderland Mayfaire creates a wintry scene with real snow, holiday music, carolers and more, nightly through Christmas Eve. There’s also Santa Village for the kids.

It’s all free.

Mayfaire Town Center Town Center Dr., Wilmington (910) 256-5131 www.mayfairetown.com

144th Anniversary of the Capture of Fort Fisher This event commemorates the Civil War battle at Fort Fisher. Staff and volunteers dress period costume for programs. Hours are 10 am to 4 pm, and admission is free.

Fort Fisher State Historic Site 1610 Fort Fisher Blvd. S. Kure Beach (910) 458-5538 www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/hs/fisher/fisher.htm

The Sea Dawgs are back for their third season of pro basketball.

These games provide an exciting entertainment option and a fun-filled family atmosphere in Downtown Wilmington.

CFCC Schwartz Center 610 N. Front St., Wilmington (910) 791-6523 email: info@wilmingtonseadawgs.com www.goseadawgs.com

Saturday & Sunday, January 24 & 25 Contributed Photo

North Brunswick Chamber Business Expo

22

Saturday, January 10 Sunday, March 8

Wilmington Sea Dawgs Basketball

Saturday, January 17

Saturday, January 24

Get to know your community as local businesses showcase their products and services.

Free admission, a food court, door prizes and a silent auction.

Hours are 10 am to 4 pm.

North Brunswick High School 114 Scorpion Dr. (off Old Fayetteville Rd.), Leland (910) 383-0553 email: nbchamber@nbchamber.net www.nbchamber.net

Contributed Photo

Holiday Lighting of the Battleship

Friday – Sunday, February 6 – 8

Wilmington Chocolate Festival Indulge your sweet tooth at this opening gala and two-day weekend show to benefit the New Hanover County Senior Center. Admission is charged.

Senior Center, next to Hoggard High School (910) 798-6402 or (910) 264-9379 email: gginsberg@nhcgov.com or mariannastacy@yahoo.com

North Brunswick Magazine

Sunday: Java Cafe’: 9:30 am Worship Celebration:10am (Children’s Worship Provided) Wednesday: Life Groups (Snack & Yacks) Call for details

Cape Fear Model Railroad Show & Sale See model railroad dealers and scale modular layouts. There are free clinics, door prizes and raffles. Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm.

American Legion Post 10 702 Pinegrove Rd., Wilmington (910) 270-2696 www.capefearmodelrailroadclub.org

Meetings held at: The Roger Bacon Academy 7055 Bacons Way. Located at the intersection of 74/76 and hwy 87 in Leland (910) 383-3282

www.gatewaycoc.net

Winter 2008-09

23

community

Steel Magnolias “Play For Pink” Golf Tournament STORY BY Mary Jarvis PHOTOGRAPHY BY OPHARD WILLIS

The

morning of Tuesday, October 21, 2008, was truly a Carolina blue-sky day — perfect weather for the Steel Magnolias “Play for Pink” golf tournament. The proceeds from the tournament will benefit the New Hanover Regional Medical Foundation’s Coastal Care Van for breast cancer support.

In keeping with the occasion, the golf course crew replaced all the yellow flags with pink ones. Pink begonias adorned the red tees, and sponsor and memoriam signs were everywhere. Rich Sawicky, who created his own great sign, donated and handed out pink carnations to the women. Ophard Willis, camera in hand, was ready to take pictures of the event. Everyone at the clubhouse was ready to register participants and sell auction tickets for more than 75 fantastic prizes donated by merchants and very talented Magnolia Greens residents.

At 12:30 pm the patio was a sea of people dressed in pink — pink shirts, pink pants, pink hats and pink shoes!

One hundred forty participants listened as Director of Golf Les Folker introduced Jeanne Hadaway, Chairman of the Steel Magnolias “Play for Pink” tournament.

Above Left to Right: Tracy Kellogg, Assistant Director of the 2008 Play for Pink Program in Wilmington; Jeanne Hadaway, Chairman of the Steel Magnolias Play for Pink Golf Tournament; and Frances Weller of WECT. 24

North Brunswick Magazine

around town

After

Above Left to Right: Jeanne Hadaway, Chairman of Play for Pink and 2008 Steel Magnolias Treasurer; Mary Jane Kinsella; Diane Ahlin 2008 Steel Magnolias Secretary; Mary Jarvis, Co-Chairman/Treasurer Play for Pink Tournament and 2008 Steel Magnolias President; and Carol Moser. Not pictured is Chris Bloom, 2008 Vice President of the Steel Magnolias.

After a gracious welcome to all, Jeanne introduced Tracy Kellogg, Assistant Director of the 2008 Play for Pink Program in Wilmington. She gave a brief speech about breast cancer and the benefits of having the Coastal Care Van. Tracy then introduced a very special guest, Wilmington’s Frances Weller from WECT. Frances shared her thoughts about her passion for the breast cancer program.

Bern Coulter then took over to announce the rules of the game.

By 1 o’clock 70 carts had dispersed throughout the golf course.

Some of the participants included Belville Mayor Chuck Thurlow and his wife, Brenda, and William (Bill) Sue, Brunswick County District 5 Commissioner.

The afternoon events included dinner catered by Anntony’s Caribbean Café and fabulous desserts compliments of Carol Moser’s dessert committee. Auction prizes were awarded, along with a 50/50 drawing (won by Inge Ehner and Bea Bacon) and a special drawing for an evening cruise for eight won

by Ophard Willis. Dr. Ken White donated and will captain his 31-foot cabin cruiser for the event. While they cruise the Carolina coastal

waterways, Ophard and Naomi Willis, along with six of their friends, will enjoy an evening drinking mimosas and eating hors d’oeuvres served by Jeanne Hadaway, Sharon Parker and Pat Vlach.

The tournament winners were determined by post-flighting. First place was awarded to three flights.

First flight: Pat and Tony Vlach, Les Folker and George Murray.

Second flight: Dick and Barbara Brandes, Don Cary and Robin Pestone. Third flight: Carol Bigwood, Doris Graybar, Ruth O’Dwyer and Pat Steger. Additional prizes were awarded to Cheryl Hankinson for closest to the pin for women on hole 3 and Dick Campbell for closest to the pin for men on hole 16 and closest to the fairway line on hole 14. The putting contest was won by Mary Darazsdi.

A special thank you goes to all of the participants and to all of the people at Magnolia Greens who donated their time and talents to support our efforts. The net proceeds of the tournament will be announced shortly. n Author Mary Jarvis is 2008 President of the Steel Magnolias Ladies Golf Association and ViceChairman and Treasurer of the Play for Pink Golf Tournament.

a spring 2007 survey by the Leland Parks and Recreation Department revealed that Leland residents overwhelmingly feel the town needs more adequate bicycle facilities, Leland is working to make the town more bicycle friendly.

In the past year and a half, much has been going on behind the scenes between the Leland Parks and Recreation Department and the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT). Fortunately, the town had the foresight to initiate a Comprehensive Bicycle Plan and therefore is eligible to apply for grants to complete the projects detailed within it.

The goals of the Parks and Recreation Department includes adding connections between roads within the Town of Leland and Brunswick County to make more areas accessible to bicyclists. These connections are between Holly Hills Drive and Sturgeon Drive; Fletcher Road and the Northwest District Park; Wayne Road and Royal Street; Night Harbor Drive and Olde Town Wynd; and Grandiflora Drive and Timber Lane.

Another goal is to modify the U.S. Highway 17 intersections at the entrances to Magnolia Greens and Westgate and Waterford and Ploof Road to a three-phase superstreet crossing in which pedestrians and bicyclists will have designated crosswalks and signals telling them when it is safe to travel. This will allow residents of neighborhoods on both the west and east sides of U.S. 17 to have easier and safer access to the various amenities on either side of the highway.

Within the next year NCDOT has plans to widen Village Road between U.S. 17 and Old Fayettville Road. Leland Parks and Recreation Department negotiated with NCDOT to ensure the project included wide outside lanes and five-foot sidewalks on both sides of the road. Though still in the planning phase, there is also a

Share the Road: Leland’s Bicycle Plan STORY BY Kate Smith plan to widen another section of Village Road from South Navassa Road to Lanvale Road. Leland plans to work with NCDOT to make sure bike facilities are included.

A more long-term goal of the Bicycle Plan is to develop a greenway from the Brunswick County Nature Park off N.C. Highway 133 to the area of Leland just south of U.S. 17. This greenway would utilize the wide pathways of Brunswick Forest and has the potential to be included in the East Coast Greenway System, a series of pathways that will connect from Calais, Maine, to Key West, Florida.

Finally, Leland Parks and Recreation Department plans on continuing its bike-safety education in local schools, churches and youth groups and with its annual Bike Fest, which will celebrate its third anniversary in spring 2009.

A local group of avid bikers, the Cape Fear Cyclists, remain committed to the cause of promoting bike safety as well as supporting the Town of Leland in their efforts to improve bicycle facilities. Dave Staebler, one of the participants in the Steering Committee who contributed to the Comprehensive Bicycle Plan as well as an active member of Cape Fear Cyclists, is eager for the town to complete some of its goals. Staebler, a Leland resident, says narrow roads with

no shoulders are the biggest obstacle to cycling in Leland. When the town completes some of these projects, he and his group will have more options when planning their rides through Leland, which they do at least once a month.

Neil Brooks, Leland’s Manager of Parks and Recreation and Environmental Programs, says that now is a good time for the town to start adopting some of the plan’s recommendations into zoning ordinances as the Town of Leland is in the process of reviewing all of the existing regulations. That way, the town can ensure that when new neighborhoods, schools and businesses are built they will be made to comply with certain recommendations, such as having wide multi-use paths, space for bike racks and connections to nearby parks and neighborhoods.

The downturn in the housing market that has slowed growth all over the country, including Leland, has had at least one positive benefit in that town now has more time to work on projects such as the Bicycle Plan as well as the Parks and Recreation Plan. Brooks says, “Growth has happened so fast in Leland but now it has slowed down and we can catch our breath and focus our attention on these ideas that were put on hold. It’s a good time and a good opportunity to get these projects done.” n Winter 2008-09

25

gifts & gadgets

Tria Personal Laser Hair Removal System Never shave again! Laser hair removal is expensive and time consuming at a salon, but now you can do it at home with this safe and easy-to-use device. The Tria is an FDA–approved laser that can be used to remove unwanted hair on the legs, underarms, bikini area, back and abdomen. After six to eight treatments spaced four weeks apart, hair is dramatically reduced.

$995.00 www.triabeauty.com

Voice Recognition Grocery List Organizer

Solar-Powered Golf Cart Go green on the greens. With 72 photovoltaic cells mounted on the roof, this electric golf cart’s power is supplemented by solar energy, providing 33 percent more range between recharges than a non-solar electric golf cart. That means 10 rounds of golf before it needs a full recharge. And you don’t lose any power: The cart’s max speed is 24 mph and it can handle a 28-degree incline with two passengers and two bags.

$9,000.00 www.hammacher.com

Pens and paper are so yesterday. Simply speak the names of the groceries you want, or the errands you need to run, and this little gadget will print up a categorized grocery or to-do list for you.

The built-in thermal printer never requires an ink replacement.

Mount it on the wall or refrigerator and throw those old notepads in the recycling.

Injinji Tetratsok Nuwool Outdoor Quarter Socks

$149.95 www.hammacher.com

Put a spring in your step with socks that are actually good for your feet.

Individual toe sleeves prevent blisters from skin friction, and the Anatomical Molding System conforms to your feet to increase blood and air circulation.

The Nuwool blend regulates temperature and wicks perspiration. Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Cradlepoint PHS 300 Personal Hotspot

$16.00 www.injinji.com

For the seriously addicted, this portable device gives you a WiFi connection anywhere. Simply plug in your phone or USB modem, connect your PC to the Personal Hotspot, then surf the Internet.

A built-in firewall ensures a secure connection.

$179.99 www.cradlepointstore.com 26

North Brunswick Magazine

Winter 2008-09

27

Left to Right: Jay Merritt, Paulette Coleman, Gary Saburn, Carlene McCarthy, Larry Vaudrin, Maria Barrios, Alfred Mitchell

Photo by MEGAN DEITZ

nonprofit

Manna Ministries: Leland Churches Join Forces to Fight Hunger STORY BY Heather Stewart

The

morning is cold and wet at the small church in Leland, but the volunteers are bright and smiling.

The dedicated volunteers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; most of them members of a consortium of area churches â&#x20AC;&#x201D; are the backbone of a new effort to establish a food pantry in the North Brunswick area.

Dubbed Manna Ministries, the food pantry project is the result of collaboration between area churches, civic groups, businesses and schools. Manna Ministries relies on food drives and fundraising to provide food for struggling Leland families once each month.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the third Saturday of the month because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when food stamps run out,â&#x20AC;? explains Pastor Jay Merritt of the Victory Free Will Baptist Church, host site of Manna Ministries.

The idea for Manna Ministries grew from the tremendous need that Leland churches face. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Small churches like us donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a large benevolence budget,â&#x20AC;? says Merritt. As economic conditions have worsened throughout 2008, local churches have become overwhelmed by pleas for help. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Requests for assistance are up 40 percent this year, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on top of a 30 percent increase last year,â&#x20AC;? says Joe Cannon, Executive Director of Brunswick Family Assistance, a nonprofit agency that operates a food pantry in Shallotte and also provides help with rent and utilities.

Approximately 14 percent of Brunswick County residents live below the federal poverty level, according to the most recent U.S. Census. For a single individual, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an income of less than $10,400 a year.

This past year, many Brunswick County families have been hit with multiple economic troubles, from high gas prices to job losses in the construction industry. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Low-to-moderate income families are really suffering,â&#x20AC;?

Cannon says.

Brunswick Family Assistance does not have an office in the North Brunswick area, leaving thousands of families without access to help. The agency has become a partner with Leland churches in forming Manna Ministries. It now has a

staff member at the Victory Free Will Baptist Church once a week to do intake for families in need. And financial donations to the agency can be earmarked for Manna Ministries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The need is just ridiculous,â&#x20AC;? says Larry Vaudrin, a Manna Ministries volunteer and member of the Closer Walk United Methodist Church. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hey, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a modern age. You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell me that people canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get food.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? But in his work with Manna Ministries, Vaudrin has met families that have absolutely no food in the house. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had no idea that it was like that,â&#x20AC;? he says.

Maria Barrios, a volunteer from Johnson Chapel AME Zion, agrees that the need is tremendous. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The wages are so low that families have to decide if theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to put gas in the car or eat this week.â&#x20AC;?

During its first month, Manna Ministries distributed 1,300 pounds of food to 51 families, according to Pastor Merritt. The hope is that the project will continue to attract donations â&#x20AC;&#x201D; both of food and money â&#x20AC;&#x201D; so that more people can receive aid. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a few more groups involved this month â&#x20AC;&#x201D; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s getting bigger and bigger and bigger,â&#x20AC;? says Merritt. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our ultimate goal is to have a full-time place where people can come in five days a week.â&#x20AC;?

Vaudrin agrees that this is just the beginning for Manna Ministries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These six churches and these organizations and companies are putting hundreds of pounds of food together a

>

4

E

4

G

month, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still just a speck of what itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be.â&#x20AC;?

To reach more needy families, Manna Ministries is seeking both food and money. Donations of food can be dropped off at Rieglewood Federal Credit Union, Belville Elementary and Leland Middle School. About six local churches are also drop-off points, but Manna Ministries is hoping to expand that number.

Food donations are ideal for those who have extra food in the pantry. However, Cannon advises donors not to go out and buy food, but instead to send a financial gift. Brunswick Family Assistance can leverage dollars into a great deal of food. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We pay a third of retail price,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can buy three cans for your one.â&#x20AC;?

Manna Ministries is also looking for volunteers to help spread the word. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The big volunteer effort that we need is not on the big giveaway days â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which is fun â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on the Monday through Friday, when weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re out knocking on doors, making phone calls and getting our friends and neighbors interested,â&#x20AC;? says Pastor Merritt.

And after the holiday giving season is over, sustaining that interest will be the next challenge. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m worried about January, February and March â&#x20AC;&#x201D; we need to keep the ball rolling,â&#x20AC;? says Pastor Merritt.â&#x20AC;&#x192;â&#x20AC;&#x192; n For more information or to get involved, visit www.vfwbc.org.

8

Below Left: Volunteers from local churches are the backbone of the Manna Ministries food pantry.

Below Right: Students from Belville Elementary School held a food drive in which they donated canned goods to Manna Ministries.

F[\[Ta @\^X ;b_`Xf EhUl ;b_`Xf

5eTaWba J[\gX

>4E4G8 < >B5H7B < >H@<G8 < GB<78 Contributed Photos

4Wh_g 6[\_WeXaĂ&#x2021;f 6_TffXf Fh``Xe CebZeT` < 4YgXe FV[bb_ CebZeT`

28

North Brunswick Magazine

,&+* B_W @\__ EW! <a ?X_TaW ,$#!&*$!&&($ ,$#!)$)!*'*# jjj!_X_TaW^TeTgX!Vb`

RE/MAX Coastal Properties

Located between Magnolia Greens & Waterford going south on Hwy 17 9111 Ocean Hwy. E., Leland, NC 28451 Wes 910-547-2011 Cecelia 910-547-2012 Main Office 910-256-8171 www.celbenson.com

Winter 2008-09

29

q&a

PHOTO BY WENDY HUNT

Left to Right: Becky O’Daniell, Amber Moshakos, Lou Moshakos and Joy Moshakos of LM Restaurants.

Q & A with Lou Moshakos, President of LM Restaurants

BY MICHELLE MACKEN

When

LM Restaurants acquired Atlantic Quest Corporation in March 2008, several of the Cape Fear Coast’s best run restaurants — Eddie Romanelli’s in Wilmington and Leland, Henry’s in Wilmington, and The Oceanic and Bluewater in Wrightsville Beach — changed ownership.

LM Restaurants is the parent company of several award-winning restaurant concepts, including Carolina Ale House, Taverna Agora and Bentley’s at Crossroads.

Carolina Ale House is a family-friendly, sports-themed concept with six locations in the Triangle, two locations in Columbia, South Carolina, and two in Florida.

In October NBM sat down with LM Restaurants President Lou Moshakos, along with his wife, Joy, and their daughter, Amber. We quickly learned that the Mushakoses are friendly, down-to-earth people with a drive and passion for the restaurant business. Lou is a very energetic and passionate man and he talks about his restaurants with enthusiasm.

NBM: “What brought you to buy the Atlantic Quest group of restaurants?”

LM: “My family and I have been vacationing down here in Wilmington for years. We went to Bluewater at Wrightsville Beach every time we visited.

During one dinner I remember saying to my wife, ‘Wouldn’t it be great to own a piece of property like this one day?’ Then one day early this year I got the call from the broker who was representing the sellers of the Atlantic Quest holdings. We met in Cary and he presented me with the whole deal and I thought it was one deal that I could NOT pass up.”

NBM: “What kind of changes are in store for the coastal restaurants?”

30

North Brunswick Magazine

LM: “We have already put some menu changes in place for all the restaurants, and we are working on implementing more of those. We have expanded the hours at Eddie Romanelli’s in Leland to be open for lunch, and we are doing some major renovations to Bluewater, including a new roof, bathrooms, awnings and installing floor to ceiling windows in the upstairs lounge.”

NBM: “Atlantic Quest was a family-run company prior to this acquisition. Will it still be run that way?”

LM: “Yes. LM Restaurants is a very family-oriented company as well, and that is why I think this is such a good fit. As you can see, my wife and

daughter both work with me side by side and hand in hand in a lot of the day to day decisions with the restaurants.

This is our life and we love every second of it.”

NBM: “With the expansion to the coastal market, how many employees are you responsible for now?”

LM: “1,600 employees. I normally don’t stress out a lot, but the other day, it was 5 am and I got up and got on the treadmill. My wife got up and asked me what I was doing, and I said to her, ‘I am responsible for 1,600 people. They have to pay their rent and feed their families and it’s up to us to help them do that.’ So yes, sometimes reality hits and I realize – I am responsible for 1,600 people! I just hope we can get the economy situation figured out, because it really makes you sit back and wonder if your money is safe.”

NBM: “When was LM Restaurants started?”

LM: “We started in 1987 in Florida.”

NBM: “When did LM move to North Carolina?”

LM: “1992.”

NBM: “Carolina Ale House is a popular sports-themed restaurant in the Raleigh area. Any plans on bringing that concept to the Wilmington area?”

LM: “Yes, as a matter of fact, we have been looking for the right time and location for quite some time now, and it’s only a matter of time before we start to work on that.”

NBM: “Any inspiring last words?”

LM: “You always get back what you put into something. I believe in that.” n

Winter 2008-09

31

relocation

Opposite: Chris Rizzo and Pam Betz stumbled upon the Cape Fear area after a tiring scouting trip for a new hometown in Raleigh left them craving a visit to the coast.

An Incredible Journey to North Brunswick County: Pam Betz and Chris Rizzo of North Brunswick Chiropractic and Acupuncture STORY BY Kate Sweeney PHOTOGRAPHY BY Keith Ketchum

32

North Brunswick Magazine

They

met in a cadaver lab. He’d grown up 30 minutes outside New York City and she hailed from a Midwestern town of some 160 people, but both were serious students at Palmer College, a preeminent chiropractic school in Davenport, Iowa. After the cadavers, they traveled together on a group mission to Salvador, Brazil, where they spent four days adjusting citizens for free, the sweat running down their bandana-covered heads. Two years later, they knew they wanted to start their own practice together in a place that was new to both of them.

“Chris loves the ocean,” says Pam Betz, who today makes up half of North Brunswick Chiropractic and Acupuncture.

“He grew up near the coast his whole life.” They had considered New England, but laws concerning chiropractors who also perform acupuncture, like Pam, were impossibly strict.

So they decided to look farther south.

“And we were both ready to skip out on winter anyway,” says Chris Rizzo, her significant other, with a laugh.

They were staying with Chris’s parents in New Jersey, and last spring, drove from there to Raleigh to check it out, both of them sure they would end up in a fairly large city.

“And we kind of liked it, but didn’t love it,” says Chris.

They traveled around the central part of the state, assiduously checking out the surrounding areas for several days. And then they were tired. A visit to the coast seemed just the thing to reward themselves. It was, after all, March — cold and gray back home in Jersey. A walk on Wrightsville Beach, even on an afternoon of off-season desertion, changed their lives.

They enjoyed the beach so much that they decided to check out Wilmington, where the historic downtown area charmed them. They were intrigued: Here was the home they’d been looking for.

It was early in life when Chris Rizzo found his career.

High school, to be exact, freshman year. Never one to think small, the 14-year-old boy was trying out for the varsity soccer team in a new town when he felt something in his thigh “pop and tear.” The trainer told him he’d torn his quad muscle, and the chances of him even finishing the tryouts seemed altogether shot.

“I was kind of upset,” he says, in characteristic, cheery understatement. That night, he spoke with his parents’ friend, a chiropractor who suggested an office visit. “I was kind of skeptical,” he admits. But with little to lose, he visited anyway. “And when I returned, with a brace on my leg, I didn’t miss a tryout.” He made the team. He’d also found his calling. He started shadowing the doctor; once, he even scrubbed up to observe him perform an emergency procedure in an ER. He was hooked.

Pam was a college student who knew what she wanted to do: She would go into medicine like her older cousin. Except,

every time they got together for lunch, she heard the same thing from her cousin. “Here she was, in her thirties, and still in her residency.” Dedicating her life to health care was Pam’s ideal. Years upon years of school, training and the constant risk of burnout, was not. One night she was commuting home when she heard a radio ad: Palmer was hosting an informational dinner that very night, at the University of Iowa, where she was enrolled.

“And I thought, ‘Oh, maybe I should go to that.’ And then I thought, ‘Oh! It’s in an hour!’” She hurried. She went. And she was inspired. She started calling chiropractors to discuss their jobs, “and every single one of them just said, ‘I love what I do. I want to come to work. It’s fun.’” What she loves about her job now is that she leaves work every day knowing she’s helped people. “They come in and they leave happier.”

In the spring of 2008, Pam and Chris spent a lot of time in their car, visiting the Wilmington area and scoping out prospects. They had, in fact, just gotten out of the car after their third full-day drive back to New Jersey, when they got a call. It was the man with whom they’d left a voicemail the day before. He was a physician, moving out of an office space in the medical center in someplace called Waterford, in Leland.

Chris recounts it.

“And he was like, ‘Oh, just got your message. When do you want to see it?’”

He and Pam conferred. They looked out at their car, still cooling down from their nine-hour trip. They asked the man: How about tomorrow?

So the next day they drove back south yet again. For the first time, they visited Leland and were floored.

“Once we saw the office, saw the area, we saw that it was just — beautiful,” Pam says. They loved how bustling the town was; all the convenient places to shop, to eat and play. Both Pam and Chris golf, or as Chris jokes, “We both attempt golf.”

The main thing, though — what Chris and Pam get really animated about — is the close-knit community they found in Leland. It meant a lot to Pam, coming from her small-town Iowa childhood.

“We liked the fact that we could not only get our name out, but really know people when we saw them,” says Chris.

In the time they’ve been here, they’ve found not just a patient-base, but neighbors, in their work day interactions at Waterford Medical Center. One of their patients, a woodworker, made the couple a platform bed.

“We showed him a picture, and it was done in four days,” Pam says. “He just whipped it up,” she laughs.

Winter 2008-09

33

People stop by; they welcome Pam and Chris with food or just drop in to say hello.

“They’re just very, very — nice,” says Chris, with some measure of incredulity. “These things just don’t happen very often in Jersey.”

Many people are surprised when Pam tells them she runs a practice with her significant other. They assume it would be hard, that any couple would get sick of each other.

But, she says, she and Chris make ideal counterpoints. “We have each other to talk stuff over and figure things out.

It’s so much better than trying to do it by yourself,” she says.

Adds Chris, “I can always come to her when I have a question. I mean, she was class valedictorian, too, so that helps.

We have the team advantage.” n

Above: Pam and Chris, who hail from Iowa and New Jersey respectively, love the friendliness and close-knit feeling of Leland.

Left: Pam and Chris are partners at North Brunswick Chiropractic and Acupuncture at the Waterford Medical Center in Leland.

Winter 2008-09

35

home building

Building in Lanvale Forest:

Scott and Elizabeth DiSpirito STORY BY heather lowery PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN DEITZ

Above: Scott and Elizabeth chose North Brunswick County for its affordable cost of living, slow pace and recreational opportunities.

36

North Brunswick Magazine

Beautiful

North Brunswick County attracts people with various interests, talents and experiences to share. Scott and Elizabeth DiSpirito are two such people. They recently relocated from New Jersey and decided to build a new home in the community of Lanvale Forest in Leland.

Both active, the DiSpiritos sought to find an affordable area where they could pursue their recreational adventures yet

slow down their everyday pace. They decided North Brunswick County was the perfect place to find this unique balance.

Scott and Elizabeth bring with them a lively and eclectic past. Scott was born in New York City and lived in Japan for a time (where he learned to be proficient in martial arts), served in the Air Force, worked for the U.S. Marshal Service and has worked professionally in the financial sector for the past ten years.

Elizabeth has an equally vibrant history. Originally from Poland, she took a class upon entering the United States to learn English. From there, she started building her job experiences. She worked as a manicurist for spa director Marlene Habermann of Dieci Lifestyle Spa in New Jersey, was a teacher assistant for a private preschool, instructed dance at an Arthur Murray Dance Studio and modeled wedding dresses for a Polish magazine.

As a couple they love to travel and entertain and they are avid scuba divers. So what led them to Leland?

“We were always coming down here to visit family,” says Elizabeth, “and we loved the area with all it had to offer, so we decided — why not just move here?”

Scott adds, “My brothers, Dave and Darren Levy, who are real estate developers and owners of Milo Enterprises, live in Wilmington and told us we should look over the bridge in Leland. They said that it was an up-and-coming area with a promising future.”

By the same token, they were impressed with being able to buy a bigger home at a better price than those in the New Jersey area.

The DiSpiritos took their family members’ advice, procured their own real

estate agent, Lawrence Blanton of Re/ Max Coastal Properties, who is a lifelong resident of Wilmington and began to look around at various developments in the Leland vicinity. They were finally directed to Lanvale Forest, where they met Bryon Robinson, a sales representative for Southern Home Builders, Inc. “Bryon was instrumental in helping us decide on a home site, house plan, selections and upgrades,” says

their decision to purchase in Lanvale Forest, they chose a home site.

“We switched sites about three times before deciding on a corner lot,” Scott remarks.

Next in order was deciding on a house plan. That too proved to be a harder task than they imagined because of the many choices offered.

“I think we changed our minds on the model about five times,” they agree,

Scott. “He went above and beyond.”

The couple researched and felt confident with Southern Home Builders’ long history (more than 30 years) of providing quality built homes in the eastern North Carolina region. Also, Scott and Elizabeth felt Lanvale Forest had a lot to offer, with amenities such as a community pool, a pool house, fully sodded and irrigated lawns and attractive common areas. Once making

“but we finally chose the Sagewood.”

The Sagewood model boasts 2,083 heated square feet with three bedrooms, two baths, a two car garage, a patio, an upstairs study and unfinished storage area. (After the building completion, however, the DiSpiritos opted to finish off the extra storage space on their own, which gives them over approximately 400 additional square feet).

Above: Southern Home Builders constructed the Sagewood model for the DiSpiritos.

Winter 2008-09

37

home building

Then the selection and upgrading process followed.

This course of action was so smooth it amazed the DiSpiritos.

“We really were able to design a quality built custom home for a great value,” says Scott. “We were able to upgrade the tile, floors, cabinets, hardware, sinks, interior and exterior lighting and even put up columns inside.”

The building of the home progressed just as efficiently.

“We were still living in New Jersey during the time our home was being built,” Scott recalls. “We only traveled down here twice during the whole process.”

The couple was kept informed via email during the five month home-building period. “We kept anticipating problems, but there weren’t any!” says Elizabeth. “Bryon was on top of things and willing to please. We were very happy with how things went.”

Scott and Elizabeth had a great time decorating and went all-out on their furnishings, even having some of it special ordered.

“We finally got to decorate our house the way we wanted — it has a New York/LA type flair,” says Elizabeth. The DiSpiritos’ home is featured on a production video presented on the Lanvale Forest’s website. Their new kitchen is perfect for Elizabeth to indulge in her favorite pastime of cooking for friends and family.

Southern Home Builders gave them a 10-year warranty on the structure of their home and a one-year warranty on certain in-home repairs.

“Follow-up has been great,” Scott says, “It is comforting to know Southern Home Builders stands by their products and that they do it in a quick and professional manner.”

As for the home-building experience, the DiSpiritos give positive praise.

“The entire procedure with Southern Home Builders was professional, well documented and very thorough,” says Scott. “This company knows how to do it — they left no stone unturned.”

Since settling in May, the DiSpiritos and their dog, a precious greyhound, are enjoying their new home together.

They like the quiet neighborhood of Lanvale Forest and their friendly neighbors.

38

North Brunswick Magazine

experience

Eating at Andy’s is an At Andy’s we care that your experience is enjoyable. You receive your food piping hot, straight from the grill, exactly as you requested, made to order. Great food at an affordable price.

We may have changed our look, but we haven’t changed our philosophy!

1725 Reed Road (Off of Mt. Misery Rd. in the Food Lion Shopping Center)

910.371.6700 Above: While they miss some aspects of city life, Scott and Elizabeth, who moved from New Jersey, are beginning to feel at home in Lanvale Forest.

Scott and Elizabeth continue to pursue the fun activities and entertainment that they have always relished: finding new waters to dive, traveling and checking out great places to experience new food and wine-tasting. They miss certain New York cuisine and attending Broadway shows from time to time, but Scott says, “the trade-offs are definitely in our favor.”

The people in this area have made them feel welcome and relaxed. “We have also become really good friends with our next door neighbors, Monika and Joe Scappatura, who are just great people and it’s so nice to see people smile at you — even in the supermarket,” comments Elizabeth.

Scott adds, “We look forward to pulling back the reigns and living life at a slower pace. We know that here we can live a comfortable life yet still be able to do the things we have always liked to do.” n

1114 New Pointe Blvd.

(Off of Hwy. 17 in the Wal-Mart Shopping Center)

910.371.2707

www.andysburgers.net

new construction

Compass Pointe will feature a 27-hole championship course, along with an 18-hole putting course, two putting greens, driving ranges and golf clinics.

New

neighbors are on their way to Brunswick County.

Developers Bert Exum and D. Logan, best known for Logan Homes and Waterford Village, have broken ground on a 2,200-acre, gated golf community just ten minutes from downtown Wilmington. Compass Pointe will feature amenity-rich, resort-style living, while housing neighborhoods of varying architectural feel and character.

And people are buying.

The Good Life: Compass Pointe

Comes to Leland STORY BY KATE SWEENEY ILLUSTRATIONS BY Lois Watson

40

North Brunswick Magazine

Winter 2008-09

41

new construction

Compass Pointe’s resort-style amenities will include:

Amenities

Indoor and outdoor swimming pools Splash park Tennis courts Fitness centers

Lake beach Dog park Bike and walking trails Amphitheater Gaming rooms

River club Two amenity centers Village shops, restaurants and services

Learn more about Compass Pointe by visiting www.CompassPointeNC.com.

Left: Compass Pointe’s neighborhood will be in sync with the natural wooded environment of the property.

Jersey, we’re very much out in the country, and I didn’t want that anymore,” says Field. “I wanted something close to shopping, close to the beach.” The fact that here she’ll be able to hop in her car and drive five minutes to Leland or downtown Wilmington meant a lot to her.

Johnson says that Compass Pointe is substantially more than mere vision. In fact, right now, it’s a lot of earthmovers and shovels. Developers have broken ground, people are purchasing home sites and construction is underway.

Compass Pointe is a major, long-term undertaking to Exum and Logan, two established names in regional development.

“To get the entire community established, we’re talking about a 15 to 20 year commitment,” says Johnson.

The developers are planning a community of neighborhoods that are in sync with the Coastal Carolina feel For John and Lorrain Field, it was the golf that encouraged them to buy in Compass Pointe. The Fields, current New Jersey residents who plan to retire in the next three to five years, had already fallen in love with southeastern North Carolina and made several trips here to

This is a community, where people will enjoy living and participating in the activities and the amenities it offers. look for the perfect neighborhood in which to retire. They first learned about Compass Pointe at a Live South home show and were immediately impressed with several things about the development.

42

North Brunswick Magazine

Says John Field: “Well, we wanted to golf. And to be in a gated community near the ocean, within a half-hour. The fact that there was going to be this amazing fitness center was big on Lorrain’s list. Plus it was within a good price range for us.”

The golf course is a 27-hole championship course, which those golfers of non-Tiger Woods caliber will have the option of playing at a par three. Also planned is an 18-hole putting course, two putting greens and golf clinics to help beef up one’s game.

Compass Pointe’s other amenities are similarly dynamic.

There will be two fitness centers that planners say will go far beyond the usual row of treadmills. Picture instead state-ofthe-art equipment, plus a variety of services to help interested residents develop plans for healthy living. There will be swimming pools for laps or taking it easy in the sun. For those whose moods are a little more outdoorsy, there are

miles of planned walking trails, in addition to a dog park and kayak launches. Developers are also planning a lodge called the Passage Pointe Club, which will have a rustic, woodsy feel reminiscent of the old gentlemen’s fish camps.

This club will be the place to launch kayaks, go fishing and enjoy the water.

Compass Pointe spokesperson Susan Johnson says, that the community is more than the sum of its amenities. “Compass Pointe feels like home,” says Johnson. “The streets will feel like home. There will be families; there will be retirees.” A typical day for a resident might include a morning walk over to the spa, then a playground play date with friends, followed by an evening of casual jazz at the outdoor amphitheatre.

But Compass Pointe will not be some removed Neverneverland. In fact, it’s Compass Pointe’s central location that struck Lorrain Field the most. “Here in New

Winter 2008-09

43

with a gentle touch • Family like atmosphere with personalized attention

surrounding them. Earning the distinction of an Audubon International Gold Signature Community, Compass Pointe’s builders have gone above and beyond basic environmental standards for protecting the area’s wetlands and forests.

This land is something special to its owners. For years now, they have owned the sprawling woodlands that will comprise Compass Pointe. Since they themselves did not pay a high price for it, says Johnson, “they can now fulfill their mission of building communities for hardworking families at reasonable prices.”

Home sites at Compass Pointe start in the $70,000s, and homes with land range from the $200,000s to $500,000s.

And now that the days of wild housing speculation have come to an end, she says that Exum and Logan are looking for residents, not just buyers.

“They don’t want to see people rent them out or have people sit on homesites forever,” says Johnson. “This is a community where people will enjoy living and participating in the activities and amenities it offers.”

Johnson says Compass Pointe will appeal to the first-time home buyers: “They’ve saved their money, they’ve got good credit and they want to be in a nice community. Compass Pointe is what they may have dreamed of, but they still can actually afford it.”

The community will also appeal to retirees, like the Fields. Earlier this year, a sales specialist gave the Fields and two other couples from New Jersey a tour of Compass Pointe’s woodsy property. It was a beautiful morning in coastal North Carolina, and Lorrain Field all of a sudden had the sales specialist stop the vehicle.

“And I just stood there and said, ‘This sir, this is what I want.’ And so, we bought that piece of property right in front of us,” Field says.

It’s a place they’re looking forward to calling home in a few years. And they’ll already know their closest neighbors, since their friends purchased the adjoining lots.

It’s not like the Fields — or anyone else — are expecting mambo bands at the amphitheatre or a conga-line at the pool.

Compass Pointe’s aim is less cruise ship, more the real good life. Johnson puts it this way, “What that might mean for some people is being out with their dogs on the trails; and for others, it might mean lounging by the pool.” What it means for everyone is relaxation at an affordable price. n

• State-of-the-Art Beautiful facility including advanced technology • Music with wireless headsets during appointments • Flexible Treatment Financing options including Care Credit • Convenient hours including Friday & Evening Appointments • Insurance paperwork filed for you • 24/7 On-Call Availability of the Doctor

Jonathan S. Ludwig, DMD, PA Magnolia Greens Golf Plantation 1014 Grandiflora Dr. Suite B Leland, NC 28451 910.371.5965 Hours: Mon-Fri (8-5) Evening hours by appt.

w

w

w

.

t

e

e

t

h

b

y

t

h

e

b

e

a

c

h

.

c

o

m

FAST, FRESH & ORIGINAL

Enjoying the outdoors, including a lakefront beach, will be one of the hallmarks of the Compass Pointe lifestyle.

497-Old Waterford Way Suite100 Belville, North Carolina 28451

910-371-2006 www.Grouchos.com Mon-Sat 11 AM-8:30 PM

Real People. Real Friendly. Real Help.

Now Serving all of Columbus County & Northern Brunswick County

Leland Branch

2065 Andrew Jackson Hwy. Leland, NC 28451 Hours: 8-5 Daily Drive Thru Open till 6 on Friday

   .    .     44

North Brunswick Magazine

Winter 2008-09

45

Family, Community, Service & Heart Our agents understand family, they understand community, they understand service, and they understand that home truly is where the heart is.

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty is the #1 real estate company in Southeastern North Carolina, helping thousands of people buy and sell homes.

Even more important, Sea Coast gives back to the communities we serve.

We are proud to be part of the thriving and growing North Brunswick County area.

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty was named the 2007-08 New Business of the Year by the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce.

Stop by to see our listing flyers in the windows of our newly expanded space in front of Magnolia Greens. Sit and relax in our rocking chairs or talk with one of our experienced REALTORS® over a great cup of coffee.

LEL WE S AN UPP D O “TU MINS ’S MA RT T R N INT NING RIES NA O S NE .

MI ED LES S ”

 G D, S E, L, NC  T: .. SeaCoastRealty.com—Thousands of homes, just a click away.

If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard.

It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully.

green feature

Solar Energy Understanding and Using

STORY BY Rebecca Pierre

In

recent years the energy crisis and the climate crisis have become major issues not only in the United States but also worldwide. One solution to these issues, the use of solar energy, may appear as a relatively new idea, but you may be surprised to learn that humans have harnessed solar energy since ancient times.

The Chinese and Greeks first used advanced solar architecture and urban planning by facing their buildings south to provide warmth and light. The Romans, too, used large south-facing windows to allow sun in their bathhouses, and Emperor Tiberius used primitive greenhouses to grow cucumbers year-round.

Fast forward nearly 2,000 years and a hypothetical “cool communities” program in Los Angeles has projected 48

North Brunswick Magazine

that painting buildings and roads white and planting trees in metropolitan areas could save $530 million from reduced air-conditioning costs and healthcare savings — not to mention the reduction in the greenhouse effect.

These, of course, are examples of passive solar technology – taking advantage of solar energy without the need of additional mechanical equipment. On the other hand, active solar technologies use equipment to collect solar radiation, store the sun’s energy and increase the supply of that energy.

Solar panels are composed of solar cells or photovoltaic cells (PV cells) and use semi-conductor substances — most commonly silicon — to conduct electricity. The first solar cell was constructed

by Charles Fritts in the 1880s; however, their first significant application was as

a back-up power source for the Vanguard I satellite, which continued transmitting for more than a year after the chemical battery was exhausted.

In the 1970s the use of solar cells included powering telecommunications stations, offshore oil rigs, navigational buoys and railroad crossings. These applications accounted for more than half the worldwide capacity until 2004.

Since the mid-1990s, leadership in the solar panel market has shifted from the United States to Germany, with Japan second and Spain third. However, there is rapid growth in the markets of France, Italy, South Korea and the United States.

As direct sunlight is the most efficient way to collect solar energy, solar panels work best if positioned on rooftops or any place they will receive the most

sunlight. In the northern hemisphere the panels are best positioned facing south and in the southern hemisphere they are best positioned facing north.

One type of solar panels is made up of heliotubes, which are conductors that use sun-tracking devices or dishes to gather sunlight. A heliotube consists of 10 motorized lenses that gather sunlight onto a layer of photovoltaic material which surrounds the surface of the panel. This material is able to produce 175 watts of electricity because of the direct focus of the light. These panels are about one-eighth as expensive as typical panels; however, twice the amount of room is needed for these dishes, which are larger than flat panels. They do not need to face the sun since they produce the energy needed to keep the motor inside the dish moving.

There are two types of solar panel systems. Solar thermal energy (STE) is used to harness solar energy for heat.

These are flat plates, mirrors or lenses and are used for heating swimming pools, residential or commercial hot water and for electric power production. Solar electric energy uses solar cells to power small devices, generate renewable electricity and power satellites, space probes, radio, telephones and water pumps.

Solar energies are being used locally. In July of this year, Brunswick Forest introduced its first green home in the Walden section of the development. In addition to a number of other green features, including passive energy features, the home sports 15 GE solar panels on the roof. Brunswick Electric Membership Corpora-

tion (BEMC) will charge owners of this home for electricity but will in turn pay them for some of the energy generated by the panels. This partnership will reduce the cost of power for the homeowner while, at the same time helping BEMC fulfill a state mandate requiring ten percent of all retail sales by power companies to come from renewable energy sources by 2018. Chris Senior, builder of the home, is president of Anchorage Building Corporation in Wilmington. His own home is a green home and he would like to build an entire subdivision of them in Brunswick Forest if enough orders are received.

Oak Island resident Drusilla Smittle was on the cutting edge of this technology when she had two 4 foot by 5 foot thermal solar panels installed on the roof her home during the 1970s.

Winter 2008-09

49

Stop looking and start

living

Village & Garden Homes from the $200’s

Good Looks, Great Living . . . .

SeaBrooke is our first ALL Energy Star® and NAHB Certified Green Built Neighborhood. A waterfall, fountains and walking trails greet you with this nature based community, located only 6 miles from Downtown Wilmington.

Resort style pool, parks and playground are just a few of the community amenities. Our NAHB Certified Green Homes include Signature Homes Beyond Basics Features. Visit today and Learn how you can Stop Looking and Start Living at SeaBrooke!

SeaBrooke is

Now Open!

Thirty years later the panels are still at work heating the water for her home.

Resident Trish Foy remembers former Brunswick County lawyer Bunn Frink stating that “Brunswick County has been using solar energy since the first house was built on the beach.” It seems that every original beach house had water tanks situated on the roof, painted black to draw and retain the heat.

One example of renewable energy educational programs in North Carolina is the North Carolina Solar Center at North Carolina State University. This center offers K through 12 programs for schools and professional development opportunities for educators, including research on the latest technologies.

The Students Making Advancements in Renewable Transportation Technologies (SMARTT) program involves high school students interested in alternative forms of fuels for transportation and in building an electric vehicle. These students compete in an annual competition held at the university. In the Junior Solar Sprint program, sixth to eighth grade students form teams to build a model solar car and race it against other middle school teams in an annual competition. Included in these programs is a visit by the

www.SeaBrookeNC.com

Offering Village and Garden Homes from the $200’s & Townhomes from the $180’s (910) 508-6655

Directions: 17 S. to right on Lanvale Rd., 1st Left on Old Lanvale, 1st right on Buckeye to Waterfall at SeaBrooke.

mobile classroom, which includes their electric car, a red Triumph Spitfire.

In fact, solar car racing is a worldwide sport. The Tour de Sol in Switzerland was the first solar car race and was held annually from 1985 to 1993.

Initially, the course was on unclosed public roads and drivers were required to adhere to all traffic rules and speed limits. In later years the fastest cars were also raced on round courses each day after arriving at the stops. Other races include the South African Solar Challenge, the World Solar Challenge and the North American Solar Challenge.

In November of 2006, two juniors from South Brunswick High School won both a Gold Medal and a Bronze Medal at the International Youth Fuel Cell Competition in Honolulu, Hawaii, for a car they designed and built. Though the car was powered by fuel cells rather than solar energy the achievement bears mentioning here. These students were sponsored by Students Fueling the Future, a nonprofit organization with national recognition.

In 2006 the Venturi Astrolab, originally due to be released in 2008, was hailed as the world’s first commercial electro-solar hybrid car. In May 2007 a partnership of Canadian companies led

by Hymotion altered a Toyota Prius to

Did you know all these items can be powered with solar power?

Laptop computers iPods Cell phones Golf carts Cars Boats Airplanes Heated swimming pools Lawn mowers Battery chargers Fans Outdoor fountains Misting fountains Submersible pumps Household appliances: freezers, refrigerators, ranges, washers, dryers, water heaters use solar cells. In 2009 the Prius will have an option to mount solar panels on the roof, which will provide an additional 300 watts of charge while parked and also act as a sun shade.

Other solar vehicles include solar aircraft (manned and unmanned), solar boats and solar lawn mowers. Useful in this area of North Carolina are the new solar golf carts. Lament not if you already have an electric golf cart. One company has a patent pending for solar roof kits for golf carts. These are touted as easy to assemble and a fit for most models. Using these kits, the battery will recharge constantly as long as the cart is in the sun. This can increase the distance a golf cart can go on a single charge by 30 percent while extending the life of your battery. The battery will take less time to charge and will not require nearly as much electricity.

Last of all, check out the solar backpacks to power all of those fun devices at any location. The bags themselves are made of recycled soda bottles, which uses less energy and creates demand for recycled materials.

The solar panels on the bag are lightweight, tough and waterproof. n Winter 2008-09

51

Sheila B. Hanby, DVM Kristi L. Sluiter, DVM

Suite 105 & 106

511 Olde Waterford Way

Leland, NC

Located in Leland at Waterford

910.383.2100

28451

910.383.2104 FAX

Office Hours:

Services Offered:

Monday-Friday 7:30am-6:00pm Saturday 7:30am-1:00pm Sunday-Closed

Small animal internal medicine and surgery, laser surgery, ultrasound, dentistry, video otoscopy, radiology, preventative medicine, boarding, house calls & grooming

www.capesideanimalhospital.com

Your Goals Deserve Our Attention

The Next Stage®

E

very year, millions of Americans enjoy the rewards of home ownership. And they trust their home ownership goals to Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. We’d like to help you too.

With our exclusive programs and dedication to personal service, you can feel confident that we’ll help you choose the home financing that’s tailored to fit your current needs and future goals.

Wilmington Office

Leland Office

5900 Oleander Drive Suite B Wilmington, N.C. 28403 910-392-7828 Phone 800-967-0763 Toll Free

497 Olde Waterford Way Suite 202 Leland, N.C. 28451 910-815-3901 Phone 888-782-9130 Toll Free

Contact your Wells Fargo Home Mortgage consultant for details.

Winter 2008-09

53

special feature

For the Love of Teaching: Lynn Olsen’s Classes at AcoustiCreations

Starting

January 10, classes in Spanish, creative writing, poetry and English as a Second Language will be offered at AcoustiCreations, located in the Waterford Commercial area in Leland. Lynn Olsen, mother of AcoustiCreations owner Shaun Olsen, will be teaching the classes.

An experienced teacher and self-published author, Olsen attended Stony Brook University in New York, where she majored in math, then Spanish, before settling for elementary education. When asked why she changed her mind so many times, she states that teaching has been her dream since childhood: “I remember sitting on my uncle’s lap and saying, ‘I want to be a teacher!’ I absolutely love what I do.”

Indeed, in her 34 years of teaching, Olsen’s love for her career has taken her many places. She’s taught elementary school and high school Spanish, English and creative writing, college-level Spanish as well as English as a Second Language to Hispanic migrants. Each of these experiences was rewarding to Olsen and her students.

“I’ve learned a lot of lessons from my students,” Olsen says.

Olsen has recorded everything she’s learned from teaching in her self-published memoir, Leave the Child behind and He Will Soar Like a Butterfly. According to Olsen, the title means that if students truly want to learn, they will, and in turn they will receive the best education they can. This is the attitude she has always encouraged in her classrooms, with nothing but good results.

Lynn Olsen will be teaching creative writing, poetry, Spanish and ESL classes in Leland.

Olsen’s sons, Ronald, Jr. and Shaun, are living proof of the positive effects of their mother’s teaching methods and values. Both put themselves through college at the University of North Carolina in Wilmington through scholarships, hard work and ambition. Olsen states that from the time they were children, she encouraged them to follow their dreams.

Ronald now has his master’s degree in chemistry and works with his wife, Lisa, at AAI. They have two children, ages 3 and 1. Shaun owns two businesses, BBX Computers and AcoustiCreations, which installs entertainment and surround-sound systems in private homes. His wife is close to receiving her master’s degree in mathematics.

Olsen is very proud of her sons and daughters-in-law, saying that despite everything they’ve achieved, they still give back to others. “They don’t think twice about taking an angel from the top of the tree and giving it to a family in need,” she says enthusiastically.

Olsen’s lessons go beyond the classroom for her students as well.

While she believes academic education is important, she also strives to teach

“I’ve learned a lot of lessons from my students.”

STORY BY KRISTen nieto PHOTOGRAPHY BY keith ketchum

54

North Brunswick Magazine

Winter 2008-09

55

others how to be good people and to work for their dreams.

That, she believes, is the most important lesson, and her classes at Acousticreations will be no different. With creative writing and poetry in particular, she wants to encourage others to write what’s in their hearts.

“Many people are afraid to share their writing,” she says.

“I want to show them that their writing and passion is all

Above all, Olsen wants to help her students see their deepest goals come true, as they did for her, her husband and their sons. She believes education shouldn’t just stay in the classroom — no matter where they go, there’s always a lesson for those who are willing to learn.

“You can lose a lot of things in life,” says Olsen, with experience and sincerity in her voice. “But you can never lose

that matters. It doesn’t matter what others think.”

In these two writing classes, Olsen will show students how to put their thoughts together through workshop and reading and how to put together their own homemade books.

Olsen herself has her own collection of self-made, self-published books with hand-drawn covers and elegant rope binding that she has always shared with her friends, family and students. Her collection includes several books of poetry, a children’s book and a memoir of her son who died at age 12 of Agent Orange in 1989. The self-published memoir, The Long Forgotten Heroes: Children of Agent Orange, chronicles her son’s life and death, the Olsens’ joys and sorrows as a family and the truth behind Agent Orange, which her husband, Ronald, was exposed to while serving in Vietnam. In the same way, Olsen wants to encourage her AcoustiCreations students to share their thoughts and lives in their own memoirs, to keep in the family for generations to come.

Creative writing and poetry will not be Olsen’s only way of reaching out to others. Through English as a Second Language, she hopes to help Hispanic migrants in the area achieve their dream of going to college in America. The class will be designed to help students improve their English writing and speaking skills so they can study and communicate without struggle. The Spanish class will be at a beginning level and is ideal for adults just starting to learn the language, or for those who want to brush up before vacationing in a Spanish-speaking country. For students past the beginning Spanish level, or those who are already studying Spanish and need more practice, Olsen is willing to provide private tutoring. She states that her goal for these classes is to provide assistance to her students, regardless of how advanced they are.

your education.” n For more info on Lynn’s classes at AcoustiCreations, contact her at (910) 233-7129.

Above: Lynn Olsen shows her self-published memoir about Agent Orange and the way it affected her family.

Winter 2008-09

57

y They ma rough live tch nu le.a..r fallouts But they won’t live through a PESTCO visit.

Pestco offers a complete line of pest control services incorporating the most advanced methods and materials available. Our technicians are trained to handle all insect pest problems as well as wood destroying pests including termites and beetles.

Your home is only as healthy as your crawlspace BEFORE

Energy Loss Ideal for Mold Growth No humidity Control Prone To Insect Infestation AFTER

Fast, Dependable Service Specializing In: Roaches s Fleas s Mice/Rats s Spiders s Ants s Termites Monthly & Quarterly s No Odor s Radio Dispatched Trucks Residential s Commercial s Industrial

Saves Energy Fewer Insects Clean Sealed Lined System Temperature & Humidity Monitoring

Pestco Exterminating Co. 109 Fairview Rd. Leland, NC 28451 Phone: 910.791.5432 Fax: 910.791.4768 pestco@bellsouth.net

Pestco Exterminating Co.

www.pestcoexterminating.com

w w w. p e s t c o e x t e r m i n a t i n g . c o m

910-791-5432

Creating Smiles that last a lifetime.

The philosophy and mission of our dental practice is to remain small, providing the

Is Your Financial Future on Course?

highest quality of comprehensive care and service to all patients, customized treatment plans that best fit a particular patient’s needs, and to provide this care in a relaxed

and personalized approach.

We would like to welcome Dr. Chad Biggerstaff, DDS, PharmD to our team.

When you’ve worked hard to attain success, it’s comforting to know your wealth and security can last your lifetime and beyond.

At Raymond James, we are dedicated to helping you secure the future you’ve earned.

Through our comprehensive approach, we’ll develop a plan to coordinate the many aspects of your wealth and life.

Dr. Biggerstaff is a 2007 graduate of the UNC School of Dentistry and a native of Wilmington, NC. With his addition, we are now able to schedule new patient appointments while still providing the highest quality of care and service to our patients.

Terrence L. Tait, CFP® Registered Principal, RJFS

Jonathan M. Tait Financial Advisor, RJFS

O: .. F: .. H E  O W W, S -A L        W

1022 Grandiflora Drive, Suite 220, Leland, NC 28451 910-371-0366 | rjfsleland.com

w 58

North Brunswick Magazine

w

w .

s

w

e

e

n

e

y

d

e

n

t

a

l

c

a

r

e

.

c

o

m

feature

Dr. Joanne Allen: Leland’s Olympic Doctor STORY BY Allison Ballard

As

a young, injured athlete, Joanne (Anne) Allen remembers sitting in a doctor’s office and noticing how important the healers were to the process. She also remembers wanting to make the Olympics in one of the many sports she pursued — sailing, basketball or maybe volleyball. But even then she knew that if she couldn’t make it as an athlete, she’d make it as a physician.

Although her parents were educators, Allen’s family has a strong medical background, going back 200 years to two horse-and-buggy doctors in North Carolina. After growing up in Wilmington, maintaining a strong sports history and completing the goal of medical school, Allen practiced medicine in the Southeast and abroad. She also met her goal of making it to the Olympics, 60

North Brunswick Magazine

though not the way she originally imagined. Beginning with the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, to the most recent Beijing Paralympic Games for the disabled, she’s joined the U.S. Olympic team as a doctor, helping the athletes compete to their fullest potential.

“It’s amazing walking into the Olympic stadium as a member of the U.S. team,” Allen says. “It was one of the biggest thrills of my life.”

Now, while practicing in Brunswick County for Orthopaedic Specialists, Allen wears the evidence and mementos of her travels — jewelry from Denmark, an Olympic jacket from China — and carries with her the experiences that have enriched her life and the lives of her patients.

“Being a part of something so magical and profound… it’s important not

only from a sports perspective but also from a cultural perspective,” she says.

While she’s at the Olympics, Allen is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. She might be treating tendonitis, changing dressings for wounds, sewing lacerations or treating asthma and upper respiratory infections. But she also gets to be there when something special happens. In Beijing, it was when she watched Nick Scandone, an American sailor with Lou Gehrig’s Disease, compete.

“Over the years, as he declined, his one goal and dream was to get a gold medal in sailing,” Allen says. And, over the years, she’s worked with him as he practiced his sport. This year, she was in the coach’s boat alongside him as he won that gold medal. “When I got to congratulate him in person, he said, ‘Thank you for the

support,’” Allen says. “And he put the gold medal around my neck for a picture.”

Allen’s work is in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation, or physiatry. It’s an amalgam of medical practices dealing with nerve, muscle and bone health to treat injuries or illnesses that affect how a person moves.

“We try to look at the whole person from a functional perspective,” Allen says.

Above: In an act of international teamwork, Allen (left) assisted Australian medical staff with an injured athlete at the Sailing Village in Qingdao, China.

Opposite: Sails are set for the Beijing 2008 Games in Qingdao, China.

Winter 2008-09

61

A good book never goes out of style

Left: Allen made new friends with the local Olympic Games volunteers in Qingdao.

Ruchadina L. Waddell A T T O R N E Y

A T

L A W

Full Service General Law Practice Former County Attorney & Administrative Law Judge

Specializing in the Following...

RBR

BOOKS

A Wide Variety of Titles at Bargain Prices BUY - SELL - TRADE The Village Shops at Waterford, Suite 102, Leland

Employment Traffic Legal Separation Agreements Divorce w/o Equitable Distribution Issues Child Custody Wills Powers of Attorney Name Changes Adoption Misdemeanors Juvenile DSS matters ◆

◆

◆

◆

◆

◆

◆

◆

(910) 383-9843

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10am-6pm www.rarebargainreaders.com

321 North Front Street Wilmington, NC 28401 PH/FA X

910.772.6400

Licensed in WI & NC

Diva’s Hair Studio / 112 Village Rd. / Leland, NC

9 1 0 - 3 8 3 - 0 0 5 4

“It’s a cool combination of orthopedics, neurology and rheumatology.”

Allen compares her much-loved BMW convertible to her work. Her car, which has 236,000 miles on it, was totaled in March when it was hit by another car. Allen arranged to buy back the damaged vehicle and fix it up so she could drive it again. She and a friend even sewed in replacement glass on the ragtop themselves. It runs better than it ever did.

just about every sport possible. Soccer and baseball were favorites.

“I was the only girl in my little league when I was 11 or 12,” she says.

“It was 400 little boys and me.”

Sports had such an impact on her that she encourages participation for any girl.

“I always loved sports,” Allen says.

“Sports have had such significant positive effects on young women, from a health and fitness perspective, as well as a self-esteem perspective.”

in the sports medicine field. Her background made it easier for her to “navigate those potential problems” — when there was no place for her to change into her scrubs as a surgical intern, for example.

Allen first attended Duke University and then Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest before moving on to an internship and residency at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. After Alabama, she moved to Atlanta and joined the faculty at Emory University. Along the way, she also did rotations and practiced medicine in places such as Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan and the Philippines.

“I’ve been very fortunate to be able to work under some of the world’s best sports medicine physicians,” Allen says. “I’m standing on the shoulders of giants. I’ve been trained by the best.”

All of this brought her closer to her Olympic dreams for the 1996 games in Atlanta, where she worked with both the Olympic and Paralympic

“It’s amazing to walk into the Olympic stadium as a member of the U.S. team. It was one of the biggest thrills of my life.”

“It’s kind of like what I do for my patients,” Allen says. “You don’t just give up on something when it’s a little banged up. We fix it.”

Before graduating New Hanover High School in 1981, Allen competed in 62

North Brunswick Magazine

Still, competing against boys and men had its advantages and its challenges. In the end, the experiences helped prepare her for her medical career when there weren’t always a lot of women around, especially

teams. Since then, she’s also worked with athletes at the games in Sydney, Salt Lake City, Athens and Beijing.

Allen has a special love for sailing.

In North Carolina, she sails and races with the Carolina Yacht Club and Winter 2008-09

63

feature

Creating Art

Right: Right: Bronze medalists John Ruff (USA 2.4 mr) and John McRoberts (Canada Skud 18) show their affection for Allen.

with Brick & Stone

Turn-Key Masonry Operation

Below Left: During ceremonies at the Bird’s Nest, Allen (left) poses with her team — David Ray ATC, Coach Betsy Alison and staff Sarah Hawkins.

volunteers her time as a Team Physician for the U.S. Sailing Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Combining her skills as a sailor and doctor led Allen to being selected for the Beijing Games as medical staff for the Sailing Team. She has also used her unique experience to work with the Medical Committee for the International Foundation for Disabled Sailing and the International Paralympic Committee to define the “Classification System,” which rates the disabled athletes and evens the playing field for sailors with all types of disabilities.

“Through my specialty in rehab medicine, I know how to work with patients with a variety of injuries and illnesses,” Allen says. “I think there is definitely something special about helping these athletes to compete.”

She brings that same commitment to helping all of her patients live and move better, and her international experiences only help her career, she says. While in Atlanta, for example, she helped an Indian

Full Masonry Supplier Brick, Block, Pavers, Flagstone, Natural & Cultured Stone, Steel, Hardscape Products & Ponds

woman with knee pain because she learned, and understood, that her positioning for her daily prayer and meditation ritual might be causing her injury. In Brunswick County, she recently bonded with Chinese patients after her recent trip to Beijing.

When returning home to help care for her ailing parents, Allen recognized the potential growth in Brunswick County.

“I like practicing in Brunswick,” Allen says. “I thought I could contribute here. This county is going to continue to grow, and I felt like it was an area that needed my services.”

Allen has been with Orthopaedic Specialists since she moved back to the area four years ago. She spends much of her time in the group’s Brunswick offices of Southport, Leland and Supply. n

D.L Bianchi’s Brickyard Supply Co. 7995 River Rd. Rte. 133, Southport 910-454-4445 www.bianchibrickyard.com

MURRAY A R T

Below: Allen helps Gold Medalist Nick Scandone in the Parade of Athletes — a moment she calls “the true reward.”

&

F R A M E

Some people go out of their way for great service.

Now you don’t have to.

Get 1 free George Murray Celebrity Pencil Drawing

. with every custom frame order

$20Value!

Now Open: BB&T at Brunswick Forest 1220 Dickinson Dr., Leland B A N K I N G

I N S U R A N C E

I N V E S T M E N T S

BBT. Member FDIC. Only deposit products are FDIC insured. ©2008 BB&T. BBT.com

64

North Brunswick Magazine

Winter 2008-09

65

Your New

Grace United Methodist Church You’re Invited!

Home-Building Checklist:

Please accept our invitation to worship with us at Grace United Methodist Church, downtown at Fourth & Grace Streets just minutes from Leland.

We are especially proud of our traditional sanctuary and outstanding music. Grace offers diverse Sunday Schools, youth activities, and numerous opportunities for people of all ages to serve.

Most of all, our congregation would welcome the chance to introduce ourselves and get to know you better.

For additional information, please contact Reverend Clyde Denny 910.763.5197

Grace United Methodist Church 401 Grace Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 Sunday School at 9:45 Worship Service at 10:55 www.gracedowntown.net

Experienced Enough To Understand Small Enough To Give You Individual Attention

Sincere In Our Promise To Help You In Your Time of Need We Provide Affordable Funeral Services.

VILLAGE ROAD VILLAGE ROAD

Leland’s Funeral Home

525 Village Road in Leland (Adjacent to First Baptist Church of Leland) Phone: 910.383.3511 I www.VillageRoadChapel.com

VILLAGE ROAD VILLAGE ROAD

Wilmington Health Associates

Leave the rest to Logan Homes.

helping you care for the ones you love

At Logan Homes, we believe your home building experience should be exceptional. From choosing the perfect homesite within one of our carefully designed communities to the moment you turn the key and enter into your personally customized home, you’ll know Logan Homes is different. We are different.

Visit our one-stop Design Center, located just minutes

cardiology 341.3301 l Medical Center Drive

neurology 341.3383 l Medical Center Drive

dermatology 395.3477 l Silver Stream

ob/gyn 343.1031 l 17th Street 343.1031 l Porters Neck

ear, nose and throat 509.7474 l The Forum 341.3440 l Silver Stream

from downtown Wilmington, NC, on Highway 17 South, to learn more about our exquisite home plan options and pristine coastal communities.

THE DESIGN STUDIO IS OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK — SO LET THE FUN BEGIN ANYTIME!

family practice 772.6290 l Medical Center Drive 686.2099 l Porters Neck 458.4101 l Federal Point 371.0404 l North Brunswick gastroenterology 341.3343 l Medical Center Drive infectious disease 341.3426 l Medical Center Drive internal medicine 341.3336 l Medical Center Drive

Developing Lifestyles Along the Coast Palmetto Creek | Waterford | St. James | Wedgewood | Winding River | River Landing Plantation

pediatrics 763.2072 l Silver Stream 350.1787 l North Chase physical therapy 392.8053 l Oleander Drive pulmonology/allergy 341.3458 l Medical Center Drive sleep center 341.0812 l Medical Center Drive surgery 763.6289 l Medical Center Drive urology 341.3389 l Silver Stream

wilmingtonhealth.com

Call 800.761.4707 or visit www.LoganHomes.com

Winter 2008-09

67

across the cape fear

Creative Control: Jimmy Ellington’s Vision for The Skate Barn

STORY BY Kate Sweeney PHOTOGRAPHY BY keith ketchum 68

North Brunswick Magazine

The

luckiest kid in Hampstead is gliding a neat, noisy, vertical-horseshoe path on the half-pipe ramp in front of me. He appears to be about 11, only this mature look of blank intensity has stolen over him as he cruises back and around the six-foot structure on his skateboard. He’s surrounded by other kids, but seems to be alone, in the best possible way. It’s the incomparable happiness of deep concentration. What makes the kid fairly lucky is that he’s spending the afternoon here at The Skate Barn, one of the oldest, and some argue one of the best, skate parks in North Carolina, a place many of the skating faithful will travel good distances to reach.

What makes him the luckiest kid is that he lives here.

The kid’s house sits about 50 yards from The Skate Barn’s 6,000 square feet of skating surface. This summer, he and his family moved into the house that, until a couple of years ago, was inhabited by the man who runs The Skate Barn, a laid-back, bleached-haired guy named Jimmy Ellington.

Jimmy is one of those people who is always almost preternaturally relaxed. When I arrive, I park at his Doublewide Surf & Skate Shop that fronts the legendary skate park and walk back to the actual barn for which The Skate Barn was named. It is actually not a barn at all, but a renovated paper mill shed.

Jimmy Ellington is not waiting for me outside, where the Luckiest Kid is skating. So I go inside the shed, where I dodge a couple of the kids who are skating, performing tricks on the ramps and ledges and two bowls there. That’s when I see him. Drinking a Budweiser from a worn and much-beloved-looking coozy, Jimmy stands in the midst of the swarm, watching them as if in a trance himself. The kids zip past and around him, their skateboard wheels grinding along on the Skatelite flooring (a special warp-resistant laminate used by a number of reputable skate parks,) and I have to call his name three of four times — loud — to capture his attention.

Winter 2008-09

69

Above: Scenes from The Skate Barn (top to bottom): Thomas Sage, Abi Simmons, locker decor, Tucker Blackwell and Mike Abbate.

70

North Brunswick Magazine

Once I do, his demeanor shifts to one of affable focus, and we talk while Jimmy drives us around in a golf cart on a portion of the 20-some woodsy acres on which the skate park and store sit. It’s one of those achingly beautiful early fall days — sunny with a wild, cool wind — and every mother and son and group of teenagers who drives up, slows or stops to call out a Hello to Jimmy. Basically, riding around here in this golf cart with Jimmy Ellington is like cruising the most wicked hangout spot with the coolest kid in school. This afternoon, I am the luckiest writer.

There’s a surprising poetry to this place. Although the thrum of the boards-against-ramps is loud, and although there are clusters of adults and kids chatting here and there while watching the skaters, it’s mostly quiet. There’s no punk rock music playing or anything like that. It’s no den of teen iniquity at all, quite different from pop culture’s common conception of All Things Skaterly.

This has just occurred to me when, no kidding, a mother pulls up in a blue Mini and her five-year-old son hops out of the car.

“Hey!” she calls out to Jimmy, spotting him. Turns out the woman, dressed today in a pretty brown batik blouse and jeans, has been taking her son, Jack, here about every day since he started skating about three or four months ago. In that snapshot of time — a full epoch in the life of a five-yearold — Jack has become obsessed.

“And believe it or not,” she tells me, “he’s like, really, really good. He’s droppin’, and he’s just all over the place.”

Like a lot of kids who come here, young Jack is absorbing the sport like a sponge, watching the moves of other kids and emulating them until he has them down.

“It’s a real cool thing,” says his mother. “And I have to admit: When I came to the skate park for the first time, I was kind of like, ‘Oh, boy. This is where my son’s gonna hang out for the next ten years.’ But now I just think it’s the coolest thing in the world.”

There are very few fights at The Skate Barn. This is amazing, when you consider that the bulk of its constituency is boys from ages 9 to 14. One kid, says Jimmy, was so nervous when he started coming a few years back that he threw up when he had to introduce himself at a Barn-sponsored skate camp. “And now, that same kid, he’s about 14, he just got off the Dew Tour, he was so good. That social anxiety,” Jimmy claps his hands, “gone.” Jimmy says the nervous kid’s mother had been told to put him on Ritalin; now the nerves are not even an issue.

Jack’s mother follows Jack inside the barn to supervise, and as we continue cruising around in the golf cart, I see her Winter 2008-09

71

talking animatedly with other Skate Barn parents here basking in this perfect afternoon. (There are adults who skate here, too, including a 43-year-old man named Charles who shows up in a leopard-print helmet, but most customers are significantly younger.)

Jimmy’s cousin started The Skate Barn in 1993. Back then, it was called The Middle School. It had been years since Jimmy had stood on a board when he stopped by the see the place one day.

“And when I did, I just fell in love with riding again.”

He bought the place from his cousin in 1996 and renamed it. He was 24.

“I really didn’t look at it like, ‘This is what I’m gonna do for the next 15 years. This is just something for fun, let’s do it, and yeah, we’re gonna make a little money doing it.’”

Now, at 36, with a wife and a three year old, his attitude has become more businesslike. He’s started his store, the Doublewide Skate Shop with its two locations (here in Hampstead and now there’s one on Front Street in Wilmington) to cater to skaters and those who just want to dress themselves to look as cool as skaters. And

I cared I got into it becaumsecreating I’ about it, and nows I go along. my business a both of these businesses — The Skate Barn and the shop — have become the hub of skate culture in the region, with a wildly popular Skate Camp for kids in the summer, contests in the fall and spring, and the Tri-Town Showdown, a granddaddy of a contest involving the area’s three skate parks, scheduled for November.

Top Quality Work With a Smile.

Interior Exterior Commercial Residential Fully Insured Family Owned & Operated

S’ P, I.

-- smileypaint@yahoo.com View our customer testimonials online at: www.smileypaintingnc.com 72

North Brunswick Magazine

And then there was the demonstration at 2008’s Azalea Festival, for which Jimmy built a half-pipe that was 40 feet wide and six feet high. The thing was huge, literally — it took two tractor-trailers to haul it across the river — and also huge in terms of its crowd-pleasing popularity and as a signifier of Jimmy Ellington’s ambitions.

Anytime he gets the opportunity to do something, he wants to do it bigger and better. He’s constantly thinking of new ideas for The Skate Barn. Twice a year, they refurbish all the ramps and add to them. And events like Azalea Festival are opportunities to get the word out about his shops, since it is those stores that fuel all that the skate park is able to do.

“I mean, kids need stuff to do,” he says. “We’re always telling ’em, ‘Don’t do this, don’t do this.’ What on earth do they do? Play videogames? I’m sorry, no. It’s very important that we provide what we can for the kids, because they’re our future, and the more outlets we give them, the more creativity they’re gonna be armed with, and I think that this is the great purpose.” He pauses, and looks out at the sun settling itself behind the trees.

“And that’s why I can’t walk away from this.”

The poetry of skateboarding lies in its unscripted nature.

Jimmy says: “In this sport, it’s just: Get on your board and ride. Do 360s or kick it up and flip it in the air. The creativity there is a great release. If your kid goes to school and won’t listen and they want to put him on Ritalin, maybe he needs something else. And then, when he goes back to the schoolwork, he might actually have a clear picture of what he’s trying to focus on.”

He says all of this, by the way, while directing our golf cart in spontaneous loops through the grass. He parks, we talk, then he starts up again and reverses direction and talks some more. He’s got plans for The Skate Barn’s future: more festivals like the Tri-Town Showdown, and down the road, perhaps a more paved and polished look to the park itself. But the best part is that, after more than a decade, the heart of the Cape Fear skating community is still a labor of love.

“I got into it because I cared about it, and now I’m creating my business as I go along,” he says, as he steers our golf cart into the sunset. “And it’s a good thing. I’m blessed to be here. Very blessed. n

Above: Wheels are rolling round the clock at The Skate Barn warehouse.

Winter 2008-09

73

Morgan Internal Medicine, PC At the Waterford Medical Center

Morgan Internal Medicine is dedicated to disease prevention, primary care, and the management of acute and chronic medical problems. Special interests include cardiac and pulmonary disease, diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol control.

Dr. Alan Morgan received his B.S. and his M.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He completed a residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. Morgan is Board certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Now accepting new patients.

We accept Medicare and most major insurance plans. We are located in the Waterford Medical Center off Hwy 17 South, just 5 minutes from downtown Wilmington. Our office is affiliated with New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Cape Fear Hospital.

Morgan Internal Medicine, PC 509 Olde Waterford Way Suite 201, Leland, NC 28451 (910) 332-0241 www.morganinternalmedicine.com

Certified Pre-Owned BMW

bmwusa.com/cpo 1-800-334-4BMW

The Ultimate Driving Machine®

Corners aggressively.

Ages gracefully.

6[iZg g^\dgdjh ^cheZXi^dch! dcan i]Z bdhi eg^hi^cZ kZ]^XaZh VgZ X]dhZc id WZ 8Zgi^ÆZY EgZ"DlcZY Wn 7BL# I]Vi¾h l]n lZ d[[Zg V EgdiZXi^dc EaVc [dg je id + nZVgh dg &%%!%%% b^aZh# >c [VXi! ^i add`h hd \ddY VcY eZg[dgbh hd lZaa! ^i¾h ]VgY id WZa^ZkZ ^i¾h egZ"dlcZY# WbljhV#Xdb$Xed

9[hj_Ç[Z Xo 8CM JhW_d[Z J[Y^d_Y_Wdi % 8CM Fhej[Yj_ed FbWd % 8CM B[Wi_d] WdZ <_dWdY_d] % 8CM HeWZi_Z[ 7ii_ijWdY[ Fhej[Yj_ed FbWd fhel_Z[i Yel[hW][ \eh jme o[Whi eh +&"&&& c_b[i m^_Y^[l[h Yec[i Çhij \hec j^[ ZWj[ e\ j^[ [nf_hWj_ed e\ j^[ *#o[Wh%+&"&&&#c_b[ 8CM D[m L[^_Yb[ B_c_j[Z MWhhWdjo$ HeWZi_Z[ 7ii_ijWdY[ fhel_Z[i Yel[hW][ \eh jme o[Whi kdb_c_j[Z c_b[i \hec j^[ ZWj[ e\ j^[ [nf_hWj_ed e\ j^[ *#o[Wh%kdb_c_j[Z#c_b[i D[m L[^_Yb[ HeWZi_Z[ 7ii_ijWdY[ FbWd$ I[[ fWhj_Y_fWj_d] 8CM Y[dj[h \eh Z[jW_bi WdZ l[^_Yb[ WlW_bWX_b_jo$ <eh ceh[ _d\ehcWj_ed" YWbb '#.&&#))*#*8CM eh l_i_j XcmkiW$Yec$ (&&. 8CM e\ Dehj^ 7c[h_YW" BB9$ J^[ 8CM dWc[ WdZ be]e Wh[ h[]_ij[h[Z jhWZ[cWhai$

).'% CZl 8ZcigZ 9g^kZ q L^ab^c\idc! C8 q .&%#(.'#',%% q lll#HX]VZ[[Zg7BL#Xdb

74

North Brunswick Magazine

Planting the Seed for Higher Education STORY BY Heather Lowery

Duke.

NC State. Virginia Tech. Tennessee State. East Carolina University. These are just a sampling of the many college pennants and paraphernalia that form a continuous border along the expansive hallways in Leland Middle School.

Patricia Underwood, in her second year as principal for Leland Middle, has an energetic plan underway for all of her students. She saw a need to change her students’ mindsets about their futures. She has set out to show them that higher education, whether it is attending a community college, a technical school, a trade school or a four-year university or entering the military, is within their reach after high school graduation. Underwood believes middle school is the perfect time to establish this type of enthusiasm. She also understands financial circumstances and wants to give her students the hope that money doesn’t have to be a roadblock to higher education.

Underwood explains, “I started out attending a community college for the first two years and it was a great education.

Money was an issue for me at the time. We were not a wealthy family, but a hard-working one, and I needed to have time to 76

North Brunswick Magazine

and staff. Since, the pennant idea has expanded to much more.

Leland Middle’s mission statement is “We ARE going to be successful in high school and we CAN go to college.”

The school has changed all of its hallway bulletin boards to reflect this important quest. One bulletin board states, “You Can Be What You Want to Be” and shows pictures of colleges, the military and various careers. A second board lists all of the possible higher education facilities within two hours of Leland.

“We want to make the point,” states Underwood, “that they don’t have to go far from home to get the education that they want.”

Contributed Photo

Leland Middle School:

bank some money to pay for the next two years.”

She seeks to educate her students about earning the grades and applying for scholarships, one being the LaDane Williamson Universal Scholarship that is open to Brunswick County high school graduates. It is an endowment that pays for the bulk of the cost at Brunswick Community College for two years.

“In most careers, you have to be certified to some degree,” says Underwood, “so we want to raise awareness that the students have to apply themselves now in all their subjects so that they are better prepared for high school and able to pursue something that they will enjoy after graduation.”

The school calls this higher education awareness plan “The College Pennant Program.”

It all started after last year’s April break when Underwood had the idea to buy college pennants from across the United States to adorn the hallways.

Staff members began adding pennants from their alma maters from all across the country. These pennants sparked exciting conversations between students

Right: Leland Middle School students are already learning about colleges and their options for education after high school.

Contributed Photo

education

Left: Staff and students at Leland Middle show some Pirate pride.

It is apparent that Leland Middle strives to give students the upper hand by preparing them now for higher education. Students take daily literacy courses and classes called AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), where important proficiencies, such as organizational and study skills, are stressed. The school is also dedicated to raising math test scores.

“In my experience, when you expect a lot out of your students, they will rise to your expectations,” adds Underwood.

The school is bringing this higher education frame of mind into the classrooms in several ways. Discussions are held about colleges, and writing to colleges is a part of the plan. Every Friday the students dress in their team’s college colors. Field day will also revolve around the college theme. Alumni and college representative guest speakers are anticipated.

In addition, each grade team (from sixth grade to eighth grade) has identified two colleges within a two-hour radius that they would like to learn about.

As a culmination activity at the end of the year, they plan to actually take a trip and visit these colleges. They have chosen colleges such as Pembroke, NC State, ECU and NC Central in Durham.

“Our goal,” says Underwood, “is to have each of our students tour these Winter 2008-09

77

Left: If everything goes as planned, all of these Leland Middle School students, and many more, will continue their education beyond high school.

Your Community Newspaper...

Without the Paperâ&#x201E;˘

Below: Leland Middle Principal Patricia Underwood is the mastermind behind her schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;College Pennant Program.â&#x20AC;?

Free E-news Updates

Local Weather

one community at a time

Danny Broach

Online Coupons Business Directory Community & Business Calendar

Dan Weitzner

910.383.2925 www.coop-bank.com

1117 New Pointe Blvd., Leland, NC 28451 Š2008 Closet Factory. All rights reserved.

To make your

CLOTHES FIT try a custom closet.

www.LelandTribune.com 910-350-0011

www.closetfactory.com nbmj

78

North Brunswick Magazine

@SP 8PWLYO @]TM`YP

The North Brunswick Areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Online Community Newspaper

campuses at the end of the year, then share their information with each other.

By the end of their third year here, they will have walked away with knowledge of 18 different colleges.â&#x20AC;?

Underwood also proposes to have her students visit Brunswick Community College and University of North Carolina Wilmington. Each subsequent school year, Leland Middle plans to focus on a wider range of colleges. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Next year we want to identify colleges in states that border North Carolina and the following year go beyond even those states,â&#x20AC;? she says.

Funding for these college trips is a work in progress. The North Brunswick Chamber of Commerceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Education Committee has made it their mission to be a liaison between the business community and the education community. Principals in the area are invited to the Education Committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meetings and are encouraged to express their schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs or concerns.

Todd Godbey, the chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Education Committee chair, says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a business community, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our privilege and our responsibility to offer strength and services to education for the benefit of everyone involved.â&#x20AC;?

Once Leland Middleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan came to the committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention, they wanted to assist in anyway that they could.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe stronger schools make for better employees, who in turn, make for better businesses and for an improved overall future,â&#x20AC;? says Godbey. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We all want North Brunswick to be the best place to learn and work â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and we are looking to do our part.â&#x20AC;?

Nancy Nipper, a retired teacher currently in the real estate business and a member of the Education Committee, is exploring ways to fund the program.

Although in the beginning stages, Nipper is hopeful. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We would like the business community to be involved in this special funding project, as well as the public,â&#x20AC;? she says.

Nipper has proposed a plan where local businesses or individuals sponsor a student or group of students for these campus visits at the end of the year.

A cost of $25 per student is estimated based on current gas prices. This plan provides a realistic way to raise enough money for 700 students to visit six college campuses in North Carolina.

If anyone is interested in sponsoring a student, they should make the check out to Leland Middle School with â&#x20AC;&#x153;College Pennant Projectâ&#x20AC;? in the memo line.

An appreciation letter will be mailed to the donor for tax purposes.

Underwood is optimistic, and she believes in her students.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love this end of the county,â&#x20AC;? explains Underwood, â&#x20AC;&#x153;parents truly love and support their students here.â&#x20AC;? This makes her all the more eager and dedicated to being a number one cheerleader for each of her middle schoolers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This part of the county is growing and changing fast,â&#x20AC;? Underwood says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Opportunities continue to develop here. Students who do choose to go to college can always come back here and let their county benefit from what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learned to do.â&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;&#x192;â&#x20AC;&#x192; n For more information on the College Penant Program or to donate contact Patricia Underwood at (910) 371-3030 or punderwood@bcswan.net.

Contributed Photo

Local Business News

Brunswick County If solid experience is important to you, the Leland office offers a few of our very best and brightest.

Knowledge, trust and neighborly service are simply a phone call away.

Contributed Photo

Community News

Growing

Winter 2008-09

79

across the carolinas

A Winter Escape, Asheville Style

Whether

you are a transplant from the North or a home-grown native, winter is a season filled with memories of holidays and family gatherings, hot chocolate, glowing fireplaces and cool crisp mornings. Recapturing these memories — with a dash of romance added to the pot — is as easy as a weekend getaway to Asheville. A five-and-a-half-hour drive will transport you to a world of winter magic, including entertainment, dining, shopping and sightseeing.

Asheville’s Accommodations

STORY BY SANDRA CHAMBERS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, the four-diamond Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa offers several winter packages ranging from luxurious spa retreats to music-filled weekends of jazz, Big Band and swing. And even if you don’t stay at the Grove Park Inn, be sure to stop by for lunch or to enjoy an after-dinner drink in front of one the 14-foot fireplaces that flank the Great Hall.

If you’re looking for a small, intimate retreat with a personal touch, look no further than the four-diamond Albemarle Inn, a magnificent Greek Revival mansion with 10 spacious guest rooms, period antiques, a welcoming fireplace in the lounge and a to-die-for gourmet breakfast served on the cozy sun porch. (See the sidebar for my favorite Albemarle Inn breakfast recipe). “I knew we had hit on something when guests started to thank me for my true Southern hospitality,” says owner Cathy Sklar, a former New York attorney, who along with her husband, Larry, purchased the inn in 1998.

Paris of the South While Asheville does offer guests Southern hospitality, it is much more than just a Southern mountain town. Dubbed the “Paris of the South” for its diverse mix of culture, music and art, Asheville always offers artsy happenings. From October through April catch one of Asheville Bravo Concerts at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, where world-renowned artists from many genres entertain locals and visitors alike.

Spend an evening at the Asheville Symphony or enjoy a play at Asheville Community Theatre, where Charlton Heston was

80

North Brunswick Magazine

Winter 2008-09

81

WWW HEALTHPLANS NC COM

Great Coverage Starts with Blue 3AM #ARR ,54#& (EALTHPLANS .# ,OCAL OR

Contact us for an insurance plan that fits your needs and your budget.

Gumdrops & Lollipops Lollipops

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boutique

once co-director. Other options include the Diana Wortham Theatre, Ashevilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lyric Opera, independent film venues and a dozen downtown clubs where strains of bluegrass, jazz, drums or Irish reel can be heard late into the night.

s )NDIVIDUAL 0LANS s .O 2EFERRAL (-/ 00/ 'ROUP 0LANS s 3MALL 'ROUP #OVERAGE s -EDICARE 3UPPLEMENT )NSURANCE s $ENTAL #OVERAGE FOR )NDIVIDUALS 'ROUPS s (EALTH 3AVINGS !CCOUNTS

In addition to its diverse entertainment, Asheville is well-known for its art galleries and locally handcrafted items, including photography, paintings, pottery, jewelry, sculpture and woven and knit items. The cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s galleries delight the senses and provide hours of browsing and shopping opportunities. For more info on galleries and events, visit the Asheville Area Arts Council.

If you enjoy chatting with local artists, visit the River Arts

Your plan for better health I bcbsnc.com

District along the French Broad River, a collection of quirky Contact your authorized Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina agent for costs and further details of coverage, limitations, exclusions and terms under which the policy may be continued with force. An independent license for Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association ÂŽ Registered mark of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. SM Service mark of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

2013 Olde Regent Way, Suite 230 Leland, NC 28451 (Located in the Harris Teeter Shopping Center in Waterford)

910-371-2485

warehouses that are working studios for more than 65 artists.

Downtown Asheville & Beyond Often described as diverse, eclectic and vibrant, Ashevilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic downtown area boasts more art deco architecture than

Want to Go?

Albemarle Inn www.albemarleinn.com Antique Tobacco Barn www.atbarn.com Asheville Area Arts Council www.ashevillearts.com Asheville Bravo Concerts www.ashevillebravoconcerts.org Asheville Community Theatre www.ashevilletheatre.org Ashevilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lyric Opera www.ashevillelyric.org Asheville Symphony www.ashevillesymphony.org 82

North Brunswick Magazine

any southeastern city other than Miami Beach. The area is so compact that you can walk to its more than 200 locally owned stores, antique shops and 30-plus galleries.

Begin with a leisurely stroll through the restored neo-Gothic Grove Arcade, which is home to the Arts & Heritage Gallery and its unique collection of regional crafts, exhibitions and artists in residence.

Visit the Pack Place Education Arts & Science Center, a centerpiece of downtown Asheville which houses the Asheville Art Museum, Colburn Earth Science Museum, Diana Wortham Theatre and The Health Adventure.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the 1940s-style emporium Mast General Store with clothing, housewares and old-time barrel candy.

Woolworth Walk, a 20,000-square-foot arts and craft emporium featuring 150 exhibiting artists, is also worth a stop. And if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a sweet tooth, The Chocolate Fetish has some of the best chocolate truffles you will ever taste.

The winter months in Asheville allow you to explore the area without the crowds of summer and fall. And during this season, there are bargains to be had, with most accommodations offering special packages and rates.

For more information on Ashevilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accommodations (for all budgets), attractions, events, restaurants and shopping, request Ashevilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official 2009 visitors guide, Asheville â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Any Way You Like It from the visitors center, (828) 258-6129, or visit online at www.exploreasheville.com. A local magazine, The Laurel of Asheville Magazine, offers another great guide to Asheville, Biltmore and the surrounding area.

See these websites for more information on the places mentioned in our story.

Asheville Visitors Guide www.exploreasheville.com Biltmore House www. biltmore.com Biltmore Village www.biltmorevillage.com The Chocolate Fetish www.chocolatefetish.com Deerpark Restaurant www.biltmore.com Diana Wortham Theatre www.dwtheatre.com Folk Art Center www.southernhighlandguild.org

Gabrielleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at Richmond Hill Inn www.richmondhillinn.com Grove Arcade www.grovearcade.com Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa www.groveparkinn.com The Laurel of Asheville Magazine www.thelaurelofasheville.com The Market Place www.marketplace-restaurant.com Mast General Store www.mastgeneralstore.com

Pack Place Education Arts & Science Center www.packplace.org River Arts District www.riverdistrictartists.com The Smith-McDowell House Museum www.wnchistory.org Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historical Site www.wolfememorial.com Woolworth Walk www.woolworthwalk.com

Winter 2008-09

83

across the carolinas With your supply of chocolates in hand, you’re now ready to explore more of Asheville’s unique shopping areas. If antiques are your thing, there is no place quite like the Antique Tobacco Barn located near Biltmore Estate. Here, 75 independent dealers offer a variety of wares from collectibles, furniture and accessories to architectural salvage.

Biltmore Village, located directly across from the entrance to Biltmore Estate, is another must on your list of stops. Take a nostalgic walk on brick sidewalks with old-fashioned street lamps as you browse through historic cottages shops, galleries and eateries.

The Biltmore & More The most famous destination in Asheville, the Biltmore House, is a must if you’ve not yet seen it. Completed in 1895, George Vanderbilt’s Blue Ridge Mountain Chateau is American’s largest private home, featuring 8,000 acres, 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces and 35 bedrooms. You could spend much more than a day here, so arrive early and take the audio tour (well worth the $8, plus $40 entrance fee), which allows you to move through the house at your own pace.

For lunch head to the Winery Bistro (reservations recommended), which offers a wide selection of menu options from brick-oven pizzas to locally raised Pecan-Crusted Carolina Mountain Trout, my personal favorite.

After lunch, browse the extensive Wine Shop for a complete selection of wines, gifts and gourmet food items. For the remainder of the afternoon you have several options ranging from a tour the Farm Village, a walk through the extensive gardens and greenhouse, a variety of possible demonstrations such as wreathmaking, candle-making or cooking, a wine-tasting session or a horse-drawn carriage ride through the estate grounds.

In addition to the Biltmore, Asheville is home to other historic attractions, such as the Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historical Site, the boyhood home and setting for

novelist Thomas Wolfe’s 1929 novel Look Homeward Angel.

You can relive the Victorian era by touring Asheville’s oldest home, The Smith-McDowell House Museum, c. 1840, designed by the renowned Olmsted Brothers.

Dining at its Best With all this sightseeing, you’re bound to work up an appetite. Asheville’s restaurant scene offers a wide variety of dining options from cafes, brew pubs and ethnic restaurants to very upscale restaurants.

Options for outstanding dining include the Deerpark Restaurant housed in a historic barn on the Biltmore Estate; The Market Place in the heart of the city’s cultural scene, offering seasonal and organic menu items; or my favorite — Gabrielle’s at Richmond Hill Inn. If you’re looking for a romantic dinner that will impress your honey, this is the place! Located high above the city, it offers a great view.

Order the chef ’s five-course tasting menu (available with wine pairings). Be sure to ask the pianist to play “your song” during the evening, which is bound to earn you even more romantic brownie points.

Ryan Johnson 910-383-3767

- Representing 10 U.S. Carriers - Tailor made coverage solutions - Extremely competative rates - In business since 1982 - Call for a FREE Quote

Fax: 910-383-3766 Ryan.Johnson@christiinsurance.com www.Christimarine.com / www. Christiinsurance.com Offices in: NC - NJ - PA - FL

Even though it may be winter, don’t ignore some of North Carolina’s most beautiful scenery around Asheville. With four entry points in the immediate Asheville area, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the top 10 scenic drives in the United States.

The Parkway stretches across the crest of the Southern Appalachians with breathtaking outlooks on its entire 469-mile route.

While most of the Parkway is closed during winter months, you can drive to milepost 382 to visit the Folk Art Center (open all year) and do a little hiking in the area.Whether you picture yourself wrapped in a cozy winter blanket, sipping steaming hot chocolate in front a roaring fireplace, enjoying the artsy city atmosphere, or hiking in the crisp mountain air, Asheville is the perfect place for a winter escape. n

Spray a 3-quart glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Cut croissants lengthwise with bottom about 2/3 and top sliver 1/3 and arrange in baking dish. Thin marmalade with orange juice. Spoon some over each bottom half of croissant. Replace croissant tops. Beat eggs, half & half, extract & rind. Pour over croissants. Spoon remaining marmalade on top as a glaze. Soak overnight. In the morning, bake at 350º for 35 minutes or until firm. Serve hot. Top with spoon of blueberry (or other fruit) sauce.

North Brunswick Magazine

Boat & Yacht Insurance

Outdoor Magic

Albemarle Inn’s Croissants A L’Orange

84

The best coverage For your floating investment

(Serves 6) 6 croissants 9 oz orange marmalade 3 oz orange juice 5 eggs 1 cup half & half 1 T almond extract Blueberry or other fruit topping

Recipe

Winter 2008-09

85

Volatile Stock Market

got you worried about your Retirement?

DID YOU KNOW YOU HAVE ALTERNATIVES TO THE STOCK MARKET FOR YOUR RETIREMENT PLANS? Your IRA and/or 401K plans can work for you in other ways. Do you need to make a contribution towards your retirement but don’t want it in the stock market? Learn about GOOD ALTERNATIVES that meet all IRS guidelines!

We offer education on diversifying your retirement vehicles into other areas, complete with fantastic opportunities to get started. Call today to get the answers.

“The LMC Group helped me diversify a portion of my IRA into real property, thus allowing me to grow my retirement portfolio in different areas instead of being held hostage by corporate stocks and bonds. I am in control of my money now, not corporate greed.“ - Satisfied Client, Greensboro, NC

The LMC Group 910-383-1540

I

www.thelmc.com

New Digital Mammography The most important picture you’ll ever take.

It’s remarkable to think that one digital picture could save your life. But that’s exactly what a digital mammogram at Brunswick Community Hospital can do. Our new digital technology gives you peace of mind by providing instant images for your doctor to review. With these highly detailed pictures, we can detect breast cancer at an earlier stage. It’s more than a timesaver. For many women, it’s a lifesaver.

BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY HOSPITAL 1 Medical Center Drive, Supply, North Carolina www.BrunswickCommunityHospital.org To schedule an appointment, call (910) 755-1276.

Winter 2008-09

87

across the county

Innovative Leader: Sheriff John W. Ingram STORY BY Billy Jason Frye

88

North Brunswick Magazine

as if he can see those furrows right now. “If any of them were crooked, I’d have to go back and make them right.

Sometimes I’d redo a row two, three times before Dad would tell me to get on with it. That’s how I’ve always been, thorough. When I was in BLET (Basic Law Enforcement Training), I tried to be the best. In the jobs I’ve had, I did the same thing. It’s how I’m trying to do this job.”

He straightens his tie, leans back in his chair and tells me he has tried to instill these same values in his sons. “I tell them that all we can do is try to do the right thing,” he says. “If we try and

Contributed Photo

Photo by WENDY HUNT

“Changes

expand outward,” John Ingram, Sheriff of Brunswick County, tells me as he shows me to a seat in his office. The room is neat and comfortable, but the telltale folders and files on the desk are there. We have a seat at a table in the corner.

“Changes expand outward, that’s why we’re sitting here, not at the desk,” he says. “Over at the desk it feels too formal, too distant. Over there, I’m The Sheriff. Here, I’m Sheriff Ingram, a resident of Brunswick County, a regular guy.”

He is a regular guy. Sheriff Ingram stands just shy of six feet tall. He’s fit, and his silver hair, piercing blue eyes and warm smile make him seem like a friend you haven’t seen since high school. Sitting across the table from me, he greets deputies and staff as they pass his open door.

Sheriff Ingram grew up in Brunswick County, on his family’s farm. He worked with his father there, plowing, planting, harvesting and, most importantly, developing the qualities and traits that would lead him to become a deputy and eventually sheriff.

“When I’d plow a field for my dad,” he says, “I’d always look back to my furrows to see if they were straight.” He holds his hands parallel in front of him and looks down them

Above: Brunswick County Sheriff John W. Ingram is bringing an approachable, open-door policy to the Sheriff’s Office.

Opposite: The swearing-in ceremony of Sheriff Ingram.

we make a mistake, at least we tried. I tell my deputies too. I tell it to myself, it keeps me grounded.”

A detective interrupts us with a knock on the doorframe. After Sheriff Ingram introduces us, the detective tells the sheriff about some equipment they are going to purchase from a neighboring police force.

“That’s what I mean about trying to make things right,” Ingram says. He explains that previous administrations kept the sheriff ’s office door closed, isolating the sheriff from the deputies, staff and the citizenry, and creating unnecessary tension. Previous sheriffs

also used the private entrance into the office to further separate themselves from the rest of the office. “I didn’t want things to be like that under me.

I’m not off limits,” he says.

Sheriff Ingram believes that the sheriff and deputies should be approachable, available to assist the public and one another when questions, concerns or problems arise. He cites the Citizens Law Enforcement Academy as one of the ways of creating transparency in the Sheriff ’s Department. The goal of the Citizens Law Enforcement Academy is to help provide the citizenry with a better understanding of

the role law enforcement officers play.

During the academy, guest speakers ranging from the sheriff to K-9 officers, inform citizens on the roles and duties of law enforcement officers.

(For more information on the Citizens Law Enforcement Academy, see www. brunswicksheriff.com) Another way of presenting a positive image of the Sheriff ’s Department, and of Law Enforcement in general, is through the school resource officers.

“These men and women are in our schools every day presenting the face of this office to our future,” Ingram says.

“The students they come in contact Winter 2008-09

89

across the county

with come away knowing that we are here to protect them and help them, no matter what the situation is.” He adds that school resource officers as well as deputies with other assignments have begun attending job fairs at high schools, as a way of showing young people that Law Enforcement is a viable career path.

A redesign and relaunch of the Brunswick County Sheriff ’s Office website, www.brunswicksheriff.com, is also helping raise the profile. Although all of the features aren’t available yet, Sheriff Ingram envisions the website as a place for the citizens of Brunswick County to be able to apply for firearms permits; view information about the various programs offered, such as Citizens Academy; look at employment information and other public-centric programs and pieces of information. Eventually, Sheriff Ingram wants the website to also serve the deputies by allowing access to training calendars, procedure and protocol guidelines, and serving as a gateway to other resources.

“The changes we’re making here aren’t just for the benefit of the public,” Sheriff Ingram says. “We are also working hard to create transparency internally.”

Ingram’s open-door policy is only one of the steps he has taken during his tenure as sheriff. “We’re working on revising our employee evaluation process,” he says. “Normally you are reviewed by your superiors, but the people under you also know how well you do your job, and by giving them a role in the evaluation process, we are opening lines of communication that weren’t there before.”

He also says he is trying to be more visible to the deputies. “I go to the shooting range with them to qualify with our weapons,” he says. “Last week I went with them to take a refresher driving course.” He said the deputies “got a real kick” out of watching him speed through part of the course, only to knock over a few cones and have to start over. “They know I’m human after they see me struggle in the driving class, or when I volunteered to be shot with one of our new Taser guns at training. They really enjoyed that, until it was their turn.”

Getting out of the office and working with the deputies during training helps keep Sheriff Ingram grounded. It gives him the opportunity to hear his deputies’ concerns, one of which is the topic of the population boom in Brunswick County and 90

North Brunswick Magazine

PHOTO BY WENDY HUNT

Below Left to Right: Captain Gene Caison, Sheriff John W. Ingram, Lt. Joe Scoggins and Lt. Sam Davis.

the forecasted growth. By taking the deputies’ concerns into account, he was able to better project some of the needs of the Sheriff ’s Office in their five, seven and ten-year plans.

“I try to put a lot of thought into this job,” Sheriff Ingram says. “I have my deputies to keep safe and I have the public to keep safe, and I try to do right by everyone, my family included.”

So far, he believes he is accomplishing his goals. He calls his deputies “some of the best people I’ve ever worked with.” He finds time to ride his Harley and hunt with his sons. He never misses his youngest son’s football games. He still gets to play mini-golf with his family. The morale in the Sheriff ’s Department is high. It is hard to argue that he has not reached many of the goals he has set for the department and that he is well on his way to meeting the rest.

On the way out of his office, Ingram stops and pulls a framed photograph off the shelf. It is of him in his dress uniform and an older gentleman in a suit. “This the day I was sworn in as sheriff,” he says. “That’s John Carr Davis.

He was sheriff when I started as a deputy and he swore me in. One of my proudest moments was when Sheriff Davis contacted me and asked if I would use his badge to be sworn in with, I was honored.”

Sheriff Ingram’s grin widens at the memory. “He was a good sheriff. He taught me a lot when I was a deputy and I hope I can do the same while I’m sheriff.” n

Applied service = Measured results.

Its always all about YOU...

YOUR needs, YOUR wants, YOUR move!

Karen Chevrotee

Cold Weather is the perfect time for?

A. Cosmetics B. Aethstetics C. Landscaping D. All of the above

Broker, Realtor

1332 Grandiflora Drive Leland, NC 28451 Phone/Fax: 910.383.3456 Mobile: 301.370.4332 Email: golfwilmingtonsouth@earthlink.net Licensed in NC, MD & DC

Services

• Professional Work/Off Season Pricing • Insured/Free Estimates • Complete Tree & Stump Removal • Yard Maintenance Serving Wilmington & Leland area since 1980

w w w.g o l f w i l m i n g t o n s o u t h .c o m

RB HUNT – FOREST TECHNICIAN 910.799.9552 Winter 2008-09

91

brunswick history

ape andsc l r u o Give ylift this a faceay Season Holid

Decorative Landscape Products

Brunswick Town:

Once Bustling Port, Home of Governors and Site of a Spanish Raid

Did you know... …that a colonial ghost town exists in Brunswick County? Brunswick Town Historic Site, part of the North Carolina Historic Sites system, was the location of the first permanent European settlement in the lower Cape Fear Region. Founded in 1725, Brunswick Town was an important port of entry and was the seat of New Hanover precinct.

Later it was the county seat of Brunswick County, after its formation from New Hanover and Bladen counties in 1764.

Although little remains of the settlement, it is steeped in history and has many tales to tell of colonial life. Visitors can view the remains of the colonial town and learn about the significance its location on the Cape Fear River played in both Brunswick Town’s development and during the Civil War. Brunswick Town was situated on the west bank of the Cape Fear, 20 miles north of the mouth of the river. The town was laid out to include 360 acres made up of more than 300 half-acre lots and common land. By 1730 Brunswick Town boasted a dozen houses.

Local commodities, such as tobacco, rice, wheat, lumber, pitch and tar, were shipped from Brunswick Town’s shores to England and the Caribbean. However, Spain declared a monopoly in island trade and harassed the American colonies to help illustrate her position.

In 1748 the Spanish ships Fortuna and Loretta, along with a captured vessel, made their way up the Cape Fear River towards Brunswick and landed several men south of the town. These men laid siege upon the town, and the surprised citizens fled, leaving their homes and businesses to be looted by the Spanish attackers.

Our mulch contains NO construction debris Mulch, Pine, Straw, Stone, Gravel, Sod, Brick Chips, Ponds, Water Gardening Supplies

WE DELIVER!!!

Best Wishes this Holiday Season!

(910) 253-PONDS (7663) www.mulchandmore.net Located on Hwy. 17 S., Winnabow, NC

We are now holding open enrollment for our 2008-2009 school year.

We Offer: Preschool Programs for children ages 2-5 years • • Mommy’s Morning Out for children ages 1-4 • • After school care with pickup from local schools • •

Located Across From Magnolia Greens 910.383.3919

www.kidsatplayonline.com

STORY BY SARAH DOWNING PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEITH KETCHUM

92

North Brunswick Magazine

Winter 2008-09

93

Hwy. 87 Maco Rd.

M&M

Winnabow To Bolivia

To Leland

Town Creek Rd.

MINI STORAGE

Governers Rd.

BSL Location

7 Miles To Southport

Garage Rd.

Location

Hwy 17.

Residential & Commercial t "DDFTT )PVST B EBZ %BZT B XFFL t $PNQVUFSJ[FE 4FDVSJUZ 4ZTUFN t 4J[FT Y UP Y t /P 4FDVSJUZ %FQPTJU t .POUI UP .POUI 3FOUBM t *OTVSBODF "WBJMBCMF t 7JEFP 4FDVSJUZ 4ZTUFN t $MJNBUF $POUSPMMFE

845-0606

109 Garage Rd. Boiling Spring Lakes

MENTION THIS AD FOR THE 2ND MONTH

FREE

WINNABOW LOCATION ONLY.

253-7763

Hwy 17 S. Winnabow at Town Creek

W W W . M M S T O R A G E . C O M

The militia, some one thousand strong, rallied under Captain John Swann and headed back to fight off the invaders, and in doing so captured 30 Spaniards who were sold into slavery.

When fired upon, the ship Fortuna, still anchored in the Cape Fear River, exploded and quickly sank. Brunswick Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s folk were able to reclaim much of their property, and they plundered the remains of the ship. An oil painting retrieved from the wreckage now hangs in St. James Episcopal Church in Wilmington. In 1986 a cannon thought to be from the Fortuna was recovered from the river and is now on display.

Construction of St. Phillips Church began in 1754, but because of financial setbacks, Brunswick Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s isolation and a fierce hurricane in 1761, the building was not finished until 1768.

Upon completion it was one of the finest churches in the American colonies. Its brick walls were three feet thick, 25 feet high and measured 76 by 55 feet. The remains of St. Phillipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church, which show scars from various assaults upon Brunswick Town, are the greatest symbol remaining of the history of this early North Carolina port town.

Also visible at the site of Brunswick Town are the remains of a home that was called Russellborough, begun in 1751 by Captain John Russell, who was stationed on HMS Scorpion while on duty patrolling the river. Russell sold the unfinished structure and 55 acres to Governor Arthur Dobbs who completed the home and lived there with his young bride, Justina. It was later purchased by Governor William Tryon who lived at Russellborough while his elegant home at New Bern was under construction.

hundreds of period artifacts have been discovered, including ceramic and bottle fragments.

Due to several factors, Brunswick Town never really had the chance to flourish. The rise of the city of Wilmington along with the completion of William Tryonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Palace at New Bern in 1770 led to its demise. By the time British troops came ashore in the spring of 1776, few people continued to reside in what had been one of the busiest ports in the state. Much of what remained was burned.

During the Civil War, Confederate troops used the site of old Brunswick Town as a lookout on the Cape Fear River to aid in the defense of Wilmington, which was an important Southern port needed to get supplies to Richmond. Troops constructed an earthen fort, which they called Fort Anderson.

The Union Army took control of the region in 1865 and seized the fort, causing the Confederates to abandon it.

The site of Brunswick Town, just off N.C. 133 in Winnabow, between U.S. 17 and Southport, is now part of the North Carolina Historic Sites system administered by the Office of Archives and History. Visitors can take a self-guided tour on the trails that meander throughout the site. Outdoor exhibit panels along the way interpret both the colonial period and the construction and occupation of Fort Anderson. Larger groups may request a guided tour.

A visitor center features exhibits, a short AV program and an intriguing gift shop with books, T-shirts, games and items relating to colonial and Civil War history. Picnic tables are scattered throughout the site, so consider packing a meal

Russellborough was a two-story house with four rooms on each floor, surrounded by wide covered porches to take in the breezes from the river. The remains of Russellboroughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foundations are still visible, along with those of several outbuildings such as a kitchen, stable, and coach house.

A remarkable archaeological discovery at Russellborough is a brick tunnel, which led from the house to the river and functioned as an early garbage and sewer system. In this tunnel,

and taking advantage of the setting. Brunswick Town State Historic Site is open from 10 am to 4 pm Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free.â&#x20AC;&#x192;â&#x20AC;&#x192; n For more information visit www.nchistoricsites.org/brunswic/ or call (910) 371-6613.

Changing the waY YOU THINK about wine & beer in Southport

910-457-0109

5130 Southport Supply Rd, Suite 102, Southport NC 28461.

In The Dutchman Town Center.

94

North Brunswick Magazine

Above: Remnants of the past make Brunswick Town Historic Site in Winnabow a fascinating place to visit.

Winter 2008-09

95

KWIK KUTS

8

$

Hair Salon

99

and up haircuts

Color, Cuts, Foils Highlights, Perms Waxing and more!

371-5510

1114 New Pointe Blvd.

Leland Wal-mart Shopping Centers 96

North Brunswick Magazine

Winter 2008-09

97

behind the business

The Bradshaw Family of CrawlSpace Concepts: Giving 110 Percent in Life and Work STORY BY Allison Ballard Photography By Jennifer Harper

Some

of you might know Greg Bradshaw from his appearances on local television discussing and promoting his business, CrawlSpace Concepts. But probably just as many of you know Bradshaw and his wife, Rebecca, by way of their neighborly pursuits —through church, through sporting events involving one of their six children, or through one of the get-togethers at their Leland house.

98

North Brunswick Magazine

The couple called the Cape Fear area home before moving to Atlanta more than a decade ago. They returned to Leland four years ago to move into the family home after Rebecca’s stepfather passed away.

The house was built in the late 1960s and had evidence of the trends of the time, with avocado green fixtures and carpet. But, otherwise, the Bradshaws thought everything was in decent shape.

Above: The Bradshaw family is not afraid to crawl under their house. Back row: Rebecca, Isaac, Nathan and Greg. Front row: Simon, Lydia, AnnaRebecca and McKinley.

“We knew it needed some work,” Greg says. “But we didn’t really know what we were getting into.” And they certainly didn’t guess that the work their house needed would lead to them to start their own business.

As the Bradshaws had workers come out to the property, they learned they had serious problems under the house. A river flowed underneath the house during storms, and some of the beams under the house were so filled with water that they could be squeezed like a sponge. Greg said he talked with several local companies about what could be done, but he wasn’t happy with any of them.

“It seemed like they would all just be a band-aid and wouldn’t address the real problem,” Greg says.

He eventually found a South Carolina company who offered higher quality products and services. They fixed the problem and did it well. Greg was so impressed he became a dealer for the same company. He is now one of 300 dealers around the country for the Connecticut-based Basement Systems.

In addition to this full-time job, Greg also has another job working in the healthcare industry as a nurse and national sales manager for American HomePatient, a position that requires frequent travel.

In each week he works a lot of hours, but he says his real focus is on his family.

“That’s why I started my own business,” Greg says.

“I want to build something that I could pass on to my kids, as a way for them to learn about business, if they want to.

I remember telling Rebecca that I don’t care if it’s cleaning toilets… The funny thing is that it’s actually pretty close to that; nobody wants to go under houses.”

But it’s something that he and his eight employees are willing to do. After all, they have seen the results.

The 1960s-era home with the crawlspace that threatened the foundation of the entire structure now houses a busy family. When they moved in 2004, the Leland home had three bedrooms for five children and three adults, and Rebecca was pregnant. Now, there’s a separate mother-in-law suite behind the house and a second-floor addition with three bedrooms for the older kids. In the wide backyard that’s ideal for cookouts and birthday parties, they have a pool and volleyball net as well as a place to play basketball. The Bradshaws have had as many as 170 guests in their home, and they regularly host Christmas morning breakfasts for 50 relatives.

“Some people are surprised and think that it must be kind of crazy with that many people,” Greg says. “But I like it.”

The Bradshaws would rather spend time as a family in that way than in front of the TV. (In fact, their one television

Above: The three Bradshaw boys — Isaac, Nathan and Simon.

Below: AnnaRebecca is the youngest of the Bradshaws.

Winter 2008-09

99

behind the business is strictly for DVDs, they say.) The new, expanded living area has kid-friendly hardwood floors, a dining room table that seats 10, and a kitchen counter with eight stools where they share breakfast and a daily devotion before starting the day.

Greg and Rebecca met at church in May 1988. Greg had a tanning business at the time and was giving prizes to members of the congregation. He arranged for Rebecca to win one of the passes to the salon. They were married a year later.

“Our families were against it,” Rebecca says. “They thought we were too young.” But the 20- and 23-year-olds tied the knot, and now, nearly 20 years later, their marriage is a success story.

“I can honestly say it’s our faith.” Rebecca says. “God works in our life.”

Rebecca home-schooled the children in their younger years in Atlanta, but enrolled them in local schools once they moved back to Leland.

McKinley, 14, is quiet but true to her convictions, according to her parents. She’s very active and involved as a swimmer, volleyball player and musician. She sings, plays the flute and often practices at the family’s piano.

Above: McKinley is the oldest of the Bradshaw crew.

Left: Greg and Rebecca Bradshaw have a marriage based on faith.

Thirteen-year-old Isaac doesn’t know a stranger. He’s the biggest videogame player in the bunch. He loves football and basketball and, although once diagnosed as dyslexic, is an avid reader.

Nathan, 11, is very active in sports of all kinds and was pushing for a gift of a violin months before the Christmas holiday. He and his two younger siblings play Halo Hoops, a church basketball program.

Nine-year-old Simon is the spitfire who has a special fascination with facts and encyclopedias. At 6, Lydia is the one her parents describe as cute and sweet, but strong willed. “She’s dramatic, funny and challenging,” Rebecca says.

Four-year-old AnnaRebecca is just now finding her personality. “But she’s happy and maybe a tad claustrophobic,” Greg says. She prefers wearing dresses to pants and hates the thought of seatbelts.

“Between everyone, we have a good mix of different personalities,” Greg says. “It’s a good package.”

It is important to Greg that he and Rebecca have built a space where the kids and their friends feel comfortable.

It’s also important to the couple that

they instill good values in their children. One example is when the older kids spent their summer working as extras in the local movie business, on projects such as Bolden! and The Marc Pease Experience.

“It’s so hard to teach kids about money,” Rebecca says, explaining that she thought the movie business would be a good opportunity to do that. Because the children are minors, Rebecca had to be on the set for them to work.

They agreed to pay for childcare out of

their pay, as well as contribute to the church. The rest they saved, as a group, for something they really wanted. In October, the family returned from a weeklong camping trip to Disney World, paid for — almost entirely — by the children.

“They loved it,” Rebecca says.

“And you could tell they were really proud of themselves.”

“As a family, we believe in working hard,” Greg adds. “We give 110 percent with the goal of success.” n

Below: The fifth Bradshaw child, Lydia, hams it up for the camera.

Above: Spending time with the children is the number one priority in Greg’s life.

Left: Greg and Rebecca work to balance family life and work life and to instill good values in their children.

100

North Brunswick Magazine

Winter 2008-09

101

health

A “Well-Being Routine” —

the Real Key to Health

Courtesty of ARA Content

As

important as a fitness routine is to your physical health, it’s just as vital to have a “well-being routine” that focuses on your mental health.

Being well-rounded physically and mentally can foster balance between your work and personal lives and help reduce everyday stress.

Stress is a major and growing health concern in America, according to the American Psychological Association (APA). In fact, a third of all Americans say they are extremely stressed, and 77 percent report experiencing physical symptoms associated with stress, according to an APA study.

“Stress is a normal part of life, and small amounts can actually make you stronger physically and mentally,” says Martica Heaner, a health, fitness and wellness expert. “But when stress builds up and becomes overwhelming, it’s time to take action to manage its impact on your life. Looking after 102

North Brunswick Magazine

yourself by focusing on your wellness is one of the very best ways to take care of what’s on the inside as well as the outside.”

Americans are more focussed on overall wellness than ever before, a fact that has not escaped the notice of companies like The Body Shop, Heaner notes. The Body Shop, long recognized as leaders in the naturally inspired beauty industry, recently launched a line of Wellbeing products that fit into four key aspects of a wellness regimen — Divine Calm, Total Energy, Deep Sleep and Pure Detox.

Your well-being routine should help you create calm, get adequate rest, re-energize and purify your body, Heiner says.

Creating Calm * Manage small stressors. Try not to over schedule yourself or constantly react to every demand on your time.

For example, rather than constantly

Winter 2008-09

103

checking e-mail throughout the day, schedule a few regular times to do so. * Give yourself time to do nothing at all. Turn off the TV. Don’t answer the phone. Or soak in a hot bath seasoned with a calm-inspiring bath product.

Look for products, like The Body Shop’s Divine Calm line, that incorporate naturally calming ingredients such as French lavender essential oil, camomile and soya milk.

North Brunswick County’s Finest Storage Facility.

Aaron Talley

American Mini Storage Renter 5 Years and Running

75 Lanvale Rd. Leland, NC 28451 910.383.6500 www.americanministoragenc.net 104

North Brunswick Magazine

Reaping the Rewards of Rest * Sleep deprivation can leave you feeling “hung over,” impair you as much as several alcoholic drinks, shorten your attention span, make you feel sluggish and even cause you to overeat. * Follow a calming routine prior to bedtime. Incorporate some pampering in your routine, such as a relaxing shower, soothing moisturizer and a spritz of calming scent in the room, on your pillow or bed sheets. The Body Shop’s new Wellbeing line includes five products designed to enhance rest, like the Deep Sleep Dreamy Pillow and Body Mist. * Get extra sleep whenever possible.

Set the alarm to go off at the last possible minute, instead of setting it earlier and hitting the snooze button a few times.

Your body will benefit more from those extra 20 minutes if they’re uninterrupted.

Re-energize Your Body From improper nutrition to lack of sleep or exercise to dehydration, there are many reasons why you might feel fatigued. * Never skip breakfast. Even a small bowl of cereal or a piece of fruit can help you energize for the day ahead.

Eat more if you exercise in the morning and will be expending energy. * Put nutrition first, and worry less about calories, carbs or fat. Add some colourful vegetable or fruit to every meal — spinach or red peppers on

your sandwich or pizza, beans in your salad or pasta.

Purify Your Body You can minimize your exposure to environmental toxins with a few simple steps: * Choosing organic foods can help you reduce the amount of toxins you ingest. * Eat more walnuts and walnut oil, which are high in Omega-3 fatty acids that help quench free radicals in our bodies.

* Drink more water. To function at their best, every cell in your body needs to be properly hydrated. Getting enough water can help you feel less tired and flush toxins from your body. * Choose all-natural products in every aspect of your life, from the cleaning products you use in your home to your beauty products. The Body Shop’s Wellbeing products are made from all-natural ingredients like

guarana, wasabi, lavender, camomile, eucalyptus and jujube date. Plus, every product contains ingredients sourced through the company’s Community Trade program, so while you’re taking care of your own well-being, you’re also helping communities around the world in places like Ghana, Brazil, Zambia, Namibia and Nicaragua. n Visit www.thebodyshop-usa.com to learn more.

Adult AND Children Classes After School Program Summer CAMPS Free Trial Classes

910.383.2101

www.kingtigertaekwondo.com

Winter 2008-09

105

lifestyle & leisure

Th

eA

rc of t

h e Li ne:

Fly Fishing in Brunswick County The waters of southeastern North Carolina are perfect fly-casting territory.

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY

BY JOE ZENTNER

For

a long time, fly fishing intimidated me. Its grace and beauty and seeming level of expertise made it appear a difficult sport to master. But when I tried fly fishing for the first time many years ago on the Cape Fear River, I found that my preconceived notions were not justified. After an hour on the river with a knowledgeable guide, 106

North Brunswick Magazine

I was fly fishing and quickly came to realize that a person doesn’t have to be an expert to catch fish.

Angling purists flock eagerly to fly casting. It’s fishing the most natural way possible — no worms, minnows, bobbers or spinning lures to get caught up who knows where and no reel backlashes. The object is to mimic the gliding insects that

are hatching just below the surface of the water, tricking fish into gulping down your tempting offering, which just happens to have a hook attached.

From the Norman Maclean bookturned-film A River Runs Through It to the Howell Raines memoir Fly Fishing through the Midlife Crisis to the provocatively titled Sex. Death and Fly-Fishing

by John Gierach, the sport of fly fishing is awash in metaphors. It’s about wading through water and trying to fool a fish into believing your manmade lure is actually a tasty bug. It’s also fun and relaxing, except when a person has to trek through tick-infected woods to get to that untouched section of water where the big ones supposedly lurk.

Fly fishing is the oldest form of sport fishing in existence. The technique — or a version thereof — was “invented” when primeval man first caught a fish by tying feathers to a sharpened bird’s beak and then tossing the lure, fastened to the end of a stout vine, into the water.

Many an angler, reveling in the beauty and stillness of the great

outdoors, has let out a sigh and whispered something akin to English writer and outdoorsman Izaak Walton’s classic comment: “I have laid aside business and gone a-fishing” (The Compleat Angler, 1653). There’s something about fly fishing that attracts important, and not so important, people. Securities analyst Charles Schwab f ly fishes, as do publisher Martha Stewart, retired North Carolina banking tycoon Hugh McColl and CNN founder Ted Turner.

People fly fish for many reasons: to escape daily drudgery, to relax and for the simple joy of feeling a feisty fish on the end of your line. There’s a simultaneous calming and stimulating aspect to the endeavor. This concept is difficult to express in words. But when it all comes together — the rhythm of your casting, the energy of moving water, the way your mind is focused yet relaxed as fly line with a tiny lure at the end becomes an extension of your will — it is magical. And it does help keep one’s mind off seemingly never-ending war, improvised explosive devices, a root canal and the IRS. People also fish because they love the outdoors. And wherever they find great fly fishing in Brunswick County, they find nature at its grandest. In the rivers, marshes and ocean of coastal North Carolina, anglers find harmony with nature. Fish thrive here. The southeastern coast is an angler’s paradise where fishing can be enjoyed 12 months of the year, minus a few uncooperative winter days.

Technique The basic fly-fishing cast is what people envision when they think of “the perfect cast.” The movement comes from a flicking of the wrist and forearm from a 2 o’clock to a 10 o’clock position. When mastered correctly, an angler whips the Winter 2008-09

107

Opposite: Whether you catch a fish or not, the coastal setting is always guaranteed to send you home with a smile on your lips.

h Large Walk-in Humidor h Premium Cigars Pipes & Tobacco Humidors & Cigar Cutters Lighters & Ashtrays Large Lounge with a 57in TV Imported & Domestic Beer Personal Cigar Lockers h Ask about our Club Membership h

Come to Bugsy’s “for the Best Smoke in Town”

1107 New Pointe Blvd Unit 12 Leland NC 28451

In the Cross Creek Commons, across from Magnolia Greens

Phone (910) 399-2923 Fax (910) 399-2814 www.bugsyscigars.com email: frank@bugsyscigars.com

Flex Appeal

Full Service Gym & Fitness Center

910-371-9900

#ARDIO6ASCULAR %QUIPMENT 7EIGHT 2ESISTANCE 4RAINING 7EIGHT ,OSS 0ROGRAMS 3TRENGTH 4RAINING

&REE 7EIGHTS 3UPPLEMENTS 3MOOTHIE "AR 4ANNING "EDS

2EBECCA "ULLARD n /WNER 112-F Village Road in Clairmont Shopping Center

FjVa^in Ldg` Protect your property’s investment from mildew & fungus

Exterior & Interior House Painting Vinyl & Aluminum Siding Power Washing Deck & Fence Cleaning & Sealing or Staining In Addition: Landscaping Lawn Mowing Mulching Shrub Trimming Tree Pruning & Planting Gutter Cleaning Additional Services Also Available 100% Satisfaction References Available Free Estimates Insured

Call Carlos (910) 383-6558 108

North Brunswick Magazine

line above his or her head in surrealistically beautiful arcing patterns.

The end purpose is to bring an artificial fly to within a hair’s breadth of the water’s surface, thereby enticing a hungry fish to strike. This sounds almost whimsical, but superb control of an artificial fly makes the fly-casting experience exponentially more enjoyable and productive.

One tip on choosing the right fly is to constantly be aware of your surroundings. If you notice a particular kind of natural fly skimming the surface of a river or lake, tie on an artificial fly that looks similar. Adapting your offering to the immediate environment is an easy way to select the proper fly. By doing so, you are giving fish the food they have come to expect.

To succeed at fly fishing, an angler must understand the environment of a river or lake, know what kind of insects are providing food for fish at a particular time of day, and then sneak up, unobtrusively, on the finned prey.

Keep in mind that fish are lazy creatures at heart. All they really want in life is a vantage point from which to watch — and occasionally sample — the neverending cafeteria line of food sweeping by in the current in front of them. Often this place is an edge: a place where fast water meets slow, where shallow water meets deep, where shaded water meets

sunny, where a log, weed bed or rock sticks out of the water. As an angler you can fish these places from a boat or wade in, but always look for an edge.

Fly fishing is as beautiful to watch as it is artistic. It’s also an easy way to catch fish. Some people would have you believe that learning to fly fish requires the muscle control of a trapeze artist, the patience of Job and the deep pockets of someone with the last name of, say, Gates or Buffett.

Anglers have a term for this kind of statement. They call it nonsense. Sure, you can spend huge sums of money on fishing gear. Yes, more than likely your fly line will fall like a tangled bird’s nest at your feet a few times before you catch on to the rhythm of casting. And forever keep in mind what Izaak Walton, writing 355 years ago, observed: “Angling may be said to be like Mathematics, in that it can ne’er be fully learnt.”

Part art form and part sport, fly-fishing is today experiencing a resurgence. In streams, rivers and lakes around the world, including all over southeastern North Carolina, flyfishers are plying the waters in record numbers.

Where to Fly Fish The single most important thing to be said in favor of fly fishing is that it gets you out of the house.

Fish have the good sense to live in some of nature’s most gorgeous settings, places you might never visit if you weren’t trying to catch fish. Think rivers, lakes and the Atlantic Ocean.

With ocean temperatures ranging from the 70s in the Gulf Stream in the summertime to the 50s in the winter months, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel and sea bass can all be caught in the ocean, while striped bass, black bass, crappie, bluegill and carp can be caught in Brunswick County freshwater lakes and rivers.

The main emphasis of people’s fishing efforts in southeastern North Carolina is directed at backwater fly fishing around the Intracoastal Waterway the creeks that flow into it. The Number 1 quarry is the speckled trout. The best location is the Masonboro Inlet Jetty — on outgoing tides it is possible to catch specks here in abundance. Early spring and fall are ideal times to fish for speckled trout.

Figure Eight Island has a twisting maze of creeks that play host to puppy drum all year long. Speckled trout and drum will be found in deeper holes in between shallow areas. Of course, unless your name is Andy Griffith, John Edwards or something along those lines, you must approach Figure Eight Island from the sea.

The Cape Fear River offers excellent freshwater fly fishing for largemouth bass, crappie and sunfish. Bass can be

located near the mouths of larger tributary creeks, such as Turnbull, Hammonds, Sturgeon and Livingston, as well as the upper reaches of Town Creek. Bluegill are also plentiful and can be found near locks and dams.

More than 30 lakes in Brunswick County can be fished for bass and sunfish. These bodies of water include Beaverdam Pond, Blue Pond and Butler Pond, Tate Lake, Silver Lake, Shadow Lake, Mirror Lake and Meadow Lake, as well as Lakes Buis, Harper, Green and Forest. Remember: Always ask permission of the landowner before trespassing on private property.

Some days, fish in North Carolina streams, lakes and bays like the look of the flies you’re presenting; other days they avoid them. But, regardless of whether or not you manage to get a real fighter on the line, the setting is guaranteed to send you home with a smile on your lips.

Southeastern North Carolina rivers and lakes are among the finest in the world for fly-fishing. It’s an experience that can perhaps best be described as ethereal. Enjoy. n

Above Top: A fine red drum is the reward on a fine day of casting.

Above Bottom: On some lucky days, the fish will love the flies you’re presenting.

Winter 2008-09

109

Family is why

WE DO IT ALL. We all feel the same commitment to care for our families. As your good neighbor agent, I can help you meet your insurance needs. Call me today.

â&#x20AC;Śenhanced Franklin A Rouse Jr, Agent .EW 0OINTE "LVD ,ELAND .# "US WWW FRANKLINROUSE COM P02640

statefarm.comÂŽ 3TATE &ARM )NSURANCE #OMPANIES s (OME /FFICES "LOOMINGTON )LLINOIS

11/04

A mo re s h a p e l y b o d y wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make you a better personâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;just a more conf ident one. And t o he l p yo u a ch i eve your desired look, the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foremost cosmetic surger y specialists at Wilmington Plastic Surger y are offering 10% off on all surgical proceduresâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;including b reast enhancements, tum my tuck s and body sculpt ing. This limited holiday offer also i n c l u d e s o u r f u ll r ange of spa products and ser vices.

To ta ke a d va n ta ge of th is limited time offer,you m ust c all before Dece m b e r 25 to sch ed u le a n a p p oin tmen t. Ca ll 8 0 0 -6 4 6 -9 3 0 8 .

5 Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons

Discover Your Beauty

w w w. w i l m i n g t o n p l a s t i c s u r g e r y. c o m

W I L M I N G TO N J A CK S O N V I L L E W H I T E V I L L E L E L A N D S U P P L Y Dennis B. Nicks, MD, FACS Kenneth S. White, MD, FACS Charles R. Kays, MD, DMD, FACS Jeffrey S. Church, MD, DDS, FACS Mark W. Morgan, MD, FACS

Š 2008 Wilmington Plastic Surgery, P.A.

Winter 2008-09

111

Grayson Park

Riegelwood Federal Credit Union

by Molly Harrison

by Billy Jason Frye

Neighborhood Profile

Business Profile

For those who yearn for the convenience of city living but want the tranquility of the country, Grayson Park is a community of wooded home sites where residents can relax and listen to the peaceful sounds of nature, not the noise of the city, yet enjoy fabulous community amenities and various restaurants, shops and attractions just minutes down the road.

It is not easy to find a financial institution that combines the “everybody knows your name” service of a small-town bank with the competitive interest rates and range of services of a larger financial institution. But at Riegelwood Federal Credit Union [RFCU] members can get the best of both worlds.

Grayson Park is located approximately 8 miles west of downtown Wilmington, just off NC Highway 87 (North) Maco Road. In addition to a great location, Grayson Park offers world-class amenities designed to bring people together and provide a sense of community. In the heart of the community is the resort-style Grayson Park Swim and Tennis Club.

Here, residents can swim laps or relax by the competition-size pool while the youngsters enjoy their own pool, play a doubles tennis match with the neighbors or give their children a push on the playground swings. The grand clubhouse provides a central gathering space where residents will enjoy wide porches with great views, a great room with a stone fireplace and a catering kitchen to cook for family and friends.

The credit union got its start in 1953 when seven employees of Riegel Paper Board Company started a savings and loan cooperative. In time, when membership in their savings and loans matured and they were soon able to compete with banks for loans and other services, Riegelwood Federal Credit Union was born. Its success continued and grew the company into what it is today — a financial institution with 32 employees, more than $77 million in assets and more than 7,800 members.

With the opportunity to own a brand-new home from $149,900, Grayson Park offers a wealth of options from which to choose, including two- and three-bedroom brick town homes and single-family brick homes. Grayson Park is now introducing Parkside, which will offer two-story, single-family homes with new layouts and craftsman-style features. The value of the homes located in this outstanding community is impossible to beat.

For more information about Grayson Park, check out the website at www.graysonparknc.com

Cape Fear Dental Care

by Ken Little

Business Profile

Beautiful dentistry with a gentle touch. That’s how Dr. Jonathan Ludwig summarizes the services he offers at Cape Fear Dental Care in Leland. Ludwig acquired the established practice at the Magnolia Greens Golf Plantation office in August, and he looks forward to serving the area for many years to come.

“We do dentistry for the whole family,” says Ludwig, whose practice includes general, cosmetic and implant dentistry.

Most important, he adds, is building a strong relationship with his patients.

Ludwig, 32, is a native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He holds a doctorate in dentistry from Temple University in Philadelphia and he spent the first six years of his career working as a general dentist in Oregon and Connecticut.

RFCU has expanded its operations to include a new branch in Leland. This new branch is intended to serve the ever growing North Brunswick community and also better serve existing credit union members already living in this area and surrounding areas. In August 2008, employees and members celebrated the opening of the new branch at 2065 Andrew Jackson Highway in Leland.

You might wonder how a credit union with so much success can stay true to its roots.

“It’s simple,” says Elaine Williams, Marketing Director of RFCU. “We’re down-to-earth people helping others in need.

We’re people helping people.” To underscore this value, the credit union has developed a new slogan: Real People, Real Friendly, Real Help. “We feel this gets to the heart of what we’re about,” Williams says.

RFCU members rest assured that their credit union is sound, well capitalized and insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Credit unions are not-for-profit organizations, existing solely to serve their members.

This is one reason why they hold up well in periods of financial uncertainty. Not one penny of insured savings has ever been lost by a member of a federally insured credit union Members are also comforted by the personalized help and service they get at RFCU. “Riegelwood Federal Credit Union has really stuck to its belief in personal service through the years,” Williams says.

“We want to help people get back on their feet, so we provide smaller loans that bigger institutions may ignore.”

Williams explains that RFCU understands that many people face financial struggles daily by living paycheck to paycheck and that it may be difficult to get help when they need it most. For example, RFCU offers personal loans ranging from $500 to $15,000. With online loan applications and a 24-hour loan approval turnaround, this is a highly attractive service.

The ability to quickly process a loan is not the only thing differentiating RFCU from other financial institutions. Interest rates on savings and checking accounts (called dividends because all investors are owners) are very competitive and sometimes higher than those offered at other institutions.

As a nonprofit organization, RFCU returns any surplus back to members in the forms of dividends, incentive rewards, etc.

While practicing in Connecticut, Ludwig noticed many of his patients were moving to states like North Carolina to enjoy a more temperate climate. He and his wife, Jennifer, have friends and family in the Wilmington area, so they made a decision to relocate the practice. Jennifer Ludwig serves as director of marketing for Cape Fear Dental Care, which also includes a team of business staff, dental hygienists and dental assistants.

“In the past we have given away hats that said ‘RFCU — I Own the Place,’ and members got a real kick out of this catchy slogan because it gave them a real feeling of belonging,” says Williams. “The trusting relationship we have built over the many years with our members has made us the successful credit union we are today. We look forward to extending this trust into the North Brunswick community.”

Ludwig has advanced training in cosmetic and implant restorative dentistry, in addition to a certification in laser restorative dentistry. He continues to advance his education in fields such as dental anesthesia, dental implants, cosmetics and digital photography to provide the finest and most advanced dental care available.

Another way RFCU helps community members is by welcoming non-native English speakers into its fold. Every day from 1 to 5 pm, the Leland branch has a Spanish-speaking interpreter on hand to assist anyone who may need interpretation services.

Ludwig believes in giving back to the community. Over the last three years, he has helped organize and contribute to an American Dental Association project called “Give Kids a Smile,” in which dental professionals devote their time and clinical expertise to provide free dental services to children whose families can’t afford needed care.

“We plan on contributing down here as well,” Ludwig says. “We’re looking forward to being part of the community.”

Ludwig’s professional affiliations include the American Dental Association, North Carolina State Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, American Board of Family Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the World Clinical Laser Institute.

For more information about Cape Fear Dental Care, call (910) 371-5965, visit the practice at 1014 Grandiflora Drive, Suite B, in Leland or check out the website at www.teethbythebeach.com.

112

North Brunswick Magazine

Membership Riegelwood Federal Credit Union’s field of membership has changed dramatically over the years. We welcome new members to become part of our credit union family, whether you live, work or worship in the North Brunswick community you can now join RFCU. Family members of such are also welcome to join and take advantage of all our financial services. We want to be your primary financial institution of choice!

Riegelwood Federal Credit Union has two locations: 183 John Riegel Road in Riegelwood; Open 8 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Thursday and 7 am to 4:30 pm on Friday. 2065 Andrew Jackson Highway, across from Leland Industrial Park on Highway 74-76 in Leland; Open 8 am to 5 pm daily, with the drive-through open until 6 pm on Friday.

For more information, visit www.riegelwoodfcu.org or call (910) 655-2274.

Winter 2008-09

113

Atlantic Coast Pest Management

The Grape & Ale

by Kelli Bemelmans

Business Profile

Business Profile

Atlantic Coast Pest Management is a one-stop, full-service pest extermination service located in the Clairmont Shopping Center in downtown Leland. They provide professional pest treatment and preventive control. Service is quick, and financing is available.

Do you know where you’d go in Brunswick County to find an extensive collection of wines and beers from around the globe, as well as an eclectic collection of gifts, cheeses and local art? The answer is as close as The Grape & Ale, a hip, artsy wine boutique tucked in the Dutchman Town Center in Southport.

Owner Michael Mitchell has 18 years experience in the pest-control business and runs his family-owned operation with his wife, Wendy, the office manager, who will greet you at the door with a smile. Pest control technician Robert McPeck and termite technician Ron Herd round out the team.

Atlantic Coast offers termite control, fire ant control and pest control of North Carolina’s most common pests, including roaches, spiders, ants, earwigs, millipedes, silverfish, Indian meal moths, sawtooth grain beetles, fleas, ticks, bees and rodents. Cracks and crevices in home interiors are treated, and exterior services include window sills, gutters, eaves and down spouts.

In front of the store, two patio tables overlook a stately live oak shading a delicate garden of begonias, azaleas, camellias and asparagus fern. Inside, the store is a feast for the senses: a huge selection of wines covers one long wall, floor to ceiling. Three additional wine racks on the floor invite investigation. The shop is full of gifts, including handmade beaded glassware, Christmas ornaments, wine and cheese accessories, picnic kits, gift baskets (pre-made or made to order and delivered), local chocolates and Above: The Grape & Ale in Southport stocks wine, beer, gift baskets, chocolates, prints by local artist Kelley Morris, cheeses, local artwork and much more. whose original paintings are hung throughout the store. Sirius Radio’s “Coffee House” selections provide the funky, artsy music to match the mood.

Encapsulation services are also offered for moisture control. In this process, the technician enters the crawl space, closes the vents and runs poly up the walls and around the piers and applies a moisture barrier to the foundation floor. This seals the space so no moisture or bugs can get in. Dehumidification services are also available.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Another service Mitchell offers is a WDIR, or Wood Destroying Insect Report, which reports the state of the house with regard to termites and wood destroying insects. Some mortgage companies require a WDIR before giving a loan for a house.

Wendy Mitchell encourages you to stop by for an assessment of your pest control needs. Service is quick, often the same day, and it is high quality and tailored to your needs. “Our customers are very satisfied,” she says.

Call Atlantic Coast Pest Management at (910) 371-0855, email them at acpm@bellsouth.net or visit them at www.atlanticcoastpestmanagement.com for more information.

Brunswick Forest

by Kelli Bemelmans

by Tobin Spirer

Manager Candace Hobbs has been with the store since it opened in July 2008. A wine enthusiast, and formerly a sales manager with Weyerhaeuser, Hobbs has visited the well-known domestic regions as well as vineyards in Tuscany, France and Germany, sampling wines and absorbing information along the way. It’s a labor of love and she is clearly in her element. “I’m a people person, and I love selling,” says Hobbs. “It’s the best of both worlds.

I enjoy meeting people from all walks of life… it seems wine forms a common universal bond.”

Neighborhood Profile

Brunswick Forest continues to set the pace in Cape Fear area sales with 115 sales in the first nine months of 2008, totaling $41,365,994.

The vast wine selection includes a Maquis Lien from a family-owned winery in Chile, a racy Yamhill Pinot Gris (“Bright, sparkly, crisp, with a wonderfully forward aroma of flowers and earth”), and a Montinore Estate Gewurztraminer from Willamette Valley, Oregon. Walk to the back of the store to the cooler to find beers from all over the world: Harpoon India Pale Ale, Dead Guy Ale Rogue and Raspberry Hefeweizen, and Lakefront Organic, amongst others. Don’t be put off if you’re not quite sure what you need. Hobbs and her knowledgeable staff are available to assist you with your selection in a friendly atmosphere. Nonalcoholic wines are available for $7 per bottle.

The 4,500-acre community just 6 miles south of Wilmington has grown to include more than 420 families in the past 18 months. According to Brunswick County courthouse records, in the first six months of 2008 Brunswick Forest had 66 percent market share of all homes sold in the $250,000 to $399,999 range and 78 percent of all homes in the $400,000 to $549,000 range.

“Brunswick Forest’s success is based on affordable home and home-site packages, a wide range of residential choices for prospective owners, and an unparalleled array of fitness, recreation and social activities,” says Brenda Key, President of Brunswick Forest Realty. “Buyers are continuing to recognize Brunswick Forest’s outstanding features, even in this difficult real estate market.”

The Grape & Ale also offers a wine club. For $34.99 per month you receive two bottles of selected wine per month, a 15 percent discount on reorders of the Wine Club selections, and 10 percent off all wine purchases every day, as well as other benefits. Wine and beer tastings are offered every Friday from 4 to 7 pm and Saturdays from 2 to 6 pm.

An 18,000-square-foot Fitness & Wellness Center, miles of biking and hiking trails, neighborhood parks, a Garden Center and Welcome Center have opened for property owner enjoyment. A host of other amenities are in the works, including the 27-hole Cape Fear National® Country Club and The Villages at Brunswick Forest, a major retail center with shops, dining, entertainment, medical and professional offices.

Other events at The Grape & Ale include wine dinners, guest speakers, an ale festival, parties, art classes and more. You can sign up at the shop for the email newsletter that gives you all the latest happenings at the store.

An array of individual neighborhoods, single-family home sites, custom homes, town homes and cottages offer a wide range of architectural and lifestyle choices. Initial pricing puts home sites from the $150,000s and home packages including home sites from the mid-$200,000s.

The Grape & Ale is located at 5130 Southport Supply Road, Suite 102, in Southport. Call them at (910) 457-0109 or email grapeandale@att.net for more information.

For more information on Brunswick Forest, call (910) 371-2434 or (888) 371-2434 or visit www.brunswickforest.com 114

North Brunswick Magazine

Winter 2008-09

115

Andy’s Burgers, Shakes & Fries

by Kelli Bemelmans

Business Profile

Walking through the doors at Andy’s Burgers, Shakes & Fries is like stepping back in time 50 years. The cool, retro interior sports a checkerboard floor, red and silver booths, tall tables along a mirror-lined wall and bar seating in front of the grill. The waitresses don graceful poodle skirts, pink T-shirts and black-and-white polka-dotted scarves. Pictures of Elvis, Betty Boop and Marilyn Monroe line the walls, and upbeat ’50s music accompanies the hubbub of people enjoying a good meal.

Manager Bridget Brodie emphasizes that customer service comes first at Andy’s. “We’re taught from the very beginning here that customer satisfaction must be 100 percent,” she says. “We’re going above and beyond; not just taking orders. Every person who comes in the door, we want a connection with, we want to talk to, to get to know.” Several regulars come in every single day, Bridget says, and the staff knows them by name and greets them like friends.

The menu at Andy’s features a variety of burgers, cheesesteaks, hot platters, kids’ meals, sandwiches, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, salads, wings and sides. For dessert, try a milk shake, Caramel Apple Granny, ice cream or Andy’s new frozen custard. Each day Andy’s offers vanilla custard and one flavor of the day, ranging from cookies and cream to key lime pie to death by chocolate. You can have your frozen custard in a cup or waffle cone, as a shake, malt, root beer float or sundae, or take it home in pints and quarts.

Several “Twist-Ins,” such as cherries, gummy bears and Reese’s Cups, can be added to your custard.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Starting with quality, fresh ingredients, every meal at Andy’s is cooked to order. “Our fries don’t sit under a heat lamp, everything’s fresh,” says Bridget. “But we can serve you in three to five minutes; we can have you in and out during your workday.”

The menu is reasonably priced, with burgers ranging from $3.59 to $7.49 for the nearly one-pound triple cheeseburger.

Sandwiches range from $1.49 to $4.99, and weekday specials, including fries Above: Manager Bridget Brodie and her staff welcome customers with a smile and a drink, cost $5.49. When asked for at Andy’s Burgers, Shakes & Fries in Leland. a recommendation, Bridget suggests “Andy’s Special,” their original burger, fries and a drink for $4.99. Andy’s has a drive-through window and takes to-go orders.

Call them for information on catering wings or cheesesteaks.

Business After Hours – First Tuesday of Every Month Young Professionals Network – Bi-monthly Events Guest Speaker Luncheons – Monthly

Andy’s hosts fund-raising events and encourages schools and local organizations to call for information. (They recently hosted a pancake breakfast fund-raiser for the Brunswick County Jets.) Andy’s is also a drop-off location for WECT-TV’s toy drive this Christmas: Just bring in an unopened toy and drop it in the decorated collection box.

North Brunswick Chamber Annual Events: Leland Under the Lights Car Show every August Business Expo every January Springfest every April

“We have a special atmosphere here,” Bridget says. “Leave your problems outside the door and come in for good food in a family atmosphere. We have a lot of fun here.”

A µ ^kZ! ldg`! eaVn VcY \gdl ndjg Wjh^cZhh¶#

Andy’s is located in Westgate Shopping Center next to Wal-Mart at 1114 New Point Boulevard in Leland. Call (910) 371-2707 to place an order or speak with Manager Bridget Brodie, or visit Andy’s on the web at www.andysburgers.net.

116

North Brunswick Magazine

910-383-0553

www.nbchamber.net nbchamber@nbchamber.net Winter 2008-09

117

Pat’s Tire & Auto Service Center’s

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WENDY HUNT

faces & places

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Wendy Hunt

Sixth Annual Pat’s Tire & Auto Service Center Ultimate Golf Tournament

Grand Opening Celebration for East Carolina Bank On Tuesday, September 8, East Carolina Bank held a grand opening

Annual Golf Tournament was held September 18 at Magnolia Greens Golf Plantation. Eighty-eight golfers participated and raised $18,500 to benefit Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCareCenter.

Brian Hartzel, Rita Tatum, Jeff Baker, Brandon Colby

celebration at its new location at 1101 New Pointe Boulevard in Westgate.

A packed house came together to help congratulate East Carolina Bank on its new Leland location.

Jason Swain, Ryan Tanner, Tyson Borum, Corey Morton

Jeff Herdemian, David Heath, Joe Masucci, Jonny Williams

John Nash, Bill Schery, Craig Smith Tom Gibson, Dannel Lamm, David Willoughby, Scott Lawton

Adam Swain, George Coggins, Chris Houseknecht

Matt Ward & Brooks Bridges Victor Pearsall & Brad Bruestle

Nick DeVenero & Bob Jones

Chris Klos

Bryan James

Tom Wallace Martin Mallady, Jim Wallace

Tom Oliver, Jason Walter, Jim Hoenie, Marco Vivaldi, Roger James

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEITH KETCHUM Chuck & Linda Mehner

Jen & Jon Ludwig

Seventh Annual Leland Founders Day Celebration

JD Terry & Susan Cruse

The Seventh Annual Leland Founders Day Celebration was held Saturday, September 13. The event was held behind the Leland Town Hall and included children’s activities, live music, art and Jeff Harvel & Nick Arbia

Rhonda Norris & Mark Koval

Mike Rush & Dan Hagin

Karen & Mike Budziszewski

craft vendors and free food.

Rhonda Norris

Ann & Ezell Willard 118

Dr. Chris Rizzo & Dr. Pam Betz

North Brunswick Magazine

Jerry Brett, Sheila Hanby, Katie Samsel, George Murray, Franklin Rouse

Jennifer Henthorn & Drew Roper

Dr. Gil Cromshaw gives a mini massage.

Live music was a hit.

Shuttle service ran smoothly.

Leland Police Chief Timothy Jayne

Children loved the bouncy slide.

The event was held behind Town Hall.

Winter 2008-09

119

faces & places

Business After Hours at Capeside Animal Hospital

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEITH KETCHUM

First Annual Waterford Fall Festival

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WENDY HUNT

The first annual Waterford Fall Festival was held Saturday, November 1. The event, which drew many art and craft vendors, helped to raise more than $2,000 for the Lower Sheila Hanby, DVM, owner of Capeside Animal Hospital, held a business after hours on Tuesday, October 7 at her location at 511 Olde Wateford Way. The event was catered by

Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCareCenter and also raised over $800 and lots of food for the Food Drive that benefited Brunswick Family Assistance. The streets of Waterford closed down for art and craft vendors which gave an opportunity for local residents to learn more about the people and businesses right here in the North Brunswick community.

Charlie MacGrooders Restaurant and featured live music by the Mostly Bluegrass Society.

Jill Moran, Sydney and Lilly

Mostly Bluegrass Society

Live music by Like Flint and lots of vendors filled the streets.

Lynn Olsen

Reggie Shropshire, Jim Tuzzeo, Dan Hagan

Gene Hartis & Sheila Hanby, DVM

Mark Koval, Sharon Bryant, Tony Vlach

Sara Gray Edwards, Rick Murphy, Jarrett Zeisloft

Angie Coats & Susan Cruse 120

Ana Hanby & Sheila Hanby, DVM

North Brunswick Magazine

Katie Samsel & Theresa Morgan

Bryan Prince

Maryanne Fagerquist & Valerie Brown

John Hanby, Pam Potter, Kristi Sluiter, George Murray, Sheila Hanby

Kathryn Norman & Latty Bost

Kelley Morris

Blaine Daniel & Kate Carter

The bagpipes were cool.

Mack Osborne

Lisa Britt

Christina Hinz

George Murray, Gary & Chris Longordo

Jeannine Leonard & Sancha Clerjeune

Timothy K. Bush

Addy & Frank Bullara Winter 2008-09

121

faces & places

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WENDY HUNT

Young Professionals Network Event at San Felipe North Brunswick Young Professionals Network held its third event on Thursday, September 18, at San Felipe. NBYPN is a

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WENDY HUNT

Business After Hours at Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty’s Leland Office

group of professionals ages 21 to 39 who

Chris Rizzo, Pam Betz, Jon & Jen Ludwig, Doug Wattier

Sheila Hanby & Bob Jenkins

Patty & Louis Knight, Bruce & Marge Brown, Denise Kinney, Vic Rosodo

Bruce Brown, Broker-in-Charge

get together for the purpose of networking,

for Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty’s

growing their businesses and getting involved

Leland office, held a Business After

in the community. The next meeting will be

Hours on Thursday, November 6. Local

held January 15, 2009. For info contact Erin

musician David Bohn played for a crowd

Alderman at aldermane2@nationwide.com

of about 100, and Antonio’s and Flavor’s Ice Cream catered the event.

Amy Boggs & Jon Wilson

Shawn Thornton & Erin Alderman

Crowd at Afterhours

Chris Houseknecht & Bernadette Hayes

Jon Spetrino, Howard Bailey, Brandon Colby, Brad Hodges

Franklin Rouse, Jessie Dickerson, George Coggins

Bruce Brown, George Murray, Brian Matzke

CD Release Party for John Sweeney

Brad Hunter, Craig Stevens, Jennie Steele, Wendy Melville, Roland Nairnsey

Rhonda Norris, Dana Fisher, Jeff Harvel

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WENDY HUNT Local dentist John Sweeney held a CD Release Party at the Connection Cafe on Friday, October 17.

His debut CD is titled Spread the Love. John is a talented musician who reaches across genre lines from

Connie & Scott Reeves

Vincent Perino, Bob Odom, Frank Bullara

Mark Rhodes & Mike Worley

folk to blues to reggae. For more information on John’s Todd Midgett & Wendy Turner

Marcello Nascimento, John Sweeney, Troy Pierce & Paul Spurrier 122

North Brunswick Magazine

John & Kim Sweeney

John Roberts & Brittany Minor

music, visit www.myspace.com/JohnSweeneymusic.

Wendy Turner, Jessica Wilkins, Alexis Hales, Rebekah Cavenaugh, Kayla Bolick

Winter 2008-09

123

Advertisers Index

124

North Brunswick Magazine

Advertiser

Phone#

AcoustiCreations A Sure Foundation Repair All Metal Roofing Company, LLC American Mini Storage Anchorage Building Corp.

Andy’s Burgers, Shakes & Fries Antonio’s Pizza and Pasta Ashton Place – A Brookside Homes Community Atlantic Coast Pest Management BB&T Bianchi Brickyard Supply Big Sky Design Brunswick Forest Brunswick Urgent Care Bugsy’s Cigars Business Network Int’l Capeside Animal Hospital Cape Fear Dental Care Carolina Solar Security Chews 4 Health ChiroHealth Chiropractic Christi Insurance & Marine Closer Walk United Methodist Church Closet Factory Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty Compass Pointe Cooperative Bank Crawlspace Care Crawlspace Concepts Cromshaw Chiropractic Divas Hair Studio East Carolina Bank Eastern Pines Oral & Maxillo Facial Surgery Eddie Romanelli’s Restaurant Farm Bureau Insurance First Bank Fitwize 4 Kids Flex Appeal Gym Franklin Rouse-State Farm Insurance Gateway Church of Christ Grape and Ale Wine & Beer Godspeed Photography Grace United Methodist Church Groucho’s Deli Gumdrops & Lollipops Hanover Center Hanover Medical Specialists, P.A. Harley & Associates Homeworks Custom Builders House of Wine & Cheese Hunt’s Tree Services Intracoastal Realty Corporation Ivy Cottage Kelly Sloop-Tyler’s Cove at Mallory Creek Kids at Play King Tiger Tae Kwan Do

910-371-2038 910-383-9910 888-468-5766 910-383-6500 910-686-3353 910-371-2707 910-383-0033 910-383-9890 910-371-0855 910-383-1821 910-454-4445 910-793-3992 910-371-2434 910-383-2182 910-399-2923 910-383-3610 910-383-2100 910-371-5965 910-791-5820 910-540-2619 910-454-8100 910-383-3767 910-371-2965 910-350-0011 910-371-1181 888-717-6468 910-383-2925 910-791-5432 910-383-9910 910-371-2525 910-383-0054 910-371-3041 910-383-3004 910-383-1885 910-371-2111 910-383-3955 910-620-5191 910-371-9900 910-371-5446 910-383-3282 910-457-0109 910-262-3836 910-763-5197 910-371-2006 910-371-2495 910-392-3300 910-343-0447 910-784-9800 800-292-4966 910-383-2344 910-799-9552 800-533-1840 910-815-0907 910-383-2378 910-383-3919 910-383-2101

Pg 7 20 85 104 93 39, 116 13 11 114, 124 65 65 72 9, 114 12 108 117 53 45, 112 56 52 126 85 85 78 47 130, IBC 78 58 20 14 62 62 BC 17 31 23 14 108 111 23 94, 115 72 67 45 82 104 70 19 124 111 91 34 70 74 93 105 Winter 2008-09

125

Advertisers Index If your spine is out of alignment,

so is your health!

a designed therapeutic massage

for you

Most Insurance Accepted t t Fibromyalgia t t Disc Problems t t Auto Injuries t t Pregnancy/New mothers t t Sports/Work Injuries t

t

First Time Clients $35 for one hour

Soothing Touch therapeutic massage Dr. Jeff, and his daughter Mykaela

Healthcare for the entire family

417 N Howe St # A t Southport, NC 28461

   .    .    

126

North Brunswick Magazine

Marion “Tina” Lee #3337 Licensed Massage Bodywork Therapist 110-E Village Rd. Leland, NC 28451

9 1 0 . 2 3 3 . 5 6 1 5

Advertiser

Phone#

Kwik Kuts Lanvale Forest — A Southern Homebuilders Community Leland Business Association Leland Copy Center Leland Tribune Leland Veterinary Hospital Logan Homes Mayfaire Town Center M&M Mini Storage Michelle Gurrera – Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty Monkey Junction Self Storage Morgan Internal Medicine, PC Mulch and More Murray Art & Frame New Carolina Chiropractic North Brunswick Chiropractic & Acupuncture North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce Novant Health PC Solutions Pestco Exterminating Co. Port City Java at Waterford Quality Work Landscaping & Grass Cutting Raymond James Financial Services RBR Books Riegelwood Federal Credit Union Regina Drury-Century 21 Sweyer & Associates Rhodes Law Offices, PLLC Roseann Neu- Therapuetic Massage Ruchadina L. Waddell, Attorney at Law Sailfish Realty Sam Carr, Healthplans-NC Schaeffer BMW Seidokan Karate Seabrooke – A Signature Homes Community Sew Perfect Alterations Shoreline at Westgate – A Penton Development Community Smiley’s Painting Soothing Touch Therapuetic Massage Southport Shutter & Closet Co. Stevens Fine Homes Summit Cosmetic Surgery Sweeney Dental Care Tax Works The LMC Group Thorpe Design Group Tidal Passions International Tim Johnson Custom Homes Village Road Memorial Chapel Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Wes & Cecelia Benson- RE/MAX Coastal Properties WHQR Wilmington Health Associates Wilmington Plastic Surgery Wilmington South Realty Woody Wright-Nationwide Insurance Zion United Methodist Church

910-371-5510 910-383-2333 910-540-3334 910-383-2235 910-371-3408 910-371-3440 800-761-4707 910-256-5131 910-253-7763 910-233-5556 910-371-0942 910-332-0241 910-253-7663 910-371-3833 910-371-6073 910-371-1200 910-383-0553 910-755-1276 910-371-5999 910-791-5432 910-383-2429 910-383-6558 910-371-0366 910-383-9843 910-655-2274 910-232-4919 910-383-3610 910-274-4455 910-772-6400 910-262-8959 910-278-5456 910-392-2700 910-371-3351 910-508-6655 910-371-6633 910-452-6355 910-233-1165 910-233-5615 910-454-4325 910-332-8500 910-794-5355 910-383-2615 910-383-6644 910-383-1540 910-457-6211 877-593-0251 910-383-0950 910-383-3511 910-815-3901 910-547-2011 910-343-1640 910-371-0404 800-646-9308 910-383-3456 910-371-0770 910-253-5673

Pg 96 86 94 123 78 72 66 6 94 23 IFC 74 93 65 20 91 117 4, 87 14 58 20 108 58 62 45,113 3 46 96 62 5 82 74 29 50 111 62 72 126 96 15, 112 129 59 82 87 12 91 126 67 53 29 97 67 110 91 96 104 Winter 2008-09

127

capture the moment

Photo Captured By Keith Ketchum

Have you captured the moment? If so, email your photos to capture@thenbm.com.

If we choose your photo to be published on this page, you will win a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant.

128

North Brunswick Magazine

Orthognathic Surgery

Dental Implants

TMJ Treatment

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Preprosthetic Surgery

Botox Treatment

Eastern Pines

What’s New?

ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY GROUP at Waterford Medical Center Phillip S. McIver, DDS

Brunswick County’s first oral surgeon. Satellite offices in Bladenboro Visit your local dentist for a referral or call us at

(910)383-3004

509 Olde Waterford Way, Suite 300 Leland, NC 28451 www.easternpinesoms.com

Visa MasterCard Most insurances Medicaid Quality care for all