15
We strive to outdo ourselves with each
successive issue, and we believe this
— our 243rd consecutive monthly edition — does just that.
FIND inside our 18th annual
Real Estate Roundup covering
2019’s closed sales in New
Hanover, Brunswick and
Pender counties. Hear from 19 top bro-kers
representing 10 thriving real estate
brokerage companies, plus one cautionary
Wrightsvile resident.
I learn so much as I write and we
assemble this in-depth look-back each
year. It is heartening to see the strong
recovery from the recession — and then
Hurricane Florence — which stymied the
real estate market here on the coast. For
most of our businesses, those were pretty
lean times. There is wisdom in the say-ing:
“However it goes in the real estate
market, so it goes for the rest of us.”
This year’s real estate retrospective
does come, however, with sadness.
We publish without the assistance of
Intracoastal Realty’s Broker-in-Charge
Chris Livengood, a very fine and much-loved
man who passed from this world
upfront
Pat Bradford photographed late last year by Cody Milewski of Cassian Films as
part of a 10-second spot celebrating 20 years of creating Stories that Matter
for our new and improved website, which is about to premiere.
into the next in early January. He was and will be greatly missed.
Anchoring our cover is the exquisite glassblowing of Wilmington artist and actor Richard Bunting. His distinctive combi-nation
of colors and tints in glass is unforgettable.
Those looking for extreme fitness options — and fans of Wrightsville firefighter Sam Proffitt — will be thrilled with
Simon Gonzalez’s look at Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach’s firefighter workouts. Firefighters are close to my heart; my
son Michael, one of the fittest men I know, is a battalion chief in the all-paid fire department in Nassau County, in North
Florida. (And he is second generation, his dad is the retired Fire Chief of neighboring Duval County.)
Who knew when we all carried our crates of vinyl records to the thrift stores that one day we’d really regret giving them
away. That day is upon us; settle in for an in-depth look at the re-emergence of vinyl albums. Parents and grandparents will
enjoy a kid-friendly set of sweet recipes for Valentine’s Day, and don’t miss retired architect Henry Johnston’s photos of the
1973 ice storm, taken at Figure Eight Island.
Enjoy this month — when we celebrate love — celebrate to the fullest with frequent acts of kindness.
Editor/Publisher
Pat’s hair by Frank Potter, Bangz Hair Salon. Hair styled by Rob Asp, Bangz. Makeup styled by Sarah Harris, Bangz.
CODY MILEWSKI/ CASSIAN FILMS
www.wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com WBM