FREE! APRIL / MAY 2018
your life on the Crystal Coast BRIDGING THE GAP
LANTERN FESTIVAL
APRIL 21, 2018
BABY ANIMALS
BEAVER’S LITTLE BROTHER SCIENCE STRIDES FORWARD
NEWCOMER MAKES A SPLASH LOOK INSIDE ON PAGE 8 FOR FUN & FREE
THINGS TO DO MID–APRIL THROUGH MID–MAY
HOME OF THE CRYSTAL COAST STEAM POT!
GRILL & STEAM BAR
Good food, good friends, great times!
COMING SOON
SNAPPERZ OF EMERALD ISLE!
Friday Nights RANDY’S FAMOUS ANGUS
PRIME RIB
8 GIANT FLAT SCREENS IN THE BOAT BAR!
Next to El’s • Look for the Big Fish!
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LUNCH, DINNER AND KIDS MENU ALL DAY!
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Welcome Spring! F ROM F L I PPE R Z FA M I LY BA R & G R I L L
A casual island eatery with a touch of class.
TUESDAY
Weekly Specials
WEDNESDAY
—Lunch— —Lunch— Taco Tuesday! Turkey & Brie on Wheat Chicken / Shrimp Tacos with Cranberry Relish —Dinner— —Dinner— Parmesan Mahi Meatloaf
Lunch & Dinner Hours Sunday-Thursday 11am-8pm Friday-Saturday 11am-9pm —Closed On Mondays—
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
—Lunch— Chicken & Shrimp Quesadillas —Dinner— Lasagna
—Lunch— Chef’s Choice on Croissant —Dinner— Prime Rib
—Dinner— Crab Cake Penne with Cajun Aioli
SEAFOOD ♥ STEAKS ♥ SANDWICHES
311 Mangrove Drive Across from CVS in Emerald Isle
252.354.7775 • flipperz.net • facebook.com/flipperzemeraldisle
MID-A PRI L TO M ID-M AY 2 0 1 8
Inside This Issue your life on the Crystal Coast
14 Beaver’s Little Brother: Baby Muskie Visits OWLS The Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter in Newport
recently admitted a tiny little muskrat—only an eight ounce baby, who was found wandering along the road and was ready to ask for help!
14
16 The Lantern Festival: Bridging The Gap Eastern Carolina’s first-ever Lantern Festival is WILDLIFE SHELTER: Beaver’s Little Brother
FREE!
APRIL /
April / May
MAY 2018
t stal Coas on the Cry your life THE GAP
N LANTER FESTIVAL BRIDGING
APRIL 21,
ON THIS MONTH’S COVER
2018
ALS BABY ANIM
’S BEAVTER LE LI TER BROTH D
FORWAR
OMER NEWCAK A M ESSH SPLA SCIENCE
THINGS
FOR FUN MAY
UGH MID–
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& FREE
TO DO
E8 IDE ON PAG
LOOK INS
STRIDES
Spring may be coming a little late to the Crystal Coast, but soon enough it will be time to start opening up the garden sheds and dusting off the shovels! Let’s get planting!
set to take place April 21 at the Carteret County Speedway in honor of lost loved ones and those fighting addiction or disease. You are not alone!
17 Newcomer Makes A Splash: Atlantic Spotted Dolphin Stella is the re-articulated skeleton of an Atlantic
spotted dolphin which was beached on Ocracoke Island several years ago. A complete skeletal display of one exists nowhere else on earth.
18 The Save: A Powerful Look Back In Time Pastor Paul Ortiz of the Island Church in Emerald Isle looks back on the day Jesus made his entrance into Jerusalem. There was quite a stir prior. They were ready for a rebellion.
LOCAL INTEREST
Things To Do................................................ 8 16 LANTERN FESTIVAL A celebration of life! Light a tethered lantern in memory.
17 NEWCOMER SPLASH Skeletal display of dolphin is the only one in the world!
Hooked Up Fishing...................................... 19 Diving Our Coast.. ....................................... 20 Tides. . ........................................................ 21
CarolinaSalt.com » April / May 2018 CAROLINA SALT 5
NOW OPEN DELI • DRINKS PREPARED FOODS BREAKFAST • LUNCH OPEN 7 DAYS
PUBLISHER
WILL ASHBY C R E AT I V E D I R E C TO R
C H E V Y K AY LO R B E C O M E A C O N T R I BU TO R
Submit your letters to the editor, photos, community listings and articles to will@carolinasalt.com. The editorial deadline for the next issue is April 16. The next issue publishes May 7.
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Call us to find out how we can help you grow your local business. FROM THE PUBLISHER
Thank you for picking up Carolina Salt magazine, all about our life here on the Crystal Coast. Our articles are written by locals. Every month we look to our readers to keep our magazine fresh. If you have a story to tell, an event to promote or an interesting local photograph, send them our way. Participation is welcomed and appreciated. Reader contributions are the founding principle of the magazine. If you like what you see, tell people about it— especially our advertisers. For questions, concerns or more information, send e-mail to will@carolinasalt.com or call 252-723-7628. For up-to-date info, be sure to look us up on Facebook!
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WE DEPEND ON OUR READERS! Call 252-723-7628 if you’re interested in submitting an article or photo. Our local content is what keeps our magazine fresh and relevant. PUBLISHED BY CRYSTAL COAST OUTDOORS PUBLICATIONS P.O. Box 572, Morehead City, NC 28557 | 252-723-7628
OUTFITTING SALTWATER ANGLERS & BOATERS FOR OVER 15 YEARS! Our knowledgeable staff can assist you with all your fishing and boating needs. AUTHORIZED DEALER
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THINGS TO DO
✪ = FREE
MID–APRIL TO MID–MAY
TUESDAYS + WEDNESDAYS
Qi Gong Classes
[ 6:30–7:30PM TUE | 10:30–11:30AM WED ] Join us
✪ APRIL 9
BIRD HIKE AT FORT MACON
Meet at the Fort Macon Visitor Center and take a leisurely like from 9 to 10 a.m. to identify birds native to the area. For more information call 252-726-3775.
for Qi Gong with Brenna Wilcox. Qi Gong is the art and science of using breath, gentle movement, meditation and sound to cleanse, strengthen and circulate one’s vital energy. The eight brocades will be our focus for this 6-week course. We will open the energy channels of the body, nourish organs and experience the flow of bioelectricity inside and out! Please make sure to pre-register by calling 910-326-2600 or come by the Swansboro Recreation Center, 830 Main Street Extension. You can register online at swansboro.recdesk.com.
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APRIL 9
Bird Hike at Fort Macon
[ 9–10AM ] Meet at the Fort Macon Visitor Center
and take a leisurely hike to identify birds native to the area. At 2303 East Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. For more information call 252-726-3775.
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APRIL 10
Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry’s Join us for Free Cone Day at both Jacksonville and Emerald Isle locations. All tips will be donated to Hope for the Warriors.
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APRIL 11, 18, 25 | MAY 2, 9
Musket Firing Demo
[ 10–11AM ] Meet in Fort Macon to learn about a
✪ APRIL 10
FREE CONE DAY
Join us for Free Cone Day at the Jacksonville and Emerald Isle Ben & Jerry’s locations. All tips will be donated to Hope for the Warriors.
Civil War Era musket’s history, loading procedures and firing. At 2303 East Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. For more information call 252726-3775. APRIL 13
Beach Take Home Art Event
Bella Cutz will be hosting a DIY event that is sure to please. Leave with your own nautical wall art and a smile! Make sure to register ahead. Choose between a “My Family Is My Anchor” motif or “Mermaid Kisses & Starfish Wishes.” For more information, please call 910-326-2600 or come by the Swansboro Recreation Center, 830 Main Street Ext. You may register online by visiting swansboro.recdesk.com.
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APRIL 13
Friday Free Flicks
[ 7–9PM ] Movies are family oriented. Free and
✪ APRIL 19
NATURAL SIDE OF FORT MACON
Meet at 10 a.m. in the Visitor Center lobby for a leisurely hike exploring the natural side of Fort Macon, exploring both trails and beach. Call 252-726-3775 for information. 8
open to the public, children must be accompanied by an adult. Popcorn and drink for $1. Please bring chairs and or blankets, no outside beverages or snacks. Call the Emerald Isle Parks and Rec at 252-354-6350 for movie title one week prior to showing. At 7500 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle. APRIL 13–15, 20–22
‘On Golden Pond’ at Carteret Community Theatre
On Golden Pond, Ernest Thompson’s bittersweet story which elicits every emotion, focuses on aging couple Ethel and Norman Thayer, who spend each
CAROLINA SALT April / May 2018 » CarolinaSalt.com
summer at their home on Golden Pond. On this particular summer, they are visited by daughter Chelsea with her fiancé Billy Ray and his son Billy Ray, Jr. We witness the often turbulent relationship the young woman shared with her father growing up, the humor of seniors trying to relate to the younger generation and the difficulties faced by a couple in the twilight years of a long marriage. On Golden Pond will have you simultaneously laughing out loud and wiping away tears. April 13–14, 20–21.......................................................7:30PM April 15, 22...........................................................................2PM
Tickets in advance are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and military with ID and $10 for students through high school. Tickets at the door are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and military with ID and $12 for students through high school. At 1311 Arendell Street, Morehead City. For more information call 252-497-8919. APRIL 14
The Crystal Coast Choral Society Concert: Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs
The Crystal Coast Choral Society, under the direction of Finley Woolston, will perform its annual spring concert, “Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs,” in both Onslow and Carteret counties the second weekend in April. The concert will feature a number of familiar sacred hymns and tunes and includes a string trio and four hand piano. Several numbers include audience participation. Teresa Boykin serves as the society’s piano accompanist. The first performance will be at All Saints Anglican Church, 292 McCabe Road, Newport, on Saturday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m. The second performance will be held at Swansboro United Methodist Church, 665 West Corbett Avenue (Highway 24), Swansboro, on Sunday, April 15 at 2 p.m. Cost of admission is $10. Student tickets are $5 and children 10 and under are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased from Choral Society members or at the door. The Crystal Coast Choral Society is a non-auditioned group that strives to provide residents of eastern North Carolina with the opportunity to hear and perform quality choral music and to foster future musicians. Choral Society members come from Onslow, Carteret and Craven counties and range in age from students to grandparents. New members are welcome and rehearsals resume on Tuesday night, after Labor Day in September, at Swansboro United Methodist Church. More information is available at crystalcoastchoralsociety.org or on our Facebook page. For more information call 910-358-2997.
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APRIL 14
Touch A Truck
[ 10AM–2PM ] The Swansboro Parks and
Recreation Department will host its 5th Annual Touch A Truck event at Swansboro Municipal Park, 830 Main St Extension. Touch A Truck, sponsored by Stevenson Chevrolet, provides a
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MID–APRIL TO MID–MAY
unique opportunity for those young and young at heart to explore, climb, touch, learn what the trucks do, how they work and how they benefit our community. This is your chance to climb in, take a seat behind the steering wheel and imagine being the driver of a fire engine, ambulance, Bobcat and many, many more vehicles! Bring out the entire family for a day of fun and hands on vehicle exploration. We will have TapSnap on site for photos and The Fuzzy Peach and Rockin’ Game Party for some extra fun! Bring your vehicle to the event! Do you or your company have a unique vehicle that you would like to share with the community at the Touch A Truck event? If so, contact the Swansboro Parks and Recreation Department for more information.
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APRIL 14
Exploring the Heavens
[ 2–3PM ] Join us in the Visitor Center’s large
auditorium as special guest NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador Lisa Pelletier-Harman shares an overview of the first non-terrestrial telescope, NASA’s Hubble. Learn how it has changed our understanding of the universe around us, some of the mission’s highlights and an introduction to the next step in observing’s evolution, The James Webb Telescope. At Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach. For more information call 252726-3775. APRIL 14
‘Bites & Blues’ Dining and Music Walking Tour
[ 5–8:30PM ] Bite through the night at the sixth
annual Bites & Blues. Use your ticket as your guide as you walk the Morehead City waterfront, stopping at each waterfront restaurant or host business to taste a delicious “bite” from each locally owned participating restaurant. Blues music will fill the air as bands and solo performers entertain attendees along the waterfront route. At the end of the night, attendees will choose their favorite “Bite Of The Nite.” The winning restaurant will receive honors along with the prestigious White Plate and a monetary prize. New this year: We are securing a secret culinary judge from outside the area who will fairly select the best culinary “Bite of the Nite” which will also receive a monetary prize and plate. Tickets can
be purchased for $45 each. To purchase tickets, visit The North Carolina Seafood Festival office at 412- D Evans Street, Morehead City, or call 252726-6273. APRIL 15 | MAY 20
White Oak River Spring Birding Cruises
[ 10AM–NOON ] The North Carolina Coastal
Federation is hosting its spring birding cruises on the White Oak River. The cruises will be led by local birding expert and federation board member JoAnne Powell. The two-hour cruises aboard a covered ferry boat will move through estuaries of the White Oak River and Bogue Sound and participants will identify resident and migratory shorebirds, warblers, raptors and waterfowl. Birds are most common in and around coastal estuaries, looking for food, water and shelter. In addition to birds, the cruise offers views of marshes, Bogue Inlet and Bear Island. Participants may also see dolphins and other wildlife.“The birding cruises are always a very popular program and Hammocks Beach State Park offers such spectacular views of local birds and wildlife,” said Rachel Bisesi, coastal education coordinator for the federation. “JoAnne Powell does a fabulous job teaching the group about the sights they see and her commitment to teach others about our beautiful coast has been a positive reflection on the federation and the work that we do.” The program fee is $20 for federation members and $25 for nonmembers. All ages are welcome, but the program is geared toward adults and older children. Participants will meet at the Hammocks Beach State Park Visitor Center in Swansboro at 9:45 a.m. and are asked to bring their own binoculars, as well as water and a snack and to dress appropriately for the weather. Please visit nccoast.org/events to register or contact Sam Bland at 252-393-8185 for more information. APRIL 16
Pirate Pancake Dinner
Join us as we set sail on a sea of syrup! Swansboro Recreation Center will be hosting a pancake banquet with all the fixings and lots of fun. Register ahead for special pirate pricing on pancake plates! From now until April 15, pancake plates will start at $5 for individuals and $10 for
THINGS TO DO
families up to five people. Day-of pancake plate will be $8 for individuals and $15 for families. For our swashbucklers with swagger, we will be offering free pancakes to those who dress the “parrrrrt” (that means you too, parents)! Note that the Pirate Code requires at least three pieces of pirate garb to receive your free plate. We will have a makeyour-own-treasure-map station, sea shanties and fun. Come out for the fun, food and activities that will delight buccaneers big and small. For more information, call 910-326-2600 or come by the Swansboro Recreation Center, 830 Main Street Extension. You can register online at swansboro. recdesk.com. APRIL 18
Family Pirate Yoga Join Swansboro Parks and Recreation and Mandala Yoga Center as we turn our salty dog into a down dog! We will be hosting a family friendly yoga session all with a pirate twist. Learn to be a ‘plank’ or bend like a pirate ship. Roll into a cannon ball or become the palm tree on the coast! Register ahead and make sure to make the most out of all of our fun and fabulous Pirate Fest activities. Cost is $12 for the first family member and $2 for every member after that (limit 5 total family members for the special scallywag ad on pricing!) For more information call 910-326-2600 or come by the Swansboro Recreation Center, 830 Main Street Extension for more information. APRIL 19
Natural Side of Fort Macon [ 10–11AM ] Meet in the Visitor Center lobby for
a leisurely hike exploring the natural side of Fort Macon. Hike will cover both trail and beach. At Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. Call 252-7263775 for more information. APRIL 20
Family Fun Night at Webb Memorial Public Library [ 6–8:30PM ] Join us for games, Legos, puzzles and
more. We have over 50 games for all ages and Legos in every size, shape and color! Pizza for $5 per family. At 812 Evans Street, Morehead City. For more information call 252-726-3012.
Nautical Collection E X C L U S I V E LY D E S I G N E D B Y
VERANDA SQUARE | EMERALD ISLE | CHURCHWELLS.COM 1-800-846-1961 | 252-354-7166
CarolinaSalt.com » April / May 2018 CAROLINA SALT 9
THINGS TO DO
✪ = FREE
MID–APRIL TO MID–MAY
APRIL 21
The First Lantern Festival [ 3–8PM ] Join us at Carteret County Speedway,
APRIL 21
LANTERN FESTIVAL
The first Lantern Festival is about lanterns of love, offering a vision of hope and renewal in honor of a loved one or in support of someone fighting against disease or addiction.
APRIL 21
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
The Western Carteret Lions Club are hosting a pancake breakfast fundraiser to benefit a mobile screening unit for eyecare. Breakfast is $5. For information call 985-502-6474.
501 Whitehouse Fork Road, Swansboro, for Eastern North Carolina’s first annual Lantern Festival. Eastern Carolina Lantern Festival is about “Lanterns of Love,” offering hope and renewal of life through the visualization of beautiful lanterns rising into the night sky! Light a lantern of love in memory of a lost loved one, in honor of someone you love, someone fighting addiction, children and adults fighting horrible diseases, showing someone, they are not alone in this fight. God will give you a second chance! No one fights alone! There will be live music, giant jumping blow ups, dancing, s’mores, face painting, a balloon artist, stilt walking, fire show, therapeutic dance off, carnival games, kids’ area, craft zone and for the finale when the night sky turns dark, we will light up the sky! This fundraiser will be helping bridge the gap for special needs children fighting big battles in our local community from needing travel expenses or equipment not covered by insurance and promoting disability awareness and addiction awareness. We are hoping this fundraiser not only will be a big success but ultimately many will feel renewed and see the love and support from our amazing community. Tickets available at facebook. com/causeofchance, at The Market at Cedar Point, 1046 Cedar Point Boulevard, Cedar Point, and at the gate the day of ! For more information or tickets visit facebook.com/causeofchance or call 910-650-2154. APRIL 21
Pancake Breakfast [ 7–10AM ] The Western Carteret Lions Club will
host a pancake breakfast fundraiser behind the Swansboro Convention Center at the Swansboro Municipal Park soccer fields. Proceeds will fund the upcoming visit of the N.C. Lions Club Mobility Screening Unit, which provides detection of possible eye problems. Breakfast is $5. For information, call 985-502-6474. APRIL 20
Buccaneer Ball
✪ APRIL 21
PUBLICK DAY FLEA MARKET
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., indulge in an oldfashioned flea market on the 100 block of Turner Street in Beaufort. For information call 252-728-5225.
Swansboro Parks and Recreation invites you to share an evening of fanciful fun as we host our first ever Buccaneer Ball. The evening will feature music, food and, of course, grog. We will have a well-stocked cash bar on site and loads of live entertainment. Come dressed to impress in your pirate or evening’s best. The evening will include music and merriment, fine dining, cash bar and a chance to rub shoulders with pirates. For more information, call 910-326-2600 or come by the Swansboro Recreation Center, 830 Main Street Extension. You may visit us online at swansboro. recdesk.com.
10 CAROLINA SALT April / May 2018 » CarolinaSalt.com
✪ APRIL 21
Pirate Fest Avast ye! Swansboro and Onslow County Parks and Recreation proudly present Pirate Fest coming to Downtown Swansboro. Watch as swashbucklers engage in sword fights, witness black powder weapons demonstrations and listen to musicians sing sea shanties at this all-day event that brings coastal North Carolina’s rich pirate history to life. This free, family-friendly event also includes games and activities for the little buccaneers. Visitors can enjoy a pirate meet and greet, children and adult costume parade, pirate shows, storytelling, live music and much more! For more information please contact Swansboro Parks and Recreation at 910-326-2600 or visit swansboro.recdesk.com.
✪ APRIL 21
Statewide Star Party [ 7PM ] Join us at Fort Macon State Park for the
Statewide Star Party at the Beach Access Parking Lot about one mile before you get to the actual fort area. There will be several telescopes set up with which to view the heavens and several astronomy related activities to participate in. Rain date for this event is April 21. At 2303 East Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. Call 2520-726-3775 for more information.
✪ APRIL 21
Publick Day Flea Market [ 9AM–4PM ] An old-fashioned flea market at
the Beaufort Historic Site with vendors selling collectibles, art, crafts, handmade jewelry, books, pottery and much more! No admission charge. Vendor information is available for this fun spring event, if interested in being a vendor please email pr@beauforthistoricsite.org. At 100 Turner Street, Beaufort. For more information call 252-728-5225. APRIL 21
Crystal Coast Sports and Recreation Expo [ 9AM–4PM ] Come learn more about the
opportunities that abound in Carteret County for those that are interested in sports for youth and adults, recreation and fitness for all ages, as well as health and wellness programs. Here you will interact with a variety of vendors offering activities and education about their products and services, as well as watch demonstrations of unique activities such as KnockerBall, Dance Fitness and laser tag. There will be outdoor activities for kids, concession sales and much more. Don’t miss out on the FUN! The admission fee to public is $2 (kids 3 and under free). This price includes all the attractions and interactive booths inside and outside. At 3505 Arendell Street, Morehead City. For more information call 252-247-3883.
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✪ APRIL 21
✪ APRIL 22
Crystal Coast Earth Day Celebration!
[ NOON–2PM ] Join the Plastic Ocean Project,
Hope Spot Cleanups
[ 10AM–2PM ] Celebrate Earth Day with over a
dozen local organizations at Fort Macon State Park. Each group will have a booth with displays and/or activities showcasing their group’s conservation efforts. At 2303 East Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. For more information call 252-726-3775.
✪ APRIL 21
7th Annual ‘Bark for Art’ Art Show and Sale
[ 4–8PM ] Protectors of Homeless Pets of Carteret
County Bark for Art will feature art works from several artists and the art students from area schools that will be displayed for voting and sale. Place your final bids on Silent Auction items from 6–7:30 p.m. while enjoying a glass of wine and some light hors d’oeuvres. All of the proceeds go to Protectors of Homeless Pets of Carteret County to provide medicines and neutering of the animals in need in Carteret County. At 1001 Arendell Street, Morehead City. For more information call 252-723-0319. APRIL 21
Down East Folk Arts Society Concert: Si Kahn & Joe Jencks
[ 7:30–9PM ] Si Kahn’s songs of family, community,
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work and freedom have been recorded by more than 100 artists and translated into half a dozen languages. Songs such as “Aragon Mill” have become a part of the oral tradition and are sung in folk clubs and living rooms, at rallies and on picket lines around the world. His work includes albums of original songs as well as a collection of traditional labor, civil rights and women’s songs recorded with Pete Seeger and Jane Sapp. With nearly two decades under his belt on the international circuit, Joe Jencks has become a favorite singer, performer and song writer of music fans throughout North America. Joe’s lyric baritone voice combined with his well-crafted, heart felt lyrics weave a richly layered tapestry. At 1300 Evans Street, Morehead City. For information or tickets call 252-646-4657.
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Mission Blue, Carteret Big Sweep, Duke Environmental Policy and Law Clinic, UNCWilmington, NC State and the Crystal Coast Waterkeepers in Morehead City this Earth Day for a beach cleanup and Hope Spot Hatteras awareness event. Bring your Hope Spot shirt, if you have one, a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and your friends and family to join in the fun! We’ll be meeting at 301 Highway 70 to clean up Radio Island. Interested in cleaning up the ocean instead of the beach? Contact bonnie@ plasticoceanproject.org. APRIL 22
3rd Annual Boots vs. Badges Softball Game
[ 3–6PM ] Come join us for the Morehead City
Firefighters vs. Police Officers softball game! This year’s proceeds will be going to the family of LJ, who is a 7-year-old boy from Newport who suffered a major stroke in September of 2017. He was flown from Carteret Health to Vidant where he suffered a intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke. This little guy spent 43 days in Vidant’s PICU and 19 days in inpatient rehab. He was diagnosed with Alagille Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects multiple organ systems. Today he is home receiving speech, occupational and physical therapy. He is constantly back and forth between specialist appointments and just started homebound school last Wednesday. We hope you will all join us in taking some burdens off this amazing family while LJ progresses everyday! Event will take place at Big Rock Stadium, 2714 Mayberry Loop Road, Morehead City.
✪ APRIL 25
Shoreline Cleanup at Sugarloaf Island
One of the North Carolina Coastal Federation’s primary initiatives is to reduce the amount of marine debris littering coastal marshes, beaches and waterways. With support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program, we invite volunteers to clean up the shoreline at Sugarloaf Island, an island located
Stir a little love into everything you do. coffee local baked goods gluten-free choices •
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THINGS TO DO
across from the Morehead City waterfront. In addition to picking up trash, volunteers will also record data on the types and quantities of debris collected. This will help to identify sources of debris and focus educational efforts. Volunteers should meet at the parking lot at the intersection of 10th and Shepard streets in downtown Morehead City. A federation boat will transport volunteers to the island. Participants should wear weather appropriate clothing that may get wet and dirty. Closed-toe shoes are required. Participants should also bring a towel, a hat and any medications they may need. Trash collection supplies, snacks, water, sunscreen and bug spray will be provided. This event is limited to 20 people and is weather dependent. Please register to reserve your spot on the boat and to receive an email with more details prior to the event. Please visit nccoast.org/events to register or contact 252393-8185 for more information. APRIL 25–29
14th Annual Beaufort Wine and Food Festival
The April festival is BWF’s signature event and will feature an exciting five days of tastings, seminar, dinners, live and silent auctions and more. Talent from around the world descends on Beaufort to be paired up with some of the Crystal Coast’s best restaurants for an unforgettable experience, all in the name of charity! For more information visit beaufortwineandfood.org
✪ APRIL 25
Pitch, Hit and Run Contest
[ 5:30–8:30PM ] Scotts Major League Baseball
Pitch, Hit and Run provides youngsters across the country an opportunity to participate in an exciting baseball/softball skills competition. This is a free program for boys and girls ages 7–14 that gives participants the change to showcase their pitching, hitting and running abilities. At 2200 Mayberry Loop Road, Morehead City. For information call 252-726-5083, ext 3. APRIL 26
Finger Knit an Infinity Scarf
Join Amy Wills from A Frayed Knot Yarn Shop as she leads a lesson on crochet that uses just your fingers and some yarn. You will learn how to make
april Special raspberry white chocolate 16oz.
latte $3.50
FRAPPY HOUR 12–2PM DAILY! HALF PRICE FRAPPéS!
open every day from 6:30am–4pm •252.354. 2643• Emerald Plantation •8700 Emerald Drive
FREE
CarolinaSalt.com » April / May 2018 CAROLINA SALT 11
THINGS TO DO
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your very own infinity scarf that doesn’t take an infinite amount of time to make! You can supply your own bulky weight yarn (a specific thickness, not a general description) or purchase some from us as part of a kit. Pricing from now until April 25 is $10 if you bring your own supplies and $17 to purchase the yarn with the registration. April 26 prices will increase to $12 if you bring your own yarn and $20 to purchase yarn with your registration. Please make sure to pre-register by calling 910-326-2600 or come by the Swansboro Recreation Center, 830 Main Street Extension. You can register online at swansboro.recdesk.com. APRIL 27
Cheesemaking Demo and DIY
Join us and learn how to make fresh mozzarella, plus hang out and paint a chalkboard-paint cheese tray. There will be snacks on site so you can have fun munching and mingling! If you have a food allergy be mindful when registering there may be things like dairy, wheat, eggs and possibly tree nut items. This one is going to be for the adults, so ages 17 and up please! Cost is $18 until April 26 and will increase to $20 day of. For more information, call 910-326-2600 or come by the Swansboro Recreation Center, 830 Main Street Extension. You may visit us online at swansboro.recdesk.com. APRIL 28
Introduction to Acrylic Pouring Class
Have you thought about trying acrylic pouring but felt too overwhelmed with different techniques, recipes and supply lists to even know where to begin? This introduction to fluid acrylic pouring will provide an overview of ingredients involved to create successful pouring and cells and different pouring techniques. Participants will create three separate pours! Artists will gain enough background knowledge to determine if they would like to continue to pursue this fun, exciting new art medium! Students are asked to bring at least three of your favorite colors of acrylic craft paint, heavy bodied acrylics or anything in between. We will address the differences in paint and how certain brands/types react with the pouring medium. Register online at swansboro.recdesk.com, by calling 910-326-2600 or come by the Swansboro Recreation Center, 830 Main Street Extension. APRIL 27–28
Reelin’ for Research Tournament
Save the date! Let’s keep up the effort to “land a cure” for childhood cancer. Visit reelinforresearch. org for information and registration details. APRIL 27
The Legacy of Motown Revue [ 8–10PM ] Paying homage to the music that
molded multiple generations and gave Detroit a claim to fame other than cars, The Legacy takes you back to the days of The Drifters, The
Coasters, The Jacksons, Earth Wind & Fire, The Temptations and so many more legendary icons! Featuring talented performers that dance and sing, plus an amazing six-piece horn band, you will be transported back in time to one of the most influential periods in American Musical History! At 1311 Arendell Street, Morehead City. Information and tickets at 252-497-8919. APRIL 28
29th Annual Lookout Rotary Road Race
USATF certified courses, USATF sanctioned event. A health-oriented family fitness event. Race proceeds will donated to local Rotary sponsored charities. Flat and fast certified neighborhood course. An event for every age and skill level. Early packet pickup will be held on April 27 from 5–6:30 p.m. at the Sports Center in Morehead City. Race day packet pickup and registration will be held on-site beginning at 6:30 a.m. At 1001 Arendell Street, Morehead City. For more information call 252-241-0372. APRIL 29
The Carolina East Singers
[ 5PM ] The Carolina East Singers, under the
choral direction of Susan Gillis Bailey, will perform their Spring Concert at First Presbyterian Church, Morehead City. The 60-plus voice choir will be performing Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living; Holy, Holy, Holy; Moon River and many other favorites. The choir will be accompanied by an orchestra.Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. They are available from any choir member or at these local businesses: In Morehead, First Presbyterian Church or Williams Hardware; In Atlantic Beach, The Pool & Patio Store or Atlantic Station Shopping Center; and in Beaufort at Beaufort Pet Provisions or First Citizens Bank. TUESDAYS IN MAY
Yoga At The Pug
[ 9AM ] Join The Mandala Yoga Center for a five-
week outdoor yoga series. Spend your morning in the sunshine at the Pug in Downtown with us. Classes will focus on the basic yoga postures, meditations and relaxation which have proven to be beneficial for men and women of all ages. Series registration fee is $40 (drop in fee is $10). Classes will be moved indoors to the Recreation Center in case of inclement weather. Call 910326-2600 or come by the Swansboro Recreation Center, 830 Main Street Extension for more information. MAY 5
Bike The Banks Crystal Coast Lighthouse Challenge
[ 7:30–10AM ] Three rides to choose from! Ride 1:
Emerald Isle Ride (10 miles along Multi-Use Path) $25 entry fee, Ride 2: Fort Macon Ride (50 miles) $40 entry fee, Ride 3: Cape Lookout (100 miles) $40 entry fee. At Emerald Isle. For information call
12 CAROLINA SALT April / May 2018 » CarolinaSalt.com
252-354-3424 or email mrt@ec.rr.com.
✪ MAY 4
Free Movie Friday: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Join us you will…for an evening of Star Wars themed fun and excitement. There will be Jedi worthy games and activities as well as photo ops starting at 6 p.m. and a free showing of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. So bring a blanket or pull up a chair! You can pre-register by calling 910326-2600 or come by the Swansboro Recreation Center, 830 Main Street Extension. You can register online at swansboro.recdesk.com. May the Fourth be with you. MAY 5
Mosquito Run/Walk [ 8AM–NOON ] Sign up on runtheeast.com for this
fundraising trail race to support the Friends of Fort Macon. This year there will be both a 5K and 10K course. At 2303 East Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. For information call 252-726-3775. MAY 8
Carteret County Parks & Rec Beach Run Series Mark your calendars for the Carteret County Parks and Recreation Beach Run Series. Join in the fun with a run on the sand. Offering 1 Mile, 5K or 10K. Fun for the entire family. No running experience needed. All ages and skill levels welcome! All runs take place on the beach at the Atlantic Beach Circle. Registration and check in from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. All races start promptly at 6:30 p.m. Cost for the entire 7-run series is $50 per person, and includes a Beach Run T-shirt. Individual races are $7 per person per race. For more details or to register and pay online visit ccpr. recdesk.com or call 252-808-3301. €
Thank you for picking up Carolina Salt! Our articles are written by locals. Every month we look to our readers to keep our magazine fresh. If you have a story to tell, an event to promote or an interesting local photograph, send them our way! WILL@CAROLINASALT.COM 252-723-7628
OUTER BANKS WILDLIFE SHELTER LINDA BERGMAN–ALTHOUSE
Beaver’s Little Brother!
A
little ‘brother of the beaver’ came into the shelter recently. He was tiny (only eight ounces), needy and fully aware that he required help. That’s exactly how a caring human managed to get his hands on a young muskrat found wandering along the road in Newport. Fearing the infant musky would run into the road, the gentleman pulled his car over and proceeded to walk towards the little one to shoo him away from oncoming traffic and how the gentleman saw the diminutive ‘eight-ouncer’ in the first place is remarkable. Rather than run away from the good Samaritan, which is normal avoidance behavior in the wild, the infant muskrat literally ran toward him. The youngster then took a ride to the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter. A muskrat is more accurately a cousin to the beaver, but “little brothers of the beaver” is what Native Americans named them many years ago. There is a definite resemblance between the beaver and the muskrat, but the muskrat’s long, skinny and nearly hairless tail rather than the paddle tail, gives it away! Like a beaver, dark brown muskrats have a pair of musk glands they use to send messages to other muskrats and different species of animals as well. Of course, the “rat” part of their name refers to that long, skinny tail. Our little musky is doing well at the shelter, enjoying his mega amounts of formula (he’s still of nursing age), toying with some solids like vegetables and mud minnows, and relishing his swim time in the deep sink. We are currently checking the wildlife rehabilitation communities in our state for another lone muskrat that could join him. They rehab much better in pairs and we don’t want this little one imprinting on humans. If we allow him to bond with us, his chances of survival in the wild will be nil. Aquatic muskrats are a North Carolina indigenous species, however, the shelter does not admit them often. Muskrats are easier to keep wild than most wildlife because they tend to be skittish, frightened of people and non-aggressive, although they will bite if they perceive danger (and if you are close enough). When given appropriate respect, muskrats are virtually harmless to humans and fascinating and entertaining little creatures to watch for anyone who stops to take time to appreciate them. A fluffy, adult muskrat ranges in size from 10-14 inches in length and weighs two to three pounds. Muskrats are excellent swimmers and can stay under water for up to 15 minutes at a time. Their webbed hind feet, great for swimming, are much larger than the front five-toed feet used for digging and manipulating food. They are nocturnal, although often seen during daylight hours working on their house and spend most of their life in water. They are primarily plant eaters, feeding on roots, shoots and leaves, but will enjoy frogs, small fish, crayfish, mussels or clams if available. Muskrats are rodents and are capable of chewing through almost anything, so a metal enclosure at the shelter is the only way to go. And because they are timid, his enclosure will be stocked with leafy limbs, many hiding places and water pans to laze about in. In defense of the chewing “in the wild” muskrat, they seldom invade our residential spaces because they are always close to water and usually marshy, human uninhabitable wetlands at that. Muskrats do not build lodges like the beaver, although they will occasionally move in with beavers. Instead of lodges they construct free standing houses by piling aquatic vegetation into a hill only a few feet high, then excavate a nest cavity in the center with several chambers and tunnels leading into the water which is quite impressive and masterful engineering. The grassy 14 CAROLINA SALT April / May 2018 » CarolinaSalt.com
muskrat residence is called a “push-up” or mound. Sometimes they build the mounds around trunks of dead bushes or trees. In contrast to a beaver’s lodge, there is often no structure below the water, but muskrats and beavers are the only mammals that build homes on water. Also, unlike the beaver, the muskrat does not store food for the winter. They need to eat fresh plants every day and maintain a home range of less than one mile from their pushup. Muskrats can breed any time of the year and more than once with pregnancy lasting 25-30 days. The litter size averages four to six and kits are hairless, blind at birth and weigh less than one ounce each. Over time the youngsters are weaned from mother’s milk and often stay with their parents for a year, but when overcrowding develops, the parents, usually Mom, dramatically and sometimes harshly, encourages her eldest children to move out and build a home of their own. Every time a muskrat is admitted to our shelter, we reminisce about the story of a young muskrat found scratching at the back door of a nursing home in Ontario, Canada during a horrific snow and ice storm. One of the workers let her in and fashioned a warm kennel with food and positioned deep, functional water pans for her necessary water moments in efforts to keep her safe during the wretched and dangerous weather. The question of why she came to the door was never truly answered but a few theories were: the weight of the snow collapsed the push-up or a predator, such as a wolf or mink, tried to dig in, but she was smart, lightning fast and managed to escape. Although the plan at the nursing home was to release her back into the wild in the spring, she became very content with her newfound caretakers and remained with the residents of the home. Now that’s a true story of “Muskrat Love!” We love them too, even if we are way south of Canada! We don’t see muskrats as often in this area, but we are aware of their importance to our ecological system and how they benefit many wetland species by creating open water areas for waterfowl. They are excellent environmental partners for they are true indicators of environmental quality. €
ABOUT OWLS
TAKE A TOUR of the facility at 100 Wildlife Way in Newport. To volunteer, call 252-240-1200. If your organization would like to learn more about wildlife, the OWLS non-releasable education animals jump at the chance!
R E S TA U R A N T
4/11 ... Bryan Mayer 4/14 ... Davy Williamson 4/18 ... Wild Honey
B A R
APRIL 13
Kevin Siebold APRIL 20
4/21 ... Hank Barbee
Mykel Barbee
4/25 ... David Dixon
APRIL 27
4/28 ... Justin Castellano 5/2 ..... Bryan McCoury 5/5 ..... True Blue
Justin Castellano MAY 4
Dave Sax
5/9 ..... Bryan Mayer
MAY 11
5/12 ... Hank Barbee
Kevin Siebold
2 VENUES UNDER 1 ROOF Historic Downtown Swansboro
103 Moore Street Swansboro MAKE MEMORIES THAT WILL
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1075 CEDAR POINT BOULEVARD •CarolinaSalt.com CEDAR POINT • 252.393.7200 » April / May 2018 CAROLINA SALT 15
LOCAL FUNDRAISING ANGELA WILES
Eastern Carolina’s First-Ever Lantern Festival: Bridging The Gap
H
ave you ever lost a loved one? Do you know a child fighting a disease or syndrome? Well I do! I have lost my father to brain cancer and my two-year-old son was diagnosed with a rare disorder called WalkerWarburg Syndrome. Before he was born, we knew something was wrong. We were told he had no brain and would only live two hours. Multiple doctors tried telling me abortion was the only option. I ended up in an abortion clinic but right before “the procedure,” I had a stirring inside my soul like a tornado and leaned my head down to pray. I asked God for help. He responded, stating, “I will never leave you along this journey,” so I walked out, never to look back. I went back to my primary doctor and demanded a second opinion. After going to three specialists, we were told he had hydrocephalus. They didn’t know how long he would live, but they would try to save his life and that was enough for me. Finally, with Boston Children’s Hospital’s help, we learned that he had Walker-Warburg Syndrome, and he only had three months to live—he would never make it to his first birthday. All I heard was that my baby would die, and there was no chaplain or counselor to help me understand that. I collapsed later that evening from emotional pain and from the stress I put my body through from not eating and sleeping for almost seven days. I was in the hospital on the eighth floor while my son continued to fight for his life on the fifth. Once I awoke, everything flooded back and they explained everything to me in more detail. Walker-Warburg Syndrome is an inherited disorder that affects development of the muscles, brain and eyes. It is the most severe of a group of genetic conditions known as congenital muscular dystrophies, which causes severe muscle weakness. He has a separate gene mutation that they have never seen before which they named a “Variance of Unknown Significance” until they find an actual name. He was hospitalized almost continuously the first year of life and has been through more ordeals medically than most people go through in their entire lives. He still astonishes the doctors at how far he has come, against all the odds. We spent almost his entire first year in the hospital and there have been weekly visits after with countless hospital stays up to present date. I have prayed countless times that God would save my son. Also prayed for help on multiple levels with finances and many other necessities. About a year ago I had a really bad day and I started to pray. God spoke to me to create the Lantern Festival to help special needs families, and to promote disability and drug addiction awareness, ultimately bridging the gap for these families. So often on this journey, insurance has not covered equipment. Honestly until you’re in these shoes, you would be very surprised at how little insurance covers. We have driven back and forth to treatments for almost three years now and it doesn’t get any cheaper. So many families struggle to just keep the electricity on let alone a piece of equipment they need. It is so hard to know that you can’t provide something a child needs so badly. I created the event page and with the help of others, and we are finally getting to see this vision blossom into more than I could have ever imagined it to be. What started with a simple event page has grown to 14,000 people interested in coming and it has reached over 365,000. God doesn’t do anything halfway and I’m so thankful to be a part of something so much bigger than me. My son is the reason this all started. He has changed my life forever and set me on a path of second chances, because this is truly what life is all about, isn’t it? We are inviting all special needs children to be our VIP guests. For one day they don’t have to worry about a doctor or hospital but have a day of fun at the festival. This will be the first every Lantern Festival of its kind on the East Coast and can’t wait until we see this vision coming into reality. If you know someone that is fighting a battle you can release a tethered lantern in their name. If you know someone who has lost their life and you want to honor their memory, this is what it’s all about. Eastern Carolina Lantern Festival is about “Lanterns of Love” offering hope and renewal of life through the visualization of beautiful lanterns rising into the night sky! Lanterns of Love will be in memory of a lost loved one, in honor of someone you 16 CAROLINA SALT April / May 2018 » CarolinaSalt.com
love, someone fighting addiction, children and adults fighting horrible diseases, showing someone they are not alone in this fight. God will give you a second chance! No one fights alone! There will be live music, giant jumping blowups, dancing, s’mores, face painting, balloon artists, stilt walking, a fire show, a therapeutic dance-off, carnival games, a kids’ area, a craft zone and, for the finale, when the sky turns dark, we will light up the sky! This fundraiser will be helping “Bridge the Gap” for multiple special needs children fighting big battles in our local community from needing travel expenses or equipment not covered by insurance and promoting disability awareness and addiction awareness. We are hoping this fundraiser not only will be a big success but ultimately many will feel renewed and see the love and support from our amazing community. The event takes place April 21, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Carteret County Speedway, located at 501 Whitehouse Fork Road in Swansboro. Tickets are available at facebook.com/causeofchance, at The Market at Cedar Point at 1046 Cedar Point Boulevard in Cedar Point and at the gate the day of ! For more information or tickets visit facebook.com/causeofchance or call 910650-2154. €
—GRILL
of
S WANSBORO—
A LITTLE SALTWATER CURES EVERYTHING. LIVE MUSIC AT SALTWATER GRILL APRIL 13
TOM GOSSIN
(FORMERLY OF GLORIANA)
Stella, as a mobile skeleton, unveiled at the luncheon
Newcomer Makes Splash in Beaufort BY HELEN AITKEN
S
tella made his first appearance at the N.C. Maritime Museum’s Volunteer Recognition luncheon in Beaufort in late February as a star attraction. Short for Stenella frontalis, Stella is the re-articulated skeleton of an Atlantic spotted dolphin which was beached on Ocracoke Island several years
ago. “Atlantic spotted dolphins are the most abundant cetacean on the continental slope off North Carolina,” says Keith Rittmaster, Natural Science Curator for the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort. These dolphins are easily confused with common bottlenose dolphins but are smaller, having a crease between the melon and its thick beak, a tall dorsal fin, recurved flippers and a jaw filled with 60 to 80 teeth. As the name implies, the adults become heavily spotted all over with increasing age, yet some offshore or temperate populations lack spots. However, the calves are unspotted, with gray sides and white belly, with an eye and blowhole stripe, resembling bottlenose dolphins. These acrobatic dolphins, often seen as bowriders, are found only in the Atlantic Ocean, from Brazil to New England and around oceanic islands like the Azores. Coastal groups may include 5 to 15 individuals but offshore up to 50 animals live together. In the Bahamas, they are noted for swimming with people. They live off of fish, squid and benthic invertebrates and are not in danger of extinction. What’s so special about Stella? According to Rittmaster, “…as far as I can tell, a complete skeletal display of one exists nowhere on earth. This is the first, numero uno.” Weighing 266 pounds and seven feet long, Stella’s age is unknown. When he was discovered, the carcass was not fresh but had five shark bites, none of which were lethal and could have been delivered post-mortem. Dr. Vicky Thayer, North Carolina Central Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network Coordinator and CMAST Marine Biologist, performed a necropsy (animal autopsy) in November 2014 with Rittmaster and students from the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine; the cause of death was undetermined. Much of what is known about many species, especially those that are elusive may be determined through necropsies; contents of the stomach show digested food, even plastics or other items, while
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WATERFRONT VIEW FROM EVERY TABLE
the physical condition may indicate a boat strike, that may not be a definitive reason for death. Extensive tissue and blood analysis, a costly and time-consuming process, may reveal additional information after a necropsy, but it was not warranted for Stella. Skeleton preparation requires several steps; removal of all tissue from the bones, cleaning and drying bones, repairing and sealing the bones with bookbinder glue and then placing the bones correctly together- each step was accomplished through collaborative efforts. Dr. Thayer and Mr. Rittmaster were assisted by agencies like the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, NCSU Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine, N.C. Maritime Museum with Friends of the Museum, Duke University Marine Megafauna students and with numerous volunteers like Josh Summers, Verena Lawaetz, Karen Altman and Barbie LaBrun on the project. Stella was buried for two years, unearthed, cleaned/soaked and then dried for three months. The re-articulation process took twelve months and about 380 manhours to complete, with an approximate cost of $1200 for tools, materials, services and supplies. This skeleton was designed to be modular and portable with seven pieces that fit in a travel container. “Initially it will travel to meetings and special events, residing in our “Bone Zone” trailer on the NCMM Gallants Channel property,” said Rittmaster. His hope is that this one-of-a-kind specimen will be on display in the future Bonehenge Whale Center in Beaufort, bonehenge.org. The Bonehenge Whale Center will be an extraordinary space to work, display skeletons and as an educational resource about small and large whales like the Atlantic Spotted dolphin. To learn more about the Bonehenge Whale Cor make a tax-deductible donation, contact Keith Rittmaster at bonehengewhalecenter@gmail.com or send a contribution to Carolina Cay Maritime Foundation, 723 Comet Drive, Beaufort, NC 28516. For more information call 252-528-8607. €
CarolinaSalt.com » April / May 2018 CAROLINA SALT 17
A MOMENT OF REFLECTION
PAUL ORTIZ
THE SAVE
AN ISLAND CHURCH PERSPECTIVE
I
wonder what it was like the day when Jesus made his entrance into Jerusalem. It must have been a sight. The people from the city came to greet Jesus as He entered the city. Jesus made His entrance on a lowly beast of burden, a borrowed donkey. The people gathered cut palm branches. Some of the branches they laid in His path and some they waved as they shouted praises, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9) There was quite a stir prior to Jesus’ coming. The Jewish nation had been under Roman rule for some time. They were weary from Roman oppression and taxation. They wanted a rebellion and to take back their nation. In their minds, Jesus was just the person to lead them. Jesus had spoken like no one before Him. Jesus spoke of things no one else could know. Jesus was proclaimed as King and rightly so. Jesus was in fact the Son of God, even if the people did not understand it at the time. The crowds cheered and praised Jesus as King as He entered Jerusalem. They cried out for salvation! These people were asking their rightful king to save them. Even though they didn’t yet understand His crucifixion or His resurrection, they asked Jesus to save them. The people wanted salvation, but not the salvation Jesus was bringing. They wanted to be saved from their current situation… their current predicament… from their current circumstance. They wanted to be saved from Rome! Today, so many people make the same mistake. They call upon the King of kings and Lord of lords to save them from their current problems, but fail to call upon Him to save them for eternity. Just like the Jews shouting Hosanna, so many Christians today shout songs of praise to Jesus, but fail to receive Him as King of their life and the King of their heart. Jesus is often the King in time of need. For many, He is King, but only on Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon (respectively). For others, He is King when it is convenient. The crowd that day hardly knew what they were saying. A lot of them were looking for some kind of political deliverance, but that is not the kind of victory Jesus came to win for them. That truth stands for us today as well! Jesus came to give His life as an atonement for sin. The salvation Jesus offered to them and to us today is deliverance from sin, from death and from the eternal wrath of God. When they realized Jesus was not there to lead a rebellion against Rome and He was not going to save them from their current problem, they turned on Him. No longer were they singing praises and shouting, now the same people shouted, “Crucify Him!” Today, so many do the very same when God does not solve their current problem. When He does not rescue them from their current predicament, they turn on Him. God so often receives the blame for our shortcomings, our mistakes, the mess we’ve made… He receives the blame for the consequences of a fallen world. That is not on God, that’s on us for the choices we make. And just like the people in Jerusalem that day, we reject God when He does not serve our purpose. Jesus’ purpose that day was to redeem the world.
JOHN 3:17
17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:17 Jesus is the resurrected King! He is the only King that can save us for forever. That is what the people in Jerusalem did not understand. The Good News for us is we can understand this truth. By looking at history and what God has left us in His Word, the Bible; we can know these truths today. Jesus is more than your problem solver, Jesus is the King of the Universe. Rightly so, He should be the King of your heart. Today, know that Jesus came to live and die for you. He is now resurrected and sitting at the right hand of God the Father. Through His resurrection, He conquered sin and death. We win when He sits on our throne. Today make Jesus the King of your life and don’t miss the message He brings: Salvation for Eternity! €
18 CAROLINA SALT April / May 2018 » CarolinaSalt.com
THE ISLAND CHURCH PASTOR PAUL ORTIZ
Paul Ortiz is a follower of Jesus Christ, not religion. A husband and father, he is pastor of The Island Church in Emerald Isle. Reach him at paul@TheIslandChurchEI.org
CAPTAIN JEFF CRONK
HOOKED UP FISHING REPORT
APRIL FISHIN’ FOOLS! A H O O K E D U P L O O K AT W H AT ’ S B I T I N G I N A P R I L
A
pril is always an incredible time to fish along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. Both our backwaters and our popular nearshore ocean areas will be teeming with a variety of fish. Species like our redfish, southern flounder and speckled trout that have wintered in the backwaters really turn on and will be feeding aggressively while, many other species like bluefish, sea mullet, grey trout and other bottom fish have already migrated into our backwaters from offshore or southern wintering grounds. Anglers venturing out the inlets this month will also have plenty of options to hear their drag scream. The surface will be alive with albacore, bonito, bluefish and Spanish nearshore. Meanwhile, there will be plenty of sea bass, summer flounder, sea mullet, grey trout and other bottom fish around nearshore and offshore structure like our hard-bottoms, wrecks and artificial reefs. Anglers knowing what’s available both inshore and nearshore, the prime conditions to target these species and the most effective baits for each species will be very successful throughout April.
INSHORE Anglers looking to hook up with redfish this April will find plenty of fish working the shallow bays behind our beaches. These areas have many secondary channels that connect to our three inlets which provide a direct path for fish migrating in from the ocean. Schools of redfish will be moving throughout the backwaters feeding on blue crabs, fiddlers, mullet minnows and mud minnows. Anglers wanting to target both the redfish and flounder with the same bait should use ₁⁄₈-oz. to ₁⁄₄-oz. jig heads or a spinner bait rigged with a scented soft bait like Berkley Gulp Shrimp, Pogys or Swimming Mullet. Switching over to a top water bait will produce some insane strikes from redfish but anglers will miss out on those flounder. Although there will be some southern flounder in these bays, the better concentration of southern flounder in April will be in our rivers, especially along the shorelines inside and outside large creeks. Anglers wanting to target speckled trout will find the better concentrations in the same river areas as the southern flounder. Some of the absolute best baits for targeting trout in April are Bett’s Perfect Sinker Shrimp, Bett’s Halo Shad, Mirrolure’s MR17 and Paul Brown Corkys. One of the features most critical to a good speckled trout bait is suspension time (hang time) and all of these baits share this as well as being available in a variety of colors and patterns. Top water baits will also provide excellent action that speckled trout key in on when feeding in April. If you’re wanting to take the family out for some laid back fun and a steady bite, then set up a standard bottom rig baited with shrimp or fish bites and anchor down along the Swansboro waterfront or Emerald Isle bridge area and expect a bite almost every drop. Throughout April these deeper, hard-bottom channels will have plenty of sea mullet, bluefish, grey trout, blowfish, croakers and even some rays feeding well on the falling tide. Days with a good strong southwesterly wind are usually better.
FASLE ALBACORE!
FISH’N 4 LIFE CAPTAIN JEFF CRONK
leads fishing and nature charters on the Crystal Coast. To get out on the water with him, call 910-325-8194. You can also visit him online at nccharterfishing.com. youtube.com/user/carolinafishingtv
The inlets and nearshore hard bottoms within a couple miles of the beach will be very active with plenty of bluefish, Spanish mackerel, albacore and bonito. The surf zone will also hold blues, Spanish, albacore and a variety of bottom fish including redfish, flounder, sea mullet, blowfish, black drum, grey trout and more. Trolling these areas with clarkspoons or hard baits such as 4 to 5" Yozuri Crystal Minnows and Berkley Cutter Jerkbaits will keep a rod bending with either Bluefish or Spanish. Anglers willing to move a little farther off the surf, around our nearshore hard bottoms will find bonito and albacore throughout April. The bonito are excellent table fare and can be caught trolling the same baits or anglers can cast most 1 to 2-oz. metal baits such as diamond jigs and sting silvers to surfacing fish. While on these nearshore hard bottoms, jigging a Bett’s Flounder Fanatic Bucktail tipped with a 4" Berkley Gulp Shrimp will produce hook-ups with big seabass, flounder and other desired bottom fish. €
CarolinaSalt.com » April / May 2018 CAROLINA SALT 19
DISCOVERY DIVING
LEE MOORE
DIVING OUR COAST W H AT ’ S U N D E RWAT E R I N A P R I L
E
ven though spring began in March, you could not tell from the weather. At the end of the month, the night time temperatures were in the 30s. These low temperatures caused the inshore water temperatures to remain in the upper 40s to upper 50s. Occasionally, an eddy from the Gulf Stream came close to the offshore wrecks causing the offshore water temperatures to range from the low 50s to the low 70s. The east side had a tendency to receive an eddy more often than south of the inlet.
THE WRECK OF THE CARIBSEA
One of the most popular wrecks is the Caribsea and it is located on the east side. The wreck of the Caribsea lies in 85 feet of water about ten miles east of the Cape Lookout Shoals. The visibility in summer is on average about 40 feet, but because it is located so close to the shoals, the visibility can drop to as low as 15 to 20 feet. It can also be 80 to 100 feet. The wreck is scattered and broken up due to the Navy Salvage Service, which depth charged and wire dragged it as a hazard to navigation in the spring of 1944. The bow section of the wreck extends to about 60 feet from the surface and the rest of the wreck is scattered in a roughly continuous debris field. In 2005, the weight of the windlass on top of the bow caused the deck to begin to fall inward. Also in 2005, the starboard anchor fell from the bow and is now resting on the ocean floor. The stern still has some structure that offers relief from the sand and is concluded with the rudderpost. Just past the rudderpost, in the sand, is the propeller shaft. Between the bow and stern sections, the boilers and engine are the most prominent features. The starboard boiler has broken its mounts and can move back and forth in heavy surge. Other than the wreck itself, the main draws for wreck divers are the sand tiger sharks. Besides the sand tigers, the Caribsea also has grouper, flounder, sea bass, amberjacks, triggerfish, oyster toadfish, barracuda, blennies and damselfish. This is just some of the marine life that can be seen on the wreck. The freighter Caribsea, previously known as the Buenoventura and the Lake Flattery, was travelling from Santiago, Cuba, to Norfolk, Virginia, loaded with manganese. Captain Nicholas Manolis, having been told of the dangerous U-boats lurking in these waters, took many unusual precautions to save his crew. The radio operator was only on duty at night with instructions to transmit an SOS at the first sign of trouble without orders from the bridge. The engine room likewise was told to run aback full in case of an explosion without orders from command. The lifeboats were equipped with hatchets to cut them away instead of trying to lower them normally. The weather on the evening of March 10, 1942 was clear with fair visibility. At 2 a.m., the U-158 fired two torpedoes at the starboard side of the ship. One hit in the No. 2 cargo hold and the other hit amidships. The ship sank in three minutes. Captain Manolis’ preparations were of no use. No SOS was ever sent and the lifeboats were not launched. Only seven of the crew of 28 survived. Since the lifeboats weren’t launched, the survivors had to cling to wreckage for 10 hours before they were picked up by the freighter SS Norlindo. The engineer, Jim Baum Gaskill, was a resident of Ocracoke. Before news of the sinking of the Caribsea reached Ocracoke, the residents knew of its fate. There are two versions on how the sinking was learned. One version was that his father, Bill Gaskill was cleaning up after a storm from the previous night. As he was inspecting his dock, he noticed a large plank bumping up against his dock. When he pulled the plank from the water, he saw the ship’s name “Caribsea.” The second version is that the glass case that held Gaskill’s engineer’s license came ashore near Ocracoke Village a few days after the sinking.
DIVE LOCALLY If you would like to go out to the Caribsea or any of the other wrecks off of the Crystal Coast, contact Discovery Diving at dive@discoverydiving.com, 252-728-2265 or like us on Facebook to see what classes, charters and events are coming up in the near future. €
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Discovery Diving at 252-728-2265 or visit them on Facebook to see what classes and events are coming up. You can also visit them online at discoverydiving.com.
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