FREE! MARCH / APRIL 2019
your life on the Crystal Coast OUTER BANKS WILDLIFE
HUMMINGBIRDS TRUST US REBECCA’S CORNER
CELEBRATING CHANGING TIDES LOCAL ARTS EVENTS
CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT LOCAL CHARITY EVENTS
BEACH BIKE POKER RUN FOR CHARITY LOOK INSIDE ON PAGE 8 FOR FUN & FREE
THINGS TO DO
MID–MARCH THROUGH MID–APRIL
—Home of the Crystal Coast Steam Pot—
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3710 ARENDELL STREET
LUNCH, DINNER AND KIDS MENU ALL DAY!
The Boat Bar
MOREHEAD CITY • 252.240.1313
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The Oyster Bar
8106 EMERALD DRIVE
EMERALD ISLE • 252.354.5722
Discover a different world
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8302 Emerald Drive • Emerald Isle • 252.424.8284
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TheTradingPostEI.com
MID -M A RC H TO M I D-A PRI L 2 0 1 9
Inside This Issue your life on the Crystal Coast
11 Hummingbirds Trust Us These small, fast and light birds and sparkling
gems at our feeders, but they are extremely vulnerable to mold and rancid nectar. OWLS gives us guidelines on how to care for them best so we can avoid “loving them to death.”
12 Rebecca’s Corner Join Rebecca Jones and Kandice Antwine, co-
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OWLS:
Hummingbirds Trust Us
FREE!
MARCH
/ APRIL
March / April
2019
t stal Coas on the Cry your life
RDS MINGBI HUMST TRU US ATING CELEBGRING CHAN TIDES LIFE
ON THIS MONTH’S COVER
KS WILD
OUTER BAN
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A’S COR REBECC
EVENTS
RAL CHOIE SOC CTY T CON ER
S LOCAL ART
E H BIKN BEACER RU E POK CHARITY INSIDE ON PAGE 8 FOR FUN & FRE O LOOK FOR GS TO D
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For the fifteenth year, the Crystal Coast Civic Center is hosting the Carolina Chocolate Festival, more than a sampling of everything chocolate! Look inside for events.
creators of the book Changing Tides, at Ann Street United Methodist Church, for a book signing. The book celebrates the natural beauty of the Crystal Coast.
12 Choral Society Concert The Crystal Coast Choral Society has been
working hard to prepare for the Spring Bouquet of Choral Singing. April concert dates and times are now finalized, and tickets are finally becoming available.
22 Beach Bike Poker Run for Charity The Emerald Isle Parrot Heads are raising money
for the Semper Fi fund. Ride your bike to 9 local EI bars and collect a poker hand card at each. This event is fun every year, and has raised a lot of money for some very good causes.
LOCAL INTEREST
Things To Do................................................ 8 Moment of Reflection.. .................................. 18 12 CHORAL CONCERT The Spring Bouquet concert has dates and times in April.
22 BEACH BIKE POKER RUN EI Parrot Heads entice you to party with a purpose.
Hooked Up Fishing...................................... 19 Diving Our Coast.. ....................................... 20 Tides. . ........................................................ 21
CarolinaSalt.com » March / April 2018 CAROLINA SALT 5
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 March 16. The next issue publishes April 7.
B E C O M E A N A DV E RT I S E R
Carolina Salt is a great way to reach out to your local customers, as well as our seasonal visitors.
252-723-7628
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!
“I'll only give you the paper if you promise not to let the news upset you.” News you don’t have to worry about.
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
Happy St. Patrick's Day F ROM F L I PPE R Z FA M I LY BA R & G R I L L
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And Happy Eastcr, Too!
SEAFOOD ♥ STEAKS ♥ SANDWICHES 311 Mangrove Drive Across from CVS in Emerald Isle 252.354.7775 • flipperz.net • facebook.com/flipperzemeraldisle
THINGS TO DO
MARCH 9
Forest Fairies to Sea Serpents [ 9AM–5PM ] Put on some wings and a dash of
MARCH 9
FOREST FAIRIES TO SEA SERPENTS
at the Aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores. Build fairy and gnome houses on the nature trail, search for mermaid and fairy doors and make a magic wand. Free with admission.
glitter and let your imagination fly during the aquarium’s annual Fairy Day. Build fairy and gnome houses on the nature trail, search for mermaid and fairy doors around the aquarium and make your own magic wand. Add to the fun and come dressed as a fairy, gnome, sea serpent or other mythical character. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Free with admission or membership. At North Carolina Aquarium, Roosevelt Boulevard, Pine Knoll Shores. For more information call 252-247-4003.
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MARCH 9
Kid’s Club Rockin’ Video Game Truck Event [ 10AM–NOON ] The Rockin’ Video Game Truck
will be in the Beaufort Piggly Wiggly parking lot. Come on out and have a blast playing free video games in the game truck! We can’t wait to see you there! At 1500 Live Oak Street, Beaufort. For information call 252-728-7262. MARCH 9
Jim Quick + Coastline at the VFW
[ 7–11:30PM ] As part of the 2019 farewell tour, Jim
MARCH 16
CAVIAR FARM TOUR + TASTING
Marshallberg Farm is the largest producer of Russian sturgeon caviar in the U.S. and you can take a tour and get a tasting. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online.
Quick and Coastline will be playing at the VFW in Cedar Point. A very limited number of tickets are available. Tickets include a shrimp dinner. Host DJ is Justin Rouse from the Beach Boogie and Blues Network. At VFW Cedar Point. For information or tickets call 252-393-8053. MARCH 9
American Music Festival Series: Caroline Shaw and the Jasper String Quartet [ 8–10PM ] Tickets to individual concerts are $32
each. Tickets for students are $15 each and are available at the door. Tickets may be reserved by calling 252-342-5034 and are available at the door on the evening of the concert. Tickets may also be obtained through Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/american-musicfestival-3124978792. At First Presbyterian, 1604 Arendell Street, Morehead City.
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MARCH 11
Bird Hike at Fort Macon
[ 9–10AM ] Meet at the Fort Macon Visitor Center
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ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP Do you want to improve your astrophotography or just have questions or want to take a look? Free workshop at Fort Macon Educational Center auditorium.
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and take a leisurely hike to identify birds native to the area. At 2303 East Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. For information call 252-726-3775.
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MARCH 13, 21, 27
Musket Firing Demonstration [ 10–11AM ] Meet in Fort Macon to learn about
a Civil War Eera musket’s history, loading procedures and firing. At 2303 East Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach.
CAROLINA SALT March / April 2018 » CarolinaSalt.com
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MARCH 13
Merry Time for Tots
[ 10–11AM ] Preschoolers and their caregivers are
invited to the Merry Time for Tots program, which takes a unique look at a different nautical topic each month. Topics include Pirate Hooks and Peg Legs, Hatteras Jack, Boats that Float, Whale of a Time and Shark Tales. The program is free and includes lessons, activities and a makeand-take craft. At 315 Front Street, Beaufort. For more information or to register call 252-504-7758.
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MARCH 14
Becky Warren at History Museum of Carteret County
[ 7–8:30PM ] Come listen to acclaimed Nashville-
based singer/songwriter and guitarist Becky Warren. She has won both the Merlefest Songwriting Contest and the Kerrville New Folk Competition. She formerly performed with the Boston-based alternative country band the Great Unknowns as their frontwoman. In 2016, she released her solo debut album, War Surplus, follows a fictional couple, Scott and his wife, June. Warren performs all of the album’s songs from either Scott’s or June’s perspective. The album is based on Warren’s own life, as she married a soldier in 2005 who was deployed to fight in the Iraq War soon afterward. When he returned, he had developed posttraumatic stress disorder. Four years after they married, Warren and her husband divorced. Admission is free, though we’ll “pass the hat” for Becky. All are welcome as we build community through music! At 1008 Arendell Street, Morehead City. MARCH 15–16
The Infusion Cafe’s 9th Annual Irish Evening
[ 7–9:30PM ] The Infusion Cafe will host a
celebration of St. Patrick with customary rowdy and rollicking, live Irish pub music and Irish feasting in three courses. Kurt Petersen, Delancy Loftus and Dylan Renfrow will take the floor playing and singing traditional Irish pub tunes— these guys will surely sing and play us into that happy Irish place! Seating is limited. Tickets required. At 1012 Arendell Street, Morehead City. For information or tickets, call 252-240-2800. MARCH 15
The MHC Rotary Club: Balsam Range
[ 7–10PM ] Balsam Range, whose album Aeonic
currently tops the bluegrass charts, will appear in concert at Glad Tidings Church on Country Club Road in Morehead City. Presented by the Rotary Club of Morehead City, all proceeds from this concert will go to support Alzheimer’s Research. Tickets are $30 to $45 and may be purchased online at attendstar.com/events/. At 4621 Country Club Road, Morehead City.
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MID–MARCH TO MID–APRIL
MARCH 16
MARCH 16–17
Get Hooked Fishing School Get Hooked Fishing School features experts in a variety of sustainable fishing techniques. Each will present workshops throughout the day. There are four sessions of instruction plus drawings, giveaways and a catered lunch. Advance registration is required. Please call 252-247-4003, ext. 257 to register, or ext. 225 to buy a ticket at $60 per ticket ($54 for members). Event takes place at the Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium. MARCH 16
Go for the Gold 5K St. Patrick’s Day Themed Fun Run St Patrick’s Day themed 5K fun run or run/ walk to benefit Croatan High School’s Project Graduation. The route is Croatan’s cross-country course that follows two laps around school grounds. The kids’ fun run is one lap of the course. Cost for the 5K is $20 for adults, $15 for students. The kids’ fun run is $10 per child (accompanying parents are free). Registration is available online at runsignup.com/Race/NC/Ocean/ GofortheGold5KandKidsFunRun or by dropping a completed form with payment at Croatan High School. On-site same-day registration will also be available for an additional $5. Packet pick-up will be at Croatan High Friday March 15 from 4-6 p.m. and the morning of the race from 8 to 8:45 a.m. At Croatan High School, on NC 24.
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Intro to Wooden Boat Building
Explore the art of boatbuilding in this two-day, hands-on course. Students age 16 and up begin with lofting and move on to the setup, steam bending and different methods of creating the backbone of small boats. They also learn planking methods, both carvel and lapstrake and use of appropriate fasteners. After two days, students will have the knowledge, skill and confidence to choose a design and style of boat to build on their own. Cost is $135 ($121.50 for members of the Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum). Advance registration is required. Register by calling 252-504-7758. MARCH 16
Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival [ 9AM–6PM ] The 28th Annual Emerald Isle
That’s right, there’s a caviar farm right here in Carteret County! Marshallberg Farm is the largest producer of Russian sturgeon caviar in the U.S. Due to popular demand, the Down East facility will be holding a series of farm tours and caviar tastings. The tour includes a guided walk amongst 40 indoor recirculating aquaculture tanks that teem with sturgeon and span some 54,000 square feet of building space. Following the tour, there will be a caviar and smoked sturgeon tasting and a chance to purchase products. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at marshallbergfarm. com/tours. At 811 Straits Road in Smyrna. MARCH 16
Luck o’ the Irish Dinner
St. Patrick’s Festival proudly presented by Transportation Impact will take place at the Emerald Plantation shopping center. Admission to the festival and parking is free. This year’s festival will feature over 75 arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, amusement rides, face painters and many other fun, family-oriented activities. No pets on festival grounds. Main tent is open to 21 years and up, no strollers allowed in beer tent. For more information call 252-354-6350.
beef and cabbage. Grub, grog and games! At 401 Money Island Drive, Atlantic Beach. For information or tickets call 910-467-7717.
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[ 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 2303 East Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach.
Trivia Bee at Boys + Girls Club promote awareness about Boys & Girls Clubs of
MARCH 23
Telescope and Astrophotography Workshop
Dobsonians, equatorials, astrographs, Cassegrains, CCDs, CMOS, DSLR, LRGB, monochrome… phew! It’s a lot of information to take in and can get confusing. Do you have a telescope and aren’t quite sure how to use it? Do you have questions about how to improve your astrophotography? Do you just have questions about telescopes, other equipment or astronomy in general? Come to our workshop! If you’re having difficulty choosing equipment or getting something you already own set up, our club members will be there to answer your questions. If you just have a general interest or are curious, some of our members will have their own gear set up and will be happy to discuss it with you and answer your questions. This event is free and open to the public. There are no tickets or registration required. The event itself will be held in the auditorium of the Fort Macon Educational Center. At Fort Macon State Park, East Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach.
Emerald Isle Marathon, HalfMarathon & 5K Races
Natural Side of Fort Macon
[ 6–8:30PM ] A fun-filled event designed to
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MARCH 21
MARCH 22
the Coastal Plain and to raise funds in support of the Sunshine Lady Club and Beaufort Units. Funds will be used to provide programming, resources and a safe place to go after school each day and in the summer. Join us for great food and good cheer—all surrounding some fierce but friendly trivia competition! Cost to enter is $150 for a team of three which includes table seating, dinner and a chance at raffle prizes! Please contact Taylor Shannon at tshannon@bgccp.com or 252355-2345, ext. 233, for sponsorship and team details. At 3505 Arendell Street, Morehead City.
[ 1–5PM ] Maks, reflectors, refractors, Newtonians,
Caviar Farm Tour + Tasting
[ 6–9PM ] Traditional Irish feast of corned
MARCH 16
THINGS TO DO
The 6th Annual Emerald Isle Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K is set. This annual event has attracted approximately 1,500 runners each year and has raised more than $200,000 for bicycle path improvements and health-related charities over the past 5 years. This year’s event will benefit the Emerald Isle bicycle path and and SECU Family House, at UNC Hospitals, an organization that provides lodging and support services to
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 » March / April 2018 CAROLINA SALT 9
THINGS TO DO
patients receiving medical treatment far from their home communities. To learn more and to sign up, please visit emeraldislerun.com/.
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MARCH 30
Spring Family Festival [ 10AM–2PM ] Join us for our 3rd Annual Spring
Family Festival, a fundraiser for Nature School at Camp Albemarle. Toddler Egg Hunt at 11a.m. and Helicopter Egg Drop sponsored by Dong’s Martial Arts in Morehead City at 12:30 p.m. Please leave your pets at home. Only service animals are permitted at event. Activities include egg hunts, explore a firetruck and construction vehicles, visit with the Easter Bunny, music and games by Emerald Owl Productions, Inc., play in our outdoor classroom, bounce houses, carnival games, face painting, cupcake walk, foam party by Emerald Owl Productions, Inc. (participants will get wet—we recommend bringing a towel and change of clothes). Hamburgers, hotdogs, fries and drinks will be available for sale. Kona Ice of the Crystal Coast and Jitterzz Coffee Co. will have delicious treats and drinks for purchase. Presale ticket/armband sales will be available online March 17–28. On-site sales will happen day of the event. At 156 Albemarle Drive, Newport. For information call 252-726-4848. MARCH 30
Shuck, Rattle & Roll [ 5:30–10PM ] All seafood served at this event
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will be produced by current and former CCC Aquaculture Students. Talk to local growers about their growing techniques and taste the freshest shellfish straight from the growers themselves. Don’t forget to wear your dancing shoes; 4EverAll will be playing music from 5:30–7:30 p.m. and the Embers will be playing from 8–10 p.m.! Additional catering will be provided by Roland’s BBQ of Beaufort. Enjoy craft beer provided by Fishtowne Brew House of Beaufort. Tickets will be $30 until March 22, and $40 thereafter. Children 10 and under eat free. At the Howard Building, Carteret Community College Campus. For information call 252-222-6262.
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MARCH 30
Friends of Aging Dance
[ 6–10PM ] This non-profit was established to
relieve the distress of seniors in need by supporting in-home services, wellness programs and community connectivity. We champion specialized activities and counseling on primary needs such as nutrition, healthcare, housing, financial security, education and employment. These services are free of charge to Carteret county residents aged 50+. Music will be provided by Dick Knight, “Slyde” Band and DJ Travis Thompson. Food will be provided by Fat Fellas. At 3505 Arendell Street, Morehead City. For information and tickets call 252-670-7530.
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APRIL 5–6
Newport Pig Cookin’ Contest [ 11AM ] The USA’s largest whole hog BBQ Pig
Cookin’ invites you to join us for two days of food, fun and springtime celebrations! Free admission and free parking. Barbecue plates only $7. Bulk pork when available sold for $7 per pound. Concession stands, rides, bake sales, funnel cakes, live music, souvenirs and more! At 200 Howard Boulevard, Newport. APRIL 6
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APRIL 6
Jamison Ipock Art Opening [ 5–7PM ] Beaufort native Jamison Ipock will return
to the Mattie King Davis Art Gallery with her gorgeous acrylic paintings that capture the coastal landscape of our area. For more information contact the Beaufort Historical Association at 252728-5225 or visit beauforthistoricsite.org. At 130 Turner Street, Beaufort. APRIL 7
Bunco Beach Brunch [ 12:30–1:30PM ] Join for the 4th annual Bunco
Beach Brunch held at the Coral Bay Club! There will be fabulous prizes, raffles, silent auction and cash bar. All proceeds support the Sally Smith Memorial Scholarship (benefits students of CCC by providing tuition assistance) and the Sally Smith Professional Development Fund (benefits employees of CCC by providing education assistance). At 1901 West Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. For more information or tickets call 252-222-6262. €
Core Sound Run
[ 9AM–NOON ] The Core Sound Run offers
10K, 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run. Prizes, gifts and a beautiful place to enjoy the first full day of spring! For information, go to coresoundrun.com. At 1785 Island Road, Harkers Island. APRIL 6
Mill Fest Homebrew Competition
This competition will be held during Mill Fest 2019. Registration starts at noon. Homebrewers set up will be from noon to 3. Serving and judging is from 3–4 p.m. Awards will be announced at 6 p.m. Crystal Coast will be co-hosting this event and the winner of the competition will have the opportunity to brew with Crystal Coast! Mill Whistle will be open noon to 9 p.m., providing 16 taps, food truck cuisine and live music! At 1354 Lennoxville Road, Beaufort. For more information call 252-342-6929.
Stir a little love into everything you do. coffee • local baked goods • gluten-free choices
Thank you for picking up Carolina Salt! Our articles are written by locals. Every month we look to our readers tokeep 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
march Special
COOL AND FROSTY
PEPPERMINT PATTY
$
16-oz.
3.50
open every day from 7am–3pm •252.354. 2643• Emerald Plantation •8700 Emerald Drive
10 CAROLINA SALT March / April 2018 » CarolinaSalt.com
FREE
LINDA BERGMAN–ALTHOUSE
OUTER BANKS WILDLIFE SHELTER
Hummingbirds Trust Us
H
ere they come again, our jewels of the sky! Tiny hummingbirds, the smallest of all birds, who migrate from their winter stay in Central America or the Caribbean are easily attracted to backyard feeders and gardens. Most bird enthusiasts agree they are a joy to watch and these little buzzers become easy to love! They are called hummingbirds because they generate a humming sound when they beat their wings—up to 80 flaps per second! They are also extremely fast flyers that shoot through the sky like a dart. They have been clocked at 34 mph while flying and 49 mph while diving. Ruby-throated and rufous hummingbirds, which are the types of hummingbirds that frequent North Carolina, generally return to the territories where they were born and raised and where food is not difficult to find. Most hummers are 3 to 5 inches in length and weigh less than .07 of an ounce. Flying in the rain is a big deal and can be dangerous when you consider the weight of raindrops relative to a lightweight hummingbird. Collectively, rain drops may weigh 38% of the bird’s total body weight. Scientists have videoed hummingbirds shaking their heads like a dog to shed rain water while flying. Hummingbirds have the greatest mass-specific metabolic rate of any homeothermic animal. To conserve energy when food is scarce and during the night when they are not foraging, they can go into torpor a physical state similar to hibernation. Torpor slows their metabolic rate to one-fifteenth of its normal rate. This will prevent them from starving to death. If we humans choose, and many of us do, to take on the responsibility of providing supplemental nutrition and fuel for hummingbirds, we must be diligent about keeping their feeders clean and scrubbed free of bacteria or mold and ensure the nectar or sugar solution is replaced routinely, especially in warm weather, because the solution has a tendency to spoil. When hummingbirds are enticed by feeders we provide, they trust us and will return time and time again to the opportunity of supplemental fuel you have provided. But dirty feeders and rancid nectar will kill hummingbirds. Hummingbirds will succumb to a fatal fungal infection when exposed to dirty feeders. So you see, there is a significant commitment of time, energy and attention to detail we must make to ensure we are not “loving them to death.” If you have hummingbirds feeding on your deck, there’s a good chance the females have babies in a tiny cup of a nest somewhere close by. They can easily carry bacteria and fungus to their hatchlings if picked up from your feeder. Always inspect your feeder carefully for black mold or fungus and take them completely apart to check every nook and cranny where mold can hide. Wash the feeder parts thoroughly with bleach or a vinegar and water solution. Then rinse with clear, hot tap water. It is best not to use soap because soap leaves a residue. Lots of folks hang hummingbird feeders in the spring, so it would be a good idea to pass the word to your neighbors to ensure they are paying attention to the cleanliness of their feeders as well. If you are providing artificial nectar, white granulated sugar and water is best in a solution of one part sugar to four parts water. There is no need to add food coloring. It’s best to boil the mixture, then let it cool to room temperature before filling your feeder. Boiling the water helps prevent fermentation of the solution. Do not use organic or raw sugars which contain harmful iron. Brown sugar, agave syrup, molasses, artificial sweeteners and honey are also on the do
not-use list, as they are breeding grounds for microorganisms that cause rapid spoilage. A hummingbird has a very long, forked tongue equipped with tubes that engage in a pump action when nectar is reached. Nectar is a mixture of glucose, fructose and sucrose and is not the best source of nutrients required to live a healthy hummingbird life, so hummingbirds also eat many insects, including mosquitoes, fruit flies, gnats, aphids and spiders to meet their nutritional needs. Their flexible beak can bend 25 degrees, enabling them to catch insects with ease. On occasion, hummingbirds will hover within insect swarms to facilitate feeding. This method is called “hover-hawking.” Flowers provide a sweet liquid nectar too, but hummingbirds are very particular and will reject flowers that produce nectar that is less than 10 percent sugar and prefer those with a higher sugar content. They love their sweets! However, we do not want to exceed the one to four parts solution we provide them, because two much sugar can cause their internal organs to shut down. It appears that only the female is involved in building a nest and raising baby hummers. A tiny hummingbird nest is constructed in a crook of a tree with materials such as spider silk and lichen. This combination allows the nest to expand as the youngsters grow. Usually, only two white eggs are laid. Incubation occurs for 14 to 23 days and after hatching, momma hummingbird will conscientiously attend to the feeding needs and warmth required by the little ones. Two hatchlings is a low count for a bird, but the theory is because the female is on her own to care for her brood, two is all she can manage to feed and keep warm at one time. Lives are on the line out there, so we must do what we can to ensure Mom and those babies stay well and healthy. Hummingbirds trust that the nectar we provide them is good stuff! These little summer sparklers thank us daily for our gifts of fuel and care with their beauty, charm, remarkable aerial displays and quirky antics. Let’s not let them down! Keep those hummingbird feeders clean! €
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!
CarolinaSalt.com » March / April 2018 CAROLINA SALT 11
R
BY REBECCA JONES
ebecca Jones and Kandice Antwine will share personal messages related to the photos and corresponding quotes contained within the pages of Changing Tides, at Ann Street United Methodist Church, Eure Building, on Saturday, March 23, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. There will be a book signing immediately following the shared messages with books available for purchase for $10 (cash only). The quotes within the pages of Changing Tides, written and compiled by Rebecca Jones, go hand in hand with photos taken by Kandice Antwine over the span of seven years. Creative sparks were plentiful as Rebecca and Kandice joined forces resulting in a one of a kind work published by Library Partners Press, Wake Forest University. The natural beauty of the Crystal Coast was all the inspiration that Rebecca Jones needed as she assembled quotes referencing sources from Peter Pan to the Bible, filling in with original words of wisdom written by the author herself. This same local scenery had inspired Kandice Antwine to purchase her first camera years ago and continues to captivate her on a daily basis. She can often be seen with her camera in hand and has been mistakenly identified as a tourist instead of a local resident. The 48 quotes and corresponding photos within the pages of Changing Tides tend to bring about a range of emotions as they flow from sunrise to sunset, encouraging the reader to not give up hope and to “try just one more time.” While enjoying the quotes within, one is also taken on a pictorial tour of the Crystal Coast, Beaufort, New Bern, Harkers Island, Morehead City, Atlantic Beach and other small towns in between. Changing Tides can be purchased locally at The Next Chapter Books and Art in historic downtown New Bern, Sweet Lilly Ru on Front Street in Beaufort, Coastal Farmhouse located in Swansboro and True Vine Christian Book Store in Havelock. The book is also available on Amazon. €
Choral Society Concert
T
he Crystal Coast Choral Society has been hard at work since January preparing for its spring concert, Spring Bouquet of Choral Singing. In addition to weekly rehearsals at Swansboro United Methodist Church, the CCCS recently completed numerous local fundraising events to help secure funds for the event. Spring concert dates and times are now finalized and will be as follows: SATURDAY NIGHT April 6, 7:30 pm................................................. Cape Carteret Presbyterian Church 100 Yaupon Drive (Highway 24), Cape Carteret SUNDAY AFTERNOON April 7, 3 pm...................................................................................First Christian Church Richlands (124 Trott Road)
Tickets purchased in advance remain $10. They can be purchased from CCCS members and for the first time are now available online at crystalcoastchoralsociety.org. Tickets purchased at the door will be $12. Children 10 and under are free. Tickets for students over 10 are $5. The Crystal Coast Choral Society is a non-audition community choir that strives to provide quality music to eastern North Carolina residents. Rehearsals begin each fall after Labor Day for concerts held in December in Onslow and Carteret County. Spring semester rehearsals begin after the new year for concerts held in early spring in both counties. New members are welcome at the beginning of each semester and volunteers to help with concert activities, such as setting up and ushering guests/passing out programs, would also be welcome. For more information, contact the director, Finley Woolston, at 910-358-2997 or finley@ec.rr.com or visit the CCCS Facebook page or website, crystalcoastchoralsociety,org. As always, let us know if you have questions and thanks. €
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12 CAROLINA SALT March / April 2018 » CarolinaSalt.com
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CarolinaSalt.com » March / April 2018 CAROLINA SALT 13
A MOMENT OF REFLECTION
PAUL ORTIZ
MAKE EVERY EFFORT AN ISLAND CHURCH PERSPECTIVE
T
his past weekend, my message was focused on a passage of scripture in the Book of Hebrews that has a very strong appeal and one that if applied to everyday life would change the world. In my Bible, the header for this passage is titled, “Warning and Encouragement.” This passage is meant not only to encourage us, but also to warn us that when not practiced, the outcome is harmful. “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” [HEBREWS 12:14-15] There are three very specific implications for us in verse 14. First, we should make every effort to live in peace with everyone. To “make every effort” is strong language. This is not something we should take lightly. It is something we should strive for with strong effort. It’s a fight! It’s not easy to “have peace with everyone”— and why would it be? People can be difficult. People can be hard on each other. Our tendency is to respond to others as they do with us. But this verse filled with wisdom from God makes the appeal that, no matter what, “make every effort to live at peace with everyone.” It doesn’t matter how someone else is carrying on, we should make every effort to live at peace with them. This doesn’t mean we take abuse over and over again. It means we leave that person with a positive reflection of who we are. The second piece of that verse is critical: “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy.” It is not enough to just live in peace with everyone, but we must strive to be holy while doing it. There is only one way to do this and it is to abide in God. To walk after God and have a meaningfully growing relationship with the Living God. No one can be holy apart from God. No one! This exhortation in verse 14 cannot be accomplished in whole without being in yoke with Jesus. However, being able to accomplish the first part of the verse becomes so much easier when we are walking with God and He with us. His holiness spills over into our lives when we are abiding in Him. And can you imagine what the world would look like if more Christians would abide in God and apply this Scripture to their lives? The third part of the passage reveals why we must make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy, because without holiness in our lives no one will see the Lord. If we are not displaying the goodness of God in our lives to others, no one will see God in our lives. If we do not give grace to others as it has been given to us, no one will see God in our lives. Is it no wonder why so many look at the Christian world with disdain and disregard? When we fail to apply Scripture to our lives, it will be easy to be influenced by ungodly influences. On average, Americans spend almost two hours per day on social media. Could you imagine the difference in so many people if that time was applied to study and applying Scriptures to their lives. Verse 15 provides the warning from avoiding to live out verse 14. “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” [HEBREWS 12:15] When we fail to live at peace with everyone while striving for holiness by the grace given us, we will instead by the nature that is within us act like a fallen world that is full of bitterness. That bitterness if left unchecked will keep growing up, causing trouble and causing others to fall away. What a different world this would be if we could go from just listening or reading Scriptures to actually making it applicable to our lives. I am not saying it is easy. This is definitely a difficult task, but when we are walking with God and going after God, He provides the strength and power we need to be able to do it. This is the grace of God to us, that He would share His holiness and righteousness with us so that we could make a difference in this world and the world would in turn see Him. Be the difference God created you to be in this world! €
14 CAROLINA SALT March / April 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
SPRING INTO SERIOUS FISHING 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 M A RC H
M
arch 20 marks the first day of spring along the Crystal Coast, and anglers venturing out onto our beautiful coastal waters can find some serious inshore and nearshore action! Some of my favorite species to target this month are redfish and false albacore. Both of these fish offer sight fishing opportunities that will get your adrenaline pumping and test the limits of your favorite rod and reel combo! Anglers will also find other species in our area during March, including speckled trout, sea mullet and seabass.
REDFISH
Lyndon Gaines poses with his prize redfish, caught fishing with Captain Jeff Cronk aboard Fish’n4Life.
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
When looking for redfish this March, anglers should focus their efforts in the shallow bays and creeks behind our beaches as well as the muddy bottom bays and creeks along our mainland. As we move through early spring, our daylight is getting longer and we often get some periods of warmer weather. Together, these two factors will quickly warm these shallow waters which will cause reds to move into these areas in search of food. The bays behind our beaches will have higher salinity water which allows the winter algae locals call “terd moss” to thrive. For this reason, I will often switch to a very light presentation on my baits. I like to rig a 5" Gulp Smelt Jerk Shad or a 4" Gulp Pearl White Shrimp on a weightless hook. Anglers can work these baits slowly with a quick twitch between retrieves and the bait will rarely come in contact with the bottom which is covered with the algae. If the fish aren’t feeding well, switching over to a live mud minnow suspended under a small float cork will usually entice a strike. Because the water is still cold in March, these fish will be schooled up and it will take a lot of time on the trolling motor searching area bays to locate them. Anglers that choose calmer days and put the time in will often be rewarded with some serious spring redfish action!
FASLE ALBACORE False albacore are distinguished by a scattering of dark spots between the pectoral and ventral fins and elongated wavy markings found on the back, above the lateral line. Many anglers confuse false albacore with bonito. The easiest way for anglers to distinguish the two is by the teeth. Bonito have very noticeable, sharp teeth like a Spanish mackerel; false albacore have very small, bristle-like teeth. False albacore typically range between 5 and 15 pounds here along the Crystal Coast, and offer some serious rod-bending, reel-screaming action! Aboard Fish’n4life Charters we welcome fly anglers, but we usually spend more time casting light spinning tackle to schools of albacore breaking the surface. There are many locations along the Crystal Coast at which anglers can locate large schools of fish during March. Anglers should first scour the edges of the tideline just outside the inlets and along the surf zone before heading farther off the beach. Other great locations include nearshore live bottoms, wrecks and artificial reefs. Locating small white birds, called terns, hovering frantically just above the water’s surface while often dipping down to the water is a sure sign that albacore are feeding below. I like to approach these birds head-on, idling very slowly. Too much engine noise will spook the albacore. Many bait presentations will produce strikes. Some of the most effective baits I’ve used over the past 25 years include: 4" silver/black topwater baits, ¼-oz. double spec rigs, 1 to 2-oz. metal baits in silver or gold and ½-oz. jig heads with a 3 to 4" glass minnow imitation soft bait. My favorites are Zoom Super Flukes and the Berkley Gulp Jerk shad. When using Gulp, I prefer chartreuse pepper neon, pink shine, pearl white and sardine. Regardless of color, it’s important to use a fast retrieve to produce strikes. €
your life on the Crystal Coast WE DEPEND ON OUR READERS! CALL 252-723-7628 IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN SUBMITTING AN ARTICLE OR PHOTO.
CarolinaSalt.com » March / April 2018 CAROLINA SALT 15
DISCOVERY DIVING
LEE MOORE
DIVING OUR COAST W H AT ’ S U N D E RWAT E R I N M A RC H
M
arch is traditionally one of the coldest months of the year in North Carolina. In February, water temperatures offshore were in the low 60s, while the inshore water temperatures were in the low 50s. The all-weather divers get to see marine life that isn’t present during the warm weather season. As spring approaches, more divers will be making their way to the coast to go diving on the wrecks out of Beaufort Inlet. Before divers decide to take their first underwater breath of the season, they need to have the annual service on their gear performed. A regulator is the major piece of life support equipment that the diver uses to breathe underwater. It is made up of two main pieces, the first stage and the second stage. The first stage is the part that is connected to the tank and the second stage is the piece that the diver put in their mouth and breathes through. Most divers have two second stages. One is their primary, the one they breathe off of and the other is their alternate air source, more commonly known as an octopus. The octopus is used to share air with another diver in the event they are low on air. All three stages have internal parts that are replaced during the annual service. Each stage is completely taken apart and all new parts are put into the existing housings. Even though the outside looks the same, it is like getting a brand new regulator each year. When the moving parts are replaced, they are coated with lubricants to make them move more smoothly. Aqua-Lung provides free parts for life for their customers, as long as the regulators are serviced every year. Sherwood provides free parts for their customers for the first two years. Another piece of equipment that needs annual service is the tank. This service is known as a visual inspection. To begin the visual inspection, all of the air is removed from the tank. Next, the valve is removed and a light is lowered into the tank so the repair technician can look at the inside of the tank to see if there are any cracks or pitting of the material. If no evidence of internal damage is found, the tank will get a new visual inspection sticker that is good for one year. Every five years, a tank has to be hydrostatically tested. It is referred to as a hydro. To hydro a tank, the tank is filled with water and is then placed into a chamber of water. (Envision a pressure cooker.) The chamber is then sealed and the tank is pressurized to ⁵⁄₃ of its working pressure. A 3,000 psi tank will be filled to 5,000 psi. To test the strength of the metal, the expansion is measured and the contraction is measured. If these measurements are within tolerance, a new hydrostatic date is stamped on the tank and it is good for another five years. The buoyancy compensator is the piece of equipment that the diver wears to hold their tank on their back and uses to attain neutral buoyancy while underwater. When it is inspected, the dump valves are inspected to make sure they open and close properly to hold and release air. Buoyancy compensators either have an inflator hose or an “i3” device to adjust the amount of air that is added and released. A low pressure hose connects the inflation device to the first stage and allows air to be directly added from the diver’s tank to the buoyancy compensator. The repair technician inspects the inflation device to ensure it is functioning properly. Now is the time to get all of your gear inspected, before all of the other divers get the same idea. When the dive season starts, you don’t want to be standing on the dock watching the dive boat head offshore because your gear is getting its annual service because you waited until the last minute. If you have any questions about getting your gear serviced, contact Discovery Diving at dive@discoverydiving.com, at 252-728-2265 or follow them on Facebook. If you are in the area, just come by the shop and drop off your gear for service. €
16 CAROLINA SALT March / April 2018 » CarolinaSalt.com
JOIN DISCOVERY CONTACT
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.
JOIN ECARA ECARA
works to continue sinking ships to create artificial reefs here in North Carolina, but their resources are limited. To get involved, visit carolinareef.org.
MARCH 7 TO APRIL 7
CAPE HATTERAS TIDE CHART
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LOCAL CHARITIES EMERALD ISLE PARROTHEADS
16th Annual Beach Bike Poker Run Hosted by the EI ParrotHeads
M
ost folks can’t wait until it begins. If you’ve done it, you have to do it again. If you haven’t, there’s no better time than now! It started in 2003 as an idea from our Parrot Head Club founders, of a fun afternoon visiting a few bars in Emerald Isle by bicycle. It has since become a huge charity event, with over 250 participants riding on their bicycles from the Emerald Club to various local establishments in search of winning poker hands for cash prizes, $300 first place, $200 second and $100 third. This is one of the most talked about and best celebrated events in our Emerald Isle Parrot Head Club history! The annual Beach Bike Poker Run is always a success. Last year our participants, sponsors and volunteers contributed $15,000 for Semper Fi Children’s Odyssey Summer Camp to send local children of wounded warriors to adventure camp for a week and to pair them with a mentor for a year. We are proud to sponsor this charity again for this year’s run! The run begins at our nest located at the Emerald Club, 8102 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle. Participants are invited to decorate themselves and their bikes with a tropical theme to win cash prizes. There are seven local bars designated on the run to offer various drink specials and a good time. Local Parrot Heads (Card Sharks) are at each bar to give you a poker card and a big welcome. At the final stop, the Emerald Club, the best poker hand wins. During this event, the bike path is scattered with riders donned in their tropical colored shirts, shark and parrot hats, flowered leis, grass skirts and big happy smiles. This year promises raffles, door prizes, a silent auction, a live auction and the Buffet-themed bike decoration contest. You can’t lose with so many opportunities to contribute to this worthy cause! Details regarding live and online registration will be posted at emeraldisleparrotheads.com. Stay tuned for details. You do not have to be a Parrot Head to participate but you do need to act like one! So, PHluff up those PHeathers and come “Party with a Purpose.” We hope to see you there! €
18 CAROLINA SALT March / April 2018 » CarolinaSalt.com
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