Fall 2014
www.SwanQuarterly.net
Hyde County’s County Magazine
Cover Photo by Jessica Swindell
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Photo: Jessica Lee Photography PUBLISHER: INGRID LEMME ~ EDITOR: MARGIE BROOKS
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Quote of the Quarter
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“Autumn seemed to arrive suddenly that year. The morning of the first September was crisp and golden as an apple.” ― J.K. Rowling
DEAR READER
Ms. Emily’s Village Consignment Shop
Located next to Pat’s Gas Station in Swan Quarter is open Wednesdays through Saturdays and a paradise for treasure hunters! Please Click Here!!!
Annual Swan Quarter Yard Sale Saturday, October 4th! Don’t miss it!
Gladly announcing that our former editor and long time Hyde resident Margie Brooks is back on board and thanking interim editor Tim Nielsen for his help in editing this past year. Please don't miss the next couple of pages where Margie and I are explaining what we need to keep the Swan Quarterly going. We Follow signs off US 264 to Swan Quarter! Swan Quarter VFD Lunch/ Dinner 11:30 am—7:00 pm Free off-street parking For more info: 252-926-3771 or yardsales@embarqmail.com
definitely will need your support! Hyde County is beautiful and remains the road less traveled, however online we are all connected, no matter where we are and these magazines are read from Rocky Mount to the Outer Banks and beyond. See ya'll at the Swan Quarter Yard Sale! Happy Fall! -- Love, Ingrid
EDITOR’S EDICTS BY MARGIE BROOKS, EDITOR
years ago. And until last year, I had lived in Swan Quarter, in the same house, for thirty years. Oh, I didn’t always like it, but I grew to appreciate the special place that Hyde County is. So, if you’ll overlook the editorial mistakes I’m bound to make, I’m on board to keep The Swan Quarterly going until Ingrid can find a more qualified candidate.
Let’s get one thing out in the open right away. I am not an editor. Not by birth, not by training, nor by previous work experience (unless you count my job in another life of a proofreader for the US Army). I still have trouble conjugating verbs and my tenses often are confused. Spell-check has ruined my spelling ability and old age is playing tricks with my memory. So… how is it that my name is on the masthead as editor of this beautiful publication? Perhaps it was my inability to say ‘no’ when Ingrid called asking if I’d take on the job temporarily. But most probably it is my love of Hyde County - its history, its natural beauty, its people, its food – the whole caboodle. I first came here 50
The Swan Quarterly is a labor of love. What that means in a nutshell is that none of us are getting paid for our efforts. The writers and photographers who contribute to each issue are credited with a byline – but never a paycheck. That goes for the editor and the publisher too. So each quarter when you receive your newest issue look for those bylines and know that those contributors have an enthusiasm for Hyde County too. They are keeping The Swan Quarterly going. In the coming months I will be looking for more folks with that fervor and I trust that they will also be willing to share their photographs and stories of Hyde County for all to enjoy. You don’t have to be a professional wordsmith or shutterbug – you just have to love Hyde County
and together we’ll get the job done!
HOW THE SWAN QUARTERLY CAME ALL ABOUT BY INGRID LEMME, PUBLISHER Dear Reader, I was asked how the idea for The Swan Quarterly came about and for all who missed our first issue in 2008, here is the long story in a nut shell… My late husband, Sunshine ‘Sunny” Lemme, and I lived on Long Island, NY in a small coastal town named Montauk. Montauk, until it was discovered, used to remind me very much of Swan Quarter – a quiet, laid-back, and beautiful place. Thinking that we would eventually retire to eastern North Carolina to be near my son Nick and his wife Neli who had recently moved to Tyrrell County, we discovered a little Victorian house in Swan Quarter on NC 45 across from Church Street and fell in love with it. The locals often call this house ‘the castle’, but it had suffered great water
damage during Hurricane Isabel in 2003 and needed many repairs. It was over two years before we began the repairs with the help of Nick and Neli. We worked on the house for several years, coming down from NY when we could, and staying for as long as we could. We loved Swan Quarter, indeed all of Hyde County. We loved the people and the natural beauty of the area. Meanwhile Sunny, who had a Master’s Degree in Emergency Management, had applied for the Hyde County Emergency Manager’s job. The idea was that if he was selected, he would move to Swan Quarter ahead of me. For over two decades I was the Marketing and PR Director for the famous Gurney’s Inn Resort & Spa in Montauk. I also hosted a television program called “The American Dream Show” which aired in tri-state New York for many years. It is a show about people, family heritage, hopes, dreams and realities. Some of the shows can still be found on YouTube. I had a small pop-up studio at Gurney’s Inn where I interviewed over 500 people. Some were real famous and some were just real interesting people. It would be several years before I could retire.
On one of our trips to Swan Quarter, I picked up the local newspapers at the Quarter Grill (no longer standing) in Swan Quarter and discovered that there was little representation of Hyde County. Thus The Swan Quarterly was born as an on-line magazine and with limited edition print copies. Our first issue was Winter 2008. For many years, I was able to afford to print copies in bulk and send them to Emily Thomas who made them available in the Village Consignment, Crafts & Custom Made Framing Shop in Swan Quarter. Emily reports that there were always avid readers waiting for the next issue but several factors (my limited income, cost, etc.) have led to the discontinuance of the hard copies. We are researching the possibilities of having hard copies available again, but in the meanwhile, if you are interested in reading back copies or ordering your own print copy online, please log on to www.SwanQuarterly.net .
As Margie mentioned in this issue, The Swan Quarterly is a labor of love with many volunteers contributing their time, articles, photographs, layout and design tasks, etc. without compensation. Profound appreciation to all who make each issue possible. And thank you, dear readers, for your support! We’d like to hear from you at IngridHLemme@gmail.com with your comments and suggestions and if you’d like to join those who contribute to this magazine, let us hear from you too!
CRABMEAT WITH A REPUTATION LOCAL AND FRESH SEAFOOD… BY INGRID LEMME
Most everyone knows if you want really fresh seafood, Hyde County is the place to visit. Mattamuskeet Seafood, 24694 US 264, Swan Quarter, is renowned all along the eastern seaboard for its quality crab meat and North Carolina oysters. In business since 1984, this family owned and operated crab house is by far the cleanest seafood facility you will ever see. And since the crabs come right out of the bountiful waters of the nearby Pamlico Sound, you won’t get any fresher seafood. Their top-of-the-line crab meat - jumbo lump, backfin, clawmeat, or cocktail
claws is sold under the Clearview label to the wholesale market, but they also are just as happy to fill a retail order for passing visitors to this rural eastern North Carolina county. Several years ago they also starting making Choice Premium Crab Cakes and, in season, they also sell North Carolina oysters. I have visited their facility several times and every
time I go back I am again amazed at how organized and super-clean it is. During high crab season, the long, high metal tables are covered with cooked crabs. Dozens of mostly Hispanic women are busy picking their way through mountains of cooked crabs while then men constantly refill
the tables with more crabs from the coolers to be picked. In the background, cheery music is playing, reminiscent of the worker’s homeland. These women are quick. I can barely follow the strokes it takes to get to the white pieces of lump meat. But there is it--the white, fresh local seafood with a reputation for quality and freshness. One can't eat healthier than this--no
preservatives, no hormones, and no additives. If you are in the mood for fresh seafood, give Sherrie Carawan a call at 252-926-2431 and see what is available. They’d love to see you! www.facebook.com/mattamuskeetseafood
Crab Salad Original recipe makes 4 servings 2 pounds crabmeat 2 1/2 cups chopped celery 8 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 teaspoons celery seed 1 pinch paprika 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar 1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning Prep Time 15 Min Ready In 15 Min Let Let them know if you tried it! www.facebook.com/mattamuskeetseafood Fall 2014
Photography Ingrid Lemme
AN INVITATION TO A FULL-MOON VISIT ON LAKE MATTAMUSKEET A BIRDERS PARADISE… BY ROBERT LETHCO, JR. Lake Mattamuskeet is a wonderful place to visit and see North Carolina wildlife. It is North Carolina’s largest natural lake, located in Hyde County. When you discover this beautiful place, it will bring you back over and over again. There are very many species of birds, animals, plants and fish. The
Photo by By Robert Lethco, Jr.
last time I visited it, I brought a friend and was showing off the beauty and splendor of this magnificent land. We walked on a few of the piers that jut out into the lake. We had some rare sightings of birds you don’t see every day there on this particular trip. We saw a juvenile Bald Eagle - an eaglet practicing its majestic pose perched in the top of an old dead tree. We also scared up a Great Horned Owl. It had a wingspan of five feet or more. It took off and you could not hear its wings because they are round and this makes them silent. Nocturnal by nature they hunt mainly at night. Their eyes are in front of their head which gives them the advantage at
night while hunting for food. Their talons are strong and sharper than razor blades. When it flew off, it was very quick and disappeared as fast as it appeared. Lake Mattamuskeet is a nature photographer’s paradise. You can spend all day there taking pictures and still not get enough. When neighboring Dare County holds its annual Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival, many of the birders flock to Lake Mattamuskeet to capture the sights and sounds of the local birds. Last year, during the festival, I had the rare treat of seeing a Golden Eagle perched high up in another old dead tree. It was just watching over the land, probably waiting on its meal to come out of
hiding. Then I went down Wildlife Drive which runs behind the old pumping station (Mattamuskeet Lodge) and saw five White Pelicans. I have since learned that there are more and more sightings of these beautiful birds in this part of the country. They are usually found in the Gulf of Mexico states and out West. It was an amazing sight to see. In November Lake Mattamuskeet offers another fantastic scene, the annual migration of the Tundra Swans and the Snow Geese. There are
a lot of other migratory waterfowl that come down during this time as well. The swans and geese are one of the most spectacular nature events you will ever witness in the birding world. They usually arrive the first full moon of November. They arrive both during the day and the night, but it is an awesome experience to visit at night and listen to the sounds as they come in by the hundreds. If you are lucky you will see the flying vee cross the moon. It is a sight you will never forget. I hope you’ll mark down
on your calendar the first full moon and come see the beauty of the return of the migrating waterfowl that will adorn Eastern North Carolina. You’ll be glad you did. I am sure you, too, will be a return visitor to beautiful Lake Mattamuskeet and Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge on NC 94, between US 64 and US 264. Editor’s Note: Born in England, Robert Lethco, Jr. is a world-traveler who eventually settled in eastern North Carolina. He loves to play golf, fish, and take nature photographs.
MOVED BY THE HAND OF GOD BY MAZIE SWINDELL SMITH Soule Methodist Church continues to support and appreciate the work of the volunteers coming to Hyde County under the auspices of the United Methodist Church Disaster Relief Service. Fondly known as "Green Shirts," people from all parts of the country and all faiths continue to come to Hyde County to assist with ongoing hurricane recovery. Early Response Teams (ERT) come into disaster areas once the area is deemed safe and secured by the area’s first responders. ERT work revolves around salvage and support services. Their focus is on preventing further damage through things like removing trees from roofs, boarding up homes to prevent looting and pulling out carpet and sheet rock to minimize long term damage. Their time on site is a short-term, concentrated effort.
The ERT’s have been in Swan Quarter since Hurricane Irene in August 2011, and were housed temporarily in the Board of Education Offices at the former O.A. Peay School until the end of 2013. When asked to find other accommo-dations by the school board, Area Director Tommy Gilbert approached the trustees of Providence Methodist Church and asked about the possibility of using the facility for disaster recovery services. The
up the way most of those in attendance seemed to feel; “the church ‘moved by the hand of God’ has once again been moved into the direction God wants it to go."
Trustees agreed, and the beautiful old church that had been standing empty for several years became a hub of activity as moving and renovations began to take place.
The activity around the facility has added some new hustle to downtown Swan Quarter. Having a permanent facility from which to launch has also given the organization the ability to assist people in neighboring counties. Such was the case with the recent tornadoes in Beaufort and Hyde counties. Emergency Response volunteers were dispatched from Swan Quarter to assist with clean up and the repair of the homes damaged by the storm. Tommy Gilbert, Carol Evans and Rita Jones Franklin continue to staff the facility in its new digs. Anyone needing assistance is encouraged to stop by and talk with one of the staff members or call them at 252-542-9453.
This move has not only provided more permanent office space, but the sanctuary has been outfitted with sleeping quarters. Recently, former Providence church members gathered to take a look at the conversion of the facilities and to enjoy a meal of fellowship with some of the volunteers. One comment made at the program pretty well sums
Editor's Note: Having grown up on Mattamuskeet NWR in Swan Quarter, Mazie Swindell Smith enjoyed a long career in public education before returning home in 2011 to serve as Hyde County Manager. She enjoys writing, photography, crafting, gardening and traveling with her husband Dan. They attend Soule United Methodist Church where she currently serves as church secretary.
Fall 2014
Photography Mazie Swindell Smith
REMEMBERING ISABEL BY MARGIE BROOKS Editor’s note: September 18 marks the 11th Anniversary of Hurricane Isabel’s visit to Hyde County. My story could just as easily be told – with variations by many other Hyde County families whose lives were turned upside down that day. There was no loss of life, and we have come a long way in recovery since then, but we were forever changed. The county seat of
Swan Quarter took to blunt of the damage. Today, one can still drive through the village and see remnants of what once was… The residents of Swan Quarter started talking about her long before she arrived. So far in advance, in fact, that the hundreds of molecules that were to be her existence had yet to be formed. Her gender and her name, which were eventually determined by the order of her formation, could just have easily been masculine at that point. Yet, the impact of her arrival, now eleven years
ago, will not soon be forgotten in the small, rural North Carolina community she chose to visit that September afternoon. The marks of her willfulness and the fury with which she touched each life left the entire community forever changed. For me, a west-Texan by birth, the cultural shock I first encountered upon arriving in Eastern North Carolina so many years ago has never lessened. The hot, humid days of late summer with the potential of devastating winds and salt-water intrusion have
In the middle of Swan Quarter's Main Street, a church pew floats upside down during Hurricane Isabel.
Mitchell & Patsy Jo's home on Main Street just before the water went over the windowsills. In the backyard, Patsy Jo's car was free-floating.
caused me special concerns. Used to the occasional sunblocking dust storm, with tumbleweeds flying past, I’ve had a hard time adjusting to winds in which entire roofs fly past. For someone who grew up in the desert and who never learned to swim, the sight of waves from the Pamlico Sound a mile-distant, breaking over my back deck, is terrifying. A mandatory evacuation order had been issued days before Hurricane Isabel made her way ashore, but very few residents actually left. As for myself, a recent widow, I couldn’t bring myself to leave
my home filled with forty years of memories. Not even the possibility of my own injury or death dissuaded me from staying. So, along with my faithful cocker spaniel and five cats, I hunkered down to wait for her, anxiety turning my stomach topsy-turvy. Throughout the village, yards and decks had been cleared of lawn furniture, trash cans and anything else that could blow into a neighbor’s window. Pantries were stocked with food and water. Those fortunate enough to have a generator to use when the electricity would inevitably go off, had filled gas
cans and had them waiting. Pets were brought inside. Those who stayed behind had done everything we knew to do to prepare for her, but it was not enough. Neighbors checked on neighbors, making sure the elderly and the infirm were as prepared as the rest. Cell phone numbers were traded, in case regular telephone service was broken, but even that was eventually for naught. Vehicles were moved to higher ground, but it was not high enough.
The boats in the harbor had been secured with lines running in all directions, some taut, others slack so that as the winds shifted, the ropes would loosen and tighten accordingly, keeping the vessel from running aground, or worse yet, being pushed out to sea. The day of her arrival dawned with dark, menacing clouds overhead and gale-force winds already blowing. A pelting rain came in intermittent sheets. There was no escape now, even if one were to have had a last minute change-of-heart. All roads out were closed. To even venture onto them would be reckless as trees were being uprooted, branches snapping and becoming windborne.
went off. It would be eight days before it would be restored, but I was soon to find out that was only one of the burdens I would come to bear. The wind gusted to 115 miles per hour. I could see and hear the shingles and siding being stripped from my house. Water began to pour into my second story rooms and I scurried to move and protect as many things as I could. Even the old rotary dial telephone I had pulled from the depths of a yard sale box quit working. My lifelines to the outside world - my daughter and my best friend who lived some distance away - was now dependent on a cell phone.
The electricity and telephone service were still working although conditions were steadily worsening. I moved restlessly throughout the house, going from window to window in a nervous ritual, even occasionally stepping out on my covered front porch for a better view. Six pairs of eyes followed my every step as my pets seemed to sense my distress.
A couple of hours passed although it seemed like much longer. I thought we had made it through the worst of it because the winds had died down some, and while there was quite a bit of water in the yard, it was rain water. My across-the-street neighbor and I were on our cell phones comparing notes, when we both looked towards the heart of the village and saw a six-foot wall of water coming down the street towards our homes.
Shortly after noon the electricity, and the blessed air conditioning that went with it,
I scrambled to take my dog and cats and my important papers upstairs. I then remembered that
all of my photo albums were on a bottom shelf downstairs, and rushed back downstairs to fill a clothes hamper with albums and wrestled it upstairs. I had time to save nothing else. I grabbed my camera and ran from window to window upstairs, taking pictures of my world under rapidly rising water. Even today the images are as clear in my mind as they were centered in the viewfinder that day. There, floating down the street in front of my house was a church pew. Which church had it come from? Across the way, my neighbor’s car was free-floating in her yard, turning figure eights as the water rose above the window sills of her home. Next came two large propane gas tanks, lying on their sides, bobbing along like fishing corks. As far as I could see, in every direction, the ground was underwater. The tops of mail boxes and fence posts disappeared in the raging waters. In just a matter of minutes, I came back downstairs to find fourteen inches of salt water laced with diesel fuel swirling through my house. All in all, over three hundred homes and businesses in our fishing community suffered either wind damage, salt-water intrusion, or
both that day. Dozens of vehicles were destroyed. Thankfully, no lives were lost and no one was seriously injured, but now, even these many years hence, Swan Quarter has yet to completely recover. Later that afternoon, the skiffs that earlier had looked so ridiculous tied to front porches now made their way down the town streets, where the black oily water obscured the center lines and refused to recede. Neighbors called out to neighbors, assessing the damage and deciding where help was needed the most. Shock was just beginning to set in, soon
to be followed by feelings of helplessness, anger and frustration, much like the stages of mourning. The next day, every street was transformed into something resembling a vast public landfill. Lifetimes of possessions, once ensconced in loving homes, now rested in ever-growing mountains of debris piled near the roadsides, awaiting the great jaws that would wrestle it into dump trucks and oblivion.
misery, the former thanking God it wasn’t them. The Governor came, as did scores of reporters. For a fleeting moment, the village in all of its misery became the focus for the outside world. Volunteers came to feed, clothe, and help us clean and rebuild. And then, somewhere else in the world another story took our place and we were left to deal with what came afterwards. In some ways, that has been even worse than Isabel.
And then came the sightseers and scavengers, the latter seeking to take advantage of others’
Norma Cahoon talks with NCDOT personnel on September 29 as they were removing debris from alongside the village roads.
PUBLIC EDUCATION CUTS HURT HYDE
BY JJ MORALES
wholeheartedly support the cause of educating our children to become productive, responsible and successful citizens of this county and state. We are all a product of schooling at some point in our lives, and I dare say that almost all of you, if not all, are products of public schools.
In the past, I have shared my personal story and my experiences living in the county of Hyde with you. This time I would like to use this space to plea for a matter dear to my heart and my personal and professional life - Public Education. Regardless of party lines and beliefs, I am certain every one of you readers out there,
For a number of years, our representatives in the North Carolina General Assembly have consistently reduced or eliminated funds that were once invested in our public school systems. I could go on and on in giving you details of how the state of public education has been negatively affected by these cuts, but there is not enough space in this edition to do so. The fact of the matter is that the Hyde County Schools have particularly been hit hard. Other counties have lessened the blow by adding taxes or shifting resources, but our county is very limited in resources and implementing taxes does not really fill the gap due to the low number of residents. Our school system has had to implement reduction in force measures for a couple of years now and more than 14 employees have lost their jobs. We have lost our music and art programs. We are stretching thin to still provide a high quality
WE NEED YOU MORE THAN EVER!
public education to every child and we can only do but so much. Those of us in the education field are fighting hard to educate our legislators that putting public education on the back burner will cost us dearly in the long run. We will never cease to fight for funding for teacher assistants in grades K through 3, professional development, student related programs and services, and fair and equitable salary increases for all public school employees without sacrificing their other rightfully earned benefits. However, we need all of you need to be part of these efforts as this matter affects us all equally. Please take the time to learn what is really going on with the state budget regarding public education. There appears to be underhanded dealings in the works to show the general public purported benefits for Public Schools when, in reality, they will hurt, not benefit. Some claim that cuts to education are expected as it takes most of the state’s budget. I cannot deny the percentage of the budget dedicated to education, but I will still leave you with some food for thought: “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance…”
An Ice Cream Cone from
Jessie’s in En"lhard for a $1.25
www.SwanQuarterly.net
IS A MUST!
Photo by Ingrid Lemme
CAMPING, SABBATH LAMPS, SONGS AND POETRY ON OCRACOKE CONTEMPLATING OUR LAST-MINUTE TRIP TO THIS UNUSUAL ISLAND… BY MIRIAM FAUTH Some years ago our family had a wonderful trip to Ocracoke while my parents were visiting from the United Kingdom. In the years since, I have had intentions of planning another trip but just haven’t gotten around to it. Recently a conversation with the lovely Carol Lee of Columbia who a lot of us know from pottery at Pocosin Arts, got me motivated to finally plan another trip this summer. Carol mentioned she would be performing at a little book store called Books to be Red on Ocracoke and I thought: “what a great opportunity to plan our long-awaited trip.” The timing would be perfect as we wanted to take a small family trip before our daughter went back off to school in Greensboro. It would take some planning but we could do it, and just to make
things better, our neighbors wanted to join us. So early - really early (4:30 am) on a quiet Friday August morning, we left Columbia to catch the Swan Quarter ferry that was due to depart at 6:30 am. We had a packed van full of camping gear, food, games to play on the twoand-one-half ferry ride, and a family of six! The ferry ride was an exciting part of the trip. Our children were so excited to explore the ferry once we got underway. After looking around at the view outside and because it was still a bit chilly, we found a table inside. We all huddled up for our packed breakfast and a hot flask of coffee. As the sun began to rise, I chose to sit outside and watch the day awake on the water. My husband and kids sat inside playing a board game and reading. The couple of hours flew by, and we soon arrived on Ocracoke Island. After a stop at the visitor center to get directions to the National Park Service camp ground, off we drove. We were greeted by a very helpful Ranger at the campground and we chose our
site, which was afoot of a sand dune, leading to the ocean. We could hear the sound of the waves from our spot! The windy day brought us challenges putting up the tent, but my son Jacob, who has learned camping skills from our many years of camping at Green Acres in Williamston, and the Boy Scouts, handled the situation! Jacob also helped our friend Ron put up his tent. Ron, who also lives in Columbia, decided to join us camping as it had been many years since he had been to Ocracoke. We spent our day at the ocean which was just gorgeous. It was a mildly hot day but the ocean was calm and it was a perfect safe-swimming day for the kids. Later in the day, as it was Friday, I was preparing for our camping Sabbath meal. Ron was our entertainment, as he played his guitar for us while we cooked! By sunset, it was still far too windy to light our Sabbath candles as is tradition for Jewish families to welcome the Sabbath, so Ron suggested we use his two oil lamps. How lovely! We lit our Sabbath lamps and reflected on the beautiful spot we were enjoying as the day came to a close. We were surrounded by
sand dunes, and the sound of the ocean. We needed to be in town at “Books to be Red� by 7 pm, so off we drove, and found the store in town, where a small stage had been set up. After saying hello to Carol and her husband Alan, we joined the assembled people, ready for the event we had come for. Local poets were called up to read out their original work, and then Carol came on
stage. She sang and played the guitar. Her original songs were most entertaining - songs about everyday situations in life put to music! Finally, Phillip Shabbaz, the main guest of the evening, was called up to read his profound poetry. He was quite familiar to us also, as he has held poetry workshops with school children in Columbia in the past. As I listened I was contemplating to myself how I appreciated my children being able to participate in quite an unusual event, on quite an unusual Island.
We returned home to the campsite later in the evening and found Ron was just returning to his site after a late-night ocean fishing trip. We all decided to go back out for a moonlit walk by the ocean. Again, this was a lovely experience. Saturday morning, as we were cooking our breakfast, in rolled our neighbors from Columbia, the Van Dorpe family. They brought their camper and a tent. After they were all set up, we all went off to the ocean again.
Some of us sat by the ocean, some swam, some went for a walk. Van had brought his kites, so my husband Michael tried his hand at flying a kite. It was an enjoyable day that included dodging the rain. So, some of it was spent sitting under our canopy by our site, chatting, and having our lunch. As night time approached, we all contributed to our evening meal, again dodging the rain, but that made it so much more fun! Most of our group suggested we go
into town later in the evening, so off we went again, this time getting ice cream and going for a walk. Back at the campground, Van and his eldest daughter Corrinne lead us for a night time walk by the ocean watching the crabs. We had booked tickets for the 6 am ferry the next day, Sunday, back to Swan Quarter so the rest of Saturday night was spent packing up as much as we could. At 4.30 am, we awoke early, bundled kids into the van, and packed up
our tent. We made a fresh flask of coffee for the ferry ride, packed breakfast and then off we went for another beautiful, early morning ferry ride. I am so thankful we decided to make this trip, even though it was at the last-minute. I am so thankful that Carol Lee mentioned to me she would be sharing her songs in Ocracoke, as that gave me the incentive to get back out there after many years of saying we needed to go, but just hadn’t done it.
Ocracoke Beach photo by NC Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development
OCRACOKE COMMUNITY RADIO AND WOVV THE COUNTRY’S SMALLEST STATION WITH THE BEST VIEW…
BY PETER VANKEVICH Things didn’t look good for the 4th of July festivities on Ocracoke Island this year. The Hyde County Emergency Services posted TROPICAL STORM ARTHUR ADVISORY #4 Wednesday evening July 2 at 10:00 pm warning Ocracoke residents that winds as high as 65 MPH were expected to affect Ocracoke by early Friday morning. The next advisory, #5, posted online at noon the following day indicated that the game had changed: Hyde County officials strongly recommended visitors leave as soon as possible and residents be prepared for potential serious impacts of Hurricane Arthur. This storm was now projected to be a Category 2 hurricane with a storm surge of 3-5 feet above ground. The problem was that the ferries would shut down at 5 pm on Thursday leaving most folks stranded on the island. Ocracoke’s community radio station, WOVV, went into
high gear making announcements several times an hour helping to get the word out that Arthur had been seriously upgraded with winds projected to up to 100 mph. The hurricane did make a direct hit on the island with the eye passing over around 2:30 am on the 4th of July. So much for any celebrations this year. Fortunately, the storm moved quickly and there was little flooding, though plenty of downed branches and some trees. By mid-morning the sky was bright and the winds had cut back. The island was, however, without electricity for an undetermined time as Tideland EMC assessed the situation and began the work of replacing more than 40 downed power poles. In spite of the lack of electricity, the radio station was back on the air by 11: 00 am on the 4th as the station manager, Clayton Gaskill fired up the two generators, one at the station and the other at the transmitter tower located near the old fire station on Back Road. Throughout the day into the evening WOVV provided updates on the emergency. Although internet access was down along with electric power, those on the island could listen to the station on a battery-powered AM/FM radio or, more likely
these days, on their vehicle radio. Local businesses with their own generators contacted the station to let people know they were open. WOVV continued these important updates throughout the next few days until things started to return to normal. As the above description of a few stressful days indicates, many people look to WOVV for information during emergencies. With such an isolated community, 25 miles out to sea and accessible only by boat and small aircraft, this is an important responsibility. But that is not the only reason one may enjoy listening to WOVV. The station is on-air 24 hours a day and has a mix of music and programs. Those with insomnia, or who otherwise find themselves alert from 3:00 – 6:00 am, can listen to classical music. Cool jazz music kicks on for two hours right after that. Throughout the day and evening, one will hear a mix of music interspersed with news and entertainment updates, and regular programs mostly produced by Ocracoke residents and off-island friends. If it can be said that WOVV provides diverse music, it can also be said that the station attracts a diverse group of listeners. For instance, Corky
Lindstrom, a college and post college DJ who started at WRUV-FM in Burlington VT (University of Vermont) and now a part time Ocracoke resident, will occasionally drop in and sit in with Peter Vankevich on his Theme Tunes show. He hopes to start his own show when he can spend more time on the island. He summed it this way: “Some of my best WOVV listening is while traveling on business where I can simply retreat into a full blown ‘ocracoma’ for an hour or so with no interruptions at the end of the day. Something about the Ocracoke Island atmosphere literally permeates the DJ’s comments, the tone of the announcements, and the choice
of music by every DJ…the station sounds like Ocracoke!” Zoe Burleson, who works at SmacNally's Raw Bar and Grill, is a fan of the station. “I love the variety. You never know what you will hear next, plus you hear music that you don’t hear on commercial radio.” She also likes the fact that an islander can make a pitch to do a show which, if approved, goes live on-air after the presenter gets some training. Indeed, many radio hosts have had little experience in the radio biz before launching their shows. One with experience, however, is Tom Cain, whose Down Creek Blues show runs on Saturday evening, with a
rebroadcast the following day. He got his amateur radio license when he was just 16. Cain lives in Plano, TX and has a house here on Back Road. He discovered the station on one of his visits and being tech-savvy offered to do a program that he could transmit from his Texas home. His first show was broadcast in January, 2011 and he has missed only one show since due to the station being shut during Hurricane Irene. “I really do it for fun, but, also look at it as a way to get involved in the community,” he noted recently. Another seasoned broadcaster is John Alexanderson, who does Island Morning
Mix on Saturdays, plus weekdays when he is on the island. Since 2007 he has done a similar show for WRDV in Hatboro, PA. One of the more popular shows, broadcast on Tuesday mornings at 10: 00 a.m., is Carnal Pleasures hosted by Daphne Bennink, the owner of Ocracoke’s Back Porch restaurant. Ironically, it was another hurricane that added this highly entertaining addition to the station’s programming. With the island’s economy pretty much shut down for several weeks due to the after effects of Hurricane Irene in 2011, Bennink used the time to get into the studio and start her show. “I stumbled into the world of radio broadcasting after being encouraged to create my own show by my friend Lisa Landrum [who was on the station’s board of directors].” The hiatus that ensued after Hurricane Irene in 2011 allowed her the time to get into the studio and start her show. “The name Carnal Pleasures stuck after initially being proposed as kind of a joke, we figured people would tune in and listen if they thought it had risqué content.” The two hour show, has lots of tips on cooking in-season delicacies, interviews with chefs and others in the food industry, and has its own unique and highly eclectic
playlist of music with a worldbent flavor. Fluent in French, Daphne usually makes an annual voyage to France to take advanced cooking classes. While there, she often records interviews and can transmit her shows using Dropbox technology.
strongly in the need for a local radio station, he organized the Ocracoke Community Radio Project with the goal of obtaining a license and developing a locally produced and locally responsive FM station for Ocracoke Village and its visitors.
Ann Ehringhaus, who’s recent book Ten thousand Breakfasts: A Tale of Wonder recounts her experiences running Oscar’s House Bed and Breakfast, hosts an interview program, Talking with Real Live People. "I never dreamed I would like talking with friends and strangers on the radio as much as I do! I've talked with musicians, a mime/clown, authors, healers, health care workers, artists, photographers, and international non-profit educators. It's been engrossing, entertaining, and enlightening. I'm so glad WOVV has given these guests and me an opportunity to be part of small town radio reaching into our bigger world."
With sponsorship and support from the Ocracoke Foundation, the application was filed in October 2007. The competition was fierce as more than 3600 other educational institutions, religious groups and communities nationwide filed applications. The application stressed what would pretty much become station’s mission statement, in that it “would provide emergency information, inform residents and visitors of current activities available, allow Ocracoke School students the opportunity to participate in program development, production and broadcasting, provide residents with updated information on local, county and state governments, afford visitors with a chance to learn more about the history of Ocracoke, and provide local artists, musicians and storytellers with a venue to share their work with the general public.”
The formation of WOVV dates back to 2007 when Robert Raborn who moved to Ocracoke in 1999, became aware of a rare filing window from the FCC for full-power non-commercial educational broadcasting licenses. After discussions with island residents many of whom believed
The FCC approved the request and in February 2008,
the construction permit was issued to broadcast at 650 watts on 90.1 FM with the call letters WOVV – giving the station the ability to call itself Ocracoke’s Village Voice. Along with the grant came lots of fundraising activities including musical concerts and cookouts. Enough money became available to lease and reconfigure a small kiosk located right on Silver Lake harbor and purchase the necessary broadcasting equipment. In June of 2010, the station went live. A year later, the station could be heard by online streaming at wovv.org. In 2011, Clayton Gaskill, who holds a Master’s degree in Communications, was selected to be the station manager. As one can expect, a small nonprofit entity like a community radio station operates on a shoestring budget, relying on volunteers to do the shows. Yet raising money to keep it going is no small task. Underwriters, mostly businesses on Ocracoke and to a lesser degree on the Outer Banks, pay a yearly fee and provide a short description of their service or business. About five of these thirty-second announcements are broadcast every hour. Annual membership is $25 for individuals and $40 for a family.
A couple of fundraisers have become some of the community’s more popular yearly events. A 5k/10k/children’s fun run event takes place on the last Saturday of April. In June, the Women’s Arm Wrestling Tournament takes place. The competitors dress up in creative costumes and take on monikers such as Scarlett O’Terror, Fearona, and Hanna-Belle Lector. The station also does a brisk business especially during the summer selling t-shirts and hats with the station’s logo. Community radio is just that. One of the station’s more popular activities is broadcasting Ocracoke School’s sporting events, especially the varsity girls and boys basketball games. Both teams have played very well during the past couple of years. The island’s two churches, The Ocracoke Island Assembly of God and the Ocracoke United Methodist Church broadcast recorded services on Sundays. Since its start, WOVV has recorded and broadcast many community events from around the village. The music scene on Ocracoke is quite active, especially in the summer, and visiting musicians can bring their instruments to the station and play live music. The acoustics in
the tiny studio are actually quite good. The station’s regular programs are quite varied. Tommy Hutcherson has his Rockin’ Radio Show, Debbie Wells and Clayton Gaskill have their Progressive Tide that focuses primarily on progressive rock from the 60s and 70s. Then there is Rabbit Opera with Bobby Lovely, by local artist Bob Ray who reads poetry and short stories and has writers as guests. Ocracoke School has had several students host a show. This past year Kade Nagakane and Wyatt Norris did a weekly show called Misfit Radio. Now that they have graduated and moved off-island for higher education, there is a search on for their replacements. A remote island community of only about one thousand year-round residents presents challenges for a community radio station. Many volunteer broadcasters cannot present a show every week because they work more than one job during tourist season and/or go off-island for extended times from fall to mid-spring when work on the island is slow. Greg Honeycutt, current chairman of Ocracoke Community Radio’s board of directors, is optimistic about station’s future.
He attributes the station’s success to date to the island’s many business underwriters, members, donors, volunteers and most of all to the listeners. “The best is yet to come as we bring more live programming and work to tie in more closely to Ocracoke School. We are blessed to have not only our local listeners but many of our visitors from around the country and even internationally who tune the dial to 90.1 FM or
Hyde County
Business Owners: Here is a great way to advertise your business for a small price and help others at the same time! Mazie Swindell Smith has been appointed as Hyde County’s representative on the Board of Directors of the Salvation Army. Over the years, the Salvation Army has come to the aid of Hyde County’s citizens following the aftermath
www.wovv.org on their computers when they want to listen to radio.”
Editor’s Note: Employed with the Library of Congress Copyright Office for many years and freelance writer,
of many hurricanes and they have also helped many of individuals in the community. Having one of our own folks on their Board is a good thing for Hyde! In advance of their annual holiday kettle drive, they have a new community art project entitled “Kettles on Parade.” Businesses, civic groups, and even individuals are encouraged to purchase and decorate one of the kettles which will then be displayed and later placed out in the community prior to the holidays.
Peter Vankewitch is now the co-owner and publisher of the Ocracoke Observer. He is also the program developer for WOVV and hosts two radio shows: Theme Tunes and The Bilingual Hour. Somehow he fits in time for other community causes, including the Ocracoke VFD.
Please contact Mazie Smith by messaging her on Facebook or by phone at 252-542-9283. She can give you more information and a registration form. Remember, all funds raised by the Salvation Army stay in the local area. The mission of the Salvation Army is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
SPECIAL PLACE, SPECIAL PEOPLE HYDE IS A GATHERING COMMUNITY‌ BY STEVE BRYAN Some 28 years ago, I moved to a place that was especially different from the urban sprawl from which I came. That place was and is Hyde County. I came as a business person and I came wanting to be accepted. Today, I can say that I was accepted, but I still realize that I am not a native. For one who has never lived in this special place set aside from the hustle and bustle we read so much about, it is tranquil, quiet, relaxing and even a place where you can truly "find yourself."
You come to understand why everyone who meets you on the road waves as if to say "welcome." But, you also need to know that when you are a stranger there may be questions asked like "where are you from?" or "how did you find your way here?". If your reason for being here is acceptable you will feel right at home. Some people may be a bit reluctant to answer questions until they know why you need an answer. I know that a team of college students recently worked in the counties of Hyde, Washington and Tyrrell seeking information as to how we perceive the changing times in our area and how we feel change is taking a toll on our lives. These students were warmly accepted and some of them shared with me the warmth they felt as they visited and interviewed different people who are engaged in
livelihoods that may be suffering from change in environment, water table, etc. Over the years, I have experienced a people who truly express who they are. In our churches they are busy doing the Lord's work. In our community, they are engaged in civic and fraternal endeavors trying to sustain the good life for others. I have been blessed with the sincerity with which people approach you on a daily basis. Most truly care about your day and whether or not you are well and happy. And, if you are in the midst of problems that seem to overwhelm you, they will be the first to help. Many a time I have seen this county pour out their hearts and pocketbooks to help someone who is down with sickness and medical bills or people who have lost all their possessions in a tragic fire. Hurricane Isabel demonstrated the goodness of people in a time when we almost could not help ourselves. And, then almost out of nowhere came team after team of people from afar wanting to help us see our lives restored. These types of humanitarian gifts are never forgotten and many times they have returned
Hyde is a "gathering community." In Swan Quarter, people gather monthly to enjoy the local fire department's fundraiser meal. Fresh shrimp abound in season, barbecue chicken on the grill, fried chicken, or pit cooked pork barbecue often create the setting for people from the various villages in the county to come together for good food and fine fellowship. It is our way of keeping in touch.
to help rebuilt homes and lives. With Christmas soon approaching, another annual gathering will be celebrated as concert pianist and recording artist David Roach comes from Rutherford County to perform at the Baptist church with his annual Christmas concert of all kinds of Christmas music that is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike and under the sponsorship of the Friends of Hyde County’s Historic 1854 Courthouse as we seek to sustain that historic building and all of the goodness it has brought since the MATTIE Arts Center was opened in it. Few realize just how many people this arts center has brought to Hyde County. And for me personally, recently I felt the real Hyde County spirit as I spent 20 days in rehab at Cross Creek after surgery. The caring and loving spirit of this county once again was poured out in prayers, cards, visits, food and every kind of expression of encouragement. One never knows until they have been there and able to feel the prayers being lifted up for healing and restoration. Hyde County has been home for years now. It
has been a place where I could make a contribution in many ways by being involved in church, civic and business endeavors. Once serving as part-time Executive Director of the chamber of commerce, I can never convey the opportunities that Hyde County has given me to interact with people and organizations who have been able to make a difference here. And, I am always grateful for the friendships and confidence that I have been blessed to enjoy as a professional serving in a rural area where people still matter and their feelings are recognized to be fragile. If you read this article and you do not live here, don't pass by without stopping and feeling the warmth of people as you enjoy the fresh seafood in season, our bountiful nature, our hunting and fishing opportunities,
or our historic places. It is a special place that you will remember. And don't forget Hyde County is home of Ocracoke Island, as well. Thousands from everywhere visit that remote island each year to enjoy the special beach and tourist opportunities that our county is proud to call home. It is just a ferry ride away across the Pamlico Sound. Editor’s Note: Steve Bryan is the owner of Bryan Funeral Service of Swan Quarter and Columbia. He has long been involved in many Hyde County organizations and activities – always trying to provide better economic and community development opportunities for its people while rejoicing and celebrating the Hyde way of life. As the son of a piano teacher he has a great love of music. He also loves to travel and experience other cultures.
THE COLORS OF AUTUMN HYDE’S COLOR PALETTE BY ANNE BLYTHE DAVIS
In the fall, we all notice that leaves change color from green to red, yellow, and brown. The green in leaves comes from chlorophyll, a pigment that allows leaves to absorb energy from the sun. In the autumn, the shortened day lengths as well as the movement of nitrogen and phosphorus out of a leaf, causes the tree to produce less and less chlorophyll until no green is evident at all. As the chlorophyll decreases and the green fades, other colors show up. Where do they come from? The pinks and purples common on the fall leaves of red maple and sweetgum come from anthocyanin, a compound produced in tree sap in autumn; anthocyanin is also common in fruit and gives apples, blueberries, and cherries their color. Yellow and orange in leaves such as those on a sycamore or hickory come from carotenoids, pigments that work with chlorophyll in the cells of the leaves—but unlike
chlorophyll, carotenoids are present all of the time. Thus, when the chlorophyll fades, the colors produced by carotenoids are obvious. This substance is the source of color in carrots, corn, and daffodils. The golden and brown fall colors on oak and beech trees is caused by tannin, another substance found year-round in leaves. Tannins are bitter and cause the tart taste of un-ripened fruit or tea. The annual autumn color show is about to begin and a time when the lack of green chlorophyll allows the other pigments in leaves to catch our attention.
Carotenoids give this leaf its yellow hue.
An example of tannins causing these leaves to turn golden.
Anthocyanin is responsible for the reddish color of this leaf.
Editor’s Note: Anne Blythe Davis, 15, is a sophomore at Stanford Online High School, a virtual school run by Stanford University in California. She loves math and science and was recently recognized for her project regarding the water quality of Lake Mattamuskeet. Among other honors, she was one of only four students from the United States selected
to attend the Beijing (China) Youth Science Creation Competition. She is also an accomplished pianist and enjoys writing fiction and photography.
MATTIE ARTS CENTER, ENTERING THEIR 3RD YEAR, LAUNCHES NEW PROGRAMS FOR FALL DOWN DRAFT STUDIO This year marked another milestone for our nonprofit organization Friends of Hyde County’s Historic Courthouse. After 6 months of planning, fund raising, procurement, and installations, MATTIE Art Center and the Friends of Hyde County’s Historic Courthouse hosted a full house of supporters this summer in celebration of the opening of our new Down Draft Studio. The new 6 station
studio is a fully equipped, respiratory friendly work space for the teaching of wood working, glass etching, gourd art, and other dust creating crafts. Each station includes a dust port which drafts the dust through duct work to a central 1 micron scouring dust collection filter. Any dust that escapes the dust ports and becomes air borne is treated- also to 1 micron- by an overhead air filtration system. Along 21 feet of custom built butcher block work counter, the equipment at each station includes shelving, dremel 4000 with flex wand, gourd saw with converters, wood burning tools with attachments and an arsenal of bits and blades for each of the tools. Personal safety equipment, under shelf lighting and equipment hangers, storage shelving and white boards
complete the studio. On the occasion of a public reception held July 24th, contributors to this project as well as prior projects, instructors, students and well wishers enjoyed a large spread of hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and fellowship, and toured the new studio. At a cost approaching $5,000.00, the project funding was generously initiated by Art and Alice Keeney (Engelhard) and rounded out by Ag Carolina Farm Credit (Swan Quarter), Billi Cahoon (Swan Quarter), Bryan Funeral Services (Swan Quarter), Gibbs Hardware LLC (Engelhard), Hyde County Farm Bureau (Swan Quarter), Murals by Carol Lynn (Engelhard), Rose Acre Farms (Ponzer), Tideland EMC (Pantego), and Southern Bank and Trust (Belhaven).
or keep up with events at MATTIE through https:// facebook.com/Mattieartscenter. For early release blind copied information, submit your email address directly to Judy through info@hyde1854courthouse.org.
Labor and installation assistance was furnished by Chris Blanchard (Engelhard), and Colonial Cabinetry (Summerville, S.C.). At the reception, Cathy Clayton of Ponzer, MATTIE Arts’ accomplished wood burning instructor, unveiled her fittingly hand crafted wood placard dedicating the studio to Art and Alice Keeney as well a second placard honoring the other contributors to the project. Program offerings have already begun in the new studio. In August, Mr. Jimmie Huggins, a detailed hardwood craftsman, conducted 3 workshops teaching the basics of dremel tool use and advancing students into learning how to make the jointless walnut chain link necklaces for which he is renowned. We’ll have more
workshops with Mr. Jimmie in November. In September we began the first of our glass engraving workshops under the guidance of multi-media artist and Fairfield native Jessica Berry Credle and plan to hold more workshops with Ms. Jessie this fall. On tap are beginning, intermediate, and advanced wood burning workshops with Cathy Clayton, waterfowl and decoy carving with Gregory Berry of Engelhard, and gourd art with Mary Jean Gibbs of Fairfield. Most of these workshop sessions will be 3 hours long at a cost of $25 per person per session. For updates on schedules, call Judy McLawhorn, Director of MATTIE Arts, at 252 943-8991
Other art program classes and workshops will continue to be offered simultaneously in the larger studio.
MATTIE ARTS FIRST ANNUAL OCRACOKE ISLAND PAINT-OUT THIS OCTOBER- SIGN UP NOW!!! Our impressionist oil painting workshops, taught by fine arts colorist Mark Hierholzer, (www.swanquarterart.com) have continued uninterrupted dating back to our feasibility study two and a half years ago with student enrollment consistently on a upward trend. On October 26th six of our local students as well as painters associated with the Uptown Gallery of Richmond, Va. have already signed up to join MATTIE Arts and Mark Hierholzer for a full week of painting in what will be our first annual Paint-Out on Ocracoke
Island. We have rented an ideally located, large sprawling sound front cottage for the staging of this weeklong workshop as well as for accommodating our participants at the lowest rates possible anywhere on the island. The week long workshop will include daily receptions, 9 en plein air paint-outs at strategically located local sites- many of which we have arranged with private property ownersseminar, on site instruction and assistance, local transportation, supplies, materials and French easel, and awards. Affordable accommodations with us at the cottage are on a first come first serve basis. Call Judy at 252 943-8991 to reserve/sign up for the paint out. Ask about special seminar rates for returning students!
FALL RAFFLE FUND RAISER On October 4, the same date as the annual Swan Quarter Yard Sale, the Friends organization will begin ticket sales for their fall raffle outside the arts center. This year we will offer only 100 tickets for your choice of a $500.00 cash prize or the coveted Henry
Golden Boy 22 LR long rifle. Cost is $20.00 per ticket- a one in one hundred chance of winning! Not bad odds!! Drawing will be December 2 at 6:30 PM during the regularly scheduled Friends board meeting at the arts center. ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT Always a holiday favorite, the Friends are pleased to announce the return engagement of accomplished concert pianist David Roach on the baby grand. As usual, this fund raising concert is scheduled for the first Friday evening in December (5th) at the Swan Quarter Baptist Church. Tickets may be purchased on line through our web site at www.hyde1854courthouse.org , through MATTIE Arts, Pat’s Exxon in Swan Quarter, through any of our board members, or at the door.
NEW MURAL PROJECT (PHASE 3) IN THE PLANNING STAGES When our friend and supporter of the arts, internationally renowned
sculpture artist Jim Gallucci, built and set up his one of a kind “Gateway” outdoor sculpture depicting the retired Governor Hyde ferry on the lawn of MATTIE Arts October a year ago, he explained to the crowd of witnesses that “what’s outside your arts center is just as important as what is inside”. On this occasion, we had just completed phase II of our local art work mural installations on the outside walls of the old courthouse. Since that time, we have received a lot of positive public feedback as to how much nicer the old building and grounds now appear. Now that we have the security of a new 5 year lease with the county for the old building, and recently got permission to remove those unsightly AC units protruding through the second floor exterior walls (the old court room), we can take advantage of more usable space for outdoor beautification. Many people have asked why we are called the Friends of Hyde County’s Historic 1854 Courthouse. The answer is two fold: we represent a large group of folk who did not want the old building to be razed, and secondly, it was after our 501 C (3) designation that we learned
she actually dated back to 1838. In the spirit of celebrating the history of the grand ole building’, we are finalizing plans to chronicle it on her walls…built back in 1836-7, first court in 1838 with the colors of the highly unusual “Great Star” US American flag flying, court suspended during the civil war, added onto in 1892, expanded again in 1909, and, finally, vacated in 2003 with Hurricane Isabel. Like the two before, THIS MURAL PROJECT IS GOING TO LOOK GREAT! If you would like to be a part of making this possible, your donation, earmarked “Mural Phase 3” will be most appreciated. Editor’s Note: Judy is a board member of Friends of Hyde Countys Historic 1854 Courthouse and the volunteer Director of the MATTIE Arts Center. Born in rural Mecklenberg County, NC, her adult life has been one adventure after another, often being the ‘first’ in many of her endeavors (first female motorcycle officer for City of Atlanta and first female charter boat captain on the Outer Banks, among others). She has lived in Hyde County for 35 years, currently in Middletown with her husband Mack.
Left to right: Judy Mclawhor, Visitors John & Phyllis Lomitola
William Kent Jarv$ Nov. 20, 1967 – September 4, 2014
William Kent Jarvis, 46, of 81 N. C. Highway 45, Swan Quarter, died Thursday, September 4, 2014, at Vidant Medical Center, Greenville, NC.
Born in Washington, N. C. on November 20, 1967, he was the son of Harry Glyn and Odessa Williams Jarvis. He is survived by his loving wife Karen Thompson Jarvis. Kent was an entrepreneur owning his own construction company in Florida and most recently he and his wife owned and operated The Hyde Away CafĂŠ in Swan Quarter, NC. He was a member of the Swan Quarter Pentecostal Holiness Church and a member of Marked Men for Christ. Surviving in addition to his wife and parents are two daughters, Victoria Dare Jarvis and Kasidy Lynn Jarvis both of Swan Quarter; step-daughters, Raina Diedrick, Roxanne Diedrick-Yee and Danielle Diedrick all of Florida; a brother, Harry Glyn Jarvis, Jr. of Williamsburg, VA; three sisters, Susan Lynn Mattson and husband, John of Hayes VA, Gwen J. Newman and husband, Eddie of Swan Quarter and Madge J. Williams and husband, Lee of Scranton; step-grandchildren, Tyler Diedrick-Hines, Jada Yee and C.J. Yee. Celebration of Life Services was held Saturday, September 13, 2014 in the Swan Quarter Pentecostal Holiness Church, Swan Quarter. Kent was a member of Marked Men for Christ and the family requests a memorial donation in lieu of flowers. Memorial donations may be directed to and made payable to, Swan Quarter Pentecostal Holiness Church, P.O. Box 130, Swan Quarter, NC 27885
Fall 2014
Photographer Guy Livesay
Fall 2014
www.SwanQuarterly.net
Hyde County’s County Magazine
Photo by Robert Lethco