North Beach Sun Fall 2021

OUT OF THIS WORLD

OUTER BANKS!

HATTERAS VS. NEW ENGLAND

(CLAM CHOWDER, THAT IS)

TIME

AFTER

TIME

CapTuring The Beach Then & NoW noW

FrEE! V O L U M E 1 3 7 • FAL L 2 0 2 1

Considering a Move?

Ready to Sell?

Ready to BUY?

Ready to Build?

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED! Our strategic process will help you sell your property FAST and for TOP DOLLAR!

WE CAN HELP! With expertise in all OBX properties, new and re-sale, we can help find the home or investment property that fits your needs.

CALL US! Choose from one of our beautiful communities spanning from Corolla to Hatteras OR let us custom build on your site.

2 | FA L L 2021

This market requires a team you can TRUST with knowledge and sharp negotiation skills.

Contact Us Today: HomesBySAGA.com • (252) 301-3090 • sales@icrsaga.com

Milepost Living Photography

Put our Exceptional Sales Team to Work for You

L L A F E E R F X B #O

M E D N A T E V I D Y SK OVER THE

!

S K N A B R OUTE

!

N W O T N I W E I V T THE BES SKYDIVEOBX.COM • 252-678-JUMP(5867)N O RT H B E ACH SU N

| 3

The Tranquil House Inn

Go on an

! e r u t n e v d a d n a isl nest

1587 Lounge

nest

Distinctive clothing by CP Shades, Frank & Eileen, Juliet Dunn, Wilt and other niche brands.

Sophisticated accessories, jewelry and fragrances for you and your home.

1 Magnolia Lane 252-473-5141 • nestobx.com

Charlotte’s

Full-service ladies’ boutique specializing in fashions that are traditional with a contemporary flair. Seasonal makeup events with Trish McEvoy and designer trunk shows.

Check website for details.

103A Fernando Street 2 252-473-3078 shopcharlottes.com

Mermaid's Purse

Offering a variety of unique gifts and treasures for all ages.

3 101 Sir Walter Raleigh Street 252-473-6880 @mermaidspurseobx mermaidspurseobx@gmail.com

4 | FA L L 2021

A charming 25-room coastal Carolina inn located on the waterfront. Recently rejuvenated for 2021 and originally built in the style of the stately Outer Banks’ inns of the 19th century, the charm of cypress woodwork and stained glass will greet you at every turn.

LOUNGE

A cozy tapas lounge and event venue on the charming historic downtown Manteo waterfront, where small bites and cool drinks await you! The 1587 Lounge is located on the waterfront within the Tranquil House Inn. 4 405 Queen Elizabeth Avenue 252-473-1404 tranquilhouseinn.com

Sleeping In, Ltd.

Celebrating 21 years in 2021! Fashion, sleepwear, jewelry, home textiles and more! It’s a “gotta have it” kind of place.

5 101B Fernando Street 252-475-1971 Like us on Facebook

Laughing Lollipop

Take a walk down memory lane in this little mom and pop sweet shop! Ice cream, throwback candies, chocolates, homemade cotton candy, fun gummies, bulk candy and more!

6 101 Budleigh Street 252-473-2579 laughinglollipop.com Like us on Facebook

Sisters Boutique & Gifts

Bloom Boutique

For your wardrobe + home.

10 207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue 252-305-8582 @sistersofmanteo

A fashion-forward boutique offering unique, high-quality women’s clothing and accessories.

Pop in for a personalized enjoyable shopping experience.

107 Fernando Street 7 252-305-8638 bloomboutiqueobx.com

Avenue Waterfront Grille

Spacious indoor and outdoor waterfront dining. Local seafood, all-natural proteins, specialty burgers and pizzas. Craft beers, wine and Outer Banks cocktails. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan selections. Come and play Carolina Keno and N.C. Education Lottery with us!

11 207 Queen Elizabeth Avenue 252-473-4800 avenuegrilleobx.com

The Wheel House Lounge

The newest craft cocktail bar located inside of Outer Banks Distilling, specializing in Kill Devil Rum cocktails. The distillery gift shop is open from 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and the Wheel House Lounge is open from 12:00-7:00 p.m. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

8 510 Budleigh Street 252-423-3011 outerbanksdistilling.com

Sam & Winston

A family-owned shop with fine art, books, gourmet kitchen goods and high-design gifts for ladies, gentlemen, children and dogs.

12 108 Sir Walter Raleigh Street 252-475-9764 @shopsamandwinston

Downtown Books

An independent bookstore offering best-sellers for all ages and genres, autographed copies, southern cookbooks, book baskets, puzzles, greeting cards and select gifts. Visit our website for the latest on upcoming author events!.

9 103 Sir Walter Raleigh Street 252-473-1056 NG KI duckscottage.com AR

TO FESTIVAL PARK

P

IA

S

NO

L

4

LA

IA

ET

NE PA RK

G MA

RE

GH

RE ST IG

EL

H

3

N

8

MANTEO

MARINA & BOARDWALK

EE

E

ET

EI

ET

QU

LE

IZ

RA

AB

RE ST O

ND

D

SI

11

UE

2

12

10

EN

LA WA N C H E S E

R

W

5

AV

IS

AL

H

TE

R

ET

9

7

AN

K

B

L UD

RE

RN

O

The Manteo Waterfront

ST

FE

AN

6

G

RO

IN

1

ET

A

N NA

ST RE DA

’ RS ME ET R FA A R K M

PA

RK

I

NG

PL

AY

O GR

UN

D

MARSHES LIGHT N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 5

NOW OPEN

Historic WOODEN

BOATS of the CURRITUCK OBX

HEAR the STORIES of Boats and Life on the Water In Historic Corolla Park • CurrituckMaritimeMuseum.com 6 | FA L L 2021

WE DELIVER ON THE PROMISE

“My custom order came faster than anyone else could deliver. The people at Nags Head Hammocks were on top of it every step of the way” FASTER DELIVERY • BETTER SERVICE ASK ABOUT OUR LOCALS DISCOUNT KILL DEVIL HILLS

COROLLA

DUCK

N O RT H B E ACH SU N NAGSHEAD.COM

| 7

OREGON INLET

D N A L S I S A R E HATTA WHOLE DIFFERENT BEACH.

12 PEA ISLAND N AT I O N A L WILDLIFE REFUGE

A sliver of land so thin that in some places you can see both the Atlantic Ocean and the Pamlico Sound, Hatteras is a barrier island unlike any other. The drive south is worth it for the view alone, but mosey on down and you’ll find quaint towns with restaurants serving up the local catch, a thriving art scene, world-class fishing and the East Coast’s premier kiteboarding destination. Come see why Hatteras Island is truly an unforgettable destination!

1

Hatteras Island Pet Resort

6

23350 Highway 12, Rodanthe obxpetresort.com 252-987-1127 Let your pet enjoy their own beach vacation! Offering overnight boarding, day boarding, retail, and salon services, Hatteras Island Pet Resort is sure to become your pet's favorite spot on the OBX. We're crazy about your furry friends!

2

Rodanthe Pier

Uncle Frank’s Hot Dogs & BBQ

Island Cruisers

26248 Highway 12, Salvo islandcruisersinc.com 252-987-2097 Park the minivan and cruise the Outer Banks in island style!

Offering golf cart, auto, and 4x4 rentals. 48-hour advance online booking available, or call for next day reservations.

8 | FA L L 2021

1 2 3

Island Attic

4 5

At Island Attic we travel annually across the world to bring the finest global imports from Bali and Thailand. We feature artisan direct handicrafts, teak furniture, local art, jewelry, and stylish apparel. We love to share our stories of wanderlust and all of the beautiful, diverse cultures in our travels.

8

CapeAttitude®

At The Cape Hatteras Motel 46556 Highway 12, Buxton capeattitude.com • 252-995-5611 Show them your Attitude! The place to go for unique reminders of your time on Hatteras Island. Apparel, cups, koozies, stickers and more!

Pier Rodanthe on Hatteras Island

25972 Highway 12, Waves unclefranksobx.com • 252-715-5200 Uncle Frank’s is not your ordinary hot dog stand or BBQ joint... We proudly serve up hot dogs, BBQ and cold beer of the highest quality while sourcing the finest ingredients and striving to protect our planet.

5

7

Island Acupuncture & Massage

24251 Atlantic Drive, Rodanthe rodanthepierllc.com 252-987-0030 Fun for the whole family! Pier passes available, no fishing license required for those who fish the pier. Beach access parking is available for a fee. Our pier house offers bait and tackle, merchandise and refreshments!

4

outerbankskiting.com 252-305-6839 Capt. Jay Crawford The most experienced kiteboarding and foilboarding coaches located on Hatteras. Our guests fly and ride only the newest and best gear. Fully certified and CPR / first aid trained. Sunset cruises, tubing and now CLOUD 9 Wings/Foils are available with the Outer Banks Kiting Team!

39774 Highway 12, Avon 252-489-1919 • theislandattic.com Instagram: @islandattic

Pamlico Station 24267 Highway 12, Rodanthe islandacupunctureobx.com 252-995-4481 Specializing in massage and acupuncture. The only healthcare practice on the Outer Banks that specializes in traditional Chinese medicine. Licensed and certified.

3

OBX Kiting

9

C A P E H AT T E R A S N AT I O N A L SEASHORE

12

Buxton Village Books

47918 Highway 12, Buxton buxtonvillagebooks.com 252-995-4240 Hatteras Island's independent bookseller. Open all year. Offering the newest best-sellers the day they release. Books for all ages.

10

6 7

Quarterdeck Restaurant

54214 Highway 12, Frisco QuarterdeckHi.com 252-986-2425 Serving classic local seafood, homemade desserts, and much more since 1978! Located on the Pamlico Sound with awesome views and breathtaking sunsets. Full-service bar and occasional live music. Call for more information.

Dine in by reservation, outdoor pet-friendly seating, and takeout available. Family platters that feed 4-6 people available as well. Hope to see you soon!

FERRY TO OCRACOKE ISLAND

BUXTON WO O D S C OA S TA L RESERVE

9

10

C A P E H AT T E R A S N AT I O N A L SEASHORE

8

ViLLAGE

TABLE

TAVERN O PEN

YEAR ROUND FOR DINE - IN AND TAKEOUT .

Serving creative regional classics, exceptional wines and craft beers, inspired cocktails created with house-made mixers, and the beach's largest selection of premium liquors.

V ISI T OUR WEBSI TE FOR MENUS , LI VE MUSIC AND EVEN T INFO !

1314 Duck Road, Duck 252.715.1414

villagetableandtavern.com obxvillage

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 9

17

54

42 25

FA L L 2 0 2 1

12 FROM THE DESK 15 BUT FIRST...

FEATURE

OUT OF THIS WORLD OUTER BANKS

17 MONSTER MASH The wild creations of Chris Gray 20 A FAIRYTALE BEGINNING A local author's dream comes true 22 WHO YA GONNA CALL? Ghostbusting on the Outer Banks OUTDOORS

25 HOT RODS Custom crafted fishing rods in Rodanthe

LOOK BACK

29 TIME AFTER TIME Beach scenes from then and now REAL ESTATE

36 TOWN REPORT 38 BUSINESS BRIEFS 40 WELCOME TO THE BOOMTOWN Industry pros weigh in on the current building boom 42 HOME SPOTLIGHT The sweet life in Kill Devil Hills 44 SUN SALUTATIONS 46 FIVE FACTS Historic Corolla Village

LIFESTYLE

48 FOUR IF BY SEA Welcome y'all ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

50 THE SENSE OF THINGS An interview with author Angel Khoury FOOD & BEVERAGE

54 A TALE OF TWO CHOWDERS Hatteras vs. New England clam chowder THE LOCAL LIFE

56 SHEILA DAVIES Director, Dare County Department of Health and Human Services

ABOUT THE COVER: In 1963, legendary photographer Aycock Brown captured the scene of a surfing contest near Kitty Hawk Pier (photo courtesy of the Outer Banks History Center). This summer, photographer Elizabeth Neal shot the same location and vantage point. Comparing these two images proves the adage that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

ABOVE: Photos courtesy of Ryan Moser (top left and lower left) and Elizabeth Neal (top and lower right).

2021

Discover What’s New at The Cotton Gin

Learn more about the Wild Horses of Corolla

1130E Corolla Village Road, Corolla • corollawildhorses.org • 252-453-8002 Wild Horse Museum • Fun & Educational Events • Open Year Round GIFT SHOP OFFERING PORCH PICK-UP FOR SHOPPERS!

The Corolla Wild Horse Fund is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charity. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by IRS regulations.

FOLLOW THE SUN ALL YEAR

Subscribe!

1 YEAR

$12 OR

5 YEARS

$45

MAIL CHECKS TO:

NORTH BEACH SUN 115 W. MEADOWLARK ST. KILL DEVIL HILLS, NC 27948

Find Something for Everyone AwardWinning Wines

NAME

Sanctuary Vineyards in Jarvisburg

CITY

7005 Caratoke Hwy, Jarvisburg 252-491-2387

ZIP

CC# EXP. DATE

POP-UP SHOP Located Inside

ADDRESS

STATE

Cotton Gin in TimBuck II, Corolla

FREE TASTINGS • FREE TOURS

789 Sunset Blvd, Corolla 252-453-4446

Cotton Gin in Nags Head

5151 S. Croatan Hwy. MP 14.5 252-449-2387

Cotton Gin in Duck 1185 Duck Rd, Duck 252-261-2387

cottongin.com N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 11

F R O M T H E DE S K

staff Concrete gate posts still mark the former entrance to the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Photo by Ryan Moser.

The threads that bind past, present and future AFTER MORE THAN A YEAR OF HAVING TO MAKE INCALCULABLE ADJUSTMENTS

it can start to feel as though we’ve grown weary of talking about change. And that’s fair – going through a tremendous number of shifts in our day-to-day lives over a relatively short period can do that to the best of us.

But we’ve always spent a lot of time and energy talking about change here on the Outer Banks.

It’s the nature of our environment, after all, as one of our colleagues recently pointed out – in contrast to many other beautifully scenic areas, the sands here are always shifting, and over the course of any given season even the shape of our coastline can vary dramatically.

And there are other examples, too. Our year-round population has a tendency to increase regularly, a number of businesses invariably change ownership or location at some point, and even long-beloved landmarks can wind up making way for new developments over time.

Some of these changes can be harder than others to reconcile, and it’s important to remember that nostalgia can be an incredibly powerful emotion – sometimes to a fault.

While we were working on this issue, we spent a good amount of time researching old photographs of the Outer Banks – some from close to a century ago, and others as recent as the past few decades. Aside from marveling over the differences we recognized in each frame, we were also struck by just how familiar the images were.

Nearly every photograph we went through – no matter how old – featured at least one orienting object. A building that had been repurposed, a vista that had maintained its draw in a slightly new fashion, or a landmark that had prospered by evolving in an unexpected way. In the end, we realized that those images weren’t just historical ephemera, but rather lifelines to our past – proof of the threads that bind us both to the places we’ve been, and the circumstances we have yet to encounter.

Because the truth is that being too fixated on tallying changes only narrows our world, making it that much harder to appreciate the moment as it is now – a present that has just as many conceivable upsides as down, complete with all of its beautiful imperfections, and its virtually endless capacity for future joy.

As always, we hope you enjoy this issue as we celebrate the coming season – and all the others still on the horizon!

WORLDWIDE,

PUBLISHERS PUBLISHERS Adam & Cathy Baldwin Adam & Cathy Baldwin EDITOR EDITOR Amelia Boldaji Amelia Boldaji ART DIRECTOR ART DIRECTOR Dave Rollins Dave Rollins GRAPHIC DESIGNERS GRAPHIC Adam DESIGNERS Baldwin Adam DylanBaldwin Bush Dylan Bush WRITERS WRITERS Cathy Baldwin • Amelia Boldaji Cathy BaldwinHaskett Steve Hanf • Hunter Amelia Boldaji Kozak Lexi Holian • Catherine Lexi Holian Hannah Lee Leidy Catherine Kozak Amanda McDanel Hannah Lee Leidy Arabella Saunders Amanda McDanel Michele Young-Stone PHOTOGRAPHERS PHOTOGRAPHERS Lori Douglas Lori Douglas • Cory Godwin Cory Rachel MoserGodwin • Ryan Moser Rachel Moser Elizabeth Neal Ryan History Moser Center Outer Banks Elizabeth Neal Outer BanksMANAGER History Center SALES Helen Furr SALES MANAGER ACCOUNT HelenEXECUTIVE Furr Faith Turek ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE DISTRIBUTOR Faith Turek Donna Roark

The North Beach Sun is published quarterly by Access Media Group. All works contained herein are the property of the North Beach Sun. The views expressed in the articles contained herein do not necessarily refl reflect ect the views of the publisher, editor or Access Media Group. The published material, advertisements, editorials and all other content is published in good faith. Access Media Group and North Beach Sun cannot guarantee and accepts no liability for any loss or damage of any kind caused by errors, omissions or the accuracy of claims made by advertisers.

NORTH BEACH SUN

Publisher

Editor

115 West Meadowlark St. Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 252.449.4444 editor@northbeachsun.com

12 | FA L L 2021

Unique gifts worth making that “side trip” for

Can’t beat our view!

The Cliff Morrow Gallery

Fine Art • Photography • Pottery • Maps • Gifts for the Home

Whimsical t-shirts, drinkware and more.

Find it all at

The Cape Hatteras Motel

46556 Highway 12, Buxton • 252-995-5611 CHECK OUT OUR ONLINE STORE! capeattitude.com

46556 Highway 12 • Buxton 252-995-5611 • capehatterasmotel.com •

The sea, the sound, and a world of possibilites in between.

Find it all in Year after year, visitors have enjoyed our walkable village, top-notch restaurants and remarkable shops. Discover community events, walking trails, a kayak launch, and the boardwalk at the Town Park in the heart of Duck.

While you’re visiting Duck find all the ways to Shop, Play, Dine, and Stay at doducknc.com.

townofduck.com • 252.255.1234

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 13

Tropical Taste.Casual Place.

KITTYHAWK.COM • 1.877.FLY.THIS

LUNCH & DINNER HAPPY HOUR LATE NIGHT FUN FRESH LOCAL SEAFOOD BEER & SIGNATURE COCKTAILS STEAM BAR

MAKE IT

EPIC

HANG GLIDING + OVER 25 ADVENTURES!

STORES FROM COROLLA TO OCRACOKE

Goombays Grille & Raw Bar | Milepost 7 on the Beach Road 1608 N. VIRGINIA DARE TRAIL | KILL DEVIL HILLS | 252.441.6001 | GOOMBAYS.COM

DOLPHIN TOURS

BEERS BURGERS BEATS JACK BROWN’S

KITES • TOYS • GIFTS • APPAREL • JEWELRY • FOOTWEAR

SURF

•

SUP

•

SKIM

•

KAYAK

11AM ‘TIL LATE NIGHT EVERYDAY! MP 8 1/2 on the Beach Road, KDH 14 | FA L L 2021

KHSURF.COM • 252.441.6800

In 1983, Russell Langford reeled in this N.C. state record, 768-pound mako shark aboard the Carolinian with Captain Tony Tillett. (Photo courtesy of Russell Langford/ Jennette’s Pier.)

but first...

BY ANY MEASURE THERE ARE PLENTY OF FISH IN THE SEA – but how do they all measure up?

In order to keep marine populations healthy, size limits are often imposed for recreational catches, and calculating the length of a fish isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Some fish are regulated by their total length (including species such as snappers, groupers, flounder and red drum), some by their fork length (including cobia, mullet, bluefish and Spanish mackerel), while others are measured by their curved fork length or lower jaw fork length (think billfishes such as sailfish or marlins).

TOTAL LENGTH

Measured from the tip of a fish’s closed mouth to the farthest point of its compressed tail

FORK LENGTH Measured from the tip of a fish’s closed snout to the centermost point of its forked tail

CURVED FORK LENGTH

Measured by tracing a contoured line from the tip of a fish’s upper jaw to the middle of its forked tail

LOWER JAW FORK LENGTH Measured in a straight line from the tip of the fish’s lower jaw to the middle of its forked tail

MARLIN MADNESS OF THE 73 NORTH CAROLINA STATE SALTWATER RECORD

catches currently recognized by the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, 28 of them were landed on the Outer Banks between the shores of Nags Head and the waters off Ocracoke Island. And while three of those local catches also hold World All Tackle Records, the most headline-grabbing catches invariably involve Atlantic blue marlins – one of the ocean’s most sought-after gamefishes for their sheer size, strength and agility.

The current N.C State Saltwater Record holder is a 1,228 lb. 8 oz. blue marlin caught off of Oregon Inlet in 2008.

For 34 years prior, the state (and then-world) record-holding blue marlin was caught in 1974 off of Oregon Inlet, which tipped the scales at 1,142 lbs. and was nearly 14-feet long.

The current world-record-holding Atlantic blue marlin weighed a whopping 1,402 lbs. and was caught off the coast of Brazil – though there are rumors that the world’s largest recorded blue marlin once made it to a Tokyo market weighing an astounding 2,438 lbs.

ON THE LINE

FISH TAGGING PROGRAMS help assess and manage local fish populations, and the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF) has tagged more than 350,000 fish since the late 1970s. The NCDMF currently tags five different species, including striped bass, red drum, spotted seatrout, southern flounder and cobia – and anglers who encounter a tagged fish can do their part by saving the tag along with other information such as the tag number, the total length of the fish, and both its catch date and location. For those fishing good Samaritans, the benefits don’t end there, however – anglers who catch a yellowtagged fish can receive $5 and a hat or other reward, while those who return a red tag can receive $100 for their efforts!

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 15

We could all use a little

beach time.

OUTER BANKS VACATION RENTALS & REAL ESTATE SALES Whether you are looking for the perfect place to vacation or seeking to invest in your own Outer Banks beach house, we offer unprecedented service in making your experience the best it can be. Kick off your shoes and stay a while! joelambjr.com • joelambrealty.com • 800-552-6257

Parade of Homes

WINNERS Year after year!

16 | FA L L 2021

F E AT U R E

OOFuTHtIS d l r wo

S

K N A B TER

OU

Ask any local what their side projects are, and chances Chris with one of his creations, Dr. Milton Mothers.

are you’ll get a few more answers than you bargained for.

For some, however, moonlighting involves

r e t s Mon

more than making ends meet – it’s a way of life that taps into the core of their creativity… and takes finding a fantastical outlet to a whole new level.

Fantastic and bizarre creatures spring forth from the mind of local artist chris gray

H S A M

GMO-FREE? THAT’S NOT THE WORLD CHRIS GRAY WANTS

In fact, Chris envisions a decidedly otherworldly experience that includes untold thousands of his bizarro “Genetically Modified PHOTOS BY RYAN MOSER Organism” figurines making their way from his home here on the STORY BY STEVE HANF Outer Banks to the shelves of quirky collectors on every continent.

Mad scientist Dr. Milton Mothers has grand plans, you see, with characters such as Gut Bomb, Franken BlueRazzberry and whatever else pops out of Chris’s head coming along for the ride.

“With Genetically Modified Organisms, I was like, what would make sense if I combined my sarcasm with the way I think about things in popular culture,” Chris explains. “I’ve been trying to hone in on the craziest mash-ups I can think of, and then just make them the best I can.”

The 37-year-old grew up on the Outer Banks with classic toys from the 1980s.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Madballs. Cap’n Crunch characters. As Chris started his own family here, he found himself scouring eBay, yard sales and thrift stores for those blasts from his past.

TO SEE.

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 17

Chris's creations share space throughout his home and work space, where characters are carefully molded and hand-painted.

“I’m a child at heart, and I refuse to grow up,” Chris says with a laugh.

One night, he remembers staring at both a Cap’n Crunch toy and the villainous Krang from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles when he had an “aha!” moment.

“I thought that if I could make something recognizable, but different, I might be on to something,” Chris says. “There was never any intention whatsoever of doing anything with it at first, other than have fun, but it’s taken on a life of its own.”

Fellow eighties kids will easily notice a vague resemblance to the famed mutant turtles in some figures. Others, such as a character known as Gut Bomb, are a bit more abstract. Then there’s the mad scientist, Dr. Milton Mothers, who Chris modeled after himself while working late one “I’m trying to night with a mask and a take it as big as headlamp.

Describing himself as it can go, and an artist who supports his family as a cook in area we’re gonna do restaurants, Chris dabbled insane things in this side gig for a while before he got more serious as long as I can about it, and he estimates keep it unique.” that he’s sold some 500 GMOs over the past eight -Chris Gray years.

In order to bring these creations to life, Chris often collaborates with a variety of international talent as well. He has a buddy in Spain who sketches some of the drawings for the GMOs, and the logo was done by a guy he knows in New Zealand. Another friend in Malaysia has also sculpted some of the figures, and Chris would love to commission stories that feature his characters’ fictional exploits one day.

On Chris’s end, he uses silicone molds and polyurethanes in his garage to handmake the bulk of his figurines (“My place is sort of overrun with this stuff,” Chris adds. “My wife really loves me!”), and those small-batch productions will often sell out in a matter of days. Over the past year, he even took a leap of faith to have larger figures produced overseas in bigger batches, which allowed him to scale up his operation.

So what’s the mad scientist cooking up next?

Chris doesn’t ever see his Genetically Modified Organisms being in the toy aisles at Walmart, but he can envision thousands or even hundreds of thousands of his figures being sold at boutique-style stores and online.

“I’m trying to take it as big as it can go, and we’re gonna do insane things as long as I can keep it unique,” Chris says. “That’s the thing I focus on the most – I need to make sure that the concepts resonate with people.”

18 | FA L L 2021

Shop local for the best TV and entertainment!

Soundwaves Integrated Solutions is the answer for your home or business needs.

190 CHANNELS

240+ CHANNELS

AMERICA’S TOP 120

AMERICA’S TOP 200

All-Time Favorites and Locals

Everything Sports and Entertainment

Everything Sports, Entertainment and Movies

Plus More!

Plus More!

Plus More!

RSN surcharge up to $3/mo. applies and varies based on location.

RSN surcharge up to $3/mo. applies and varies based on location.

290+ CHANNELS AMERICA’S TOP 250

Plus, ask us about our suite of amazing Smart Home products.

Soundwaves Integrated Solutions

866-610-1025

www.sndwaves.com | www.obx-tv.com Qualification: Advertised price requires credit qualification and 24-month commitment. Upfront activation and/or receiver upgrade fees may apply based on credit qualification. 2-year commitment: Early termination fee of $20/mo. remaining applies if you cancel early. Regional Sports: RSN surcharge up to $3/mo. applies to AT120+ and higher packages and varies based on location. Other: All packages, programming, features, and functionality and all prices and fees not included in price guarantee are subject to change without notice. After 6 mos., if selected, you will be billed $9.99/mo. for DISH Protect Silver unless you call to cancel. After 2 years, then-current everyday prices for all services apply. For business customers, additional monthly fees may apply. Free standard professional installation only.

We have replaced thousands

Roofing

of residential roofs throughout the state of Virginia. Now we’re

Serving the Outer Banks

offering the same great quality service in the Outer Banks!

For all your roofing needs, turn to a partner you can trust.

252-378-2090 www.muellerbuildersllc.com

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 19

business briefs OOFuTHtIS d l r o w

ANKS

RB OUTE

YOU KNOW YOU’RE ONTO

when you can make a nine-year-old boy look up from his Legos while you’re telling a story.

The moment a draft of Katrina Mae Leuzinger’s novel piqued the interest of a young boy she was nannying, she knew it was solid enough to get published.

“I got a vote of confidence from my husband, too, but after capturing a nine-year-old’s attention, I was like, ‘Okay, maybe I am good at this,’” Katrina says with amusement.

The Fairy Thief, Katrina’s debut fantasy novel that’s scheduled to hit shelves in the summer of 2022, was originally an idea from her ghostwriting days that didn’t make the cut for one client.

“It started out as a pitch for one of those paranormal romance content mills,” Katrina explains. “The client asked me for ideas, and I came back with, ‘Okay, how about a romance with a woman who superstitiously starts leaving out bowls of cream for the fairies, because her stuff keeps going missing – but then a supernatural cat burglar actually shows up.’

“And the client came back with, ‘That sounds interesting, but could you make it about a werebear?’”

Katrina says with a laugh.

After coming up with a different pitch, Katrina decided to keep The Fairy Thief in her back pocket. While she initially started writing the story in 2017 on her own time – with a plot that went on to include a fast-paced search for a missing key through the fae-infested streets of Los Angeles – she wound up shelving it for a while before picking it back up and finishing it two years later.

During that interval, Katrina kept up her day jobs as a journalist, ghostwriter and a content creator for mobile games.

“I started working for mobile gaming companies because they paid me to write fiction,” Katrina says cheerfully.

“I’d get assignments like, ‘So there’s a three-headed dragon who eats this SOMETHING

a FAIRYTALE BEGINNING cal writer a dream comes to life for one lo ter haskett hun photo by cory godwin • story by

2 0 | FA L L 2021

woman – do all three heads come to life? Or just one?’ Those are the kind of questions that just don’t normally come up in journalism.”

But after a particularly traumatic experience ghostwriting an AmishChristian romance novel that she ended up having to relinquish all rights to, Katrina decided it was time for her name to be on the front cover – not anybody else’s.

With that in mind, Katrina dusted off The Fairy Thief and sent 115 query letters to various publishers and agents.

Forty-four rejection letters and one year later, she finally landed a deal with Dreaming Big Publications.

“I went through what was essentially a phone book for literary agents from A to Z, and I queried anyone who was accepting fantasy,” Katrina says. “But once I reached the end, I still hadn’t found anyone who was interested in my manuscript. And I was like, where do I go from here?”

That was when Katrina finally received the answer she’d been waiting for.

It came in the form of an email at 11 p.m. – and it took a moment for her to realize that what initially sounded like yet another rejection letter was actually a publishing deal.

“My husband was sleeping, but I ran into our bedroom, flipped on the light and started reading him the email,” Katrina says. “He didn’t understand what the hell was going on at first, but I got through the whole thing – while basically screaming – and then we had to call everyone we know and love.

“I’m really looking forward to all the cool craft shows and festivals next summer,” she says, while adding that she already has the outline for a sequel in mind. “I’m going to be out there in my booth trying to sell this novel – quite possibly while wearing fairy wings.”

s

A TRANE IS RIGOROUSLY TESTED TO LOVE OCEAN AIR

LIC. NO. 29480

252-435-8782 • obxairpros.com CALL US FOR HELP WITH MOTHER NATURE’S SALTY SIDE.

Hurricane Shutters OBX .com

MARINE PARTS, ACCESSORIES, AND MOBILE MARINE REPAIR SERVICE

AFFORDABLE STORM PROTECTION

ROLL DOWN SHUTTERS

BAHAMA SHUTTERS

STORM PANELS

Call to Schedule Your Storm Protection Now

252.207.5949 Dealer Pricing Available

KILL DEVIL HILLS AT MP 8.5 | CAPTAINGEORGES.COM OUTER BANKS | MYRTLE BEACH | VIRGINIA BEACH | WILLIAMSBURG

Wine & Craft Beer Chocolates Cigars Gourmet Foods Local Products

SHOP LIKE A LOCAL!

(the locals know) MP 6 Plaza • Highway 158, KDH • 252.449.8229 • ChipsWineMarket.com

Licensed & Insured

Christie Lilliston Owner / Broker, GRI

POOL • SPA • CARPET CLEANING • L AWN CARE UPHOLSTERY & HARD SURFACE CLEANING WATER EXTRACTION

(2 5 2 ) 2 55 -3530 | www. t ot al obxs er vi ces . com

NEW CONSTRUCTION • REMODELING RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL WWW.OUTERBANKSHOMEBUILDER.COM

Double (1000lb) & Single (400lb) Cargo Lifts

252.261.9728

TODD COYLE CONSTRUCTION. LLC

252-715-2662

3723 N. CROATAN HIGHWAY KITTY HAWK

GREAT PRICES FLEXIBLE QUANTITIES

115 W Meadowlark St, KDH • accessdesignandprint.com

Call or click today to learn how you can start your vacation without endless trips up and down the steps.

877-284-9373 CALL TOLL FREE! StairTamerCargoLifts.com N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 21

Would-be Ghostbusters Ryan Moser (left) and Josh Lundy (right) tackle paranormal pests in their DIY costumes. Ryan prepares to set the trap (inset).

OOFuTHtIS d l r o w

ANKS

RB OUTE

? l l a C a n n o G a Who Y MOSER PHOTOS COURTESY OF RYAN

ON A JANUARY AFTERNOON IN 2019, Josh Lundy stood in the driveway of his Kill Devil Hills house staring at his recently purchased 2005 Dodge Magnum.

He’d seen the car parked outside of Starbucks in Kitty Hawk a few weeks prior and called the number on the for-sale sign for two simple reasons: He’d owned the same model back in his 20s, and it was a good price at around $4,500.

That afternoon, however, the vehicle took on a whole new meaning.

“I thought, ‘You know what? This would make a really cool Ghostbusters car,’” says Josh, who makes a living as a wedding DJ. “That got the wheels turning as I tried to figure out how to make it look like the Ectomobile.”

Step one was easy. He called his best friend and fellow ‘80s kid, Ryan Moser. Together, Josh reasoned, they could deck out the car and create matching DIY costumes just in time for Halloween.

Even though Josh warned Ryan that the process would likely be time-consuming and costly, Ryan was all in from the start.

“I was stoked,” Ryan says enthusiastically. “I grew up with the movies – I even had the action figures and stuff.

I mean, what little kid doesn’t like the Ghostbusters? It’s nostalgic.”

The pair drew up their initial plans for revamping the Dodge, which included adding an intercom system,

2 2 | FA L L 2021

RS

/ STORY BY ARABELLA SAUNDE

some custom-rigged lights and securing a couple of old medical oxygen tanks to the roof rack. They also began scouring the internet for Ghostbusters-inspired merchandise to incorporate into their costumes.

With Ryan’s background in car mechanics and Josh’s expertise in all things Ghostbusters-related, the duo made the perfect pair. Nearly eight months and another $1,000 later, Josh and Ryan went through the 15-minute process of suiting up in their custom costumes that looked straight out of 1984.

The only catch? Halloween was still a month away.

“We decided to just go cruise around the neighborhood,” Josh says. “I wasn’t expecting the amount of attention it got in the community, so it was really cool seeing pretty much everyone waving and taking pictures as we drove by.”

It also gave them time to plan a photo shoot that would do their months-long cosplay project justice. As a professional photographer, Ryan decided to stage it underneath the Washington Baum Bridge across from Pirate’s Cove Marina in order to give the images a grittier, industrial vibe. With a little off-camera lighting, a mini-fog machine and lots of slow-shutter shots

on a tripod, Ryan got the material he needed to later go back and piece together some more complicated composite shots – plus a few photoshopped proton pack light streams.

And when Halloween finally arrived, they were fully prepared to take a cruise down Bay Drive, one of the Outer Banks’ biggest trick-or-treating hotspots. They posed, took photos with fans, and local law enforcement even let them turn on the Ectomobile’s siren for the full effect.

Their next stop was a costume contest at a local bar, where they easily took home first place and a $100 award.

Though Josh eventually sold the car after its engine died, the pair may still suit back up for a visit to RC Theatres when the franchise’s newest flick, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, hits big screens this November. But as far as Halloween 2021 plans go, they’re keeping things mum for now.

One thing’s for sure, however: “It won’t be as big as buying a car,” Josh says with a laugh.

2 7

Y E A R S

Vacation Rentals & Sales

252.261.0224 • SteamersOBX.com 1 Ocean Boulevard, Southern Shores Southern Shores Crossing Shopping Center

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 23

GET THE BROKER WITH ALL OF THE TOOLS Serving buyers and sellers from Corolla to Nags Head

EX

PE R

IE N

CE

SERVIC

E

Y EST N HO

chuckinduck.com

KN

OW

D LE

E X PE R T N

GE

OR EGOTIAT

CHUCK MOTOSKO

ABR • CRS GRI • RSPS

R E A L E S TAT E B R O K E R OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE

252-256-1715 • chuck@chuckinduck.com

Quality Work GUARANTEED

New Customers Get

5% OFF First Service Call

with mention of this ad

Quality Service and Installation Service All Makes and Models Preventative Maintenance Agreement Available Extended Warranties Available Financing Available Free Estimates Certified Technicians Serving the Outer Banks since 1981

www.ahcobx.com | 252-441-7642 | Kill Devil Hills

STEAMACTION Carpet and Tile cleaning Water and fire damage restoration • Mold remediation Full maintenance and construction Window, door and screen repair and replacement

absoluteobx.com • 252-489-0403 2 4 | FA L L 2021

OU T D O O R S

Hatteras Jack owner Ryan White hand-crafts a fishing rod in the shop’s backroom workspace.

HOT RODS SINCE 1988, THE CRAFTSMEN AT RODANTHE’S HATTERAS JACK HAVE BEEN MAKING MEMORIES FOR COUNTLESS ANGLERS ONE CUSTOM ROD AT A TIME. PHOTOS BY RYAN MOSER STORY BY STEVE HANF

R

yan White grabs a new rod blank, marks the spine, places the blank onto the rod lathe and lines up the guides by eye as though sighting a rifle. Spools of thread spin to secure the guides, with highlight colors added as a subtle special feature.

Finishing touches from custom grips to a perfect epoxy coating round out the production cycle.

And by the end of the process, guess what? You’re catching dinner – or that record-setting sportfish – with a work of art rather than “just” a fishing pole.

“We’ve taken it to, like, McLaren, you know?” Ryan says of the famous elite automaker. “It’s the geekiest of geeky fishing rods. We take it as far as we can.”

Once one order is complete, then the labor of love starts all over for Ryan and the craftsmen he oversees at

Hatteras Jack in Rodanthe, where custom rods have been painstakingly made since 1988.

“I still have rods coming in that my grandfather built more than 20 years ago,” Ryan says proudly. “People are still using them.”

That history is on full display when visitors enter the cozy confines of Hatteras Jack, a little shop about a hundred yards from the sound that offers so much more than a quick bait and tackle run.

Framed photos and Polaroids line the walls – and even parts of the ceiling – featuring fun fishing outings over the decades, while a number of plaques that commemorate tournament wins hang above the store’s merchandise.

As for the fishing rods? They’re everywhere: Stacked in corners. Lined up on wall-mounted racks. In various stages N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 25

explains. “It’s very craft-oriented, but the of production in Ryan’s artistry is being able to walk into a shop here “i’ve kind of taken what my dad backroom workshop. and being able to walk into a shop in Salem, and granddad started and went Ryan’s bustling Massachusetts, and pick up the exact same to the next level. it’s cool to business is bursting at rod with the exact same specs. They’ll both have that legacy going on.” the seams, to the point look identical – and they’re both hand-built that he’s planning to by local craftsmen in the Outer Banks.”

-r ya n w hite, ow ner shift the rod building All of this means that about a thousand hat ter a s ja c k area to a workroom in rods a year are cranked out of Hatteras Jack. his house behind the Some are more customized than others. shop so that the retail When it comes to the threaded inlays, for space can expand. and weather the financial example, Ryan prefers black with some decorative And when it comes crisis of 2008 – all while touches for a classic look, but options abound. Ryan’s to his custom rods, steadying himself after the head rod builder, Jim Focht, can do thread art on a there’s oh-so-much for loss of his family. loom to create all kinds of special designs: An image customers to consider.

“I managed to hold on to of Johnny Cash for a “Johnny Cast” rod. A ram’s head “I’ve only got two it, and now it’s better than for a University of North Carolina fan. A red-and-black limitations,” Ryan says it’s ever been,” Ryan says. pentagram reminiscent of the ‘80s metal band Slayer for with a laugh. “One’s Precision is key when it comes to making custom rods, and “I’ve kind of taken what my a custom order epically named the “Salmon Slayer.” your pocketbook, Ryan takes pride in the fact that about a thousand handmade dad and granddad started “However deep they want to go down the rabbit and the other’s your rods come out of Hatteras Jack every year (above). and went to the next level. hole, we can help them out,” Ryan says cheerfully. imagination.”

It’s cool to have that legacy That’s what they’ve been doing at Hatteras Jack for Ryan’s spent his going on.” decades, and that’s what makes the whole operation so whole life learning the family business. His grandfather Ryan started working with the United Kingdom- one of a kind. When Ryan has customers come back year Bill, and father, Mike, started their enterprise with a based company Century in 2004 in order to bring some after year to tell endless stories about the memories charter boat and boat rental business out of the bait and of its products to this side of the Atlantic. Over the they’ve made with their custom rods, it’s simply another tackle shop, with Ryan helping wherever he was needed. years that partnership’s grown so much that Ryan and reminder that he’s not just in the business of making Bill later began building some custom rods, and when the other craftsmen at Hatteras Jack make more than some run-of-the-mill fishing poles.

Ryan got into tournament casting, the family started a hundred different rod varieties. Pre-pandemic, Ryan “It’s really cool that this shop’s been a highlight of exploring new designs for that pursuit as well. even traveled coast to coast promoting Century rods at a lot of people’s vacations,” Ryan says. “I’ve had people The business was flourishing when the unimaginable trade shows, fishing with them in Mexico and talking with come in and tell me, ‘This is like coming home,’ or, ‘This took place in 2002: Within a month of each other, first record-setting anglers about their catches using Century reminds me of my grandfather’s workshop.’ It’s pretty Mike and then Bill died, leaving Ryan – at 26 years old – to gear. incredible that what you think of as coming to work is figure out the next steps all on his own.

“I design all the Century rods for the United States what somebody else thinks of as a refuge from their life.

He stayed the course as much as possible for a time, and distribute them, so if you see a Century factory rod Just the impact that we’ve had on people is crazy – I can’t but then he had to find a new manufacturer to work with anywhere in the U.S., it came through this shop,” Ryan even explain it.”

2 6 | FA L L 2021

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 27

REMEDIATION & RESTORATION SERVICES

WATER | FIRE | SEPTIC | MOLD Introducing our Inspect & Protect Program • Contact us today for details and pricing • Automatic inspection after named storms / hurricanes • Digital documents & findings sent to homeowner accessible portal • 10% discount on future insurance claims Locally Owned and Operated for 25 Years!

With more than $12.1 million in sales since January 2021 and more than 40 years in real estate, John Myers is your Outer Banks Realtor with the knowledge, experience, and dedication to help you make the most of your investment.

252.261.8448 | SoNiceAgain.com

24/7 Emergency Services

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL

John Myers Broker

252-256-2066 jmyers@twiddy.com *Based on information from the Outer Banks Association of REALTORS® MLS for the period 1/1/21 through 8/18/21.

Choose from one of over 600 Vacation Rentals from Corolla to Nags Head

the Outer er B Bankss Ex Expertt 2 8 | FA L L 2021

Vacation Rentals • Sales • Property Management 1.800.334.1000 | SouthernShores.com

b

TIME AFTER but first...

TIME L O OK B AC K

BY AM E L IA B OL DA J I

c.1950

THOUGH WE DON’T ALWAYS NOTICE THE MOST DRAMATIC SHIFTS

during our daily lives, the times, they are a-changing.

Whether we look back nearly a century or a mere matter of decades, even the most familiar local spots have undergone transformations that highlight the Outer Banks’ extraordinarily dynamic nature – and its seemingly endless capacity for endurance.

N AG S HEAD PI E R When Nags Head Pier was first built in the late 1940s, it was originally called Mann’s Ocean Pier, and the two flat-topped concrete buildings located just south of the pier were known collectively as the Ocean Shores Recreation Center. While both buildings changed ownership several times over the years, the northern building later became the locally famous Foosball Palace, and the southernmost building was a series of nightclubs from the Twist Lounge to the Atlantis, until both buildings were demolished in the late 1990s – making way for a much busier stretch of oceanside development.

Then: Photo courtesy of the Outer Banks History Center/Roger Meekins; Now: Photo by Cory Godwin.

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 2 9

1988 O REG ON IN L E T From the old Herbert C. Bonner Bridge to today’s Marc Basnight Bridge, there’s not much that hasn’t changed in this northwest-facing aerial view of Oregon Inlet – including the former Oregon Inlet Coast Guard station in the foreground, which was closed in 1988 due to threats of erosion. The new Coast Guard station eventually opened on the opposite side of the bridge in 1990, and extensive restoration of the old station’s main structure – complete with its lookout tower – was finished on Pea Island in 2008.

Then: Photo courtesy of the Outer Banks History Center/Jim Lee; Now: Photo by Rachel Moser.

TH E W H AL EH EAD C LU B First completed in 1925 by the wealthy northern-based Knight family as a private hunting retreat, the Whalehead Club changed hands several times after the 1940s – even serving briefly as a boys’ school, and later, as a rocket fuel testing site – before eventually being abandoned to the elements. In 1992, however, Currituck County acquired the building in order to restore it – and today the club boasts much of its original roaring ‘20s splendor in Historic Corolla Park.

Then: Photo courtesy of the Outer Banks History Center/Drew Wilson Collection; Now: Photo by Cory Godwin.

3 0 | FA L L 2021

1987

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 31

QU E EN EL I ZAB ET H AVEN U E I N M AN T EO Renamed Queen Elizabeth Avenue in 1976, the bustling commercial road closest to the downtown Manteo docks was once known as Water Street. Much the same as today, a number of shops lined the waterfront, including the town’s original courthouse on the left side of the road. Though the old courthouse is now home to the Dare County Arts Council, it still features a 10,300-pound belfry, which was severely damaged during a hurricane in 1933, but restored in 2014.

Then: Photo courtesy of the Outer Banks History Center/Michael G. Tames; Now: Photo by Lori Douglas.

c.1931

32 | FA L L 2021

r Youo Log

our Logo

r Youo Log

Let me help you accomplish the greatest return possible when you sell your Outer Banks property.

Buying or selling an Outer Banks home doesn't have to be difficult.

Edith combines technology, a high degree of local sales knowledge, and familiarity with the area found in few agents. Heavily invested in the Outer Banks of North Carolina herself as an owner of both investment and primary residences, you will find Edith's knowledge an invaluable asset in your own Outer Banks home experience.

$41.6 MILLION SOLD 47 UNITS CLOSED IN 2021

21 YEARS

$41.6

EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH BUYERS AND SELLERS

SOLD IN 2020 *

MILLION

(YEAR TO DATE)*

#1

INDIVIDUAL BROKER IN DUCK 2020

BY VOLUME*

BRINDLEY BEACH TOP PRODUCER 2017, 2018, 2019 AND 2020

obxrealestate.net

•

252-202-6165

•

edithroweobx@gmail.com

*Based on information from the Outer Banks Association of REALTORS®

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 3 3

c.1930s

WR I G H T BR OTH ER S N AT I O N AL M EM O R I AL EN T RAN CE GAT E In conjunction with establishing a memorial to celebrate the Wright brothers’ 1903 achievements in flight, the United States Department of War constructed a grand entrance on the south side of the Kill Devil Hills site in 1932, complete with a small visitor contact station. Though the National Park Service later approved plans to move the entrance to the west side of the site, the original concrete gateposts – which were designed using ancient Egyptian motifs like the monument itself – are still located beside the trees along Colington Road. .

Then: Photo courtesy of the Outer Banks History Center/National Park Service Collection; Now: Photo by Ryan Moser.

3 4 | FA L L 2021

The Outer Banks source for beautiful floors carpet | luxury vinyl plank | waterproof hardwood ceramic tile | laminate floors | area rugs

PLUS rooms and rooms of furniture and decor

KITTY HAWK CARPETS & FURNITURE

252.261.0496

•

kittyhawkcarpet.com

•

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 35

town report R E A L E STAT E

COM PIL ED BY C ATH ERI N E KOZ A K

Kill Devil Hills

What’s happening in your town?

Here’s a report from all over the Outer Banks.

Currituck After serving in the post for just over two years, Currituck County Manager Ben Stikeleather submitted a letter of resignation on July 27 to the board of commissioners. Stikeleather served as county manager since July 1, 2019, after the retirement of former County Manager Dan Scanlon. He was first hired as Currituck’s assistant county manager in October 2018.

In other news, the Currituck Board of Commissioners voted on June 21 to approve a two-year agreement with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission to take over the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education, which is located in Historic Corolla Park. As part of the agreement, the county will assume ownership of the 15,000-square-foot building, and both entities will determine programming during the transition.

Duck In response to public concerns about traffic issues, the town of Duck has contracted with engineering consultants from the company VHB in order to conduct a traffic study. The study will evaluate the causes of traffic congestion and identify measures that can be taken to improve traffic flow and safety for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. Initial data gathering for the study will begin during the week of August 23rd with involvement from the N.C. Department of Transportation, VHB, the town of Duck staff members and local volunteers.

3 6 | FA L L 2021

Southern Shores The struggle to mitigate seasonal traffic to the northern part of the Outer Banks that cuts through residential neighborhoods in Southern Shores has continued with some mixed success during this year’s summer season.

On July 15, the town announced changes to restrictions on roads with a history of heavy usage by visitors. In response to residents’ outcries about the traffic issues in their neighborhoods, the town has tried different ways to divert the vehicles, including local-traffic-only barricades and signs banning left turns.

The town has also been working with travel apps in order to mark key roads as closed in their routing.

Kitty Hawk A ceremony was held on July 15 to mark the official opening of a new trail off West Kitty Hawk Road that provides access to the Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve.

The connector trail, which was dedicated with a plaque in honor of outgoing Kitty Hawk Mayor Gary Perry, provides access to the 1.8-mile Birch Lane Trail in the reserve, according to a town newsletter.

Constructed by LSI Marine Construction, the project was 100% funded with grants received through the state of North Carolina and the Dare County Tourism Board.

This past July, the town of Kill Devil Hills launched its own farmers’ market for the local community. The First Flight Market kicked off its inaugural season on July 20, with town staff grilling complimentary hamburgers and hotdogs to celebrate the grand-opening. Held at Aviation Park, the town park across from the First Flight High School, more than 35 vendors participated, and the market will continue to be held every Tuesday through August 17.

Seasonal farmers’ markets have been a big hit in several other towns for a while now, including Nags Head’s Dowdy Park market which continues to be held every Thursday until September 9, and Manteo’s downtown Saturday markets at George Washington Creef Park, which will run until September 18.

Nags Head In the wake of the resignation of former Town Manager Cliff Ogburn last year, followed by his subsequent appointment to the same post in Southern Shores, Nags Head is still working on finding a replacement for the town manger position. Interim Manager Greg Sparks was appointed shortly after Ogburn’s departure to fill the position while a search was conducted for a permanent replacement. Several months later, Michael Silverman’s selection as the new town manager was announced at the Nags Head Board of Commissioners meeting on May 5, 2021.

On May 19, the town announced in a press release that Silverman had withdrawn his appointment without further explanation. He had been expected to start the job on July 1.

With interim Town Manager Greg Sparks’ term ending on May 31, Deputy Town Manager Andy Garman was appointed the new interim town manager. Mayor Cahoon also stated at a June 2 board

meeting that the Chapel Hill search company, Developmental Associates, Inc., has been re-engaged at no additional cost to find another town manager candidate.

Manteo Return visitors to the Manteo waterfront this summer were greeted with a newly landscaped area in which to stroll, rest or gather. In mid-May, the Manteo Town Common on Budleigh Street and Lord Essex Avenue replaced an aging building that once housed the Fort Raleigh Hotel with a green recreational space that’s open to the public.

The $732,000 project – of which the Dare County Tourism Board granted $222,000 – added 60 much-needed parking spaces to downtown Manteo.

Other amenities, including restroom facilities, are part of the projected additions during the second phase of the project.

Dare County After deciding that the county operation wasn’t able to adequately meet the needs of the community, Dare County commissioners agreed to sell Dare Home Health and Hospice to Adoration Home Health Care Virginia LLC for $2.9 million on July 21.

The agreement includes protections for Dare County’s current employees and requires the new agency to continue to provide the same level of health services as the Dare County provider. As part of this change, essential services cannot be denied because of financial policies, and any beneficiary of federal programs such as Medicare will be held to government anti-discrimination standards. If the terms of this agreement are not met going forward, the agency will revert back to Dare County.

t

BUYING OR SELLING ON THE OBX - CALL! From Corolla to Ocracoke

STEPHANIE DOSHIER

ROSEMARIE DOSHIER

Phone: 252-202-8990 Stephanie@TheDoshierTeam.com

Phone: 252-305-3996 Rosemarie@TheDoshierTeam.com

ABR • CRS • GRI • RSPS • SFR

ABR • CRS • GRI • PMI • RSPS • SFR

TheDoshierTeam.com • 252-562-4663

Since 1990

NEW TO THE OUTER BANKS? HAVE A BUSINESS TO PROMOTE?

Contact us for free information and consultations ®

ADVERTISE WITH US! The North Beach Sun is read by potential customers and industry professionals all over the beach. If you brought a business with you or are starting a new one, we are a great resource for getting your name out there.

AlwaysSafe

TM

Since 1990

Escrow Security

BEACH REAL ESTATE

sales@northbeachsun.com

REALTY

VACATION RENTALS

S ALE S & C ON ST R U CT I O N 252-261-3815

CONSTRUCTION

VACATION RENTALS 800-635-1559

Find your home at B E A C H R E A L T Y N C . C O M N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 37

business briefs R E A L E STAT E

COMPILED BY C ATH ERI N E KOZ AK

Real Estate Changes Loom for The Marketplace Plans for a Marshalls department store at The Marketplace strip mall in Southern Shores were presented to the town planning board this past July.

The proposed 24,000-square-foot site would be built adjacent to the existing CVS Pharmacy, and would include plans to demolish and reconfigure a wing of the center’s existing shops, according to The Southern Shores Beacon.

The applicant, Southern Shores Owner LLC, is proposing to build a “junior box” Marshalls as well as another unnamed 6,000-square-foot retail outlet in that space.

Dare’s Number-Cruncher Adds Up Finance department awards aren’t often noted by the general public, but Dare County’s Finance Director David Clawson deserves a round of applause after his department recently won the government finance version of the Pulitzer – for the 30th year in a row.

This past August, a Dare County press release announced that its finance department has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting – the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financials – for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2020.

The Government Finance Officers Association created the honor in 1945 in order to encourage local governments to translate important financial data into reports that anyone could understand. “This is an amazing accomplishment that highlights the ongoing dedication that David and his staff display year after year,” said Dare County Board of Commissioners Chair Bob Woodard.

Immersed in Currituck’s Maritime Heritage A new self-interpretive museum featuring local vintage boats and photographs opened in July at Historic Corolla Park. Located near the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education, the 10,000-square-foot Currituck Maritime Museum highlights the county’s heritage through the stories of people who have lived and worked around its vast sound and ocean waters. The focus of its exhibits 38 | FA L L 2021

market snapshot

includes restored boats, fishing, lifesaving stations, lighthouses, the boat-building industry, decoy carving and weather, according to their website.

The free museum, which also offers hands-on exhibits, demonstrations and educational programs, is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Familiar Name to Lead Charitable Foundation Chris Sawin, who has served as executive director of the Dare County Arts Council since 2012, has accepted a new post as president and chief executive officer of the Outer Banks Community Foundation.

According to the June 2021 MLS Statistical Report from the Outer Banks Association of Realtors, overall sales in 2021 are up by 97% so far. Compared to 2020, residential unit sales increased 68%, from 1,016 units to 1,875. Lot and land sales also jumped by 170%, from 179 units in 2020 to 484 in 2021.

Inventory continues to be historically low as well, with residential inventory down 57% in comparison with last year – from 975 units to 424 units – and lot/land inventory plummeting 85%, from 722 units to 590 units.

Organized in 1982 to meet local needs on the Outer Banks, the foundation is a funding source that reaches all community service organizations on the barrier islands, including the arts, education, health, human services, the environment and historic preservation.

Sawin started work with the foundation August 1. He succeeds Lorelei Costa, who left the post in March to lead the Virginia-based Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts.

In a Dare County Arts Council press release, Sawin was credited with creating new events and programs, connecting with more underserved areas, and establishing the council’s financial stability. Jessica Sands, the Arts Council’s former program director, will succeed Sawin as the council’s new executive director.

Funds Awarded for Black History Film Efforts to expand knowledge of black history on the Outer Banks got a boost recently with a $30,000 grant for the nonprofit Pea Island Preservation Society from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. The funds will go towards the production of a documentary about black surfmen at the Pea Island Lifesaving Station – the only all-black lifesaving station in the nation – while also telling the unique story of the interconnected black and white communities on the Outer Banks.

The Pea Island Preservation Society has enlightened the Outer Banks community as well as visitors about

the once seldom-told history of the Pea Island station and the important contributions of black people to the culture and the economy of the Outer Banks. According to a press release, the society is still working out details involving the film, but it has two years to produce the documentary.

In the meantime, the Pea Island Preservation Society conducts a free live educational program called, “Freedmen, Surfmen, Heroes,” at area schools and other public facilities. The group also operates both the Cookhouse Museum and the Herbert C. Collins Boathouse in Manteo, and it recently hosted an inaugural Juneteeth celebration on Roanoke Island.

New Event Center Proposed for The Soundside A conceptual plan for a 48,000-square-foot center at The Soundside event site in Nags Head has earned preliminary plaudits from Dare County officials. The proposed $17.6 million facility, which would include a 26,000-square-foot event hall, a 1,500-square-foot meeting room and a 2,800-square-foot catering kitchen, would be designed for flexible uses, such as concerts, music events and tournaments, while maintaining green space.

The Dare County Tourism Board gave its nod for the concept in July and the Dare County Board of Commissioners did the same at its August 2 meeting.

Additional actions from the town of Nags Head and permits from the state will be required in order for the concept to move forward.

BUYING? KW HAS YOU COVERED! SELLING?

#

1

*in 2020

Company on the Beach for Sold Volume.

#

1

*in 2020

For sold volume in Corolla!

#

1

*in 2020

*Stats per Outer Banks Multiple Listing Service from 1/1/2020 - 12/31/2020

For sold units over $1,000,000

#JUSTGETTINGSTARTED • #KWROCKSTARS

Ashley Contristan 252-256-0344 ashleysellsobx@gmail.com ashleysellsobx.com

Carleigh Hines 252-216-5395 Cmhines@kw.com carleigh-hines.kw.com

Alex Miller-Saunders 252-207-7080 alexsellsobx@kw.com alexmillerobx.com

Liz J Holterhaus 252-202-2156 obx4sale@gmail.com obx4sale.com

Danielle Taylor 252-489-9185 danielle@sandbarliving.com sandbarliving.com

Sarah Brown and BJ Neal 252-202-5279 bj@simplysalesobx.com simplysalesobx.com

Lauren Nelson 252-207-6504 lauren4beach@gmail.com outerbankswithlauren.kw.com

Ellen Heatwole 804-839-7064

252-202-2173 denisegraham@kw.com Eddie Kavanaugh: 252-207-7773 eddie.kavanaugh@kw.com Denise Graham:

corollarealestate.com

sellnobx@gmail.com SellnOBX.com

252-202-8147 kargiroff@gmail.com Alex Argiroff: 252-202-8148 aargiroff@gmail.com

Kathleen Argiroff:

Mercedes Tabano, CRS, ABR 252-305-1358 mercedes.tabano@gmail.com

Sarah VanLeeuwen 813-990-9193 sarahv@kw.com sarahvan.com

Market Place 5595 N Croatan Hwy, Southern Shores, NC 27949 Each Keller Williams Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

findobxhomes.com

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 39

R E A L E STAT E

WELCO M E T O T H E

BOOMTOWN

The Outer Banks has seen its share of building booms, but none quite like the current explosion of construction and renovation.

BY C ATH E RI N E KOZ A K

DURING A TIME OF NATIONWIDE DISRUPTION

when people have had to adjust to concepts of a “new normal,” the record number of people who suddenly saw the Outer Banks as a perfect shelter from the storm was still somewhat unexpected.

And as a result, those who build, renovate and sell those local “shelters” have never been busier.

“Once Covid came into play, and people figured they could work from home, it seemed like a lot of people wanted to move here, or retire earlier and move here,” says Vaughan Robinson, president of Outer Banks Home Builders Association.

Fortunately for the industry, homebuilding was deemed essential during Covid closures, so businesses didn’t miss a beat. Even 18 months since the pandemic shutdown, the record demand for all things real estate on the Outer Banks has barely slowed.

“It still seems pretty wide open,” Vaughan says.

“Summertime is usually when you get a little slower, but that hasn’t really happened this year.”

According to MLS reports from the Outer Banks Association of Realtors, property sales in 2020 totaled $1.57 billion, a 44-percent increase over the previous year.

Inventory of land and houses are also at record lows, while the first four months of 2021 showed that sales were still up 94 percent.

Vaughan, who owns Coastal Cottage Contracting in Kitty Hawk, has been in the homebuilding business for about 15 years, and he’s personally heard that nearly every local builder currently has enough work for at least a year. But he adds that there have also been some overall delays in getting certain supplies, the available labor is 4 0 | FA L L 2021

tight, and it can sometimes take longer to complete projects these days.

“There are just a lot of circumstances that seem to have converged and made it difficult,” Vaughan explains.

Shortages of one significant supply – wood – has recently hit homebuilders especially hard.

Lumber prices reached historic highs this past March and April, observes Jason Koller, the manager of Kellogg’s Supply Company in Manteo. Plywood and studs, for instance, more than tripled in cost at one point.

“It was really hard on contractors,” says Jason, who has been in the industry for 28 years.

Although prices have mostly stabilized now, some things continue to be hard to acquire – such as certain lengths of boards or bulkheads – while cabinets, windows, doors, components and plaster deliveries have all been affected by delays in manufacturing and shipping.

Lumber mills farther south have been especially impacted by labor shortages, Jason adds, as well as major cargo backups at some ports.

“We just don’t have the inventory we’re accustomed to having,” he says.

Despite spotty shortages, Vaughan feels as though local homebuilders have mostly managed to work with what they can get. One example of this is asphalt shingles, which have been difficult to get in a wide variety of colors, though manufacturers have still been able to offer the most sought-after hues.

Cedar and metal roofs have also experienced a price hike due to shortages, but Vaughan notes that working with those materials can largely be avoided unless a customer really has their heart set on one of them.

Other events such Texas’ deep freeze this past winter have affected the availability of things such as plastics and resin, supplies of which were initially disrupted entirely, and then backlogged.

“You just have to understand that when you’re going into it,” Vaughan says. “And then plan accordingly to try to get it worked out or get the order in early.”

With the housing inventory so limited, there’s also been a lot of interest in renovating existing houses.

Out-of-area homeowners’ renewed interest in making the Outer Banks a primary residence has meant that many family summer cottages or rental properties have been repurposed with that in mind.

Some of those renovations are perhaps more surprising than others. With many reverse floor plans in local houses (which feature open living spaces on the top floors), there’s been a surge in elevator installations to accommodate more year-round occupants, while tear-downs of older, smaller houses that sit on valuable property has also risen.

Though Vaughan notes that a smaller existing property might be perfectly livable with some retrofitting done by a skilled contractor, he’s also aware that many have been prioritizing the ability to settle in quickly.

“Once Covid came “Some people don’t into play, and want to wait,” Vaughan people figured concedes. “When everythey could work thing was shut down, they wanted to move and be from home, it here right then.” seemed like a lot Although looming of people wanted impacts from climate to move here, or change, especially sea retire earlier and level rise, is also often move here.” cited as a significant future challenge for the -Vaughan Robinson, homebuilding industry, President of the Vaughan feels as though Outer Banks Home local contractors have Builders Association things well in hand. Outer Banks builders are already required to meet coastal building codes that require houses to withstand winds of at least 130 miles per hour – and strict stormwater measures are mandated during the construction process as well.

Even if Governor Roy Cooper puts new regulations in place as part of a statewide climate initiative that’s expected to require more resilient building measures, Vaughan seems confident that the industry will adapt as necessary – although though the concept of “green” building, which is focused on sustainability and efficiency, hasn’t really taken off on the Outer Banks as it has in the western region of North Carolina.

For the most part, local customers continue to look for sleekly modern styles or classic designs that draw inspiration from older flat-tops or cedar-shake cottages, Vaughan notes, but that hasn’t necessarily resulted in much demand for green building practices, which can be costly.

“With some of the price increases, especially from Covid impacts, housing is already expensive,” he adds.

“It’s just a matter of what people want and what they’re willing to pay for.”

Vacation Rentals & Property Management

VACATION RENTALS • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

M A K I N G F U N FA M I LY VA C AT I O N S F O R O V E R 3 4 Y E A R S resor trealty.com | 800. 458 . 3830

HOMES FOR A VISIT

HOMES FOR A LIFETIME

Joe & Lori McGraw We are a locally owned and operated full-service building contractor specializing in custom residential homes, renovations and light commercial construction. Let us help you transform your dreams and vision into a custom-built reality.

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

a l b e m a rl e co n t ra ct o rs.co m • 2 5 2 - 2 6 1 - 1 0 8 0

Q U A L I T Y C O N S T R U C T I O N A N D R E N O V AT I O N S I N C E 1 9 8 9 N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 41

HOME SPOTLIGHT

The Sweet Life This beach bungalow remodel blends a clean modern design with classic coastal cool.

Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Neal Story by Lexi Holian

42 | FA L L 2021

TUCKED BEHIND MOM’S SWEET SHOP ON THE

NORTHERN END OF KILL DEVIL HILLS, is a charming

getaway dubbed “Stay at Mom’s.” Similar to its retail namesake, it’s a place where vintage style meets modern design, with exposed beams, a bright living area accented by a brick fireplace, and plenty of eclectic details that make the cottage feel like a home away from home – as long as your idea of home includes a short two-block walk to the beach.

Owners Jessica and Derik Wineland, who are also proprietors of the well-known retail and sweet shop, purchased the cottage last year when their east-side neighbors unexpectedly approached them with the

opportunity before listing it publicly. In coordination with Jessica’s brother, Nathan Neal of Cozy Kitchens, the couple redesigned the home – replacing vinyl siding with cedar shakes, changing traditional picket railings to ranch rails, and giving the beach box an inviting aesthetic similar to Mom’s.

“Cedar shakes are classic on the Outer Banks,” Jessica says. “And economically, they’re a great choice – they practically last forever. Our shop has cedar shakes, which were there when we bought it, and we wanted it all to tie together – but also it’s a really good design choice for a coastal area in general.”

The spacious decks came with the cottage, but the

The open living space inside the cottage dubbed “Stay at Mom’s” boasts exposed wooden ceiling beams and a brick fireplace (left page). The Winelands replaced the cottage’s original vinyl siding with cedar shakes and added a variety of finishing touches to their renovations, including floating shelves and some carefully selected décor (below).

real surprise for the new owners was the open living concept. Having never set foot in the space until last year, Jessica and Derik didn’t know what to expect from the 1970s home at first.

“I was truly picturing eight-foot ceilings and cypress paneling like you often see in some of the houses here,” Jessica says. “The height of the ceilings and the original beams completely took us by surprise.”

The open space led the Winelands to remove an extra entryway, which wasn’t needed with a nearby sliding glass door, and add a fireplace in order to make the space cozier during the winter. Popcorn ceilings were scraped and smoothed, and a block of cabinets

above the eat-in bar were removed to make the room more inviting.

“There were cabinets on the whole wall where the shelves are now, which initially made the space feel heavier,” says Jessica, who enjoys working on design projects. “Taking down any unneeded cabinetry and putting up floating shelves is one of my favorite things to do. That in itself just opened up the whole area.”

When it came to decorating the interior of the cottage with the intention of offering it as a rental, the Winelands mixed old with new while making other consciously thrifty decisions in terms of furnishings – including surfing-inspired artwork and a few beachy

family photos to make the house feel as welcoming as possible.

“We want to appeal to families,” Jessica says, “as well as young adult couples with friends or other family members who’d like to have a relaxing spot that feels both new and familiar – so we did a lot of the interior stuff ourselves together as a family.”

It took about four months to complete the project, and now that it’s finished, Jessica feels as though it fits right in with similar cottages on the Outer Banks.

“Some of the smaller homes are the cutest ones with the most charm,” she says. “And we’re lucky to have so many really unique places here at the beach.”

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 4 3

R E A L E STAT E

sun salutations Beach Realty & Construction Beach Realty Recognizes Top Agents Beach Realty & Construction is pleased to announce the top four producing sales agents this year to date: Joanne Kepler from the Corolla office, Ilona Matteson from the Duck office, and Michelle Gardner and Jackson Dixon, both from the Kitty Hawk office. All four agents are experienced and consistent volume leaders. “These agents have very different styles, but they all offer their clients outstanding customer service, years of experience and a thorough knowledge of the Outer Banks real estate market,” says Sales Manager Beth Urch. Beach Realty & Construction is a full-service real estate company offering real estate sales, vacation rentals and new construction and remodeling. For more information, contact salesteam@beachrealtync.com or call (252) 261-3815.

Brindley Beach Vacations and Sales Brindley Beach Vacations and Sales Names Edith Rowe and Catherine Strachan Top Two Sales Agents, Year-to-Date Edith Rowe has won the Top Sales Agent Award for the past four years. This award is based on closed sales volume. She holds a broker’s license and has been in sales on the Outer Banks since 2000. In addition to a thorough knowledge of real estate and construction, Edith brings to the table a degree of local sales acumen and familiarity with the area found in few agents. Contact Edith at (252) 202-6165, toll free at (877) 642-3224 or at edithroweobx@gmail.com.

Catherine Strachan has worked on both the listing and selling side of several foreclosures and short-sale transactions, a valuable skill in today’s volatile market.

She is a designated Short-Sale and Foreclosure Resource Specialist, as well as a Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist, who also specializes in the vacation home market.

Contact Catherine at (252) 489-9540, toll free at (877) 642-3224 or by email at obxproperty@gmail.com.

Brindley Beach Vacations and Sales Welcomes Pamela Howard to the Sales Team Pamela Howard grew up on the historical Inner Banks plantation estate of her late-great-uncle Wolfman Jack, and spent summers on the Outer Banks. She specializes in representing buyers and sellers in real estate and investment properties on the Outer Banks and the Inner Banks of North Carolina. She also recently appeared on HGTV’s show How Close Can I Beach, in the episode “Sandcastle Dreams in Duck.” Pamela can be reached at (252) 331-3303 or at pamela.obxbroker@gmail.com.

4 4 | FA L L 2021

Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty John Leatherwood Earns Coldwell Banker International President’s Circle Award John Leatherwood, a sales associate with Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty, has earned the prestigious International President’s Circle award, a level achieved by only the top 8% of all sales associates worldwide. This award is based on adjusted gross commission income for 2020 and represents the seventh consecutive international award earned by Leatherwood. Team leader of the successful Sandman Team OBX, John can be reached at (252) 202-3834 or john@sandmanteamobx.com.

Debbie Shealey Earns Coldwell Banker International Diamond Society Award Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty congratulates Debbie Shealey on earning the Coldwell Banker International Diamond Society award. This award is based on adjusted gross commission income for 2020 and is awarded to the top 15% of all agents worldwide.

Debbie can be reached at dshealey@cbseaside.com or (252) 202-2224.

Crystal Clark Earns Coldwell Banker International Sterling Society Award Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty congratulates Crystal Clark on earning the International Sterling Society award. This award is based on adjusted gross commission income in 2020 and is awarded to the top 22% of all sales associates worldwide.

Clark can be reached at (252) 305-4514 or crystalsellsobx@gmail.com.

Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty Welcomes New Agent Jay Gabbert Jay Gabbert has joined Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty at the Kitty Hawk location. After running a successful plastics business in Charlotte for 17 years, Jay relocated to the Outer Banks several years ago.

He can be reached at jaygabbert@cbseaside.com or (252) 619-6961.

Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty Welcomes New Agent Dawn Young Dawn Young has joined Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty at the Elizabeth City and Kill Devil Hills locations. With a background in Fortune 500 companies managing debt, she was in charge of legal audits and risk management. Dawn has also been involved in mission work for the past 20 years and can be reached at (252) 421-1182 or dawnyoung@cbseaside.com.

s

SAGA Realty & Construction SAGA Realty & Construction Welcomes Julia Quinlan as Assistant Project Manager Julia Quinlan has more than 15 years of construction experience, including utility, hospitality renovation and marina construction. She has worked on job sites as well as coordinating projects from the office. A recent transplant from Wilmington, N.C., Julia enjoys coastal life, learning new skills and understanding all phases of construction.

SAGA Realty & Construction Welcomes Emily Heikens to the Asset Management Team Emily Heikens has lived on the Outer Banks for about six years, after moving here from Greenville, N.C. Emily went to school for fashion management and later earned her M.B.A. More recently, she was a general manager for a large retail chain on the Outer Banks where she worked in sales, customer service, marketing, retail management, operations management, product planning and purchasing.

SAGA Realty & Construction Welcomes Pam Heermann to the Team Pam Heermann, originally from Northern Virginia, recently fulfilled her dream of moving to the Outer Banks. She has a B.S. in interior design from Virginia Tech and has held a career in interior design, staging, remodeling and construction, most recently in the Richmond area. Pam’s goal is to help people create a home that enhances their lives and maximizes its potential.

Sun Realty Sun Realty Honors Agents of the Month for April, May and June Joe Staten was the top producer for the month of April.

Joe has years of experience with residential, commercial and business property, and he is ready to assist with all of the buying, selling or leasing opportunities his clients require. Contact Joe at the Sun Realty Duck office at (252) 261-4183.

Agents of the Month for May and June were Madonna and Michael VanCuren. The M&M Team has been Sun’s Agents of the Year 14 times and they pride themselves on old-fashioned hard work and customer service. You can reach the M&M Team at the Sun Realty Kill Devil Hills office at (252) 441-8011.

Twiddy Premier Sales Twiddy Celebrates Record-Breaking Realtors Ranked #9 overall within MLS and #3 in Corolla with over $36 million in sales this year, Ray Meiggs has set many new personal records, including the highest transaction in Outer Banks real estate history.

Vacation Rentals & Sales

Twiddy Premier Sales celebrates John Myer’s recordbreaking year as he’s ranked among the Top 50 Agents in the MLS with over $12 million in sales.

Twiddy Premier Sales gives kudos to Matt Preston, who is well over halfway to exceeding his 2020 sales. As a consistently top-ranked agent on the Outer Banks, his Top 30 spot is hard-earned and well-deserved.

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 45

F I V E FACT S

Historic Corolla Village

By Hannah Lee Leidy

WEDGED BETWEEN HIGHWAY 12 AND THE CURRITUCK SOUND lies a little nugget of island life that draws its roots from the early stirrings of the 19th century. But this picturesque town isn’t just for show: It’s a working community with shops, offices, museums and galleries operating from largely turn-of-the-century buildings. This living, breathing glimpse into local history is also entirely free to explore – and priceless to remember.

1

Keeping the Lights On

Lighthouses get all the attention, but what about the people who’ve made them tick – or rather, flash? The establishment of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in 1875 ushered in the area’s first substantial flurry of settlers and growth – and the lighthouse’s adjacent double keepers’ house has been home to numerous keepers, their families and other troubled souls at sea. In fact, a few years after the lighthouse began operating, the Metropolis famously shipwrecked off the nearby coast. While members of the Currituck Beach Lifesaving Station were able to rescue nearly half of the ship’s survivors – many of whom found a temporary safe haven in the modest keepers’ duplex – the wreck also became a pivotal event which spurred Congress to expand their construction of lifesaving stations along the Eastern Seaboard.

2

Schoolhouse Rock

Thanks to the new lighthouse and the local lifesaving station, the subsequent population boom on the northern Outer Banks brought not just strapping young men looking for work, but also a number of young families. The only catch was that there was no nearby public school, which meant that most of the area’s children initially attended informal learning groups. By the late 1800s, however, a small, chapel-like, schoolhouse opened in the heart of the village – which went on to become part of the unified Currituck County school system in 1905. Although the schoolhouse was closed in the late 1950s due to a lack of students, it reopened in 2012 as the Water’s Edge Village School, which continues to serve children from kindergarten through eighth grade.

4 6 | FA L L 2021

3

If You Plant It, It Will Grow

Lack of proper roads to many Outer Banks communities meant that outside food deliveries were often infrequent back in the day, so early northern area residents subsisted on what they could fish for, grow or hunt. Starting in the early 1800s, and presumably lasting well into the 1900s, almost every Corolla resident maintained a garden, where tomatoes, peppers, squash, herbs and indigenous flowers thrived in the sandy soil.

Today, a re-created plot at the center of town known as “A Village Garden” pays homage to those historic backyard tracts with raised beds that host herbs, butterfly bushes, vibrant flowers and other vegetables – including a few heirloom varieties that likely thrived in northern residents’ individual plots during the early 20th century.

4

Spirits of the Past

Curtis and Blanche Gray, Corolla’s postmaster and schoolteacher built a charming, gabled bungalow sometime between 1896 and 1918, making it one of the oldest original properties remaining in the village. While Mrs. Gray tragically died of influenza during the couple’s first few years in residence, it’s said that a warm, comforting presence still remains in an upstairs room of the building, which now homes the Corolla Wild Horse Fund. The Lewark family historically inhabited the bungalow next, during which time they added a smokehouse and outbuilding. Currently the Juice Jar and Bruce Lorenz Fine Photography respectively, Mr. Lewark originally established a workshop and storage space in the outbuilding, and relied on the smokehouse as a place to cure fish and game.

5

Back to the Beginning

The Callie Parker General Store was a two-story mercantile on the main village road, which served as both a shop and as gathering grounds during Corolla’s heyday in the early 1900s.

People relied on the store for various tools, clothes, pantry staples, candy and other knick-knacks, while the local menfolk held court on the generous front porch in the evenings. There, they reportedly whiled away long summer nights, swapping stories, discussing business and regaling each other with tales of earlier generations. Though the building later fell into some disrepair, Twiddy & Company purchased the site and constructed a replica of the store in its original footprint during the 1990s – which now functions as a popular retail spot known as Island Bookstore.

Scenes from around Historic Corolla Village, including the Corolla Wild Horse Fund (top), the Celebration Realty office (middle), and Corolla Village BBQ (bottom).

TOP SE L L I NG COMPANY

ON THE OBX

A GLOBAL LEADER IN

luxury REAL ESTATE.

Work with a Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Specialist The Coldwell Banker® Luxury Property Specialist designation is awarded to an elite group of seasoned real estate professionals, all of whom are experienced in marketing luxury properties. Our 15 Global Luxury Specialists have completed the prestigious Coldwell Banker Global Luxury® certification course, which is administered by The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. National certification serves to distinguish Luxury Property Specialists as some of the most experienced, talented, and vetted specialists in the industry.

CRAFTSMANSHIP Coldwell Banker luxury agents are masters of this craft.

It’s what happens when you have the industry’s most impressive luxury property specialist certification process.

It’s what happens when you have powerful connections to international media and home buyers.

And it’s what happens when you’re a part of a company trusted with over $168 million in luxury sales every single day.

Your luxury is our legacy.

Search all listings at CBSEASIDE.COM, or call us at (888) 939-4119. *Based on information from the Outer Banks Association of Realtors MLS 1.1.21-7.31.21.

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 47

F OU R I F BY S E A

Welcome

By Amanda McDanel

Welcome Verb: To greet the arrival of (a person, guests, etc.) with pleasure or kindly courtesy.

Adjective: Received gladly into one’s presence or companionship.

Noun: A kindly greeting or reception, as to one whose arrival gives pleasure.

ACCORDING TO MIRIAM-WEBSTER, the word “welcome” can be defined in any of the above ways, but in the South, it has a whole other alternative meaning as well. A welcome in the south is an event. A welcome dinner. A welcome gift. A welcome parade or a motorcycle escort. Hell, we even have flags with pineapples on them (a sign of hospitality) to hang welcomingly from our wrap-around porches. It’s a gesture that says, “Hey, y’all!

We’re glad you’re here.”

While some other states might say, “Your crazy is showing, you may want to tuck that back in,” here in the South we highly recommend airing your crazy out on the porch in a rocking chair with a glass of sweet tea. And, in my house, the rocking chair is always ready, the tea (or wine) is always cold, and I’ll join you for a spell right after I’ve given you my own personal salutations.

When I used to work for North Carolina State University as an extension agent several years ago, I spent a lot of time traveling to rural counties all over

4 8 | FA L L 2021

Y’all

the waistband of her jeans whenever she bent over to pluck a juicy radish from the soil. I was so tickled with this nostalgia-laced discovery that I bought a pair of the largest size available to bring home – for a reason yet unknown – and tucked them into a drawer with my vintage pillowcases and aprons. You know, #thesoutherndrawer.

Later that year, I attended a conference where a co-worker talked about hanging an American flag outside her house whenever her daddy was due for a visit in order to welcome him home. Enthralled with the idea, I realized that I finally had the perfect answer for my impromptu roadside purchase. With my husband, Johnny, due home from a weeklong work trip that Friday, I immediately went home and scrawled “Welcome home, Johnny” on my pair of Dixie Belle underwear with a large black Sharpie. On the day of his homecoming, I strung that same two-foot-wide pair of skivvies across the front of our house, where it proudly flapped in the breeze for all our neighbors to see. Needless to say, the hilarity that ensued was legendary.

Featuring such repurposed garments has now become my personal way of welcoming any special visitor to my home. With many more trips to “said store” where I was known to frequently buy out most of their inventory, I became equipped with enough pairs to offer a variety of greetings and other gestures of goodwill to my visitors. eastern North Carolina. It allowed me to meet some Happy birthday? It’s covered. You made it? Got it. incredible people and introduced me to some excellent If you are a very special visitor, I’ll even sacrifice a pair regional foods, but because eastern N.C. is so vast and and personalize them just for you. “Welcome, Amy and sprawling, it often took me more than three hours to Dave!” has announced my best friends’ arrival for more reach a given destination. And, after miles and miles of than five years now, and it may actually be time to add fields and two-lane roads, my Yeti water bottle had the their nine and 11-year-old children. tendency to catch up with me, In short, you can consider so – above all – I discovered it my way of “rolling out the Featuring such repurposed red carpet” for my nearest and some lovely establishments with public restrooms on those rural dearest. garments has now become roads. From antique stores to A few years after that initial my personal way of feed-and-seeds, meat processing discovery, I visited one of the welcoming any special institutions to five-and-dimes, I East Coast’s largest flea markets visitor to my home. was an equal opportunity pee-er. with a friend. Among the many One such establishment treasures I found there, I met that quickly became my favorite a man in a pair of bib overalls felt completely frozen in time. Their shelves boasted selling five-XL underwear made from parachute material everything from original 1980s Caboodles to vintage adorned with lace. He informed me that his wife customStar Wars-branded Underoos still in their 1982 packaging made them, and that business was very, VERY good (bought them!) alongside a stark collection of men’s indeed. I promptly forked over $20 and happily skipped coveralls. To my delight, there was also a section of away with a four-foot-wide pair of purple underwear lady’s unmentionables that was conveniently stocked destined to welcome my next lucky visitors. I had officially with a particularly silky – and extremely large – brand of upped my hospitality game – while simultaneously making underpants called Dixie Belles. a lot of rural N.C. ladies happy that they could once again I hadn’t seen underwear like that since I toddled easily purchase lingerie at their local five-and-dime. behind my grandma in her garden, where I could reliably I am a good southern girl after all – though it might be catch a glimpse of oversized brims peeking out from time to think about installing a flagpole.

As the #1 Independent Real Estate Firm on the Outer Banks, our agents are dedicated to ensuring you make the most of your investment. Contact Twiddy Premier Sales today to start your Outer Banks real estate journey.

it’s all in the details!

$256+ MILLION IN SALES & 300+ HAPPY CLIENTS SINCE JANUARY 2021*

Offices in Duck, Corolla & 4x4 Area

Scan the code to connect with an agent or search available Outer Banks listings

Search up-to-date listings any time at twiddysales.com *Based on information from the Outer Banks Association of REALTORS® MLS for the period 1/1/21 through 8/18/21.

KITCHEN OUTER BANKS, NC

Get Hooked On This, That & The Other Thing!

Interior design, furnishings and stylish home accents.

indoor & outdoor seating BRUNCH & LUNCH • Fresh Daily Specials TACOS • SALADS • BOWLS • WRAPS • HAND-CUT FRIES • POKE Open Tue.-Sat. (see Facebook for hours) | 252-715-0089 | 5000 South Croatan Hwy.

Woocasakitch en.com

1169 Duck Road 252-261-6877 theurbancottage.com N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 49

A RT S & E N T E RTA I N M E N T

Longtime Roanoke Island resident Angel Khoury celebrates the August release of her debut historical novel, Between Tides.

Michele: You do a tremendous job.

The novel is gorgeous. The language is poetry.

Angel: Thank you. I’m a big fan of yours, too. Back in 2009, Steve Brumfield at Manteo Booksellers recommended your first novel, The Handbook for Lightning Strike Survivors. I love that book. Your work is so imaginative.

When your novel Lost in the Beehive was listed as a top-10 pick in O Magazine, I went straight to the grocery store to get the magazine so I could see it with my own eyes. I was so excited for you.

Michele: Thank you. I’m so proud that you wrote this novel and brought it to fruition. Writing is hard. Can you tell me about your journey?

The

Sense of

Things Local novelists Michele Young-Stone and Angel Khoury talk writing, words and the tremendous power of the imagination P HO T O S B Y L O R I D OU G L A S

50 | FA L L 2021

Michele Young-Stone: Congratulations on the August 10th release of your highly-praised debut novel, Between Tides. I’m so excited for you. I want to know everything: How long did it take you to write? What inspired you?

Angel Khoury: I started researching Between Tides soon after my nonfiction book Manteo: A Roanoke Island Town came out in 1999, because I wanted to write about the historical figures I’d encountered there. I was fascinated by the true story of a man named Gil Lodge who disappeared in 1893, abandoning his wife and his post as keeper of the Chatham Life-Saving Station at Cape Cod to start a new family here on the Outer Banks.

Once I realized I’d first met one of his daughters when I was a child, and later became dear friends with another daughter while researching Manteo, I was hooked.

But I didn’t want to write another work of nonfiction.

I wanted to try my hand at a novel. My mentor, David Stick, author of Graveyard of the Atlantic and The Outer Banks of North Carolina, was ever the historian. He told me to stick with nonfiction.

The true story of these families was compelling enough for a straightforward recounting of their lives. But there are always gaps in history, and I saw fiction as a way to go beyond fact, to imagine their world more fully.

Angel: Well, I didn’t know anything about writing a novel, so I started to teach myself how to write fiction, reading books on craft and stacks of writers’ interviews in The Paris Review.

It was so hard, and I thought this is the most foolish thing to try and write a novel as my first attempt at fiction, so I tried pulling one part out of it and working on it as a short story. I did that for a while. Endless drafts. Well, you know.

Michele: I do know. I write and rewrite and do it again. We all do.

Angel: It’s helpful to know it’s not easy for anyone. When you spoke of all the rejections you received, it made me feel like maybe I could do this. Another writer friend of mine was also encouraging. She said don’t worry about the order, just write, spread it all over the floor, and then decide where things go. I spent a lot of time on the floor!

For me, being self-taught, there was so much stopping and starting and backtracking. First, I thought Gil, the keeper of the life-saving station who spent his life awash between two families on Cape Cod and the Outer Banks, was my main character. I was reading a lot of Patricia Highsmith, studying how she made her Ripley somehow likeable in spite of everything.

But Peter Matthiessen [winner of the National Book Award for The Snow Leopard and for Shadow Country] told me that often it’s not the person who causes the action of the story, but the person who’s most affected by the action. My mind went straight to Gil’s first wife, Blythe, on Cape Cod. After about 10 years of thinking about character, and place, and how one affects the other, and writing reams and reams of drafts, I decided to find out if I should quit or go on. In 2009, I was accepted to my first writing class, an advanced fiction workshop in Key West with

QUALITY CONSTRUCTION YOU CAN COUNT ON! VIEW OUR PROJECTS AT

RELIANTNC.COM (252) 202-7007

Blair Meads, Owner

­

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 51

Michele: I have trouble writing description, but you seem to have a natural talent. Does it come easily to you?

Angel: I don’t know where it comes from. It just sort of flows. Some of it comes from reading, some from living life. In the third grade, I was reading a book a day, five days a week. That evolved into years spent reading and rereading Faulkner and Hardy and Woolf and Conrad.

Hilma Wolitzer, and another in New York with Marilynne Robinson, which I missed when my husband, Daniel, became ill.

So, in the midst of all this struggle with writing, my mother died and then Daniel, and I had some dark years. At that point I had maybe 100 pages. But Hilma said, ‘You must finish this.’ Four years later, it was done.

Then came the search for an agent and a publisher.

From the first inkling of a story until publication, 20 long years. You were so encouraging in the midst of all that, Michele. Your own publishing history is inspirational.

Michele: I’m happy that you didn’t give up on this book. It’s amazing. I couldn’t stop underlining my favorite passages, like, “We moved to the garden, where the pale blue orbs of the hydrangeas glow like a constellation of moons,” and “Unseen, the constellations turned, their star patterns waiting for night to reveal themselves. The shoals moved, the inlets shifted, the stars wheeled. Nothing stayed the same.” Gorgeous! Every line is gorgeous. I savored the words.

Lately, I’ve been teaching fiction writing, and it’s helped me focus more on the art and craft of writing than on the business side. The business side is the opposite. It’s so hard.

Angel: I know what you mean. I wrote this book just the way I wanted to write it, not because I thought it would get published. For me, that wasn’t the point. I wanted to write a book I’d want to read. Between Tides found the perfect literary agent in Madison Smartt Bell, himself a novelist. He ably guided me to a phenomenal Indie

literary press, Dzanc Books, and a talented audiobook narrator with Hillary Huber at Tantor Media.

Michele: I love how you experiment with point of view, how Gil’s wife Blythe inhabits the world fully, and is able to experience and tell the story firsthand.

Angel: I have Marilynne Robinson’s amazing awardwinning novel Housekeeping to thank for that. I studied her book through an online class transcript from Yale about her use of metaphor to explore place, and the free-ranging first-person omniscient point of view she uses. I was worried about inhabiting my character’s mind in a way that might prove too claustrophobic for readers. I asked author Lee Smith if I could sustain that point of view throughout my book. At first, she said no, but then she said, go for it!

The best way to learn to write is to read. It’s all there in front of you, a million ways to say it. Then it’s up to you to transform the struggles of the human heart into a pattern that’s both unique and universal.

Michele: Do you have another new book in the works?

Angel: I’ve always wanted to write about Theodosia Burr [Vice-President Aaron Burr’s daughter, whose ship disappeared off Hatteras in 1813]. But I’m so fond of the characters in Between Tides. I’ve been toying with connecting Theodosia’s story to one of my characters.

I like Marilyn Robinson’s books, where each novel features a different member of the same fictional family, but they stand alone and can be read in no particular order. I’d like to try that.

If you repeat something often enough, it washes back and forth in your mind – but you also have to watch your own tide rise and fall. So childhood adventures in the Great Dismal Swamp, all the years I’ve spent walking on the beach in Nags Head, sitting on my pier on Roanoke Sound, time spent listening while others talked, flooded me with sensory experiences.

r Youo Log

It all gets melded together somehow – reading, observing, listening, sensing, connecting. Absorbing the world and putting it on the page. I seem to think in metaphors, making connections between things. And so yes, I’ve watched a school of minnows congregate in the shade of an oar, and then scatter. And what I’ve seen somehow gets transmuted into what I’ve never seen, but only imagined. That’s its own kind of seeing. The felt sense. How people feel about what they experience, and why.

r Youo Log

Michele: That’s such a gift – both for you and for your readers.

Michele Young-Stone is the author of three novels: Lost in the Beehive, a 2018 O Magazine Best-of Spring Pick, Above Us Only Sky (2015), and The Handbook for Lightning Strike Survivors (2010). In addition to recently finishing her fourth novel and starting work on her fifth, Michele teaches fiction writing for The Muse Writers Center and lives on the Outer Banks fulltime with her husband and son.

Longtime local writer and editor Angel Khoury is the author of the nonfictional Manteo: A Roanoke Island Town (1999) and her newly released literary debut Between Tides, a rich and powerful historical novel set on the rugged landscapes of both the Outer Banks and Cape Cod over the course of two centuries. After spending a long-ago summer working at Avalon Pier as a dishwasher, Angel felt compelled to stay, and she continues to call Roanoke Island home 40 years later.

TWO GALLERIES, ONE LOCATION.

The Waterfront Shops • 1240 Duck Road • On the Duck Boardwalk 52 | FA L L 2021

r Youo Log

ur You ro YLoogo Log r Youo g Lo

r Youo Log

Your Logo

Y

r Youo Log

og o

r o

r Youo Log

r Youo Log

r Youo g o L

Yo L

r Youo Log

Y

rL

r o

r Youo Log

Yo u

r Youo g Lo

Your Logo

WE ARE YOUR SOURCE FOR PROMOTIONAL ITEMS ON THE OUTER BANKS. WITH THOUSANDS OF OPTIONS AND GREAT PRICES, YOU’RE SURE TO GET ATTENTION.

accessdesignandprint.com • 252.449.4444 • 115 W Meadowlark St, Kill Devil Hills N O RT H

B E ACH SU N | 53

F O O D & B E V E R AG E

NEW ENGLAND

H AT T E R A S

A Tale of Two

Chowders STYLE D BY C H EF DA N L E WI S PH OTO BY ELIZ AB E T H N E A L

AFTER THE FIRST FROST OF THE SEASON,

there’s almost nothing that’ll take the chill off an evening like a large bowl of comfort food – and on the coast especially, that calls for clam chowder. But ask any islander for their favorite recipe, and you’ll likely get some near-endless variations on the same theme…plus a fair amount of debate about exactly which ingredients make it so indelibly delicious.

5 4 | FA L L 2021

Food historians believe that chowders were first introduced to North America by European settlers during the 1700s, and it should come as no surprise that the dairy-farming strongholds of the northeastern climes relatively quickly adapted a regional version known as New England clam chowder. Arguably one of the most widely known chowder styles, it tends to feature the staples most commonly associated with today’s classic clam chowders (clams, potatoes and a savory meat such as salt pork or bacon) in addition to a thickened dairy-based broth – whether that comes from adding milk, half-and-half or a heavy whipping cream.

Setting tomato-based contenders aside, the chowder most closely associated with coastal Carolina is known as Hatteras clam chowder. This chowder’s clear-broth origins are said to derive from early Bankers’ tendency to make do with whatever was closest at hand as they infused bare-bones pots of potatoes, pork and any other readily available herbs with the natural juices of locally harvested clams. For aficionados of this variety, placing clams at the recipe’s forefront is what earns it the gold medal – and those who disagree might do well to re-read Herman Melville’s fawning description of clam chowder in the opening pages of Moby Dick…which includes a list of ingredients with nary a dairy base in sight.

KEEP IT SIMPLE.

Lunch & Dinner Waterfront Sunsets Outdoor Dining Live Music Full Spa Services Open Year Round

KILL DEVIL HILLS

2000 S. Croatan Hwy. 441-5338 DUCK

1171 Duck Rd Scarborough Lane Shoppes 261-7297

COROLLA

801 Ocean Trail (next to Food Lion) 453-4862

BIRTHDAY-SUITS.COM

THE LARGEST SELECTION OF SWIMWEAR ON THE BEACH! SIZES XS TO BRA SIZE H!

1174 DUCK ROAD, DUCK AQUAOBX.COM•252.261.9700 AQUA IS STRICTLY FOLLOWING GUIDELINES TO KEEP YOU SAFE DURING THESE TIMES.

MP

9

Beach Rd. Kill devil hills

good vibes on the duck waterfront

eventide SIP • SAVOR • SUNSET ORDER ONLINE | 1190 DUCK RD | EVENTIDEDUCK.COM

no matter where you are on the outer banks,..

we’re worth the drive!

207 e. driftwood - nags head 252-441-5387 - jewelrybygail.com N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 55

THE LOCAL LIFE

SHEILA DAVIES Director, Dare County Department of Health and Human Services

Story by Amelia Boldaji / Photo by Lori Douglas

That sounds like a lot! How to you get it all done?

IN THE 20-PLUS YEARS THAT SHEILA DAVIES HAS LIVED AND WORKED ON THE OUTER BANKS, she’s quickly established herself as a pillar of the local community. From her near decade and a half of service in public health roles with the Dare County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to her four consecutive terms as mayor of Kill Devil Hills, Sheila has tirelessly sought to both inform and engage Dare County residents in a variety of ways – all while never losing sight of the things that matter most.

During the last five years of your four-term tenure as mayor of Kill Devil Hills you also served as the director at DHHS – can you talk a little about what it was like to juggle the two?

And in addition to being the director of DHHS since 2014, you’re also a current adjunct professor with the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill?

Many people think I just started the DHHS job when I left as mayor, but, yes, I actually did both for five years [from 2014 to 2019]. It was manageable, but it did pull me away from my family a bit. Thankfully, they were incredibly supportive! Elected officials are tasked with policy and budget decisions, so by staying in ‘my lane’ of responsibility, it was possible to juggle both roles – especially with Kill Devil Hills’ exceptional town manager, Debbie Diaz, overseeing the town’s day-to-day operations. And fortunately, there wasn’t a pandemic while I was serving as mayor [and director of DHHS] – it wouldn’t have been possible to do both over the past year and a half.

Yes, as part of UNC’s master’s program in public health, I most frequently teach a graduate-level introduction to public health virtually, one night a week. The students do a lot of online lectures and other readings, and I facilitate their live weekly sessions and grade their work – things like that.

It might sound really geeky, but I mainly do it for fun. [Laughs] The university really wanted people with public health field experience, and it’s a neat perspective because I can learn as much from the students as they can learn from me. Plus, the course content is great because it’s what I do every day.

56 | FA L L 2021

It is a lot! [Laughs] Again, it’s manageable because I work with really good people on a daily basis, like Chuck Lycett, who’s the director of social services. We’re always trying to help people grow from within [at DHHS], so it’s a structure that works even as the days have gotten longer with Covid. And my number one enjoyment in life is my husband, Daryl, and our two boys, Wyatt and Chase – there’s no way I could manage everything I do without their strong family support.

What do you like most about public service?

The great thing about public health is that you get to help a lot of people, and it’s exciting because no day is ever the same. I truly enjoy that variety, and helping where I can – as do all the people I work with, because that spirit of wanting to help others is often what draws people to public service. When you look at things like our local Covid response, everyone has been so responsive and engaged with community partnerships, and we’re really blessed because Dare County is known for that – we all just care about our community, and want it to be the safest, healthiest place it can be.

OBX.Live (252) 449-2222

• Local News • Weather • Beach Access • Events • attractions And Over

3600 OBX Business Listings Own a Business?

Claim Your FREE Listing Today

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 57

Visit Duck’s favorite spot

PHOTO BY PIVOT VISUALS

2

4

3

1

4

8

1

5

9

2

6

10

3

7

11

58 | FA L L 2021

THE

STORE

Sunset Ice Cream

for shopping, dining, yoga…

5

6

8 7

12

11

9

16

10

13

14

15

18

17

21

19

20

22

At the north end of the Duck Village Boardwalk

12

16

13

17

14

18 Yellowhouse Gallery

21

15

19

22

20

FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY AMERICAN FINE CRAFT

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 59

otbalFLl Fall Fo ALL THE N

CATCH AMES! & COLLEGE G

NC Craft Beers ROTATING IPA MENU

WORLD

Fish TFaAMOUS cos

tion A Vacalate! on a P

Hwy. 158 in KDH • 252.441.7889 • MamaKwans.com Lunch 11:30 AM & Dinner 4 PM • Call for Closing Times • Closed Mondays • Outdoor dining thru September

6 0 | FA L L 2021