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6

ON THE TOWN Catch a local short film online and some live music in Duck.

For your convenience

PHOTOS BY LORI DOUGLAS/FREELANCE

8 BEYOND THE MUSIC Musician and Hertford native Adam Nixon discusses his faith in God and in people during the pandemic.

table of contents

12 COASTAL CULTURE Rick Tupper discusses his work, some of which will be on display at the Dare County Arts Council in Manteo through Aug. 29.

14

EATING IN Local chef offers up one Crabby Dog for your summertime enjoyment.

22

We got a request from a reader to run contact informationonthefiveBlackbusiness owners and entrepreneurs we profiled in the July 31Coast.

If you missed that edition, checkoutthestorybyMaggie Miles with photos by Lori Douglas online at coastobx.com.

Duck‘N’Sons cardetailing

Donald “Duck” Etheridge, owner ■ 252-305-6775 ■ www.ducknsons.com

PeaceGarden Project

MichelleLewis,founder ■ 929-266-3775; PeaceGardenprj@gmail.com ■ https://peacegardenproject.netandonFacebook ■ Also check out its

GoFundMepage: https://gf.me/u/yknr4r

Necy’s BabyCakes

Deniecse “Necy” Morris, owner ■ 252-489-7747; necysbabycakes@yahoo.com ■ Necy’s Baby Cakes on Facebook

JamesMelvin, artist,book illustrator ■ 252-441-5319;

artistmelvin48@charter.net ■ www.melvinsstudio.com

TomatoShack ProduceMarket

CarltonWinslow,owner ■ 1195DuckRoad,Duck ■ cjproduce27@gmail.com ■ @tomatoshacknc on Facebook

COVER STORY A World War II era ship ran aground on the OBX in 1976.

But that’s only part of its story.

30

NATURE WISE Learn about how dolphins homeschool their kids.

James Melvin is a local artist and illustrator of children's books

CORRECTION

■ A story on page 14 in last week’s Coast featuring a recipe from Eventide restaurant in

Carlton Winslow, second from left, runs the Tomato Shack Produce Market in Duck with his wife, Jeannine and their three children.

Duck (“Eating In | A delicious crowd-pleaser from Eventide in Duck”) contained an error. The eatery is located in the Osprey Landing shops.

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$40 RETAIL PURCHASE AT ANY LOCATION

Must present coupon at time of purchase. One coupon per person. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Some exceptions apply.

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COURTESY OF TYRA STANLEY

Mother and daughter share a birthday breakfast picnic at the Elizabeth Gardens in Manteo in late July. For more reader photos showcasing the beauty of the Outer Banks, just flip to page 34.

ABOUT COAST For more than 30 years, COAST has been the go-to source for information about the people, places, and things that make the Outer Banks one of the top destinations on the East Coast.

The publication shines a spotlight on locals who are making their mark, and it provides current information about the latest happenings that should not be missed — from music and art, to food, festivals, fishing, and more.

COAST. All local. All the time.

EDITOR Victoria Bourne, victoria.bourne@ pilotonline.com, 757-222-5563 LOCAL EDITOR Dave Fairbank davefairbank100@ gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Carrie Brothers, Dave Fairbank, Jeff Hampton, John Harper, Phil Houseal, Daryl Law, Maggie Miles, Mary Ellen Riddle, Megan Scott, Scott Sechman, Ben Swenson, Jessica Taylor ADVERTISE WITH US Find out how you can engage more readers with an integrated marketing program.

John "Ski" Miller, media sales manager, ski.miller@ virginiamedia.com; Elizabeth Cato, senior account executive, elizabeth.catoe@ virginiamedia.com HOW TO GET YOUR NEWS OR EVENT IN COAST Do you have an event coming up that’s open to the public, or an idea for a

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story? If so, we’d like to know. Contact victoria.bourne@ pilotonline.com.

THINGS TO KNOW During the summer season (May-August), when Coast is a weekly publication, information must be submitted at least 10 days in advance of an event.

During the shoulder season (September-October), when Coast is a monthly publication — with the exception of November-December and January-February, when two months are combined — information must be submitted at least 14 days in advance of an event.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information, visit coastobx.com; facebook.com/CoastOBX

KHSURF.COM • (252) 441-6800

6 Friday, August 14, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

ON THE TOWN

Kick back with a jam band and a show

By John Harper Correspondent

Wednesday, Aug. 19

Slingshot on Mars The Richmond, Virginiabased quartet, playing a free, outdoor show at Tap Shack in Duck, is a jamband of the most basic kind.

They play long songs, both originals and covers.

Mars, which takes their name from a Grateful Dead tune called “Black-Hearted Wind,” often goes on spacey excursions that clock in at 10 minutes or more.

“There is a lot of improvisation,” says bassist-vocalist-songwriter Rob Lord, 49, who serves as the band’s spokesman. “We never know where a song may go.”

The band, which formed late last year, includes Kevin Turner on vocals and guitar, Tim Dunkum on keyboards and vocals, and Ryan Shaughnessy on drums and vocals.

Turner and Lord are Mars’ main songwriters.

Among their originals are “Fragile,” which Lord describes as a “slinky jam tune,” and a “rockabilly” song called “And Now.” A crowd favorite is the ska-influenced, Police-ish “Miss My Face.”

The lyrics, according to Lord— who plays in several groups including the excellent Grateful Dead tribute band Last Fair Deal — generally address “life in general” and “partying.”

Mars also re-imagines tunes by the Dead, Phish, The Beatles and the Rolling Stones, among others.

■ When: 6:30-9:30 p.m.

■ Cost: No cover ■ Where: Tap Shack (behind Coastal Cravings), 1209 Duck Road, Duck ■ Info: 252-480-0032, Tap Shack on Facebook

Any time

“Night of the Fluffet” The short horror-comedy film is now playing on a device near you.

Produced locally in 2018, “Fluffet” played the festival

COURTESY PHOTO

“Night of the Fluffet,” an 8-minute film, was produced locally in 2018. It is now streaming at rayolightproductions.com and on YouTube.

circuit over the last two years, including events in North Carolina, Virginia, Texas, Maine, Rhode Island, Minnesota and London, England.

It was nominated for several awards, winning “Best Original Concept” from the organization Independent Horror Movies.

“Fluffet” recently began streaming for free at rayolightproductions.com and on YouTube and Rayolight’s Facebook page.

The 8-minute movie, which was filmed on Roanoke Island, centers on a young girl who brings home a stuffed, furry, red creature that creates chaos for her family.

“I think it’s hilarious,” says Stuart Parks, 42, of Colington, who wrote the screenplay. “Of course, I’m a little prejudiced.”

Be warned, “Fluffet” contains some adult language and mild gore.

Manteo resident Raymond Wallace directed the short film, which was shot over two weekends in 2018.

The all-local cast includes Parks, Kelsey

Thompson, Bert Plante, Mary Lou Heath and Raegan Brindley.

Parks says he’s hoping there will be a sequel.

“There was so much love for the first one,” he says.

“I’m working on a script.”

■ What: “Night of the Fluffet” ■ When: Any time ■ Cost: Free ■ Where: www.rayolightproductions.com, YouTube and the Rayolight Productions Facebook page John Harper has been covering the local entertainment scene for The Coast and Virginian-Pilot since 1994. He’s also written hundreds of stories on subjects ranging from history to sports and food.

Harper is longtime radio broadcaster and program director on the Outer Banks and can be heard from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on the local Triple A outlet WVOD-99.1-The Sound. He’s the host of the popular Saturday morning flashback feature “10 at 10” and is also an award-winning wedding D.J.

COURTESY OF SLINGSHOT TO MARS

The Richmond, Virginia-based quartet, Slingshot to Mars is playing in Duck on Aug. 19.

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8 Friday, August 14, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

BEYOND THE MUSIC

Adam Nixon, a man of faith and music

By Scott Sechman Correspondent

Many musicians that play gigs around the beach during the summer, shoulder season and off-season don’t actually reside on the Outer Banks.

One reason is that it’s expensive to own property or rent here. Another is that they live close enough to commute. Being from the Los Angeles area, I know about commuting. I also know that the word carries a different connotation here. L.A. is bumper-tobumper traffic for two hours to go 25 miles. Here, not so much. Unless you have a 6 p.m. downbeat in Duck on a Saturday.

Adam Nixon is one of the commuters.

He is also an excellent guitarist, songwriter and vocalist. The 38-year-old Hertford native hones his chops in the nearby town of Winfall, approximately 65 miles from the beach.

When he plays solo, he eschews all the gizmos and gadgets that guys like me use as a crutch. The loopers, echo and chorus pedals or those things that sing harmony vocals with you.

Nixon, when he needs accompaniment, hires these things called “musicians.”

But, in our current economic configuration, there’s not work for most solo acts, much less a full band. He has maintained a weekly gig in Elizabeth City that’s both live and livestreamed, and he has tried to remain busy.

What has been the hardest part of dealing with the pandemic?

The hardest part for me has been losing the income that I usually have from my OBX performances this summer. I’ve lost all of my weekly gigs (on the Outer Banks) this summer due to COVID-19.

What have you been doing during the shutdown?

I’ve been working on new material, both learning

COURTESY OF ADAM NIXON

Adam Nixon is a Hertford native who hones his chops in the nearby town of Winfall. He commutes to gigs on the Outer Banks.

new covers and writing new songs, as well. And I’ve been working on refining my guitar rigs, both acoustic and electric, plus working on my harmonica rig, as well.

Have you started or completed any projects?

I’m working on songs for a new record for my band, Uphill. We are a Carolina Swampland Blues band.

Party music with a blues vibe.

What have you missed the most?

I’ve really missed playing music with my fellow musicians. The few gigs I have secured have been solo, so I’ve not had that vital interaction with other players.

That is an important thing to any musician to keep yourself recharged, in my opinion.

What concerns you going ahead?

One of my major con-

cerns going forward is how we’ll be able to return to live music as we progress through this pandemic.

Public safety is vitally important, but so is the human connection that has been so limited due to COVID restrictions. Music to me is a vital part of our lives, as are all the arts, and I’m hoping that we will find a way to better reach out and be connected even in these times where we have to limit our physical contact.

Is there any music that has helped you get through this? Or, what have you been listening to?

I’ve been listening to a lot of great blues stuff these days old and new, plus some Tom Waits, Guy Clark, John Prine, Agents of Good Roots, and a new countrygospel quartet called Fortune/ Walker/Rogers/ Isaacs. That’s a small smattering of what I’m listening to, plus songs for the

livestream and other fun stuff. Oh, and I listen to several podcasts each week.

I’ve gone back and listened to some of the records I’ve played on (the two Uphill records, two records by Bobby Plough and others) to see the progression of where I’ve been and see how I can better my own performance as a musician, vocalist, songwriter and bandleader.

See NIXON/Page 9

Continued from 8 What makes you smile or laugh?

The beauty of life. Nature has a beauty that is unrivaled. My friends and family are a constant source of beauty, love and laughter. I do my best to keep negative people at a distance.

Who or what keeps you centered?

My faith. In addition to my other gigs, I’m the music director at Snug Harbor Community Church. That has been a constant throughout this pandemic, including having services in the parking lot and using a small radio transmitter to reach the congregation on Sunday mornings in the parking lot.

What has encouraged you during the pandemic?

The resiliency of those around me, and the creativity I have seen in finding ways to still make life work under very difficult circumstances.

What has discouraged you during the pandemic?

The amount of infighting, political bickering, tribalism (us against you), lack of leadership, and misinformation I’ve seen evident. It seems there are so many people looking to be divisive, or to fall prey to the divisiveness that is so prevalent in social media.

What has surprised you the most?

I’ve been surprised by both the graciousness and generosity of so many people I’ve encountered.

If you’ve done gigs since this began, what did you find when you were on site, playing? Were people adhering to recommendations?

I’ve found that people are doing their best to adhere to the recommendations at gigs, but there will always be a few who are unwilling to follow what the business asks them to do. But those people are few and far between.

COURTESY OF ADAM NIXON

Adam Nixon says the beauty of life makes him smile.

More Information Catch Adam Nixon’s performance for the Dare County Arts Council’s “Courthouse Sessions” series on Aug. 18 via the art council’s Facebook page. Also check out Nixon’s band Uphill on Facebook: @uphilltheband.

How will you keep yourself safe when work resumes?

As the gigs hopefully resume, I will strive to keep my area setup away from the audience. I believe it is everyone’s responsibility to take care of themselves.

What are some of the challenges you’ve encountered while doing your regular livestream event, if any?

The biggest challenges I have faced doing a weekly livestream are trying to keep a dual focus between the audience in the room and the one online, and after 15 weeks of hour-long livestreams, keeping new material flowing. I’m proud to say that I’ve repeated less than two hours or so of material in the nearly 20 hours of livestreams I’ve done. I’ve played over 200 different songs, and I’m adding new material every week. I do my Facebook livestream at 6 p.m. every Friday night from Hoppin’ Johnz in Elizabeth City. It is

live from my personal page and I build a public event for each livestream.

Are there any new insights you’ve gained or new activities that you’ve engaged in that you’d like to maintain going forward?

I’ve spent more time in the woodshed trying to become a better musician.

I’m trying my best to use this time for reflection and bettering myself, instead of simply worrying about the lack of work. I want to be ready to go out and share music with the world better than ever when I get the chance.

Transplanted to the Outer Banks from the wilds of the L.A. area, singer-songwriter Scott Sechman has shared stages with Bill Medley, Tom Rush, Al Wilson and the Grass Roots during his ongoing music career. He has contributed to Mojo and various online outlets. His column, Beyond the Music, appears Fridays in Coast.

Old World Glass Byers’ Choice Carolers Possible Dream Santas Ginger Cottages

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Karen Didion Originals Hollywood Nutcrackers Disney Ornaments LED Lights

• Remember your visit to the Outer Banks with a personalized ornament • Browse among our Thousands of Ornaments Table Top - Home Decor • Jewelry - Engraved Gifts Halloween Haunted House On the way to the NC Aquarium, Festival Park & Lost Colony.

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THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, August 14, 2020

OUTER BANKS ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS SHOP...SINCE 1967

9

NIXON

10 Friday, August 14, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

Wine Dinners at The Froggy Dog!

COAST LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR | AUG. 14-20

Experience a culinary adventure at The Froggy Dog. Our five-course wine dinners combine the talent of our in house sommelier and private chef.

FILE PHOTO

be held on Wine Dinners willth th !

rd , and 17 August 3 , 10ing is limited and

Seat Reservation only. ot! to reserve your sp us ll Ca t. will sell ou

Avon, NC | 252-995-5550

The Mo-Rons will play at Jack Brown’s on Aug. 15 in Kill Devils Hill.

MANTEO/ WANCHESE Avenue Grille: Aug. 14 – Joe Bowling Dare County Arts Council (Courthouse Sessions): Aug. 18 – Adam Nixon (Live stream on DCAC Facebook page) OBX Marina Tiki Bar (Wanchese): Aug. 15 – Trevor Daniel and the Reef; Aug. 19 – Joe Bowling Poor Richard’s: Aug. 14 – SOULone; Aug. 15 – The Other Brothers

NAGS HEAD Fish Heads (Outer Banks Fishing Pier): Aug. 15 – Dan and Dave Duo New York Pizza Pub: Aug. 20 – Mug night w/ DJ Styles

Locally Sourced Seafood Steamer Dinners Salads, Sides, and Dips Steamed Shrimp & Crabs (252) 441-8808 | 101 Grey Eagle St. | Nags Head whaleboneseafood.com

Tale of the Whale: Aug. 14 – Jessica Diaz; Aug. 19-20 – Joey Wood

KILL DEVIL HILLS Jack Brown’s: Aug. 14 – Gypsea Souls; Aug. 15 – The Mo-Rons; Aug. 16 – Derek Smith; Aug. 17 – Steve Hauser; Aug. 18 – Jonny Waters; Aug. 19 – The Ramble; Aug. 20 – Graham Outten Rooster’s: Aug. 19 – Phil Watson Saltbox Café: Aug. 15, Aug. 17, Aug. 20 – Kim Kalman Sandbars: Aug. 18 – Phil Watson Stonefish Beach Bar (Avalon Pier): Aug. 14 – TBA; Aug. 15 – TBA

KITTY HAWK

COURTESY PHOTO

Natalie Wolfe has been a fixture on the Outer Banks music scene since 2011.

Longboards: Aug. 7 – TBA Ocean Boulevard: Aug. 14 – Steve Hauser Rundown Café: Aug. 14 – Slick One; Aug. 15 – Phil Delpierre; Aug. 16 – Natalie Wolfe; Aug. 20 – Brian Kent

DUCK

NC Coast: Aug. 14 – The Wilder Bros.; Aug. 15 – TBA; Aug. 17 – Bryan Campbell; Aug. 18 – Greg Shelton; Aug. 19 – The Wilder Bros.; Aug. 20 – Steve Hauser Red Sky Café: Aug. 14 – Greg Shelton; Aug. 18 – Jeremy Russell; Aug. 19 – Live jazz TBA; Aug. 20 – Bryan Campbell

Aqua: Aug. 14 – Monte Hooker; Aug. 15 – Devin Frazier; Aug. 16-17 – Randy Burton; Aug. 18 – Monte Hooker; Aug. 19 – Graham Outten; Aug. 20 – Bobby Soto

Roadside Bar and Grill: Aug. 14 – Yacht Dogs; Aug. 15 – Burton Murray Band; Aug. 19 – Stephen Brown Band; Aug. 20 – Blue Dog (Ruth Wyand and Dan Martier)

Cravings Tap Shack: Aug. 14 – Fixity; Aug. 15 – Trick Fly; Aug. 19 – Slingshot from Mars; Aug. 20 – Jonny Waters and Co.

Village Table and Tavern: Aug. 18 – Marc Murray; Aug. 19 – Natalie Wolfe; Aug. 20 – Mercy Creek See Page 11

breakfa s special t 7 days a week

Wednesday - Saturday 6 pm - 10 pm!

Family Friendly!

August

2020 Events and Specials!

RESTAURANT & BAR

KILL DEVIL HILLS, NC

Pub Menu Specials Daily 4:00 - 6:30 (Dine In Bar Only)! 25¢ Shrimp • 99¢ Ribs • 79¢ Wings Sunday

Monday

$2 Discounts MUG

1/2 PRICE BLOODY MARY’S AND MIMOSAS

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Great Drink

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Specials All Day!

Tuesday

and

in the Visitors Guide and Restaurant Guide

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Locals Sign up for Birthday Club

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Visit our Gift Shop!

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APPETIZER

10oz

Prime Rib

Restrictions: $8.95 ★ The Restaurant and Bar are open from LOBSTER 7 am - 10 pm daily.

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$14.95 Shrimp & Grits

served with baked potato and cole slaw

$15.95

$19.95 TWO 1LB LOBSTERS $29.95

441-6530 • www.jollyrogerobx.com • MP 6 3/4 Beach Road, KDH Continued from 10

COROLLA Beer Garden: Aug. 14 – Randy Burton; Aug. 18 – Randy Burton; Aug. 19 – Sky King; Aug. 20 – Derek Smith Bernie’s Brother: Aug. 14 – TBA; Aug. 17 – TBA; Aug. 19 – Bryan Campbell

HATTERAS ISLAND AVON Froggy Dog: Aug. 14, Aug. 16, Aug. 20 – Kim Kalman Turner’s High Moon: Aug. 14 –TBA; Aug. 15 – TBA; Aug. 16 – TBA; Aug. 19 – Open mic w/ Rory Kelleher; Aug. 20 – Ladies night w/ DJ Rory BUXTON Café Pamlico: Aug. 17 – Rory Kelleher; Aug. 18 – Brian Surratt; Aug. 19 – TBA; Aug. 20 – Stephen Vang RODANTHE/WAVES/SALVO Neptune’s Kitchen and Dive Bar: Aug. 18 – Marshy Bramble; Aug. 20 – Broughton Aycock Rodanthe Pier: Aug. 18 – Rory

All late nite entertainment is canceled until we are allowed to fully open.

Lobster tail or claw

Macaroni and lobster smothered in a 3 cheese pancetta sauce topped w/sliced tomatoes and seasoned bread crumbs served with 2 lobster claws

homemade italian, chocolate Complimentary w/seafood chip, and Dinner the month of your peanut butter $18.95 Birthday cookies!

Best on the Beach!

Also, a free Dessert!

Saturday

Friday

★ Please remember when you are sitting at the bar, food must be ordered. ★ For the time being, we are a restaurant and not a bar. ★ You are required to wear face masks upon entering and while waiting to be seated. You are not required to wear them while you are seated at a table. ★ Absolutely no vaping is allowed in the restaurant. ★ We apologize for any inconvenience and hope we will be back to normal operations soon.

Dinner Specials Start at 4 pm

Locals! - Nightly 20% OFF Dinner w/ Local ID

Locals! - Mon-Fri 20% OFF Lunch w/ Local ID

Kelleher; Aug. 20 – Jamie and Mark HATTERAS VILLAGE Breakwater: Aug. 14-15 – TBA; Aug. 16 – Jam session w/ Rory Kelleher; Aug. 19 – Brian Surratt; Aug. 20 – TBA Hatteras Sol Deli and Café: Aug. 14 – Brian Surratt; Aug. 15 – TBA Quarterdeck (Frisco): Aug. 16 – Mary Joy McDaniel; Aug. 20 – TBA The Wreck Tiki Bar: Aug. 19 – TBA

OCRACOKE Coyote Music Den: Aug. 18 – Livestream in-house concert w/ Marcy Brenner, Lou Castro, available on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn; Aug. 19 – Livestream in-house concert w/ Marcy Brenner, Lou Castro and Martin Garrish on Ocracoke Rockers Facebook page.

MAINLAND BJ’s Carolina Café (Jarvisburg): Aug. 19 – TBA Morris Farm Market (Barco): Aug. 16 – Phil Watson Sanctuary Vineyards (Jarvisburg): Aug. 15 – TBA; Aug. 20 – TBA

PHOTO COURTESY MERCY CREEK COURTESY PHOTO

Joe Bowling will play at the Avenue Grille on Aug. 14.

You can catch Mercy Creek in Duck at the Village Table and Tavern on Aug. 20.

THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, August 14, 2020

Outside Dining and Karaoke!

Look what Jolly’s doing this season!

11

$3.99

12 Friday, August 14, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

COASTAL CULTURE

Fifty years of capturing feelings on canvas

By Mary Ellen Riddle

Correspondent

Rick Tupper’s painting journey begins with a spark from nature.

“It could be a little bug,” says the Nags Head artist.

“You look at it, and you can’t figure out how it’s working, how that color gets there.

It’s so beautiful and unexplainable.”

While the bug fascinates him, it’s the feeling from that experience that he captures in his painting — something he’s been doing for five decades.

A retrospect of his work will be on display at the Dare County Arts Council in Manteo through Aug. 29.

“At Home with Brush and Paint” spans the 1970s to today. The exhibit features 45 paintings, mostly acrylics on canvas, which follow these inspirational sparks into the beyond.

Knowing how Tupper’s mind works helps one understand what he instills in his eclectic paintings of flowing grasses, serene oceans with moonlit skies, sun-soaked fields, iconic vases, portraits of people, and lush fruit. In the mix of various creations spread out in his studio, is a collage, an acrylic self-portrait embedded with real keys and screws.

“This is my think piece,” says the artist. “It symbolizes all the things I go through and try to find answers, hence the keys.”

Titled “Still in Doubt,” the work was crafted with keys he inherited from his father.

It speaks to Tupper’s creative process – his questioning mind and how it fuels his work.

“I’ve lived between fiction and reality, and with painting, it fit right in,” says Tupper. “The fiction part is where my mind can wander from what is in front of me to the universe.”

The process results in an eclectic mix of paintings.

As a man who not only thinks and wonders, Tupper likes to work with his hands. In the late 1960s, a catalogue from Rhode Is-

MARY ELLEN RIDDLE/FREELANCE

Nags Head artist Rick Tupper stands next to his piece, "Still in Doubt."

Rick Tupper, Nags Head painter What: A retrospective of his works Where: Dare County Arts Council, 300 Queen Elizabeth St., Manteo When: noon–5 p.m., Tuesday–Saturday, through Aug. 29 Contact: 252-473-5558, darearts.org

land School of Design caught his attention. On the cover was an image of students creating pottery, painting, and working with textiles.

At the time, Tupper had no idea that he had artistic talent. He was drawn to architecture. The photo of the busy students using their hands inspired him to apply to the school. In the beginning, he studied architecture and learned how to

read a blueprint. That’s how he was able to build his Nags Head home later in life. In time, he switched to illustration and entered the world of painting.

“Suddenly the ability to express myself on a twodimensional surface was all I wanted,” says Tupper.

After graduating, Tupper wandered across the country in search of new experiences and inspiration. He was familiar with the Outer

Banks, having spent summers here as a teenager.

“Memories of unspoiled beauty, solitude, and horizons eventually led me back to the barrier islands, and in 1973, I happily called them my home,” says Tupper, 74.

Over the last 47 years, Tupper, who was born in Seoul, South Korea, and became an American citizen in 1958, started a family, painted, built fine furniture, fished, surfed and gardened. While he feels comfortable painting fields of colorful grasses, and he has been known to paint in series, he cannot be shoehorned into a specific category.

“I try to reinvent myself every time I paint – out of boredom,” he says.

When he begins painting, whether it is a grass

painting, a portrait of his wife, Didi, or that of a fisherman friend, an open watermelon, or a placid sea, he goes straight to the canvas without first doing a sketch.

“Once I get into painting, it changes all the time,” says Tupper. “Sometimes I get down into details where I can’t see the forest for the trees. I have to snap out of it. My wife says I am a dog with a bone. I get an idea, and I try to not quit.”

In the end, the paintings appear unlabored, as if a rolling sea swept in and left a delicate shell in its wake.

In other words, as Tupper once said, “You paint it until you get it right.” What viewers get are glimpses into painterly and illustrative scenes, objects, and people captured in time.

In his retrospective, visitors will discover his interest in timelessness that emanates from voluminous vase paintings. “It’s a comforting container to view,” says Tupper, of a particular work. In it, he employs vibrant, textural strokes of orange, red, green, blue, yellow, and purple to form the container’s shape.

The vase sits in a lighter yet still textural background that amazingly does not compete with the vase but comfortably supports it, as does a sense of home and origin. The vase and environment are at once separate yet joined like Tupper to the universe. The texture and light on the vase vibrate and tantalize the senses and along with its shape impart See ART/Page 13

an active, yet eternal feel.

“It’s instant communication from now to way back when,” says Tupper. The technical decisions that were made by Tupper to create this masterpiece are many. Yet the result presents as a unified force.

Tupper’s love of the Outer Banks and nature is illustrated through his grass, sea, moon, and sun paintings. Colorful, bending strands form a field where a cardinal perches weathering the wind. In another scene, fish swim at the edges of swaying fronds.

Grasses part in another work to offer a glimpse of sand, sea, moon, and starry sky. Window views with windswept curtains gently move enough to reveal a distant ocean.

The sill in one such work, a birthday salute to Edgar Allen Poe, holds a glass of brandy, a raven with a rose, and a fountain pen. The colors in his paintings are

Mary Ellen Riddle has been writing the Coast’s art column for more than 20 years and brings to her work a BFA in painting from East Carolina University and a profound passion for the role the arts play in society.

THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, August 14, 2020

Continued from 12

chosen to express different moods and subjects. “It is quite spontaneous,” he says.

A recent painting, which speaks to the times, is an image of the earth wearing a mask. While the work illustrates hard, complicated days, it is strangely peaceful and balanced. The earth hangs in an uncomplicated sky over the sea. “There’s always hope that you want to get out of the situation,” says Tupper.

More of a decision, than a hope, Tupper will keep merging momentary with eternal to soak in the world and ponder the universe.

“I will continue to follow the rise and the setting of the moon and sun,” says Tupper. “I will enjoy the restless wind and walks on the beach with my grandchildren.”

And, he will paint.

13

ART

PHOTOS BY MARY ELLEN RIDDLE/FREELANCE

“Our Beautiful World is Ill,” an acrylic by Rick Tupper.

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14 Friday, August 14, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

EATING IN

Summertime in the palm of your hand

By Megan Scott

Correspondent

If you visit the Outer Banks and don’t feast on crabs while you’re here, you’re missing out. North Carolina waters, particularly the Albemarle and Pamlico sounds, are home to millions of blue crabs, and they’re hauled in all summer for visitors and residents to enjoy. Blue crab meat is sweet and tender and can lend some serious staying power to your vacation memories.

Consider the possibilities of a creamy crab dip piled high on a grilled hot dog, and garnished with lots of crisp onion, pickles, maybe some salty crumbled bacon, and crunchy crushed potato chips.

If that doesn’t say vacation, I don’t know what does.

There’s much to be said for a good crab cake (and the beach has plenty of those) but this recipe from Chef Greg Sniegowski of Beachside Bistro is decidedly less fussy than a batch of crab cakes and way more fun to eat. This is Sniegowski’s recipe for The Crabby Dog, and it’s his version of surf and turf on a bun that will feed a family with almost no effort. This dish warrants a big, happy checkmark in the box next to “enjoy casual, coastal comfort food” on your Outer Banks to-do list.

Beachside Bistro is part of The Sea Ranch Resort in Kill Devil Hills, but you don’t have to be a guest to enjoy the bistro’s American coastal cuisine and beachfront dining. It’s open to the public year-round. The oceanfront deck, where the warm summer air mixes with the briny breeze off the ocean, makes you feel like time slows down a bit.

The bistro is a participating member of Outer Banks Catch, meaning it features local seafood choices and daily chef’s specials. Be sure not to miss Chef Greg’s award-winning

MEGAN SCOTT/FREELANCE

The at-home version of Chef Greg Sniegowski's Crabby Dogs is surf and turf on a bun and funto eat.

The Crabby Dog (Serves 5) 1 ¼ cup crab dip (recipe follows) 5 hot dogs or bratwursts 5 hot dog buns Toppings of your choice: diced jalapenos, pickles, crumbled bacon, chopped red or green onion, mustard, crushed potato chips Instructions:

■ Preheat your oven’s broiler. Grill the hot dogs or

bratwurst according to package instructions.

■ Place the hot dogs or bratwursts in the buns and transfer them to a baking sheet.

■ Top each hot dog with ¼ cup of the crab dip and transfer them to the oven.

■ Broil for 2-4 minutes, until the crab dip is slightly golden on top. Be careful not to burn the buns.

■ Garnish with desired toppings.

COURTESY OF THE BEACHSIDE BISTRO

Greg Sniegowski has a knack for creating thoughtful food that honors the season.

Executive Chef Greg Sniegowski, The Beachside Bistro What: American coastal cuisine, oceanfront dining Where: 1731 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills Info: www.obxbeachsidebistro.com

Cajun Roasted Oysters.

Sniegowski came to the Outer Banks from Delaware after studying culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University — Charlotte. He has a knack for creating very personal, thoughtful food that honors the season. If you looked inside his head,

you might find volumes of neatly organized mental notes detailing classic techniques that he’s memorized over the years. On more than one occasion, I’ve witnessed him make fresh pasta from scratch and serve it to a crowd of onlookers as though it were

nothing at all.

He’s self-deprecating and his personality is so endearing you’d eat his food even if it wasn’t fantastic, which it is. While you’re here on our little sandbar, rustle up some crab meat — any of our local fish markets will have some — and give Greg’s Crabby Dog a try. It’s surf and turf on a bun and summertime in the palm of your hand.

Megan Scott is co-owner of The Spice & Tea Exchange in Duck. You can check out her food blog at www.servingtonight.com.

Crab Dip (Serves: Enough to top five Crabby Dogs, plus more for dipping) ½ pound crab meat, picked through for shells 12 ounces of cream cheese, softened at room temperature ¼ cup grated Parmesan ¼ cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 8 dashes of hot sauce, or more to taste 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning Salt and pepper, to taste Optional mix-ins: diced jalapeno, diced pickles, crumbled bacon, chopped green onion Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.

Taste first, then season with salt and pepper if needed.

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Destination OBX

Attractions adjust, improve and even flourish during pandemic

17

Correspondent

“When this is past, life will get really busy again, which is a good thing. But stop now and take time to smell the flowers. Enjoy this view of the world because it is going to change.”

Carl V. Curnutte, executive director of the Elizabethan Gardens, captures the spirit of leaders at many Outer Banks attractions as they work past the inconveniences and uncertainties that come with the response to COVID-19.

There is no doubt the virus and its resulting requirements of masking, distancing, isolation and closures have had a measurable impact on the way tourist destinations do business. But there are silver linings, many that will con-

tinue long after sanctions are lifted. In some cases, they may actually strengthen the business model.

While none of the representatives denied the effect the pandemic and resulting regulations created, to a person, they chose to focus on the positives and pledged to come out on the other side safer, sounder and stronger.

Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center Joyce Bornfriend, executive director The Frisco Native American Museum, which focuses on tribal groups from across the United States,

shut down completely at the end of March when the governor issued the first stay-at-home order. Understandably, their income “dropped to zero,” according to Bornfriend.

But she and her small staff found that not having visitors provided an opportunity to take care of some deferred maintenance, as well as start new projects.

They occupy an old building and have run out of space. But staff and volunteers are using 5 acres of nature trails to develop more outdoor exhibits, an outdoor village and teaching areas.

“We are hoping that not only will the nature trail allow us to open a little earlier, but also to enhance the experience for all who See OBX/Page 18

THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, August 14, 2020

By Phil Houseal

COURTESY FRISCO NATIVE AMERICAN MUSEUM & NATURAL HISTORY CENTER

Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center’s staff and volunteers are using 5 acres of nature trails to develop more outdoor exhibits, an outdoor village and teaching areas.

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COURTESY OF HATTERAS ISLAND OCEAN CENTER

While the Hatteras Island Ocean Center’s exhibit hall and museum have been closed, much of the outdoor programming has gone on.

PHOTO BY RAY MATTHEWS/COURTESY THE ELIZABETHAN GARDENS

The Elizabethan Gardens is still welcoming visitors during the pandemic.

OBX

Continued from 17

come,” Bornfriend said.

“We probably would not have focused on this before, because we were so busy just running the operation.”

53536 N.C. 12, Frisco; 252995 -4440; https://nativeamericanmuseum.org

The Elizabethan Gardens

Carl V. Curnutte, executive director Another family attraction with a significant outdoor element is the Elizabethan Gardens. The shutdown came during the venue’s busiest season. “That had a very deep impact on the Gardens,” Curnutte said.

“We lost every single tour group and all of our school groups.”

But while income from tours and workshops fell, individual ticket sales went up. So much so that Curnutte called it “a great summer.”

“The visitation is wonderful,” he said. “For our butterfly releases, we presell tickets, limit it to 25, and conduct it in the open air.

Our process is very much

COURTESY OF HATTERAS ISLAND OCEAN CENTER

Staff and interns are still escorting locals and vacationers on kayak tours at the Hatteras Island Ocean Center amid the coronavirus pandemic.

PHOTO COURTESY NATIONAL PARKS OF EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA

Visitors can still climb the hill to the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, but the museum is closed.

controlled.” The staff is also adding innovative activities, such as a virtual Kentucky Derby party, pop-up art shows, and a new “fairy quest” for children.

“I think people are spending more time with nature and connecting to it,” Curnutte said. “We are defiSee OBX/Page 19

COURTESY OF THE ELIZABETHAN GARDENS

Tickets are sold in advance for the garden’s butterfly releases.

19

Continued from 18 nitely an environment where you can enjoy the fresh air and social distance while being in a remarkable place.”

1411 National Park Drive, Manteo; 252-473-3234; www.elizabethangardens.org

Wright Brothers National Memorial Mike Barber, public affairs specialist, National Parks of Eastern North Carolina “Visitors travel to the Outer Banks to enjoy the outdoors,” Barber said. “So, this will feel very similar to

previous years, as our outdoor exhibits are open the entire year.”

Lighthouse climbing operations are suspended, and the Wright Brothers museum will be closed in accordance with the state’s phased reopening plan.

Unexpectedly, while overall numbers are off, during June, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore experienced the second-highest visitation in its history, dating back to1953. How did that happen?

“It’s possible there may be fewer people traveling, but many want to do the safe thing and safely distance,” Barber said. “It’s pretty easy to distance on 70 miles of beach.”

To serve this group, the interpretive staff are walking the beach to deliver information, a practice that

has been well-received and will continue.

“We look forward to all visitors,” Barber said. “And we look forward to next summer.”

1000 N. Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills; www.nps.gov/ wrbr/index.htm; 252-4732111

Hatteras Island Ocean Center

Shirley Wicker, director While the exhibit hall and museum have been closed, much of the outdoor programming has gone on.

Staff and interns are still escorting locals and vacationers on kayak tours.

“We instruct the public about the nature of the salt marsh, and why it is an environment important to preserve,” Wicker said. “It’s

home to a lot of species of fish — it’s their nursery, where they lay eggs and hatch their young, protected from the stormy weather.”

Wicker notes that nature stops for no one.

“The Earth is still going to be here,” she said. “These environments still need protection, regardless of COVID. We may not be back to normal until next summer. But birds are still migrating and turtles are still nesting. We have to keep this mission going to keep educating the public.”

57204 N.C. 12, Hatteras; www.hioceancenter.org; 252-564-9575

Outer Banks History Center

Samantha Crisp, director

Finally, one organization is looking at this pandemic as “future history.”

“We are documenting this as a historical event, like you would for the (1918 Spanish) flu epidemic,” Crisp said. “Because people will be researching this 100 years from now.”

She and her staff are looking at activities the rest of the world is taking for granted. That includes journal entries, personal reflections of day-to-day life, photographs of COVID signage, and videos of children doing online learning and people grocery shopping while wearing face coverings.

“You’d think it would be easier to document information now, since we live in such a technologically advanced world,” Crisp said.

“But, in fact, online sites are

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very transitory. So, it is important that we work on this now.”

1 Festival Park, Manteo; https://archives.ncdcr.gov/ researchers/outer-bankshistory-center; 252-4732655 In the end, the challenges have brought everyone closer together. There is a new appreciation for staff, volunteers, and supporters and visitors. For Curnutte of the Elizabethan Gardens, working through this pandemic has restored a sense of community.

“I still want people to stop and experience the outdoors as best they can,” he said. “Being in the gardens, you forget about the real world. That’s what I love about it. You can totally leave it all behind. Come visit. We’d love to see you.”

THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, August 14, 2020

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20 Friday, August 14, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

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22 Friday, August 14, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

JANUARY 1976

WHEN

“THE GOOSE” RAN AGROUND By BEN SWENSON

F

or centuries flotsam has washed ashore on the Outer Banks, but the ship that ran aground between Rodanthe and Waves in January 1976 surprised even longtime residents of these seaside communities.

The beaching of what had once been the USS Betelgeuse became a sensation, as locals and visitors descended to the scene. But where those gawkers saw blunder, one man saw opportunity, and like the hulking ship that loomed just offshore, made a larger-than-life spectacle of the affair.

Few could have suspected looking at the timeworn and rusting hull that January that the Betelgeuse had once helped free the world. It had come to life in 1944 as a Victory Ship, one of more than 3,500 vessels constructed during World War II to help carry cargo that supported the war effort.

Back then, the Betelgeuse was known as SS Columbia Victory, a vessel of the U.S. Merchant Marine. In the Pacific theater, the ship furnished supplies for American forces fighting in fierce engagements. At Iwo Jima, the vessel took enemy fire, narrowly avoiding disaster when the captain made a quick U-turn.

The U.S. Navy took over the ship in 1951 and soon rechristened it USS Betelgeuse – a celestially-inspired name that had belonged to a different warship during World War II. The Betelgeuse continued to transport military cargo around the world. Sailors were fond of the craft and called

it “The Goose,” a nickname that adorned the Navy’s official patch.

In 1971, after 27 years of combined Merchant Marine and Navy service, the ship was decommissioned, and sat in a reserve fleet in Philadelphia. Five years later, the time came for the Betelgeuse to be recycled, and a tugboat attached a towline for the long trip to Texas. But the venerable, old ship wouldn’t go down without a fight.

RUN AGROUND The nor’easter that sidelined the Betelgeuse’s scrapping was fierce. When windspeeds reached upwards of 65 miles an hour, the tugboat captain faced a difficult choice: try to hang on to an unwieldy, uncontrollable behemoth that was threatening both vessels, or cut the towline. He chose the latter. The tempest shoved Betelgeuse ashore.

Word of the grounding spread in the community, and among the first to arrive was Joseph “Mac” Midgett Sr., part of a clan that had been on the Outer Banks for more than two centuries and had deep ties to the water.

Michael Halminski is a photographer who has lived on the Outer Banks for nearly 50 years. He remembers the morning after the Betelgeuse ran aground. Living in a mobile home at the time, Halminski recalled that there was at least 2 inches of ice covering the north-facing side of his residence. He loaded up his camera and film and headed down to the beach.

“Mac Midgett was already there,” he says.

Photographer Michael Halminski loaded up his camera and film and headed down to the beach to capture images of the Betelgeuse run aground in early 1976.

23 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, August 14, 2020

24 Friday, August 14, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

Top left: A traditional Deepwater picnic: pimiento cheese sandwiches, Coca-Colas and 16-layer chocolate cake. Top right: Billy Parker onboard with dogs Henry and Eliza. Bottom left: John F. Wilson Jr., builder of the Deepwater, with his grandchildren. Bottom right: Wilson and his wife, Alma.

25 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, August 14, 2020

THE WOULD-BE SALVOR Midgett was well-known in the community, Halminski says. He had a reputation both for craftiness and penchant for scuffling. He was a bear of a man with a rampaging beard, but underneath that gruff exterior, he was generous and genuine.

When the Betelgeuse turned broadside to the shore, Midgett boarded the ship and tied a thin, green line to the bow. The other end was knotted to an anchor buried in beach sand. And with that, Midgett laid claim to the Betelgeuse.

Midgett’s legal grounds for claiming the vessel were about as solid as the shifting sands beneath it. He seems to have been relying on old maritime traditions that granted salvage rights to the first person to discover a shipwreck. Perhaps such a maneuver might have succeeded way back when wind-powered merchant vessels crashed on remote, unpopulated shores, spilling casks of supplies that would be unlikely to find their original destination.

“That’s what people have done here for generations,” says Halminski.

“There were people that specialized in salvaging.”

But a big hunk of metal with paved roads leading more-or-less right to it wasn’t exactly that scenario. The Betelgeuse’s rightful owner, the salvaging firm Luria Brothers, had no intention of abandoning their Top: Aerial of the World War II-era ship. (David Stick Papers) Left: A crowd gathers to see the grounded ship.

(Photo by Rita Mizzello) Bottom: Mac Midgett hugs his sister Mildred during an Old Christmas celebration in Rodanthe.

Friday, August 14, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

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INNER BANKS

Suzanne Tate’s secrets to a long, happy life Author, 90, who has battled cancer and heartbreak, on how she’s made it this far

By Maggie Miles Correspondent

Suzanne Tate is well known as a successful writer of children’s books on marine life. But she is also a survivor — a woman who has seen much adversity in her life, from family tragedy, to freak accidents, to multiple sudden health crises.

Throughout it all, she never lost her gumption, her fortitude, or her zest for life.

Now, healthy and thriving at 90, Tate is reflecting on her life and the things that got her to this point — and seems as surprised as anyone that she’s made it this far.

“I can’t believe that I have lived to my 90th birthday.

Chiefly because I had breast cancer over 40 years ago.

When that happened I decided I won’t live to be 50, and then when I lived to be 50 I thought well, I won’t live to my 70th, and then I survived that and then along came the turn of the century, and then here we are 20 years later!” says Tate.

Breast cancer isn’t the only thing Tate has endured. She has survived breaking her neck in a terrible car accident at 22, a double mastectomy and six reconstruction surgeries in her 40s, triple bypass surgery in her 60s, getting hit by a taxi cab in her 70s, and four years ago, a heart attack at church on Easter Sunday.

She has also suffered much heartbreak, like the loss of her youngest son at19 to a car accident, and surviving two husbands, the second who she fell in love with in her 80s.

So, how does one survive all these things and come out living a healthy and active life into their 90s? In the book “The Blue Zones,” National Geographic Fellow, journalist and producer See TATE/Page 29

MAGGIE MILES/FREELANCE

Over the years, Suzanne Tate, 90, has taught the community many lessons through her quirky marine life characters in her "Nature Series" children's books. But perhaps the most valuable lesson of all, is the lesson to be learned from the life of Tate herself.

“I can’t believe that I have lived to my 90th birthday.

Chiefly because I had breast cancer over 40 years ago.

When that happened I decided I won’t live to be 50, and then when I lived to be 50 I thought well, I won’t live to my 70th, and then I survived that and then along came the turn of the century, and then here we are 20 years later!”

— Suzanne Tate

in Duck

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Dan Buettner traveled the world to study the best strategies for how to live a long, healthy, happy life from the people of the Blue Zones. These are the places in the world where the highest percentage of people live into their 100s and remain active and well into their 80s, 90s and beyond.

From looking at what these people eat and drink, to exercise, habits and lifestyle, he discovered the secrets of a long life, and it just so happens Tate exemplifies most of them.

The first is to move naturally. Tate has always lived an active lifestyle, growing up as a tomboy on a farm, riding horses. She also joined the U.S. Navy at 22, without telling her parents because she knew they wouldn’t approve, she says.

Now her favorite form of exercise is dance.

“Fast dancing!” she says.

Since she can’t go to live shows anymore, Tate dances every day in her house. She loves keeping up on the news, saying it’s like food to her, so instead of dancing to music, she dances to the news, she says.

Having a purpose is another secret. The Okinawans call it “ikigai” and the Nicoyans of Costa Rica call it “plan de vida.” For Tate, who finished the last of 40 books in her “Nature Series” at the ripe age of 89, says writing got her through some of her darkest days.

“It certainly has helped me to think of other things besides what is really im-

better I felt,” Tate says.

Tate wants young people to learn from her health crises. She didn’t have any symptoms when she had her heart issues, she says, which is not uncommon among women who die of heart attacks. She also survived cancer for over 40 years because they caught it early, so she emphasizes the importance of regular breast exams. Skin cancer is another trial she has overcome; young people should be diligent about protecting their skin from the sun, she says.

“My grandma has always made me feel so proud to be her grandson,” says Scott Tate, 35, who was the inspiration behind Tate’s children’s books. “She has had such an amazing life.”

Scott says he often turns to his grandmother for advice; she seems to know everything about everything, he says, and he sees her as a role model.

“She has made it to 90 because she never stops.

She’s like the energizer bunny,” he says. “There is no off switch. She’s always doing something, somewhere, with someone all the time.”

But, Tate’s biggest advice for a long, happy life?

“One: Follow your interests in life. It is more rewarding to you than anything else. Two: Always think of other people more than yourself — I’ve always done that. Three: To not give up when adversity enters your life. I would say that I did that – that I haven’t given up when these things happen.”

That and ice cream.

“Lots of ice cream,” she says.

THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, August 14, 2020

Continued from 28

pacting my life in an adverse way,” she says.

Some of the other secrets of the Blue Zones are being part of a faith-based community, putting loved ones first and having lifelong friendships — all things that are incredibly important to Tate. She was a member of Duck United Methodist Church for 52 years, but now attends Mount Olivet United Methodist Church.

Tate credits Mount Olive parishioners for bringing her food every day after her heart attack.

She also has an extremely tight-knit family, going to her son’s house to eat dinner with his family every night, and currently building a home right next to theirs to be even closer.

Lifelong friendships are also Tate’s stronghold.

“Friendships are so important,” she says. “I have wonderful friends. I have one friend who calls me every day to see how I am.

And I have a friend from school days, at least a 70year friendship. She’s in Ohio and we talk often. And I have a friend here who’s over a 50 years friendship.”

Eating healthy is also important to Tate. She says after her heart surgery, she adopted a predominantly plant-based diet — another commonality she shares with people in the Blue Zones. Tate eats mostly low-carb and very little meat, she says. Before the surgery she ate cookies and cakes.

“So, I just really, really changed my diet. Before the surgery I would eat sausage and that kind of thing — and I just don’t do that anymore.

It wasn’t hard to change because I knew how much

29

TATE

Please check our website and social media pages for updates about events in Town, including virtual ways to connect with us and learn more about Duck.

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30 Friday, August 14, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

NATURE WISE

Dolphin calves learn lessons in their ‘nursery school’

By Jessica Taylor Correspondent

Even as fall approaches, you are still likely to see bottlenose dolphins frolicking in the sound and along Outer Banks beaches. The weather stays warm, but our thoughts return to school — albeit virtually, perhaps — for young people.

Young dolphins, known as calves, also engage in learning, although it takes place year-round. Human children learn about math, science, social studies and language arts. What do young dolphins learn?

Just as with humans, dolphin learning is an important part of growing up.

They may not learn math and language arts exactly, but they do learn important life skills that help them survive.

Dolphin mothers are their most significant teachers. Calves live “at home”

with their moms from three to six years. They don’t learn how to read and write, but they do learn to communicate with other dolphins through whistles.

At a very young age, calves develop their signature whistles, a vocalization that is unique to every dolphin and allows them to recognize each other. The signature whistle a male calf develops can be very similar to its mom, while its sister may produce a very different sound. In this way, brothers and sisters can recognize each other after “moving out.”

Mothers and calves can also find each other when separated through their signature whistles. On the Outer Banks, we typically see newborn dolphins surfacing close to their mothers, likely learning to communicate as they go.

Young dolphins must also practice catching fish.

While children test their taste buds in the cafeteria, dolphin calves observe their mothers’ feeding behaviors and eventually begin to imitate them. If dolphin mothers specialize in complex feeding behaviors, such as kerplunking (dolphins drive their tail flukes through the water to scare fish into moving within the sea grass), their calves work especially hard to successfully perform those behaviors, too.

We think dolphins on the Outer Banks like to eat loud, noisy sound-producing fish such as croaker, spot and drum. Why? Because they can hear them. Calves must learn this foraging strategy, known as passive listening, from their moms before they can survive on their own.

Making friends is important, too. While children socialize on the playground, dolphin calves play in their

nursery groups. Dolphin mothers prefer to spend time with other mothers with calves of similar ages.

The friendships calves form in nursery groups may last for life. Just as with people, if dolphin moms are friends, their calves become friends.

The Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research monitors our local dolphins by photographing distinctive markings on the dorsal fins.

This process, known as photo-identification, allows us to track individuals and follow their lives over time.

We typically see the same females together: Fatlip and Sinatra like to hang out, while Double Scoop spends a lot of time with Lorna.

Although we need many more years of observations, we may eventually see Little Scoop (Double Scoop’s calf ) and Snickerdoodle (Lorna’s calf ) spend time together as adults. Socializing is an important part of learning for

COURTESY OF OUTER BANKS CENTER FOR DOLPHIN RESEARCH

Not unlike children, young dolphins, known as calves, also engage in learning, although it takes place year-round.

dolphins and people.

So, if you’re at the beach or on a boat in the sound this fall and you see a nursery group of young dolphins

and their mothers, you may be watching “dolphin school.” There is important learning going on underwater all the time.

Sand dollars are prized by avid OBX beachcombers

By Jeff Hampton Staff writer

The bright white sand dollars prized by Outer Banks beachcombers and coveted by craft makers were once masters of their sea-bottom habitat.

The elements that make a sand dollar so attractive served vital functions for the living creature: the fivepointedstarinthecenter,the five flower petals radiating out from the star and the five oblong holes.

Sand dollars found on the Outer Banks are the skeletons of keyhole urchins, said Terri Kirby Hathaway, marine education specialist for the North Carolina Sea Grant.

Hathaway speaks with school groups, museums and civic organizations about marine life. Sand dollars — related to starfish and sea urchins — are among the favorite topics.

Many species of sand dol-

lars live in tropical waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and are known by names such as sea cookies and sand cakes.

They are built like Frisbees to allow food-filled ocean currents to pass over them easily.

When alive, sand dollars are brown or purple instead ofwhite.Theyarecoveredin thousands of tiny spines that catch larvae, plankton and algae and pass them along like a bucket brigade to their mouth in the center.

Alive sanddollar isbrown or purple and is covered in thousands of tiny spines that catch food and serve other functions.

“Iftheyarebrownandstill have spines on them, throw them back into the water,” Hathaway said. “They’re probably still alive.”

The mouth has five parts that chew food for 15 minutes before ingesting, according to the website of the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

The star on the skeleton was part of the food grooves that channel morsels to the mouth. The five-petal pattern around the star were setsofporesthatextendedto tube feet which allow for respiration, Hathaway said.

These sea creatures are two to four inches in diameter and live in groups by the hundreds on the sea floor, partially burrowing themselves in the sand to remain in place as they catch food, according to the aquarium.

They don’t have many predators, but if threatened, they bury themselves entirely.

The creatures’ five oblong holes, known as lunules and reflected in the skeletons, let water pass through them to reduce the lifting pressure of the current. The holes also let sand pass through and help them disappear into the bottom faster.

When they die and wash ashore, their skeletons become works of art.

Designsandjewelrymade

from them and in their likeness are among the most desired pieces of beach art, said Laura Parks, a manager at Seagreen Gallery in Nags Head.

“I think they are one of those things that are classic beach,” she said.

As small, round, welldecorated objects lying on the beach, they look like coins. Legends say they are mermaidmoneyorcurrency usedinAtlantis,themythical undersea city.

A well-circulated poem about sand dollars based on Christian lore tells of the flower shape representing the poinsettia and the holes depicting the wounds in Jesus. The star in the center of the petals suggests the star over Bethlehem. When broken apart, the five parts of themoutheachlooklike tiny white doves, a symbol of peace on earth.

Ocracoke and Portsmouth Island are among the best places on the Outer

JEFF HAMPTON/STAFF

Sand dollars are prized by beachcombers. Each of the designs are in sets of five. The uneven sixth hole on this one is an accidental break in the fragile exoskeleton.

Banks to find sand dollars, but they can be found all to the way to Corolla, Hathaway said.

The best times are after storms and early in the morningbeforeothercollectors get there.

“One of the most frequent questions I get from tourists is ‘Where can I find sand dollars,’” she said.

Jeff Hampton, 252-491-5272, jeff.hampton @pilotonline.com

31

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Sheila’s Carolina Kitchen

Don’t be fooled by the location of this hidden gem. Located in the back of the main KOA building in Waves, this family run restaurant is open to everyone. Everything is cooked to order and served with a smile by Sheila Spencer, a longtime Hatteras Island restaurateur. The menu features classic breakfast options such as biscuits and gravy, omelets and pancakes, in addition to options such as sizzling breakfast fajitas. For lunch, grab a generously sized sandwich or fresh Carolina seafood. Limited indoor dining is currently available, and Sheila and her family are always happy to wrap your meals to-go.

■ Where: 25099 N.C. 12, Waves, inside the main KOA building ■ Hours: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

We d n e s d a y- Mo n d a y; closed Tuesday ■ Info: 252-987-2629; Sheila’s Carolina Kitchen on Facebook

The Buxton Munch Co.

The menu here is as bright and colorful as the interior of this restaurant. Since 1999, Buxton Munch has served up an array of sandwiches, burgers, its famous crabby patty, and the Taco Tuesday taco wrap. After more than 20 years, you can bet they are doing something

COURTESY HARBOR DELI

Harbor Deli & Grill’s menu includes a Reuben sandwich rumored to be the best on Hatteras Island.

right. Currently, there is no inside dining, but Buxton Munch is offering carry-out, curbside pickup and six outdoor picnic tables.

■ Where: 47359 N.C. 12, Buxton, in the Osprey Shopping Center ■ Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Monday-Saturday; closed Sunday ■ Info: 252-995-5502; buxtonmunch.com

Frisco Sandwich Company

Recently refreshed and reopened, the Frisco Sa n d w i c h C o m p a n y serves up subs, wraps, hot paninis and burgers, as well as cold salads. House specialties include a black bean burger with pimento cheese, a grilled jumbo lump crab cake and a half-pound beef burger grilled with a special blend of house seasoning. The menu can also accommodate vegans, and gluten-free rolls are available. Frisco Sandwich Company is currently take-out only and call-ahead orders are recommended.

■ Where: 53674 N.C. 12, Frisco ■ Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Monday-Saturday; closed Sunday

■ Info:

252-995-3354; Frisco Sandwich Company on Facebook

Harbor Deli & Grill

Harbor Deli & Grill’s menu is filled with hot sandwiches, a shrimp burger, classic cold deli sandwiches, house-made salads and a Reuben sandwich rumored to be the best on Hatteras Island. A children’s menu is available for smaller diners, and daily specials always hit the spot.

Gluten-free buns are available upon request, and for those watching carbs, most sandwiches can be served on a bed of mixed greens. Diners can enjoy their meal on an air-conditioned porch overlooking Hatteras Harbor, but indoor dining is currently limited to comply with North Carolina’s COVID-19 regulations. Take-out is encouraged, and over-the-phone payment options and curbside pick-up are available.

■ Where: 58058 N.C. 12, Hatteras ■ Hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Monday-Saturday; closed Sunday ■ Info: 252-986-2500; hatterasdeli.com

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THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, August 14, 2020

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32 Friday, August 14, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

JENNETTE’S PIER

Salty fisherman heads up security down in Nags Head

By Daryl Law Jennette’s Pier

Hours before the sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean, Mike Preziotti gets up, leaves Point Harbor in Currituck County and heads south to Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head where he’s the senior-most security guard on Wednesdays through Saturdays.

Arriving early allows him enough time to unlock the building’s doors and check ocean conditions — and occasionally wet a line.

The former Norfolk firefighter, commercial fishermen and head boat captain typically keeps upbeat as he goes about his day, meeting and greeting families, helping people fish and perhaps fixing something that’s broken.

As a security guard and greeter, he’s met a lot of families, he says.

“Mike P.,” as he’s known, looks like a boat captain with his light blue fishing shirt, diver’s watch, dark glasses and tan ballcap. He has two bunches of keys clipped to a belt ring and each features an old lure minus the hooks. He’s been a fixture at this state-owned and operated pier ever since it reopened on May 21, 2011.

As for arriving early each shift, it just suits his nature.

“I enjoy it, He says. “I can fish some and take my time getting everything ready to open.”

He doesn’t fish everyday but when he does and catches something, it helps feed one of the most important aspects of daily operations at Jennette’s Pier — the fishing report. He recently caught spot, but says some of the best fishing is in the spring and fall. “’Cause fish are going one way or another – spring north and south in the fall.”

He and his wife, Corinne, whom he calls “The Mermaid,” enjoy spotted seatrout, so he’s always happy when they’re biting.

“If I can get enough trout, I’ll take ‘em home every day — if I can get them,” Preziotti says.

For a salty 74-year-old retired fireman, Preziotti is fairly tech savvy and can pull up the tides forecast app quickly on his smartphone.

Day in and day out, he takes the ocean water temperature, a basic nugget for the pier’s online fishing report, which helps draw anglers to the facility. People can also visit or call in to the main counter to get the report in person.

After driving the golf cart out to the end of the 1,000foot long pier, he lowers a

trusty swimming pool thermometer tethered to a fishing weight and attached to as string to the sea floor and waits five minutes. Once its retrieved, he can call in the bottom temperature to the pier house on his two-way radio.

There’s no telling what he might see out there over the ocean each day.

“I see a lot of sea turtles, but not that many this year,” Preziotti says. “We see whales and dolphin — they put on a heck of a show.”

Sometimes you might see him repairing the landing nets with string and a net needle. This old school craft he learned while skipping school as a boy.

“I learned it when I was about 11,” he says. “An old man across the street set gill nets in the fall.”

Recently life at the pier has been a little different because of COVID-19 and the state required safety restrictions put in place to combat it. On his shifts, Preziotti makes sure customers are wearing a cloth face covering inside and social distancing properly outside on the pier. Personally, he’s trying to take care of himself, too.

“I’m doing the best I can, staying 6 feet away from people and wearing a mask,” he says.

COURTESY OF JENNETTE’S PIER

Mike Preziotti hangs out at the end of Jennette’s Pier where he works security and helps people fish.

COURTESY OF JENNETTE’S PIER

Mike Preziotti holds up a nice spotted seatrout he landed while off duty fishing several years back at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head.

Isaias causes sand to fill crucial Ocracoke channel

By Jeff Hampton Staff writer

Ferry routes between Ocracoke and the mainland are down to one vessel after severe shoaling from Tropical Storm Isaias.

A smaller ferry named the Carteret will make one round trip to Cedar Island in the morning and another round trip to Swan Quarter in the afternoon, said Tim Hass, spokesman for the North Carolina Ferry Division.

“The biggest ferries were bumping the bottom,” he said.

The state ferry division has asked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to do emergency dredging in the channel near the Ocracoke harbor, he said.

The Corps of Engineers is responsible for keeping

STEVE EARLEY/STAFF

The Carteret will be the only ferry running routes to Cedar Island and Swan Quarter after Hurricane Isaias caused the channel to shoal up.

the channel clear, but strong currents and storms continually cause the bottom to fill.

Normally three ferries run across the Pamlico Sound from Ocracoke island to Swan Quarter and from Ocracoke to Cedar Island.

Swan Quarter is the seat

of Hyde County and is where people on Ocracoke often go for county business. It is also the route taken by tourists coming from metropolitan areas of North Carolina such as Raleigh.

Cedar Island in Carteret County is the route to Ocracoke and Hatteras Island typically taken by visitors from southern states and parts of western North Carolina, including Charlotte.

The channel that leads into the ferry docks at Ocracoke’s Silver Lake harbor should be at least nine feet deep for the larger boats. The channel, called Bigfoot Slough, is currently less than eight feet deep in places, Hass said.

Jeff Hampton, jeff.hampton @pilotonline.com

CALL LARRY Economic Development Director Larry Lombardi is always just a phone call away and ready to answer your questions, offer advice or connect you to new opportunities. If you’re looking to start, grow or expand a business, there’s no better resource in the region.

(252) 232-6015 | www.ThinkCurrituck.com | Larry@ThinkCurrituck.com

THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, August 14, 2020

YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO IT YOURSELF

33

READY TO START, GROW OR RELOCATE A BUSINESS IN CURRITUCK COUNTY?

34 Friday, August 14, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

READER PHOTOS

COURTESY STEFANIE HIGGINS

The Outer Banks is a great place to create new memories and family traditions; often those moments are captured in photos. We reached out to Outer Banks fans through a couple of group pages on Facebook (Outer Banks of North Carolina and OBX, NC) to request images that capture the essence of this barrier island — from family snapshots to fishing photos to wildlife encounters — and boy did we get some great submissions! We’ll share batches of them over the next couple of pages and in future Coasts, as space permits.

Sturgeon Full Moon

Stephanie Lawrence sent in a photo of she and her husband, Justin, enjoying a night away from their five children (who were home with a sitter) in early August. It was taken at Stur-

geon Beach in Corolla. The family is from Chicago but Lawrence said her husband has been working locally all summer. It’s their first time on the Outer Banks and they’re loving it, she said.

Garden party

Tyra Stanley of Maryland and her daughter Arden Crumble had a special birthday breakfast picnic and mini photo shoot at the Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo in late July.

Tree tune

Robert Jacobs of Manteo sent in a photo he took in late July of what appears to be a whistling tree in Ocracoke. Jacobs has lived on the Outer Banks about nine years, he said, having relocated from Richmond.

A girl and her dogs

Lucy Fox of Hagerstown, Maryland, sent in an adora-

ble photo of her niece, Willa Grace Fox and Fox’s Shih Tzu puppies, Josie and Kash taken on Frisco beach in early August.

Bounty from the sea

Rebecca Kelly of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, submitted a photo showing an impressive collection of olive and whelk shells harvested from beneath the waves on the beach at Frisco by her 10-year-old daughter, Lucy Kelly, who spent hours in the water diving for them.

Kelly said her family has been vacationing in the Outer Banks for 30-plus years.

Waterfront sunset

Stefanie Higgins captured a lovely sunset at Stripers Bar and Grille in Manteo in early July.

COURTESY TYRA STANLEY

35 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, August 14, 2020 COURTESY LUCY FOX

COURTESY STEPHANIE LAWRENCE

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Friday, August 14, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

36

37

there are Treasures to Behold

Just Outside the OBX On highway 158 just south of the VA/NC state line, you’ll find an award-winning winery, Sanctuary Vineyards, offering both tours and tasting, and NC’s first craft brewery, The Weeping Radish, offering unique farm-to-fork fair to those who know good food.

Come see why your vacation begins on the road to Corolla.

Call 877.287.7488 for more information, driving directions or a free visitors guide

Corolla • Carova • The Mainland

Visit us online at VisitCurrituck.com

THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, August 14, 2020

On the Road to Corolla

38 Friday, August 14, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

Welcome to the Coast’s coloring page!

No matter what your age, coloring is a great way to relax and unwind. Use whatever color palette you like to make this beach scene your very own.

39 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, August 14, 2020

Get Out of the Sand and into Great Wide Open Golf

The Courses are Calling The Currituck Outer Banks and Mainland are home to six awe-inspiring out-of-the-way golf courses, giving golfers the option to experience more than one course in a day, testing old pros and newcomers alike with variety of play. Come see what those in the know are calling Currituck’s best kept secret for yourself.

Call 877.287.7488 for more information, driving directions or a free golf guide

Corolla • Carova • The Mainland

Visit us online at VisitCurrituck.com

40 Friday, August 14, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

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