October 2, 2020 - COAST by Pilot Media

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OCTOBER 2, 2020

LONELY

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ISLAND Model, photographer and author, Dare Wright, captured images of Ocracoke Island for a few of her best-selling “Lonely Doll” books in the 1950s.

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4 Friday, October 2, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

6 ON THE TOWN Trivia, live music and scares for those eager to get into the Halloween spirit.

BEYOND THE MUSIC Tim Reynolds, guitarist of the Dave Matthews Band and OBX regular, sits down to discuss his music and COVID-19.

table of contents

12 COASTAL CULTURE Virginia-based photographer Shirley Whitenack shares wisdom gleaned over four decades in the business of capturing pretty pictures.

Fishin’ Frenzy Capt. Greg Mayer of National Geographic’s “Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks” shares a recipe featuring – what else? - tuna.

22 COVER STORY Dare Wright, a NY model, photographer and author, captured images of Ocracoke for her “Lonely Doll” books.

A new resource for breast cancer patients in Moyock seeks to provide comfort and normalcy.

Lighthouse opens to happy climbers By Jeff Hampton

Staff writer

Visitors to the Outer Banks can now climb the Currituck Beach Lighthouse — albeit while wearing masks and trying to maintain some social distancing. The key to the lighthouse’s reopening on Labor Day — it is the only one of North Carolina’s seven this summer to allow climbers in — is its 145-year-old wooden windows. Normally, two windows on one side of the 162-foot tower and three on the other side, remain closed except on hot days. Those and others near the bottom are now open all day, every day. Doors at the bottom and top also remain open and fans are running. “It feels really good to have it open again,” said lighthouse manager Meghan Agresto. Agresto had been working for weeks to make sure climbers could return to the lighthouse as soon as North Carolina eased restrictions earlier this month. A primary precaution was to not have people within an enclosed space in close proximity for more than 15 minutes. The open windows and a quick passing on the steps fallwithintherules,shesaid. Agresto calculated capacity as if the lighthouse is a single room where a maximum of 25 people are allowed. Then another eight people can stand at the open balcony up top with proper spacing, bringing the maximum to 33. “We’re taking it slowly,” Agresto said. “We’re not trying to hit the maximum possible.” On its first day back open, more than 300 people ascended the 220 steps to the top, not many fewer than a typical daily count. About 100,000 climb it each year. Recently, a long, spaced line of people waited on the brick walkway leading to the front door. Yellow lines were 6 feet apart to help visitors

maintain some distance. Phillip and Lyn Harris of Hillsborough, North Carolina, had just descended. They didn’t know it was open until they visited a nearby park and saw people at the top. “We said, 'Hey, let’s go,” according to Phillip. The wind was blowing strong from the outdoor gallery at the peak. They could see miles in each direction, the ocean to the east and the Currituck Sound to the west. “Itwasgreat,”Phillipsaid. Kyle Ayres was in line to climb the Currituck lighthouse for the first time. He had visited the Outer Banks from his Baltimore home many times with family and climbed other Outer Banks lighthouses before. “I have always had a fascination with lighthouses,” he said. “I was pleasantly surprised this one was open.” Masked staff try to make sure a few minutes pass between each group that enters the lighthouse. They also are careful to keep a count of who comes and goes and frequently take time to wipe down the metal handrails with sanitizer. Cost to climb is $10 for those 4 years old and up. Younger children are free, but must be in a carrier to stop hands from touching every stairway brace. Lighthouse keepers used to get many gallons of oil delivered frequently to burn in the lamps. “Now we get massive amounts of sanitizer,” Agresto quipped. The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is operated by the Outer Banks Conservationists, a private, nonprofit organization. Other Outer Banks lighthouses are owned by the National Park Service and remain closed. Old Baldy and Oak Island lighthouses, also operated by nonprofits, remained closed to climbers, according to their websites. Jeff Hampton, 252-491-5272, jeff.hampton @pilotonline.com

OUT AND ABOUT

COROLLA • DUCK • NAGS HEAD • RODANTHE • HATTERAS

COURTESY OF JENNETTE'S PIER

Anna Postingaher of Amherst, Virginia, and her 17.5-inch flounder caught from Jennette's Pier in Nags Head.

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 Amelia Boldaji, Dave Fairbank, Amy Gaw, Jeff Hampton, John Harper, Sam Harris, Maggie Miles, Mary Ellen Riddle, Megan Scott, Scott Sechman 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 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

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6 Friday, October 2, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

ON THE TOWN

COURTESY IMAGE

"Cult of Nightmares" is one of the main attractions for the fifth annual Halloween International Film Festival, which will be held virtually this year.

Trivia, music and scary movies for the season By John Harper Correspondent

Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29 Trivia Night Greg Smrdel wears many hats: radio host, stand-up comedian, magazine editor and author. He’s also a skilled quizmaster. Every Thursday, Smrdel, who lives in Manteo, hosts a free trivia night at Mulligan’s Grille in Historic Cottage Row in Nags Head. “The standup experience makes it a little different,” says Smrdel, who gained 10 years of experience as a trivia host while living in Cleveland, Ohio. “It’s not just questions and answers.” He and his wife, Char, moved to the Outer Banks in March, quarantining for two weeks upon arrival. The weekly 90-minute games go six rounds (18 questions) and are open to solo players or teams. Subjects include music, local history, sports, TV, spelling, geography and movies. Prizes include gift certificates from Mulligan’s. “I want to keep it fun,” says Smrdel. “It’s a fastpaced game.” One tip: Brush up on your

knowledge of “The Andy Griffith Show.” Smrdel has written two books on the classic TV program. • Where: Mulligan’s Grille, 4005 S. Croatan Hwy., milepost 13, Nags Head • When: 6 p.m. • Cost: No cover • Info: 252-480-2000, Positively Outer Banks on Facebook

Oct. 16-17, 30

Bryan Campbell In 1992, singer-songwriter Bryan Campbell left his home in Tabb, Virginia, and headed to the musicians’ promised land: Nashville, Tennessee. He spent 26 years in Music City before moving to the Outer Banks with his wife Lea Anne in 2018 to be closer to their families in Hampton Roads. Though he didn’t quite hit the big time in Nashville, the singer-songwriter found steady work, both solo and in bands (originals and covers). He played many of the town’s popular venues, including the legendary Bluebird Cafe. And he wrote songs, the lifeblood of Music City. In 2004, the award-winning

COURTESY PHOTO

Bryan Campbell is a Southern Shores-based singersongwriter and one of the busiest performers on the local scene.

country duo Montgomery Gentry recorded one of his originals – “It’s All Good” – which appeared on their platinum-selling album “You Do Your Thing.” Though “Good” wasn’t released as a single, Campbell’s writing credit earns him royalties every month. (Nashville songwriters call it “mailbox money.”) “I loved every minute of it,” says Campbell of his time in music’s land of hopes and dreams. These days, the Southern Shores-based singer-song-

COURTESY PHOTO

Greg Smrdel wears many hats: radio host, stand-up comedian, magazine editor and author.

writer, who’s a special education teacher by day, is one of the busiest performers on the local scene. He plays three no-cover gigs this month at Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop in Manteo and Village Table and Tavern in Duck. Armed with a Vintage Statesboro acoustic guitar, which produces what Campbell calls a “rich, deep and warm sound,” he puts his lived-in voice and personal stamp on a wide range of material. “A good song is a good song,” Campbell says. “It

doesn’t matter the genre.” He mixes originals with tunes by, among others, Chris Stapleton, Dave Matthews, Prince, Johnny Cash, Jason Isbell, Neil Young, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, James Brown, Rick James, Hank Williams and the Allman Brothers Band. “People like to hear what they know,” says Campbell. “I’m there for them.” • When and where: 5:30 p.m. Oct. 16 and 30, Village Table and Tavern, 1314 Duck Road, Duck; and 6 p.m. Oct. 17, Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop, 305 Queen Elizabeth Ave., Manteo waterfront • Cost: No cover • Info: 252-715-1414, Village Table and Tavern on Facebook; 252-473-3333, Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop on Facebook

Oct. 2-3

OBX Halloween International Film Festival It’s time again to get your scream on. But for the fifth edition of the festival, it will be in the privacy of your home. The three-day event, which started Oct. 1, will go virtual, streaming online (eventlive.com). In past

years, it’s been held at KDH Movies 10 in Kill Devil Hills. Showcasing featurelength and short horror and Halloween-themed films, the scare-fest’s main attractions include “Cult of Nightmares,” “Mass Hysteria” and “They Live Inside Us.” Several flicks made in North Carolina will be screened. For a full schedule, go to: Halloweeninternationalfilmfestival.com. • When: 5 p.m Oct. 2, 3 p.m. Oct. 3 • Where: Online (eventlive.com) • Cost: $10-$50 • Info: OBX Entertainment.com 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-99.1The Sound. He’s the host of the popular Saturday morning flashback feature “10 at 10” and is also an awardwinning wedding D.J.

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8 Friday, October 2, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

BEYOND THE MUSIC

Guitars, drums and the Dave Matthews Band

Tim Reynolds talks music, DMB and COVID-19 By Scott Sechman Correspondent

Before I arrived on the Outer Banks, I knew that Tim Reynolds, the guitarist for the Dave Matthews Band, lived and played here with his band, TR3. Being a California musical snob, I wondered what could have possibly brought an internationally renowned guitarist to this tiny strip of beach off the North Carolina mainland? After I moved here, that question was rendered moot. I knew. What I didn’t know was that a couple of local guys were his band members. I discovered that when I went to the Outer Banks Brewing Station one night and caught part of their show. Since then, Reynolds relocated to Florida, but his connection to the Outer Banks remains strong. TR3’s drummer, Dan Martier, lives here still, and Reynolds did a solo livestream fundraiser for the Dare County Arts Council in late May. He participated in “Music Unites Us,” a benefit concert supporting the art council’s North Carolina Veterans Songwriting Workshop. I caught up with Reynolds by phone in March. The topics ranged widely and wildly. From the COVID-19 pandemic, which was just taking hold here in the U.S., to his Martin guitars, and his early collaborations with Dave Matthews. What has been the hardest part of dealing with the pandemic? This COVID-19, we’re still all in a state of shock that this is actually happening. Can’t do anything. Wait it out. Stay home. Stay healthy. Wash my hands and just practice a lot. It helps me feel normal. I play a lot of guitar, as you can imagine. What have you been doing during the shutdown?

COURTESY PHOTO

Tim Reynolds, center, with his band TR3, Tim Reynolds Trio, with Dan Martier on drums, left, and Mick Vaughn on bass.

Part of my existence is thinking about COVID for some of the day, but not all day. You can look at your phone all day until your brain explodes with all the information, so my general rule is get your information and try to stay updated, but I’m not gonna look at TV all day with CNN on, that’s for sure. Have you started or completed any projects? I was getting ready to rehearse for an acoustic tour, so I’m a man in rehearsal. I practice like crazy. So, I was already in this routine. It feels weird not to have to practice for something. But I still wanted to

learn some covers and write some music. So, I had this tour coming up. But now, I have six months to write and hopefully, play again. What concerns you going ahead? There’s an old Buddhist saying, “Be ready for death … it’s the first thing you know is gonna happen.” It’s just a reality now. It’s just a crazy situation. I guess crazy isn’t the right word. There’s a massive unpreparedness, in general. Nobody ever thinks about something like this happening and it takes everybody by surprise. Then a certain amount of people don’t think it’s real. They think it’s

a conspiracy and use that as an excuse to say, “(screw) it,” you know? When you play solo gigs, do you use a looper? (Note: a looper is a device that allows a musician to record music in real time and then play it back during a performance; it often fattens or enriches the sound.) I use a looper sometimes, but mostly I just play songs. What I’ve been doing the last couple of years is I set up three or four different times in a night where I’ll just do a little looping. Mostly as a transition between songs because I really just like to play music. And I did more looping before

they had looping machines that looped in time. So, I don’t really use a looper that plays in time. I like the challenge of trying to make it work by just dialing in the thing. Because it’s also fun just to be ambient. But mostly I just practice the songs, learn new stuff, and try to develop this style that I’ve been working on a long time. It’s just what I do. I’m good at playing bass, but I also play guitar. A lot of my solo stuff has bass lines and melodies. My solo record was just acoustic straight up, recorded at Ed Tupper’s Nags Head apartment. What kind of guitar do you use?

I use a Martin D35. I have two of them. One always stays with Dave. The first one I got, I cracked it, right after because I was trying to do all that “making sounds” by hitting the body of the guitar. Because I can play drums and I cracked it. So, I said, “Well, I’ll leave that to the guitar players that do that all the time. I’ll just go back to playing the guitar.” Now if I do anything like that, it’s very soft. (Laughs). You can take a slide and just whack the bridge and it’s really loud and you don’t have to hit it very hard. You get a really big click or just See MUSIC/Page 9

Continued from 8 hit it with the palm of your hand softly and you get a “poof.” But the cracked one is actually in great shape because it doesn’t go on tours in a van like my other one. I got the second one because I had to send the cracked one to the factory. So, it sounds the best of all my Martins. I got it in ’95. Not super old, but it’s kind of getting to a sweet spot, sound-wise. I have another one that I use and have taken it out on my solo tours, since ’96. It looks like moon craters on the face of it, from making weird sounds. I used to wonder, “Why does this moon crap keep happening on this guitar?” Then I realized, “Oh, it’s you trying to make this loud bass note sound by whacking the guitar really hard. I’m the one who did that.” How did you come to play with Dave Matthews? A long, long time ago, Dave worked at a place called Miller’s in Charlottesville (Virginia) and I used to play there every Monday night. He started bartending. That’s how we met. He was also doing a lot of theater at the time. He was like a local star in theater. He already had a following, as it were. We hung out one night and went in his basement, ate cookies and recorded (stuff ). I thought, “Wow, this guy is really musical.” He didn’t even play guitar at the time. Well, he did, but I didn’t hear him play guitar. We were just messing around with drum machines, making weird, spontaneous recordings just for the fun of it. The first thing he did on an instrument, he played the piano. I was like, “Damn. It’s like Paul McCartney.” When he started the Dave Matthews Band, I said, “Oh, he plays guitar, too!” That was about mid to late ‘80s in Charlottesville. I didn’t know anything about drum machines, but I wanted to go hang out with him because I knew he did. He knew how to mess with one. So, we made some

GENEVIEVE ROSS/STAFF FILE

Dave Matthews, right, of the Dave Matthews Band, performs an acoustic song with Tim Reynolds, left, at The Ted Constant Convocation Center on March 26, 2003.

recordings and it was really a lot of fun. That’s kind of what started our musical friendship. Even though you recently moved, you’re still strongly associated with the Outer Banks. How did it happen that you came to live here? About 13 years ago, my partner at the time moved to North Carolina, so I moved, too. I played there before, years and years ago in the ‘80s. So, I knew about the place. I really wasn’t that much into beaches. But it was good, and that’s when I started playing with DMB more full time. But up until that year, 2007 or 2008, I’d only done one brief, coupleof-months tour with the band and then just only played with Dave. I recorded on all of their earlier records up until 2008, and we started doing all this when I moved back to the East Coast. It just seemed like a good fit to start doing that. How did you hook up with Dan Martier for TR3? A friend of mine got us together because I was looking for some musicians to play with when I moved to the Outer Banks. I was doing solo gigs. I started doing electric solo gigs with a drum machine. It was really just a very simple machine. Bass and drums called “Rhythm Tracks” by Zoom, which was almost as easy as working a cassette player. You just had to work out how to sequence the bars. Which I spent a couple years way into that thing because I’m a closet drum

More Information Since this interview, Reynolds has taken to streaming live solo shows from his Florida home on a regular basis, and they are not to be missed. You can look at past shows, as well as get access to classic DMB shows, his fundraising with Dave Matthews to stave off food insecurity, and their Get Out the Vote efforts at his Facebook page: TR3 featuring Tim Reynolds.

nut, so to be able to play drums was really cool. So that was a peak for me. I also realized this is fun and it’s a listening experience, but visually you stand on stage and press a button and you’re playing something you created, but there’s no air being moved except for the guitar. But, as soon as I did one gig with Mick (Mick Vaughn, bassist for TR3) and Dan, I think it was the second gig, we recorded it. I started listening back to it going, “Listen to all this music that’s not coming from a machine!” 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 also contributed to Mojo and various online outlets.

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

Christopher Radko Snowbabies Jim Shore Fontanini

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. Hwy 64 in Manteo on Roanoke Island

252.473.2838 • OuterBanksChristmas.com OPEN DAILY AT 9:30 A.M.

THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, October 2, 2020

OUTER BANKS ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS SHOP...SINCE 1967

MUSIC

10 Friday, October 2, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

COAST LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR | OCT. 2 – NOV. 5 TBA; Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4 – Broughton Aycock; Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5 – Rory Kelleher BUXTON Café Pamlico: Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 – Brian Surratt; Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28 – Rory Kelleher; Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29 – Steve Vang

OCRACOKE

CONTRIBUTED

MaryAnn Toboz, left, and Cole Stevens play Mississippi delta blues music, honoring the genre’s pioneers and finding grooves in the process.

Coyote, featuring Lou Castro, left and Marcy Brenner.

MANTEO

Breslow and Parker; Oct. 9 – Keller Williams (solo); Oct. 10 – Keller and More Than A Little; Oct. 11 – Keller Loopless & OBX Trio; Oct. 12 – Keller and the Keels Roadside Bar and Grill: Oct. 10 – Solar Bear Village Table and Tavern: Oct. 3, 24 – Phil Watson; Oct. 8, 15 – Marc Murray; Oct. 9, 23 – The Ramble;

Bluegrass Island Trading Co. (Pickin’ On The Porch): Oct. 24 – Breaking Grass Poor Richard’s: Oct. 17 – Bryan Campbell

KILL DEVIL HILLS Jack Brown’s: Oct. 2 – DJ

Mattie D; Oct. 3 – Paul Brion; Oct. 9 – SOULone; Oct. 10 – Scott Franson; Oct. 16 – Graham Outten; Oct. 17 – Trickfly; Oct. 23 – Formula; Oct. 24 – Jonny Waters; Oct. 30 – The Mo-Rons Rooster’s: Oct. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30, Nov. 4 – Phil Watson Secret Island: Oct. 3 – Sensei Trails, Sound De-

stroyer, The Mighty Good Times

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Longboards: Oct. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31 – TBA

DUCK

Cravings Tap Shack: Oct. 2 – Cole and MaryAnn; Oct. 3 – Grateful Jed; Oct. 8 –

Oct. 10 – Cole and MaryAnn; Oct. 16, 30 – Bryan Campbell; Oct. 17 – Phil Delpierre

HATTERAS ISLAND

AVON Turner’s High Moon: Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – Steve Vang; Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 –

Coyote Music Den: Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 – Livestream in-house concert w/ Marcy Brenner and Lou Castro on Facebook page, coyotemusicden; Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28 – Livestream in-house concert w/ Marcy Brenner, Lou Castro and Martin Garrish on Facebook page, MartinGarrishAndFriends Howard’s Pub: Oct. 31 – Raygun Ruby

MAINLAND

BJ’s Carolina Café (Jarvisburg): Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28 – TBA Sanctuary Vineyards (Jarvisburg): Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29 – TBA

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★ 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.

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NATURE WISE

Dolphins, shrimp combine for worthy cause By Jessica Taylor Correspondent

The fall is an exciting time, especially for the Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research. It’s when we typically see large groups of dolphins in the sound, likely due to an influx of coastal dolphins mixing with our wellknown seasonal residents. Many dolphins come into the sound for food, and in the fall, they exploit the abundant food source that the sound provides until the water cools. It’s also the time of year for our largest annual fundraiser, the Outer Banks Shrimp Cookoff. The idea for the Outer Banks Shrimp Cookoff was formed more than a decade ago during a Wednesday night sailing cruise from Colington Harbor. It started as an effort for local restaurants to raise funds for what was then a new nonprofit to promote environmental conservation in the Outer Banks. Going into our 11th year of this fundraiser, we have raised money

for research vessels, boat engines, and boat fuel necessary for continuing our research. It has also provided funding for outreach supplies and the publication of scientific posters and papers to teach others about dolphin conservation in the Outer Banks. Every year, people gather at Ocean Boulevard Bistro and Martini Bar in Kitty Hawk to sample the area’s finest shrimp creations, bid on silent auction items donated by local businesses, enjoy music played by a local master of ceremonies, and learn about promoting dolphin conservation. As we all know, 2020 is a different kind of year, and the event will adjust accordingly. Instead of a cookoff, there will be a Shrimp Crawl. Local restaurants will still compete to prepare the best dishes, and a silent auction will take place virtually. For a cost of $25 per ticket, people can visit up to five local restaurants for a shrimp dish during the first weekend of November. The Outer Banks Shrimp Crawl will showcase the creativity and talent of the

area’s finest chefs, while providing a safe atmosphere for a fundraiser that supports local dolphin research. The annual shrimp event routinely raises $7,000 to $8,000, which represents approximately 70% of the center’s fundraising budget. The event is doubly important this year, as the center was unable to apply for outside grants. Many of its grant applications are based on outreach projects for the public, which were not possible amid COVID concerns. The need to better understand our local marine mammals is as immediate and pressing as ever. Bottlenose dolphins are important indicators of environmental health and are key to gauging the health of the sound and coastal environments on which much of our local economy depends. The Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research studies our local dolphin population through boat-based surveys in which we photograph distinctive markings on the dolphin dorsal fins, a technique known as photo-identification.

possible for the last 11 years. Contributions will help support research to unravel the mysteries of the charismatic marine mammals that frequent our waters. For further information on the fundraiser, visit the center’s website, obxdolphins.org, and the shrimp cookoff/crawl blog, obshrimp.com.

COURTESY OF OUTER BANKS CENTER FOR DOLPHIN RESEARCH

The Judge’s Choice winner in the 2018 Shrimp Cookoff was Tatanisha Spencer of Sooey’s BBQ & Rib Shack with her Further South Shrimp Cocktail.

Every year, we are closer to determining long-term trends in the health and population size of our local dolphins. Even though we won’t gather this fall, people can still enjoy wonderful food and support local dolphin research by visiting some of the restaurants that have made the center’s efforts

Biologist Jessica Taylor is president of the Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research. She has a Bachelor of Science in marine science from Rutgers and master’s degree in environmental management from Duke University. She has participated in field research studies of bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales, Steller sea lions and predatory fish in Florida, South Carolina, New Jersey, Alaska and Australia. In 2008, she incorporated the nonprofit Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research, which is dedicated to conservation of bottlenose dolphins on the Outer Banks. For more info, visit obxdolphins.org.

THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, October 2, 2020

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12 Friday, October 2, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

COASTAL CULTURE

Photographer to share 4 decades of experience

By Mary Ellen Riddle

Correspondent

Shirley Whitenack’s first camera was bought with S&H Green Stamps, a Kodak Brownie model her mother gave her when she was 10. The gift ignited a deep love of photography that eventually found her traveling around the country photographing lighthouses. As a young woman, she visited the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in the late 1960s and was hooked immediately. “I was mesmerized by its height and striking blackand-white candy cane stripes,” she wrote in a recent email. “It immediately stood out from the natural environment of sea oats, sand and ocean.” During later visits to the Dare County coast, the Carrollton, Virginia-based artist photographed not only lighthouses but beaches, piers, weathered cottages, fishing docks and surfers. She has savored these sights and added them to her portfolio – images such as horizontal cloud formations contrasted against the vertical Bodie Island Lighthouse, sun warming the marsh and the stately architecture at the Whalehead Club in Corolla, and an atmospheric scene of Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse in Manteo. Back home, the 72-year old artist focuses on photographing coastal towns, crab and oyster workboats, historical buildings, pastoral scenes, horses and flowers. But her love of photography goes beyond documenting diverse images. She shares experiences and technical knowledge she gained over 40plus years as a professional photographer. For more than a decade, Whitenack has taught photography classes through the Dare County Arts Council in Manteo. She hosts a two-day workshop in October for photographers of all levels. Her students will study under

COURTESY OF SHIRLEY WHITENACK

Shirley Whitenack is a photographer based in Carrollton, Virginia.

Bio Box Shirley Whitenack, photography teacher and commercial and fine art photographer What: Beyond Program Mode, a two-day photography class open to beginner to advanced photographers age 16 and older. Maximum class size: 8. When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct 16, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 17 Where: Dare County Arts Council, second floor, 300 Queen Elizabeth Ave., Manteo. Contact: 252-473-5558; darearts.org, www.diverseimagesphoto.com. Cost: $110 for DCAC members for both days. $120 for non-members for both days. Tuition is free for veterans, but they must call DCAC to register. Pre-registration is required for everyone.

COURTESY OF SHIRLEY WHITENACK

The gift of a camera when Shirley Whitenack was a child ignited a deep love of photography that eventually found her traveling around the country photographing lighthouses.

an award-winning fine art and commercial photographer. Whitenack starts beginners with the basic mechanics of the camera,

including how to use the modes, which control shutter speed and aperture. Advanced students focus on composition, shooting in low light, and various

aspects of artistic photography. There are plenty of practical tips in her lessons. Over the years, Whitenack has taken part in numerous international photography conventions. She appreciates how overwhelming a workshop can be and advises attendees to avoid information overload. Go through each seminar, she tells students, and choose several points to implement without finan-

cial expenditure. “Just pick three things that you think you can do and what you want to do and focus on that,” she says. As an artist and a teacher, Whitenack understands that photography is more than understanding F-stops. She encourages students to get in touch with what drew them to a certain scene, and they learn how to visually bring that first

excitement to the fore. “We all come to a scene with different ideas and different ways that we want to express what’s in front of us,” she says. “It’s about our whole life that we bring to this photograph.” As a young girl, Whitenack was drawn to images such as her mom washing dishes with curlers in her hair and her grandmother hanging laundry on a clothesline. She snapped her Great Aunt Sadie cracking hazelnuts on a family farm in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, an image that hangs in her studio on a memory wall – pictures of people who have passed away. As a former bicycle racer, action photography quickens her pulse. She added surfing competitions and barrel racing to her event photography repertoire. Whitenack enjoys what she can do artistically by blurring motion. She recalls freezing a thrilling moment as a barrel racer performed at an equestrian event: all four horse’s hooves were off the ground at the same time. Travel has fattened her portfolio. Ever since she first took a picture of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, she sought out lighthouses around the country, in California, Oregon, Washington, Maine, Florida, Virginia, Maryland, Wisconsin and Michigan. She has visited so many that she has lost count. “I love lighthouses,” she says. “I love preservation. I love what they stand for.” Her passion for the sentinels is so great – calling them the “light in the storm” – she found a way to enhance her experiences with them. Through the U.S. Lighthouse Society’s annual silent auction, Whitenack and her husband, Richard St. Peter, have been able to stay at lighthouse bed-and-breakfasts and various keepers’ quarters. Their most memorable stay was three days See PHOTO/Page 13

Beach life is the

COURTESY OF SHIRLEY WHITENACK

During visits to the Dare County coast, the Carrollton, Virginia-based artist has photographed lighthouses, beaches, piers, weathered cottages, fishing docks and surfers.

PHOTO

Continued from 12 at the keeper’s quarters on Isle au Haut off the coast of Maine, near Stonington, a destination reached by mailboat. “There was no phone service, TV, internet, tennis, or golf; so, guests spent time with the owner and each other, especially during communal meals,” she says. “As you can imagine, the rugged beauty of the island was picturesque with spectacular sunrises and sunsets.” Whitenack has a varied resume. For 20 years, she photographed weddings. Today, using her Nikon D300, she focuses on fine art photography, which she displays at the Dare County Arts Council gallery and the Cotton Gin’s lighthouse gallery in Corolla. She also photographs family and high school reunions, college graduations, senior pictures, portraits, and especially loves taking pictures of children. “I think what I like about children is you can’t control them,” she says. But, she says, if you are alert, you can capture their spirit. The lifetime member of the Professional Photogra-

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The Whalehead Club in Corolla.

phers of America brings to her classes a Fellow of Photography degree from the Virginia Professional Photographers Association. While she is self-taught and possesses a lifetime of experience, she earned the degree by having a required number of blue-ribbon prints, doing community service, and attending seminars, conventions and educational events. St. Peter, her teaching assistant and sometimes co-instructor, earned the same degree from the VPPA. He is a former Air Force war photographer and has worked with his wife in wedding and events photography. Whitenack is excited

about teaching and helping students achieve their goals, which, she says, can be as simple as taking a good photo while on vacation. She encourages her students to not shy from looking at photos critically. Her words of wisdom: “Critique means an evaluation of both good and bad points, (but) there’s always something good about a photo.” Mary Ellen Riddle has been writing the Coast’s art column for more than 27 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.

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THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, October 2, 2020

OUTER BANKS VACATION RENTALS & REAL ESTATE SALES

14 Friday, October 2, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

INNER BANKS

Combating the winter blues on the Outer Banks By Maggie Miles Correspondent

It is officially fall on the Outer Banks, and with the recent spate of cold, blustery days, locals are feeling the shift. This is the time of year people start discussing their winter plans. Will they escape to some tropical country or will they stay to endure the long, dark days of winter here on the island? And this year, thanks to COVID-19, it will most likely be the latter. Winters can be a hard time on the Outer Banks for locals. Work dries up, restaurants and bars close, the bright, sunny beach turns gray and windy. People get bored, cold, and a little stir crazy, and for many, the winter blues start to kick in. And this year, that could be made worse by restrictions related to the global pandemic. According to counselor Stephanie Ryder, seasonal affective disorder impacts mood, energy, sleep and apRyder petite. It may also affect personal, social and work relationships. “It is important to be aware of these changes when they occur, and act accordingly by making sure that you’re not hibernating, but instead getting plenty of physical exercise, great selfcare, a balanced and healthy diet, and a good night’s sleep,” says Ryder. Getting out and enjoying hobbies and activities is another way to make it through the cold, blustery months, she says. “It’s important to do what you love, do what brings you joy and reflect daily about those things/people, etc. that you’re grateful for. Gratitude is key to our mental health.” I think it’s safe to say we have all experienced the

COURTESY OF SKYLA LAMBERTO-EGAN

Skyla Lamberto-Egan says bike rides help her beat the winter doldrums. COURTESY OF SKYLA LAMBERTO-EGAN

Skyla Lamberto-Egan and her boyfriend Brian Brockway have fun cooking up some homemade pizza at their home in Manteo.

COURTESY OF BETH STORIE

Friends and family gather for one of Beth Storie and Michael McOwen’s beloved oyster roasts at their home in Manteo. For locals, there’s nothing like a good oyster roast to stave off winter depression.

COURTESY OF BARRY WELLS

Rodanthe-based musician Barry Wells uses the winter to channel his creative energy.

winter blues at some point or another. But after spending lots of winters on the Outer Banks, many locals have found ways to stave off the doldrums and embrace the beauty of the season. "Winter has never been my forte, but the Outer Banks is part of my soul, so I’ve found out ways to make the dark, cold days less depressing,” says Skyla Lamberto-Egan, a massage therapist at Laughing Sky Massage in Manteo. “I still get emotional, bored and go stir-crazy, but the following

seem to make it better: I take pottery classes through (College of The Albemarle), force myself to bundle up and walk the beach, ride bikes with Manteo Cyclery, read lots of good books, cook intricate meals or baked goods, and see friends that I don’t see all summer.” Health Coach Lindsey Herring focuses on good food and good laughs. “I take a Vitamin D3. I rest and go to bed early. I eat warm foods, soups, crock pots, and I watch funny movies

— humor and laughter strengthen our immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from damaging effects of stress,” Herring says. And then there are the artists and musicians, like Barry Wells, who use the winter to channel their creative energy. “I seclude myself in my music: practicing, writing, producing. I strive to keep the creative mind busy and at ease with purposeful isolation from society I have created for myself,” Wells says.

To avoid her winter blues, Lisa Cooper of Buxton takes advantage of winter gardening. "I grow kale, broccoli, cabbage, turnips, garlic and other things. People don’t realize how great the gardening is here in the winter. I just love working out there, digging, moving around,” Cooper says. And then there’s the popular social activities of the fall, like the beloved oyster roasts and bonfires, something locals cherish in these cold months and look forward to every year. For locals, there’s nothing like a good oyster roast with good friends to stave off winter depression. “Oyster roasts are the culmination of everything

good: chilly nights, twinkling lights over the oyster table, the smell of the bonfire, the sound of friends laughing and talking, and of course, the taste of those tasty oysters,” says Beth Storie, of Manteo. Fall and winter can be a great time to rebalance, restore, and refocus your energy. Things have slowed down and now we get to decide how to fill that new time. If we change our mindset to see that as a gift, and follow the advice of these locals, we can all have a great winter season on the Outer Banks. Please seek therapy from a professional if you’re not seeing changes in your mood or behavior.

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16 Friday, October 2, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

EATING IN

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JAMIE WEGENER

Above: Jamie Wegener, baker-in-chief of Gutsy Grain, with one of her gorgeous sourdough loaves. Left: Jamie Wegener's Morning Toast featuring Gutsy Grain sourdough bread topped with tomatoes, avocado and gooey fresh eggs.

Bringing loaves to life with Gutsy Grain By Megan Scott

Correspondent

We’ve reached that time of year where mornings have a brisk, chilly edge and a good, hearty breakfast feels exactly right. This recipe from Gutsy Grain fits the bill completely. Maybe the runny golden egg yolk is the first thing about this dish to capture your attention, but the real star is the thick slice of sourdough round underneath it that’s been handmade by Jamie Wegener, baker in chief of Gutsy Grain. Gutsy Grain is a microbakery based out of Wegener’s and her husband Kenan Watkins’ home. The company launched in March and had a warm introduction to the community through the Secotan Market in Wanchese. A strong

social media presence has helped boost the brand’s notoriety, as have the strikingly beautiful and incredibly tasty loaves of bread. Wegener is a self-taught baker who has been doing it professionally for about eight years. Her bread has taste and texture unlike any other. The ingredients are simple, consisting of only flour, water, salt and a sourdough starter — but Wegener’s expert touch makes all the chewy, tangy, crusty difference. As you might suspect, the name Gutsy Grain and the inclusion of a sourdough starter offers a clue to the process. Sourdough is fermented, which means it’s a prebiotic and good for your gut health. It also means Wegener babysits each loaf for three to four days before shaping, baking, and bring-

ing it to market. Once there, it sits among another 70 to 90 various loaves featuring local North Carolina Lindley Mills organic grains and pastries until they sell out, which usually happens within the first hour or so. Wegener says baking is something she’s connected to and learned to have patience for. “(I) respect the role it plays in creating and nourishing those around us,” she says. She identifies with the idea of “breaking bread” at one’s table and the way it can bring people together. “I think we’ve gotten away from some of that in modern fashion and feel a home-cooked meal paired with people and conversation actually serves a wellrounded purpose,” she says. It seems the rest of the world has been bitten by

Gutsy Grain What: Fresh sourdough and other yummy baked goods made from scratch using local Lindley Mills organic grains When: Most Saturday mornings at the Secotan Market in Wanchese and every other Wednesday morning at the mini market at Waverider’s in Nags Head More info: Keep an eye on @gutsygrain on Instagram for market schedule and details about ticket sales for her sourdough making class in November.

the baking bug as well. Anyone who has strolled down the flour aisle at the grocery store during the first months of the pandemic knows shelves were pretty bare. And finding yeast in the supermarket? Forget about it. But if you did develop a new love for baking during quarantine or are just interested in learning to bake incredible bread like Gutsy Grain’s, Wegener is offering a class at the Island Farm in Manteo on Nov. 14. She says it’s essentially Sourdough 101. “We’re going to go through the education and technique of producing sourdough and what it means to bring a loaf to life.” Fans and followers of Gutsy Grain’s Instagram know that Wegener is a civic-minded individual. “It is and will remain important to us that Gutsy Grain serves a purpose for our community in a full-circle fashion,” Wegener says. She calls herself a “community baker.” She says her mission is not only to support those around her by feeding them wholesome offerings “but to also stand by my community’s

side and encourage the importance of self-growth through educational opportunity, remaining connected to what’s important, and finding it within ourselves to apply our efforts — little or big —- each day. Lifting each other up and reminding others (of ) the impact we have together when we share and put ‘purpose’ into ‘play’ … I think of it as fuel for the mind, body and soul.” Wegener’s recipe is something she, her husband, and two little kids often enjoy at home. It combines all the best things: ripe tomatoes, creamy avocado, melty cheese, and local eggs from another Secotan Market vendor, Heavenly Portion Family Farm. All of this is piled high on a thick slice of Gutsy Grain’s perfect sourdough bread, which you can get most Saturday mornings at Secotan Market or every other Wednesday morning at the mini market at Waveriders Coffee, Deli & Pub in Nags Head. One bite will tell you everything you need in life is right there on the plate.

Jamie Wegener’s recipe for Morning Toast Gutsy Grain sourdough bread, sliced thick Sliced or shredded cheddar cheese Avocado, flesh mashed with a fork to make it spreadable Tomato, sliced Heavenly Portion local pasture-raised eggs, cooked over easy or however you love them Salt, pepper, red pepper flake, to taste 1. Top thick slices of Gutsy Grain sourdough bread with cheddar cheese and place in the toaster oven or broil under high heat, for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted. 2. Place sliced tomatoes on top of the cheesy bread, spread mashed avocado on top of the tomato slices. 3. Place cooked eggs on top of mashed avocado, season with salt, pepper and red pepper flake to taste, and serve!

THE SANDBAR

By Sam Harriss Correspondent

Conchologists are not to be confused with seashell collectors.There’sthescience of shells and then there’s putting seashells in the microwave until it blows the creature clean out of their homes. Yet we all collect something: beanie babies, nostalgic postcards, locks of hair from exes, Christmas tchotchkes, souvenir spoons, cats. Some of us cover our walls with Coca-Cola signs and vintage glass bottles as a tribute to better times; a few bring home travel souvenirs to remember beautiful places and family trips; others hoard magazines and paper ephemera to maintain a deeper connection to someone no longer around. But to stumble down the rabbit hole of a seashell collector’s secrets is to realize

there is so much more to those mollusks that wash ashore under our beach chairs. It’s difficult to imagine that conchylomania once ripped through continents in the same fad-like way as The Beatles invasion took over America, but the myths and legends that originate from a madness that overtook European shell collectors starting in the early 17th centuryonwardaresotantalizing, they give ol’ King James a run for his money. Collectors have stolen, lied, betrayed and paid more money than any other earthly delights. A certain sheller was known for paying three times more for a cowrie shell than the $100 million Vermeer painting he also owned. Another, possessing the rarest of seashells, was made legend by bidding top dollar for the exact same species only to win and crush it to bits on

THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, October 2, 2020

The Old Sheller and conchylomania The Old Sheller 2 ounces bourbon 1 ounce Gardenia Mix* ½ ounce tangerine juice Dash Angostura bitters Brandied cherry Add all to blender and top over with ice, blend and serve with a bouquet of mint and brandied cherry. *Gardenia Mix: This is our quick take on the classic. Add 1 ounce of room-temperature butter to 1 ounce of honey and a generous teaspoon of Trader Vic’s Macadamia Nut Liqueur to a blender and blend to a cream. Stores for a week in the fridge so you might want to make more.

stage, making sure to be the sole proprietor of the exquisite univalve. They have been pickpocketed from history museums, dredged up from the depths of the ocean, traded online, and simply picked from the tidal lines across every beach in every country.Butwithastiffcocktailin hand and the soulful sounds of a conch shell trumpet

echoing through breaking waves, we begin to understand the mysteries and allure of owning such a prized possession. If there’s a drink strong enough to provide a glimpse intotheworldoftheextraordinary love these beautiful mollusks created for their doting admirers, this is it. Sam Harriss is the

SAM HARRIS/FREELANCE

The Old Sheller is a bourbon cocktail created in homage to the most ardent sea shell collectors.

owner/founder of Camp Cocktail, a mobile bartending business on the Outer Banks. When she’s not slinging drinks from the

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18 Friday, October 2, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

Mayer’s Mean Caesar Salad with Grilled Tuna Yield: 2 big salads 1 tablespoon anchovy paste 4 tablespoons olive oil 3 cloves garlic 2 tablespoons Worcestershire 1 tablespoon mustard or wasabi 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 egg yolk ½ lemon Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce black pepper grinder 1/2 cup grated Parmesan 1/2 cup croutons 2-3 heads romaine, chopped A few dashes Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HENNI RAINS

Jerk tuna on Ceasar salad is a spin on a classic dish.

Add anchovy paste, olive oil and garlic.

‘Wicked Tuna’ and a mean Caesar

Make a paste, use a fork to mash it all together. Add Worcestershire, mustard or wasabi, balsamic vinegar and the egg yolk. Pour the lemon juice on top of the egg yolk, add a few dashes of Tabasco and combine ingredients. Add Parmesan, croutons and chopped romaine. Toss. Finish with a bit more cracked black pepper, portion on to plates and top each salad with a piece of hot, grilled fish.

Capt. Mayer of tuna TV fame talks fish — hold the pickles

By Amy Gaw Correspondent

Capt. Greg Mayer sells the sizzle and tuna steaks are his commodity. Mayer and his boat, the Fishin’ Frenzy, have been central figures on National Geographic Channel’s hit program, “Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks,” for six seasons. For the cameras, drama is vital and Mayer is talented in enhancing the fishing experience. He is also skilled in catching tuna in real life, which he’s done professionally for more than 40 years.

Behind the scenes, in his home kitchen or at the grill, Mayer has little need for the theatrics. When tuna is on the menu, he prefers his grilled on a salad. Straight from the mason jar works, too. If the tuna is bluefin, it is a simple sear or raw. “I don’t cook fancy fish,” says Mayer, “I make a mean Caesar salad, though. I could eat that every day, topped with grilled fish.” His kitchen partner and longtime love, Henni Rains, agrees: “We keep it pretty simple.” Bluefin tuna, the type landed on “Wicked Tuna:

Outer Banks,” is much larger than the more typically caught local yellowfin tuna. Bluefin is most often sold as an export, to be served as sashimi or sushi in high-end restaurants. There is a specific time of year that bluefin can be caught and there are seasonal limits to how many fish can be caught; this number is called a quota. The quota determines the duration of the season. Once the quota is reached, the season is finished. Catching tuna is a hugely popular sport for recreational fishers and several

types of the species are caught offshore in the Gulf Stream. Yellowfin, longfin (albacore) and blackfin are much more accessible to everyday anglers than bluefin. With the differences in sizes of the bluefin and yellowfin, there is a difference in taste and texture, too. That means there’s not a one-size-fits-all methodology for cooking tuna. “Bluefin has more fat in the flesh, and it is darker meat,” says Mayer, “It is much better raw, or seared, See TUNA/Page 19

Into a large wooden bowl, grind a lot of freshly ground pepper.

Tuna awaiting canning.

and leave it raw in middle. Hit it in hot skillet, maybe with some sesame seeds. Slice it thin with soy and wasabi. That’s about as fancy as it gets.” “You don’t want to overcook bluefin; it gets tough and rubbery,” says Rains, “Yellowfin can stand to be cooked through. That’s why they are good canned.” Mayer and Rains live in South Nags Head with their dogs, Little, an 8-year-old chocolate lab, and Taylor, a 5-year-old brindle pit bull. Rains founded and operates Dune Dawgs Rescue, a nonprofit pit bull rescue organization. Rains also has a background in food and knows

fish. “The brine I am talking about is just really salty water,” says Mayer. They do put up tuna the old-fashioned way — in a jar. “I learned how to can tuna from my family, my mom” says Mayer, “We used to can a lot. The key to canning tuna is to soak it in brine for a bit, to get the blood out.” Do they make tuna salad with all that canned tuna? Absolutely. They do not, however, agree on their choice of dressing. Rains is a Duke’s Mayonnaise fan and Mayer grew up on Miracle Whip and remains faithful. It’s ok, says Mayer, “Henni makes little tiny bowls, I make big ones.” The couple agrees on the rest of the ingredients. A bit of chopped red or green onions, celery, and “no pickle,” says Mayer. “No. No pickle, ever,” says Raines. “I learned how to can tuna from my family, my mom,” says Capt. Greg Mayer. “We used to can a lot. The key to canning tuna is to soak it in brine for a bit, to get the blood out.”

THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, October 2, 2020

Continued from 18

most of the dramatic tricks to make the tuna steaks sizzle, too. Both just prefer not to use them. The duo recently purchased a midcentury modern house and are busy restoring and renovating it. They added a new stove. Still, no fancy sauces or set-ups. No sous-vide. Jerked or smoked tuna? Not recently, they say. As for saving some for later, if they do freeze fish, Mayer says it’s mostly tilefish and vacuum packed in tightly sealed bags. “Drying the fish is important before you freeze it. Dab it with a paper towel before you put it in the bag.” Mayer also reminds those cooking fish at home to never rinse fish with tap water. The meat will immediately begin to deteriorate. Instead, make a quick brine if you must rinse the

TUNA

COURTESY OF HENNI RAINS

Capt. Greg Mayer and his longtime love Henni Rains. Mayer and his boat, the Fishin’ Frenzy, have been central figures on National Geographic Channel’s hit program, “Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks” for six seasons.

20177+ 20188+2019 HEADBOAT FISHING, CRUISES & EXCURSIONS COURTESY OF HENNI RAINS

Canning tuna If you are new to canning, read the guide provided with your high pressure, canning equipment. You will absolutely need a pressure cooker to preserve tuna this way. The high heat kills the bacteria that may lead to spoilage. These are a few extra tips from Mayer and Rains. Brine the tuna loin before putting fish in canning jar. Soak the tuna in icy brine for a few minutes to a few hours; this will remove the blood from the fish. Brine is simply very salty water. Mayer fills a cooler with ice, water and a lot of salt. He then adds all the fish he wants to process. Working next to the cooler, pull fish out and cut to size. Wide mouth, pint size jars are preferred. The tuna is cut to fit in the jars and the wide mouth size accommodates the filets. Add a teaspoon of olive oil to the bottom of a clean, sterile, pint sized jar before adding fish. The tuna will produce its own juice. The oil will help prevent the fish from sticking to the bottom of jar. Layer pieces of tuna in the jar until it is almost full. Leave about an inch of headspace. Before adding new, sterile, lid, use a bit of vinegar on a towel to wipe off the rim of the jar. This removes any excess oil. A clean rim is essential for a tight seal. Set up pressure cooker, fill with jars and cook for 100 minutes when the pressure gauge reaches 15 pounds of pressure. “Don’t be tempted to add rosemary, peppercorns, or other aromatics. The flavor doesn’t really get infused and the pressure cooking just makes it not pretty,” says Rains. Finish sealing by waiting for jars to cool and that satisfying sound of the lid pressure popping into place. Twist on sterile jar bands and store in cool, dark location.

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20 Friday, October 2, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

Pirates ~ Puzzles ~ Games ~ John Deere

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THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, October 2, 2020

Hatteras Island

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22 Friday, October 2, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

LONELY

DOLL BEAUTIFUL

ISLAND Story By AMELIA BOLDAJI

Photography Courtesy of DARE WRIGHT MEDIA LLC

Dare Wright, New York City model, photographer and author, had a decades-long connection with Ocracoke and shot the photographs for a few of her best-selling “Lonely Doll” books on the island in the 1950s. Left: Dare Wright poses for a picture near a ﬁshing spot. Opposite page: Wright arranges a photo shoot with Edith on Ocracoke Island.

23 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, October 2, 2020

Opposite: Philip Howard writes about his familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long history on Ocracoke Island.

Friday, October 2, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

25 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, October 2, 2020

Opposite page: A rare example of Wright using color ﬁlm for a self-portrait by the water. This page: top, At Sliver Lake, Wright sets up the famous boat scene in “Holiday” in which Edith and Little Bear drift out to sea. Bottom, Wright’s ﬁrst and last books, respectively. “Doll” was published in 1957, while “Ocracoke” was published posthumously in 2006.

“Ocracoke in the Fifties” is a book I picked up on a whim. The author’s name, Dare Wright, seemed familiar, but I couldn’t quite put my ﬁnger on why until I settled in to read the foreword. Wright, it turned out, was also the creator of a series of best-selling children’s books that began with “The Lonely Doll” in 1957. “The Lonely Doll” is a book that fascinated me while I was growing up on the Outer Banks in the ’80s. In its broadest strokes it’s a classic children’s story (Edith is a lonely doll until she meets Mr. Bear and Little Bear, and after a troublesome adventure the three promise to live happily together forever), but there’s also a slightly darker, dreamlike air of mystery that surrounds aspects of this basic narrative that’s only heightened by the richly detailed black-and-white photographs that illustrate it. It seems simplistic and yet also incredibly revealing to say that Wright told stories primarily through photographs. While there’s a certain poetry to much of her writing, I was often struck more by how suggestive her images are – to the extent that it almost seemed irrelevant whether I actually read the text. From a photograph of Edith and the bears building a sandcastle or standing at the foot of a towering Brooklyn Bridge, to one of Edith appearing to take a slow-motion tumble while climbing a patio wall, the images sprung to life like movie stills. It was

26 Friday, October 2, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

Wright and her brother, Blaine, stage a series of archery shots together during a summer visit to Ocracoke in the mid-â&#x20AC;&#x2122;50s.

become “Holiday for Edith and the Bears,” the first follow-up in her “Lonely Doll” series. Thinking the mockups had potential, Seawell showed them to members of a private New York club, attracting the interest of several publishers. In 1957, Doubleday published “The Lonely Doll” and, the next year, “Holiday,” both to widespread acclaim. “The Lonely Doll” made The New York Times Best Sellers list for children’s books alongside Dr. Seuss’s “The Cat in the Hat,” and more than a half century later The Guardian named it one of the 10 Best Illustrated Children’s Books of all time. Over nearly two more decades, Wright published 19 books, 10 of which feature Edith and the bears. I hadn’t realized it before, but the final version of “The Lonely Doll” still includes images of Edith and the bears fishing and playing on the beach in Ocracoke, while “Holiday” was shot entirely on the island. Two of Wright’s other books, “Look at a Gull” and her only young-adult book, “Lona,” were also partially shot on Ocracoke, not to mention her 20th book, which was published posthumously 14 years ago , “Ocracoke in the Fifties.” Wright died in 2001, leaving a legacy of stories that generations of children continue to discover, or, like me, continue to rediscover and pass down to the other young readers in our lives. It seems fitting, then, to let Wright have the final word. When Edith and the Bears’ vacation comes to an end in “Holiday,” Edith doesn’t want to put her shoes back on and bemoans the fact that they have to leave. Though they can’t stay forever, as Little Bear suggests, Mr. Bear promises they can return to the island someday. In this happily ever after, there will always be a next time. “And so they sailed away,” Wright writes, prompting Little Bear to ask, “‘How long is it ’till next time?’” EDITOR’S NOTE: This story originally appeared in the 2016 edition of Outer Banks Magazine, which is published by The Virginian-Pilot, a Tribune Publishing Company. Brook Ashley has since written a biography on her godmother called, “Dare Wright and The Lonely Doll.” Published by Dare Wright Media in 2019, the book features more than 400 photographs and other illustrations. Visit DareWright.com to learn more, or check out the tribute page on Facebook @DareWrightATribute. “Ocracoke in the Fifties” also has its own Facebook page: @ocracokeinthefifties.

THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, October 2, 2020

likely these very qualities that captivated me when I was younger, but I found that pull was still there as an adult. In my experience, children rarely, if ever, think much about the authors of their favorite books. In many ways, our initial allegiances are to the characters, and Edith was certainly one of my first loves. Until I realized that Wright’s only book intended for an adult audience celebrated her deep, decades-long connection with the Outer Banks, Wright had seemed – if not exactly fictional – not quite as real as her creations had been to my younger self. But reality is often much more complicated than fiction, as Wright perhaps says best in the opening pages of “Ocracoke in the Fifties”: “Look, then,” she implores,“atthesephotographs of the island of Ocracoke – partly as it is, partly how it was, entirely as it appeared to me.” Like the books in “The Lonely Doll” series, “Ocracoke” is filled with her arresting black-andwhite photographs, depicting everything from images of the Ocracoke Lighthouse and the island’s picket fences to the old Wahab Village Hotel, the once-wild Ocracoke ponies during penning season, and portrait after portrait of the local people who played a large part in making Wright feel at home there.

After tracking down Brook Ashley, Wright’s godchild and heir to her estate, I began piecing together a larger narrative of Wright’s life. Born Alice Dare Wright in 1914, she trained as an actress in New York City and was an accomplished model and fashion photographer before she turned to children’s books. She was also a deeply private person who appeared to be most comfortable behind rather than in front of the camera – a fact that might surprise those familiar with Wright’s large personal collection of glamorous self-portraits. After Wright’s parents separated, her brother, Blaine, went to live with their father, and their mother, Edie, raised Wright as an only child. A celebrated professional painter herself, Edie encouraged Wright’s creativity, and the two remained especially close throughout their lives. In addition to pursuing several artistic projects, one of Wright and her mother’s shared pleasures was traveling. In 1947 – 10 years before “The Lonely Doll” was ﬁrst published – Donald Seawell, Ashley’s father and a native North Carolinian, introduced them to Ocracoke, thinking they would relish the natural beauty and the seclusion the island had to offer. They did. From that year on they spent almost every summer there until 1969. Not only did Wright and her mother enjoy exploring the untamed nooks of Ocracoke, Edith and the bears did too. Shortly after their annual Ocracoke trips began, Wright came across her childhood felt-covered Lenci doll that her mother had bought her decades earlier for $12.50 (a wildly extravagant expense at the time). Wright was inspired to remake the doll until it bore an uncanny resemblance to herself, complete with a platinum blonde wig, pierced ears and hand-sewn outﬁts. Wright also found two companion teddy bears that suited her imagination and started staging a number of elaborate shoots on Ocracoke in the early ’50s with Edith and the bears. Though Wright began taking these photographs purely for the joy of creating something new, many of them went into a miniature mockup that eventually became “The Lonely Doll.” During this period, Wright also made a second mini-mockup on Ocracoke, “The Barefoot Island,” which would

But reality is often much more complicated than ﬁction, as Wright perhaps says best in the opening pages of “Ocracoke in the Fifties”: “Look, then,” she implores, “at these photographs of the island of Ocracoke – partly as it is, partly how it was, entirely as it appeared to me.”

28 Friday, October 2, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

Pink Ribbon connecting patients to normalcy By Maggie Miles Correspondent

When Kim Twine’s mother Joyce was diagnosed with breast cancer 30 years ago, the pair went to get Joyce measured for a prosthesisandfittedforbras at a medical supply store following her mastectomy. Thestoreofferedavarietyof things for all kinds of patients but had no fitting room to speak of. Instead, Joyce was escorted to a tiny closet. “I felt like I was going to smother in there, it was so tight,” says Joyce Twine, 85. “It wasn’t a welcoming place at all.” So, mother and daughter explored other options: Pharmacies in strip malls with no privacy; orthotics offices where hammering and sawing was heard during a fitting; online shops where sizing was always a guess; and hospitals with boutiques that double as training sites and have high employee turnover rates. In most cases, the breast prostheses and apparel felt like and afterthought, Joyce Twine says. “After a woman has had (cancer) and she’s had a mastectomy and she’s had the doctors’ visits and all of the follow ups, they’ve had enough of doctors and hospitals,” says Kim Twine, 59. “And before their surgery, you didn’t go to a hospital to buy a bra, so … why then, for the rest of your life, should you have to go back to the hospital? No, they want a sense of normalcy.” In January, Twine opened the Pink Ribbon Resource Center, a specialty shop in Moyock that is dedicated solely to the needs of breast cancer patients from the time of their diagnosis and beyond by offering education, products, support and more. Pink Ribbon is a post mastectomy durable medical equipment provider serving northeast North Carolina and southeast Hampton Roads, Virginia, and Twine is a certified mastectomy fitter. According to her, a proper fit is really importantbecauseovertime

MAGGIE MILES/FREELANCE

Kim Twine opened the nonprofit Pink Ribbon Resource Center in Moyock in January. The shop is dedicated to the needs of breast cancer patients from the time of their diagnosis and beyond by offering education, products, support and more.

Pink Ribbon Resource Center Where: 119 Baxter Lane, Moyock Contact: 252-435-2776, pinkribbonresourcecenter@gmail.com; @pinkribbonresourcecenter on Facebook For more information about the Christian Breast Cancer Support Group, call Jan Wilson at 252-441-5232 or look for the group on Facebook. The group has held monthly virtual meetings since the pandemic hit, Wilson says you need not be Christian to join. PHOTO COURTESY OF KIM TWINE

The Pink Ribbon Resource Center opened in January and Nola's opens this week.

a woman with no breasts can often end up with drooped or rolled shoulders due to a lack of chest support. “When there’s no tissue there, your shoulder wants to naturally, by gravity, go towards your center line,” she says. “Especially if you have a woman who’s had a double mastectomy, she’s in her 30s, over the years, her body is going to want to do that really quickly, so having

the weight on the chest wall and proper support with the bra, it helps us hold ourselves up,” says Twine. “There’s a lot involved to it,” she adds. “It’s not just having boobies and looking pretty.” Twine notes that reconstructive surgery isn’t an option for everyone. Some women’s body’s reject implants or develop infections; sometimes they just can’t physically do it.

Twine, who previously worked in television news, first volunteered at a boutique in Florida after her mother’s diagnosis. Years later she left the newsroom to open her own boutique in Maryland, after her mother realized there was nowhere in that area for her to get a prosthesis or bra. It was a for-profit women’s clothing boutique with a small mastectomy shop in the back. Twine’s goal for the Pink Ribbon Resource Center is to make it a one-stop shop, solely for breast cancer pa-

tients and survivors. Not only does she have breast prostheses and post-mastectomy bras, but she also provides compression garments with all sorts of beautiful patterns to help with lymphedema. There are natural skin products made by cancer survivors for the dry skin and burns caused by radiation and chemotherapy,aswellasheadwrapsand wigs that Twine will match as closely to your real hair as possible. She even has prosthesis accommodating swimwear.

Twine says she made the center a nonprofit because prostheses can be pricey — up to around $350 per breast form or $700 for a set — and the area the shop serves has a lot of underinsured,lower-incomeclients. She is also opening a boutique next door called Nola’s this week, from which sales will go to helping women in need get the prostheses they need. (Nola stands for New and Once Loved Apparel.) Deemed an essential business, the center has been able to stay open throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Jan Wilson, a Southern Shores resident and 20-year breast cancer survivor who now oversees the Christian Breast Cancer Support Group, which coincidentally Twine’s mother founded three decades ago, discovered the Pink Ribbon Resource Center at the beginning of quarantine. “It’salmost like agodsend that she’s there,” says Wilson, 73. “We don’t have to go to the city and sit in a medical waiting room. It’s so nice to go to this ladies’ shop.” According to Wilson, Twine makes the fitting process comfortable and easy. “Sometimes when you take your shirt off or take your bra off you are worried they’re going to be scared of what they see, because of scars or deformities, and she is not fazed by that,” says Wilson. “I just can’t say enough about how excited I am, and I just wish her all the success and I hope she stays in that shop forever becausewejustneedher,we really need her.” Twine says the most rewarding part about her job is supporting her clients through the various stages of a breast cancer diagnosis, from early on when they think their world is falling apart to when they feel they can move on with life. Providing a sense of normalcy is her goal, as well as reminding her clients that they’re going to be OK. “You really do develop good friendships,” Twine says.

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THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, October 2, 2020

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Friday, October 2, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

FYI

A trip to the Outer Banks’ beautiful beaches is an enjoyable and memorable experience for many visitors and families. Whether you’re going swimming, sailing or surfing, taking strolls in the sand or laying out to catch some sun, or participating in any of the many other activities at our coastal attractions, we want your time at the beach to be as safe as it is fun. Here are some tips and resources to help you stay safe:

Exposure to the sun

Enjoying the sunshine means also being aware of the dangers of prolonged exposure to the sun. Proper and regular application of sunscreen to exposed skin will help protect your skin

from sunburn and sun damage. Remember to reapply sunscreen every time you get out of the water.

Rip currents

Rip currents are channeled currents of water that flow away from shore, and can quickly pull even the strongest swimmers out to sea. Since the current flows under water, it’s important to know the signs of a rip current and avoid the water in that area. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), indicators of rip currents include: • A channel of churning, choppy water. • Notable differences in water color. • Lines of foam, seaweed or debris moving steadily seaward. • A break in the incoming

wave pattern. Check the National Weather Service Surf Zone Forecasts for the latest rip current, high and low tide and surf height information. You’ll want to check the Outer Banks regional forecast. Flags on public beaches also indicate rip current alerts: green for low hazard and calm conditions, yellow for medium hazard with moderate surf conditions, and red for high hazard with rough conditions indicating rip currents. Be sure to look for flags on lifeguard stations and read the sign keys when arriving at the beach. If you see warning signs of rip currents or moderate or high hazard flags, stay out of the water and alert others to do the same. If caught in a rip current, you should stay calm to conserve energy and

DON’T LET COVID HIJACK YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST! Plan now for high demand, shipping delays and other supply chain snafus: WHEN YOU SEE IT LOCAL, BUY IT LOCAL!

allow yourself to think clearly. Don’t try to fight the current. Instead, swim out in a direction following the shoreline and swim toward shore once you’re out of the current.

Beach warning flags

Watch for flags posted at many beach access sites signifying water conditions.

Lifeguarded beaches

The Outer Banks welcomes several million guests annually and many of these people enjoy our shores and waters. For travelers who prefer swimming on beaches with lifeguard stations, here’s a list of lifeguard stations. Please note: lifeguard locations are subject to change at any time. Roving lifeguards also patrol the beaches on ATVs. Corolla

Bonita Street, Buck Island, Crown Point, Currituck Bath House at The Currituck ClubHamilepostton Inn, Pine Island, Herring Street, Lighthouse Ramilepost at Corolla Village R, oad, ean Sands (sections D, F, O, P, S), Sailfish Street, Shad Street, Sturgeon Street, Villages of Ocean Hill Duck Barrier Island Station, Four Seasons, Plover Drive, Schooner Ridge Drive, Sprigtail Drive Southern Shores Chickahauk Beach, Hillcrest Beach Kitty Hawk Byrd Street: milepost 2, Eckner Street: milepost 3, Kitty Hawk Bath House, south of Kitty Hawk Road: milepost 4 Kill Devil Hills 1st Street: milepost 7.5, 2nd Street: milepost 7.25, 4th Street: milepost 6.75, 5th Street: milepost 6.5 (near K-MART), Asheville Street: milepost 7.5, Atlantic Street:

milepost 9.5, Calvin Street: milepost 9, Carlow Avenue: milepost 8.25, Clark Street — milepost 9, Hayman Boulevard: milepost 5.75, Helga Street: milepost 5.5., Lake Drive: milepost 9.75, Martin Street: milepost 9.25, Neptune Drive (Ocean Acres): milepost 9.75, Ocean Bay Boulevard: milepost 8.5, Oregon Avenue: milepost 8.6, Woodmere Avenue: milepost 8 Nags Head Albatross Street: milepost 10.25, Bonnett Street: milepost 11.5, Enterprise Street: milepost 14, Epstein Street: milepost 14.5, Forrest Street: milepost 15.75, Gray Eagle Street: milepost 16.5, Gulf Stream Street: milepost 16.6, Hollowell Street: milepost 12, Hargrove Street: milepost 17.5, Juncos Street: milepost19.5 Cape Hatteras National Seashore Cape Hatteras, Swim Beach, Coquina Beach, Ocracoke Swim Beach

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THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, October 2, 2020

Take beach safety seriously

Friday, October 2, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

Not Just Another Day at the Oﬃce

Fusion Office Business Centers is bringing flexible workspace to Barco fast - but still maintains that smalltown feel that we all love to much. I’ve been commuting to Virginia to work since 2006. Now that our daughter is in high school, I really wanted to be closer to her and be as involved as I can with all of her activities. It was difficult to do that when I was an hour away (with traffic!). There are so many small businesses here. I wanted to be centrally located so that the entire county and surrounding counties could benefit. What are your biggest challenges as a business owner?

Sandi Ayres is the owner of Fusion Office Business Centers in Barco, NC. The business is scheduled to open November 1, 2020 (depending on current pending build-out permits). Can you describe your business? Fusion Office Business Centers is a professional provider of shared-office space - dedicated private fully furnished offices, virtual offices, a boardroom, office equipment, and administrative services. We offer a variety of packages to suit all types of businesses - big and small, local and out-of-the-area. Enjoy a flexible office space experience without all of the expenses of traditional office space. Can you talk about the decision to start your own business? I have been in this business since 2009 - managing a successful center in Virginia. I’ve always wanted to own my own business. My husband and I have a daughter in high school - and

“This type of business model is very common in the more metropolitan areas but... I believe this concept will work here — there’s a need for it.” we’re very involved with her schooling and extra curricular activities. During quarantine, we realized that now was the time to pull the trigger. This type of business model is perfect for the times...offering people an alternative to the traditional ofﬁce model....this will allow people to continue working more affordably and possibly closer to their home. Why do you do what you do? I love seeing businesses succeed especially in these quirky and challenging times. I know the time and money it takes to start or expand a business. We take some of those worries away! Why Currituck County? It’s our home! Currituck is growing -

The biggest challenge so far has been making business owners and entrepreneurs aware of exactly what it is that we offer. This type of business model is very common in the more metropolitan areas but is new to this area. I believe this concept will work here - there’s a need for it. I have to mention the incredible support we received from Currituck Economic Development, the COA Small Business Center and the Currituck Chamber of Commerce. Starting a new business is stressful, and all of them made me feel so comfortable and motivated. Honestly, finding that kind of support is invaluable and helped make this decision easy! Fusion Office Business Centers 4130 Caratoke Highway, Barco, NC fusionofficebusinesscenters@gmail.com

fusionobc.com (coming soon) Read the full interview at

www.ThinkCurrituck.com

Larry Lombardi, Director (252) 232-6015 M: (301) 237-8951 Larry@ThinkCurrituck.com www.ThinkCurrituck.com

THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, October 2, 2020

CURRITUCK COUNTY Small Business Spotlight

Friday, October 2, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

35 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, October 2, 2020

Buxton Village Books We’re OPEN!

Lots of

Sea Bags in stock!

National Best Sellers,

Local Books and a whole lot more! 47918 Hwy12, Buxton • 252.995.4240 • buxtonvillagebooks.com • We ship!

• Bathhouse with Shower • Full Hookup • Cable TV • Water Views • Playground

• Local Seafood fresh off the boat • Shellﬁsh, Fresh Fish and Daily Catch • Groceries • Crabbing Supplies • Great Selection of Beer and Wine

126 Marshy Ridge Rd, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

1341 Colington Rd, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

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Friday, October 2, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

There are Treasures to Behold

Just Outside the OBX on highway 158 south of the VA/NC state line you’ll find an award-winning winery, Sanctuary Vineyards, offering both tours and tastings, 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, October 2, 2020

On the Road to Corolla

38 Friday, October 2, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

Welcome to the Coastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coloring page!

No matter 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.

and the Great Wide Open Begins

Head North to Corolla Open. That is what many of us long to be. In our minds, in our hearts and in our business. It is comforting to know that miles of windswept remote beaches, legendary wild horses and iconic historical sites await you where Highway 12 ends, only a short drive away, in Corolla on the Currituck Outer Banks.

Call 877.287.7488 for more information, driving directions or your free visitor’s guide

Corolla • Carova • The Mainland

Visit us online at VisitCurrituck.com

THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Friday, October 2, 2020

Drive Until the Road Ends

40 Friday, October 2, 2020 THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

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OVER 40 DESIGNS LARGEST COLLECTION IN USA

We donate 10% of pro from select designs toﬁts Outer Banks Turtle organi zations

10% of proceeds go to dog sheelters

Coastal Lifestyle Outfitters COROLLA 812 Ocean Trail Hwy 12 across from Food Lion Center 252.453.9116

Fall

Promotiones Storewid

DUCK 1180 Duck Road Lower Hwy 12 on the Soundside 252.261.4828

Open Daily 9:30 am - 6 pm WWW.FARMERSDAUGHTEROBX.NET

NAGS HEAD 6803 S. Croatan Hwy. Milepost 16 Highway 158 252.441.3977

HATTERAS 58848 Marina Way Ferry Docks in Hatteras Landing 252.986.9970