My Outer Banks Home - Spring 2019 by Three Dog Ink

The BIG Spring Cleanup page 10

Crushed Glass & Recycling page 4

Local Music Legend Mojo Collins

Dancing Into Your Hearts The Wright Tappers

The Sport with the Weird Name pickleball

Summer Activities

kid-friendly things to do

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Contents PUBLISHER

Mary Ann Williams, Gene Williams

EDITOR

Greg Smrdel

ART DIRECTOR Sue Colao

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

feature 4

Crushed Glass, Recycling, and the Global Market Turning trash into treasure

Kevin Groat

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Marie Walker, Charles Gregory

CONTRIBUTORS

Kimberly Armstrong, Steve Hanf, Alexi Holian, Katrina Mae Leuzinger, Rebecca Orr, Greg Smrdel, Kip Tabb, Joyce Taylor/Mariner’s Menu, Tara Turner

PHOTOGRAPHY / ILLUSTRATIONS

home 10

The Big Spring Cleanup

obx community

outdoors 26

Hook, Line, and Science Catching your quota with science

food 30

Talk of the Towns

The unusual history behind our town names

Getting your yard shipshape for the season

It Ain’t What it Used to Be The winds of change blow over the Outer Banks

Just Sayin’ How locals are paying it forward

The Wright Tappers Dancing their way into your heart

Recipes

CLH Design, Dare County, Kevin Groat, Mojo Collins Collection, Mike Gross, Jim Marshall, Josh McClure Photography, Muse OBX Originals, NC Sea Grant, Outer Banks History Center, Outer Banks Sporting Events, Owens Restaurant, pinimg.com, Poor Richard’s, Shutterstock, U.S. Pickleball Association, waymarking.com, The Wright Tappers

DISTRIBUTION Nick Leinweber

PUBLISHED BY

Three Dog Ink Media, LLC 111 East Baltic Street • Nags Head, NC 27959 252.261.6490 • 252.261.5476 Fax E-MAIL info@threedogink.com

OUR WEBSITE

myouterbankshome.com

Feasting on local seafood

active life 33

local spotlight 34

Mojo Collins The man behind the music

Jenny Ash Meet the new Executive Race Director

Summer Activities for Kids Kid-friendly programs and camps for the summer

Pickleball The sport with the funny name

for fun 44

New Words New words for the new year

Three Dog Ink welcomes comments and suggestions about errors that warrant correction. E-mail your corrections to editor@ threedogink.com. Three Dog Ink, LLC cannot and does not guarantee the correctness of all information furnished them, nor the complete absence of errors or omissions, hence, no responsibility for the same can be nor is assumed. Three Dog Ink, LLC cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by the advertisers in this publication. Reproduction of any material from this publication is strictly forbidden without permission from the publisher.

Find your perfect spot on the Beach! ess Info c c A h c a e B menities Complete photos • a re! e maps • much mo interactiv o s d n a • ther wind/wea

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CRUSHED GLASS, and the

Global Market The world is becoming more environmentally conscious, and Dare County is no different. Here is some important information for you to help do your part.

SHUTTERSTOCK

STORY BY

Kip Tabb •

t seems like such a simple thing—figure out what can be recycled, drop it in a bin or recycle can and have a truck come by and pick it up. Or more likely, drop the recycled items off at a recycling center. Sure, the attendant there may say something along the lines of, “Hey. You’ve got to separate the glass out of the other stuff,” but for the most part it’s pretty easy to do. And it feels good…as though we have made some small gesture or played some small role in making the world a little greener.

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2019

PHOTOS BY

Dare County

But that small simple act is actually part of a surprisingly complex system that includes human behavior, international relations, money, and a lot of innovation. Dare County crushes much of its glass. In many places crushed glass has become part of a vibrant market for the product. Mixed with concrete it adds an aesthetic quality and potentially some strength. Used as part of a paving mixture it helps to create a porous yet permanent surface. The uses are ex-

dare recycling

FEATURE

Above: Raw glass on its way to being crushed. Below Left: Piles of glass bottles before recycling. Below Right: After recycling, the crushed glass provides a decorative mulch such as this surround for the Town Hall flagpole in Kill Devil Hills.

traordinary and the market is vibrant. Locally, though, the glass is pretty much for domestic use. “We’ve been doing it (crushing glass) for a while now,” Shanna Fullmer, Public Works Director, said. When the county first started crushing glass around ten years ago, there were concerns about whether the program would work. “We were thinking, what are we going to do with all this glass byproduct? We shouldn’t have worried. People were calling from all over,” Fullmer said. “The crushed glass product, people are crazy for it,” she added. “Homeowners, they use it in flower beds. People have made candles with it. People have made stained glass with it. People also will use it in their driveways. It doesn’t make a good substitute for gravel, but it gives gravel a certain look. You can put it in your hands and it won’t cut you. You can walk barefoot across it.” It’s a great service for Dare County property owners and businesses, but its greatest impact may be in how much money it saves the county. Recycling is a market driven business and right now the price being paid for recycled goods is way down. The tipping fees, the cost to handle the recycled material, is way up. The problem is china; not the country of China in this case, but what we’ve been sending to China. China is the largest processor of recycled goods in the world. There was already, probably, too much product on the market, but what was coming from the US compounded that. “China had been telling us for years to clean the stream up,” Fullmer ex-

plained. “‘What you’re sending us is trash mixed in with recycled goods.’ China finally told us we’re not taking anything else. So it created a glut of product inside of the country.”And that’s where the market really comes into play. “There has to be a market for whatever it is that you are trying to get rid of,” Fullmer said. Kitty Hawk Public Works Director Willie Midgett has been with the town for 12 years and in that time he has witnessed firsthand how the market has shifted. “With China not taking stuff, the demand has gone way down for recyclables. A lot of it is making its way back into the waste stream now. Plastic is not making any money. Metal is making money. Clean metal is making even better money. Cardboard is making money. Anything else is probably not,” he said. One thing is certain…recycling is not going to go away. There is across the full span of our society, a willingness, and usually a commitment to recycling. The towns, counties and municipalities that provide that service, though, face a daunting task: how to control the cost. “Dare County has two different fees when you’re looking at recycling,” Fullmer said. “You’re looking at the cost of transportation and you’re looking at the tipping fees when you get there. The tipping fees for recycled fees have gone through the roof. The tipping fees for trash is now about $12 less per ton than my tipping fee for recycling.” Here’s where it starts to get a bit confusing. There seems to be an intersection of market forces and innovation on the Outer Banks.

Spring 2019 | myouterbankshome.com

FEATURE

dare recycling

There are basically two ways to handle recycled materials: single stream and sorted. Single stream is where a recycle bin or can is on the property, all the recyclable goods go into it, a truck stops by and picks it up and takes it away. The huge advantage is its convenience. The disadvantage is everything goes into the container and single source recycling probably contributed to the Chinese complaints about the product. There is a cost savings on the front end with convenience and transportation, but there are additional costs later on. “On the collection end of it, and maybe even on the trucking end of it, you’re saving on your transportation fees,” Fullmer said. “Then on the back end you’re raising your tipping fee because somebody’s got to sort it. The single stream had a lot of good application but you have to follow that process all the way through.” How to most effectively recycle material at the least possible cost has be-

Act locally. Think globally. come a multi-pronged problem. The price of the goods has fallen because the largest buyer is no longer purchasing the product. Because the price has fallen, the tipping fees have risen. The short-term way to offset at least some of the rising cost is to reduce transportation costs. And that’s where things get innovative. NC State has created a Zero Waste program designed to educate the public.“NC State is doing a really good job of at trying to educate recyclers. We’re trying to get back to the basics,” Fullmer said. “Clean up the recycle stream and then the market will open up.” Cleaning up the recycle stream is something every town on the Outer Banks is aware of. “Currently, we are focusing on keeping contaminants out of our recycling stream so that we continue to have high quality recyclables,” Roberta Thuman Nags Head Public Information Officer said. And that brings the discussion back to the crushed glass. Well…the glass and couple of ideas. Glass is one of the heaviest of all recyclable items. Eliminating that, by itself, reduces the tipping fees. There is another step the county has taken finding a way to compress the recycled material. “We obtained two compactors with a state grant. One is here on site and one in Kitty Hawk and transportation costs have been cut in half,” Fullmer said. “As far as dumping goes, it’s made a huge difference,” Midgett said. “Now we dump about once a quarter instead of once a week. That’s a huge savings just in time for the gas and driver.” When the compactors showed up back in July the impact was immediate—

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2019

dare recycling

FEATURE

Recycle vs. Non-Recycle Items According to a recent poll, 87% of American adults recycle regularly. While more and more people are taking advantage of becoming more environmentally friendly, there are many common mistakes made. While this is not a comprehensive list, the following can be used as a guideline as to what is recyclable and what is not.

Recyclable Items

Glass - Most household glass can be recycled many

times over. Glass is one of the easiest materials to recycle. Make sure they are rinsed and all metal tops are recycled separately. Paper labels do not need to be removed.

Above: Dare County’s main recycling center at 1018 Driftwood Drive in Manteo.

or immediate for anyone bringing recycled goods to either Kitty Hawk or the Dare County recycling center on Driftwood Drive on Roanoke Island. “There’s no glass in that,” was a typical instruction. Followed by, “You can’t put glass in the compactor.” The attendant would then point to a separate bin and indicate that’s where the glass was supposed to go. What has happened is the recycled product is cleaner and it is having an effect. “Right now Dare County pays $85 per ton to get rid of co-mingled plastic and steel cans and aluminum cans. The county is in better shape than some because we have adhered to the single stream at the collection centers,” Fullmer said. It is remarkable how many items go into that recycle stream. Cardboard has long been known as a very recyclable item, and according to Fulmer, selling the cardboard helps to offset tipping fees of recyclables. The price, however, has been falling. “I have seen a drop in the price. We were getting $190 per ton. It’s dropped to $60 a ton,” she said. Most recycling centers take large bulk items as well—things like refrigerators or stoves. “It’s white goods. We sell it to a recycling place. It’s not a lot, but it is enough to pay for the driver’s time,” Midgett said. There is a saying, “Act locally; think globally.” We may not consciously be thinking that way, yet the ultimate effect may be the same. The effect of action locally will eventually change what happens on a much larger scale.” “The hope is clean up the stream, present a better product going to market, and hopefully the big dogs that are into buying large quantities of this product are into this market again,” Fullmer said. ³ Kip Tabb is a freelance writer living on the Outer Banks. He has covered a wide range of community interest stories as well as environmental and replated topics for a number of publications.

RECYCLING CENTER LOCATIONS

For both county and town recycling centers, hours of operation, and description of what each accepts, visit: darenc.com/departments/public-works/recycling

Metal - Food and drink cans made from aluminum

or steel are also recyclable. Even aluminum foil can be recycled, but it must be cleaned and free of food.

Paper - Nearly every paper article is able to be

recycled. Shredded paper, however is not as easy to recycle due to the destruction of the paper fibers.

Plastics - Look for the triangle with a plastic identification code in it. The code will range from 1-7. Most recycle centers accept plastics with a 1 or 2.

Clothes and Shoes can also be recycled. The Outer Banks Hotline Thrift Shop, King’s Daughter Thrift, and Mission Thrift would be a good place for this type of recycling.

Non- Recyclable Items

Coated Materials - Items like juice boxes, chip bags, frozen food boxes and the like cannot be recycled. Anything with a plastic, glossy or shiny coating. Food-Stained Materials - Things like used paper towels, pizza boxes and jars with food residue. The grease and other elements in the food can gum up the recycle machines. Lids and Caps - One of the most common mistakes is to leave your cap on your water bottle when recycling. The cap and bottle are made of two different types of plastic and can’t be recycled together. Plastic Grocery Bags - They can wrap around machines and shut down operation, therefore shouldn’t be included. Spring 2019 | myouterbankshome.com

EDUCATION

college of the albemarle

EAT • DRINK • EDUCATE

That’s the name of the COA Dare County Campus Scholarship Fundraiser set to take place on Friday, April 26th. The event kicks off at 6pm.

he “Eat” includes heavy hors d’oeuvres. The “Drink” is champagne, wine, and beer. The “Educate” is helping COA students with their financial obligations and learning more about the school. According to Jenna Hatfield, COA’s Public Information Officer, the scholarships are available for “COA students who are Dare County residents, with at least a 2.0 GPA and demonstrate a financial need. Parttime students are also eligible for the funds raised at this event.” The first COA fundraising event was held at the Hilton Garden Inn back in April of 2016. That STORY BY was called “Destination OBX.” Per Hatfield, “This Greg Smrdel will be the third year of hosting the event and the second time that it will be held at the Professional Arts Building on the Roanoke Island Campus. The event now involves cocktail attire and a larger focus on the programs that COA has to offer here in Dare County. Attendees will be able peruse the gallery and see the artwork in the form of jewelry, sculptures, painting and pottery that COA students have created. Program demonstrations and tours will also be available” Live music and a silent auction will round out the evening. An event like this isn’t possible without corporate sponsorship. This year those sponsors include Southern Bank, The Willey Agency, and Twiddy & Company. When asked why they are one of the presenters, Clark Twiddy had this to say: “We’re always happy to help with education. I think it’s important because we’d all agree that the best way to build a future we’re all excited about is to invest in education locally. By helping with the event, we’re hoping to support students in making great decisions about their future to include an understanding of local opportunities. We’ve got a tight labor market for several reasons, and Twiddy & Company thinks one of the best things to do to sustain economic vibrancy into the future is to invest in the development of a local workforce that’s bright, capable, and engaged. J. Fletcher Willey, past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of COA and now a member of the COA Foundation, and president of the J. Fletcher Willey Agency agrees. “The title says it all. But I would change the order of the words. Educate is the main theme. Our college will provide new opportunities and new facilities right here in Dare County. All the money raised will go directly to scholarships for students in Dare County.” The Foundation’s goal, according to Hatfield, “is to raise $10,000 after expenses are paid. Ten students would benefit by receiving a scholarship of $1,000 each. The amount would be split between the fall and spring semesters.” “The more money in the fund, the more students that can be helped,” says Hatfield. According to Amy Alcocer, Executive Director of Foundation and Development for COA, “In 2016-17 there were four scholarship recipients awarded a total of $2,799. In 2018-19 there have been six scholarship recipients awarded a total of $5,500.”

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2019

Amanda Stewart, one scholarship winner had this to say: “I was extremely happy to be a recipient of a scholarship. I did not think I would receive one, but every bit helps when just the books cost over $1200 for the program!” Stewart continues, “It’s been a little tough going back to school later in life with a family to care for, but with words of encouragement from friends and family, and a scholarship, I have kept believing in myself that I can do this! I did not realize how many organizations participated with financial scholarships for Dare county, we are blessed to live in such a giving community.” Potential student recipients are able to apply online through the college’s website: albemarle.edu For more information on the event, and tickets, visit: albemarle.edu/news/darecounty-scholarship-fundraiser/³ Greg Smrdel is the editor for My Outer Banks Home magazine.

WHERE: COA Professional Arts Building Roanoke Island

WHEN:

April 26, 2019 • 6pm

TICKETS: Online at albemarle.edu/news/ dare-county-scholarshipfundraiser

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Spring

FREEPIK.COM

STORY BY:

Greg Smrdel

hhh, it’s finally Spring. The birds are singing. The golf courses are open. Time to enjoy life……

What’s that honey? Spring what? Spring Cleaning?!?!?! (Record Scratch) Yes, it is that time of year (again). It’s time to focus on your new year. There’s lots to be done, so let’s get cracking…

SHUTTERSTOCK

homes and yards to get them back up to shipshape for the

spring clean

“The first thing you want to do in the spring is to take a walk around your property. Look for mildew on the house, torn screens, signs of any winter varmint nests like birds, raccoons, opossums, or snakes that may have made their way into your house or garage.” Those are the words of John Bennett, a homeowner from Colington Harbour. “While walking the property, you’ll also want to take notice of any trees or bushes that need to be trimmed back from around your HVAC unit, impeding its effectiveness. Also look for any noticeable rot on the house.” “Once your walk around is completed and your notes taken, you still aren’t finished,” says Bennett. “After walking the property, stand out in the street. Take a look at your property from there. Go down a checklist that would include things like: how do the flower beds look? Do the trees need to be trimmed? Does the front door need to be painted? How does the roof look? How does the paint on the house look? Just notice your overall curb appeal.” After the winter, your house isn’t your only concern. There is also lots to be done for your yard this time of year. Todd Smrdel, owner of SPM Landscape in Kitty Hawk advises that “you should clear your flower beds of leaves and debris. They should be edged out and you should cut out any winter kill.” Once this is done, then the beds can be fertilized, mulched “and here’s the important part,” according to Smrdel. “You then put down a pre-emergence. It is important the pre-emergence goes down after the mulch goes down. In the event the mulch has any weed seed mixed into it.” (As a side note, My Outer Banks Home encourages the use of bee friendly pre-emergence).

GARDEN & LANDSCAPING

SHUTTERSTOCK

Spring 2019 | myouterbankshome.com

GARDEN & LANDSCAPING

spring clean

Once the beds are attended to, you can then turn your attention to your grass. You’ll want to make sure all the leaves are picked up because over time, they will smother your yard. Smrdel continues, “late spring is the best time for seeding warm season grasses like Bermuda, Centipede, or Zoysia.” If you plan on laying sod, wait until May to sod either Centipede or Zoysia. But Bermuda sod can be laid at any time of the year. If you have an underground sprinkler system or an outdoor shower, this is also the time to “de-winterize” those to get them up and running. Have a pool? Then hold on! Your work isn’t done just yet. “Once the temperatures hits a constant 50 - 55 degrees algae blooms can occur,” says John Bennett. In addition to being a homeowner, John is also co-owner of Beach Bonnie Services, a pool and spa cleaning company. “You’ll want to shock the pool with chlorine pucks and leave them floating until you turn on the pool pumps.” Your pool filter will also need to be cleaned. “Use a 20% Muriatic and water solution when cleaning the filter,” says Bennett. He also cautions to use both gloves and eye protection when doing this. “Once the filter is cleaned, rinse it, and hang it to dry.” Bennett also advises that if it’s been at least 5 years, you should probably also dump your sand filter and refill it with new. If you have a hot tub, once the threat for a freeze is gone, you’ll want to clean the sides of the tub, refill with fresh water, get it running and get those chemicals under control. Phew! That’s a lot to take care of, but all important things to keep your house and yard in good shape. Now that it’s all done, tee time anyone? ³

SHUTTERSTOCK

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myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2019

Spring 2019 | myouterbankshome.com

2 4

Talk

STORY BY

Towns of the

5 6 3

Kimberly Armstrong

Come on. You have to admit, here on the Outer Banks we have some of the strangest names for our towns. Ever wonder how those towns got their names? Well, wonder no more...

t was a dark and stormy night. The ship heaved in the billowing sea as the crew gazed longingly toward the blur of coastland. Suddenly, a glimmer of light pierced the gloom. The captain navigated towards the twinkling brightness, hoping for safe harbor, but ran aground on the shoals. Meanwhile, a horse (a nag) with a lantern dangling from his neck was paraded along the sand dunes and a cluster of men huddled onshore. They’d been duped! The sailors trembled with fear as the ruffians plowed through the waves, intent on plunder. And that is how the town of Nags Head got its name. Hmmm. A horse outfitted with a flaming lantern? Despite this dubious narrative, the caricature of the puckish nag and his nightlight has been a boon to the souvenir market. Read on for more legends and lore and discover how the culture 12 and language of early settlers contributed to the delightfully quirky place names along the Outer (and Inner) Banks.

1. Nags Head (cont’d)

7 12

Who hasn’t engaged in a bit of cloud watching? Identifying a cloud that looks like a pepperoni and mushroom pizza. Or one that resembles an ex-husband being chased by a bear. Imagine that same concept applied to a landmass. On a fair day at sea, an early sailor gazed upon this section of barrier island and declared, “Aye, that yonder spit of land there, to be sure it looks like a horse’s head.” Many years ago, before people walked around staring at smart phones, waiting for someone/anyone to share a random thought, a gentleman, taking in the beauty of the coastal flora and fauna and great gulps of salty air, came upon a most distressing sight. Beyond a thicket of wax myrtles were the remains of a horse (a nag) whose head was lodged among the gnarled branches of a live oak tree. Geographically speaking, “head” is defined as land protruding into the sea (think Hilton Head, Bald Head, etc.). And horses favored grazing on this protrusion. The story goes that an Englishman purchased a sizable tract of land and called it Nags Head because it reminded him of a bonny place in England of the same name.

town names

OBX COMMUNITY

2. Carova The origin of the name of this northernmost town on the Outer Banks is so obvious you could figure it out while simultaneously participating in a highly competitive game of corn-hole, chugging a cold beverage, and singing, “Oh give me a home where the wild mustangs roam.” The name is a combination of the first two syllables of Carolina and the abbreviation for Virginia (VA) thus indicating its proximity to the North CarolinaVirginia boundary.

3. Kill Devil Hills Ever been flustered and at a loss for words? You may wish to borrow a phrase from early settlers who would exclaim, “It’s enough to kill the devil.” For example, when navigating the tricky waterways: “It’s enough to kill the devil!” When locally distilled rum was found to be lacking: “This rum is so bad, it’s enough to kill the devil!” A ship carrying a cargo of rum wrecked on a nearby beach. When portions of the cargo mysteriously disappeared at night, local resident, Ike, volunteered to stand guard. While on watch, someone tied a rope around the cargo and hitched it to the get-a-way horse. Ike interrupted the heist but refusing to be a snitch, he explained that the devil stole the rum and that he (Ike) had killed the devil. A local resident made a pact with the devil – his soul for a bag of gold. The exchange was to take place on top on a hill. Prior to the meeting, the resident dug a hole from the top of the sand dune to the bottom. When the devil appeared, he was coaxed into the hole and quickly covered with sand (and killed). The Dutch term “kill” means stream or channel and the term “devil” is used to refer to a sand spout or whirling dervish. Problem is, the area was devoid of Dutch influence. Once upon a time, the area was the home of Killdee or Killdeer, common shore birds. The name may have evolved from Killdeer Hill to Kill Devil Hill.

6. Kitty Hawk Is it possible that pesky, bloodthirsty mosquitos contributed to this town’s name? Early settlers observed mosquito hawks (very large mosquitos) in the area. Referred to as “skeeter hawks” which eventually evolved to Kitty Hawk. Back in the day, there was an abundance of geese in the area. Their familiar honking led Native Americans to refer to them as “hauk.” To “kill a hauk” meant to kill a goose. Hello Kittiwake. A gull-like bird of the Atlantic coast, its name bears a resemblance to “Kitty Hawk.” However, the Kittiwake does not generally venture south of the Chesapeake Bay. That’s not to say some of them could have flown off course. After all, we did witness a snowy owl on Pea Island. There was an Algonquian settlement in the area called Chickehauk. “Bankers” tended to spell a word the way they heard it, so over time, Chickehauk morphed into Kitty Hawk.

7. Hatteras “The people of shallow waters.” That’s how the Hatterask Indians referred to themselves, as they hunted and fished around the Pamlico Sound. They were among the first human inhabitants of Hatteras Island. Hatterask referred to modern day Frisco. An inlet north of the cape was named “Hatrask” in 1585 by Sir Richard Grenville, the admiral leading the Roanoke Colony expedition sent by Sir Walter Raleigh. The name was later given to the island and the cape as well and modified to “Hatteras.”

4. Barco

8. Chicamacomico

Dream of having a place named after you? Something more dignified than a placard marking the spot where you embarrassingly wiped out on your nephew’s skim board? Aspire to be like Caleb Barco, the first postmaster of this town in 1894. The townsfolk, impressed with Mr. Barco’s job performance, the regularity with which they received mail, named the town for him. So, next time you’re cruising through Barco, on the way to somewhere else, toot the horn and tip your hat to the memory of Postmaster Barco.

Pronounced Chik-ah-ma-com-eh-co and suggests something to chant in a conga line. It’s an Algonquin Indian word meaning “land of shifting sands” or “sinking sands.” The Rodanthe and Waves of today, is the Chicamacomico of yesteryear. Though the Native Americans named the area, the English settlers continued to use the word “Chicamacomico” and various derivations to describe the northernmost end of Hatteras Island. In 1874, when a U.S. LifeSaving Station was established, it was named Chicamacomico. But a post office established there the same year was named Rodanthe. Seems that Chicamacomico was just too darn hard to pronounce or spell! Such history and mystery! Another endearing aspect of this place we call home.³

5. Harbinger The word “harbinger” is defined as a sign or omen foreshadowing the approach of a person or future event. In this case, it was the clever name of a sailing ship which used Hall’s Harbor, an important harbor facility, as a place of call. Here, boats brought in provisions and merchandise and local produce was shipped out. Harbinger was originally part of Powell’s Point and Point Harbor.

Kimberly happily resides in Manteo where there is no mystery surrounding the origin of that town’s name.

Spring 2019 | myouterbankshome.com

: BX

The

, It Ain t What It Used To Be L

KEVIN GROAT

ike all our lives, the Outer Banks is full of STORY BY: change. If you’re a local and have been here Greg Smrdel for any length of time you know that. Vacationers that have been coming year-after-year, generation-after-generation have no doubt noticed the changes too. Here’s a few of those changes. See how many you remember in a former life.

O we ns Re sta ur an t in

n in io n BlackranPets lica at St g in av es Lif k w Ha y the tt on Ki e Th re popular restau now one of the mo e Th Kitty Hawk is was constructed as 1874, the building coast. NC Outer Banks, but in the on n ve se of Station. One Kitty Hawk Lifesaving

OWENS RESTAURAN T

has been sitting on the Beach Road Nags Head for 73 yea rs. Owned and operate d by the same family, the restaurant was originally located on Roanoke Island. The current Owens Re staurant has been in the same spot since 1946, although it’s bee n added onto over the years.

ORY CENTER OUTER BANKS HIST

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2019

OWENS RESTAURANT

ain , t what it used to be

BACK IN THE DAY

ORY CENTER OUTER BANKS HIST

now Lost Colony Brewery is s Sta tio n towThen Ma Tex aco Ga a Kitty Hawk get to o nte ce to go in Down

a great pla point in history it nt Pale Ale. But at one Blonde or a Stumpy Poi gas. Who reaco Tex h wit r car’s gas tank was a place to fill you o wears the star!” t your car to the man wh members “You can trus

KEVIN GROAT

MUSE ORIGINALS OBX

O ld Fi r eh o u se G o

u r m et Fo o d s

OBX is just do wn the street Muse Original from the Blac s Rd in Kitty H k Pelican on awk. Like the the Beach restaurant, th ing has a ric e eclectic sh h history. Orig op’s buildinally built as also included a firehouse, time spent as its past the Old Fireho Firehouse Gou use Winery an rmet Foods (p d Old ictured).

Ocean Atlantic Rentals re While vacationia ng, Vik ing Fur nitu ch umbrella or a bicycle. bea is the place to go for in Kill Devil Hills at gotten furniture for your house In years gone by, you might have were you if n, The . Viking Furniture the same location when it was door. , Starkey’s Pizza was right next ping shop the all from gry hun

KEVIN GROAT

Spring 2019 | myouterbankshome.com

BACK IN THE DAY

ain , t what it used to be

Th e Ca sin o

KEVIN GROAT

POOR RICHARDS

9 9. 1 W.V.O. d .

The building has been a mainstay current resident, Poor on the waterfront in Manteo. The serving lunch and been has , Richard’s Sandwich Shop to that the front of Prior . 1984 e sinc tion loca dinner in their l radio station. loca a for e the building was used as a hom

BUSYBEETRAVELER.COM

If you have a location that you remember as being something different from what it is now, and/or you have photos, send them to editor@threedogink.com

Jo e D o w dy s Am us em en t P

MARINAS.COM

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2019

CLH DESIGN

e Easily theThmoe stcandy Lig ht ho us Ca pe Ha ttleerlanasdmark on the Outer Banks.

recognizab is the tallest brick and white structure cane-striped black hthouse stands untry. The current lig lighthouse in the co er it was moved in original location aft 2,900 feet from its d is now 1,500 feet an lish ys to accomp r 1999. It took 23 da be. Thereby furthe ean than it used to further from the oc ouse. protecting the lighth

PINIMG.COM

You’d have to be a real Outer Banks old timer to remem ber what was on the land across from Jockey’s Ridge be fore it was occupie d by Kitty Hawk Kites. The Casino wa s first built in the 19 30s and was the place to go for danc ing, pinball, and to play pool. The Ash Wednesday storm in 1962 damaged the original building and finally a winter storm in the 70s ca used the roof to cave in, making wa y for the new retail space.

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ar k

For years on the Bypass at the corner of Bonnet Str eet in Nags Head, kids were entertain ed by rides like a min i roller coaster, a fer wheel and an arcad ris e at Joe Dowdy’s Am usement Park. Now the grandchildren of those original childr en, are entertained Dowdy Park with a at playground area, pla yin g fields, and a fitness trail. It also has wheel chair swings for an all-inclusive experie nce.

ain , t what it used to be

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Pay It

F rward STORY BY:

Greg Smrdel SHUTTERSTOCK

he idea of “Paying it Forward” isn’t a new one. It is thought to have been originally coined back in 1916 by Lily Hardy Hammond in her book Garden of Delight. There’s even a “Pay it Forward Day”and it’s observed in over 80 different countries. The aim of the day is to “inspire over 10 million acts of kindness all around the world.” At first “Pay it Forward Day” was observed on the Last Thursday in April, but since 2016 it has been observed annually on April 28th. My Outer Banks Home hit the streets to hear about those on both the receiving and the giving end of “random acts of kindness.” We wanted to hear your pay it forward stories.

Mau ree n Swi nde ll

(Downtown Manteo)

When my children were younger, I ran out to Food-a-Rama to get some veggies, formula, and diapers. At checkout, my credit card wasn’t working. The line behind me was growing, and I was embarrassed. So I repacked my cart and put it to the side and asked the clerk to cancel the transaction until I could come back with money to pay. When I returned, the cart was still packed and I was told that another patron noticed my embarrassment and popped over to pay my $70 grocery bill. I will never forget that feeling of being cared for like I was that day.

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2019

Right after the Sandy Hook attack, my husband, young son, and I were visiting Roanoke, VA. We were having dinner when the server brought over a napkin to us. On it, was a note indicating that our dinner check had been paid. We were shocked and touched. We were having a rough year and it was a true blessing. I still have that napkin.

Sara Bau mer

(Grandy)

pay it forward

I’M JUST SAYIN’...

Joh n Ben net t (Kill Devil Hills) In 1987, while working for a boat yard, I had to have double hernia surgery. I was out of work for six weeks with no leave time left. My wife and I were at our wits end wondering how we were going to pay for food, the rent, and the lights for our family. A local business owner (who is still in business and wants to remain anonymous) wrote out a check for $500 and handed it to me. He said to consider it a down payment on some side work he wanted me to do for him in the future. It’s been 32 years, but I will never forget that gesture.

Tammy White

(Kill Devil Hills)

I lost my 14-year old son Michael suddenly on Valentine’s Day, 2014 from an asthma attack while he was on the soccer field up in Chesapeake, VA. In December of that year I wanted to give back in Michael’s name. I reached out to his school and they told me of a boy that needed a backpack. I got him a backpack and filled it with school supplies. I later received a kind letter back thanking me for the gesture. The young man told me he knew my son, and at one time, helped him in a bullying situation.

Jes Gra y

(Kill Devil Hills)

I’m a small business owner. We opened Sal’s Pizza in Kill Devil Hills a couple of years ago and were blown away by friends and others in the community were so helpful when we were starting out. I had friends from Ocean Boulevard who came out to help paint and clean. Chef Tim Gard helped me figure out recipes and Ocean Boulevard’s owner, Donny King helped me find people to work on my kitchen equipment. One of those workers even showed me how to fix my own pilot light for my oven. All they wanted in return was pizza! Because of this, I try to pay it forward as often as I can.

Too Many To Mention (All Across The OBX)

There have been at least a dozen others that have told me of their experience in a fast food line. It’s typically the same story where the person in the car in front of them paid for their order. Interestingly enough, more often than not, the person receiving the free food then paid for the person behind them, creating this string of “random acts of kindness” that perpetuated itself. We hope that this article will inspire others to “Pay it Forward” on April 28th. But more importantly, we hope you will pay it forward every day of the year. We think that you’ll agree that this world certainly needs more random acts of kindness. Wouldn’t it be cool if it started right here on the Outer Banks?

Greg Smrdel is a stand up comedian, author, and the editor of My Outer Banks Home.

FREEPIK.COM

For more information on “Pay it Forward Day” go to: payitforwardday.com ³

Spring 2019 | myouterbankshome.com

SHUTTERSTOCK

Tapping

The Wright Way STORY BY:

Rebecca Orr

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY:

The Wright Tappers

kay, folks, here’s your Outer Banks trivia question for this issue: What’s feathered, sequined, glittery, over fifty, and thrives on toe-tapping rhythm? Why, it’s the Wright Tappers, of course! They are a talented group of over fifty something, tap dancing divas. The eldest of whom recently turned ninety. (Yes, that’s 90!) These “Doyens of the Dance” proudly perform all over our area for nursing home residents, assisted living units, various events and groups, parades, the Outer Banks Senior Games, and the Silver Arts competition where they are currently the defending North Carolina State Champions (large dance groups category). 22

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2019

The Wright Tappers at the American March in 2000, where they received a gold medal for performing a medley of patriotic songs.

wright tappers

According to co-founder, Jane Smallwood (the 90 year old), the Wright Tappers originated as a group in 1989, with the intent to exercise and enjoy the benefits of tap dancing. Their skills grew, their scope expanded, and the ladies have tapped the boards now for thirty years. These dancers certainly embody Justin Timberlake’s lyrics, “Sunshine in my pocket, good song in my feet.” You just can’t help but smile around tap dancing. It’s a happy place, to be, to do, or to experience. This ensemble is united unanimously in their love of tap dancing and their joy in performing. And it shows. A life-long dancer, Jane Smallwood, as a young woman, danced as a professional who even had a roll in a Hollywood movie. The movie was “Road to Bali” with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. Miss Jane has been Co-Director for the troupe since its inception and now shares those duties with cohort Gene Webster. The scrapbooks of articles and clippings citing the accolades of this remarkable troupe are numerous. As are the closets full of dazzling, twinkling, colorful costumes and accessories for each member. The troupe makes tap dancing look easy. But, make no mistake, there’s no magic wand wielded by the directors to create and implement a new number for the crew’s next performance. Once the choreography is imagined, a new dance only comes into existence through hard work, sweat, and practice, practice, practice. These dedicated tappers diligently rehearse twice a week, as well as perform in as many opportunities as they can. When asked the same question, individually, “Why do you do this?” surprisingly, the Wright Tapper ladies each gave me the same answers: the camaraderie, the friendships, and the exercise. One dancer elaborated, “It keeps me young, and learning new routines keeps me sharp.”

ENTERTAINMENT

Top Left: The Wright Tappers at The Outer Banks Senior Games before 1998. Top Right: ‘The Blue Sisters’ winning gold for Dare County in 2012 performing Sweet Home Chicago. Middle Right: Gold medal winners in the 2007 state finals. Bottom: The Wright Tappers welcome the USO with a performance. Invited by a friend, Rae Eley began with the Wright Tappers around 1993. Concerned she had no tap dance experience, she expressed her dismay for her lack of skills. She was immediately told to “get to the back of the line,” where she began her hoofer apprenticeship. She enjoyed it, stayed, and found a new passion. Miss Rae reflected, “It’s such wonderful exercise. We have our exercise before we start to dance. But when they told me I would eventually get my foot on top of the ballet bar, I thought they were crazy. I’m ‘almost’ five foot one.” Time proved it true, and now she can stretch her legs and feet onto that bar. Miss Rae knowingly smiles, “So that’s what exercising will do for you.” Next I asked her if she did this just for the exercise. Without losing a beat, she replied, “No, I do it because I love to dance.” Motivation as pure and simple as a shuffle step! “Well, then, what emotional benefit do you get from all this effort?” I asked.

Spring 2019 | myouterbankshome.com

ENTERTAINMENT

wright tappers

Top Left: The Wright Tappers after winning gold at the Baum Center in Kill Devil Hills, NC. Top Right: Winning gold in Raleigh, NC for performing Timber by Pitbull, 2015. Middle Right: The Wright Tappers perform in downtown Manteo, NC. Bottom Left & Right: The Wright Tappers in different costumes for Christmas.

”Joy,” was her enthusiastic reply. “When you go to some of these nursing homes and perform for these people, it’s heartfelt to see the joy they receive from our dancing.” Miss Rae then told a tale on herself. When their troupe performed at the opening of the North Carolina Aquarium, she had packed her three costumes and shoes for their routines. But when it was time to change, she realized she only had two left tap shoes in her bag. Plucky as she is, she said, “I love performing, and the show goes on, even in two left shoes.” She strutted her way through all three routines like that. Carmela Finelli joined the group in 2008, having moved to the Outer Banks ten years earlier. Her intent was to expand her circle of friends. She found a good fit with the Wright Tappers. Rehearsals developed good acquaintances which grew into dear friends, as time passed. The chaos and pressure of performance strengthened the solidarity of those friendships. Then, Miss Carmela did what many before her had done…she got in touch with her inner ham. Yes, she found that crazy, latent performer that many of us sequester beneath

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2019

our mask of social acceptability. She says of this, “What we do is an outlet to perform, to show off. It allows you to put yourself out there. We have costumes and a stage.” Her recommendation is just let yourself go and have fun with it! I’m sure you see a pattern developing here with the Wright Tappers: happiness, optimism, joy, fun, love, and many lives enriched through the performance of dance. Like the ripples in the puddles where Gene Kelly tap dances in the downpour of his famous scene from “Singing In The Rain,” the effects are felt by all the people touched; dancers and audiences. What I’ve learned from these terrific ladies of the Wright Tappers is that you try to do your best every time you’re on stage, but sometimes you have to dance in two left shoes. After all, The show must go on! To book the fantastic Wright Tappers for your event, contact Jane Smallwood at 252.261.2552. ³ Rebecca is a recent Midwestern transplant to the Outer Banks, and has found the proverbial happy ending here in the sun, salt, and sand.

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hen it comes to fishing, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty to fall for: stories about the

big one that got away, the latest canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t-miss gear, that secret spot your buddy swears nobody else has discovered. Before falling for any more fish stories, North Carolina anglers are instead being encouraged to fall hook, line and sinker for some authoritative research on the sport they love in the state where they love to fish. Welcome to North Carolina Sea Grantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hook, Line & Science blog.

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2019

STORY BY:

Steve Hanf

hook, line and science

COASTAL LIFE

NC SEAGRANT

Top Left: Sara Mirailio reels one in while boating in the Outer Banks. Top Right: Sara Mirailio at work. Bottom Left: Sara shows off her fishing skills.

“We decided to find some kind of science just hitting the street in scientific journals where most anglers wouldn’t go, but a lot of it could impact their fishing, improve their fishing,” says Sara Mirabilio. “Make this 400, 450 words of cutting-edge research on what we think will impact the saltwater angler.” Since the blog’s launch in December, Mirabilio and Scott Baker have teamed to write about everything from how warming trends will impact fishing locations to the use of circle hooks vs. J hooks to “How Much We Love to Fish.” And really, that’s the topic that spearheaded this whole idea. As Mirabilio explains it, when researchers include just the east coast of Florida (not the gulf coast, too), North Carolina ranks No. 1 in every category of recreational statistic: “Number of anglers, number of trips, number of fish released, number of fish harvested,” she says. “Saltwater angling is huge in the state of North Carolina, and we felt we weren’t really doing enough in the saltwater angling category.”

So Mirabilio and Baker set out to change that. North Carolina Sea Grant was formed in the image of the better-known ag extension and coop offices scattered throughout the country tasked with helping farmers. A national Sea Grant initiative started in the 1960s established 33 programs to initially work with commercial fishermen. Since its founding in 1970, NC Sea Grant’s mission has evolved to cover a wide variety of coastal issues, from water quality to hurricane preparedness to aquaculture. It’s a federal-state partnership with federal funding running through NC State University. Mirabilio, in her 15th year with Sea Grant, is based out of the Coastal Studies Institute in Wanchese. “About 50 percent of our money funds research,” Mirabilio says. “The main thing, at the end of the day, we do what we call ‘applied research.’ We’re the ‘how do we fix this?’ science, not the ‘gee-whiz’ science.”

Spring 2019 | myouterbankshome.com

COASTAL LIFE

hook, line and science

That doesn’t mean they still don’t enjoy some “gee-whiz” moments, though. As fisheries specialists, Mirabilio and Baker knew they wanted to do something to reach out to such divergent groups as charter headboats, commercial fishermen and the general saltwater angler, but couldn’t figure out how. Then, like any good scientist, they realized they needed some data. Working with the state Division of Marine Fisheries, Mirabilio and Baker sent out a survey to 1,000 North Carolina residents who held a coastal recreational fishing license. The surveys revealed a wide variety of topics of interest, as well as a desire to find reliable information online. After sending the survey in 2017 and analyzing the data in 2018, Hook, Line & Science was born in December 2018. Who gets credit for the wonderfully creative name and a clever logo that features a monofilament and hook ampersand? “We struggled with that,” Mirabilio admits with a laugh. “We wanted something that was fun: ‘Hook, line and sinker,’ we want people to catch on and follow us. To us it clearly meant this is for anglers.” The first blog post introduced the idea and was well received. A long-time outspoken critic of NC Sea Grant, for instance, was the first person to like the introductory Tweet. An early Facebook poster asked for a way to get the blog entries sent automatically to his inbox. Lynne and Ernie Foster of The Albatross Fleet lauded the scientists for their innovation. Mirabilio and Baker, who is based out of the Wilmington office, split up the workload with a goal of having a regular Monday feature that is reader-friendly and “clearly about science” rather than a debate about fishing regulations. They work off a spreadsheet that lines up all the topics people requested in the survey in an attempt to find new scientific research that addresses it. Mirabilio envisions upcoming stories dealing with everything from safe-release techniques to lionfish to boating safety tips. “We want to improve our engagement as a whole, build more inroads,” she says of the project. “We’re hoping we get them a little more educated and meet some of the science intrigue they have. And heck, if it helps them catch more fish, even better!” ³

SHUTTERSTOCK

Find the Blog: ncseagrant.ncsu.edu/hooklinescience Follow them on Facebook: Facebook.com/NCSeaGrant Follow them on Twitter: @SeaGrantNC Steve Hanf worked as a sportswriter for 13 years in North Carolina before finding a second career in the classroom. He currently advises the newspaper and yearbook programs at First Flight High School and loves his life on the Outer Banks. SHUTTERSTOCK

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2019

RAHoy.com (252)261-2008 Spring 2019 | myouterbankshome.com

hen you think food of the Outer Banks you think seafood. And why not? The Atlantic Ocean is literally our front door. In this issue we bring you some delicious recipes you can try at home. All inspired by NC SeaGrant’s Hook, Line & Science. Bon appétit!

Creamy Baked Trout A distinct memory of my childhood is Sunday morning breakfast. Without fail, we had fried mountain trout, hot grits and homemade biscuits. People are often surprised at the idea of fish for breakfast; unless it’s lox and bagels. But consider it. Simply sauté a small piece of a favorite, mild-flavored fish. Serve with a toasted, buttered English muffin. I think you’ll like it! Or, for a more traditional use of this fish, try this baked trout for dinner soon.

• 4 small trout fillets • 3/4 cup sour cream • 1 tablespoon flour • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice • 1/2 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill • 1/3 teaspoon pressed garlic • 1/3 cup dry white wine • salt • freshly ground black pepper • paprika 30

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2019

NC SEAGRANT

In small bowl, combine sour cream, flour, lemon juice, dill, garlic, and wine.

Place fish in lightly greased baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Spoon sour cream mix over fish. Dust with paprika.

Bake at 450 F until fish flakes easily with a fork, about 8 to 10 minutes. Serves 4.

From: Mariner’s Menu: 30 Years of Fresh Seafood Ideas Contributed by Joyce Taylor

seafood staples

RECIPES

Grilled Marinated Tuna w/Herb Butter Yellowfin is one variety of tuna. Others include bluefin, albacore, tunny, bonito, skipjack and bigeye. While bluefin is the favorite of many cooks, most of it is exported to Japan for sashimi. Yellowfin is almost as tasty as bluefin, less expensive and more frequently found in seafood markets. When buying, select tuna with no dry or brown spots and no iridescent sheen. It also shouldn’t be a bright pink. As always when buying fish, be sure that it smells fresh like the ocean. A 3 1/2 ounce serving of yellowfin also contains 108 calories and only 1 gram of fat. It is low in sodium. A very good source of protein, yellowfin is high in some essential vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, and selenium.

• 8 tuna steaks • 1/2 cup canola oil • 1/3 cup soy sauce • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice • 1 teaspoon lemon zest • 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh garlic • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1.

Prepare Herb Butter and set aside.

In small bowl, combine oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, zest, garlic and pepper. Reserve 1/3 cup.

Place steaks in single layer in shallow baking dish. Pour remaining marinade over them. Marinate in refrigerator 45 minutes, turning once.

Place steaks in well-greased hinged wire grill. Cook about 4 inches from heat until done on one side, about 6 minutes. Baste top side with reserved marinade and turn. Cook until done, about 6 minutes. Place on serving dish and spread with Herb Butter.

NC SEAGRANT

Herb Butter:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard • 2 tablespoons minced green onion, • •

including tops 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley 1 tablespoon minced fresh tarragon

In small bowl, combine butter, mustard, onion, parsley and tarragon. Set aside for flavors to blend. Serve over tuna steaks.

From: Mariner’s Menu: 30 Years of Fresh Seafood Ideas Contributed by Joyce Taylor

Spring 2019 | myouterbankshome.com

RECIPES

seafood staples

Oysters Rockefeller • 48 oysters • 1 1/2 sticks butter • 1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed. Squeeze out excess water • 4 tablespoons minced onion • 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley • 1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon leaves • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

NC SEAGRANT

• 1/2 cup minced celery

• 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce • 2/3 cup toasted, fresh bread crumbs • 3 tablespoons margarine or butter, melted • rock salt

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Scrub oysters with stiff brush under cold running water. Shuck and drain.

Melt 12 tablespoons of butter in small saucepan. Add spinach, onion, parsley, celery, tarragon, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and Tabasco. Simmer about 5 minutes.

Spread layer of rock salt in baking pan. Place deep halves of oyster shells level on rock salt. Place an oyster in each. Spread spinach mixture over each oyster. Combine bread crumbs and 3 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle over tops. Bake at 450 F until oysters are done, about 10 to 15 minutes. Serves 8.

From: Mariner’s Menu: 30 Years of Fresh Seafood Ideas Contributed by Joyce Taylor

Sunday June 2nd 11:30-4:30

SoundSideEvents.com MP16 Nags Head

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2019

OUTER BANKS SPORTING EVENTS

STORY BY:

Greg Smrdel

n late 2018, she hit the ground running. Exactly what you would expect from a woman who has completed 15 marathons, many half marathons, and 20 triathlons. The “she” in this case is Jenny Ash. In November of 2018, Ash became the new Executive Race Director at Outer Banks Sporting Events. According to their website, the mission of Outer Banks Sporting Events (OBSE), is, in part: “to organize sports competition and healthy living resources, providing resources for needed relief and support for public education while contributing to economic impact for the Outer Banks.” In my discussion with Ash, she indicated that, “One hundred percent of the net proceeds go to two different organizations: The Dare Education Foundation and the Outer Banks Relief Foundation.” Ash is not a stranger to the folks in and around OBSE. She had been its Race Director since 2015, before being promoted to her current position. She says “I’m so excited to be able to bring together the front line experience I had as Race Director, and the administration and program experience that I had at other positions, such as at the YMCA, to this Executive Race Director position.” Prior to moving to the Outer Banks in 2011, Ash served as a Program Director, Personal Trainer, Fitness Instructor, and Race Organizer with the YMCA in the Minneapolis/St Paul area - experience she found invaluable. Originally from Baltimore, she spent many family vacations on the Outer Banks. That tradition continued into adulthood when she rented a house with other family members for reunions. Eight years ago, Ash’s husband had an opportunity to be based on the east coast. That’s when they decided to move here permanently. They liked the ability to live on the coast and be close to family all at the same time.

OUTER BANKS SPORTING EVENTS

Jenny Ash: Off and Running

Outer Banks Sporting Events host five events throughout the year. This past March 16th, was the Running of the Leprechauns, featuring a 5K and 10K race. Coming up April 12-14 is the Flying Pirate Half Marathon. Its a 13.1 mile race that starts in Kitty Hawk, and ends with a run through Nags Head Woods. Also offered that weekend are some easier 5K and fun runs. September 14-15 look for the Outer Banks Triathlon. The cool thing is that there are races of varying length for participants, and you can even participate as a relay team. A couple of weeks after the Triathlon, is the Outer Banks Cycle event on September 28th. The Cycle Event has four race distances to include: 50 miles, 40K (24.8 miles), 20K (12.4 miles) and an 8K recreational ride. Finally, Veterans Day weekend, the main event is the Outer Banks Marathon. The Marathon weekend, which is November 8-10 this year, includes several different races and events. Of course each of these events require a large number of volunteers. Ash says, “We have a lot of the locals come out and support our running community. Some even on vacation have also come down to help. I greatly appreciate all those that give up their time to volunteer.” Ash loves her new position. She knows that “crossing the finish line can be life changing for people.” ³ For more information on participating in the events, or to volunteer, call OBSE at 252.255.6273, or go to their website: obxse.com Greg Smrdel is the editor of My Outer Banks Home who gets tired just watching people run.

Spring 2019 | myouterbankshome.com

Local music legend

Mojo Collins STORY BY:

Steve Hanf

He’s got his Mojo workin’ He played with Chuck Berry. Opened for the Grateful Dead, Santana, Pink Floyd, and others. Hung out with Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, and a galaxy of other stars in the 1960s and ’70s.

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2019

JOSH MCCLURE PHOTOGRAPHY

fter making the decision to escape the California rock-and-roll lifestyle that would claim so many lives, Mojo Collins found his way back to North Carolina, found happiness on the Outer Banks, and in 1973 found himself performing his first OBX gig at the Jolly Roger. “The Jolly Roger hired me for three hours, said they’d pay me $30,” Mojo recalls over breakfast at – you guessed it – the Jolly Roger. “I played and the manager came up at the end and said, ‘I didn’t hear one song that I recognized.’ “Well, that’s because I’m an original songwriter and performer,” Mojo explained. “And he said, ‘You’re not worth 30 bucks. Here’s 20.’ “Welcome to the Outer Banks!” Mojo exclaims with a laugh. More than 45 years later, Mojo Collins seems to be getting the last laugh on just about everybody. He lived the rock-and-roll lifestyle – in moderation, he mentions – and lived to tell about it. He married Bonnie, the girl of his high school dreams, and spent five decades making music at the beach while touring nationally and receiving international acclaim, including the NC Arts Council Fellowship in Music for Songwriting in 1999-2000. New projects continue to crop up for a singer-songwriter who says “I’ve probably got many moons left in me” and who celebrated his 75th birthday in January by performing at a renowned blues venue in Durham. Mojo, with his thick white mustache, trademark hat and colorful shirts, will bring his mix of folk, blues, rock, country, four-part harmony and more to the Mustang Spring Jam in Corolla in May, then hopes to book a special series of shows this summer that focuses on the Outer Banks. Because even though his first gig on the beach didn’t go as planned,

mojo collins

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

Mojo has a love for the Outer Banks that manifests itself in song. In 1974, when Carolista Fletcher Baum embarked on her crusade to save Jockey’s Ridge, Mojo joined the fun and wrote a song, “Shining Star Over Jockey’s Ridge.” Folks in the “People to Preserve Jockey’s Ridge” raised some $900,000 from local donations, took the money to state officials, and the state park was born in 1975. Mojo has sung “Shining Star” at an annual dedication ceremony ever since. “Can you hear her calling you? She’s in need – precious land. Can you feel her, drifting through, sifting through greedy hands?” A few years later, Mojo heard a couple of fishermen in Hatteras talking about how the encroaching ocean was threatening the lighthouse: “I went home, got inspired, wrote the song ‘House of Light,’ made a little 45 record, took it to Jim Hunt and Jesse Helms in Raleigh – they kind of brushed us off,” Mojo recalled of the former governor and senator.

Above Left: Cover of the 1979 album entitled “Diamond Shoals, Tales Untold, Folk Songs of the Outer Banks” that features life on the OBX from Corolla to Ocracoke.

“I just want to know, will I stand and shine brightly?” Eventually, of course, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse would stand 2,900 feet further inland, and continues shining brightly today. At the rededication ceremony, Mojo was asked to sing “House of Light” for the assembled dignitaries and descendents of the Hatteras lightkeepers, and two of his songs are included on a production WRAL did on the moving of the light. And in an amazing feat for any songwriter, Mojo got the phrase “Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station” into verse in a tune called “Freedom Call” when efforts were being made to preserve that bit of Outer Banks heritage. The songs are all part of a 1979 album entitled Diamond Shoals, Tales Untold, Folk Songs of the Outer Banks that features life on the OBX from Corolla to Ocracoke. The album is on record with the Outer Banks History Center in Manteo, but Mojo has been chatting with people about putting together a summer outdoor concert series that pairs his music and images from the places he sings about. He’d also love to see “Diamond Shoals” used in a video series highlighting life on the Outer Banks. “I’ve made my mark here, and I’m hoping this Outer Banks thing will come to fruition,” Mojo says. “The wheels are rolling. It’s been a dream. I’m still here. I’m able to still dream a little. I think a lot of people need to see something like that, hear this music. It is truly the Outer Banks in song. It kind of makes me tear up a little to think about it.” It would be a remarkable and unlikely legacy for a man who grew up in the Triangle, the son of a well-known local guitarist named “Wild Bill” Col-

MIKE GROSS

Spring 2019 | myouterbankshome.com

mojo collins

JIM MARSHALL

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

Above Left: Mojo’s band The Initial Shock opened for The Grateful Dead at the legendary Fillmore. Photo taken 1966 in Missoula, MT. Pictured left to right: Mojo Collins, George Wallace, Brian Knaff, and Steve Garr. Above Right: The original Sawbuck Band, recording in San Francisco 1971. Pictured left to right: Mojo Collins, Chuck Ruff, Star Donaldson, Ronnie Montrose, and Bill Church on the bottom step.

lins, who headed to California to make his mark. Mojo’s band Initial Shock opened for the Grateful Dead at the legendary Fillmore. Mojo’s later band, Sawbuck, included Ronnie Montrose on guitar before he headed off with Van Morrison. One of Mojo’s favorite stories from that era is when Chuck Berry yelled at Mojo one night in the middle of a show at the Fillmore because Mojo was backing up his idol too well. “Sometimes I look back and think, ‘Wow, did I really do that?’ ” Mojo says with a laugh. And yet, he walked away in an instant: “It wasn’t hard at all. It was life or death. I chose life. I knew Janis, Jimi, Jim – they all died from drugs and I didn’t want to go that way. I’m alive now because of my choice to come back East.” And Bonnie. The former Miss North Carolina competitor was a majorette who dated the high school football star in high school, but fate eventually brought Bonnie and Mojo together, and they married in 1973. She was working as a designer/artist for George Crocker at the old Galleon Esplande and has always helped Mojo make music. “I was real fortunate. My wife is also a lifelong creative professional. We are a good team,” he says. “I give her the credit for handling the legal/business end of my music as well as the visual, promotional and booking details.” The legends of rock who succumbed to excess don’t get to do things like perform at their third-grade granddaughter’s class and enjoy family life on the Outer Banks. Mojo and Bonnie have two sons – Shane Collins and Scooter Raynor – and eight grandchildren who think it’s pretty cool that their grandpa, “Momo,” is a rock star. That’s why when you hear Mojo, either solo or in Triple Vision with Bill and Chris Jolly, you hear lyrics like “the blues have always been a joyful ride” and upbeat toe-tapping tunes off his latest album, New Gladitude. That’s now more than 300 songs and 30 releases of CDs and DVDs that receive airplay in nine different countries in a career that literally has stretched from coast to coast. “I’ve always played for the love of the music, never for the money. I don’t play for people any more. I quit doing that 50 years ago,” Mojo says with a laugh. “I play for myself. And if I love it, I know other people will, too.” For more information on Mojo and his schedule go to: facebook.com/MojoCollinsBlues/ ³ Steve Hanf worked as a sportswriter for 13 years in North Carolina before finding a fun second career in the classroom. He currently advises the newspaper and yearbook program at First Flight High School.

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2019

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Spring 2019 | myouterbankshome.com

Kid-Friendly IDEAS FOR

Summer S

ummer vacation lasts 77 days, and your kid can only spend so STORY BY: many of those playing Fortnite. Fortunately the boundless nature surrounding us provides no shortage of entertainment. Encourage Katrina Mae Leuzinger your kids to get out there to swim, surf, skim board, boogie board, or erect a sand castle. Have them build a sled out of cardboard and go take it for a spin on the steepest dune they can find at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Nurture your budding artist by having them collect different colored shells on the beach and create a mosaic. Try downloading some apps that encourage your screen addicted child to get out and move — look for hidden treasures with Geocashing, learn to identify the plants and animals in your own backyard with Seek, or save the world from alien forces (while running laps at Sandy Run Park) with Ingress. The Outer Banks provides all kinds of summertime entertainment. There are all kinds of amazing activities and summer camps to enroll kids in too. Most of them are quite reasonably priced for what they provide, but the sticker shock can still be quite daunting for some families. Luckily there’s all sorts of free or low cost organized activities for kids too. We rounded up a list of a few favorites.

Camp salt Every year the Dare County Sheriff’s Office runs a free, three week, faith-based summer camp. At Camp SALT (Save A Life Together), kids ages eight to fourteen participate in daily activities and educational field trips. The line up includes kayaking, fishing, visiting the beach and the sound, and climbing the 50-foot rock wall and the Alpine Tower behind the football field at First Flight High School. “We basically just mentor them,” says Sergeant Greg Padilla. “We teach the kids life lessons, how to be good citizens, personal safety, and they get a health class every week and a Bible lesson every day. The kids have a ball.” It’s a Monday through Friday camp that keeps the kids most of the day, and all offered completely free to Dare residents, but they do ask that those who feel they can donate to please do so (suggested donation is $10 per week per child). Slots fill up lighting quick, so be sure to sign up early. For more information: Call the Sheriff’s Office at 252.475.5980.

Kitty Hawk Kites at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing From mid June to mid August every Wednesday is Kid’s Day at Kitty Hawk Kites. There will be free or discounted activities like rock climbing, kite making, face painting, tie dye t-shirt making, and more. All summer long they also have their Sunset Festival on weekday evenings. Come enjoy the sunset over Jockey’s Ridge and check out their ever rotating line up of performers. Besides the weekly events, Kitty Hawk Kites is hosting several family friendly festivals this summer such as the Pirate Festival, Watermelon Festival, and the Rogallo Kite Festival. And all that’s just at the Jockey’s Ridge location. You can check out their website for info on the activities planned for their other Outer Banks stores. For more information: Visit KittyHawk.com

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2019

summer kid fun

GOOD TIMES

duck town of ites k k w a h kitty

ents v e y r a r b li

eo crab rod

e park h t n i y a d us artrageo

lt camp sa mps ymca ca

dare day Spring 2019 | myouterbankshome.com

GOOD TIMES

summer kid fun

The Library’s Summer Reading Program As soon as school is out, get your kiddo over to the library to sign up for their summer reading program. Their name gets added to the big chart on the wall, and for every day they read they get to put another sticker on the chart. There are plenty of smaller prizes along the way, and at the end each child gets one entry in the grand prize drawing for every day they read. Prizes are donated by local businesses, and usually include water park passes, toys, and gift certificates. “No one goes home empty-handed,” says children’s librarian Donna Roark. “The program encourages them to read, helps with the summer slide, and promotes a love of reading.” The official kick off is July 9th, and for the following six weeks there will be free and exciting activities held at the library. There will be a visit from the Balloon Lady, the ScienceTellers, the North Carolina Aquarium, The Lost Colony, and Krendl the Magician, plus an escape room and a one week long “STEM-a-palooza”. This year’s theme is A Universe of Stories. “It’s a big hit. The kids always have a blast,” says Roark. For more information: Visit DareNC.com/Libraries.

Kid’s Day in the Park

certs are a great opportunity to bring the whole family out for some good tunes and quality time together. For more information: Visit TownOfDuck. com/Special-Events.

Annual Crabbing and Fishing Rodeo On Saturday June 8th for one day only you can bring your family out to fish and crab at North Pond — behind the visitors center at Pea Island Wildlife Refuge. Bring sunscreen, expect a huge turn out, and be ready to bring home buckets full of crabs. For more information: Call 252.473.1131.

Artrageous May 11th will be the 30th annual Artrageous, brought to you by the Dare County Arts Council. This year’s theme is Multiculturalism, and they’re partnering with Mano al Hermano for a festival full of musical performances, art vendors, food, and free art activities for the kids (just in time for them to make something for Mom for Mother’s Day). For more information: Visit DareArts.org.

On Thursday afternoons this summer head up to Historic Corolla Park for lawn games, bounce house, kite making, food vendors, and a chance to show your puzzle-solving skills busting out of the Will You Escape the OBX? mobile pirate ship. For more information, and to reserve a time slot for the pirate ship: Call 252.453.9040

Dare Day Festival

The Duck Amphitheater

Honorable Mention — YMCA Summer Camp

The Town of Duck has free shows and activities planned for kids and adults all summer long. There will be magic shows, variety shows (including a comedian, a hypnotist, and a juggler that town officials say is not to be missed),four outdoor movie screenings, children’s concerts with Nature Out Loud, story time for the little ones, and a hula hoop class. In case you missed them at the library, The Lost Colony and the North Carolina Aquarium will be stopping by here as well. Older kids are welcome at the adult-geared yoga and fitness classes, and their Thursday evening con-

Katrina lives with her husband and their fearsome toddler. When she’s not writing, she prepares elaborate meals, cheats at video games, and plays the guitar (badly).

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2019

On June 1st the Town of Manteo is celebrating on the waterfront with a full day of pig racing, concerts, historical re-enactments, craft and food vendors, and a kid zone. For more information: Visit TownOfManteo.com.

The summer day camps offered at the YMCA are fun-filled and quite reasonably priced, but they understand that their rates might be out of reach for some. That’s why they offer income based, lower cost plans to those that qualify. For more information: Visit ymcashr.org. ³

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Spring 2019 | myouterbankshome.com

S E RVI NG UP SOM E

STORY BY:

Tara Turner

Pickleball. No sport has ever seemed to exist that intrigued so many people just by hearing its name.

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2019

SHUTTERSTOCK

es, it is actually called Pickleball. The who, what, where, when, and why of the sport is still a widespread topic of conversation among those who actually play the game. It is a sport that doesn’t require you to be an elite athlete and can be played by the whole family. It is simple to learn, yet can be a fun challenge once you’ve become an experienced player. It is said that the name was established in 1965 by former Washington state congressman Joel Pritchard. The story goes that Pritchard and his family were just sitting around their home bored one summer afternoon. The property had an old abandoned badminton court, so Pritchard started looking for some badminton equipment but couldn’t find exactly what was needed. He decided to improvise and started playing with ping-pong paddles and a simple plastic ball. At first, Pritchard placed the net at the exact badminton height which is sixty inches from the ground. As time went on, after playing around with the soon to be invented sport, he found that the ball bounced at a much greater height with the net lowered to thirty six inches. Soon, Pritchard began creating rules for the game very similar to the game of badminton. Fast forward to the present day, and you will find Pickleball being acknowledged and played in almost all fifty U.S states. The sport is exploding in its popularity and the number of places to play has almost more than doubled since 2010. According to the USAPA (United States of America Pickleball Association) website, there are

pickleball

SPORTS

approximately 4,000 locations to play the game. Namely, community centers, school gyms, YMCA facilities, and retirement communities, just to name a few. Pickleball can be easily played without needing much equipment, and learning the game can be fairly simple. If you have an open court, paddles and some plastic balls, then you’re ready to play! Think of Pickleball like a mix of all the racket and other paddle sports. And just like tennis, table tennis, and badminton, it can be played on any smooth flat surface both indoors or out. It is most commonly found being played on actual tennis courts. Half of the court is used, with the court divided by a 3 foot tall net. Paddles and plastic balls are the only equipment required. The game is played to a score of eleven and you must win by two points. The actual game play is very similar to tennis but is different in three very distinctive ways: 1. You must serve the ball underhanded 2. The ball must bounce one time in the service court and once in the return court before actual volleying can start 3. You are not able to enter the non-volley zone on either side of the net unless you are retrieving ‘drop shots’ or ‘dinks’ (Pickleball lingo) The game of Pickleball is most popular for playing in doubles, although playing singles can be done too. The Outer Banks is just one of the many places that Pickleball is taking off. It has become a regular means of exercising, and even a way for some of the locals to meet new friends. Whether you live on the island, or you are vacationing here, be sure to check out some of the local Pickleball courts. They can be found at Ship’s Watch Resort in Duck, Outer Banks YMCA in Nags Head, or at the Dare County Recreation Center in Kill Devil Hills. Pickleball is a fun and unique sport. The game is easy to understand and learn. It is enjoyed by a wide range of age groups, from young kids, senior citizens, and every age in between. The sport has a strong appeal and once you start playing, it has been said, that it is extremely easy to become addicted. But being hooked on a sport that provides exercise, recreational fun, and even has the word ‘pickle’ in its name, can’t be all that bad, can it?? ³ Tara Turner is a freelance writer, stay-at-home mom, and OBX enthusiast.

Spring 2019 | myouterbankshome.com

New Year, New Words STORY BY:

Lexi Holian

s a writer, I’ve always been fascinated by language. We have seemingly endless ways in which to express ourselves already, yet we continue to come up with new words each year to keep up with the pace of our ever-changing world. In the last year, dictionaries like Merriam-Webster and the Oxford English Dictionary have verified everything from abbreviations like fave (for favorite) to smashed words like zoodles (for zucchini noodles). Alongside new intellectual terms, you will find additions in slang, social-media-savvy phrases, and everything in between. Here are a few of our favorite words to take hold of this year.

Binge-watch

Self-care

Mocktail

With the meteoric rise of video streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, the verb of the last few years has been binge-watch, or to watch multiple episodes of a television show in rapid succession. Today, you can find the verb in major dictionaries alongside binge-watching (noun) and bingeable (adjective) to better describe your Saturday afternoon pursuits.

For the wellness-minded, self-care has been a buzzword in the last few years. It refers to the practice of consciously improving your own health and protecting your sense of well-being and happiness. You can practice self-care by making small adjustments in your everyday life or by taking a full wellness retreat, and now you can confidently put the word down on paper too.

The word mocktail, used in reference to a nonalcoholic cocktail, has been around for a while but not acknowledged by dictionaries until this year. This is because the mocktail has only recently taken off for adult drinkers with the increased popularity of Dry January, in which health-conscious participants forgo alcohol for the first month of the year, and the creation of non-alcoholic spirits.

Spielbergian

Beerfest

Friendsgiving

In the realm of film, the Oxford English Dictionary recently announced the addition of Spielbergian to its pages – meaning relating to or characteristic of director Steven Spielberg. You can find it near Tarantinoesque, another new addition referencing director Quentin Tarantino, and finally drop the quotation marks when discussing films with fellow cinephiles.

A mashup of beer and festival, beerfest has become commonplace in the world of craft beer drinkers as the tasting events gain popularity across the country. (Outer Bankers being who we are, we wonder if there will eventually be a word for a beer festival with flying kegs, like Outer Banks Brewtäg.) You can use beerfest in combination with other new brew-focused words like hophead, meaning a beer enthusiast.

Though not officially verified by Merriam-Webster yet, Friendsgiving has been in use for more than a decade and is now a widely accepted term come November. What began as an alternative to Thanksgiving has become a second holiday for many, with the focus shifting from family to friends and a more informal style of celebration. We expect to see this one joining the ranks of official words soon.

Marg Following in the footsteps of words like fave, the world of food and drink is now replete with verified abbreviations including marg (for margarita) and its counterpart guac (for guacamole). You can even find avo (for avocado) in Merriam-Webster as of 2018, although the frequency of its use in everyday conversation awaits to be seen.

Demonym Perhaps the most relevant new word for residents of the Outer Banks is demonym, which refers to the term you use to describe where you are from, like Californian or Floridian. Here, one of the most commonly used demonyms for locals is Outer Bankers, while individual destinations can claim demonyms like Hatteras Islanders, Ocracokers, and Wanchesers.

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2019

Instagram (as a verb) Instagram has been in our collective vocabulary for years, but now it’s finally official to use the name of the social media platform as a verb – as in, he Instagrammed a photo of the beach. Other much-used social media terms like Facebook and hashtag have been given the go ahead as verbs too.

Bougie An abbreviation of bourgeois, bougie means marked by a concern for wealth, possessions, and respectability. The relatively new word is often used jokingly when someone is aspiring to be of a higher class, like when you break out the champagne ice bucket for a quiet evening at home.

The list of newly verified (and soon-to-be verified) words goes on and on, from glamping to facepalm to mansplain. If you have any favorites that you would like to nominate for greater usage in 2019, send them to editor@threedogink.com. ³ Born between ocean and sound on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Alexi Holian can’t remember a time when she wasn’t writing. Between contributing to island publications like My Outer Banks Home, The Outer Banks Wedding Guide, and Outer Banks This Week, she makes a point to seek out exciting new words.

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Corolla Semi-Oceanfront $1,199,000 - MLS #102455 8 BR/8.2 BA Call Barry at 252-202-1043

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Corolla Oceanside $849,900 - MLS #103011 8 BR/8.1 BA Call Gray at 252-573-9503

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