My Outer Banks Home Spring 2015

The Evolution of the

Swimsuit

Dare County

First

TEACHERS

Who Inspire

on the

Scene

Dare County

First Responders

Brave in the Attempt Outer Banks

Special Oympics

St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea 99 Years and Counting

local recipes ✺ outdoor furniture ✺ odd insurance loopholes

FREE

DELIVERY and placement of assembled furniture.

Corolla to Hatteras!

Heavy Duty Recycled Plastic Available in 14 colors Built on site in Moyock, NC Superior Quality – Unmatched Value Delivery from Corolla to Hatteras

DOLPHIN WATCH CHAIRS

Adirondacks, Pub and Dining Sets, Chaises, Porch Swings, Benches and more!

Built-to-Last.com 252.232.0055 PUB TABLE AND CHAIRS

ADIRONDACK CHAIRS DOLPHIN WATCH CHAIR

Hwy 168 under the Moyock water tower M-F 9-5, Sat 10-4 (or call for appointment)

Exceptional Quality | Locally Made | Factory Direct | Unbeatable Value

Carolina Casual

PATIO & DECK FURNITURE

Pub table and chairs.

Adirondack chair and accessories.

Space-saving Rail Hugger table pictured at Pirate’s Cove Marina, Manteo, NC.

The OBX Collection

Poly-Lumber Furniture • Locally Made Maintenence Free • Highest Quality Materials

Marine-Grade Bolts

Adiro ndacks • Po FREE DELIVERY

Pictured at The Pointe Golf Club, Powells Point, NC.

shions • Umbrellas u C • r e k c outhern Living Magazine ther Wi as seen in S ol Furniture • All Wea

252.491.2545 • 800.367.2846 • carolinacasual.com Showroom 1 minute north of Wright Memorial Bridge in Point Harbor, NC

Spring 2015 | myouterbankshome.com

1

what’s inside CONTENTS

HOME MY OUTER BANKS

enjoying the coastal lifestyle

PUBLISHER Mary Ann Williams, Gene Williams EDITOR Susan Selig Classen ART DIRECTOR Sue Colao GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lanie Whitaker SALES ASSOCIATES Ann Kaplan, Marie Walker CONTRIBUTORS Kimberly Armstrong, Meaghan Beasley, Rosie Hawthorne, Lexi Holian, Allison Parrish, Abby Stewart, Michelle Wagner PHOTOGRAPHY Bettmann/Corbis, Angel Casterline, Susan Selig Classen, Corbis, Doyouremember.com, Everett Collection, George Grantham Bain Collection, Rosie Hawthorne, Lexi Holian, Hulton Archive, Nags Head Fire Department, National Archives of Australia, Outer Banks History Center, Allison Parrish, Polywoodinc.com, Retro-housewife.com, shutterstock.com, sunbrella.com, Marie Walker

4 feature 4

Evolution of the Swimsuit

How modesty, fashion, and wartime rations have shaped what we wear to the beach.

education 26

Teachers who Inspire

Six Dare County teachers making a difference with their students.

38 food 38

An Egg’s Journey Home

2

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2015

The egg: a symbol of spring’s rebirth and memories of years gone by.

DISTRIBUTION Jason Adams 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

26

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.

what’s inside CONTENTS

home 10

Out with the Old

… and in with the new-est of outdoor furnishings.

10 16 community 16

20

First on the Scene

Dare County’s first responders: How it all works.

insurance 32

Odd Insurance Loopholes What are trampolines, terrorists, and trees doing in my insurance policy?

St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea A peek at Nags Head’s historic church just shy of its 100th birthday.

44

local buzz 42

OBX Milestones Recognizing local individuals and businesses as they reach important milestones.

44

Hatteras, 1972

32 sports 35

Brave in the Attempt

Dare County’s Special Olympic teams gear up for statewide competition.

35

Sometimes a teeny-tiny cabana is all you need for a summer week full of memories.

Spring 2015 | myouterbankshome.com

3

4

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2015

SHUTTERSTOCK

HULTON ARCHIVE

outer banks history center

EVERETT COLLECTION

outer banks history center

CORBIS

NATIONAL ACHIVES OF AUSTRALIA

Lexi Holian STORY BY

UTIO L O V N E

outer banks history center

swimsuits FEATURE

ith sun-kissed summer days nearly within reach, we decided to take a look at the history of swimwear fashion. From modesty to function and from wartime rations to public opinion, many circumstances influenced the transformation of the swimsuit.

w

“Bathing Machines” allowed swimmers a private space for changing and a quick entry into the surf.

Most sunbathers and surfers today would not see the resemblance between the present day swimsuit and the full coverage dresses of the late Victorian era.

Women during this time were not supposed to be too revealing to avoid giving the wrong impression, so they opted for almost no sun exposure. They donned knee-length dresses with bloomers or heavy, dark stockings underneath, while men wore swimsuits that completely covered their chests. The majority of swimming garments were made of wool, and the emphasis was on modesty over style.

Changing rooms on wheels, known as bathing machines, were a common sight at the beach and considered essential for women intending to swim. Women would change into their bathing costumes, and then horses would pull the quasi-carriages to the water so swimmers could get into the ocean as quickly as possible. The bathing gowns were weighted so they would not rise up in the water.

As the years passed, the dresses eventually became tunics covering shorts.

This was the start of lighter, more revealing swimsuits; however, modesty was still of the utmost importance. Australian swimmer and performer Annette Kellerman was famously arrested in 1907 for indecent exposure. She was wearing a onepiece suit that was too formfitting and showed her bare arms and tightly clad legs.

GEORGE GRaNTHaM baIN COLLECTION

CORbIS

Late 1800s to Early 1900s

Annette Kellerman poses in the formfitting swimsuit that led to her arrest for indecent exposure.

SHUTTERSTOCK

After the first “Bathing Suit Day” was held in Madison Square Garden in 1916, swimsuits entered the world of fashion and were a common sight in beauty pageants. Suits were primarily made of a wool-knit blend that allowed for a closer fit than all-wool. Women began wearing sleeveless tank suits by the 1920s, but were still aware of coverage as there was a law that stated swimsuits could not be more than six inches above the knee. Policemen would actually measure a woman’s bathing suit on the beach if they thought she was breaking the law.

By the mid-1930s, women’s and men’s bathing suits took on a similar appearance in shape and cut. California swimsuit maker Mabs of Hollywood incorporated Lastex, a woven elastic and silk material with a satin finish, into his pieces.

The more elastic materials meant less fabric, and it was finally appropriate to show full leg and back. Men’s swimwear was slower to change in style with suits that still covered the chest; however, the guys did opt for shorter trunks. The indecency of navel exposure was influenced by the Hollywood Hays Code, which prohibited belly buttons from being shown on movie screens.

SHUTTERSTOCK

1920s - 1930s

Above: A policeman measures the distance between a woman’s knee and her bathing suit to ensure that she is abiding by the law. If the distance exceeded six inches, the woman would have been charged or asked to leave the beach.

Spring 2015 | myouterbankshome.com

5

swimsuits

Above: A group of women enjoys the Outer Banks beaches in the 1950s. Right: Brigitte Bardot popularized the bikini in the 1950s after she appeared in several French films clad in the risqué swimsuit.

The 1940s brought tighter fabrics and higher cuts to reveal the full leg as fashion pushed the boundaries of swimwear. Halter-top bathing suits resembling corsets became very popular among female movie stars. The swimsuit was no longer just about function.

When rationing began during World War II, the United States government passed legislation for a ten percent reduction in the fabric content of women’s swimwear. Bathing suits suddenly became two-pieced, although waistlines were kept very high. It is debatable whether those few inches of midriff helped with the war effort.

The first bikini was invented in 1946 by French engineer and designer Louis Réard, but it was far from popular in Paris. None of Réard’s traditional models would wear the scandalous suit, so he hired an exotic dancer to model his creation. It was named after Bikini Atoll in the South Pacific, where atomic bomb testing had recently taken place, to symbolize its impact on swimsuit fashion.

In 1951, bikinis were banned from worldwide beauty pageants as well as beaches in Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Australia. The Vatican declared the two-piece suit sinful. Women who wore the bikini during this time were considered to have no tact or decency, so the onepiece reigned supreme.

It was not until 1956 that the bikini rose to acceptance in the public eye when French actress Brigitte Bardot appeared in film clad in the controversial bathing suit. American and European teens were suddenly wild for bikinis.

CORbIS

1940s – 1950s

Louis Réard adjusts one of his swimsuits to fit the model. With a background in automobile engineering, Réard began designing clothing in the early 1940s and is known for creating the first bikini.

CORbIS

OUTER baNKS HISTORy CENTER

FEATURE

1960s – 1970s

OUTER baNKS HISTORy CENTER

6

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2015

SPORTSILLUSTRaTED.COM

RETR0-HOUSEWIFE.COM

Modesty went out the window in the 1960s as more women fully embraced the bikini. Waistlines became lower to reach just below the navel; however, they were still cut to entirely cover a woman’s backside. The bikini was further propelled by actresses and models such as Marilyn Monroe, Swiss actress Ursula Andress in the James Bond hit Dr. No, and, of course, Bardot. Brian Hyland’s “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” topped music charts, and in 1964, Sports Illustrated published their first swimsuit edition. Women’s swimwear seemed limitless with new materials such as mesh, crochet, and spandex.

The sexual revolution brought on many standout designs in the 1970s intended to symbolize the power of women. Thong bathing suits appeared, followed quickly by the Tanga suit or Brazilian thong. A novelty of the decade was the tan-through swimsuit, meant to eliminate tan lines, but this trend disappeared as the issue of skin protection became a larger concern. (cont’d on page 8)

The first Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue was released in 1964 and featured model Babette March on the cover.

TREE SERVICE NO TREE TOO BIG • NO YARD TOO SMALL TREE REMOVAL LIMBING & PRUNING STUMP GRINDING LANDSCAPING VIEW ENHANCEMENT

FREE ESTIMATES 252.256.1883 • albemarlelandscapes.net Spring 2015 | myouterbankshome.com

7

swimsuits FEATURE

1980s – 1990s

DOyOUREMEMbER.COM

EVERETT COLLECTION

A time of experimentation emerged in the postwar 1980s with a burst of neon colors and creative designs. Both bikinis and one-pieces began to feature a heightened leg line for more exposed hips. With higher thigh rise came suits with bottoms that fused to tops, although the remaining bare skin in the midriff made this style far from a one-piece.

The V-kini and exposed hips stuck around for the 1990s, and Pamela Anderson famously wore the red Baywatch swimsuit in slow motion. High waists were still very popular on two-piece swimsuits. In the later part of the decade, the tankini was invented and resembled a combination of a tank top and bikini top. This created a more modest option for beachgoers that could still be mixed and matched with different bottoms. One-pieces with graphics also briefly took the spotlight.

As for men, board shorts had existed since the 1970s but finally reached popularity through skater punk fashion.

Above: High-thigh swimsuits were all the rage in the 1980s and early 90s. Pamela Anderson’s Baywatch suit (right) embodied the iconic style.

Since the turn of the millennium, the world of women’s swimwear can only be described as an era of choices. When all of the creative and often outrageous trends of previous decades had settled, women could choose from any manner of remaining styles in one-pieces, bikinis, tankinis, and more.

Bright colors, purposefully mismatched pieces, and color blocking rose in popularity in the 2000s. One-pieces are not just practical options for modest or athletic swimmers but are also a fun, retro, fashion statement. Perhaps the most popular style as of late is the bandeau, or strapless top. This fashion is ideal for sunbathers who are hoping for fewer tan lines.

Bathing suits, along with many facets of fashion, have evolved from a thing of function to a means of communication and expression.

Today’s beachgoer aims to demonstrate their identity in a swimsuit. ■ Lexi Holian spends as much time on the beach as possible, in season, and admits to owning no fewer than 20 bathing suits.

8

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2015

SHUTTERSTOCK

SHUTTERSTOCK

Board shorts, tankinis and mismatched tops and bottoms allow for individual expression in swimwear today.

SHUTTERSTOCK

SHUTTERSTOCK

The 2000s

Vacation Rentals and Customized Property Management

FREE DESIGN CONSULTATION

FREE DELIVERY & SET UP

to

from Corolla Hatteras Island

2 LOCATIONS TO BETTER SERVE YOU

866-760-3526

elanvacations.com

obxfurniture.com

5301 N. Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk • 252.715.3450 5000 S. Croatan Hwy, Nags Head • Outer Banks Mall • 252.480.9200 Spring 2015 | myouterbankshome.com

9

OUTwith the OLD

No matter the landscape, patio, or pool arrangement, choosing the right type of outdoor furniture can transform an Outer Banks home from ordinary to alluring.

ANGEL CASTERLINE

Y

their homes stand out, with eye-catching features that encourou don’t often hear people say, “From the comfort of STORY BY age renters to choose their home above all of the others in the your own yard,” but with advanced technology and area. Providing a comfortable, outdoor living space is just one the wide array of products and design ideas available Abby Stewart of those little surprises that may not be listed under standard to homeowners today, it is easier than ever to bring amenities like bedroom count and location but is sure to boost repeat rental that familiar, indoor comfort of your home to the outdoors. business.

Owners of rental homes will see increased repeat guests if vacationers have made their outdoor memories in splinter-free comfort. And homeowners wishing to sell can use outdoor furniture as an eye-catching amenity to increase the curb appeal for prospective buyers.

A local realtor says that homeowners do not have to break the bank to

Add Curb Appeal When Selling

Generate More Renters and Repeat Renters Having an outdoor living space is crucial when renting out an Outer Banks home. According to TripAdvisor, an outdoor living area ranks as the fourth most important vacation rental amenity requested by travelers, falling just behind Wi/Fi, washer and dryer, and a pool.

In order to attract as many renters as possible, homeowners need to make

10

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2015

stage outdoor spaces, but a little guidance is all that is needed. She added, “A rusty grill surrounded by rickety chairs and pots of sun-stroked plants will not allow a prospective buyer to envision themselves enjoying the yard.” Selecting a shady spot for conversational seating or a green space for gardening will show a prospective buyer how you have enjoyed those areas. When potential buyers visualize the functionality and usefulness of an outdoor space due to the arrangement and enticing display of the current outdoor furniture,

DESIGN FOR LIVING

outdoor living

POLYWOODINC.COM

POLYWOODINC.COM

Made from recycled plastics, poly-lumber comes in a rainbow of colors and is comfortable as well as durable.

they can envision themselves enjoying that space. According to Realtor.com, 32% of buyers reported that an outdoor living area with cooking area or a bar would be among their top priorities when searching the market for upscale and vacation homes.

Outdoor Furniture Aluminum and plastic outdoor furniture pieces have been widely available for many years, but every beach homeowner is familiar with the problems of furniture pieces that seem to only last one season and get thrown away each fall or get blown away during every storm. Poly-lumber materials have stepped in to solve those problems with durable and colorful options. Poly-lumber is manufactured from the same high-density polyethylene plastic that gets recycled from milk bottles and other plastic containers. Furniture made from poly-lumber is light and comfortable.

Choosing it will not only benefit the environment, it will also benefit your lifestyle.

This furniture is immune to the elements and is virtually maintenance free. In fact, poly-lumber furniture is such a wise decision that many state parks and schools are converting to these materials for safety, durability, and economic considerations.

Much like clothing designers, furniture designers have a wide-range of style and levels of quality all within the same company’s product lines. One set of products may focus on pastels and lighter poly-lumber pieces, while another line may focus on bright colors and heavier composites. Homeowners do not have to travel far to have their pick of locally made or regionally manufactured styles of durable composite furniture.

Poly-lumber may not even look like lumber. Next time you see what looks like a dainty wicker settee, look a little more closely and you may detect what is actually a clever use of composites made to look like natural wicker. Find what

works best for the weather conditions and porch, yard, or pool deck where they will be placed at your own home. Remember, furniture that seems cumbersomely heavy in the showroom may be perfect for a wind-blown porch on the northeast corner of your home.

Natural material options include textured furniture, such as that made from bamboo, wicker, or rattan. These materials are delicate and need to be kept under covered areas to make them last longer. Preserving the natural beauty of untreated wood furniture is especially important on the Outer Banks by painting, staining, or sealing the wood regularly. Applying marine-grade varnish or paint also extends the life of naturally sourced furniture pieces.

Outdoor Fabrics Manufacturers of porch awnings and marine sails have been perfecting their fabrics for a half century. Now that same technology is in backyards everywhere. Acrylic fabrics like Sunbrella and Outdura are 100% acrylic solution dyed, meaning the fibers are dyed before the weaving process. Acrylic fabrics resist mildew, chlorine and chemicals and stand up to the fading effects of UV lighting. They retain their color, strength, and shape after years of normal exposure to the elements and only require spot cleaning to remain looking like new.

Innovative fabrics like Sunbrella and Outdura maintain the soft, breathable feel of indoor fabrics yet allow for more creativity and versatility in outdoor furniture options. These fabrics are available in a variety of colors and textures including velvet. The fabric is so attractive and durable that many owners will use it inside for their rec room, an indoor sunporch, or any other high-traffic rooms that need to withstand the regular assault of large groups and entertaining. Consumers bent on the “shopping local” movement are comforted to know that both products come from North Carolina’s western region, nicknamed the “furniture capital of the world” by many in the industry.

“Do-it-yourselfers” can create their own outdoor cushions with foam and 100% acrylic fabrics purchased by the square-yard from a retailer. This fabric is also available for outdoor sheers, awnings, and umbrellas, and can be spotcleaned or machine washed for an even deeper, at-home clean.

100% spun polyester fabric is a more traditional approach to outdoor furniture, and while it comes in a wider variety of colors and patterns, the lifetime in the sun before fading is between 300-800 hours, compared to the 2000+ hours

Spring 2015 | myouterbankshome.com

11

DESIGN FOR LIVING

SUNBREALLA.COM

outdoor living

Acrylic fabrics like Sunbrella and Outdura resist mildew and chlorine making them ideal for outdoor settings.

that acrylic fabrics offer. Those numbers are important to keep in mind when the purchase price of fabrics are tallied. It is easier to imagine spending more on the acrylic fabric options when you realize you may get several additional summers of wear and tear. If polyester fabrics are chosen, many people use spray-able fabric seals to help repel moisture and UV rays.

12

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2015

OUTDOOR DECORATING TRENDS FOR 2015 To incorporate outdoor furniture into the perfect at-home retreat, focus on comfort, functionality, and versatility.

Gather ‘Round the Kitchen In the same way that your indoor kitchen turns out to be where most people congregate, so will a covered, outdoor kitchen nook. Moving the gathering outdoors keeps everyone together while enjoying the open atmosphere. Increase the functionality of the space with well-placed appliances such as icemakers and mini-fridges to limit the number of wet bathing suits that go trekking through your house. Tiki bars are a favored amenity to include poolside because, like the covered kitchen nook, they provide the perfect entertaining space for guests and residents alike to mingle.

Durability and weatherproofing are primary concerns for outdoor kitchens; therefore, kitchen cabinets and countertops are being crafted specifically with outdoor elements in mind. Many homeowners choose tough but natural granite for countertops as it will not stain or absorb odors and is less likely to fade in the sun. Concrete and tile, when installed correctly, are also favorite and durable outdoor counter and cabinet materials.

For the style part of the equation, dining areas with lavish chandeliers, upcycled wine bottle lights, or rustic lighting are all popular fixture options in outdoor dining areas this year. Overhead bamboo fans are great additions, especially over cooking areas, and will allow outdoor gatherings during the hottest days.

DESIGN FOR LIVING

outdoor living Winner of the OBX Parade of Homes

Playing with Fire The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are perfect times for cozy conversations at outdoor fire pits made of concrete or stone. Outdoor fire pits are perfect for pool owners to use to warm up after a night swim and can double as a stone pizza oven for outdoor food prep.

Everyone in the Pool Some lavish homes are adding island patios to their pools, accessible by mini-bridges, where outdoor furniture creates a personal, intimate setting for conversation and lounging.

DIY The Do-It-Yourself decorating trend is steadily going strong, and outdoor furniture is no exception. As the need for outdoor furniture varies just as much as the types of gatherings people hold in their homes, movable (also known as modular) seating is a great way to accommodate many different types of occasions. Homeowners can also re-purpose old furniture or fixtures and move them outdoors when their indoor life is past its prime.

Wooden trellises are popular and allow the breezes to blow through while still providing a

2014 People’s Choice Award.

sense of protection to outdoor furniture. Weave greenery and running vines and flowers to trellises for even more appeal and privacy.

Brick wall planters surrounding seating areas are favored touches and when built knee-to-waist high can also serve as extra seating. Plant fragrant spices and herbs in the planters for a practical touch that every home chef will appreciate.

CREATE MORE ENJOYMENT AT HOME

There are many facets to consider when incorporating outdoor furniture into an Outer Banks home, including style, functionality, budget, and purpose. By using these ideas and products, Outer Banks homeowners can create an outdoor space that is as comfortable as their own living room, but out in the fresh, coastal air.

With many variables to consider, one thing remains constant: an outdoor living area is a great amenity to add or upgrade at your Outer Banks home. ■

Custom Homes • Pools • Elevators Planning & Design • Decks Siding • Windows New Construction • Renovations

Abby Stewart loves spending time outdoors enjoying the fresh, salty air on the Outer Banks where she grew up and where she has now returned to make her home once again.

• Custom Remodels • Unique Swimming Pools • Elevator Additions • New Construction Call or email & mention ad to receive

15% Off Custom Design Plans

david@compassedge.com

•

Serving all the Outer Banks

acs-obxbuilder.com

• New Construction • Custom Designs • Remodeling • Renovations • Swimming Pools • Elevators

252.202.4217

•

252.599.2999

compassedge.com Spring 2015 | myouterbankshome.com

13

Turns an average screen porch into your favorite room in the home.

NO GLASS!

Just the toughest memory vinyl.

The First Name In Quality, The Last Name You Need to Call

REMODELING PAINTING RENOVATIONS Specializing in Rental Home Restoration & Maintenance Rot Repair • Windows • Doors • Siding Decking • Carpentry • Drywall Interior/Exterior Painting

Highest quality craftsmanship at a competitive price

252.480.3106 flyingcolorsinc.com 14

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2015

Convert your screen porch into a year-round room.

• No pollen, rain or wind • Hurricane winds – no problems!

• Golf balls bounce off of these enclosures Actual stretch of our windows!

No porch to convert? We build complete enclosures!

VINYL WINDOW SYSTEMS Call Martin Keller at 252-202-7232 • Free estimates

Your only source on the Outer Banks for WeatherMaster vinyl window systems.

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

We’re Now on The Outer Banks! with Design by Majid

internationaltile.net

Come see us for quality materials, great selection and superior customer service.

OBX Showroom 2234 South Lark Avenue Nags Head, NC 27959

252-715-4796

CERAMIC

Chesapeake | Newport News | Nags Head

Your Source for Quality New & Pre-owned Furniture & Accessories!

|

PORCELAIN

STONE

|

GLASS

• Consignments • High Quality New & Used Furniture • Nautical Art & Decor • Indoor & Outdoor Furniture

Upscale Furnit u

re Resales

ufrobx.com • 252.455.9009 100 Le Bleu Avenue • Powells Point, NC

Local, regional and national artists

|

Specializing in Commercial & Residential Kitchen & Bath Design Outdoor Cabinetry • On-Site Consultations •

home & garden accents • art • gifts

Scarborough Lane Shoppes • 1171 Duck Road in Duck 252.261.2808 www.woodenfeather.com

252.619.1589

Visit our New Showroom

2300 N. Croatan Hwy • MP 6 • Kill Devil Hills, NC

Spring 2015 | myouterbankshome.com

15

DARE COUNTY FIRST RESPONDERS

As the warmer months approach, business owners and homeowners on the Outer Banks are preparing for the boom in population that comes with summer. First responders, too, are getting ready for the busy period after Memorial Day during which the volume of calls to 9-1-1 will drastically increase.

STORY BY

Lexi Holian âœş

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY

First

on the

16

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2015

Nags Head Fire Department

scene

first response FEATURE

L

ast year, My Outer Banks Home featured Dare Central Communications Center, home of the 9-1-1 dispatchers who take calls from the entire Outer Banks and coordinate emergency response. Now we take a look at what happens after the call in the realm of first responders.

Although town fire and rescue operations, town police forces, and Dare County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are all separate entities, the degree to which these first responders work together on a day-to-day basis is significant.

Their interaction begins long before they arrive on the scene of an emergency with collective training and constant communication.

Kill Devil Hills Fire Chief Troy Tilley said, “The collaboration between [fire, EMS, and police] is very good. We work together, plan together, and train together even though we handle different parts of the equation.”

If you were to witness an accident on US 64 or NC 12 perhaps, you would soon after see the different emergency personnel arrive. A fire truck may be first on the scene. The firefighters would secure the area and focus on extricating drivers and passengers from the vehicles. The police might arrive second and would turn their attention to directing traffic as well as sorting out the cause of the accident. EMS would take charge of those who may be injured. The different first responder agencies are all performing a role of their own, but you would see the communication and the harmonious way in which their efforts synced.

On an emergency scene, all first responders are governed by the Incident Command System (ICS), which is a designated organizational structure for handling emergency calls. According to Nags Head Fire Chief Kevin Zorc, the first personnel on site are attempting to preserve lives, mitigate damage, and take command over the situation

whatever it may be.

Then when the most appropriate personnel arrives, specific to the situation, they receive command.

Sergeant Brian Strickland of Kitty Hawk Police says the ICS is determined by the nature of the call. “If it’s a wreck, the fire chief will come over and say [to the police], what do we need to do? If it’s a fire, we will go to them and say, how can we help?”

Strickland says an obvious need for increased ICS training and other collaborative efforts became evident after national disasters like 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. Dare County emergency personnel now regularly train together, whether it be active shooter training with the police force or basic medical training with EMS. One of the most valuable tools first responders use today is the 800 megahertz radio, which allows different emergency agencies to talk to each other. The 9-1-1 telecommunicator can place them all on the same channel so it is possible to establish command and better allocate resources. Prior to its implementation, fire, police, and EMS all communicated on separate stations.

The Town of Nags Head is a prime example of the joint

Spring 2015 | myouterbankshome.com

17

first response FEATURE

In 2014, Dare Central Communications Center answered 99,788 calls to 9-1-1 and engaged in 652,456 radio exchanges with emergency personnel.

efforts between different first responders. The Douglas A. Remaley Fire Station houses both Nags Head Fire and Rescue and two units of Dare County EMS. Zorc said, “Back in 1989 when the station opened, very soon afterwards there was an agreement made that we would work together in providing a level of response here in the community. It’s really valuable to have that EMS support here.”

This is a unique setup because fire and rescue is a town-based organization, while EMS is county-based.

However, with the towns of the Outer Banks often running together, first responders acknowledge that the borders become blurred. Emergency vehicles will often adjust their coverage to other districts when one vehicle is dealing with a call or assist in a call outside of their area.

Zorc said it is common for firefighters to traverse town boundaries in an emergency – particularly for Nags Head when it comes to Colington and Kill Devil Hills. “There’s always an opportunity for many hands to make the work a little bit lighter,” he said. “If they have a fire, we have a fire.”

Firefighters also respond to many medically related calls, such as the mock vehicle accident described above.

In fact, only 8.87% of the incidents Nags Head Fire and Rescue responded to in 2014 involved fires, while 52.53% were rescue and emergency medical.

Most emergency personnel agree that although the types of calls coming in do not vary much, the volume of calls noticeably spikes in the summer months. In fact, emergencies during the short, summer months represent half of 911’s call volume for the entire year. That spike is understandable considering that the population of the Outer Banks escalates from about 34,000 year-round residents to 350,000 people in peak season. All types of emergency calls increase: traffic and vehicle accidents, property crimes, and traumatic injuries, but summer months add ocean rescues to the mix. These distinct differences in population and seasonal activity make it very hard to describe a ‘typical day’ for our first responders. During peak summer conditions, emergency personnel are lucky to get an hour or two of down time during their 24-hour shift.

In the case of critical injuries, Dare MedFlight is on hand to transport patients. This aeromedical service is one of the few county-owned operations of its kind in the nation and has existed since before the construction of The Outer Banks Hospital. This summer, the old BK117 helicopter will be replaced by a Eurocopter EC145T2.

Also preparing for the approaching summer season, some first responders will take on jobs with ocean rescue in addition to their primary careers. It is not unusual for some first responders to work in several facets of public safety or transition to a different emergency agency than the one they initially began in.

Tilley said, “You get a feel for working in public safety, and you find the direction that fits your personality and skill set, whether it be police or EMS or fire.

There are a select few that can do the different job functions.”

Multiple careers or not, those working in the public service industry tend to be involved in many community organizations. First responders are committed to public service no matter what position they fill and are committed to uniting their efforts to protect Dare County’s residents and visitors.

Nags Head Police Chief Kevin Brinkley said, “Everybody has their own unique role, but it is a seamless process because everyone is working together to accomplish it. We all work together; our ultimate goal is to get there and make sure everyone is safe.” ■ Outer Banks resident and freelance writer, Lexi Holian, has many family members and close friends who work as first responders, including an uncle who was a Chief of Police.

18

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2015

EVERY TRANE ENDURES TOUGH TESTS FOR RELIABILITY. EVERY TRANE COMFORT SPECIALIST™ ACES TESTS FOR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. Established in 1979, we were the first heating and cooling company on the Outer Banks. As a Trane Comfort Specialist™ Dealer and NATE certified technicians, for over 35 years our commitment has been to keep your family comfortable while always giving you peace of mind.

Call us today to experience comfort beyond air conditioning.

(252) 261-2008 www.RAHoy.com

it's your legacy

it’s more than just a home

“When the time came to build our dream house on the Outer Banks, we wanted a builder we could trust. Stan White was the obvious choice to deliver custom quality, strength and value. The Stan White team’s substantial experience, expertise and commitment to us was invaluable throughout the building process. We are delighted with the beautiful and durable home we will enjoy and pass on to our children and grandchildren. We’re proud to say that it was built by Stan White!” - The Roberts Family, Rockville MD

800.338.3233 swobx.com

building custom homes on the outer Banks for over 35 years.

From investment properties and vacation cottages to year-round Outer Banks living, now’s the time to watch your dream home become a reality.

Spring 2015 | myouterbankshome.com

19

9 9

Y E A R S

A N D

C O U N T I N G

St. Andrew’s by the Sea

Imagine walking across high and hot sand dunes in your best Sunday clothes – Sunday clothes that include high collars and long pants and skirts. The soft sand sinks below your feet and the sun blazes hot on your back. These are the conditions that visitors to the Outer Banks experienced when they went to church every Sunday ninety-nine years ago. In 1916, when the Outer Banks lay barren and desolate for much of the year, one building that remained active was St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church.

H

owever, some would say St. Andrew’s story begins soldiers began to privateer off Hatteras Island in 1861. Union STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY long before 1916. They will pose that the story of soldiers took Roanoke Island and used the Nags Head Hotel Allison Parrish a church presence began as early as 1587 when as their headquarters during the Battle of Roanoke Island in the Lost Colony arrived on Roanoke Island and 1862. According to Edward Outlaw Jr., author of the 1950s then mysteriously disappeared. book titled Old Nags Head, the All Saints’ chapel was torn down by Union It wouldn’t be until 1849 that a permanent church was established on the troops under General Burnside. Confederate soldiers also contributed to its deOuter Banks. That church was conveniently located near the docks on the mise and destroyed other Nags Head homes and landmarks as they retreated. sound side of Nags Head where vacationers would arrive by boat; it was called The lumber from the destroyed church went on to be used as shelters for forAll Saints’ House of Prayer. The majority of early homeowners were from Elizamer slaves who took refuge on the Union-controlled Roanoke Island. beth City and Edenton, NC. They would pack up the family and their summer The church wasn’t the only building destroyed in the war; many cottages essentials which included food, water, and some livestock, and set out for the and the Nags Head Hotel were destroyed as well. After the war, a new hotel and Outer Banks on a barge or in individual boats. These vacationers traveled the cottages were built, some even on the oceanfront, but it would be years until a intra-coastal waterways and sound waters to vacation on the breezy beaches new church was built on the beach. during summer months.

In 1916, after congregating for nearly fifty years on the porches of cottages The Civil War came to the barely-touched Outer Banks when Confederate and the new Nags Head Hotel, a new chapel was constructed on the sound-

20

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2015

OBX COMMUNITY

OUTER BANKS HISTORY CENTER

st. andrew’s

Above: Dedication of St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea, August 1916. Below: St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea is near the center of this aerial photograph of Nags Head in the early 1950s.

OUTER BANKS HISTORY CENTER

front near Seven Sisters hill, a group of sand dunes used as a landmark by local bankers. With the help of Congress to pay for the loss of the church in the Civil War, an impressive $700 was given to build a new church.

The parishioners brought in Stephen J. Twine, a “small and wiry” man, to build the chapel. Twine designed and built many of the cottages around St. Andrew’s from the early 1900s including many of the unpainted cottages that are still standing in the Old Nags Head Cottage Row today. The chapel mirrored his trademark designs with wooden pilings, steep pitched roofs and dormers, cedar shingles, porch-mounted benches, and top-hinged shutters.

The parishioners gave clear specifications for what the church should look like. In Twine’s contract, it stated that the church would be, “twenty-five feet wide and fifty feet long with five windows on each long side. Two windows on the west and one large window in the east.” For his work, Twine was paid $327.50.

This new church was built on the same low-lying area where the original All Saints’ chapel was built in 1916. Sitting in the middle of a cow pasture, the desolate chapel proved to be a trek for the parishioners coming from many scattered cottages.

In a video made for the 100th anniversary, several original parishioners were interviewed about the early church.

Frances Drane Inglis, the granddaughter of the original priest,

Spring 2015 | myouterbankshome.com

21

OBX COMMUNITY

st. andrew’s

OUTER BANKS HISTORY CENTER

OUTER BANKS HISTORY CENTER

Above: Passengers arrive on the soundside docks in Nags Head c. 1900. Below: St. Andrew’s, late 1970s.

22

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2015

Dr. Robert Drane, said that as children, they would walk to church barefoot and then dust their feet off before they entered the chapel.

Going to church was also an adventure for Tom Skinner. He described having to walk over the sand and “watch out for the bull” in the valley of cows surrounding the church. He told how the bull chased a few of his friends and they took refuge on top of the church’s outhouse. The cows around the church also provided in-church entertainment as Betty Crawford remembered sitting in church with the windows wide open when a cow “poked her head right through the window” seemingly interested in the Sunday morning message.

Being in a low-lying area, the church would often gather water underneath the building when storms blew in. Tom Skinner remembered the times as a child when he and his friends would make paper sailboats and go under the church and play in the water while their parents were inside listening to the sermon.

The 1930s proved to be a difficult time; multiple hurricanes that blew across the Outer Banks caused massive damage and beach flooding, even some deaths. According to E.R. Outlaw, a summer resident claimed that winds and rain from a hurricane left the chapel with a “slight list.”

By the late 1930s, the Outer Banks was gaining popularity with vacationers and road construction began on what would soon be nicknamed the “beach road” that extends from Southern Shores to Nags Head. In response, the chapel was moved in 1937 due east as a more convenient location for those traveling the beach road. Today, the chapel can still be seen from its original location on Seven Sisters hill.

“Apparently, they moved it in the winter because we would have watched it move in the summer,” said Skinner. Not only was the church relocated, but it was also reoriented. Whereas the altar in the chapel originally faced the east with a large window behind it and the front entrance faced west, now the bright red doors on the front of the chapel face the east and the altar faces west.

Even though the chapel was moved closer to the road, it would be nearly twenty years until the church became a year-round church. Very few people lived year-round on the Outer Banks so the church was only used during the summer when the vacationers came.

During the summer seasons, a small apartment was built behind the chapel. Priests and their families from all over North Carolina and Virginia would come to the beach, have a small vacation during the week, and then give the message that Sunday.

The church was not only used for spiritual gatherings, it was used for community meetings and events. If there was more than one event at a time, a curtain would simply be pulled in front of the altar

OBX COMMUNITY

st. andrew’s

to separate the two functions.

Over the years, there have been several changes to the small chapel. A belfry was added in 1937, and a bell that was salvaged from a Pasquotank County farm in Nixonton is still in use at St. Andrew’s today. “I’ve actually rung it before,” says Sarah Downing, a parishioner at the church today. In addition to the bell and belfry, a balcony and a porch were added later.

By 2003, multiple buildings were added around the chapel to make room for a larger congregation. However,

the small chapel is still used for the early Sunday morning service. “There’s still a tradition that you can’t put a modern twist on,” said Patti Johnson, church member.

Today, the church membership remains consistent, but attendance increases during the summer. “We have numerous year-round visitors, but the number increases during the summer,” says current Rev. Phillip Glick. “It’s important to know that while on vacation, people didn’t forget their prayers and worship.”

For community outreach, the church has a servant ministry and works with other church groups. Some of these ministries include the preschool at the church, Ruthie’s Kitchen commu-

Spring 2015 | myouterbankshome.com

23

OBX COMMUNITY

st. andrew’s

nity dinner, and Room in the Inn, which provides shelter for the homeless during the winter.

Frances Drane Inglis described the original chapel as a “fisherman’s chapel” inviting anyone to come and worship. The church has stood by that description for nearly 100 years as they call out, “fisherman, come as you are” to the little old church by the sea. ■ All photography by Allison Parrish unless otherwise noted.

Allison Parrish interned at Three Dog Ink in the summer of 2014 and is currently a senior studying photography and journalism at Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC. After graduating in May, she hopes to work in the publishing industry while continuing to vacation and visit family here on the Outer Banks.

HADDON HOMES COASTAL PROPERTIES

Using the best materials and building science to build your high performance home.

HADDON-HOMES.COM 252.267.2287

tom@haddon-homes.com

24

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2015

★ Serving the Outer Banks Since 1995 ★ • Interior and Exterior Painting • Rot Repair Specialists • Power Washing and Deck Sealing • Siding Installation • Remodeling • Windows and Doors • Drywall Repair and Installation

R2X® Shaw’s Stain & Soil Resistance System, allows you the freedom to live fearlessly on your floor. Spills stay on the surface of the carpet so you have time to clean them up before they soak into the fiber.

We’re more than just a carpet store.

Offering a complete line of flooring and furniture for your home.

beachpainting.com • 252.441.8224

252.261.0496 • kittyhawkcarpet.com • MP5 • 3506 N. Croatan Hwy. in Kitty Hawk

Free Estimates Maintenance Agreements Full Service

Elevate Rental Income.

Age Gracefully.

Lift Your Market Value.

OUTER BANKS VACATION RENTALS REAL ESTATE SALES

joelambjr.com • 252-261-4444

ELEVATORS

ACCESSIBILITY LIFTS

• variety of finishes to fit any budget • can be customized to your needs • offer years of dependable service

atlanticelevators.com

• enhance your personal mobility • are individualized to fit your needs • offer state-of-the-art innovation

252.305.4465 • 252.473.1083 • Fax 252.473.9337 atlanticelevators.com • kenny@atlanticelevators.com

Spring 2015 | myouterbankshome.com

25

Who Inspire STORY BY

Lexi Holian s a sequel to our popular article which tracked six area graduates, My Outer Banks Home is now showcasing some of the Dare County teachers who inspire students – both in the classroom and after graduation. What we discovered were too many wonderful educators to represent every name recommended to us. While the teachers below have won their share of awards, those were not the credentials we were seeking. We have selected teachers who connect with students on a personal level and leave a permanent impression. These are the teachers dedicated students seek. Here are six of the teachers students want to learn from.

Monica DeFelice

Theatre Teacher - First Flight High School On a typical day in “Ms. D’s class,” theatre teacher Monica DeFelice uses a hands-on approach with students, often posing questions or asking students to take over speaking to the class in order to foster a creative space where students and teacher are working together. Most of her students consider her a friend as well as a mentor and will say that it is her passion that kindled a love for theatre.

Former student Camden Blizzard, now majoring in stage management at University of North Carolina School of the Arts, admits to never considering theatre as a path before meeting DeFelice. Blizzard said, “You feel her love for what she is doing, and it makes you want to be better at what you are doing. It brings out things in you that you didn’t know were there. She has so much passion for everything, and you think, I want to find something that makes me that happy. If it was not for her, I would not have found it.”

In acknowledgment that every student learns differently, DeFelice incorporates a variety of teaching styles into her instruction. “Some students can look at something one time and they’ve got it forever,” she said. “Some have to see it; some have to hear it; some have to do it. That’s why I like theatre. It lets us experiment with ways for every different learner so they all can grasp it before we move on.”

Students in DeFelice’s classes commonly accept stage roles or places in the crew for school productions.

The time spent preparing for a show after school, three hours each day Monday through Friday, results in close LEXI HOLIAN friendships among the cast and DeFelice.

“The longer that I have been doing this, the more I appreciate it and my students,” DeFelice said. “I know that I have an important job and I take it seriously, but I also encourage having fun while we’re learning. You’ve got this one life, so make the most out of it.”

Freshman Dakota Tholen, who will be playing Beast in the upcoming musical Beauty and the Beast, is one of many students who lauds DeFelice. “She is truly amazing,” he said. “I am so lucky that I have gotten to learn from her and have her inspire me and completely change the course of my life, perhaps, because she made me decide what I want to do with my life.”

26

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2015

COMMUNITY TIES

Elvin Hooper

obx teachers

Carpentry Teacher - Cape Hatteras Secondary School Teaching real life skills is the root of shop teacher Elvin Hooper’s philosophy. He first taught carpentry at Cape Hatteras Secondary School from 1977 to 1987, then worked as a building inspector for many years before returning to CHSS to teach shop five years ago. His goal is to prepare students for the real world, whether they are attending college or not. Students in Hooper’s class construct everything from picnic tables to lawn furniture, from decoys to a functioning 10x12 shed.

“Hopefully when they leave us, they can go right to work with a contractor,” he said. “That’s the idea. I want them to be able to be on their own.”

Self-published author of Chicamacomico: How It Was Back Then, Hooper is also a wordsmith and believes that if students can relate to a story and understand the value in what they are doing, understanding will come more easily. He tends to spend 50 percent of class time in the classroom and 50 percent in the shop.

“I show them how to apply it with their hands,” he said. “If you subtract a fraction from the whole number, they want to go crawl under the desk. But if you explain how to apply that to something they can see and how it works, they seem to function better. Hands-on.”

Those who learned in Hooper’s classroom acknowledge that his teachings went beyond the subject. Former student Matthew Nuckles said, “He teaches you a lot more than carpentry. He’s a good, helpful person in our community and knowledgeable guy. You could come to him if you had problems with anything.”

Hooper gets the shop students involved in all building aspects of the school such as constructing stages and stage props for the theatre department. He teaches real life skills and then follows through with helping students figure out what they are going to do when they graduate or helping them find jobs in the summer. His curriculum even includes a unit on understanding roles in the environment as related to construction because of the rise in green building practices.

Hooper truly enjoys the construction projects that prepare students for the real world and the projects that help his school. He said, “I make many, many piles of sawdust in my life.”

Shauna Leggat

Media Coordinator - Cape Hatteras Elementary School Sixth generation teacher and media coordinator at Cape Hatteras Elementary School, Shauna Leggat claims she “fell into teaching.” Her parents and grandparents were teachers, and so on for several generations before her, so she believes the career was waiting for her whether she pursued it or not.

She associates much of the success in learning to being a competent reader and writer, two things she now gets to teach all day from her position in the school library.

Leggat said, “I believe teaching is a process that demands constant excitement, learning and readjusting, and one should never be afraid to tell the kids, ‘I don’t know...let’s look into that together!’ ” Leggat began teaching English as a Second Language in Virginia immediately after graduating from college. She then instructed gifted language arts classes in Manteo, from 1995 to 2002 and is today in her tenth year of teaching at CHES. Throughout her career, Leggat has always searched for ways to engage children with relatable experiences. She is responsible for bringing many authors and artists to the Outer Banks, such as the Fablehaven series author Brandon Mull. She also started Fiction Diggers, an accelerated reading program that earned her the Outstanding Reading Program Award in Toronto at the International Reading Association’s convention. Leggat’s students have consistently become top readers in the state.

Leggat said, “I do believe that children don’t know what they can do until you point them in a direction and have fun getting there. They don’t know what their best is.” After making the transition from the classroom to the library, Leggat started a voluntary reading program in which students could take home a small book from the library each night. The program began with kindergarten, quickly expanded into the first grade, and is now taking over the second. Her goal is to get students into the library as often as possible. Leggat said, “When I first switched from the classroom to media [environment] my daughters said, ‘Mom, you have to be the kind of librarian that kids will sneak out of class to come hang out with.’ I really see library as teaching.”

“I think the minute I had my first child, it was a real eye opener that every child is somebody’s baby, and you’re passionate about what you want for your own child. Acknowledge that for every child out there. Every student you touch is somebody’s baby, and they are that important.”

Spring 2015 | myouterbankshome.com

27

COMMUNITY TIES

obx teachers Adam Sakers

Fifth Grade Teacher - Kitty Hawk Elementary School Now in his tenth year at Kitty Hawk Elementary School, fifth grade teacher Adam Sakers has learned that getting to know his students individually is his most effective tool for teaching. He said, “Even if you have the best lesson plans and the most knowledge of the subject you are teaching, if you don’t connect with your students on a personal level, they are less likely to be involved in classroom learning and oftentimes even ‘put up a wall’ towards the teacher.”

Greer Farr, a current student in Sakers’ class, says her teacher motivates her to do well in school, and she hopes her friends will be able to have him as a teacher. “When we’re learning about something, he makes it really fun,” she said. “He jokes, and when he’s reading he makes funny voices. There’s a lot of things I like about him.”

Sakers has even been known to nickname his students and has picked up one for himself: The Sakenator.

In addition to making an effort to bond with students, Sakers introduces lessons that engage children with the use of technology, different websites, and tools that keep them involved in order to encourage different learning styles. He also prefers students to work with each other and help each other to succeed.

“Growing up, I was a kid that was full of energy, so sitting in a chair all day working by myself was not for me,” Sakers said. “I enjoy teaching in a way that lets students work together in learning teams and think creatively.”

He said, “If you want students to be engaged in your classroom, you have to let them know they are truly valued. Then they will respond in a positive way, want to learn, and want to show you what they have learned.”

Robin Sawyer

Media Advisor - First Flight High School

LEXI HOLIAN

28

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2015

From the newsroom to the video production office, the talents of First Flight High School’s journalism students range far and wide, but there is one bond they all share that can be expressed in a phrase they all know: Once a Sawyer kid, always a Sawyer kid.

Media advisor Robin Sawyer has been with FFHS since the school opened in 2004 and was well known for her journalistic presence at Manteo High School prior to the transition.

She oversees the production of Nighthawk NewsMagazine, NighthawkNews.org, Shorelines yearbook, and The Nighthawk Report, a daily news show aired to all classrooms and produced in tandem with digital media teacher Ken Binkley. Among many honors awarded to Sawyer over the years, she was named the Dow Jones News Fund National High School Journalism Teacher of the Year in 2001.

When asking students and school officials which teachers truly form a bond with their students, Sawyer’s name is among the first acknowledged. This is a teacher who students stay in touch with even after they leave the halls of FFHS. Jose Valle, former co-editor of Nighthawk NewsMagazine and current freshman at Durham Technical Community College, connects with Sawyer nearly every time he returns to the Outer Banks. He said, “I learned so much from her; I can’t even put it into words. She loves [what she does], and I can pretty much thank her for making me love it as much as I do too.

She helped me find a place where it really felt like I belonged.” Today, Valle is a staff member of The Daily Tar Heel, UNC’s campus newspaper.

Sawyer believes her teachings stay with students because the skills she is imparting can be used throughout life no matter what a student’s career path or goals. “When it all comes down to it, communications are at the root of all successful careers,” she said. “If you can be a successful communicator, you can go anywhere and do anything you want to do in your life.”

When a student enters her classroom, Sawyer knows they will form a relationship that will last much longer than a single semester. She said, “For many years, people would say, I can’t believe you have an only child. I raise 40 a year, are you kidding? I truly look at my students as my children.” (cont’d on page 30)

Style

Arrive

in

Enhance Your New Home or Addition with the Luxury of an Elevator.

Featuring our trolley

“Stella” 40 Years of Experience Providing Installation, Service & Maintenance In Eastern North Carolina & Southeastern Virginia.

• Chartered door-to-door transportation • Seats 35 passengers plus 10 standing passengers • Stress-free vehicle for weddings, family gatherings & events • New, air-conditioned trolley – cool on all summer days

All Work is Done by Certified & Licensed, State & Nationally Qualified Employees.

Interior Design Furnishings

• Serving the Outer Banks

�clusive OBX Wedding Trolley Service

OBX Trolley

252.202.4429 • obxtrolley.com info@obxtrolley.com

252.491.5490 OuterBanksElevator.com

Scarborough Faire Shops - Duck, NC 252-261-6877 www.theurbancottage.com

Spring 2015 | myouterbankshome.com

29

COMMUNITY TIES

obx teachers

Frank Vrablic

Math Teacher - Manteo High School Students across the county have developed a lifelong appreciation for math and have left classrooms or tutoring sessions with a new understanding of mathematics thanks to Frank Vrablic. His name is well-known not only at Manteo High School, where he has taught everything from the foundations of math through basic calculus since 1986, but also at First Flight High School where his instruction is broadcast via Dare County’s Information Highway.

Vrablic attributes his success in the classroom to teaching respect. He tells students there are no bad questions and enforces that everyone respond in a positive way to questions asked. “The ultimate learning atmosphere is when mutual respect is developed between you and me, the teacher and student,” he said. “Once you realize that you can make a mistake or I could make a mistake and we respect each other, we are going to both learn from each other.”

One of Vrablic’s most rewarding teaching strategies is having students work together and become inspired by each other. He says some of his students who are struggling will see the work the older students are doing and become motivated. Another strategy of his is to compare test scores between the students and their older siblings for a little friendly competition, and yes, he has kept every test over the last 20 years.

Unique to Vrablic’s position is a relationship with students in the classroom and on the field as he coaches the MHS soccer team. He said, “The balance between seeing them in the classroom, pushing them and working hard, then seeing them on the field or in the hallway, you develop a relationship with them. When you play, LEXI HOLIAN you play, and when you work, you work.”

Former student Tom Blanchard, who now owns a technology consulting company, reminisces about doing math homework on the athletic bus on the way to soccer games. When the students had a question, they simply walked to the front of the bus to speak with Vrablic.

“He had high expectations for us in both the classroom and on the soccer field,” Blanchard said. “He required that we worked hard in both. In turn, we were motivated to meet his expectations. It’s amazing how he could do that.” Vrablic enjoys teaching all levels of math and working with all levels of students, particularly when they give back to him.

“A lot of times when the teacher is having a bad day, kids can really inspire you,” he said. “Kids have a way of putting things in good perspective.” ■ Lexi Holian is a product of the Dare County Schools system and has had the privilege of knowing many inspiring educators over the years.

Did you know?

• The Outer Banks Beach Food Pantry serves an average of 4100 people annually.

• 15% of Dare county’s residents struggle to put food on the table.

• North Carolina ranks #6 in the nation for food insecurity.

Ever wonder who answers

YOUR EMAIL?

Colleen Castano rdsawyersales@earthlink.net

rdsawyer.com

252.475.8803 • 404 U.S. 64, Manteo, NC 30

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2015

It’s easy to donate!

• Securely on our website, Facebook page or through Paypal • By sending a check to Beach Food Pantry, PO Box 1224, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 • Dropping off food donations at participating Realty Offices, Kill Devil Hills Library, or the Baum Center in Kill Devil Hills

beachfoodpantry.org • 252.261.2756 500 Sand Dune Drive • Kitty Hawk, NC • obxbeachfoodpantry@gmail.com

COMMUNITY TIES

obx teachers FFHS Journalism Sets Record for Awards First Flight High School publications are known for their creative, professional content and design under the guidance of media advisor Robin Sawyer. This summer, for the second year in a row, FFHS journalism students brought home a record number of awards from the North Carolina Scholastic Media Association Summer Institute.

Thirteen students and Sawyer traveled to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to participate in four days of training provided by journalism faculty, guest speakers, and professional journalists.

In total, three FFHS publications: Nighthawk NewsMagazine, NighthawkNews.org, and Shorelines yearbook received 54 publication, section, and individual awards as well as two awards for accomplishments during the Institute. Among these were three Tar Heel Awards, the highest honor given to student publications in North Carolina. FFHS journalism students plan to attend the Institute again in the summer of 2015 to further excel in all aspects of writing and design.

• Ornaments • Pottery • Textiles and patterns • Wall art • Woodworking • Bath and body products

• Food • Gift baskets • Jewelry • Notecards • Other gifts

• Baskets • Books

North Banks Rotary

Saturday • May 9, 2015 7:00 am 7:45 am 8:00 am 12 noon

New! Double 5K Race Village Realty 1 Mile Fun Run Yuengling 5K Race Ramada Plaza Beach Party

Thank you to our sponsors...

Made in the OBX features local foods, crafts, and art by more than 75 artists and purveyors. Gift baskets combining the work of our artists are available as are gift certificates.

Sign up for our newsletter at madeintheobx.com and be the first to hear about new artists, new offerings, and upcoming events.

3701 Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 - Milepost 4.5 in the Dune Shops

nagsheadwoods5krun.org

252-581-0001 madeintheobx.com | info@madeintheobx.com

Spring 2015 | myouterbankshome.com

31

Trampolines, Terrorists, and Trees Odd things in our homeowner’s policy

STORY BY Michelle Wagner

I have owned my house for 15 years and have yet to read past the first few lines of my homeowner’s insurance policy. Not ever. It’s at about the third line that my eyes begin to glaze over; before I ever make it to the fourth line, I start fiddling with the corners of the page and it seems like a really good idea to go pick ticks off of the dog. I’d rather do the dishes after Thanksgiving dinner, or goad my children into having a full-on brawl over the iPad than actually read a sheaf of top-stapled pages filled with loopholes, legalese, and exclusions.

This article is written for all the folks who would prefer to cross their fingers and hope for the best rather than read the fine print.

In these 15 years of Outer Banks living, we haven’t encountered any bedbugs, carpenter ants, termites, or other vermin, except for the occasional gutsy squirrels that infiltrate our bird feeder. And I actually marvel at their ingenuity.

So far, these “mid-size rodents” haven’t tried to move in with me or eaten away at my siding. Knock on wood… and hopefully that wood isn’t rotten, because apparently, neither the squirrel damage nor the rotten wood would likely be covered under most policies.

But what would happen if a wild animal sneaked into my home and caused damage? While the rodent squirrel is not covered, rest assured that your friendly neighborhood raccoon is covered because it is classified as a wild animal.

If it manages to find its way into your house and has a serious animal party by tearing apart your furniture and woodwork, you should be covered because that is considered vandalism. Same goes if a skunk enters your home and does its Yankee Candle best to give you and your furniture a new signature scent.

But (and you knew this was coming, right?) you are covered only if your home has not been vacant for more than 30 days… or unoccupied for 60 to 90 days. Wondering what is the difference between those two? More fun with words. Your agent will be happy to fill you in, or you may find that explana-

32

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2015

tion somewhere in your policy around page 30. I’m just guessing, of course.

Does it seem like the actuaries who live among us are part of a secret society with their own language and sense of what is normal? What else can you expect from an industry that speaks of acts of God or religious phenomena like they are part of a grocery list? Read on: Did an image of the Virgin Mary appear on your drywall after oil of unknown origins seeped in through the ceiling? Well, after you’ve cashed in on your 15 minutes of YouTube and network fame (and convinced your kids it is safe to fall asleep again), chalk the whole event up as a “religious phenomenon” and breathe a sigh of relief knowing that you are covered.

As long as we’re getting some religion, what about acts of God? An act of God is a natural catastrophe which no one could prevent through caution or foresight.

Examples of Acts of God: earthquakes, tornadoes, extraordinarily high tides, violent winds and floods...

Oddly enough, an act of God will not be covered in your standard homeowner’s policy as it does not fall under the “religious phenomenon” definition.

Making any sense yet? There’s more about acts of God coming up.

Acts of war are not covered; but acts of terrorism typically are. The explanation is that in contrast to a targeted terrorist event, a war typically destroys many properties over a wide swath of land creating a “correlated risk” that insurance companies cannot absorb all at once.

Perhaps now, the acts of God exclusion is making more sense now? Flood and hurricanes are other examples of “correlated risk” that are sidestepped with exclusions or handled in separate policies.

MONEY MATTERS

Water Water Everywhere:

insurance

With water on all sides of us, no wonder, we find it to be our biggest friend and sometimes foe. Throw in the fact that Outer Banks homeowners need to be fairly well-versed in flood insurance as well as wind and hail insurance; it’s enough to have you reaching for a glass of something just a wee bit stronger than water.

The knocking on (rotten) wood example at the beginning of this article - and its lack of coverage - is likely to set off some alarms with homeowners around here. Damage from a sudden discharge of water is covered under most policies, but not the slow and undetected corrosion of your siding near a leaky door or window. However, both are a fairly common scenario on the Outer Banks. Those leaks would be termed as negligence and/or a maintenance issue and you would be held responsible.

Don’t expect to have much luck filing a claim for water damage after city sewer or drain pipe issues. That is unless you’ve purchased a special endorsement. Fortunately, the more common Outer Banks scenario of damage due to a septic system back up is often covered – partially.

A standard homeowner’s policy may also cover the freezing of pipes, cause flooding in a basement or kitchen but not flooding from rivers or other sources of water from outside the home overflowing their banks.

So what else could possibly happen that would cause you to reach for the phone while humming a familiar jingle from an insurance company’s TV ad?

Well, before you imagine your name written in the “To” line on a claim check, following are a few more oddball scenarios - with differing outcomes.

• A plane (train or automobile) just crashed into my living room.

No worries (besides the obvious). You are likely covered from vehicles hitting your house as well as other objects falling out of the sky. But do not use this as an excuse to avoid removing a dead tree that is leaning precariously toward your (or your neighbor’s) home. That won’t be covered.

• My prized 70-inch TV was destroyed when the fish tank on the shelf above the TV came crashing down.

In contrast to the ‘objects falling from the sky’ scenario above, the fish tank is not considered as an object falling out of the sky. The falling object must first damage an exterior wall of your home on its way down. You put the fish tank there. Your responsibility.

• A nuclear power plant leak has caused dangerous levels of radiation in my home and water supply. Nuclear accidents are a standard exclusion.

Expect a protracted legal battle with the power company that owns the nuclear

Spring 2015 | myouterbankshome.com

33

MONEY MATTERS

insurance

plant to get any compensation.

• My house was swallowed by a sinkhole (or my home slid down a cliff).

Not to get religious again, but the foundation that a house is built on is not just of biblical concern; standard policies will not pay for “earth movement” causing your house to re-locate itself (or disappear entirely).

• My home’s value took a nosedive after the town built a prison near my neighborhood. Sorry, home value and selling cost are not insurable.

• Lightning struck a power line leading into my home causing damage to electronics. Damage caused by lightning which then results in a fire or power surge is usually covered.

• A power outage caused damage to the contents of my home. Unlike the lightening example above, if your electronics, are damaged from a surge when the power comes back on, they are not covered under standard home insurance policies. However, you probably will be reimbursed for a set dollar amount to cover lost food from your refrigerator and freezer.

• My washing machine caught on fire which caused my hot water heater to explode. You’re covered. Insurance companies call that ‘sudden and accidental loss.’

So, cancel that flame-throwing contest in the basement with old college buddies.

Insurance carriers save big bucks by assigning some responsibility and expectations to the homeowner. They don’t want to give you an excuse to engage in risky behavior just because you knew you were covered; they call that ‘moral hazard.’ So use good judgment and keep up your property. Do not drag in every piece of sec-

LET’S TALK ABOUT WHAT FREEDOM OF CHOICE CAN DO FOR YOU.

6345 N. Croatan Hwy. Suite 200 Kitty Hawk, NC 27949

252.261.9300

vogedesinsurance.com

ond-hand furniture that you see discarded during the large item pickup day. Preventing a bedbug infestation is your responsibility.

The reality is that policies are riddled with loopholes and exclusions that can leave homeowners scratching their heads. Tree houses, ‘high-risk’ dog breeds, and trampolines are just a few more examples of what you may find mentioned in your insurance policy.

We don’t have a trampoline or tree house. My dog acts more like a sloth than any kind of threat when a visitor arrives so it’s understandable that I haven’t spent time reading our policy for such exclusions. If reading through the above quirky and humorous scenarios inspires you to ask a few questions or read a little more of your policy, then maybe you will find yourself prepared for the next religious phenomenon that comes your way. ■ Susan Selig Classen contributed to this article.

Michelle Wagner has been living and writing on the Outer Banks for 15 years.

Bill Vogedes 34

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2015

The information contained in this article does not constitute legal advice nor does it reflect every homeowner insurance policy. Please check with your insurance representative for information regarding your own coverage and claims.

Special Olympics

SUSAN SELIG CLASSEN

of Dare County

BrtahevAettempt in

Standing outside of pool (l-r) Coach Michelle Wagner, Coach K.E. Morgan.

Front row in pool (l-r) Coach Kathleen Morgan, Caroline Parks, Emily McCoy, Christine Mroz, Kristen Gavoni. Back row in pool (l-r) Coach Jessica Latham, Frank Kirschner, Zack Nelson, Jake Slagle.

“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

– Special Olympics Oath

After finishing a lap at the Nags Head YMCA swimming pool, the athlete’s team members await him, arms raised to give high fives and pats on the back.

“Good job!” is shouted out all around. A coach calls out, “Are we awesome, or what?” and the team responds with a resounding, “Yes!” On the basketball court of the Dare County Rec Center, another team practices for their first match of the season. They run plays, practice passes and layups. One man sinks a basket off the backboard and a teammate delivers a hug for a job well-done while those on the bench clap and cheer.

The swimming pool and basketball courts are just a couple of the everyday scenes at a Special Olympics team practice here on the Outer Banks. According to new Local Program Coordinator for Dare County, Kathleen Morgan, there are over 55 athletes who compete locally in bowling, basketball, aquatics, equestrian, bocce, track and field, ice-skating, and cheerleading. Many athletes compete in multiple sports.

showed increased muscle strength, 70% experienced improved cardiovascular endurance, and 69% reported higher levels of physical activity in their everyday lives.

Olympian Kristin Gavoni concurs, “I like to STORY BY swim because it’s fun. I do horseback riding, Meaghan Beasley bowling, and cheerleading. I like to support my team, and it’s a good workout.”

Says fellow athlete and sophomore at FFHS Joshua Holland, who swims, runs track and field, and plays basketball, “You’re always better than you think you’re going to be.” Last year, Holland competed in the state swimming competition and placed first, second, and third in three events. “It’s really fun to see how far you’ve come. Say you have low self-esteem, Special Olympics is really

It Does a Body Good Sam Iulo, Exceptional Students Teacher at First Flight High School and Special Olympics equestrian coach, says that the physical exercise and social interaction their athletes receive, “is so good for them and they love it! They don’t think of it as exercise and they’re having a blast!” Speaking of a recent new athlete to join the equestrian team, she says, “We had a parent that told us her daughter had never interacted with anyone else like her [with an intellectual disability] until she’d attended a Special Olympics practice. It was the first time in her life she felt comfortable and accepted by her peers.”

And the numbers can back it up. A 2008 survey of North Carolina Special Olympics athletes who participated in the fall games in High Point, NC showed that 92% of respondents experienced higher levels of self-confidence; 74%

SUSAN SELIG CLASSEN

Coaches Kathleen Morgan and K.E. Morgan

Spring 2015 | myouterbankshome.com

35

special olympics JUST CAUSES

good for improving your confidence,” says Holland.

“It’s so rewarding to see the transition that takes place,” says Morgan, “not only in their health, their well-being, but in our athletes’ self-esteem, pride, and behavior. They end up getting jobs, they contribute to society, and they have better relationships with their family members. It is so amazing.”

The Yale University Child Study Center conducted a survey over the course of 1993-1994 to measure the effects of competing in Special Olympics. They found that participation “leads to improved performance in the classroom and workplace and an increase in community involvement, independence, and socialization for people with intellectual disabilities.”

“We try to focus on our athletes’ abilities and their potential, because to us, they have no disability,” says Morgan. She and her husband, K.E., have been Special Olympics coaches for almost 30 years. When she speaks about one high school athlete with whom she and her husband worked, Morgan’s face beams with pride. “We had a young man last year; he couldn’t swim a stroke.

He had low self-esteem and walked with his head down. He said, ‘I want to try this, but I can’t swim,’ and we said to him, ‘You will swim by the end of eight weeks.’ And he did; he went to State Games last year and he got a first place medal. He has changed so much! He comes out; he tries hard at everything he does. And he even wants to go to college!”

Over the years, Morgan has seen endless success stories such as that beginner. She adds, “They study harder; their grades get better. These athletes have so much untapped potential.”

Calling All Coaches John Morris, Leisure Activities Director at the Dare County Parks and Recreation Center and Special Olympics basketball coach, has been working with Front l-r: Ward Mongold, Kevin Cottee, Charles “Chuck” Cutting. Back l-r: Tyler Williams, Edgarhis team for just over a year now. “I was slowly introduced into Special OlymJohn “E-J” Koelveld, Jerry Jordan, Coach John Morris. pics about two years ago. I enjoyed it, got certified, and here I am.”

Anyone with an interest or background in a particular sport who would like to coach can come out and volunteer. Morgan points out, “If we have enough interest in a sport and we NEW HOMES • RENOVATIONS • ADDITIONS • MAINTENANCE • HOME SERVICES have the athletes, then we’ll find the coaches.” SpeNC #68905 cial Olympics offers free training and certifications as well as continuing training to their coaches.

NEW HOMES • MAINTENANCE • REMODELING All the current coaches echo what a rewarding experience it can be. “I see a lot of [the athletes] becoming more comfortable around me and around each other,” Morris says when talking of his basketball team athletes at a winter practice before their first regional meet, “It’s pretty cool. And my relationPella Windows ship with them is growing into so much more than I thought it would be. They’re a lot of fun…a lot of fun Cell 252.202.1303 • Office 252.261.5177 to be around and they brighten my day.” costincreations.com • Duck, NC On January 31, the first Unified Basketball game was played between the teams of Special Olympics Dare County and the FFHS basketball team.

“Last year we were able to have a game at the high school. All the students on their break piled into the gym and our teams scrimmaged each other. The students cheered us on. It was awesome!”

Iulo can’t keep away. “I help out with Spring Games, basketball, and swimming. I’m only qualified to coach horseback riding, but I’ll volunteer wherever they need me.” Part of Morgan’s enjoyment as a coach comes from helping athletes develop more than physical skills. “We try to give our athletes a leadership role. They need responsibility and they are wonderful at it.”

Of course, there’s a reward for coaches, as well.

MARIE WALKER

C O S T I N C R E AT I O N S 2014 Parade of Homes Winner

36

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2015

special olympics JUST CAUSES

“I learn something every time I’m with our athletes. I learn kindness, patience, and acceptance. They give me something every time, and I think the more inclusive we get as a community, we will all learn these things,” adds Morgan.

How You Can Help

SUSAN SELIG CLASSEN

Unlike many non-profits, Special Olympics is a private non-profit and receives no government or United Way funds to assist them. Instead, it must rely completely on donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. The latter has proven difficult so far for the Dare County branch.

While Morgan believes our community shows a high level of acceptance for those with intellectual disabilities, she doesn’t see the same awareness for the

And for those who can, a donation of time is just as welcome. “We have some parents [who] are our best volunteers. They don’t miss a meet; they shuttle athletes around, buy snacks for the team. They are wonderful! We couldn’t do it without them!”

Morgan hopes to boost community awareness and support with the annual Spring Games competition Saturday, April 25 at the FFHS track. “It’ll be a big Track and Field event. We’ll have radio covering the action during the day.” She hopes that everyone will try and make it out to cheer on the athletes who commit so much of their heart and soul to train. OBX athletes continue on to Raleigh and will compete at the state games May 29 – 31.

“We will find a way so that every athlete who wants to train is included in a sport. They need to exercise and they love to compete,” she smiles. “What they really like is to compete!” ■

By the Numbers

contact:

3.5 million athletes in over 170 countries

Kathleen Morgan Local Program Coordinator

counties. Founded in 1968 by Eunice

757.357.0448

ke.kathleen.morgan@gmail.com

Kennedy Shriver in Chicago. Open to all

athletes age 8 and up Athletes train in 32

Olympic-type sports. Did you know that a

Special Olympics event or practice is held

Christine Mroz needs of Special Olympics. “We rely solely on donations, and we are the poorest branch of Special Olympics in North Carolina. We desperately need uniforms.”

She continues, “People need to know we’re here. We aren’t a babysitting service. We teach our athletes to make them better members of our community.”

38,000 athletes in NC in nearly 100

almost every day of the year?

Meaghan Beasley’s cousin, Willie, has Downs Syndrome and she’s never met a kinder, more generous soul - or a better break dancer - in her life.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Y AMENITIES PROGRAM

WEEKLY RATES AVAILABLE! For Individuals and Families Enjoy the outdoor water park, racquetball courts, hot tub, group exercise and more! Call 449-8897 for more information or visit www.obxymca.org. *Some restrictions apply.

OUTER BANKS FAMILY YMCA 3000 South Croatan Highway, Nags Head, NC 27959 P 252 449 8897 W www.obxymca.org Spring 2015 | myouterbankshome.com

37

L FA RE

SHUTTERSTOCK

LOCA

AN EGG’S JOURNEY HOME STORY, RECIPES & RECIPE PHOTOS BY

While going through a family album, I found this yellowed envelope from my father. So many memories tumble out. And a few tears.

I lived in London for two months during the summer of 1971. I ate at the university cafeteria during that time. There was always a tray of oval, dark brown blobs, the size of a large tennis ball. They were served breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

This was the “Scotch Egg.” The Scotch Egg was a rock-hard, overboiled egg, encased in sausage, heavily battered, and deep-fried.

The egg itself had been cooked beyond recognition and edibility. The sausage was likely from a goat. It was a horrid concoction. I detested the Scotch Egg. I thought I’d put that Scotch Egg out of my head for good; but, no. It raised its ugly head again when I received an email featuring the Scotch Egg. Just reading those two words made my stomach lurch a bit, but I opened up the email in spite of that.

The first thing I see is the chef plating his Scotch Eggs and these eggs are nothing like the eggs I had in London. These eggs look wonderfully, incredibly, edible. These were soft-boiled eggs with an oozy yolk, marinated in a Teriyaki-like sauce, encased in sausage, lightly fried to a lovely golden brown in panko breadcrumbs, and served on a bed of Napa cabbage salad.

I must give the Scotch Egg another chance.

I’m glad I did. It was fantastic. Then I started thinking, which can be a scary thing, about the Scotch Egg. What if I took the basic Scotch Egg idea and put a Northeastern North Carolina spin on it? And that, my friends, is how I ended up with a spring breakfast column featuring my Carolina Blue Eggs – Carolina blue for our blue sky and blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, our “beautiful swimmer.”

I’ll also be presenting two other egg-ceptional breakfast dishes for your gustatory pleasure – Eggs Hawthorne and Oeufs Mollet à la Florentine. Take time, when you can, to prepare a special, leisurely breakfast. It’s the nicest thing you can do for yourself and your family.

38

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2015

Rosie Hawthorne

Rosie’s Carolina Blue Eggs Serves 6-8 8 oz. crab meat 1 egg, beaten 1 heaping tsp minced celery 1 heaping tsp minced red onion 1 heaping tsp minced red bell pepper 1 heaping TB chopped parsley 1 TB mayonnaise ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning 1 tsp Lea & Perrins® Worcestershire sauce 3 cups Napa cabbage, shredded 2 TB lemon juice Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste 4 eggs 1 cup flour 2 eggs, beaten 1 cup panko breadcrumbs STEP 1. Combine first nine ingredients. Refrigerate.

STEP 2. Mix cabbage with lemon juice. Season to taste. Refrigerate.

STEP 3. With a pushpin, prick a small hole in the large end of each egg to keep them from cracking while cooking. Fill a medium sauce pan with water. Bring to a boil. Carefully transfer the eggs to the boiling water. Cook for 5 minutes and 15 seconds. Transfer eggs to a bowl of ice water and chill completely.

STEP 4. Carefully peel the eggs. Using ¼ of the crab mixture, pat it out in a thin layer on your hand. Place an egg in your crab-covered hand and gently wrap crab mixture around the egg. Eggs can be prepared ahead of time to this point. Wrap each egg in plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to fry. At fry time, roll each egg in flour, dip in egg wash, then roll in the panko. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

egg dishes RECIPES

◀ Rosie’s Carolina Blue Eggs

Eggs Hawthorne is my version of Eggs Benedict. I lightly butter and toast English muffin slices, add a slice of grilled ham, a nest of sautéed spinach, and a lightly poached egg, and top it off with a luxurious Hollandaise sauce. This time, I’m making Hollandaise in a blender, not on the stove top, and I’ll be using browned butter to give it extra, nutty flavor.

Eggs Hawthorne Serves 4

STEP 5. Pour 2 inches of peanut oil into a heavy-bottomed pot.

Heat over medium until temperature reaches 375°. Working in two batches, fry the eggs until they are golden brown, 2-3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain.

STEP 6. Divide cabbage among four plates. Cut each egg lengthwise and place on cabbage.

Drizzle with Classic Hollandaise Sauce. (see recipe below)

Hollandaise sauce is one of five mother sauces of French cuisine, and it’s one of the most finicky. You need to babysit it. The final viscosity of your sauce is determined by how much fat (butter) is emulsified in and the degree to which the yolks are cooked. The more the egg is cooked, the thicker the Hollandaise, but you also risk the chance of ending up with scrambled eggs instead of sauce. The more butter whisked in, the more you risk curdling and having your sauce separate.

My first recipe for Hollandaise is for the classic French sauce made using a double-boiler. My second Hollandaise recipe is made in a blender and is much more user-friendly than the classic recipe. Either sauce can be used for the two recipes that are written here.

2 English muffins, sliced in half Unsalted butter 8oz. package of fresh spinach or a bunch of spring asparagus spears Freshly grated nutmeg 4 slices grilled ham 4 poached eggs Blender Hollandaise sauce Cayenne pepper Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper STEP 1. Lightly butter and toast the muffin slices.

STEP 2. In a small saucepan, melt a tablespoon of butter, add spinach, and cook until wilted. Season to taste with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

STEP 3. Melt two tablespoons butter in a ribbed iron skillet and sauté, turning the ham slices so that you have criss-cross grill marks. Set aside.

STEP 4. To poach an egg, bring a small sauce pan of water to a boil. Add a tablespoon of distilled white vinegar. This helps the whites to coagulate and hold together. I stir the water to make a vortex, crack the egg, and drop it in. Cook for 2 minutes and 15 seconds for a nice, loose yolk. Cook a bit longer if you like a tighter yolk. Remove egg and let drain. (cont’d next page)

Classic Hollandaise Sauce 2 egg yolks 1 TB lemon juice ½ stick cold, unsalted butter, cut into small pats Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste STEP 1. Vigorously whisk the yolks and lemon juice together in a round-bottomed bowl until mixture thickens and increases in volume. Hollandaise can be a finicky sauce, so if you’re inexperienced in making it, I’d recommend using a double boiler.

STEP 2. Place your bowl over a pot of simmering water. You want to gently heat the eggs, not scramble them. Constantly whisk the yolks over indirect heat until lightcolored, thickened, and creamy.

STEP 3. With the first wisp of steam, start adding the butter, one pat at a time, whisking until the fat is incorporated. Keep whisking until your sauce is like thickened cream. When you get more comfortable doing this, you can hover the pan over your heat source and not bother using the double boiler.

Eggs Hawthorne ▶

NOTE: What can go wrong with Hollandaise? If the heat is too high, you’ll end up with scrambled eggs and there’s no fixing this. If you add too much butter or add the butter too fast, the emulsion will break down, causing the sauce to separate.

Not to worry. You can fix this. Simply whisk in an ice cube and the sauce becomes smooth once again.

Spring 2015 | myouterbankshome.com

39

egg dishes RECIPES

Eggs Hawthorne cont’d STEP 5. To assemble, place a slice of ham on the toasted muffin, make a nest of spinach, and gently place the egg on the spinach. Spoon the Hollandaise sauce over top. (See recipe below) Sprinkle with cayenne pepper if desired.

NOTE: Blanched spring asparagus spears could be substituted for the green here.

Simply bend the end of each spear until it snaps naturally, add the asparagus to a pan of boiling water, and cook for about 2 minutes, until just tender. Plunge the spears in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and set the bright green color.

My last breakfast offering for you is Oeufs Mollet à la Florentine, or soft eggs with spinach. Baby bella mushrooms are sautéed in butter and placed on top of a bed of spinach. Sautéed mushrooms are spread over the spinach, and then eggs are soft-cooked, peeled, and placed on top. Mornay sauce, another classic French sauce, is poured over, and the whole is sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese. After a quick trip under the broiler to lightly brown the cheese, breakfast is ready.

Oeufs Mollet à la Florentine Serves 4 8 eggs

Spinach Mushroom Mixture 1 pound fresh spinach, stems discarded, and chopped 8 baby bella mushrooms, sliced 4 TB unsalted butter ½ tsp kosher salt 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg STEP 1. In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Again, pin-prick the large end of each egg. Gently lower the eggs into the water, bring to a simmer, and cook about 6 minutes. Pour water out and shake the pan to crack the shells. Cool completely, then shell eggs under cold, running water.

STEP 2. Melt 2 TB butter over mediumhigh heat in saucepan. Cook spinach until wilted, about 2 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Arrange spinach in ovenproof dish large enough to accommodate 2 eggs.

STEP 3. Melt remaining butter over medium high heat in saucepan. Sauté mushrooms until nicely browned. Season to taste with salt. Spread mushrooms over spinach.

STEP 4. Add 2 eggs per serving. Top with Mornay Sauce. (see recipe below)

Blender Hollandaise sauce: 2 egg yolks 1 TB lemon juice ½ stick melted, unsalted butter Cayenne pepper STEP 1. Place half a stick of unsalted butter in a small sauce pan and heat over medium low until you start to get little brown specks in the butter. Remove from heat.

Oeufs Mollet à la Florentine ▶ Mornay Sauce 1 TB unsalted butter 1 TB flour ¼ cup skim milk ¾ cup heavy cream ½ tsp kosher salt

¼ tsp freshly ground pepper 2 TB grated Gruyère cheese 1 large egg yolk 2 TB freshly grated Parmesan cheese

STEP 2. Put the egg yolks and lemon juice in your blender and process for about 30 seconds.

STEP 1. Melt butter in saucepan. Add flour. Stir constantly for about a minute. Do not brown. Add milk and cream, whisking constantly, and bring to a boil. Add salt, pepper, and Gruyère and whisk over low heat for 1 minute. Remove from heat and whisk egg yolk into the sauce.

STEP 3. Slowly pour in the browned butter while the blender is running, incorporating it into the yolks. Leave the brown bits and the foamy milk solids in the pan.

STEP 2. Coat eggs with sauce, sprinkle with Parmesan, and place under broiler for about 5 minutes or until nicely browned.

Serve immediately.

With power breakfasts like these, you’re ready to take on the world. ■ Rosie Hawthorne is a blogger, gardener, wanderluster, and mother of three. She learned to cook by watching Julia Child every Saturday afternoon on her 11-inch black and white TV with legal pad and pen in hand. For the Hawthornes, every meal is a celebration of life.

40

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2015

PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICES

CUSTOMIZED PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

252.441.2427

maidforyoupcs@yahoo.com www.maidforyoupcs.com Member of the Better Business Bureau Since 2007

“Committed to Providing Excellent Professional Cleaning Services for the Community”

Interiors

by H&W, Inc.

• All types of flooring: carpet, tile, wood, cork and vinyl • Custom made window treatments • Wallpaper may be special ordered

Interiors by H & W 3901 N. Croatan Hwy. Kitty Hawk, NC

252.261.4105

interiorsbyhw.com Also locations in Elizabeth City & Moyock Spring 2015 | myouterbankshome.com

41

milestones OBX BUZZ

35 YEARS 30 YEARS

40 YEARS

45 YEARS

50 YEARS

55 YEARS

Sun Realty - 35 Years From classic Outer Banks beach boxes to multi-family, luxury vacation homes, Sun Realty offers accommodations up and down the beach for both summer visitors and prospective homebuyers. President Ali Breaux said, “We were the first, the only company, to cover the entire Outer Banks from sand roads in Carova to the tip of Hatteras Island.” Each year has allowed for further expansion, and this year Sun Realty celebrates 35 years of great service.

The company comes from humble beginnings - from a small trailer in Kill Devil Hills to be specific. Ali Breaux’s father, Paul Breaux, founded Sun Realty in May of 1980 during one of the deepest recessions the country had ever seen. (The first office was under construction during the trailer times.) Ali said, “We were founded on forward-thinking “stick-to-it-ness” and a bit of old-fashioned tenacity. Tell [my father] ‘it can’t be done’ …yes it can!” This notion was put to the test after a fire in December of 1982 resulted in an almost total loss of the Kill Devil Hills office. Paul Breaux told his daughter not to worry because the company was about its employees. This is a belief that Ali stands by today, saying, “Sun Realty’s success is built on a foundation of hard work, long hours, and a belief that to be the best at what we do is the only option. [It] is a result of 35 years of amazing people.” sunrealtync.com -L. Holian

Élan Vacations: New Complex Brings Promise for Community For Élan Vacations, managing a selection of superior destination homes is only the beginning. One of the company’s missions is giving back to the community, particularly the often overlooked mainland. President/CEO Norman Bibeau had the area’s best interests in mind when he planned Élan’s new complex on 26 acres of land in Currituck County.

“We are very much aware of where we are located, and we are trying to do whatever we can on this side of the bridge,” he said. “For me it’s about the community and what we can do. We want to create jobs and create a better life for the people.”

At the beginning of 2015, when Élan moved into their new 6,000 square foot office building complete with warehouse, it marked a major milestone for the company who had previously housed all of their housekeeping, maintenance, and business operations in a building under 1,000 square feet. Throughout the spring and summer, Bibeau will be developing five or six acres into two and three bedroom townhomes. His goal is to create a place for Outer Banks workers to live that is convenient to the beach without beach prices. There will be a community swimming pool, tennis courts, a basketball court, and a clubhouse with an exercise facility.

He is currently planning for 39 townhomes but will expand to 78 if the initial project goes well. Bibeau says it is possible that some employees of Élan will take advantage of the housing, and he also foresees that the townhomes could be used as short term rentals in the off season for those who would like to frequent Currituck’s golf courses and other attractions. In addition, the property includes four commercial plats that could be developed along the highway.

Bibeau has been involved with Élan since its inception in 2001 and soon after took on the role of President and eventually owner. He intends to preserve Élan’s niche philosophy by representing no more than 200 vacation homes. Bibeau says, “Once you get over that number, you lose the ability to maintain personalization.” His efforts to give vacationers and homeowners the best experience will soon expand to include residents of both counties. Élanvacations.com -L. Holian

42

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2015

20 YEARS 15 YEARS

25 YEARS

The Renovation Company by Flying Colors - 20 Years To find work based purely on referrals is Stephen Drumheller’s ideal way to run his business. “I would take the website down if we could,” he said. He admits to interviewing his clients just as much as they interview him upon meeting, and at the time of hire, he already has the mentality that he will be taking care of a client’s home in the long term.

Drumheller’s business, The Renovation Company by Flying Colors Inc., serves all of the Outer Banks and parts of the mainland such as Currituck. Some of the renovation services offered include drywall, kitchen and bath, decking, door and window, water damage, interior and exterior painting, and paint maintenance plans.

Drumheller attributes the 20-year success of the company to its great employees. “We always do what we say we’re going to do,” he said. “We try to give a high quality job for an affordable price.” The employees also donate their time to community projects and volunteer organizations such as the Outer Banks Relief Foundation.

Although renovation projects have shaped Drumheller’s career at the beach, it was a love for wind surfing that first brought him to the Outer Banks from Pennsylvania. At 23 years old in 1994, he started Flying Colors as a painting company then added remodeling to the business 10 years later. The second half of the company developed out of need as employees began to notice rot and damage while painting homes and decided to take on the work themselves. After experiencing the harsh weather that affects the Outer Banks each year, Drumheller knew that renovation was an important part of owning a home here, especially one that is rented out each season. When asked what his hopes were for the company’s future, he replied, “Go another 20.” outerbankspaintingcontractors.com -L. Holian

milestones OBX BUZZ

30 YEARS 25 YEARS

35 YEARS

Stack ‘Em High - 30 Years To hear about celebrating 30 years at Stack ‘Em High’s Kitty Hawk location is to hear that “owning the restaurant building there is a fluke.” Current owner Steve Kiousis tells the story of his father attending an auction where used restaurant equipment was being offered for sale. Permits and engineering plans were hitting a snag with their proposed building a couple miles away, so it just seemed natural to go ahead and buy the building at the auction too.

“We’re not recession-proof by any means,” says Kiousis, but when hard times have hit the beach he says that it helps that breakfast, while being the most important meal of the day, also happens to be the least expensive. “People give up the high-end stuff first.”

Steve and his wife Kristine have carried on the legacy ever since his parents started a restaurant in Point Harbor in 1969. (The family also has a Kill Devil Hills location run by his brother, Nick and his wife Dawn). When asked about the family’s 46-year track record as Outer Banks restaurateurs, Steve has a theory that their longevity can be attributed to having a reputation to uphold. “I have people saying ‘I remember when your parents owned this.’ ” While the family’s patriarch is no longer with them, Steve explains that his mother is still at the ‘head of the table,’ working at the restaurant and giving her thumbs-up or thumbs-down on different business decisions. For example, they just changed their provider for grits based on his mother’s opinion. He adds, “each decision I make, down to the color of paint I put on the walls, I imagine what my parents would do.” stackemhigh.com -ed.

stack ‘em high Pancakes & So Forth™

Locally Owned & Locally Operated for

over 25 Years!

Same Day/ Next Day Service

★ CommerCIal Removal • New Construction • Remodeling Debris • Metal Debris

• Construction Debris • Containers For Every Job

★ Residential Removal - free estimates!

We Recycle!

• Household Junk • Appliances • Furniture • Remodeling Debris

• All-Inclusive Pick-up & Removal • Garage Clean Outs

Servicing Northeastern North Carolina • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed!

siteservicespickupman.com • 252.255.1020 • 252.475.1534 Spring 2015 | myouterbankshome.com

43

obx memories LAST PAGE

s e i r o Mem

OBX M

the cabana that could best be described as “teeny.” Or om, in the front passenger seat, was thinking, “tiny.” Or “teeny-tiny.” Dad noticed Mom’s look of skepti“Did I get everything?” Dad, driving, eyes on the cism and helpfully suggested, “Maybe road, was thinking, “We’ve got it’s bigger on the inside than it appears everything but the kitchen sink!” Situated STORY BY on the outside.” We ambled up the flight in the back seat of our 1965 Chevrolet Impala, sans air-conditioning, my sister, Kimberly Armstrong of stairs and opened the door with great trepidation. The entire square footage of two brothers, and I sat sticky arm-to-arm the unit could be viewed from the entranceway - a single and leg-to-leg. Truddles, our over-indulged Welsh corgi, room with two double beds, a Hobbit-sized kitchen, and occupied a substantial amount of space on the floor bea bathroom (luxuriously appointed with a door). Beyond neath our dangling feet. But we had no complaints; via set of sliding glass doors was a standing-room-only sions of sun and fun danced in our young, little heads. deck where we could take turns admiring an expansive The year was 1972 and we were bound for Hatteras view of the vast cabana population. In this beach box, from Portsmouth, VA to enjoy a week-long vacation. The we would experience family togetherness on a previidea of climbing the lighthouse, frolicking in the ocean, ously unexplored level. My aunt, uncle, and two cousins collecting shells, and spending time with our cousins were equally charmed with their cabana next door. (traveling in a car behind us), had filled us with such anFor the kids though, the accommodations were imticipation, we’d hardly slept the night before. The trunk material. The fun, important stuff resided just across the of our car was loaded to capacity, weighed down by the rolling dunes. We scrambled along the sand-covered “magic” suitcase which seemingly grew larger as each walkway and were met with the spectacular beach and item of clothing for the entire family was added. Mom was ocean scene featured in our sweet daydreams of sumdetermined to keep the threat of starvation to a minimum mer. However, despite its convenience, the surf at that and so, packed ample food in cardboard boxes and a beach proved too rough for swimming on some days, large cooler, all strategically arranged in the spaces not so we’d pile into the Impala and cruise over to Cape consumed by the suitcase. As there were no full-scale Point in hopes of finding a more swimmer-friendly ocean. grocery stores and few restaurants at that time on the There, the beach spread out before us like the Sahara Outer Banks, it was BYOG - bring-your-own-groceries.

Desert, and the distant ocean appeared as a shimmerAnd despite the fact that space in the trunk was at a ing mirage. To protect her delicate paws, Truddles was premium, I had managed to surreptitiously squeeze in a transported like a regal princess across the blistering case of Barbie dolls along with their carefully selected hot sand. Finally, upon reaching the wet, cool shore, resort wear and accessories - Malibu Francie was keen she’d dig an impressive hole and nestle comfortably for to hit the beach! the duration. We took in great gulps of tangy, salt air and After a three-hour drive with a minimal amount of sibjumped the gentle blue-green waves, amassed a stunling squabbles, and a few utterances of “Are we there ning collection of shells, and returned to the cabana with yet?” we arrived at our destination and parked beneath

44

myouterbankshome.com | Spring 2015

a good portion of the beach packed in our swimsuits.

My mother and aunt performed what we thought was culinary wizardry in the Hobbit kitchen serving up yummy meals of spaghetti, chicken chow mein, and hot dogs to satisfy our healthy appetites. We sat on any available flat surface, balancing plates on our laps, laughing as we recounted the day’s events and adventures.

Evenings blessed us with cool, ocean breezes which soothed our sunburned skin. On moonlit nights, we’d douse ourselves with bug spray and stroll to the beach amphitheater in Hatteras to view nature films and learn all sorts of fascinating facts. For instance, it was discovered that the “water balloon” my brother had found on the beach (and had tossed in my direction) was actually a Portuguese-Man-of-War which could deliver a painful sting even after its death. I did not dispute that fact.

Our humble cabana that long-ago summer was a far cry from the rambling beach mansions available nowadays which seem to require outfitting family members with GPS trackers to monitor their whereabouts. There were no video games, cell phones, or televisions to distract us - we had each other’s attention. In fact we had all we needed - food, shelter, and love of family - to provide us with memories to last a lifetime. ■ Kimberly Armstrong now lives at the north end of Roanoke Island surrounded by towering pine trees and dreams of a way to market pine cones.

Editor’s Note: Do you have a story to tell about why you love the Outer Banks? Send us an essay submission (800 words or less) describing your love for the Outer Banks lifestyle and a few photos, and we may publish it here. Send your essays to editor@threedogink.com.

Huge Savings &

low price guaranteed!

Cutting Edge Coastal Nowhere else will you find a more extensive collection of trending designs, fresh color palettes, and stylish range of furnishings.

Shop With Confidence - Free Professional Interior Design - Outstanding Collection of Driftwood Furniture & Art - Coastal Reclaimed Furniture - Beach Cottage Accents, Lighting & Accessories

Beach House Furnishings and beyond, Exotic Home brings the world to you... come in and be inspired!

252.441.6728 800.950.7292

exotichomeinteriors.com

Outer Banks - Norfolk - Virginia Beach

Local Postal Customer

Corporate by design, local by nature.

9

After more than 25 years on the Outer Banks, we are the trusted source for Outer Banks property management services from Corolla to Hatteras Island.

Customized Rental Projections Tailored Marketing Plans l

Luxury Rental Program Proven Success & Owner Retention l

800.458.3830 Ext. 2010

www.ResortRealty.com/owners