My Outer Banks Home - Winter 2018

Introducing...

The New Oregon Inlet Bridge

A Season of Giving Beach Food Pantry page 8

page 4

Home Grown Goods

uncommon OBX artisans

The Hunt is On!

Outer Banks hunting

Feeling Social?

unique clubs & activities

Goodbye to Glenn Eure

an Outer Banks legend

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Winter 2018 | myouterbankshome.com

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what’s inside CONTENTS

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PUBLISHER

Mary Ann Williams, Gene Williams

EDITOR

Greg Smrdel

ART DIRECTOR Sue Colao

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kevin Groat

feature 4

SALES ASSOCIATES

Marie Walker, Jane Fiedler

CONTRIBUTORS

Introducing the New Oregon Inlet Bridge Out with the old. In with the new. The Herbert C Bonner Bridge.

Jane Elfring, Dave Fairbank, Steve Hanf, Alexi Holian, Katrina Mae Leuzinger, Rebecca Orr, Greg Smrdel, Kip Tabb, Tara Turner

PHOTOGRAPHY / ILLUSTRATIONS

home 16

The Renovation Dance No time like the present for house renovations. We’ll tell you why.

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Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign

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All signs point to OBX merchants being open this Christmas.

Jane Fiedler, freepik.com, Logan Marshall, Marauder Charters, NC Beach Buggy Association, ncdot.gov, ncseagrant.ncsu.edu, OBX Paddlers Club, OBX Ultimate Frisbee, Outer Banks Fiber Club, Outer Banks Sentinel, patteson.com, PCL Civil Constructors, pexels.com, Roanoke Island Outfitters, Ray Scott, Senior Citizen Travel, Shutterstock, Joe Tyson, Michelle Wagner, Wes Snyder Photography

SOCIAL MEDIA Jane Fiedler

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DISTRIBUTION Jason Adams

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OUR WEBSITE

art scene 20

food 12

Recipes Seafood recipes for your holiday gatherings.

Home Grown & Uncommon Goods Looking for a unique holiday gift? You’ll find it on the Outer Banks.

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myouterbankshome.com

Remembering Glenn Eure We say goodbye to an Outer Banks legend.

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

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obx community

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A Season of Giving

Beach Food Pantry fights hunger in Dare County - a conversation with Executive Director Elisabeth Silverthorne.

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Feeling Social?

Unique and unusual clubs on the Outer Banks.

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Local Views It’s that time of year again. What do locals want from Santa?

outdoors 24

The Hunt is On!

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Winter on the Outer Banks means ducks, deer, and getting back to nature.

24 nc regulations 44

North Carolina Real ID The real facts you need to know.

Introducing the new...

OREGON INLET BRIDGE STORY BY:

Dave Fairbank

F

or the past 2½ years, Pablo Hernandez has spent many days at a project that’s a modern marvel of design, engineering and construction, something that he considers a highlight of his professional career. The views aren’t bad, either.

Hernandez is the resident engineer for the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and he has overseen the new bridge spanning Oregon Inlet that will replace the old Herbert C. Bonner Bridge. In early October, he and assistant engineer Adam Venckauskas happened to be perusing photos of the new bridge taken during the fall storm season of 2017 and even further back. The comparisons were jarring.

“Seeing where we were then versus where we are now, it’s pretty dramatic, how much work has taken place, really since we got up and going in the spring of 2016,” Hernandez said. “When you think about it, we’ve only been here a little more than two years. Adam and I kind of pinch ourselves about how much work has taken place and how fast, and really how successful the contractor has been in getting over those various hurdles.”

The new 2.8-mile structure is on schedule to open by the end of 2018, Hernandez said. Equally important, disassembly of the old Bonner Bridge is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2019 and to be completed by the end of the year in the $251-million project. There will be an approximate 200 yards of the old bridge left on the Hatteras side of the project that will be refurbished into a fishing pier. Both of these projects are vital to Dare County.

They provide a state-of-the-art connector, with a 100-year design life, between the northern Outer Banks and Hatteras Island, and they help relieve a choke

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point for both automotive and maritime traffic.

“It’s going to be huge for the boating and commercial fishing industry,” said Jim Tobin, who owns Pirate’s Cove Marina in Manteo and is a Dare County commissioner. Charter boat captains, he said, “are really excited about getting the old bridge out of there. The old bridge is quite a navigational hazard. You get rid of that obstacle, it’ll be a big plus for the community.”

The new bridge, designed by HDR Engineering of the Carolinas and built

by PCL Civil Constructors, is longer, higher, more durable and provides far more navigation options than the present Bonner Bridge. The navigation zone – the highest point of the bridge – stretches 3,550 feet, more than six times longer than the current bridge. The new bridge has seven navigation spans of approximately 300 feet apiece, essential for navigating the roiling, shoaling waters of one of the most dynamic inlets on the east coast. The current bridge, with its humpback design, has one navigation channel of 130 feet. Vehicular traffic lanes are 12 feet wide, and there are eight-foot shoulders on each side, unlike the old Bonner Bridge.

“It is crucial, not only for the bridge itself, but for the infrastructure that runs underneath of it – power lines, data lines, those types of things,” said Beth Midgett, a longtime Hatteras Village resident and a rental and property agent for Midgett Realty. She pointed out that the new Bonner Bridge is the largest of three bridges that will enhance connections and transportation on Hatteras Island, along with the Richard Etheridge Bridge on Pea Island, completed in early 2018, and the so-called “jug handle bridge” north of Rodanthe, which began construction in the fall.

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FEATURE

SHUTTERSTOCK

PCL CIVIL CONSTRUCTORS

bridge work

Left: The old Bonner Bridge is visible in the foreground as the new bridge looms in the background. Top: As the new bridge is being constructed, the old bridge (on the right) still serves the county.

“There’s a much greater sense of confidence,” Midgett said. “It’s physical and tangible signs that a lot of money is being invested into the area and the structures are improving, so I think it helps a lot.”

The new Bonner Bridge has more than 16 miles of concrete piles and nine miles of concrete girders. There is enough concrete in the substructure (caps, footings and columns) and bridge deck approaches to cover 173 basketball courts one foot thick. Builders used high-grade stainless steel re-bar, upgraded to stainless steel for many exposed metal comEngineer for the NC Department of ponents, and added chemical and minTransportation, Pablo Hernandez eral ad-mixtures to strengthen concrete.

To combat scouring, or sand erosion that threaten the integrity of the structure, pilings were driven from 120 to 140 feet deep.

“We feel confident that we have a very robust structure,” Hernandez said.

“It’s not going to be maintenance-free, but the cost and expense to build something that’s maintenance-free, whether it’s a house or infrastructure, is prohibitive. But with this particular combination of concrete and re-bar, our maintenance needs are going to be diminished.”

No potential economic impact studies on the effects of the new bridge have

been done, but a 2014 study by Moffatt and Nichol on the impact of Oregon Inlet to Dare County provides a hint. The study looked at five main sectors – commercial fishing, seafood packaging and processing, boat building and support services, recreational fishing and tourism, and tournament fishing.

Four years ago, those sectors had an economic impact of $403.5 million to Dare County and $548.4 million to the state. The study suggested that if the inlet were to be fully open – with a 14-foot deep navigation channel mandated in 2003 and the kind of flexibility the new bridge will offer – the numbers jump to $642.2 million to the county and $693 million to the state. It also theorized that if economic conditions returned to levels seen in 2005-06, prior to the Great Recession, an open and fully navigable inlet could generate $952.7 million for Dare County and $1.1 billion for the state.

“It will definitely be to our advantage,” said boat builder Paul Mann, whose custom shop is in Manns Harbor. “Having the larger bridge and wider spans is going to make it a lot easier and a lot safer for us to take the larger (boats) that we have in and out of that inlet. It’ll also increase the water flow and water volume, and I think it’ll be a little easier to maintain the depth.”

For example, Mann launched a new, 77-foot hull in early October. He and his team tested the engines and mechanicals in the sound, but for a sea trial never considered threading the current Bonner Bridge or Oregon Inlet to get to the Atlantic Ocean. Instead, they take inland waterways south to Morehead City for the closest safe passage into the ocean. A sea trial for one of his custom hulls could take upwards of half a day, where a more navigable bridge and Oregon Inlet puts him in the Atlantic in 30 minutes.

Mann said that the new bridge will not only help local boatyards, but the

Winter 2018 | myouterbankshome.com

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FEATURE

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bridge work

WES SNYDER PHOTOGRAPHY

sport-fishing industry, as well. Tournament participation is down, he said, because many captains don’t want to risk getting their boats through the Bonner Bridge and Oregon Inlet. It’s not uncommon for boats to get maintenance work done nearby while competing in tournaments.

“If they can’t get here,” he said, “you’re not only missing out on boatyard service work, you’re also missing out on all the tax dollars and money that they bring here to fish these tournaments. That’s a significant drain on the economy.”

Hatteras Island residents said that signs of improvement were palpable, even before the first piling was driven.

“Before construction even started, once the decision was made to go forward with it, I saw an uptick and more confidence in businesses to add on or to hire people to move on,” said Natalie Kavanagh, whose family owns Frisco Rod and Gun. “I think the real estate market saw an uptick. More confidence to build and buy.”

Kavanagh, 44, traces her Hatteras Island roots to the 1700s. Her husband, Jay, runs a charter fishing boat out of Hatteras Harbor, and they own a small boatyard. She and Midgett were leaders of the Bridge Moms, one of several advocacy groups that sprang up through the years and fought for a new bridge, as impact studies were done and lawsuits from environmental concerns delayed construction. They saw a deteriorating structure, well past its expected lifespan, threaten the entire community.

“It wasn’t just an economic issue,” Kavanagh said. “It became a safety issue. More people were concerned about the safety rating of the bridge.”

“It was always a hard message to communicate the urgency and the need to replace the old bridge without scaring the bejeebies out of people,” Midgett said with a laugh. “We would word it that it was safe at this point in time, but that time is running out. I think there was a huge sigh of relief, once you actually, physically saw it going in. We had gotten close so many times, but then it would stop for different reasons – injunctions, lawsuits or whatever.”

Danny Couch, a Buxton resident and county commissioner, pointed out that Hatteras Island has approximately 3,400 full-time residents and 6,000 rental properties, which increase the population 10 or 12 times during the summer months. Those properties need to be maintained, and both visitors and residents serviced.

“The economy is screaming hot here,” he said. “We’re all working our butts off. It seems like everybody’s working two or three jobs just to keep up. When we get a chance to cross the bridge and catch our breath and take a look at it, we just marvel at what a magnificent piece of engineering it is. We’ll be experiencing the positive aspects of this bridge for many years to come.”

Ground-breaking for the new bridge took place in early March 2016, and builders will come close to meeting the original timetable of the bridge opening for traffic in early 2019 – a remarkable feat, given the area’s storms, currents

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and weather conditions. Approaching tropical storms suspended construction four times in August and September of 2017 alone.

That said, there have been missteps and mistakes. The most notable occurred July 27, 2017, when construction crews accidentally drove a steel casing into an underground power cable near the south end of the new bridge.

The accident caused an eight-day power outage on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands during the height of tourist season and forced the evacuation of approximately 44,000 people. PCL eventually reached a $10.3-million settlement with residents, businesses and vacationers affected by the power outage in a class-action lawsuit. However, the power outage and subsequent reconnect efforts caused no delay in bridge construction.

“PCL was extremely responsive,” Hernandez said, in the wake of the accident. “They work with us. They work with the community, and they worked with Cape Hatteras Electric. They did everything they could, as quickly and safely as they could, to try to gain access to those power The new Bonner Bridge has more than 16 miles lines that were cut, so that Cape Hatteras Electric could get their specialty contractor in of concrete piles and there to perform the splices and do it safely. nine miles of concrete It’s not an event that I would like to go through, or the department or PCL, ever again, but we girders. There is enough had to work together and we did the best we concrete in the subcould to try to minimize the impacts.” structure and bridge To call the new Bonner Bridge a collabdeck approaches to orative effort is an epic understatement. State and federal officials were involved. The design cover 173 basketball firm reached out to academic and engineercourts one foot thick. ing experts as it researched worst-case and high-stress scenarios. New materials were tested. Precast pieces were done in Chesapeake, VA, and transported here.

The builders drew upon lessons learned from the old Bonner Bridge, as well as new and recent construction of structures from Maine to the Gulf Coast. The project itself has an average of 250 workers on site, Hernandez estimated, and has had as many as 45-50 senior supervisors and engineers here overseeing what’s almost three or four separate jobs that will meet in the middle for one signature bridge.

“It’s not like it was 50 years ago,” Kavanagh said. “This is a very busy, thriving community of visitors and locals, and we need that access to be a strong community, and the new Bonner Bridge is a big part of that.” ³ Dave Fairbank currently resides in Kill Devil Hills. Prior to relocating to the Outer Banks, he was a sports writer for the Newport News Daily Press for 30 years.

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A Season of Giving: Beach Food Pantry

Fights Hunger in Dare County

STORY BY:

Alexi Holian •

PHOTOGRAPHY BY:

Jane Fiedler

As the holidays draw closer, the local nonprofit Beach Food Pantry prepares for its busiest season. The benevolent organization works to end hunger in Dare County each day of the year.

T

imes like fall and winter, where the needs of food insecure families and individuals double, they are overcome with the help of volunteers, businesses, and groups that come together to display the incredible spirit of our coastal community.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the difference you’re making every day,” says Executive Director Elisabeth Silverthorne. Silverthorne came to lead the Beach Food Pantry in July after working with the Dare Education Foundation for seven years. “My Board, the Pantry volunteers, and our community are amazing in the way they care for and serve our clients. And our clients are incredible models of gratitude and resilience.”

The organization has been assisting Dare County residents since 1989 by providing temporary assistance of food and information regarding other services to alleviate Executive Director Elisabeth Silverthorne

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hunger and poverty. Last year, they distributed more than 150,000 pounds of food to more than 4,000 people with the help of donations, volunteer hours, and community fundraisers.

“I think this work appeals to me because food is such a basic human need,” says Silverthorne, “but it’s more than that. It’s a sensory experience. It’s a creative endeavor. It’s a social connection. It’s science in action. Some of my best childhood memories [center] around cooking with my Omi. So this work is about more than fueling bodies.”

Beach Food Pantry strives to provide healthy and nutritional food items including pantry staples, fresh vegetables, meat, and dairy – with the belief that proper nutrition is of the utmost importance for busy households. Through community support, the nonprofit is able to gather donations and purchase goods from grocery stores at a minimal per pound cost to distribute to Outer Banks residents in need. The individuals and families served are given a minimum two-week supply of food and can seek temporary assistance up to four times per year.

Of the volunteers and fundraisers, Silverthorne says, “Both are integral to our existence.”

Volunteers serve in various ways seven days a week, and local business fundraisers – from Waverider’s Coffee & Deli’s Jazz and Jingle music and shopping experience to Bonzer Shack’s annual “Let’s Can Hunger” Food Drive with

beach food pantry

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JUST CAUSES

Top Left and Right: Fresh fruits and vegetables avaliable daily at the Pantry. Volunteers from left to right: Dianne Kotasenski, Leslie Kornosewicz, Paul Masica, and Elder Porter Esplin. Middle and Bottom Right: The 2017 Chef’s Challenge. live music and a surfboard raffle – allow the Pantry both to purchase items and maintain the Kitty Hawk distribution facility.

Throughout the year, Beach Food Pantry also runs programs like Summer Food for Kids, which gives the children of Dare County access to healthy, nutritional food choices throughout the summer months. Approximately 42 percent of students in county schools meet the criteria for free and reduced breakfasts and lunches, but that program ends with the school year.

In 2018, 86 children were served for My husband Paul and I have been volten weeks in the initiative’s most successful year yet with the help of grants from unteering at the Beach Food Pantry Dominion Energy and North Banks Rotary, since we moved to the Outer Banks a as well as a gift from Surf Pediatrics and Medicine. little over 2 years ago. It started as vol“The additional funds allowed for a unteering with my church, St. Andrews longer service period, more food, and more variety,” says Silverthorne. by the Sea, and grew to every week Prior to Thanksgiving, the Beach Food on Wednesdays with a great group of Pantry accepts donations of Thanksgivpeople I consider family. No one should ing Meal Bags – including a turkey or gift card to purchase one, along with items for be hungry or go without food, and the a traditional holiday meal – to help clients pantry makes sure that doesn’t happen. celebrate the holiday. And each year in December, the much-anticipated Beach The pantry helps so many residents in Food Pantry Holiday Chefs Challenge need but also those who serve. draws culinary enthusiasts, as Outer Banks chefs compete for the title of Prince ~Volunteer, Dianne Kotasenski or Princess of Canned Goods.

During the competition, each chef is given 60 minutes to make a dish using ingredients that the Pantry would normally keep in stock, including at least one canned good. Attendees and a three-judge panel then vote for their favorites.

This year’s fifth annual Holiday Chefs Challenge is presented by Surf Pediatrics and Medicine and will take place at Duck Woods Country Club on December 13. The judge panel includes Eboni Henry, a finalist on MasterChef. Some of the participating restaurants will include Barefoot Bernie’s, Blue Moon Beach Grill, Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar, The SaltBox Café, Red Sky Cafe, and Sugar Creek Seafood Restaurant.

Whether attending an event, making a donation, or volunteering at the Kitty Hawk location, there are countless ways to get involved with Beach Food Pantry to help the estimated 4,370 people of Dare County who are food insecure – 1,470 of whom are children.

Ongoing volunteer opportunities include picking up food from local supermarkets

From a volunteer...

Winter 2018 | myouterbankshome.com

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JUST CAUSES

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beach food pantry

Top Left: Beach Pantry volunteers in action. From left to right: Elder Workman, John Klamut, Elder Esplin, Paul Masica.

Top Right: Mission trip volunteers Elder Glenn Workman of Lebanon, OR and Elder Porter Esplin of Boise, ID. Right Middle: Dianne Kotasenski, Steve Hachtman, Paul Kotasenski. All images: Special thanks to Food Lion and Fresh Market in Nags Head for their weekly food donations. and sorting, stocking, and readying the pantry for serving clients. If you’re interested in donating food, some of the most needed items during the cooler seasons are canned chicken or tuna, brown or white rice, canned vegetables and fruits, and toiletries like toothbrushes and toothpaste. (A full list is available at BeachFoodPantry.com.)

No matter how you choose to assist, your efforts mean so much to so many.

“When you’re struggling in the ways many of our clients are when they come in, many aren’t feeling especially hopeful,” says Silverthorne.

“The food they get reminds them there is hope for tomorrow and they are cared for just as they are.”

Throughout it all, Silverthorne recognizes that our Outer Banks community thrives when we come together for good. She says, “The future is bright and exciting!” ³ Born between the ocean and sound on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Alexi Holian can’t remember a time when she wasn’t writing. Along with contributing to island publications like My Outer Banks Home, The Outer Banks Wedding Guide, and Outer Banks The Week, she has covered everything from Miami food festivals to St. Barth sailing for travel and hospitality brands around the world.

If you are a Dare County resident experiencing a temporary crisis or emergency, you can visit BeachFoodPantry.com for further information or to seek help.

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5th ANNUAL Tickets $75 Ticket includes: Heavy Hors D’oeuvres & Open Bar (beer, wine, & liquor)

Auctions & Music

Tables Available

Call for More Information

Thursday, December 13 6:30-10:00 p.m.

Duck Woods Country Club, Southern Shores For information & tickets: 252.261.2756 | BeachFoodPantry.org

All proceeds benefit the Beach Food Pantry

Winter 2018 | myouterbankshome.com

11

Bluefish,

Oysters & Striper

Oh My!

inter on the Outer Banks brings cold temperatures and wet conditions. Weather that chills you to the bone. That’s the bad news. The good news you ask? Well...that’s easy. It’s the perfect time to get into the kitchen and prepare some delicious bluefish, striped bass, and oysters.

In this issue we have some great recipes for you. We’ll show you how to prepare a Smoked Bluefish and Gruyere Quiche that will be perfect for any brunch. We also have an Oyster Stew, and Broiled Striped Bass with paprika and herbs. All guaranteed to warm up those cold winter Outer Banks days and nights!

With seafood this good, we wish this page was a scratch and sniff.....

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warm coastal comforts

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RECIPES

Smoked Bluefish & Gruyère Quiche

NCSEAGRANT.NCSU.EDU

2 8-inch baked pie crusts (frozen) 1 13-ounce can evaporated milk 8 ounce Gruyère (or Swiss) cheese 8 ounce smoked bluefish pieces 4 eggs 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon paprika dash cayenne 3 tablespoons grated onion

To heated milk, add cheese and spices. Remove from heat slowly, add fish and onion, and gently fold in beaten eggs. ill crusts and bake at 32 degrees for about 4 minutes. Serve hot or cold. Serves 12.

This recipe was originally published in the Spring 2017 issue in Coastwatch

Oyster Stew 1 pint standard oysters, undrained 4 tablespoons margarine or butter 1 quart milk 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper 1/16 teaspoon paprika 4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley oyster crackers (optional) In medium saucepan, melt margarine over medium heat. Add oysters and cook just until edges begin to curl, about minutes. Add milk, salt, pepper and paprika. Cook over medium heat until thoroughly heated and oysters are done, about 8 to 10 minutes. Do not boil. our into serving bowls and sprinkle with parsley.

Serve with oyster crackers. Serves 4- .

Winter 2018 | myouterbankshome.com

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RECIPES

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warm coastal comforts

Broiled Striped Bass with Paprika & Herbs pounds striped bass fillets ½ cup margarine or butter, softened ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons minced green onion, including tops 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley 1 ½ teaspoons minced fresh tarragon 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice In small bowl, combine margarine, salt, paprika, pepper, green onions, parsley, tarragon, and lemon juice. Spread over fish. Broil about 4 inches from heat, basting once or twice with pan juices, until fish is done, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to serving dish and pour pan juices over fish. Serves -8.

From: Mariner’s Menu: 30 Years of Fresh Seafood Ideas

Hot Buttered Rum 2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature 1/4 cup honey 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves Pinch salt 1 cup Kill Devil Pecan Honey Rum (or a spiced rum) 2 cups boiling water 4 sticks cinnamon, for garnish Using an electric mixer, beat the brown sugar, butter, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl until blended and smooth. Transfer the mixture to a 4-cup (or larger) measuring cup. Add the rum and then 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until the butter mixture dissolves. Divide the buttered rum among 4 mugs. Garnish with the cinnamon sticks and serve. Makes 4 cups.

From: Outer Banks Distilling

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wondering

where to

eat? outerbanksrestaurantguide.com

• menus • photo galleries • directions • trip advisor reviews

Winter 2018 | myouterbankshome.com

15

TheRenovation Dance.

Plan Now for

Best Results

STORY BY:

Kip Tabb

T

wenty years of age in human terms? That’s newly arrived as an adult and about to step out into the wider world.

Twenty years as a home? That’s a completely different story.

In our (Outer Banks) market, if you’ve owned a home for 20 years and you’ve used it as a vacation home, you’re satisfied with outdated features, Jeff Scott owner of Scott Team Realty said.

Which is fine until the homeowner decides they want to sell.

We have a ton of inventory that has to be updated, he added.

That updating can get expensive, but according to Scott, it’s an investment that may be necessary although it’s doubtful if it will pay for itself.

The bottom line is you’re never going to get 100 return on your money, he said.

Matt Neal, owner of Neal Contracting, agrees, noting that a 20 year old home is competing against a shiny new building.

There’s a big distinction between new construction and aging inventory, he said. “Unless it’s in a highly desirable area like Duck, it’s going to sell for several hundreds of thousands of dollars less.

Which is why the upgrades become so important.

The more you put into it, the closer you’re going to get to that price, he said.

Faced with the near certainty that the investment in upgrades will not be realized, Scott has suggested making the improvements at least a year or two before selling the property.

“I think if you’re going to sell your house and you want to get top dollar, do it early so you get some enjoyment out of it too. Because you’re not going to get full value, he said.

It may even make sense to upgrade to maximize rental income if the home is a seasonal rental. Looking to the future, a property that shows good rental income is a more desirable investment.

Updating a house will also increase your rentals even if you don’t sell it, Scott said. “If you have good rental numbers it increases the value of your property.

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home renovation

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BETTER BUILT

For the homeowner who is thinking of selling, being aware of what is happening in the marketplace is also key. Scott suggests a simple way to know what needs to be done.

“If a seller is thinking about selling, it’s probably a wise thing for them to go to some open houses of new construction, and see what their competition is going to be. So they can understand where the deficiencies are with their property,” he said.

And then, be aware of buyer expectations.

“I call it the HGTV effect. Buyers today are watching these TV shows and they’re seeing new light fixtures and granite tops and everything updated. And that’s what they expect to see,” he said.

Although upgrading and renovating a property can get very expensive very quickly, there are some things an owner can do that will not be as expensive but will help.

The most affordable things to do are things like, replace the light fixtures, paint, do some landscaping. A thorough cleaning. Update the flooring. irst impression is really important,” Scott said.

Based on his experience, Neal also has some practical advice.

“You don’t want to personalize the upgrade so much that you’re putting yourself out of the larger market. That’s really a little bit of a dance,” he said.

It is important to know the extent of the work that will be done. Something simple may not take much time. ven some major work, like replacing a VAC system, can often be done with relatively little lead time.

According to Doug Wakeley, owner of RA oy eating and Air Conditioning, preventative maintenance equals cost savings. On average 8 of emergency trouble calls are a result of not using preventative maintenance.

Wakeley continues, ave your VAC technician inspect the physical condition on both the indoor and outdoor units. A clean and well-maintained system uses any where from 20 - 30 less energy.

And remember, something as simple as changing your filters regularly will go a long way to keep your heating and air conditioning system running efficiently. lus, according to Wakeley, there are also health considerations for keeping your system clean.

“Dirty, non-maintained equipment can cause dust mites, poor indoor air quality, and soiling of walls and furniture.”

Jeff Scott, founder of Scott Team Realty.

PEXELS.COM

PEXELS.COM

Winter 2018 | myouterbankshome.com

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BETTER BUILT

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home renovation

SCOTT TEAM REALTY

Above Left: Regular maintenance on your heating and air conditioning unit prolongs its life and value. Above Right: Jeff Scott mentions how the owner of this house looked to increase its value by adding extra square feet by bumping out the walls on two sides as well as in the back of the house.

Not everything falls into the categories of maintenance and short lead time.

For most of the major work, contacting a contractor as early as possible is important.

“If you wanted a project to be completed by Memorial Day, I would start a planning an interview process with builders at the end of the previous of summer…and working into fall maybe select a few builders so they can start next February or March,” Neal suggested.

Neal cites a number of reasons why planning for major work on a home six or seven months out may be necessary. The Outer Banks is an extraordinarily harsh environment, and the toll it takes on homes does drive up replacement and maintenance costs—and complexity.

“If you have a three story wall of windows facing east. …The windows take a beating. Blowing salt and sand at 50 or 60 miles per hour will take its toll,” he said. “It’s not uncommon when we do these repairs that they need wholesale new window, decks and siding. With some of these houses that can be $100,000 or $110,000.”

That is a fairly large job and working that into a schedule is not something that can be done in a week or even two weeks, especially in an Outer Banks market that is experiencing a building boom.

“The issue (of scheduling) is compounded by a shortage of workers. Just for me to get out and get an estimate is time consuming. Usually in May we’re trying to get our current projects opened up for their rental season. To be contacted for a large scale project, even a small project, it’s almost impossible to work it into the schedule let alone do an estimate,” Neal said.

As important, perhaps, as working on a schedule with a contractor, is having the time to understand what can be done. Neal’s experience is that homeowners who give themselves a significant lead time, are able to work with the contractor to decide what plan will be best.

Jason James owner of Albemarle Contracting Services located on the Outer Banks agrees. According to James, “Most bang for the buck on maintaining rental incomes comes from kitchen and bathroom remodels. But, if you wait until March 15th to decide on that remodel, it’s going to be too late.”

James continues, “The winter is the perfect time to get this kind of work done. Once spring comes the labor pool gets very stretched out and waiting to get your projects started, and finished, will be more likely to occur.

“What’s the highest price we can take this house to?” Neal suggests owners ask themselves. “What’s the owner’s debt on the house? Because if it’s not updated it might be selling for such a less number, that it might make sense to update it. or others it might make sense get everything up to safety, fix the roof, maybe a new coat of paint so it feels fresh. And then let the new owner make the decision.”

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myouterbankshome.com | Winter 2018

Ultimately, of course, the owner is going to have to come to their own conclusions about what if anything should be done before putting their home on the market. How much additional investment is warranted? When should the improvements be made? What are the advantages of improving the property?

With almost 30 years of experience in the Outer Banks real estate market, one thing Jeff Scott has learned, is what happens if nothing is done.

The house will definitely sit on the market longer, he said. ³ Kip Tabb is a freelance journalist living on the Outer Banks. He has covered a wide range of community interest stories and true tales of the history of Coastal North Carolina as well as environmental and related topics for a number of publications. In addition to his writing, Kip plays mandolin and can strum a guitar.

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B E A CHPA INT ING.CO M • 800.663.4944 Winter 2018 | myouterbankshome.com

19

OBX Attracts Artistic Community STORY BY:

Jane Elfring

T

his holiday season we are all looking for that perfect gift. You know, something out of the ordinary. Fortunately for us, there are artists all up and down the Outer Banks that specialize in “uncommon and unusual” gifts. From glassblowers to jewelry made from leftover surfboard resin to repurposed wood pallets, you can find just the right gift to make any holiday special....and you don’t even have to leave the beach! Welcome to the world of uncommon art of the Outer Banks.

Muse Originals OBX, located at Milepost 2.5 on the Beach Road, sells works produced by about 70 artists. Owner Ami Cannon Hill watches over the 2000 sq. ft. eclectic shop located in the historic Kitty Hawk firehouse. In addition to the beautiful paints, mosaics, batik pieces, paintings and jewelry sold in the store, visitors can also watch glass being blown in the back of the store.

David Pipkin

David Pipkin heats pieces of glass on his lathe to 2000 degrees. He creates everything from wine decanters and glasses to guitar slides and honey dippers. Using a torch to melt the glass, Pipkin gently shapes the borosilicate glass with tweezers and air into the different items he crafts.

He layers different colors and imbeds shapes in the schott glass which he imports from Germany because he says, It’s the highest quality glass you can buy. e also etches glass with patterns to personalize items for customers.

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myouterbankshome.com | Winter 2018

Above and Below: David Pipkin creates unique works of art as a glass blower for Sandbar Creative Glass located at Muse Originals OBX.

unique goods

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LOCAL ART SCENE

Mark Slagle

Ever wonder what happens to leftover resin from surfboards? Mark Slagle collects the pieces that are normally thrown away because he loves their vibrant colors and interesting shapes. He looks for colors and shapes that complement each other and uses them to make pendants, necklaces and key chains.

Slagle took classes in jewelry making at the College of the Albemarle’s Roanoke Island campus. The process he has developed involves cutting and sanding the resin pieces to the size he wants. He then polishes the pieces to complete the process.

Bonney Brown

Bonney Brown had been painting with watercolors for over 30 years when she discovered the Indonesian art of Batik. She uses wax and paint to create images on canvas, cloth, silk or paper. Brown has used the technique to make matted hanging art as well as pillows.

Inspired by her volunteer work at the Roanoke Island Aquarium, she combines her love of watercolors with the sea turtles the organization rescues at its Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center to create her unique works.

Top: Mark Slagle creates one of a kind jewelry pendants reused for old surfboard material. Above: Bonney Brown showcases her Batik art, an Indonesian style of watercolor. Left: Liz Pritchard’s artwork reusing wood pallets. Bottom: Randi O’Sullivan paints on shells and other items.

Liz Pritchard

Liz Pritchard works at a mortgage company by day but at night, she comes home to “my happy place” in the workshop under her house. The Ohio native came to the Outer Banks to visit her sister and fell in love. She and her husband relocated three months later and she’s been painting on wood ever since.

Pritchard recycles pallets and wood pieces into various geometric shapes combining different shades of wood to make pictures. “I paint animals, mermaids and whatever makes other people happy.” Though she has no formal art training, she said she’s been around art all her life because her family is artistic.

Randi O’Sullivan

Randi O’Sullivan and her husband flipped a coin back in 2011 and landed on the Outer Banks. She makes mandalas on canvas, jewelry from miniature wood slices, and mermaids on canvas or sea shells.

Her mandalas can take many forms. When she makes them, she says she gets into a meditative state but never knows what the final product will look like. “Whatever energies I’m feeling at the time come out in the end result,” she says.

Winter 2018 | myouterbankshome.com

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LOCAL ART SCENE

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unique goods

Susan Ogden

Susan Ogden loves octopus and paints them on canvas, wooden bowls, bread boards, sugar molds and even re-purposed beach fencing. A retired assistant teacher from New Jersey, she says she always knew she would end up living on the beach.

Her “ah ha” moment occurred when she came down to take care of her grandson. “I called my husband and said we were getting a house here.” That was four years ago, and she hasn’t looked back. “When I moved down here, I wanted to do something interesting.”

Dawn Vinson

Vegan is not usually a term applied to jewelry, but Dawn Vinson is quick to explain that her cork necklaces and earrings are not only made of sustainable cork but also vegan. “It’s a great alternative to leather.”

Though she’s only been making cork jewelry for about a year, Vinson is very knowledgeable about her product. The trees are grown in Portugal, Spain and France and the bark can’t be harvested until the tree is nearly 30 years old. She orders her materials from Portugal and the cork comes in strips or sheets.

Top Left and Left: Dawn Vinson working with cork and various metals to make cork bracelets (Left) or other jewelry.Top Right and Above: Susan Ogden’s painted octopus artwork. Far Left: An example of Opus Stone’s concrete creations. Bottom: Patricia Middleton showcases her bright mosaic pieces.

Julie Bancroft Julie Bancroft and her husband have shown that concrete is versatile and can be used in many ways in a home or business. Her husband trained at the Concrete Countertop Institute in Raleigh in 2014. That training has led to a full-time job for the two of them, “literally seven days a week,” she says.

Their pieces run the gamut from small bathroom accessories to restaurant bar tops. They use glass fiber reinforced concrete because it’s lighter and more flexible than traditional concrete. The polymers allow them to color and stain the final product so that it doesn’t look like concrete. The final step in the process, which Bancroft says gets pretty messy, is the wet polish with a diamond grinder.

Patricia Middleton

Patricia Middleton kept a mosaic from a high school art teacher for over 30 years in her Richmond garage because she always knew that she wanted to do art. When she finally retired from nursing four years ago, she decided to go for it.

Her mosaics combine pieces of glass, fabric and dishes that she picks up in thrift stores. Her husband cuts out the wooden bases for her projects and she assembles mermaids, turtles, crabs, boats, dolphins and anything else that strikes her fancy. Each piece of glass is glued separately and then grout is used to fill in the gaps between pieces. ³ Jane Elfring is a freelance writer living in Elizabeth City.

She is a board member of Elizabeth City Habitat for Humanity and is a therapy pet handler with Pet Partners of Coastal Carolina.

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myouterbankshome.com | Winter 2018

Winter 2018 | myouterbankshome.com

23

HUNT is ON!

W

ith the endless caravan of 4-wheel-drive vehicles loaded down with poles and gear, it’s easy to focus on fishing as the primary pastime of the Outer Banks.

But for all the fun folks have catching critters below the surface, it’s worth remembering hunting’s role from Corolla to the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and multiple points in between.

Currituck, after all, borrows its name from an Algonquin Indian term meaning “The Land of the Wild Goose.” The wetlands of the northern Outer Banks have been a haven for hunters for centuries and played notable, well-known roles in sites such as the Whalehead Club, Currituck Shooting Club, and Pine Island Club.

Wealthy hunters from the Northeast flocked to the Currituck Sound and shot so many geese, mallards, black ducks, and swans in the early 1900s that hunting regulations were enacted in 1918 to make sure waterfowl didn’t go the way of the buffalo on the plains. Private retreats like Whalehead remained, but slowly transitioned from hunt clubs to beach attractions as the decades passed.

Today, hunters enjoy duck hunting and deer hunting throughout the Outer Banks during brief seasons in the winter months – a change of pace from the non-stop fishing and surfing of the spring and summer months. Like those who came before them more than a century ago, these hunters wake up early and brave the cold for the camaraderie and the sporting nature a good hunt provides.

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For Joe Tyson, that means bushels of oysters with buddies around a roaring fire, the good times interrupted only by the necessity of getting to bed early enough for that killer 4 a.m. wakeup call, then heading into the woods to test your mettle against Mother Nature.

“The camaraderie around the campfire is the most essential part of the hunting experience,” Tyson says. “You hear the best stories, from old dudes and young dudes, everybody’s just so excited – the night before you’re about to jump out of your skin. Then after you’ve been hunting hard, you’re so cold and it warms you up, some spirits and good friends, that’s the deal. That’s where it all goes down.”

Tyson, a teacher at First Flight High School, has been hunting and fishing since his childhood. He loves taking a long weekend to places like Milwaukee, NC – a dot on the map in Northampton County about 15 miles south of the Virginia border, not the Midwestern mecca of beer and cheese curds – to what he calls “the buck capital of North Carolina.” He also enjoys quicker trips around Currituck County, game lands on the Outer Banks – heck, there’s a stand right off Eckner Street in Kitty Hawk.

“You could probably go up there and smoke a big deer,” Tyson says with a laugh.

Best of all, when Tyson does bring down a deer, none of it goes to waste, providing meals for months for his family and friends.

Duck hunter Ray Scott, on the other hand, doesn’t worry with processing

SHUTTERSTOCK

The

STORY BY:

Steve Hanf

|

SPORTING LIFE

JOE TYSON

RAY SCOTT

RAY SCOTT

outer banks hunting

Above: One of the numerous duck blinds that can be seen dotting the Outer Banks sound waters.

Below: Duck hunting – where patience is a virtue for Dwight “The Buckmaster” Johnson.

JOE TYSON

any birds he may bring down: “That’s something I let other folks do,” he says with a laugh.

Like Tyson, Scott started hunting in his youth because “that was the thing to do” in little Weeksville, just south of Elizabeth City. Some 45 years later, the recently retired athletic director at First Flight High School still relishes that feeling.

“For me, it’s very enjoyable, it’s relaxing,” Scott says. “You get out with nature. I also like training dogs and watching them work and hunt alongside of you.”

Scott and a handful of friends hunt blinds together from the Little Alligator River to Second Creek to North River while also using float blinds to hunt open water throughout Dare and Pasquotank counties.

He’s not picky about where he hunts, save one minor detail: “You kind of want to be where the ducks are,” Scott reasons. “That’s why you spread out. It gives you options.”

A typical hunt for Scott includes leaving the house around 4 a.m., putting in from the boat ramp around 5, setting out upwards of 200 decoys – and then waiting. “Crawl up in your blind and drink you a cup of coffee before shooting time,” he says. “Most of the time you’re just sitting back with the good camaraderie, talking about anything that comes up, and keeping your eyes open in the skies.”

In recent years, Scott has had to keep his eyes open for alligators as well.

He no longer takes his dogs on hunts with him until the weather turns much colder and the gators get less active.

“We have seen 8 to 10-foot alligators around some of our blinds. It would be just like losing a family member,” he says.

When the dogs are out, they retrieve more birds than Scott and his buddies can eat, but “none of them ever go to waste. We eat a few and give away a lot to people that don’t go hunting that still like to eat duck.”

Bagging quality time outside is pretty cool, too, and there’s no limit on that.

“It’s just about being out there and enjoying the surroundings, watching the sun come up, watching Mother Nature,” Scott says. “We never get upset when we don’t kill anything.”

That slow pace is something Troy Crane relishes as well. Crane serves as captain of the Marauder and has run Marauder Sport Fishing Charters for more than 20 years. During the summer, “We go so hard” fishing every day of the

SENIOR CITIZEN TRAVEL

Above Left and Center: Ray Scott riding away from his duck blind, and his dog Mitt is ready for action! Above Right: Dinner comes to the hunt.

Winter 2018 | myouterbankshome.com

25

outer banks hunting

JOE TYSON

JOE TYSON

week. So when fall arrives and charters slow, Crane shifts from captain to guide, leading duck hunts throughout Currituck and Dare counties.

“It’s nice to do something different, break the monotony,” Crane says. “The waterfowl hunt to me is more one-on-one. I get to spend a lot of time sitting in a duck blind talking to them, sharing stories. That’s what I really like about it.”

Crane, who has hunted waterfowl since he was a kid, has several fishing parties from the summer come back for fall and winter hunts, plus other folks who just want to hunt with him. Visitors from all over the U.S. and as far away as Great Britain and Australia have joined him.

“There’s a lot to do here, hunting and fishing.

It depends on what we have in terms of weather,” Crane says. “You never know how the Outer Banks is going to go from one extreme to the other. Last year duck hunting you could get a sunburn and two days later we had a full-on snowstorm and were frozen for a week.”

A favorite winter activity on milder days is known in the industry as “cast and blast,” which features a duck hunting trip in the morning and striped bass fishing in the afternoon. The number of fishing trips

SHUTTERSTOCK

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SHUTTERSTOCK

SPORTING LIFE

ebbs and flows based on how cold it gets and what the local scene looks like.

Before Hurricane Isabel arrived in 2003, sound fishing for striped bass – rockfish – was great, but has dwindled. Puppy drum and red drum can be found before it gets too cold, but last year’s prolonged freeze “decimated” the speckled trout population, Crane says. The Manns Harbor bridges off Roanoke Island tend to be good structures to find fish around the pilings, but sometimes, people who try to book fishing trips around Thanksgiving and Christmas are out of luck.

“Because things have changed over the years, I’m brutally honest with most people: ‘Look, it probably wouldn’t be much of a fishing trip, it’d just be a boat ride.’ You’ve got to tell them the truth,” Crane says.

The truth of the matter is that the Outer Banks has been a sportsman paradise for centuries and doesn’t show any sign of losing that title anytime soon. ³ Steve Hanf worked as a professional sportswriter for 13 years before shifting to education in 2010.

He currently serves as the newspaper and yearbook advisor at First Flight High School.

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MARAUDER SPORTFISHING

JOE TYSON

Top Left: Hunter setting out decoys. Top Middle: Staying warm in the winter, while enjoying the camaraderie. Top Right: The Whitetail is the most common deer in northeastern NC. Middle Left: Joe Tyson in Milwaukee, NC. Bottom Left: From left to right: Nick Spore, Dwight “The Buckmaster” Johnson, Blake Clayton, Jonathan Barnes. Bottom Right: When not fishing on the water, the crew from Maraurder Fishing Charters are hunting on the land.

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jason@acs-obxbuilder.com Winter 2018 | myouterbankshome.com

27

2018

Holiday Gift Guide Urban Cottage Archipelaco Botanicals, made in the USA. Body care and home fragrance in 4 refreshing scents. Available in candles, lotions, creams, sugar scrubs, and hand wash. Paraben and sulfate free.

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YMCA Give the gift of health & fitness. Great for membership in any of their 19 SHR-YMCAs. Swim lessons, personal trainer, adult & youth sports, birthday parties or parents morning/night out. Visit thier website for all programs available.

ymcashr.org

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myouterbankshome.com | Winter 2018

Daniel’s Homeport This charming POLYWOOD® Presidential Rocker is comfortable as it is functional. It’s constructed of solid, fade-resistant all weather recycled lumber that won’t splinter, chip, crack, peel, or rot and never needs to be painted, stained or waterproofed. It’s also easy to clean with soap and water as it resists stains from wine and condiments, corrosive substances, salt spray and other environmental stresses. Made in the USA.

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Eden Day Spa A limited edition from Aveda is Candrima® a combination of creme cleansing oil and body moisturizer. The signature ingredients are certified organic ginger and ginger lily. It leaves the skin soft and smooth with a comforting spicy aroma. perfect for the holidays.

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Muse Originals Custom printed tee shirts, hoodies and tote bags featuring local artists.

Every artist receives a portion of each sale, so support your local artist! Small orders welcome.

museoriginals.com

Winter 2018 | myouterbankshome.com

29

Built To Last Whether you’re searching for something stocking-sized or something to make an impact under the tree, check off your list at Built to Last. Peruse their selection of durable outdoor furniture in a variety color and style options, or pick up a gift certificate to ensure that you’re making the right choice.

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Nags Head Hammocks The Beach Glass® floating wine glass was created as a reusable drinkware alternative to enhance the shared outdoor experience and forever replace those unsightly, disposable plastic and styrofoam cups that litter our beaches and parks.

nagsheadhammocks.com

Outer Banks Restaurant Association An Outer Banks Restaurant Association gift certificate is a great way to show your appreciation to someone. Whether it is for a birthday, or holiday, or just a thank you for a job well done! Go to the current Restaurant Members List to see which Outer Banks Restaurants will currently accept these as valid form of payment.

obxrestaurantassociation.com

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YOUR

OBX STORY

mix of locally made art, handmade Eclectictreasures, and coastal style decor.

Live Glass Studio On Site!

Sandbar Creative Glass

@MuseOBX 4622 N. VA Dare Trail Kitty Hawk,NC MP 2.5 Beach Road (Next to Art’s Place) 252-564-2038 • museoriginals.com

candy bomber Reinacting the historic

WWII Berlin Airlift Candy Drop with 2 candy drops!

DECEMBER 16th Dare County Airport • Manteo, NC

Schedule of Events Dec 13

Spirit of Freedom arrives at the Dare County Regional Airport, Manteo, NC

Dec 14

School children tour plane

Dec 15

Spirit of Freedom open to the public

Dec 16

Candy Drop - 2 drops • 1:00p (ages 6 and under) • 1:30p (ages 7 and up) • 2:00p Santa arrives, children can have their picture taken

Dec 17

Spirit of Freedom participates in Wright Brothers flyover celebration and then will depart

The Candy Drop is funded through donations • Contact Karin Edmond at 252.473.1795 to donate!

Winter 2018 | myouterbankshome.com

31

ROANOKE ISLAND OUTFITTERS

Feeling Social?

STORY BY:

Rebecca Orr

Unique & Unusual Clubs

ON THE

OBX

Life on the Outer Banks has interests galore if you’re willing to look outside of the norm. Beauty and nature abound in every mile of our beach. If you are looking for something new, and to meet new people, here are some unusual groups that might trip your light fantastic...

Ship Wreck Diving

Not exactly a formal, organized group, but rather a group of enthusiasts who go on scuba diving trips to explore the numerous shipwrecks of the Outer Banks. After all, there is a reason why we are known as “The Graveyard of the Atlantic.” The group is active between May and September each year. Organization is handled through Roanoke Island Outfitters and Dive Shop in Manteo, roanokeislandoutfittersanddivecenter.com. For details, contact Pam Landrum at 252-473-1356 or by email at riodiving@yahoo.com. Go shiver some timbers!

SHUTTERSTOCK

Dream Group

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ROANOKE ISLAND OUTFITTERS

This is a group of spiritually inclined folks who find direction in the interpretation of dreams in their life’s guidance. Need some insight into what your subconscious is trying to tell you? Your dreams may hold the key. The Dream Group will help you understand. Meetings are held once a month. Contact Pat Wilson at 252-261-5224 for more information.

unique obx activities & clubs

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BEACH LIFE

Birding

The Outer Banks is one of those incredible areas blessed with migratory birds year round, yet there are currently no organized clubs dedicated to the hobby. Step up, Birders! Get your group together, formally organize, and make the commitment. Until then, the best we have is a fantastic bird-walk every Friday morning at 8:00 at the Pea Island Visitor’s Center. Call Peggy Eubanks 252987-2394 for further details. Also, Sea Birding information is available at patteson.com or email: hatteraspetrel@gmail.com

PATTESON.COM

OUTER BANKS SENTINEL

Outer Banks Shag Club

This group is a social club passionate about Carolina beach music and dance. Who knew? If you don’t, they’ll teach you the shag dance skills you need. The dance craze started in the ‘70s in Myrtle Beach. Currently, there are 94 shag clubs on the east coast, ranging from Florida to Pennsylvania. If you stop by Duck Woods Country Club in Southern Shores any Monday night from 6:00-9:00, you too can dance your heart out to the DJ’s beach beats. Dinner and drinks are available.

In addition to all this fun, this group also holds charity events for local fund-raising. Further information can be found at obxshagclub.com and facebook.com/shagobx.

OBX Ultimate Frisbee

An activity/social group that host a weekly ultimate frisbee pickup game each Monday night at 7 at the Dare County Recreational Facility located at 602 Mustian St in Kill Devil Hills. It’s open to all!

Bring a white and dark shirt along with a friend.

More information and how to play can be found at facebook.com/groups/obxultimate.

OBX ULTIMATE FRISBEE

Outer Banks Fiber Guild

In existence since 2000, this organization is devoted to fiber art work, which includes, but not limited to, quilting, knitting, weaving, spinning, dyeing, crocheting, and silk painting. Regular meetings are held on the 2nd Saturday of each month. The guild also holds frequent workshops on fabric techniques and skills, along with some social events. Contact Lilly Keith at lilly.keith1@ gmail.com for further information. Newbies are always welcome.

OUTER BANKS FIBER CLUB

OBX PADDLERS CLUB

OBX Paddlers’ Club

Formed in 1990, this is a diverse group of approximately 120 folks who enjoy the full variety of paddling activities in both Dare and Currituck Counties. The club meets monthly to share experiences, plan future club activities and to listen to presentations on kayaking topics. Membership information and access is found at: obxpaddlers.org and facebook.com/ groups/OBXPaddlers. All ages and skill levels welcomed.

TribeOBX

Gather with a conscious community of Outer Banks women dedicated to inspiring and empowering each other to live their best life. You’ll enjoy monthly guest speakers from OBX business professionals. Knowledge, support, and inspiration is what they offer. Their FaceBook page is: facebook.com/tribeobx/

Winter 2018 | myouterbankshome.com

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BEACH LIFE

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unique obx activities & clubs

NC BEACH BUGGY ASSOCIATION

North Carolina Beach Buggy Association

If you want to roll on the beach in your 4WD, socialize with some great people that you’ll soon call friends, surf fish and do some beach preservation and conservation, this is the group for you. Established in 1964, the NCBBA is “dedicated to the preservation of and vehicular access to the natural beach resources of the Outer Banks through conservation, a code of ethics for beach behavior and support of local, state, federal officials and other organizations dedicated to these same goals”. They also host a popular Red Drum Tournament each fall. Further information can be found at: ncbba.org or facebook.com/ncbba.

Outer Banks BeeKeepers’ Guild

These folks keep “buzzzy” in the apiarian arts. All kidding aside, they’re serious about loving bees and caring for them. All age groups are involved.

Monthly meetings are held at the Kill Devil Hills Library. Amazing bee facts from these folks include: “One teaspoon of honey took 12 bees their entire lives to produce.” Membership details and further information at outerbanksbeekeepers.com and facebook.com/outerbanksBeekeepers. Or contact Denise Deacon at dmdeacon@embarqmail.com.

OUTER BANKS SENTINEL

Kill Devil Derby Brigade

Need more exercise in your life? Want a crazy-cool nickname like “Feendish,” “SheRa” or “Pain Angel”? Are you female and over 18? Then flat track Roller Derby might be for you. No skating experience is even needed.

These gals vent their aggression and have some major fun as the Kill Devil Derby Brigade, part of the Flat Track Roller Derby League. They practice Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 at Aviation Park in Kill Devil Hills. Their website is: killdevilderbybrigade.com and facebook.com/killdevilderbybrigade. Email: thekilldevilderbybrigade@gmail.com. Opportunities also exist for referees (”zebras”) and enthusiastic fans!

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MICHELLE WAGNER

My Outer Banks Home hopes this helps motivate you to get out there and have some fun on our sandbar. We look forward to seeing you out and about!³ Rebecca Orr, a recent Midwestern transplant, spends her days enjoying the beach and fresh seafood. It has been her long-held dream to be a writer.

e n o e m o S r e p Pam with a Holiday Gift Certificate

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HEAR LIFE Walk-In Minor Care Duck, NC

Krissi J. Williams PA-C

WORK HARD PLAY HARD Sign up for adult sports at the Y.

OUTER BANKS FAMILY YMCA (252) 449-8897 • ymcashr.org

Sunny Care Clinic, PLLC 252.429.7200 www.sunnycareclinic.com

Call for seasonal hours. Conveniently located inside Sunshine Family Pharmacy.

1187 Duck Rd. • Loblolly Pine Shops

Thomas J. Henderson Audiologist

Kathryn J. Henderson

Hearing Instrument Specialist

albemarleaudiologync.com

252.331.2437

With two offices to serve you in Elizabeth City and the Outer Banks

Winter 2018 | myouterbankshome.com

35

s ’ t a Wh

On Your Christmas

List?

STORY BY

Katrina Mae Leuzinger

C

hristmas is just around the corner and that means almost everybody on the Outer Banks is out shopping for friends and loved ones. And maybe even hoping for a little something for themselves under the tree this year. We asked a random sampling of Outer Bankers what they wanted for Christmas.

Here’s to hoping that Santa keeps their lists in mind this coming holiday.

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myouterbankshome.com | Winter 2018

Rabiah Hodges

Rabiah lives in ags Head Woods, where for the past two years she’s been cultivating a prolific medicinal herb garden.

When she’s not practicing and preaching herbal deto ification, she runs her own shoe company Chameleon Clogs. If she could have anything she wanted for Christmas she’d like to be able to provide for anyone that needs her. But her second choice would be to have a bigger and better garden. “I’d love to add to my medicinal herb collection and become a deto ification specia ist. raining, supplies, herbs, and a greenhouse to grow my own. But it would take a village to help me get to that goal. So maybe Santa ”

OBX COMMUNITY

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christmas lists

Marcel is attending COA, working at Starbucks, and currently stage managing for the COA Wearable Art ashion Show, but still somehow finds time in her day to learn new things. I want a sewing machine. I’ve been involved in a lot of art hobbies because there’s never anything to do around here. I keep picking up new hobbies, but I haven’t learned to sew yet. If Marcel gets her Christmas wish, she plans to use her new found sewing skills to design a cape with D lights for the Wearable Art ashion Show. ere’s hoping she gets one, because we all would like to see that.

Rob “

Shar

kbai

t” Je

nkin

ir m a R l Marce

ez

s

Rob makes a living on the Outer Banks by doing everything from event set-ups to children birthday parties, but what he really loves is film work. A new drone is at the top of his Christmas list. It would allow me to film a lot more locally, and I’d really like to make a hurricane documentary. I want to help create a film industry down here; bringing in jobs in the winter.

Dianna Vurchio Dianna lives and works in itty awk and is the mother of two little boys, ages and 4. Being an adult I want things like financial security and for my kids to be happy and healthy. Materialistically, I’d like new clothes, new makeup brushes, and some movies. er little ones are hoping Santa brings them ugioh cards and art supplies. opefully Santa saves some room in his sleigh for a few good make up brushes for Dianna.

Colleen Almoney

Colleen has lived on the Outer Banks for 13 years, and loves every minute of it.

I brag about the OB and our amazing community all the time She does some of that bragging in her annual Christmas card, and right now her biggest wish is to find OB -themed cards with a reasonable price tag. I shop locally, whenever possible, but I always have trouble with Christmas cards. Somebody should get on this idea fast. We know we would buy some. ³ Kimberly Mae Leuzinger lives on the beautiful Outer Banks in a tiny beach box she shares with her husband, dog, cat, and fearsome small blond child. When she’s not writing she cooks elaborate meals, cheats at video games, and plays guitar (rather badly).

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myouterbankshome.com | Winter 2018

OBX COMMUNITY

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christmas lists

Marcel is attending COA, working at Starbucks, and currently stage managing for the COA Wearable Art Fashion Show, but still somehow finds time in her day to learn new things. “I want a sewing machine. I’ve been involved in a lot of art hobbies because there’s never anything to do around here. I keep picking up new hobbies, but I haven’t learned to sew yet.” If Marcel gets her Christmas wish, she plans to use her new found sewing skills to design a cape with LED lights for the Wearable Art Fashion Show. Here’s hoping she gets one, because we all would like to see that.

Rob “

Shar

kbai

t” Je

nkin

ir m a R l Marce

ez

s

Rob makes a living on the Outer Banks by doing everything from event set-ups to children birthday parties, but what he really loves is film work. A new drone is at the top of his Christmas list. “It would allow me to film a lot more locally, and I’d really like to make a hurricane documentary. I want to help create a film industry down here; bringing in jobs in the winter.”

Dianna Vurchio Dianna lives and works in Kitty Hawk and is the mother of two little boys, ages 7 and 4. “Being an adult I want things like financial security and for my kids to be happy and healthy. Materialistically, I’d like new clothes, new makeup brushes, and some movies.” Her little ones are hoping Santa brings them Yugioh cards and art supplies. Hopefully Santa saves some room in his sleigh for a few good make up brushes for Dianna.

Colleen Almoney

Colleen has lived on the Outer Banks for 13 years, and loves every minute of it.

“I brag about the OBX and our amazing community all the time!” She does some of that bragging in her annual Christmas card, and right now her biggest wish is to find OBX-themed cards with a reasonable price tag. “I shop locally, whenever possible, but I always have trouble with Christmas cards.” Somebody should get on this idea fast. We know we would buy some. ³ Kimberly Mae Leuzinger lives on the beautiful Outer Banks in a tiny beach box she shares with her husband, dog, cat, and fearsome small blond child. When she’s not writing she cooks elaborate meals, cheats at video games, and plays guitar (rather badly).

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myouterbankshome.com | Winter 2018

TH E

IER EM R P

O U TE R

BA S NK

Getting Married on the Outer Banks?

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outerbanksrestaurantguide.com Winter 2018 | myouterbankshome.com

39

Sign, Sign, Everywhere A Sign T

he Urban Dictionary defines an ear worm as A song that sticks in your brain, and will not leave no matter how hard you try. I have been afflicted with an ear worm lately. It’s the 19 1 song Signs by the ive Man lectrical Band. And for those of you that are not as old as me (which sadly means most of you), you’ll remember the song as being done by Tesla back in 1990. The lyric that sticks is “Sign, sign, everywhere a sign Blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?”

To celebrate my ear worm, My Outer Banks ome is celebrating signs in this issue. Some are funny. Some are inspirational. njoy

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myouterbankshome.com | Winter 2018

Winter 2018 | myouterbankshome.com

41

Remembering

Glenn S

(September 21, 1931 to September 6, 2018)

ome have known him simply as Glenn Eure.

Others will remember him when they hear the phrase

“ Outer Banks - Living Legend.”

The latter description paints a more accurate and essential picture of Glenn Eure’s presence on earth.

Glenn had a strong passion and a deep love for his country. He served twenty-three years in the United States Army as a Major. During those years, he served two complete combat tours, one in Korea; the other in Vietnam. Glenn served in many different capacities, ranging from a forward observer to commanding an artillery battery. Glenn was a committed member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Hawaii Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association and the Military Officers Association of America. ure received many different military honors to commemorate his lifelong dedication to his country. They have included the Second Award of the Combat Infantry Badge, The Air Medal, a Purple Heart, and a Vietnamese Medal of Honor.

It was after retiring from the military that Glenn earned his Bachelor of ine Arts degree from ast Carolina University. e majored in fine arts printmaking and minored in painting and sculpture. lenn went on to open his first gallery in 19 , when he designed and built the Ghost Fleet Gallery, located in Nags Head. The Ghost Fleet Gallery is home to thousands of handcrafted designs and exhibits all ranging from woodcuts, etchings, watercolor paintings, collagraphs, ink paintings, sculptural oil paintings, relief carvings, and stone lithographs.

To say that art was Glenn’s life, is a substantial understatement. When he was not creating art, Glenn was sharing it passionately with others. Anita Roddick says To succeed you have to believe in something with such passion that it

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myouterbankshome.com | Winter 2018

STORY BY

Tara Turner

JANE FIEDLER

JANE FIEDLER

glenn eure

E u re becomes a reality. It is almost as if that statement was specifically written to describe Glenn Eure himself. He manifested his dreams and his lifelong passion into his very own reality.

If you have ever visited the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and have wandered around the Aycock Brown Welcome Center in Kitty Hawk, you might have taken notice of the ‘Monument to a Century of Flight’ sculpture. As you might have suspected, Mr Eure was one of the planners, designers, and builders of this tribute. The massive 60 foot by 75 foot sculpture, was created to honor and to celebrate man’s 100th Anniversary of powered flight.

Also a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church by the Sea, Glenn was the brains and the physical hands behind the fourteen ‘Stations of the Cross’ located in the church sanctuary. This astounding display is something to be seen with your own eyes. No picture can quite do justice to the marvelous and intricate work that Glenn spent approximately twelve long years planning and creating.

Glenn was also a long-time Rotarian. He was awarded the “Service Above Self award by Rotary International. This award is presented to only fifty, of the two million Rotarian’s worldwide. Eure was also awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by the Governor of North Carolina, the highest civilian acknowledgment by the state. If that wasn’t enough, Glenn was honored by the Town of Nags Head as “Keeper of the Light.” And then in 2010, at the Land of Beginning Festival, he was declared and given the title “Outer Banks Living Legend.” lenn published his first book in 2013 titled Glenn Eure, Artful Rogue of the Outer Banks.

The book is a collection of his many works of art, that was collaborated and written by Glenn’s loving wife Pat (she also has been known as the “Gallery Wife”). Quoted by Pat when referencing husher husband, “I have often thought that my hus band is more an experience than a solid thing.

Certainly any world is too big to hold in your mind at one time. It would seem a single island might fit more easily, but it really doesn’t. ou minbreathe it in for a minute, or a succession of min utes, and come to understand, without realizing

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OBX COMMUNITY

GLENNEUREART.COM

Top Left Two: Stations Of The Cross at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church.

Top Right: “Monument To A Century Of Flight.” Below: Glenn Eure sculpting.

it at the time or for most of a lifetime actually, that you have experienced its beauty completely, still possessing nothing of it.” While reading that first sentence, it is almost impossible to not sense the amount of love and admiration that Pat had for her husband Glenn.

Glenn was often described by others to be “larger than life” and has been described as “having the energy of a locomotive.” He had a “whale-sized imagination” with a “heart to match his talent.”

For Glenn Eure, being an artist wasn’t just his career. It wasn’t something that he considered a daily grind, a term that some of us may harshly refer to in our day jobs. For him, however, the art was a labor of love. Art was his way of touching the lives of many people from many different walks of life. We all have our own special ways of trying to change the world and make it a better place.

For Glenn, it was painting a picture of something that was inside his heart. Most artwork found on the Outer Banks or simply involving the Outer Banks can be traced back to just one person; Glenn Eure. The name itself is a brand, and one that tells a creative and heart-warming story about a legend who left us, but a legacy that will surely carry on forever. Thank you Glenn Eure. Thank you for your art and your inspiration! ³ Tara Turner is a freelance writer, stay-at-home mom, and an OBX enthusiast.

LOGAN MARSHALL

Winter 2018 | myouterbankshome.com

43

REAL ID: NCDOT.GOV

What You Need To Know STORY BY:

Katrina Leuzinger-Owens

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myouterbankshome.com | Winter 2018

with your full name and social security number; like your social security card, 1099 tax form, pay stubs, or a W-2. And finally, you will need two different documents that prove your North Carolina residency. Options include your current driver’s license (provided that it isn’t expired), voter precinct card, vehicle registration, utility bills, a DD214, school records, or insurance policy. And if you’re not a U.S. citizen, you’ll also need to bring documents to prove you are lawfully residing in this country. These are some examples of the documents you could bring, but not an exhaustive list, so if you’re having trouble acquiring any of these you should check out the full list at: www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/ nc-real-id/Pages/requirements.aspx.

All of your documents will be scanned, returned to you, and filed electronically.

All that really amounts to is bringing one more piece of paper to the DMV than you would to get a license (two documents proving residency instead of one). And remember, if you make your appointment to get your Real ID soon, the hassle should be minimal. But you can always simply opt out and stick to your old photo ID. Just remember to bring your passport the next time you fly. ³

NCDOT.GOV

T

hanks to the 2005 Federal Real ID Act, you’ll probably want a Real ID if you plan to fly or enter federal facilities like courthouses and military bases. The Act, which was passed as a response to the September 11th terrorist attack, suggests that documents currently required to get a driver’s license aren’t enough to prove identity. The Real ID is basically a modified driver’s license; one that takes a few more identifying documents to get. It will look just like your old North Carolina license, only with a gold star in the corner.

What the Real ID Act doesn’t do is require you to have one. But starting October 1st, 2020 TSA guidelines will require you to present either a Real ID or a passport in order to board a plane if you’re 18 or older. A regular driver’s license isn’t going to cut it. Some military bases are already requiring you to either present a Real ID or two pieces of identification. And if you plan to get one, the NCDMV is recommending that you do it sooner rather than later. If everybody holds off until just before October 1st, 2020 the wait times are likely to be outrageous.

You can get your Real ID at your local NCDMV. The prices are the same as they are for driver’s licenses. If it’s time to renew your license anyway, or you’re getting a NC driver’s license for the first time, it will cost $40. If your renewal isn’t coming up anytime soon and you just want to upgrade to a Real ID it will cost $13, the same as a duplicate license.

The requirements for a Real ID aren’t actually all that different from those you needed in order to get a driver’s license. You’ll need to bring three types of original documents to the DMV with you. The first one needs to show your name and date of birth. That can be a certified birth certificate or passport. If the name on those documents is different than your current name because of a marriage, divorce, etc. you’ll also need to bring something that proves your name has changed such as a certified marriage license. Secondly, you’ll need something

Kimberly Mae Leuzinger lives on the beautiful Outer Banks in a tiny beach box she shares with her husband, dog, cat, and fearsome small blond child. When she’s not writing she cooks elaborate meals, cheats at video games, and plays guitar (rather badly).

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