Carolina Salt December 2015

FREE! TAKE ONE! DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

your life on the Crystal Coast

2016

LOOK INSIDE FOR FUN & FREE

OUTER BANKS WILDLIFE

The Gift of Gannets

THINGS TO DO ON THE CRYSTAL COAST MID–DECEMBER THROUGH MID–JANUARY page 8

AT THE AQUARIUM

Santa By The Sea

HOME OF THE CRYSTAL COAST STEAM POT!

THE LARGEST GLUTEN-FREE MENU ON THE CRYSTAL COAST! 23 ITEMS!

Got football? We do!

8 FLAT SCREEN TVs • NFL TICKET • COLLEGE FOOTBALL

NOW SERVING! Fresh Local

SaltyOysters NOW SERVING!

Full Menu in the Boat Bar!

WEDNESDAYS

10% Off

SteamPots!

FRIDAYS Randy’s Famous Angus

Prime Rib

SUNDAYS (SEASONAL) All-You-Can-Eat

Crab Legs!

Reserve the Boat Bar for your Christmas party!

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M I D - DE C E M B E R 2 0 1 5 TO M I D - JA N UA RY 2 0 1 6

Inside This Issue T H E C RYS TA L C OAS T L I F E S T Y L E

F E AT U R E S 15 The Gift of Gannets

These stunningly beautiful pelagic seabirds rarely make it to shore, and when they do, it’s touch and go. The largest indigineous seabird in the North Atlantic, Gannets often winter off the North Carolina coast.

19 A Celtic Christmas

15

The Jennifer Licko Band presents “A Celtic Christmas” at the Swansboro High School on December 20. This year will be 70 percent new material, featuring two-time All-Ireland fiddle champion and Riverdance star, Patrick Mangan.

THE GIFT OF GANNETS: BLUE-EYED BEAUTY

FREE! TAKE ONE! DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

your life on the Crystal Coast

21 Candlelight Tour of Beaufort

ON THIS MONTH’S COVER Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of our readers from the staff of Carolina Salt.

We hope this holiday season is your best ever,

2016

and that the new year brings you all joy.

LOOK INSIDE FOR FUN & FREE

OUTER BANKS WILDLIFE

The Gift of Gannets

THINGS TO DO ON THE CRYSTAL COAST MID–DECEMBER THROUGH MID–JANUARY page 8

AT THE AQUARIUM

Santa By The Sea

This tour showcases Beaufort’s holiday hospitality and provides a rare glimpse into private historic homes, inns and churches, all elegantly decorated for the season. Tickets are on sale now for $14.

22 Santa-By-The-Sea

Santa-by-the-Sea brings a bit of the North Pole to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores on Friday, December 11, for a memorable and magical evening event.

We’re looking forward to an exciting new year on the Crystal Coast.

LOCAL INTEREST Ask the Aquarium: Sea Stars............20 Hooked Up Fishing Report................23 19 CELTIC CHRISTMAS with the Jennifer Licko Bandand Patrick Mangan of Riverdance.

21 CANDLELIGHT TOUR of Beaufort provides a glimpse into historic homes and more.

Diving Our Coast in December..........24 Tides...............................................25

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5 / J A N U A RY 2 0 1 6 | C A R O L I N A S A L T | 5

PUBLISHER: Will

Ashby

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Chevy

Kaylor

CONTRIBU TING WRITERS Linda Bergman-Althouse, Jennifer Carrere, Sidney Hunter, Sherry White, Claire Aubel, Capt. Jeff Cronk and Lee Moore.

HOLIDAY MARKET

december 19 • 5-9pm <SANTA ARRIVES at 6PM > <GREAT FOOD>

From Marshallberg Community Club and Dank Burrito. Unity Church will be serving hot cocoa, coffee and hot cider also.

<KIDS SHOPPING>

E D I T O R IA L S & A D V E RT I S I N G Please contact the publisher at will@crystalcoastoutdoors.com or 252-723-7628 for ad rates and editorial ideas. Ad and editorial deadline for the Mid-January to Mid-February issue is January 16, 2016.

Email letters to the editor, photos, community listings and articles to will@carolinasalt.com. Next issue will publish January 7, 2016.

From the Publisher Thank you for picking up Carolina Salt magazine, published to depict your life here on the Crystal Coast.

All articles are written by locals. We cover a wide range of topics including local history, outdoor sports, wildlife, special events and more. Every month we look to you, our readers, to keep our magazine fresh. If you have a story to tell, an event to promote, an interesting local photograph or just some good times stories to share, send them our way. Participation is welcomed and appreciated. Reader contributions are the founding principle of the magazine. We want to be a local resource for you, our readers.

If you like what you see, tell people about it—especially our advertisers. For questions, concerns and more information about Carolina Salt, send e-mail to will@crystalcoastoutdoors.com or call 252-723-7628.

For up-to-date info, be sure to look us up on Facebook!

VENDORS WILL OFFER GIFT ITEMS FOR $5, $10 & $15 so children can shop. Parents can purchase a gift certificate so their child can shop. Volunteers will be on hand to help them make the best selection for their gift list!

<FREE GIFT WRAPPING AVAILABLE> <LIVE ENTERTAINMENT> 300 courthouse square in BEAUFORT 252.564.8822 BeaufortFarmersMarket.com

We Depend On Our Readers!

Call 252-723-7628 if you’re interested in submitting an article or photo. Our local content is what keeps our magazine fresh and relevant.

PUBLISHED BY CRYSTAL COAST OUTDOORS PUBLICATIONS P.O. Box 572, Morehead City, NC 28557 | 252-723-7628

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Tuesday

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Wednesday

CLOSED DECEMBER 24–25

Thursday

ALL T-SHIRTS!

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ALL SCOUT BAGS!

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Applies to T-shirts only.

With in-store purchases only.

Excludes fudge, wine, monogramming.

STOREWIDE!

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GET A ½ POUND OF FUDGE FREE!

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Newly remodeled and carrying several new product lines. Come check us out!

JEWELRY • MONOGRAMMING & EMBROIDERY • HOMEMADE FUDGE • CULINARY NOVELTIES HANDBAGS, TOTES & PURSES • APPAREL & ACCESSORIES • MUCH MORE!

THINGS TO DO

M I D – D E C E M B E R T O M I D – J A N UA RY

CHRISTMAS EVENTS DECEMBER 19

✪ Holiday Farmers’ Market [ 5–9 PM ] Special holiday Olde Beaufort Farmers’ Market under the holiday lights on the grounds of the Carteret County Courthouse. There will be more than 20 farmers, bakers and artisans participating.

Santa arrives about 6 p.m. Enjoy a special children’s shopping event and free gift wrapping.

Marshallberg Community Club and Dank Burrito will both be on site to serve shoppers and vendors.

Unity Church will be serving hot cocoa, coffee and hot cider. Live music. Call 252-564-8822 for information or visit beaufortfarmersmarket.com.

DECEMBER 7–19

Christmas at The Barnyard [ 5–8 PM ] Celebrate the Christmas season Barnyard style! Enjoy an evening farm tour petting the animals under hundreds of Christmas lights and decorations at The Barnyard, 844 Roberts Road, Newport. Let the kids visit with Santa in his big red sleigh while sipping on hot chocolate. Hang out with your family by our bonfire as you listen to Christmas music and watch the lights on the farm twinkle. Gate fee is $6 per person; children under 2 are admitted free. All activities are included in the gate fee except hot chocolate and decorated live Christmas wreaths for sale. For more information call 252-223-2950 or visit thebarnyardnc.com.

DECEMBER 11

Elf in the Woods Bring your child out for an afternoon of fun as we read Elf on the Shelf. We will go for a nature adventure walk in the woods to see what our elf has been up to. We will then work in Santa’s workshop making elf and nature crafts. While making crafts, warm your insides with hot chocolate and treats.

Program is open for children ages 2 to 6. Parent participation is required. Cost is $7 for a parent and child and $3 for each additional child. Call 910326-2600 or come by the Swansboro Recreation Center at 830 Main Street Extension in Swansboro for more information.

DECEMBER 11 – 13

✪ Gingerbread House Competition The third annual Gingerbread House Competition and Display takes place at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City. All proceeds benefit SECU Crystal Coast Hospice House. For more information call 252-808-2244 or visit crystalcoasthospicehouse.org.

DECEMBER 11

Santa by the Sea Santa by the Sea is a magic, memorable holiday evening for children. The highlight is personal time with Santa. Each child ages 12 and under receives a professional FotoFX photo of the encounter. Make crafts, see a magic show and get in the holiday spirit. Tickets sold 5:30-8:30 p.m., $15 per person plus tax. See the website for more information or to buy advance tickets. Details, 252-247-4003 or www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores. Location: NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.

DECEMBER 11

‘Santa and a Movie’ in Emerald Isle

✪ =FREE

others and whose imminent suicide on Christmas Eve, brings about the intervention of his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody. Clarence shows George all the lives he has touched and how different life in his community of Bedford Falls would be had he never been born. For ticket information call 252726-1501.

DECEMBER 12

✪ ‘Santa and a Movie’ in Swansboro [ 1–4 PM ] Santa is coming to Swansboro Parks and Recreation! Come out to the recreation center and tell Santa all your Christmas wishes. Families and children can have pictures taken with Santa.

To top off the afternoon, we will have a showing of Polar Express at 2 p.m. Some of your favorite holiday treats and beverages will be served to warm your insides. Event is free, but please pre-register

by December 9. Call 910-326-2600, come by the Swansboro Recreation Center at 830 Main Street Extension or visit swansboro.recdesk.com.

DECEMBER 12, 19

[ 6 PM ] Children of all ages join Santa for a Christmas story after enjoying milk and cookies and watching a short Christmas movie classic!

Kids are encouraged to wear their most comfy Christmas pajamas! Please bring a blanket for your family to sit on during the movie. Event takes place at Emerald Isle Parks & Recreation, 7500 Emerald Drive. Admission fee is one unwrapped gift per child. You must pre-register by December 10. Contact Sarah McNally at 252-354-6350 or smcnally@emeraldisle-nc.org.

✪ Santa Arrives in Beaufort

DECEMBER 11–20

[ 11 AM ] Come join the fun! Parade along Arendell Street in downtown Morehead City. For more information call 252-808-0440.

It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play [ 7:30 PM ] At Carteret Community Theatre, 1311 Arendell Street, Morehead City. Inspired by the classic American film, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. Five actors perform the dozens of characters in the radio play as well as produce the sound effects. George Bailey, a man who has given up his dreams in order to help

[ 1 PM ] Santa and Mrs. Claus will be arriving at John Newton Park on the Beaufort waterfront by boat. The Beaufort Oars will row our guests of honor across Taylor’s Creek before tying up at the Beaufort Docks just outside the Dockhouse Restaurant.

Bring the family to greet the Clauses and make sure you’re in line early for a visit with Santa!

DECEMBER 12

✪ Morehead Christmas Parade

DECEMBER 19

✪ Pine Knoll Shores Christmas Parade [ 11 AM ] Beginning at Garner Park. Santa will arrive and participants and spectators are invited for hot chocolate and cookies at Garner Park after the parade.

Stir a little love into everything you do.

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✪ =FREE DECEMBER 20

NEW YEAR’S EVENTS

A Celtic Christmas Concert with the Jennifer Licko Band

DECEMBER 29–JANUARY 1

[ 2 PM ] A Celtic Christmas Concert with the Jennifer Licko Band featuring Patrick Mangan from Riverdance will be coming to Swansboro High School. We are going to give all proceeds to Onslow County schools arts programs. The Onslow County Schools value arts education as a part of a comprehensive education for students. Tickets are available online at jenniferlicko.com or 561-6705534. Tickets will also be available at the door one hour prior to the event.

The event will span multiple venues throughout the county and will feature indoor and outdoor activities with a lineup of musicians, storytellers, dance groups, tours, artists and art competitions and much more! New Year’s Eve night promises an exhilarating countdown to midnight complete with a Crab Pot Drop, live music and fireworks!

Check the website for a list of all activities at crystalcoastcountdown.com.

DECEMBER 21–22, 28–30

Crystal Coast Countdown CountyWide New Year’s Celebration!

DECEMBER 30

✪ Bonfire and Live Music at the Atlantic Beach Circle

Holiday Camps [ 8 AM–5 PM ] School’s out for the holidays! Spend five days of fun filled activities, arts and crafts and games with Swansboro Parks and Recreation.

Fun for all ages! Children can enjoy all five days or a combination of individual days. Children can be dropped off as early as 7:30 a.m. and must be picked up by 5:30 p.m. Lunch, two snacks and refillable water bottle will need to be provided each day. Cost is $25 per participant per day and $75 for all five day camps. Camp must be paid in full before attending; payment is due at registration.

Call 910-326-2600 or stop by the Swansboro Recreation Center for more information.

DECEMBER 28–30

Holiday Camps at the Aquarium [ 8:30 AM–2:30 PM ] If you have youngsters out of school on winter break, the aquarium’s holiday camps keep kids active and learning with outdoor activities, animal encounters, discovery labs and behind-the-scenes action. Space is limited and advance registration is required; $45 per camper per day. For information call 252-247-4003 or visit ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores.

12/28..................................... 1st and 2nd grades 12/29..................................... 3rd and 4th grades 12/30..................................... 5th and 6th grades

ICE COLD BEVERAGES AND GREAT FOOD

THINGS TO DO

M I D – D E C E M B E R T O M I D – J A N UA RY

FREE

ADMISSION EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT!

[ 6–8 PM ] At the Atlantic Beach Circle. Come gather around the fire and dance to the rhythm of live acoustic tunes from Parker Millar & Jake Ross.

For more information call 252-726-2121.

DECEMBER 31

✪ Be Here for the New Year!

D ECEMB ER 20

CELTIC CHRISTMAS concert with the Jennifer Licko Band at Swansboro High School. All proceeds go to fund Onslow County school arts programs. Tickets online at jenniferlicko.com.

[ 6 PM ] At John Newton Park on the Beaufort Waterfront beside the Dock House. In partnership with the Crystal Coast Countdown, Beaufort will celebrate New Year’s Eve in downtown with plankwalking pirates, melty s’mores and some rollickin’ but family-friendly live music with the Outer Banks Philharmonic.

6 p.m..........................................The Pirate Plunge Watch Beaufort’s most hydrophilic pirate take an icy dive into Taylor’s Creek 6:30–8 p.m....................................S’Mores Station Gather around the fire pit! We’ll have everything you need to make some melty, delicious s’mores.

Complimentary s’mores, hot cider and hot cocoa.

7–9 p.m.... Live Music with Outer Banks Philharmonic The whole family will love getting down to a bit of rock’n’roll. Bring some lawn chairs, but no coolers please! Beer and wine sales on site.

DECEMBER 31

✪ New Year’s Eve Night Cannon [ 7 PM ] Cannons will be fired to coincide with midnight GMT. Other events are still being planned

D ECEMB ER 12

✪ SANTA AND A MOVIE in Swansboro. Special showing of Polar Express at 2 p.m. Santa arrives at 1 p.m.

Pre-registration required. Call 910-3262600 or visit swansboro.recdesk.com.

SATURDAY Classic Car Cruise-In! Bring out your classic & custom cars!

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5 / J A N U A RY 2 0 1 6 | C A R O L I N A S A L T | 9

CARTERET COUNTY SPEEDWAY / 501 WHITEHOUSE FORK RD / SWANSBORO / 252.242.1015

THINGS TO DO

M I D – D E C E M B E R T O M I D – J A N UA RY

and will probably start at 6 or 6:3 p.m. At Fort Macon State Park, 2303 East Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. For more information call 252-7263775.

to 5 p.m. An indoor show of juried arts and crafts.

No admission charged. For more information visit ccartsandcrafts.com.

JANUARY 1

✪ Flags of Fort Macon & The Confederacy

Penguin Plunge [ 1 PM ] On Atlantic Beach. Ring in the New Year by taking a dip in the ocean. The charity for 2016 is the Loaves and Fishes program! For more information visit penguin-plunge.org.

JANUARY 1

Resolution Run 1 Mile & 5K [ 9 AM ] At 411 Front Street, Beaufort. Get your 2016 resolutions in gear first thing on the first! Join our 1-mile or 5k run and get ahead of the curve.

The race travels down Front Street in beautiful downtown Beaufort, starting at the corner of Turner and Front streets. Registration is $15 online or $20 day of the race. Sign up online at runsignup.com/ Race/NC/Beaufort/BftResolutionRun.

[ 10 AM ] Meet at the Fort Visitor Center to learn about the wide range of flags used by the Confederacy during the War Between the States.

For more information call 252-726-3775.

their tails. This exciting program will give students the chance to handle a few different shark’s teeth and create their own shark fin hats to wear home.

As with all of our Merry Time for Tots programs, this program not only focuses on teaching kids about sharks but will also touch on the importance of brushing your teeth and getting along with others.

Ages 2 to 5. Free. Space is limited, pre-registration is required. Call the NC Maritime Museum at 252728-7317, stop by at 315 Front Street in Beaufort or visit ncmaritimemuseums.com.

DECEMBER 7, JANUARY 4

DECEMBER 11

DECEMBER 7

Succulent Seafood Series Local chefs demonstrate how to prepare fresh local seafood with a flourish. Sessions include a taste test! For foodies ages 12 and up. Cost is $15.

For more information call 252-247-4003 or visit ncaquariums.com.

12/7........................Island Grille in Atlantic Beach 1/4............................ Saltwater Grill in Swansboro

DECEMBER 8

JANUARY 1

✪ First Day Hike [ 10 AM ] Start the New Year off right with a hike in your favorite state park. Fort Macon will be offering two different hikes once again this year. A short nature hike that will be less than a mile and a longer 3-mile hike along the open section of the park’s newest trail.

OTHER EVENTS DECEMBER 7, 14

Swansboro Yoga Classes Join Swansboro Parks and Recreation for yoga.

Classes will focus on basic yoga postures, meditations and relaxation, which have proven to be beneficial for men and women of all ages. Class is $10 per session. Call 910-326-2600, come by the Swansboro Recreation Center or register online at swansboro.recdesk.com.

DECEMBER 7–13

✪ Carteret County Arts & Crafts Coalition Holiday Show At 3000 Arendell Street, Morehead City Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1

✪ =FREE

Fab Felt Holiday Crafts Felt is a unique material for handmade projects.

Participants will learn to make an array of decorative holiday crafts. These crafts are fun and easy, perfect for individuals and parent child crafting. Class is $10, pre-registration preferred

by December 4. Call 910-326-2600, come by the Swansboro Recreation Center or register online at swansboro.recdesk.com.

DECEMBER 9, 16

✪ Musket Firing Demonstration [ 10 AM ] Learn about a Civil War era musket’s history, loading procedures and firing. Meet in the fort at 10 a.m. at Fort Macon State Park, 2303 East Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. For more information call 252-726-3775.

DECEMBER 9

✪ Merry Time for Tots: Shark Tales

Kids’ Night In, Parents’ Night Out Calling all K-6th graders! Join Swansboro Parks and Recreation for a special holiday program.

Participants will have a fun-filled evening creating whimsical holiday crafts, playing games and activities. Participants will craft edible sweet treats after dinner. Space is limited to 12 participants so be sure to pre-register by December 2. Cost is $12 for the first child and $8 for each additional child. Call 910-326-2600, come by the Swansboro Recreation Center or register online at swansboro. recdesk.com.

DECEMBER 12–13

Intro to Wooden Boat Building [ 9 AM–4:30 PM ] In this two-day hands-on course, students will explore the art of boat building from start to finish. They begin with the design and lofting of boats and move on to the setup, steam bending and different methods of creating the backbone of small boats. In addition, they will learn how to make planking systems, both carvel and lap strake and all the appropriate fastening systems.

By the end of the course, students will have the knowledge and skill to choose a design and style of boat to build on their own and the confidence to take on the job. Cost is $135; minimum age is 16.

Advance registration required. For more information or to register call 252-728-7317.

DECEMBER 12

By popular demand we have created a new Merry Time for Tot program focusing on sharks! Children and their caregivers are invited to learn about sharks starting from their teeth and ending with

Beaufort Holiday ArtWalk [ 2–5 PM ] The Beaufort ArtWalk celebrates the season for its fifth year with a festive day in historic downtown Beaufort. The ArtWalk, held in

“Big Enough To Serve You, Small Enough To Know You.”

SCAN HERE FOR INFORMATION

Charleston Park • Swansboro • 910-378-0659 1 0 | C A R O L I N A S A L T | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5 / J A N U A RY 2 0 1 6

info@cirilacothran.com • www.cirilacothran.com

✪ =FREE conjunction with the Christmas Candlelight Tour, will begin at the Mattie King Davis Art Gallery located on the Beaufort Historic Site at 130 Turner Street. ArtWalk maps will be available at participating locations. Artists Carol Roop and Craig Gurganus will be featured as part of the Beaufort ArtWalk in the Mattie King Davis Art Gallery. Carol Roop, a local artist, creates beautiful stained glass creations from her home in Beaufort. A perfectly whimsical complement to Carol’s work is Craig Gurganus and his full-fledged menagerie of fish, insects and event airstream trailers all made from surfboards. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call 252-728-5225, stop by the Beaufort Historical Association Visitors Center at 130 Turner Street or visit beauforthistoricsite.org.

DECEMBER 12

Historic Beaufort Candlelight Homes Tour [ 5–8 PM ] The Beaufort Historical Association will host their annual Christmas Candlelight Tour showcasing Beaufort’s holiday hospitality and providing a rare glimpse into private historic homes, inns, bed and breakfasts and churches, all elegantly decorated for the season. These private homes represent a wide variety of Beaufort’s unique architectural styles from different periods. The fragrant greenery, dazzling ornaments, colorful candles, glittering tinsel and elaborate trees are sure to bring forth everyone’s holiday spirit. Tickets for this event are $14. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call 252-728-5225, stop by the Beaufort Historical Association Visitors Center at 130 Turner Street or visit beauforthistoricsite.org.

DECEMBER 12

American Music Festival Series: Beyond Baroque [ 8 PM ] Explore a vibrant musical spectrum and reconnect with some of the world’s greatest classical music. Beyond Baroque features the music of Telemann, Vivaldi and Bach. For more information visit americanmusicfestival.org or call 252-728-6152. Concert takes place at Carteret County Public Library, 1702 Live Oak Street, Beaufort.

M I D – D E C E M B E R T O M I D – J A N UA RY

THINGS TO DO

DECEMBER 14

✪ Winter Bird Hike [ 9 AM ] Meet at the Fort Macon State Park Visitor Center and take a leisurely hike to identify birds native to the area. For more information call 252726-3775.

DECEMBER 14

✪ Stargazing at the Fort [ 6 PM ] Meet at the Fort Macon bathhouse to view space through a telescope and learn more about our Universe. For more information call 252-7263775.

DECEMBER 16

✪ Brown Bag Gam: Boatbuilding in North Carolina, Past & Present Pack a lunch for the Brown Bag Gam during your lunch hour and join Associate Curator Benjamin Wunderly for a discussion about boatbuilding past and present. From early Native American dugout canoes to modern fiberglass sport boats, North Carolina’s history is one of the richest when it comes to the art of boat building. Free admission.

No advance registration. Walk-ins welcome.At the North Carolina Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street, Beaufort.

D ECEMB ER 12

BEAUFORT CANDLELIGHT Homes Tour from 5–8 p.m. on December 12.

Get a rare glimpse into private historic homes decorated for the season. For information or tickets call 252-728-5225.

DECEMBER 17

✪ Natural Side of Fort Macon [ 10 AM ] Meet in the Fort Macon Visitor Center lobby for a leisurely hike exploring the natural side of Fort Macon. Hike will cover both trail and beach.

For more information call 252-726-3775.

DECEMBER 18

American Red Cross Blood Drive

D ECEMB ER 14

[ 2–7 PM ] Carteret County Chapter of the American Red Cross is holding a blood drive at Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation Community Center at 7500 Emerald Drive. Please give! For more information call 252-354-6350. S

✪ WINTER BIRD HIKE at 9 a.m. at the Fort Macon State Park Visitor Center. Take a leisurely hike to identify birds native to our area. For information, call 252-726-3775.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5 / J A N U A RY 2 0 1 6 | C A R O L I N A S A L T | 1 1

HOLIDAY DINNERS 2015 — Main Courses —

Baked Ham (9-11 LB) $6.50/lb.

Spiral Ham (8-10 LB) $6.50/lb.

Turkey Breast (8-10 LB) $8.00/lb.

— Side Dishes —

Traditional Dressing•Sweet Potato Casserole•Green Bean Casserole Baked Macaroni & Cheese•Garden Peas with Mushrooms $ $ $ (feeds 4) 9.00 (feeds 8) 16.00 (feeds 12) 24.99 Collard Greens $ $ (pint) 9.00 (quart) 16.00 Stuffed Baked Potatoes $ $ (feeds 4) 3.99 (feeds 8) 8.99 (feeds 12) 24.99 $

Pasta Salad•Potato Salad•Cole Slaw Spaghetti Salad•3 Bean Salad $ (by the pound) 6.99/lb.

Deviled Eggs (dozen) $7.99 Wheat or Jalapeño Cheddar Baguette (each) $5.99

Spend more time with your family this year and let us do the work.

— Desserts —

Caramel Apple Pie................................................................... $19.00 Pumpkin Pie ............................................................................... $19.00 Sweet Potato Pie ...................................................................... $19.00 Pecan Pie...................................................................................... $21.00 Chocolate Chess Pie ............................................................... $19.00 Chocolate Meringue Pie ...................................................... $20.00 Lemon Meringue Pie ............................................................. $20.00 Coconut Cream Pie................................................................. $19.00 Homemade Cookies....................(each) $1.49............ (dozen) $17.88

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Live Music All Year!

Wednesdays 7pm • Saturdays 9pm

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L I N DA B E R G M A N – A LT H O U S E

THE GIFT OF GANNETS This stunningly beautiful pelagic seabird rarely makes it to shore and when it does, it’s touch and go.

W

e don’t see them often and when we do, they are in trouble. The only reasons a Northern Gannet comes ashore are injury, illness, starvation or blown off course by a storm. When one becomes too weak or unable to fly, it will float on the ocean until the tide carries it to shore. Northern Gannets are the largest indigenous seabird in

the North Atlantic with wingspans of 68 to 70 inches and weigh in at 6 to 8 pounds. They spend most of their lives at sea.

This magnificent pelagic seabird is known for its gorgeous pale blue eyes accentuated by a ring of bare, bluish-black skin and contrasting snow white body with black wing tips.

O U T E R BA N K S W I L D L I F E S H E LT E R

It is so strikingly beautiful it’s a visual gift.

Gannets are among the world’s most renowned divers, descending from heights of up to 130 feet as they plunge into the ocean at 60-plus miles per hour. Around 68 percent of the world’s population of Northern Gannets breeds off the coasts of Great Britain and Scotland, but there will be “companies” of Gannets wintering off North Carolina’s coast with some of our local Solan Geese, which is a name of Scandinavian origin given to Northern Gannets. Some colonies will be as large as 60,000 pairs.

Occasionally a Gannet will be admitted to the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter in Newport and we always know it will be a touch-and-go situation. Recently that was the case when a Good Samaritan rescued a beached adult Gannet, unable to fly, who showed no signs of injury when examined but was only half his expected body weight.

Gannets eat any small fish such as sardines, anchovies, haddock, smelt, Atlantic Cod and the young of larger fish species.

Squid is also a menu choice for these vertical divers. They dive into the sea as straight as an arrow with wings and feet retracted and tucked tightly against their body. The Gannet has highly developed lungs, secondary nostrils that close and a long, strong sternum protecting their internal organs when impacting with the water. These anatomical features are perfect for the high-speed and deep diving they are capable of. Individual Gannets have a subcutaneous fat layer, dense down and tightly overlapping feathers that help them withstand low temperatures.

The reduced blood flow in the webbing on their feet also helps maintain their body temperature when they swim. Their feathers enjoy a higher level of waterproofing than other seabirds that need to dry out between foraging sessions. Northern Gannets produce an impermeable secretion in their sebaceous glands which they spread across their body using their beak or their head.

Gannets breed in large colonies along CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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Gannets, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 the Atlantic and boaters have witnessed spectacular displays of plunge-diving for fish

by Gannets in the hundreds. Once beneath the water, it uses its wings and feet to swim in pursuit of a meal. They grab food with their long, strong, conical bill and always eat it under water. They never fly with a fish in their bill.

Northern Gannets nest offshore and most often, nests are found tucked into inaccessible cliffs. Some breeding colonies are recorded as being located in the same place for hundreds of years. The cliffs containing gannetries, when seen from a distance, appear to be covered in snow due to the extraordinary number of nests present.

Constructed of compacted mud, seaweed, grasses, feathers and their own waste matte, a Gannet’s nest is definitely a testament to the value of recycling! The males usually collect the materials necessary for nest building.

Off the coast of North Carolina, because cliffs are not available, Northern Gannets will nest on islands or flat surfaces, however, they find it more difficult to take off from these locations, requiring them to often cross an area occupied by an adjacent nest which causes stress and aggression from the pair occupying a trespassed nest. Despite bold assertions of the group toward one another, Gannets always nest close together. There are no loners during breeding season.

Northern Gannets will lay only one egg rather than 2 or 3 like most seabirds. If two eggs are found in a Gannet’s nest it’s the result of two females laying an egg in the same nest or an egg has been stolen from

another nest. Incubation takes 42 to 46 days and occurs under the webbing of the feet, which are flooded with warming blood.

An infant can take up to 36 hours to break through the thick eggshell. At this time, the adult will release the egg from its feet to prevent the egg from breaking under the adult’s massive weight. Northern Gannets learn the hard way in their first breeding year that if they aren’t cautious about that, the chick may die. The warm webbed feet are also used to cover the newborn, which is rarely left alone by the parents. A hatchling will spend about 13 weeks in the nest with the parents where it is fed regurgitated fish

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and is fiercely monitored to prevent attack or death by Black-Backed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Ravens, Ermine, Red Fox or other Northern Gannets. Nature can be harsh!

Fledglings are brown with white wing tips and they have white spots on their heads and backs. Once a Northern Gannet fledges from its nesting colony and is on the water, it will remain there for as long as two weeks because it has not learned how to take off from a water runway yet. Gannets reach maturity in 5 years.

While flying muscles comprise 20 percent of the total weight of most seabirds, Northern Gannets’ flying muscles are less than 13 percent, which demands they warm up before they fly and that they calculate and rely on the wind, especially wind produced by the front of a wave. Bobbing in the water is also a safer place for a youngster to be than risk accidently tripping into Gannet breeding ground. They are not sturdy on their feet as land walkers due to the location of their legs so far back on the body. Gannets are swimmers and flyers! The young have a fat reserve, allowing them to go without eating for up to 2 weeks, but don’t worry; the parents are still close by for further fishing and flying training. The maximum lifespan known for a Northern Gannet is 35 years.

Adult Gannets are not heavily preyed upon, but when it happens, an eagle, shark or seal is usually the bandit. If you ever get the opportunity to see a Northern Gannet, savor that momentary visual gift because it may never happen again! S

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THE JENNIFER LICKO BAND & PATRICK MANGAN FROM RIVERDANCE PRESENT ‘A CELTIC CHRISTMAS’

C

elebrating its fifth year of sold-out concerts in Eastern North Carolina, The Jennifer Licko Band’s “A Celtic Christmas” is returning with big changes! Scheduled to perform at the Swansboro High School on December 20 at 2 p.m.

This year, for the first time, the band will include Patrick Mangan from Riverdance, the original Irish music and dance hit production. The four-piece acoustic ensemble will be performing at intimate venues to give an authentic live performance.

This show is not about big lights and pre-recorded sounds to blow you out of your seats. This concert is about the stories and the traditional music that makes us all feel so connected to those Celtic lands many of us call our heritage.

An international touring artist featured on national radio in the U.S., Jennifer has proven herself as a respected musician within the Celtic genre while acquiring fans outside of that niche. Jennifer masterfully combines the Appalachian music of her North Carolina roots with the traditional Celtic music of her ancestors. “Jennifer Licko could very well be the heir-apparent to Canada’s Loreena McKennitt and Clannad’s Maire Brennan,” says Celtic Life Magazine.

The music of the holiday season has strong roots in Celtic traditions; “This will be our fifth year touring with this concert. While keeping fan favorites, we are changing about

70% of our material for this year’s program” says Jennifer, “having a larger band provides us with more instrumentation options and we are excited about the big change we have to offer audiences”. While most of the traditional carols will be sung in English (We Three Kings, The First Noel), the audience will also hear songs in Scots Gaelic, Irish Gaelic, Spanish and French.

An evening of Celtic Christmas traditions, songs and some blazing yuletide tunes on the fiddle; will be a highlight of your Christmas season.

The two time All-Ireland fiddle champion and Riverdance Star, Patrick Mangan first appeared in Riverdance on broadway at age 16,

becoming the youngest fiddler in the show’s history. Noted Irish Echo and Wall Street Journal music critic, Earle Hitchner, has stated the he ‘embodies all that is admirable and durable about the Irish tradition in America.’

Two more band members that have appeared on the tour in year’s past, include Irish guitarist, Patsy O’Brien; and Jennifer’s long time British producer Bob Noble on keyboards and vocals.

Noble’s credits include keyboardist for AHA, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Joan Armatrading, Cliff Richard, Bob Geldof and more. While O’Brien’s more Irish traditional music credits include guitarist for fiddle player Eileen Ivers, Cherish the Ladies singer Cathie Ryan and piping legend Paddy Keenan.

Jennifer’s most recent album “A Thousand Curses Upon Love” has been receiving critical acclaim from the Celtic/Folk and World music community and is receiving national radio airplay. The Irish Edition writes, “At times, Jennifer Licko has a haunting vibrato in her voice, at times she attacks songs with a deep feeling, but she always attracts as she sings.” S

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A S K T H E AQ UA R I U M

N C A Q UA R I U M S . C O M / P I N E - K N O L L - S H O R E S

FAQ

Q

We found a purple starfish on the beach at Ocean Isle.

We’d never seen a purple starfish before. Are they common?

A

B Y S H E R RY W H I T E

These lovely colored, celestially- shaped animals are fairly common from Cape Hatteras southward. Technically, the purple variety you found is the margined sea star Astropecten. articulatus. They have slender spines (arms) and can measure 5 inches across.

Starfish has long been the name for this family of animals, but starfish aren’t fish. They are echinoderms, more closely related to their cousins sand dollars and sea urchins, all of which exhibit radial symmetry and move about on tiny tube feet. In recent years, starfish have been more correctly renamed sea stars.

Sea stars are sometimes washed on shore by storms or currents, or sometimes caught in fishermen’s nets and wind up on beaches. The specimen you found is a lovely lavender-purple when alive, but fades to a dull gray as it expires once out of water.

Like all sea stars, the mouth is on the underside in the center of the arms. At the end of each arm is a tiny eye which can primarily distinguish only light and dark. Tube feet affixed with suction cups line the underside of each arm and are used for moving and feeding. Movement is very slow, only a few inches per minute.

Sea stars are carnivorous preying on scallops, clams, mussels, oysters and the like. Fishermen dislike sea stars because they ravage shellfish beds and can deplete fishermen’s catch. Before much was known about the slow moving sea stars, fishermen would cut them up and throw them back into the sea, not knowing that many sea star species can regenerate and create an entirely new animal. S

A Forbes Asterias sea star (top) and a purple Margined sea star wind up on the beach after a storm.

about the

AQ UA R I U M Information provided by the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. The state operates three public aquariums; one in Pine Knoll Shores, another at Fort Fisher and a third on Roanoke Island, as well as Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head. The facilities are administered by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources and are designed to inspire appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s aquatic environments.

—F O R M O R E I N F O —

For more information, call 1-800-832-FISH or visit ncaquariums.com.

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Christmas Candlelight Tour makes for a Festive Day in Beaufort

T

he Beaufort Historical Association will host the eighth annual Christmas Candlelight Tour Saturday, December 12, from 5 to 8 p.m. The tour showcases Beaufort’s holiday hospitality and provides a rare glimpse into private historic homes, several inns and bed and breakfasts as well as churches, all elegantly decorated for the season.

These private homes represent a wide variety of Beaufort’s unique architectural styles from different periods of the town’s history. The creativity and imagination used to decorate theses residences is a real testament to the gracious hosts opening their homes for this holiday event. The fragrant greenery, dazzling ornaments, colorful candles, glittering tinsel and elaborate trees are sure to bring forth everyone’s holiday spirit.

Guests will have the opportunity to stroll through candlelit streets or join the carolers aboard the BHA’s 1967 English doubledecker bus for a free ride to their destinations. Maps of the tour and information on the homes will be available at the BHA Visitors Center at 130 Turner Street. In addition, the Beaufort Historic Site and buildings will be open for free tours to the public that day from 2 to 4 p.m. Those who want to see and learn more about the history of the town can take a narrated tour on the Double-Decker Bus at 11 a.m. and 1:30 pm. Tickets for the bus tour are $10 for adults and $5 for children.

An ongoing raffle and silent auction will also be taking place at the Visitors Center, where guests can place bids on a wide variety of items, thanks to the generosity of our Carteret County businesses.

Following the tour, the American Music Festival concert featuring “Baroque & Beyond” will begin at 8 p.m. at the Carteret County Public Library in Beaufort.

Christmas Candlelight Tour tickets are $14; tickets to the Baroque & Beyond concert are $27 at the door, and if bought in combination with the Candlelight Tour tickets, event-goers receive a discounted bundle price of $36.

In addition to the Christmas Candlelight Tour, the Beaufort ArtWalk celebrates the season for its fifth year with a festive day in

Historic Downtown Beaufort, from 2 to 5 p.m. The ArtWalk, held in conjunction with the Christmas Candlelight Tour, will begin at the Mattie King Davis Art Gallery located on the Beaufort Historic Site, 130 Turner St. and ArtWalk maps will be available at participating locations. Artists Carol Roop and Craig Gurganus will be featured as part of the Beaufort ArtWalk in the Mattie King Davis Art Gallery.

Carol Roop, a local artist, creates beautiful stained glass creations from her home in Beaufort. From suncatchers to candle holders, her designs are colorful and unique. A perfectly whimsical complement to Carol’s work is Craig Gurganus and his full-fledged menagerie of fish, insects, and event airstream trailers all made from surfboards.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please call 252-7285225, stop by the Beaufort Historical Association Visitors Center at 130 Turner Street, or visit beauforthistoricsite.org. S D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5 / J A N U A RY 2 0 1 6 | C A R O L I N A S A L T | 2 1

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Holiday wishes, aquarium fishes & Santa by the Sea

S

anta by the Sea brings a bit of the North Pole to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores on Friday, Dec. 11, for a memorable and magical evening event. The highlight of the night is when children, one by one, tell Santa their wishes among the fishes. Outdoors, there’s a localized snowstorm with plenty of flakes for making snowballs and snow angels.

In addition to these activities plus holiday crafts, treats and stories, entertaining performances are scheduled at intervals throughout the evening. Enjoy jolly laughs and incredible acts as Bryan Sanders Comic Illusionist returns to present a new magic show. The activities and performances are included in admission. Also included is a 6 x 8 FotoFX professional photo of the encounter with Santa. Additional copies may be purchased the day after the event.

Admission is $15 per person, all ages. Space is limited, advance purchase is advised. Tickets are available at the Aquarium and online now, and will be sold at the door from 5:30 to 8 p.m. the night of the event. Santa and his sleigh depart at 9 p.m. Please note that this is a special event, and memberships, discounts, daily admission tickets, coupons and passes do not apply. The Aquarium closes for regular admission at 1 p.m. on December 11. S

C A P TA I N J E F F C R O N K

HOOKED UP FISHING REPORT

YEAR ENDS, FISHING DOESN’T A H O O K E D U P L O O K AT W H AT ’ S B I T I N G I N D E C E M B E R

D

ecember is bringing to a close another great fishing season along the Crystal Coast.

Fortunately for those of us who are true fishing addicts and can endure the cold weather, the fishing continues! There are several species that winter over in our area and can be pursued with success if fishermen take the time and effort needed to both locate and entice them to bite. With a little luck, anglers heading out to fish this December can expect a chance to hook up with both Speckled Trout and Redfish.

Speckled Trout & Redfish

Aboard Fish’n4life we’ll be targeting Speckled Trout and Redfish along the surf, around inlets and inlet structure and up local rivers and creeks. The tributaries off the Newport River, White Oak River and New River will hold fish that will be willing to bite the right baits during the right weather. It’s important for anglers to concentrate their efforts on mild weather days. Small scented baits, like Berkley’s 3-4" assortment of Gulp baits will no doubt be some of the best to have onboard.

The incredible scent absorbed into their biodegradable bodies is released over 400 times faster than scents in plastic baits. Another excellent soft bait is Bett’s Perfect Sinker (shrimp). Working these baits slowly through your favorite fishing holes creates a scent trail that quickly causes these cold, lethargic fish to feed. While scaling down your bait, it’s also important use a lighter jighead. A good rule to follow, in slow currents, would be to use a 1⁄16-oz. in less than 5 feet of water, a 1⁄8-oz. in 5 to 10 feet of water and 3⁄16-oz. or better in depths over 10 feet. Areas of strong current will call for slightly heavier jigheads. It’s important to work your baits slowly along the bottom.

Mild weather days with light winds will offer up the chance to sight cast to redfish in both the shallow mud flats of the backwaters and the sand flats and shoals around the inlets. There will be large concentrations of redfish working the surf zone throughout December. This will provide anglers the opportunity to sight cast to schools of 500 or more fish with dozens of catch and releases in just a few hours. I’ve been guiding clients around this fishery for almost 20 years and would advise everyone to use caution when navigating close to the surf zone. I’ve nicknamed this type of fishing “extreme sightfishing,” as we often have waves breaking around the boat while fishing.

When attempting to locate redfish in the backwaters there are a few tips to remember. First, dark, muddy bottoms absorb the sun’s radiation much faster than sandy or light colored bottoms. This type of bottom can usually be found up creeks and farther up rivers. There’s also a better chance of fish in one of these areas if deeper water is nearby, which provides a place for the fish to retreat to in extreme cold temperatures. Also, a cold wind can quickly bring down the water temperature in the shallows which can shock or kill the fish. So, you will often find redfish in bays and creeks that are blocked from northerly winds. Finally, the presence of bait is always important. If you can locate an area that is holding mullet, shad or other small baitfish during the winter months, there will almost always be predators present.

New Products

FISH’N 4 LIFE Captain Jeff Cronk leads fishing and nature charters on the Crystal Coast. To get out on the water with him, call 910‑325‑8194. You can also visit him online at nccharterfishing.com.

The Penn Clash spinning reels feature everything one would expect from a legendary fishing tackle manufacturer such as PENN. Starting from the inside out, the gear train runs off DuraGear technology which offers a more durable and long-lasting gear. Nine sealed bearings keep everything in line and moving freely while a full metal body eliminates twist caused by high drag pressure. Other features include a thick aluminum bail wire, slow oscillation system for superb line management, line capacity rings and a braid ready spool. These reels are offered in sizes ranging from the 2000 to the 8000 series. So, anglers fishing the backwaters for trout, reds and flounder will find the 2000-3000 series the best match. Anglers fishing nearshore for Spanish, Kings, Albacore and Mahi will want to fish the 4000-5000 series. And finally, if you’re into some seriously knock down, drag-out fights with Amberjack and Grouper, I would load up the 6000-8000 series Clash reels with some 60 to 80-lb. Spider Wire Ultra-Cast Invisibraid and hold on tight! S D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5 / J A N U A RY 2 0 1 6 | C A R O L I N A S A L T | 2 3

DI S C OV E RY DI V I NG

LEE MOORE

DIVING OUR COAST

IN DECEMBER AND JANUARY

D

ecember is when the water is in the lower 60s offshore. Whales are continuing to migrate and can be seen as they pass the Crystal Coast. The migration will continue throughout the winter months. Charters will still be running, but holiday activities and the chill in the air will keep most divers out of the water.

Some divers will be wearing drysuits, but it is still warm enough for divers to wear 7mm wetsuits. Most boats have heat on them, so divers getting out the water can find comfort in a warm cabin.

Critical Equipment: Dive Computers

JOIN DISCOVERY Contact Discovery Diving at 252‑728‑2265 or visit them on Facebook to see what classes and events are coming up. You can also visit discoverydiving.com.

JOIN ECARA ECARA works to continue sinking ships to create artificial reefs here in North Carolina, but their resources are limited. To get involved with ECARA, visit carolinareef.org to check out their current project list.

Computers have become a way of life. All aspects of our daily activities have an interaction with a computer, whether it is a laptop, cell phones, GPS units or in our vehicle. When computers first began, they filled a room, but now they can fit on our wrists.

Dive computers have become a standard piece of dive gear. The first dive computers were The Edge by Orca. The Edge was nicknamed The Brick because it was made out of aluminum and was rectangular shaped, similar to that of a brick. When worn on the arm, it covered the forearm of the diver. They also came in cases that allowed them to be mounted on pressure gauge hoses. Just like non diving computers, dive computers also got smaller over time.

Most dive computers have the diameter of a drink can and fit in the consoles or are worn on the wrist. Most have the standard digital display with black numbers and a light colored background. The new generation of dive computers have color LED screens.

Before divers had dive computers, they used dive tables, a watch and a depth gauge to determine how long they could stay down on a dive. Dive computers keep track of a diver’s depth, bottom time, remaining dive time and surface interval. This information is the basic information that is recorded by the dive computer. Newer computers can also keep track of the tank pressure, water temperature and can be used with enriched air and other gas mixtures.

Some dive computers are air integrated, which means they have a transmitter on the first stage of the regulator and it transmits information to the dive computer. The air pressure from the tank will be displayed on the computer screen. Some computers allow for more than one transmitter to be displayed on a single computer screen so one person can monitor the air supply of several divers. This eliminates the need for a pressure gauge and remove a hose from the diver to create a more streamlined diver. All dive computers will not give divers the same amount of bottom time because they use different programs to determine the bottom times.

The programs that dive computers use to determine bottom times and remaining bottom times use algorithms that are based on different tissue models. There are two types of algorithms that are used, Empirically Derived and Theoretically Derived. Empirically Derived use gas content models based on Haldane, Buhlmann and DCIEM (Defence and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine in Toronto, Canada) models. The Theoretically Derived use models based on theories. These theories are DSAT (Diving Science and Technology), RGBM (Reduced Gradient Bubble Model) and VPM (Variable Permeability Model) models. When choosing a dive computer, do your research and see which model your computer uses for determining bottom times.

Holiday Diving New gear or a specialty class manual for a future class always makes a great Christmas gift. Safety gear lets the diver receiving the gift know that you care about them. If you know a diver and don’t know what to get them, Discovery Diving can help you by making suggestions.

Contact Discovery Diving at dive@discoverydiving.com or 252-728-2265 to help you fill your gift needs. Like them on Facebook to see what events are coming up in the near future. S

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Success Story of the Month: Disney

D

isney was around one-and-a-half years old when he arrived at the Carteret County Humane Society and Animal Shelter. He was emaciated and had been tied to a tree his entire life. He was so happy when he arrived at the animal shelter, he was finally free! Disney was 20 pounds underweight and full of energy, had never walked on a leash and had very little human interaction. After 18 months at the Carteret County Humane Society, he went to a special home where he is very loved and spoiled today!

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