Carolina Salt January 2018

FREE! JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

your life on the Crystal Coast

CHOCOLATE•FESTIVAL Celebrating Charity & Chocolate

LOOK INSIDE ON PAGE 8 FOR FUN & FREE

THINGS TO DO MID–JANUARY THROUGH MID–FEBRUARY

HOME OF THE CRYSTAL COAST STEAM POT!

GRILL & STEAM BAR

Good food, good friends, great times!

Friday Nights

RANDY’S FAMOUS ANGUS

PRIME RIB In the Boat Bar

FOOTBALL SUN • MON • THU OYSTER BAR & FOOD SPECIALS $ 1 DRINK SPECIALS

8 GIANT FLAT SCREENS IN THE BOAT BAR!

Happy New Year

Next to El’s • Look for the Big Fish!

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LUNCH, DINNER AND KIDS MENU ALL DAY!

Y HOLLE BIB ord

’s W God

Teaching the next generation a Biblical worldview.

One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. ~Psalm 145:4

ISLANDCHURCH ISLAND CHURCH BIBLE CLASS for kids

What we read in God’s Word confirms what we see in God’s world!

Sundays at Emerald Isle Community Center 2 sessions (10 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. during main service) Adult classes coming January 2018 islandchurchei.com

JEWELRY • BAGS MONOGRAMMING EMBROIDERY TOTES & PURSES APPAREL •NOVELTIES ACCESSORIES • MORE!

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TRY OUR

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311 Mangrove Drive Emerald Isle 252.354.7775

HappyNewYear

FROM THE MADRAS & KHAKI’S B O U T I Q U E of E M E R A L D I S L E

MID-JAN UA RY TO M ID-F E B RUA RY 2 0 1 8

Inside This Issue your life on the Crystal Coast

16 Cold Toes for Pelicans!

Record cold weather is in the forecast for Eastern North Carolina, and the wildlife rehabilitators at Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter are hoping our pelicans take precautions!

17 Carolina Chocolate Festival

The Carolina Chocolate Festival offers more than

16

a sampling of everything chocolate! Over the past 14 years, the festival has donated scholarships to local high schools and over $475,000 to charity!

WILDLIFE SHELTER: Cold Toes for Pelicans!

FREE!

JANUARY

ARY 2018 / FEBRU

t stal Coas on the Cry your life

January / February ON THIS MONTH’S COVER

IVAL CHOCOLATE•FEST ity

Celebrating Char & Chocolate

FEBRUARY

UGH MID–

ARY THRO MID–JANU

E

FUN & FRE

TO DO

E 8 FOR

IDE ON PAG

THINGS

LOOK INS

For the fifteenth year, the Crystal Coast Civic Center is hosting the Carolina Chocolate Festival, more than a sampling of everything chocolate! Look inside for events.

18 New Year, New Direction

Pastor Paul Ortiz of the Island Church in Emerald Isle brings you a challenge for 2018: look ahead, and stop focusing on the past. If you want to make a new start, you have to change your direction!

19 Reeling In The New Year

January can be a tough month for fishermen

thanks to the bitterly cold weather, but regardless of the temperatures, fish will school up because they must eat! Focus your efforts for success!

20 New Year, New Scuba Stuff

In January, divers get their new Christmas diving

gear out into the water. But before you take your first underwater breath of the 2018, make sure you take time to service your existing equipment.

LOCAL INTEREST

Things To Do................................................ 8 19 REEL IN THE NEW YEAR Captain Jeff Cronk with a huge December speckled trout!

17 CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL More than a sampling of everything chocolate!

Hooked Up Fishing...................................... 19 Diving Our Coast.. ....................................... 20 Tides. . ........................................................ 21

CarolinaSalt.com » January / February 2018 CAROLINA SALT 5

PUBLISHER

WILL ASHBY C R E AT I V E D I R E C TO R

C H E V Y K AY LO R B E C O M E A C O N T R I BU TO R

Submit your letters to the editor, photos, community listings and articles to will@carolinasalt.com.

The editorial deadline for the next issue is January 16.

The next issue publishes February 7.

B E C O M E A N A DV E RT I S E R

Carolina Salt is a great way to reach out to your local customers, as well as our seasonal visitors.

252-723-7628

Call us to find out how we can help you grow your local business.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Thank you for picking up Carolina Salt magazine, all about our life here on the Crystal Coast.

Our articles are written by locals. Every month we look to our readers to keep our magazine fresh.

If you have a story to tell, an event to promote or an interesting local photograph, send them our way.

May you be blessed in surprising and joyful ways in 2018.

Participation is welcomed and appreciated.

Reader contributions are the founding principle of the magazine.

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

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

WE DEPEND ON OUR READERS! your life on the Crystal Coast

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

Now part of the

DENTAL BLUE NETWORK

®

Cape Lookout Family Dental Dr. David A. Vurnakes 218 Professional Circle Morehead City, NC 28557 http://www.capelookoutdental.com/contact

Call today to schedule an appointment!

(252) 726-2360 ® Marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. U13034i, 7/17

THINGS TO DO

JANUARY

Join in the ‘Biggest Winner’ Weight Loss Challenge

TUESDAYS+THURSDAYS

CRAVING ART KIDS CLASSES

Art classes for ages 7–12 (Tuesdays) and 13 and up (Thursdays) at Craving Art Studio at 121 Cravel Street in Beaufort. Cost is $75.

For information call 252-728-0243.

Join us as we get up and get moving to shed some of the pounds that might have appeared over the holidays. This program starts January 6, so register ahead. Each entry comes with complimentary use of the Recreation Center’s on-site fitness facility for the duration of the program and the person who loses the highest percentage of body weight overall will receive a free one-year membership to our fitness facility—a value of $150! Check ins will be done discreetly, so don’t let stage fright stop you.

Call 910-326-2600, visit the Swansboro Recreation Center at 830 Main Street Extension or register online at swansboro.recdesk.com.

TUESDAYS + THURSDAYS IN JANUARY

’Boro Buddies Pre-K Program [ 9AM–NOON ] This program is designed to

provide a safe and fun place for children to interact with their peers while parents have a few hours of freedom to run errands, have coffee or just enjoy a stroll through the park. Program activities will include age-appropriate arts and crafts, nature activities and fundamental skill building. Buddies must be age 4 and potty trained. Please call 910326-2600 for more details. Online registration is not available for this program. Note there is a $50 deposit that will be applied to your first month’s tuition. Call 910-326-2600, visit the Swansboro Recreation Center at 830 Main Street Extension for more information.

JANUARY 8

✪ THURSDAYS

GUILD CARVING DAY

at the Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild at 1574 Harkers Island Road in Harkers Island.

Free. Get help on what you’re working on or just talk carving starting at 9 a.m.

Fellowship Night: Crafting

[ 6:30–7:30PM ] Join us for fellowship and fun

at the Swansboro Recreation Center as we get together an evening of fellowship. This program is geared towards adults with special needs and will be held once a month as an after dinner group.

This month we will be doing some fun crafts! We extend this invitation to anyone who is in their senior year of high school and above. Call 910326-2600, visit the Swansboro Recreation Center at 830 Main Street Extension or register online at swansboro.recdesk.com.

✪

SECOND MONDAYS

Bird Hike at Fort Macon

JANUARY 13

DENNIS WARNER IN CONCERT

Performing in over 100 cities a year, Dennis Warner has established himself as a folk/ Americana artist of note. Call 252-646-4657.

8

✪ = FREE

MID–JANUARY TO MID–FEBRUARY

Meet at the Fort Macon Visitor Center and take a leisurely hike to identify birds native to the area.

Fort Macon has over 1.5 miles of ocean beach for hiking. As you walk along the beach you may see one of the 302 different species of birds found in the park. At Fort Macon State Park, 2303 East Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. For more information call 252-726-3775.

TUESDAYS

Craving Art After School Younger Kids Art Class

This workshop is geared to students ages 7–12.

Students will be learn a variety of drawing and

CAROLINA SALT January / February 2018 » CarolinaSalt.com

painting techniques. Students should bring their own sketchbook, but all other materials will be furnished. Heather Sink is a K–12 certified art educator and has been Teacher of the Year at two different schools. Cost is $75 for four sessions.

Each class runs an hour and a half. For more information email cravingartstudio@ec.rr.com, call 252-728-0243 or visit Craving Art Studio at 121 Craven Street in Beaufort or online at cravingartstudio.com.

THURSDAYS

Craving Art After School Older Kids Art Class

This class is structured for middle and high school students. The course of study will include drawing, perspective, color value, painting, color theory, elements of art and the principles of design. A variety of artists and styles will be part of this class. Students will need a sketchbook, but all other materials are included. Individual creativity will be encouraged with guidance and support from instructor Heather Sink, a K–12 certified art educator who has been Teacher of the Year at two different schools. Cost is $75 for four sessions. Each class runs an hour and a half.

For more information email cravingartstudio@ ec.rr.com, call 252-728-0243 or visit Craving Art Studio at 121 Craven Street in Beaufort or online at cravingartstudio.com.

✪

THURSDAYS

Guild Carving Day with the Decoys Carvers Guild

[ 9AM ] Thursday is carving day at the guild. If

you have something you need help with or just want to sit around and talk carving, come on out and spend some time with us. Folks start arriving around 9 a.m. Some days they cook a little something for lunch, so don’t forget to bring an appetite. The Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild is dedicated to the preservation of the waterfowl carving heritage that runs deep through the history of the Core Sound area, and is located at 1574 Harkers Island Road in Harkers Island.

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JANUARY 12

Free Travel Talk: Whale Watchers Paradise

Museum Natural Science Curator Keith Rittmaster will highlight a recent excursion he took to the Sea of Cortez between the Baja peninsula and mainland Mexico. The marine life observed on his adventure put on quite a show!

Keith’s presentation will include photographs and video taken by him including blue whale flukes in the Sea of Cortez. Free admission. At the North Carolina Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street, Beaufort. For more information call 252-504-7740 or visit ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com.

✪ = FREE ✪

MID–JANUARY TO MID–FEBRUARY

JANUARY 12

Wood Identification at Hammocks Beach

[ 4PM ] Come out to the park to learn the ins and

outs of what makes each tree species unique.

You will get a chance to see some neat tricks to identify a tree...just by looking at the wood.

Grab a magnifying glass and see for yourself ! At Hammocks Beach State Park, 1572 Hammocks Beach Road, Swansboro. For more information call 910-326-4881.

JANUARY 13

Jones Island Eco-Tour

[ 1PM ] Join a park ranger on a boat ride over to

Jones Island, located in the mouth of the White Oak River overlooking Swansboro. We will explore the island and discuss the different wildlife and ecosystems as well as its cultural history. Dress for the weather! Seating is limited, so registration is required by contacting the park office. At Hammocks Beach State Park, 1572 Hammocks Beach Road, Swansboro. For more information or to register call 910-326-4881.

JANUARY 13

Down East Folk Arts Society Concert: Dennis Warner

[ 7:30–9PM ] Performing in over 100 cities each

year, folk/Americana musician and entertainer Dennis Warner has established a well-deserved reputation for captivating audiences with his smooth vocals, enthusiastic personality and artistry on both six and twelve-string guitars. His songwriting talent earned him an invitation to perform in concert at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. Besides being a gifted musician Dennis Warner is also an outstanding entertainer, cleverly blending ballads, up-tempo songs, audience participation and humor into a memorable event. He is noted for his warm stage presence and ability to connect with the audience. At 3505 Arendell Street, Morehead City. For more information call 252-646-4657.

JANUARY 15

Winter Marsh Bird Boat Tour

[ 10AM ] Enjoy this one-hour birding trip to the

marsh behind Bear Island. Bring a birding field

guide and binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather! Seating is limited, so registration is required by contacting the park office. At Hammocks Beach State Park, 1572 Hammocks Beach Road, Swansboro. For more information or to register call 910-326-4881.

JANUARY 16

THINGS TO DO

pre-registration. Cost is $80. Hotel reservations and meals not included. Space is limited. This program will sell out! Call the Program Registrar at 252-504-7758. Through the North Carolina Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street, Beaufort.

For more information call 252-504-7740 or visit ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com.

Invest In Your Wellness: Setting Goals

JANUARY 18

to set goals for the new year, including everything from weight loss to spiritual goals. Please preregister. Call 910-326-2600, visit the Swansboro Recreation Center at 830 Main Street Extension or register online at swansboro.recdesk.com.

[ 5:20PM | 7:30PM ] We are back at it this year with

[ 6–7PM ] Martha Vaughn will help you find ways

✪

JANUARY 17

Stars and Planets

[ 5:30PM ] We will explore the different planets and

stars that twinkle up in our skies at night. If it’s a clear night we will bring out the telescope and binoculars to see any planets and other celestial objects that might be in view at the time. Bring your own telescope and red-lighted flashlight if you have them. Program is weather dependent.

Contact the Park Office at 910-326-4881 for the program status or for more information. At Hammocks Beach State Park, 1572 Hammocks Beach Road, Swansboro.

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JANUARY 18

Dog Park Grand Opening

Bark bark! Woof woof ! (Translation for humans: Join us for the grand opening and ribbon cutting celebration for the Swansboro Dog Park!) Call 910-326-2600, visit the Swansboro Recreation Center at 830 Main Street Extension or register online at swansboro.recdesk.com.

JANUARY 18–19

Coastal Culture and Waterfowl Watching Trip

Observe the migration of wintering waterfowl at our wildlife refuges and national seashores, and learn about the unique history of our coastal communities as well. Museum staff will lead you on a tour through the remote and beautiful regions of Pamlico, Hyde and Dare Counties.

This is an overnight adventure and requires

International Film Series: Lila Lila [ GERMANY ]

four new films from four new countries. Join us for a wonderful dinner catered by Floyd’s 1921 and inspired by the featured movie’s country. After dinner stroll over to Joslyn Hall for popcorn and the movie! Admission is free, although donations help support the series. Dinner is at 6 p.m. Enjoy cuisine that reflects the culture of the evening’s movie. Cost is $30 per person and includes dinner and one drink ticket. Cash bar available. There will be a bonus showing of Lila Lila on January 19 at 2 p.m.

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JANUARY 19

NC Fest at Backstreet Pub

[ 5–8PM ] The Backstreet Pub will be hosting an

oyster roast to benefit the North Carolina Coastal Federation and is also donating $1 from each Natty Greene’s beer sold during the event. Live music will provided by the Last Chance Wranglers.

Hope to see you there so we can celebrate the coast together! No registration or fee is required.

There will be donation buckets at the event to benefit the federation. For more information call 252-393-8185.

JANUARY 19

7th Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off and Corn Bread Taste-Off

Four guest clam chowder cooks will compete at the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center. Enjoy a tasting-sized portion of each of the four chowders and then vote for your favorite. In addition to clam chowder, the event will host a cornbread taste-off.

For ticket information, please contact the Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum at 252-728-1638 or visit www.maritimefriends.org/

Nautical Collection E X C L U S I V E LY D E S I G N E D B Y

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CarolinaSalt.com » January / February 2018 CAROLINA SALT 9

THINGS TO DO

✪ = FREE

MID–JANUARY TO MID–FEBRUARY

events. Proceeds help support the operations of the Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum.

At the NC Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street, Beaufort. For more information call 252-504-7740 or visit ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com.

✪ JANUARY 20

Special Needs Resource Fair

[ 10AM–NOON ] Please spread the word and join

us in January. We will have over 20 providers of different services (residential, therapeutic, behavioral and more) on site to answer questions about what is available locally to people with specials needs. This resource fair aims to help connect people with special needs and providers of special-needs services in the area. If you work with a group that provides any types of services geared towards people with special needs, please contact swansbororecreationcenter@outlook.com or call 910-326-2600.

✪ JANUARY 20

Kids Carving with The Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild

On the third Saturday of most months, you will find Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild members working with budding decoy carvers and painters at the guild workshop. Youngsters ages 7–15 gather to learn how to carve and paint ducks and shorebirds. To pre-register, call Bob Sebecke at 252-269-2088. Or call the guild on the prior Thursday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at 252838-8818. Important: Kids must pre-register in advance so we can plan. This is a free event, although donations are appreciated to cover supplies. Hundreds of children have participated over the years and each one has enjoyed his or her experience of preparing miniature decoys or shorebirds and painting them. Some of the youth involved in the Kids Carving program have progressed to achieve national recognition.

Guidance provided by experienced carvers.

✪ JANUARY 20

Shoreline Cleanup at Hoop Pole Creek

[ 10AM–NOON ] Help us protect coastal wildlife

and habitats at Hope Pole Creek Natural Trail during our 2018 Coastal Cleanup Kickoff! One of the North Carolina Coastal Federation’s primary initiatives is to reduce the amount of marine debris littering coastal shorelines and waterways. The federation received funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Debris Program to hire commercial fishermen to recover lost crab pots from interior North Carolina waters since 2014. In 2016 and 2017, the North Carolina General Assembly appropriated additional money to this project to facilitate a statewide expansion and hire greater numbers of commercial fishermen. The cleanup continues in January 2018 with both commercial fishermen and community volunteers—we need

your help! Join the federation at the Hoop Pole Creek Nature Trail in Atlantic Beach. Volunteers will help to pick up assorted trash and debris items, as well as trim trees and bushes along the nature trail and clean off the boardwalk. This entire event will take place outdoors, so dress accordingly. Sturdy shoes for walking in wet areas are also recommended. Boots are appropriate if you choose to walk along the water’s edge. Trash bags, gloves and other cleanup materials will be provided. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Lunch and refreshments will be provided for all volunteers after the cleanup. For more information call 252-393-8185.

JANUARY 21

Coastal Crafts Series: Sand-Encrusted Candles

[ 2PM ] Do you have a bucket of shells and don’t

know what to do with them? Each month come out to the park and learn about some of the unique beach findings and what crafty things can be done with them. You will get a chance to build your own craft to take home. This months craft: sand-encrusted candles. Registration is required by contacting the park office. At Hammocks Beach State Park, 1572 Hammocks Beach Road Swansboro. For more information or to register call 910-326-4881.

JANUARY 22–23

Teacher Workday Camps

[ 8AM–5PM ] Join Swansboro Parks and Recreation

for a day of fun-filled activities, arts, crafts and games. Children can be dropped off as early as 7:30 a.m. and must be picked up by 5:30 p.m.

Pre-registration required. Call 910-326-2600 to register, or stop by the Swansboro Recreation Center at 830 Main Street Extension.

JANUARY 22

Making Dog Treats with K-9s and Coffee

[ 5PM ] K-9s and Coffee will be hosting a night

of homemade doggie-themed DIY so you can surprise the furry angel in your life. We will be making a neat treat from start to finish and a dog toy full of bow-wow-WOW! This class is for humans only, so Fido will have to stay at home.

Pre-registration required. Call 910-326-2600 to register, or stop by the Swansboro Recreation Center at 830 Main Street Extension.

JANUARY 23

Meal Prep on a Budget

[ 6PM ] It’s January and resolution time! If healthy

eating is something you are looking to learn more about then please join us for Meal Prep on a Budget. Tresha Hamilton will be taking you through the world of meal prep with a demo on healthy eating that you can use. Pre-registration required. Call 910-326-2600 to register, or stop by the Swansboro Recreation Center at 830 Main Street Extension.

10 CAROLINA SALT January / February 2018 » CarolinaSalt.com

JANUARY 27

What You Need to Know To Become A Beekeeper [ 9–11AM ] The Onslow County Beekeepers

Association will present a 2-hour presentation with Power Point and questions and answer on the basics if you’ve ever considered keeping bees.

If you’ve ever thought about it, now that you are reading this why not come out and get the buzz on beekeeping? Topics include physical abilities required, cost of bees and equipment, time required, keeping bees in populated areas, the Onslow County Beekeepers Association, the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association and getting started. Pre-registration required. Call 910326-2600 to register, or stop by the Swansboro Recreation Center at 830 Main Street Extension.

✪JANUARY 27

8th Annual Mac Daddy’s Free Winter Festival

[ 10AM–5PM ] Beat the wintertime blues with a day

of indoor games, shopping and family fun for free at Mac Daddy’s Family Entertainment Center’s Winter Festival. The Winter Festival was created to give the local community fun family activities during the cold winter months. Winter Festival fun includes face painting, music, a cakewalk and a variety of games and contests. Dozens of local businesses will be showcasing arts and crafts, jewelry, clothes, beauty products, home decor and much more. Mac Daddy’s will be giving away awesome prizes and hosting live, family-centered performances throughout the day. For information on how to become a vendor at the Winter Festival, contact Tracy Gillikin at tracy@mymacdaddys. com or 252-393-6565, ext. 203. Fun served here!

JANUARY 27

American Music Festival Series: Duo Français

[ 8–10PM ] Among the most captivating French

music interpreters performing today, Nicolas Duchamp and Barbara McKenzie transport the listener into a lush world of elegance and beauty, with a tonal landscape compatible with the palette of Monet. At the History Museum of Carteret County, 1008 Arendell Street, Morehead City. For information and tickets call 252-728-6152.

JANUARY 27–28

Intro to Wooden Boat Building

A 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 back bone 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.

✪ = FREE

MID–JANUARY TO MID–FEBRUARY

Cost is $135 (Friends of the Museum $121.50).

Minimum age is 16. Course size limited. Advance registration required. Call the Program Registrar at 252-504-7758. At the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center, North Carolina Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street, Beaufort.

JANUARY 28

Huggins Island History Hike

[ 1PM ] Enjoy a boat ride over to Huggins Island

and learn about the unique history that has shaped this maritime island over the years. You will get a chance to see and explore one of the Atlantic coast’s better preserved earthwork fortifications and how it played a role in the Civil War. Dress for the weather! Seating is limited, so registration is required by contacting the park office. At Hammocks Beach State Park, 1572 Hammocks Beach Road, Swansboro. For more information or to register call 910-326-4881.

JANUARY 30

Home Organization Workshop [ 6–7PM ] Elaina Hansen of Elaina Hansen

Organizing will help you start the new year off right. We all know clearing the clutter is on our resolution list year after year! Join us for a Home Organization Workshop and bring in a photo or two of the space in your you’d like to get some advice on. We will go over things like getting into a clean routine, where to start and how to keep the momentum. Handouts will be provided during the class. Pre-registration required. Call 910-326-2600 to register, or stop by the Swansboro Recreation Center at 830 Main Street Extension.

JANUARY 31

[ 6PM ] Join Ranger Renee Evans for a Trail Sisters

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Night Hike aimed at introducing women to the fun and benefits of hiking. This program is geared for women and those who are new to hiking and the outdoors. Come out to the park after dark for this nature-inspired moonlit hike along the park’s halfmile nature trail. You will get to experience the sights and sounds of the night under the evening’s blue moon. Program is weather dependent.

Contact the Park Office at 910-326-4881 for the program status or for more information. At

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CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL: FEBRUARY 3

Chocolate Festival

[ 9AM–6PM ] Chocolate vendors galore! Wall to

FEBRUARY 2–4

Carolina Chocolate Festival

The main Chocolate Festival event features vendors from across North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia who tempt festivalgoers with an assortment of all things chocolate. From chocolate cakes to fudge, truffles and even chocolate wine, chocolate lovers can indulge in a variety of delectable treats! Other fun activities include am hourly Chocolate Pudding Contest and a Cake Walk showcasing some of the goodies available for purchase. Don’t miss this annual weekend celebrating chocolate and charity! Visit carolinachocolatefestival.com or call 252-393-2011 for more information.

CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL: FEBRUARY 2

Chocolate Uncorked

[ 7PM ] A wine-tasting dinner at Harvey W. Smith

Watercraft Center in Beaufort. Includes a charity auction and live music.

CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL: FEBRUARY 2

Pro/Am Chocolate Fantasy Challenge

Do you think you make the best chocolate dessert in North Carolina? Professionals and amateur divisions will be judged separately. Winners will be announced Saturday at the festival.

wall chocolate cakes, chocolate tortes, chocolate bars, ice cream and more, this event offers more than a sampling of everything chocolate. Join in the fun of the hourly pudding eating contest!

Chocolate door prizes given away.

CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL: FEBRUARY 4

Chocolate Festival

[ 10AM–3PM ] Another great day of Chocolate!

Pudding eating contests and more! Active duty military personnel will be given free admission with military ID.

✪ FEBRUARY 7

Brown Bag Gam: The True Story of Station 17

This documentary, inspired by the book “Fire on the Beach: Recovering the Lost Story of Richard Etheridge and the Pea Island Lifesavers,” chronicles the true story of Station 17, the only African-American crew serving in the U.S. Lifesaving Service, the predecessor to the U.S. Coast Guard. Pea Island is located at the north end of Hatteras Island in Dare County. Free admission. No advance registration. At the North Carolina Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street, Beaufort. For more information call 252-504-7740 or visit ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com. €

CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL: FEBRUARY 3

Chocolate Spa

[ 8AM ] At the Crystal Coast Civic Center. Check

Trail Sisters Night Hike: Once In A Blue Moon

EM

Hammocks Beach State Park, 1572 Hammocks Beach Road, Swansboro.

in is at 7 a.m. Enjoy 90 minutes of relaxation and chocolate. Includes a table massage and reflexology (feet/leg). Grab your friends and book your appointments together now! Limited space available.

CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL: FEBRUARY 3

Live Auction of Pro/Am Competition

All the entries from the bake-off will be auctioned for the benefit of local charities! Be sure to bid on your favorite luscious chocolate dessert!

Stir a little love into everything you do. coffee local baked goods gluten-free choices •

THINGS TO DO

•

Thank you for picking up Carolina Salt!

Our articles are written by locals.

Every month we look to our readers to keep our magazine fresh. If you have a story to tell, an event to promote or an interesting local photograph, send them our way!

WILL@CAROLINASALT.COM 252-723-7628

january Special

16-oz. chocolate

minter $3.50

FRAPPY HOUR 12–2PM DAILY! HALF PRICE FRAPPéS!

open every day from 8am–4pm •252.354. 2643• Emerald Plantation • 8700 Emerald Drive

FREE

CarolinaSalt.com » January / February 2018 CAROLINA SALT 11

15th Annual CRYSTAL COAST CIVIC CENTER

MOREHEAD CITY NORTH CAROLINA

For Tickets & Event Information join us on Facebook or Visit

www.CarolinaChocolateFestival.com

12 CAROLINA SALT January / February 2018 » CarolinaSalt.com

Discover a different world.

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CarolinaSalt.com » January / February 2018 CAROLINA SALT 13

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14 CAROLINA SALT January / February 2018 » CarolinaSalt.com

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CarolinaSalt.com » January / February 2018 CAROLINA SALT 15

OUTER BANKS WILDLIFE SHELTER LINDA BERGMAN–ALTHOUSE

Cold Toes for Pelicans!

A

cold snap is a-comin’! Temperatures are scheduled to drop over the next few weeks—even into the teens—and bad things happen to wildlife when Eastern North Carolina gets that cold. Food will become scarce and frostbite can occur, mainly with our Brown Pelican population. We have seen pelican frostbite cases admitted to the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter in Newport over the years, and sometimes in such great numbers that there’s hardly enough room to house them all!

The Brown Pelican is a North American bird of the pelican family, Pelecanidae. It’s a very big seabird found on the Atlantic coast from Nova Scotia to the Amazon in South America. Most people who reside in North Carolina and tourists who visit are very familiar with pelicans. These large fisher-birds have habituated with humans, so we see them everywhere along our beachfronts, docks and fishing areas, and find them ever present in our views at waterfront restaurants.

The Brown Pelican is known for its oversized bill, sinuous neck and big, dark body. Juvenile Brown Pelicans are, in fact, brown with a lighter beige underbelly, but a mature Brown Pelican’s coloring is vastly different. The adult will have a white neck and head with a yellow crest and its body is almost black with dark gray feathers.

Flying units of pelicans, young and old, glide with seemingly little effort above the surf along coasts, rising and falling with the graceful movement of the waves. They feed by plunge-diving from high up, using the force of impact to stun small fish before scooping them up in their pouch.

We bird watchers enjoy the purposeful antics of this comically elegant bird.

With coldness looming, wildlife rehabilitators know that unfortunately, pelicans will do what they generally do in freezing temperatures. And that is … nothing. They will stay out of the water and sit very still as they try to deal with the frigid and frosty weather nature has dealt them, which we know is not good to ward off the condition of frostbite. Frostbite is simply tissue damage caused by freezing, so keeping circulation going is one of the keys to prevention.

The first body parts affected by decreased blood flow when exposed to extreme cold are those furthest away from your core, whether pelican or human. With pelicans, the cold will attack its toes and gular pouch first. Frostbite can happen very quickly in severely frigid weather, possibly within five minutes! Pelicans do not have the preventative luxury of layering its clothing or feathering for that matter, to protect the most vulnerable areas of their body from frostbite and no one is offering them a hot cup of tea or cocoa. Frostbite generally affects the top layers of the skin, but when it becomes more advanced, the damage will extend through the muscles and to the bones.

When Pelicans are admitted to the shelter with frostbite, it’s because they are found disoriented, unable to walk due to pain in their feet, unable to fish and weak from starvation.

Rehabilitating pelicans is a costly situation anytime but when frostbite is present they will require medications, surgical procedures to remove necrotic tissue or bone caused by frostbite and loads of fish for the starving and recovering birds whose rehabilitation stay at the shelter will correlate with the extensiveness of their frostbite.

16 CAROLINA SALT January / February 2018 » CarolinaSalt.com

Pelicans can still be released and survive in the wild if their loss is only some webbing between toes or partial toe amputation, but loss of a foot, leg or pouch meets with a grim outcome.

At the wildlife shelter we offer our frostbite patients treatment and care to include continuous, never-ending cleanup, plenty of food and medications they need and the necessary time to heal while we monitor their behaviors, returning skills and potential for a successful release.

Most pelicans in our care are easy to get along with for they are friendly, social birds.

They seem to be appreciative of the warm, safe haven we provide and the easy food.

However, occasionally, we’ll get a pelican with a really bad attitude and a case of “snap-itis,” so we stay clear of that wild bill flailing in the air, because it can pinch pretty darn hard if it catches a human leg or arm, but those are few and far between.

Pelicans aren’t the only wildlife who suffer from frostbite when a freeze hits our area.

Virginia Opossums are also occasionally affected because they have bare feet and a bare tail. Frostbite is always bad no matter the victim, but most opossums seem to be resourceful enough to find a warmer place to hunker down and ride out the cold than our totally exposed Pelicans.

Pelicans can live to be in their forties, which is quite the longevity for an animal in the wild and we want to help those damaged by frostbite to recover and get back out there to live that potentially long life. So, if you see pelicans staying in one spot too long after an icy, cold snap, there could be some cold toes going on that require treatment. Our doors are wide open to receive them! €

ABOUT OWLS

TAKE A TOUR of the facility at 100 Wildlife Way in Newport. To volunteer, call 252-240-1200. If your organization would like to learn more about wildlife, the OWLS non-releasable education animals jump at the chance!

R E S TA U R A N T

1/10 ... Bryan Mayer 1/13 ... True Blue 1/17 ... Aqoostix 1/20 ... Steel Shot 1/24 ... Bryan McCoury 1/27 ... Justin Castellano 1/31 ... David Dixon 2/3 ..... True Blue 2/7 ..... Bryan McCoury 2/10 ... Webb Brothers

B A R

JANUARY 12

Kevin Siebold JANUARY 19

CHOCOLATE•FESTIVAL

Eddie Prophet JANUARY 26

Justin Castellano FEBRUARY 2

David Robinson Sax FEBRUARY 9

Kevin Seibold

2 VENUES UNDER 1 ROOF Historic Downtown Swansboro

103 Moore Street Swansboro

T

Celebrating Charity & Chocolate

he Carolina Chocolate Festival is a charitable organization (a 501-C3). The festival is the brainchild of the late John Green, who had the vision of partnering with local non-profit agencies to organize an event where they all could reap the benefits and enjoy chocolate!

Volunteers from these charities have spent countless hours to make this the largest Chocolate Festival in eastern North Carolina. Over the past 14 years the Carolina Chocolate Festival has donated scholarships to local high school seniors and over $475,000 to charity.

CHARITIES Proceeds from the 2018 festival will support Carteret County Domestic Violence, Second Blessings Outreach Ministries, Carteret County 4-H, Bridge Student Ministries and Beaufort Sister Cities.

These local charities work tirelessly throughout the year planning, fundraising and volunteering their resources to make this event happen.

“Thanks to the chocolate lovers who attend our festival, we are able to support the Carteret County charities who work hard all year long to help us present a quality event,” commented Judy Hailey, executive director.

MAIN EVENT The Main Event Carolina Chocolate Festival is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 3, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 4. Tickets are $9 for adults and $2 for kids 5–12 (children under 5 are admitted free). Active duty military personnel will be given free admission on Sunday with military I.D. This year several events will take place celebrating chocolate and charity. On Friday, February 2, the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center in Beaufort will be hosting Chocolate Uncorked. This event will include a wine tasting and dinner, charity auction and live music. Also on Friday, February 2, both professional and amateur bakers will be judged in the Pro/Am Chocolate Fantasy Challenge. This is one of the crown jewels of the Chocolate Festival, as tradition goes the winner will be crowned the following day at the Main Event where the winners will be auctioned off!

Saturday, February 3, we’ll be waking up early and burning off calories before the Main Event with the Cocoa 5K/Fun Run. Also on February 3, Enjoy 90 minutes of relaxation and chocolate with our Chocolate Spa. For more information on any of the events or to purchase tickets visit www.carolinachocolatefestival.com or by calling 1-877-848-4976.

VENDORS Featuring chocolatiers from North Carolina and as far away as Tennessee and Virginia, the festival provides lovers of mankind’s best-loved desserts – chocolate. From chocolate diamonds and pearls, chocolate cakes and tortes to chocolate bars, truffles, fudge and sugar free chocolates, chocolate popcorn and ice cream and even chocolate cookbooks- the event offers more than a sampling of everything chocolate. €

CarolinaSalt.com » January / February 2018 CAROLINA SALT 17

A MOMENT OF REFLECTION

PAUL ORTIZ

NEW YEAR, NEW DIRECTION AN ISLAND CHURCH PERSPECTIVE

A

s we start a new year, let me challenge you to change your direction.

Going into January, the challenge for us is to look ahead and stop focusing on the past. So many of us make New Year’s resolutions.

Some of the most common resolutions are to get in shape, eat right and maybe get in or back in church and get religion. I know this because in January, it is usually hard to find anywhere to park at either the gym or the church.

Hang in there, parking will be available again in February. By then, we all have stepped back into our normal routines and reverted to old directions that are familiar and easy. It is so easy to become complacent. By the way, complacency is both the killer of the body and soul. We should not let another year go by without taking steps to first and foremost change the direction we are going in. We need to stop looking back and start looking forward. We need to realize the direction we are headed in now is more than likely the direction we will be headed tomorrow and next year and so on and so on unless we make changes today. What direction are you headed in?

In Philippians 3, the writer and Paul (the apostle) knows what he must do and makes a commitment to it. He writes: 12 Not that I have already obtained all this or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

The writer understands he has not achieved what he is working so hard to obtain. So, he presses in even more without giving up. But what is worth all of this? The writer has discovered a new direction for life. That direction was toward something that is forever, not temporary or fleeting. He has found something that is worth more than anything he has or ever will own. He has discovered that someone has taken hold of him and that someone is God Himself in the person of Jesus Christ. He has discovered the priceless value of knowing Christ and the joy in believing. He has found the one thing that impacts him now and for forever and is worth pressing ahead. This is the new direction of his life and to him it is worth everything. He goes on to write in verse 13: 13 “My friends, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead..”

Start the new year right, discover Jesus and a new direction for your life. A direction that will lead to forever. Forget the past, forget what is behind and look forward to a new life in a new year. If you want a fresh start in 2018, let Christ make you a new creation. Don’t settle into the easy, but instead find true joy in believing.

Christ is calling you, He always has been. Do you want 2018 to be your best year?

Then make it your best year with God. For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all and therefore all died. 15 And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.

PHILIPPIANS 3:12–13 12 Not that I have already obtained all this or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 “My friends, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead..”

2 CORINTHIANS 5:16–17 16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view.

Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

2 CORINTHIANS 5:16–17

If you want to make a new start in 2018, then change the direction you are going in. Only Jesus is worth following and only Jesus can make you new from the inside out. The best part, there is joy in believing. Don’t believe? That’s ok! There was a time in my life I didn’t either. Then I discovered Jesus and I have been going in His direction ever since. It has not always been easy, but it has been worth it.

If you don’t know the priceless value of knowing Christ, please don’t go into another year without discovering Christ and changing the direction of your life. Ask Christ to step into your life and give your life a new direction. I know He will! €

18 CAROLINA SALT January / February 2018 » CarolinaSalt.com

THE ISLAND CHURCH PASTOR PAUL ORTIZ

Paul Ortiz is a follower of Jesus Christ, not religion. A husband and father, he is pastor of The Island Church in Emerald Isle. Reach him at paul@TheIslandChurchEI.org

CAPTAIN JEFF CRONK

HOOKED UP FISHING REPORT

REELING IN THE NEW YEAR A H O O K E D U P L O O K A T W H A T ’ S B I T I N G I N J A N U A RY

J

anuary can be a tough month for fishermen due to the weather, but it typically offers some mild days that make for a great time on the water! We have a few species that remain here along the Crystal Coast regardless of how cold it gets and they must eat!

Due to the cold temperatures, fish will definitely be schooled up and anglers will want to focus their efforts in the right areas under the right conditions.

SPECKLED TROUT

Many of our larger speckled trout will move into up river situations during the winter months. They will migrate through the main channels up our rivers and into the deeper, protected creeks off our rivers and into smaller creeks or canals along the mainland sounds and ICW. There will still be many smaller trout with some keeper-sized fish mixed in along the deep channels and creeks near our inlets as well as the surf zone. There are certain baits that work well in areas with current and certain baits work better in areas with little to no current. A general rule of thumb while trout fishing is to go light. Trout seem to respond more aggressively to baits that have long suspension times. I like to use Mirrolure’s sinking twitch baits or ¼ to ₃⁄₁₆-oz. jig heads with my Gulp baits or soft plastics while fishing the channels and creeks closer to our inlets that have currents. These heavier baits sink quickly while the current sweeps them along the bottom. When I move into upper creeks or canals I often scale down to ₁⁄₁₆-oz. jig heads. Some of my favorite soft baits to put on my jig heads include: Berkley Gulp 3" and 4" Pearl White Shrimp, 4" Smelt Minnow, 5" Jerkshad in pink or white and Berkley Powerbait’s 3" Pro Grub or Pro Twitch Bait Minnow in Chartreuse Ice or Pink Ice. My favorite pre-weighted soft bait is Bett’s Perfect Sinker Shrimp. These baits have a slow descent and I’ll usually allow a 1-second pause between twitches for every 2' of depth I’m fishing. All of these baits will produce vicious strikes from speckled trout.

REDFISH

Captain Jeff Cronk with a December speckled trout caught on a Berkley Gulp Shrimp and weighing in at over 7 pounds!

When looking for redfish this January, anglers should focus on the surf zone when we have sunny days with northerly, northwesterly or westerly breezes. The surf will lay down flat, allowing anglers to approach the surf zone by boat, while sunny skies will allow anglers to see through the water and spot schools of redfish moving along the surf. Once located, these fish will usually strike any soft bait cast into the school. I like a ½-oz. jig head tipped with a Berkley Gulp 4" Shrimp or a 4" Minnow. When we have multiple warm days, some of these schools of redfish will move through the inlets and scour the shallow flats and bays behind our beaches in search of food. So anglers can also spend time on the trolling motor quietly moving through these shallow bays looking for reds. Once located, it’s usually no problem to hook up with plenty of reds ranging from 16–28". It’s important to use little to no weight with your baits because most of the shallow flats will have a thick, green algae covering the bottom during winter months. I like to rig a 4" Pearl Gulp Shrimp on a ₁⁄₁₆-oz. jig head or a 5" Smelt Gulp Jerkshad on a weightless hook (weedless). Whether you’re looking for trout or reds this January one thing is true: the weather may slow many anglers down but these fish must eat! If you put the time in you can have a successful fishing trip this January.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: PENN® CONFLICT II SPINNING REELS

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. youtube.com/user/carolinafishingtv

I’ve been putting Penn’s Conflict spinning reels to the test for several years and have been extremely impressed with their durability and performance. But one thing I love about Penn is that the company is always striving to create and utilize new technology to make their products even better! The new Conflict II spinning reels feature everything one would expect from a legendary fishing tackle manufacturer such as Penn. The gear train runs off Penn’s CNC Gear technology, which provides serious cranking power and offers a more durable and long-lasting gear train. This reel also utilizes Penn’s HT100 carbon drag system which provides an incredibly strong and smooth drag, even under heavy loads. The Conflict II is a great looking, light and durable design with a super smooth yet strong drag, making it an excellent reel for all fishermen. Check out the Conflict II spinning reel at pennfishing.com. €

CarolinaSalt.com » January / February 2018 CAROLINA SALT 19

DISCOVERY DIVING

LEE MOORE

DIVING OUR COAST W H A T ’ S U N D E R W A T E R I N J A N U A RY

J

anuary is when divers bring their new equipment they received at Christmas out into the water. Some divers will be wearing drysuits, but it is still warm enough for divers to wear 7mm wetsuits. In December, the offshore water temperatures were around 60 degrees and the inshore water temperatures were in the low 50s. The offshore water temperatures should be in upper 50s and the inshore water temperatures should be in the low 50s in January. Before divers decide to take their first underwater breath of the season, they need to have the annual service performed on their gear.

LIFE SUPPORT EQUIPMENT: THE REGULATOR A regulator is the major piece of life support equipment that the diver uses to breathe underwater. It is made up of two main pieces, the first stage and the second stage. The first stage is the part that is connected to the tank and the second stage is the piece that the diver put in their mouth and breathes through. Most divers have two second stages. One is their primary, the one they breathe off of and the other is their alternate air source, more commonly known as an octopus. The octopus is used to share air with another diver in the event they are low on air.

Some divers have their alternate air source, an Air II or Air Source, incorporated into the inflator hose of the buoyancy compensator. To use these, the diver would give the primary to their buddy and the diver would breathe off of the Air II or Air Source. This type of alternate air source is designed to be disconnected from the inflator hose when it is stored or serviced.

They need to be serviced at the same time as the first stage.

All three stages have internal parts that are replaced during the annual service. Each stage is completely taken apart and all new parts are put into the existing housings. Even though the outside looks the same, it is like getting a brand new regulator each year. When the moving parts are replaced, they are coated with lubricants to make them move more smoothly. Aqua-Lung provides free parts for life for their customers, as long as the regulators are serviced every year.

Sherwood provides free parts for their customers for the first two years.

LIFE SUPPORT EQUIPMENT: THE TANK Another piece of equipment that needs annual service is the tank. This service is known as a visual inspection. To begin the visual inspection, all of the air is removed from the tank. Next, the valve is removed and a light is lowered into the tank so the repair technician can look at the inside of the tank to see if there are any cracks or pitting of the material.

If the tank is made out of steel and no evidence of internal damage is found, the tank will get a new visual inspection sticker that is good for one year. If the tank is made out of aluminum, the tank will go through Visual Inspection Plus. This is where a device is screwed into the neck of the tank and an electrical current is sent through the neck to see if there are any microscopic cracks that can’t be seen with the human eye. If the tank passes the Visual Inspection Plus, the tank will get a new visual inspection sticker that is good for one year.

LIFE SUPPORT EQUIPMENT: THE BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR The buoyancy compensator is the piece of equipment that the diver wears to hold their tank on their back and uses to attain neutral buoyancy while underwater. When it is inspected, the dump valves are inspected to make sure they open and close properly to hold and release air.

Buoyancy compensators either have an inflator hose or an i3 device to adjust the amount of air that is added and released. A low pressure hose connects the inflation device to the first stage and allows air to be directly added from the diver’s tank to the buoyancy compensator. The repair technician inspects the inflation device to ensure it is functioning properly.

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 them online at discoverydiving.com.

WHERE TO GET YOUR GEAR SERVICED

JOIN ECARA

Now is the time to get all of your gear serviced, before all of the other divers get the same idea. When the dive season starts, you don’t want to be standing on the dock watching the dive boat head offshore because your gear is getting its annual service because you waited until the last minute. If you have any questions about getting your gear serviced, contact Discovery Diving at dive@discoverydiving.com, at 252-728-2265 or follow them on Facebook. If you are in the area, just come by the shop and drop off your gear for service. €

works to continue sinking ships to create artificial reefs here in North Carolina, but their resources are limited.

To get involved, visit carolinareef.org.

20 CAROLINA SALT January / February 2018 » CarolinaSalt.com

ECARA

JANUARY 7 TO FEBRUARY 7

CAPE HATTERAS TIDE CHART

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Find us on Facebook or TheTradingPostEI.com for specials and upcoming events.

TheTradingPostEI.com 22 CAROLINA SALT January / February 2018 » CarolinaSalt.com

HappyNewYear!

F ROM F L I PPE R Z FA M I LY BA R & G R I L L

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TUESDAY

Weekly Specials

WEDNESDAY

—Lunch— —Lunch— Taco Tuesday!

Turkey & Brie on Wheat Chicken / Shrimp Tacos with Cranberry Relish —Dinner— —Dinner— Parmesan Mahi Meatloaf

Lunch & Dinner Hours Sunday-Thursday 11am-8pm Friday-Saturday 11am-9pm —Closed On Mondays—

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

—Lunch— Chicken & Shrimp Quesadillas —Dinner— Lasagna

—Lunch— Chef’s Choice on Croissant —Dinner— Prime Rib

—Dinner— Crab Cake Penne with Cajun Aioli

SEAFOOD ♥ STEAKS ♥ SANDWICHES

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Prime certified AngusÂŽ beef. Aged up to 36 days in-house for maximum flavor, and simply prepared, showcasing the best of American ranchers.

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A ROOFTOP EXPERIENCE

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Drink Specials

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