Carolina Salt October 2014 web

FREE! TAKE ONE! OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

your life on the Crystal Coast LOOK INSIDE FOR FUN & FREE

THINGS TO DO ON THE CRYSTAL COAST MID–OCTOBER THROUGH MID–NOVEMBER page 12

HALLOWEEN SPECIAL ISSUE

About Pumpkins Spooky Local Fiction Tall Tales Vultures: The Icky Factor SOUTHERN HOMEKEEPING

Housekeepers of the…pool?

FUNDRAISER

Annual Rotary Duck Race

ARE YOU READY FOR

Reptilian Pets?

LOCAL SERVICES

Vocational Rehabilitation

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Come out and show your support at a Clam Bake and Pig Pickin’ to benefit The Broad Street Clinic. The fundraiser will be held in the Snapperz parking lot (drive-thru style) The event begins at 11:30 a.m. and runs until 2:30 p.m. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to benefit The Broad Clinic.

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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 18 Reptilian Pets Need Vets, Too!

So you think you can handle a reptile. They are undeniably cool. Some are fun, some are more of a chore. Consider this article before buying.

19 Fiction: The Phantom Ship

This historical tale from the sea excerpted from the book “Ghosts By the Coast,” will send a gently spooky shiver up your spine.

20

EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT PUMPKINS FREE! TAKE ONE!

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2014

your life on the Crystal Coast LOOK INSIDE FOR FUN & FREE

THINGS TO DO ON THE CRYSTAL COAST MID–OCTOBER THROUGH MID–NOVEMBER page 12

HALLOWEEN SPECIAL ISSUE

About Pumpkins Spooky Local Fiction Tall Tales Vultures: The Icky Factor SOUTHERN HOMEKEEPING

Housekeepers of the…pool?

FUNDRAISER

Annual Rotary Duck Race

ARE YOU READY FOR

Reptilian Pets?

LOCAL SERVICES

Vocational Rehabilitation

ON THIS MONTH’S COVER It’s finally cooling off on the Crystal Coast, and fall is in the air … Welcome to our Halloween issue! Check out Things To Do and our advertisers for fun Halloween events! Special advertising insert at center with great values!

We’re looking forward to Thanksgiving, coming up in the next issue!

20 Fiction: Burial Rites

Local historian Rodney Kemp is a master of the tongue-in-cheek tall tale, and “Burial Rites for Uncle Cleve” does not disappoint!

21 Celebrating the ‘Icky’ Factor

Finally vultures are getting a little credit.

Their “icky” factor may be high, but they are fascinating, peaceful and useful birds.

22 About Pumpkins

For everything you ever wanted to know about pumpkins, from their history, to how to cook them, to how to carve them.

24 Housekeepers of the … pool?

Feeling like your pool has become more trouble than it’s worth? This article can help you assess whether a pool service makes better sense.

18 REPTILES

So you think you’re ready for a reptile?

24 POOL HOUSEKEEPERS Pools. Beautiful. Fun. Not so easy, though.

The Regulars 12 Things to Do 23 OWLS: Vultures 32 Diving the Coast 33 Tides

25 Broad Street Clinic Benefit

Enjoy a Clam Bake and Pig Pickin’ benefit drivethru style at Snapperz in Morehead City on November 8 to benefit the Broad Street Clinic.

27 The Old Halloween

A hilarious look back at how much times (and we ourselves) have changed since we were all kids trick-or-treating with flashlights.

O C T O B E R / N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 4 | C A R O L I N A S A L T | 5

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We also provide design services, coordination, ceremony & reception locations on the Crystal Coast.

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PUBLISHER: Will Ashby CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Chevy Kaylor CONTRIBU TING WRITERS Kimberly Murdoch, Rodney Kemp, Rodney Capp, Carla Abee, Krystal Tyndall, Linda Bergman–Althouse, Elizabeth Steadham, Donna Hammond, Lee Moore, Beryl Packer, Nancy Roberts and Coady Haga.

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-November to Mid-December issue is October 16, 2013.

Email letters to the editor, photos, community listings and articles to will@crystalcoastoutdoors.com. Next issue will publish November 7, 2013.

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!

LINDSEY LEE PHOTOGRAPHY

VISIT US ONLINE AT DREAMWEDDINGESTATES.COM OR FACEBOOK.COM/DREAMMAKERSWEDDINGESTATES

252.342.6077 dreamweddingestates.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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2014

What started with a small fish has turned into a BIG catch! Twelve years ago a friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her friends, in order to provide some welldeserved company and emotional support, took her fishing. This was the beginning of what would become Fishin’ for a Cure. In 2013, the organization was created to continue fighting for women with breast cancer. In hopes to raise awareness, over 100 women and men in pink shirts gather together to catch some fish. This year, the organization was approved to be a 501(c)(3) and can now make a bigger difference.

The 2014 event is sure to be a great one. Getting involved is not hard. Please check out the Fishin’ for a Cure Facebook page. There are several events in October you won’t want to miss.

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—EVENT—

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OCTOBER 12

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OCTOBER 13 Go Pink On the Green Golf Tournament

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OCTOBER 16 Pink Pint Night at Shark’s Den

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THINGS TO DO

MID–OCTOBER TO MID–NOVEMBER HALLOWEEN & FALL EVENTS

✪ Fall Fun Day! A day dedicated to the beginning of fall. We’ll be painting pumpkins, meeting Snoopy and having sales on some of our fall inventory. Tom Scudder will also be teaching a free class on companion planting. At Carolina Home and Garden, 4778 NC 24, in Newport.

For more information, call 252-393-9004.

OCTOBER 13-17

Living History: Harvest Time in Beaufort

SEAPORT SPOOKS on the grounds of the Beaufort Historic Site at 130 Turner Street on October 25 at 11 a.m. Tickets available at the Historic Site on Turner Street or by calling 252-728-5225.

[ 9 AM–NOON ] At the Beaufort Historic Site, 100 Block of Turner Street. The Living History program features demonstrations of Beaufort family life in the 1700s and 1800s. It is designed specifically for fourth grade classes. Children learn through hands-on activities about open hearth cooking, candle dipping, apple pressing, woodworking and colonial gardens demonstrated by volunteers in period dress. Call 252728-5225 or visit beauforthistoricsite.org for details.

OCTOBER 18

BHA’s Annual Fall Party [ 6:30 PM ] The annual Fall Party features stunning artwork, delectable food and festive music all set against the backdrop of elegant Beaufort homes. This year’s event will feature newly finished works by Jim Carson, who specializes in works painted en plein aire.

Guests will be treated to gourmet food by Beaufort Grocery Company and live, light jazz by Mike Minguez and Lou Pedro. Tickets are $100 per person and jackets are requested. Please call the Beaufort Historic Site at 252-728-5225 or visit beauforthistoricsite.org for details and tickets.

OCTOBER 24

Seaport Spooks! A Scary Spectacle of Beaufort’s Past H A L L OW E E N F U N

TRICK OR TREAT Under the Sea at the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores October 23, 24, 29 and 30, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. For information call 252-247-4003 or visit ncaquariums.com.

OCTOBER 24, 31

✪ Halloween Carnival

OCTOBER 11

H A LLOW EEN WAL K ABOU T

✪ =FREE

[ 5–8 PM ] This event will include a scary tour of the Old Jail, Apothecary and Doctor’s Office, the Courthouse and the Old Burying Ground. There will also be carnival games, treats and more for everyone to enjoy! Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for children under 6. Call 252728-5225 for tickets and more information.

[ 6-8 PM ] Fun for the whole family includes creating a glow-in-the-dark mural, face painting, liver toss, hanging donut eating contest, ID kits by the EI Police Department and more! Admission fee is two bags of candy per child. Sponsored by Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation Department at 7500 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle. For information call 252-354-6350.

OCTOBER 25

✪ Great Pumpkin Hunt [ 11 AM ] Let the kids hunt for small pumpkins!

Snoopy will be making an appearance. Dave Robinson will be performing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. At Carolina Home and Garden, 4778 NC 24 in Newport. For information call 252-393-9004.

OCTOBER 25

Seaport Spooks! A Scary Spectacle of Beaufort’s Past [ 5–8 PM ] This eerie event will include tours of the Old Jail, Apothecary and Doctor’s Office, the Courthouse and the Old Burying Grounds. There will be carnival games, treats and more! On the grounds of the Beaufort Historic Site at 130 Turner Street. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for children under age 6. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 252-728-5225, stop by the Visitors Center at 130 Turner Street or visit beauforthistoricsite.org.

OCTOBER 29

Preschool Pumpkin Patch at the NC Aquarium [ 9 AM–NOON ] Dress your tots in their cute costumes for a pint-sized helping of Halloween fun. For ages 5 and under, the event includes a pumpkin patch photo op, carnival-style games, stories, songs and other activities, free with admission or membership.

Registration not required. For details call 252-2474003 or visit ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores.

OCTOBER 23, 24, 29, 30

Trick or Treat Under the Sea [ 5–8:30 PM ] Bring the kids to the aquarium for early Halloween trick-or-treating! Candy stations, special programs and decorations provide a fun and

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

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info@cirilacothran.com • www.cirilacothran.com

✪ =FREE

MID–OCTOBER TO MID–NOVEMBER

safe Halloween. This popular event is held on four dates from 5-8:30 p.m. each night. Children ages 16 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult. Admission is $11 for children and adults. NC Aquarium Members receive a 10 percent discount.

Kids ages two and under are admitted free. No masks for adults please. For information call 252-247-4003 or visit ncaquariums.com.

OCTOBER 31

Halloween Dinner Cruise Aboard the Crystal Coast Lady [ 7–9 PM ] What could be better than enjoying the sights and sounds of the Crystal Coast aboard a beautiful supercruiser that not only brings together the best scenic areas of Beaufort and Morehead City, but you and your friends as well on the biggest party holiday night of the year: Halloween! Bring out your best costumes for this stellar event that features a full dinner buffet, dancing and entertainment by one of the area’s biggest DJs and a full cash bar to keep the party going. Don’t even think about attending a boring, old Halloween party on a night like this. It’s time for you and your friends to be a part of an experience that will last a lifetime. Just make sure to get your tickets while you still can! Tickets are $37.50 per person. Call 252-728-8687 or visit crystalcoastlady.com.

NOVEMBER 4–7 | 11–14

Kindergarten Thanksgiving [ 9-11:30 AM ] On the Beaufort Historic Site. Open for kindergarten classes. Children will visit the quaint Leffers Cottage to learn from Mr. Leffers and his family how they prepared for the winter months. Students will see open hearth cooking, butter churning, weaving and spinning. Reservations required. For information call 252-728-5225 or visit beauforthistoricsite.org.

ARTS | THEATER OCTOBER 9

Trip to ‘Phantom of the Opera’ [ 8 AM ] Bus departs Emerald Isle at 8 a.m. Show is at 2 p.m. Ticket price is $120 and includes ticket and transportation to and from the performance. This performance is not recommended for young children.

Call 252-354-6350 to reserve your seats.

OCTOBER 17

Carteret Arts Forum Series: Ben Owen III Pottery

OCTOBER 31

[ 5 PM ] At First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall in Morehead City. Ben will give a slide presentation and video on some of the history of pottery with the Owen family and the Seagrove area. He will also have 30-plus pieces of his pottery on display; some pieces will be for sale.

✪ Halloween Hootenanny

OCTOBER 18

[ 6–9 PM ] Newport‘s Halloween Hootenanny is an annual event featuring games, costumes, food and plenty of fun for kids and their families. This year’s event will be held at Newport Little League Park on Howard Boulevard. Admission is free; canned goods are requested for donations. For more information email achristian@townofnewport.com.

OCTOBER 31

THINGS TO DO

TRIP TO TH E TH EATER

TRIP TO THE THEATER on October 9 departing from Emerald Isle to see “Phantom of the Opera.” Ticket price is $120. Not recommended for young children. Call 252-354-6350.

Carteret Arts Forum Series: Ben Owen III Pottery Workshop [ 9 AM–3 PM ] At Carteret Community College Bryant Student Center, Morehead City. Cost is $75; includes snacks and light lunch. The workshop will focus on potter’s wheel and other techniques for shaping clay.

Open discussion will be encouraged. For reservations: e-mail tetempel@embarqmail.com.

Night at the Museum: Coastal Legends and Lore!

OCTOBER 18

✪ Plein Air on the Waterfront

[ 6–8 PM ] Museum staff and ECHS Drama Club will bring to life the mysterious stories from up and down the coast for families with children 12 and under.

Suggested donation is $4 adults, $2 children. For information call 252-728-7317. The NC Maritime Museum is located at 315 Front Street, Beaufort.

P RESENTATION

[ 10 AM–4 PM ] An art event around the Big Rock Fountain at Evans and Shepard Streets, Morehead City. Sponsored by Arts & Things. Watch art happen with artists painting outdoors. Artwork is available for purchase. Artists must pre-register to participate. Call 252-240-1979 for more information or to register.

✪ BEN OWEN III POTTERY slide presentation and video October 17, with pottery on display and some for sale. Open discussion encouraged. For information visit carteretartsforum.com.

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THINGS TO DO

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Wine & Shine

OCTOBER 10

✪ Friday Free Flick: Muppets Most Wanted [PG] [ 7 PM ] At Emerald Isle Community Center, 7500 Emerald Drive. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Popcorn and drink for $1. Please bring chairs and blankets, but no outside beverages or snacks.

Call 252-354-6350 for more information.

MUSIC | CONCERTS OCTOBER 8

✪ Alive at Five Outdoor Concert F RE E M OV I E

✪ FRIDAY FREE FLICK at Emerald Isle Community Center on October 10.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Popcorn and drink for $1. For information call 252-354-6350.

[ 5–8 PM ] At the Jaycee Park on the Morehead City Waterfront (807 Shepard Street), featuring Band of Oz. Call 252-808-0440 for more information.

OCTOBER 18

OCTOBER 18

BHA’s Annual Fall Party [ 6:30 PM ] The annual Fall Party features stunning artwork, delectable food and festive music all set against the backdrop of elegant Beaufort homes.

Tickets are $100 per person and jackets are requested.

Please call the Beaufort Historic Site at 252-728-5225 or visit beauforthistoricsite.org for details and tickets.

OCTOBER 18

10th Annual Lobster Fest

[ 6:30 PM ] At Clawson’s Restaurant, 425 Front Street, Beaufort. General admission $15 (active duty military and DEFAS members $12, full-time students $8). Doors open at 6:30 p.m., shows start at 7:30. To reserve tickets, call or text 252-646-4657 or email folkartsenc@gmail.com. Visit downeastfolkarts.org/ Concerts.html for information on performers.

OCTOBER 18

OCTOBER 24

Down East Folk Arts Society Concert: Carolann Solebello

[ 8 PM ] Join the trio at The History Place Museum, 1008 Arendell Street, Morehead City. Visit americanmusicfestival.org for details.

WINING & DINING

CAROLANN SOLEBELLO performs October 18 at Clawson’s Restaurant in Beaufort. General admission is $15.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For information call 252-646-4657.

[ 11–4 PM ] Join us for an afternoon of jewelry and wine tasting from 2 to 4 p.m. Gumbo Lily will be performing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $5. At Carolina Home and Garden, 4778 NC 24, Newport. For information call 252-393-9004.

[ NOON–4 PM ] The 10th Annual Lobster Fest will take place at St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church in Indian Beach, 920 Salter Path Road. Live lobsters are delivered to the church directly from Maine. Enjoy a complete lobster dinner, including potato salad, coleslaw and homemade dessert, for $25. Cooked lobsters to add to an eat-in dinner or take home are $19 each. Live lobsters are $16 each. The best way to ensure you will get one is to purchase tickets in advance by October 15. Call 252-240-2388 or 252354-5859.

American Music Festival Concert: Horszowski Trio

F OL K M U S I C

OCTOBER 18

OCTOBER 10

Chef ’s Competition Final Round [ 6:30–10:30 PM ] Beaufort Wine and Food announces the Chef’s Competition final at the Coral Bay Club on Atlantic Beach. For more information or for tickets, call 252-515-0708 or visit beaufortwineandfood.com.

Colonial-Style Governor’s Ball [ 6 PM ] Join Lord and Lady Oliver at the 18th century colonial style Governor’s Ball. It will be an enchanted evening of celebration, dance and feasting. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. October 24 at the Boathouse at Front Street Village. Live music provided by the ensemble group Nine to Five from Eastport, New York, will set the mood. The evening will feature a silent auction offering treasures for the highest bidders, heavy hors d’oeuvres, ale and 1740-period wines. Period dress requested or black tie required. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased at beaufortpirateinvasion.com. All proceeds go to benefit The Beaufort Pirate Invasion 2015. For additional information call 704-877-1820.

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MID–OCTOBER TO MID–NOVEMBER

NOVEMBER 8

Clam Bake & Pig Pickin’ [ 11:30 AM–2:30 PM ] Carolina Salt would like to invite everyone to come out for a Clam Bake and Pig Pickin’ at Snapperz Grill and Steam Bar to benefit The Broad Street Clinic. The fundraiser will be held in the Snapperz parking lot (drive-thru style) at 2710 Arendell Street, Morehead City beside El’s Drive In. All of the proceeds will go to benefit The Broad Clinic.

Last years event raised $2,800. This year’s goal is to double last year’s totals. To secure a plate or plates, please pre-purchase your tickets at the following locations: Snapperz Grill & Steam Bar, Broad Street Clinic, Sound Bank (Morehead City, Beaufort and Cape Carteret Cedar locations), or through members of the Broad Street Clinic board. For more information call 252-726-4562. Canned Pepsi products available for $1. Clam bake is $15 per box and includes a halfpound of peel and eat shrimp, clams, potatoes, corn on the cob, sausage, cocktail sauce and butter. BBQ Plate is $7 box and includes a half pound of BBQ, slaw, baked beans and a roll.

HISTORY | EDUCATION OCTOBER 7

Boater Safety: Tides & Currents [ 6:30–8:30 PM ] A two-hour seminar at the Maritime Museum in Beaufort on tides and currents in U.S. waters. Reservations required. Cost is $30. Courses are offered in conjunction with Fort Macon Sail and Power Squadron. For reservations, e-mail seaclef@ coastalnet.com or call 252-726-0630. The North Carolina Maritime Museum is located in Beaufort at 315 Front Street. For more information call 252-7287317 or visit ncmaritimemuseums.com.

OCTOBER 9

Brown Bag Gam: [ NOON –1 PM ] Pack a lunch for the Brown Bag Gam during your lunch hour and join program registrar David Bennett for a free informal discussion on a French merchant that assisted the colonial efforts during the Revolution. For information call 252-7287317. The Maritime Museum is located at 315 Front Street in Beaufort.

OCTOBER 10

Lunch with A Dash of History at The History Place [ 11:30 AM–1 PM ] Presented by Rodney Kemp, at The History Place Museum, 1008 Arendell Street, Morehead City. Lecture and lunch tickets are $15 ($12 members). Lecture-only tickets are $8 ($5 members).

October 10........................................Harlowe: In & Out October 24........................The MHC Garment Company October 24........................ Celebrating the South River OCTOBER 15

✪ Living History Presentation: An Enduring Love

SP ECIAL P ROGRAM

✪ HURRICANE HAZEL program October 8 examines the impact of the deadliest hurricane of the 1954 season.

Free. At the NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort. Call 252-728-7317.

[ 3–5 PM ] Join us for An Enduring Love: Charles G. W. French and Nancy L. Manney, a presentation by Jim Pool. He will provide context for the ill-fated love story and answer questions such as why French moved to North Carolina soon after graduating from Brown University … and why he left. Contact the Beaufort Historic Site for more information at 252-728-5225 or visit beauforthistoricsite.org.

OCTOBER 28

OCTOBER 8

✪ Boater Safety Program: Cold Water Survival

[ 7 PM ] This special program will examine the impact of Hurricane Hazel. John Cole, Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the NWS office in Newport, will give an overview of the storm, followed by a presentation

by John Hairr, author of The Great Hurricanes of North Carolina. Free admission. 252.728.7317. The North Carolina Maritime Museum is located in Beaufort at 315 Front Street. For more information call 252-7287317 or visit ncmaritimemuseums.com.

[ 6:30–8:30 PM ] A short free course on the body’s reaction to cold water, the shock affect, hypothermia and what you can do to protect yourself. Reservations required. These courses, presented at the NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort, are offered jointly with Fort Macon Sail and Power Squadron. For reservations, e-mail seaclef@coastalnet.com or call 252-726-0630.

The museum is located at 315 Front Street, Beaufort.

Visit online at ncmaritimemuseums.com.

✪ Hurricane Hazel

THINGS TO DO

SAFETY P ROGRAM

✪ COLD WATER SURVIVAL class October 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort. Free. For information call 252-726-0630 or visit ncmaritimemuseums.com.

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THINGS TO DO

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MID–OCTOBER TO MID–NOVEMBER

OCTOBER 30

OCTOBER 25

Living History Series: Pine Needle Basket Workshop

‘Light Up the Town’ Evening 5K

Fall-in-the-Water Meet

[ 6 PM ] The race route will take participants through the neighborhoods of old Cape Carteret behind Town Hall. All race participants will receive glow necklaces to help “light up the town” during the race. In an effort to keep runners safe, costumes will not be allowed. Cost is $20 for individuals and $60 per family of three or more. For more information, email doolsgirl@gmail.com.

[ 1–5:30 PM ] Traditional Small Craft Association hosts this gathering at the Gallants Channel docks.

All small boats are welcome. Free boat rides for the public. Pig pickin’ from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Cost is $10 ($5 TSCA members). Proceeds from this event help support the operations of the North Carolina Maritime Museum. The event takes place at Gallants Channel, located at 172 West Beaufort Road, Beaufort. For more information call 252-728-2762.

[ 10 AM ] Pine Needle Basket Workshop at the Beaufort Historical led by Sandi Malone for beginner and advanced levels. Adults only. Space is limited to 12 participants. There is a materials fee of $40. Contact the Beaufort Historic Site for more information at 252728-5225 or visit beauforthistoricsite.org.

SPORTS | FITNESS OCTOBER 9

Gateway Fall Golf Tournament [ 8 AM ] At Star Hill Golf Club. Open to teams of four.

Team fee of $260 includes carts, greens fees and lunch provided by Quiznos. For more information contact Kevin Whitley at 252-342-8056 or Kevin Daffron at kdaffron@shorewoodrealestate.net.

OCTOBER 11

Discovery Diving Treasure Hunt The 35th Annual Treasure Hunt offers divers the chance to win prizes ranging from T-shirts to dive vacations. The event is a fundraiser for the Children’s Mile of Hope and Divers Alert Network. For information, call 252-728-2265.

OCTOBER 18

Adventure Challenge Competition [ 11 AM ] Trail run, obstacle navigation, endurance and agility events and water element. Presented by the Gym at Cape Carteret Aquatic and Wellness Center. Competition will be held at Camp Albemarle in Newport. Two-person teams will compete. Cost is $50 per team. Open to all ages 10 and up. For more information call 252-393-1000.

OCTOBER 25

Run Your BOOTY Off Road Race In downtown Morehead City at the Katherine Davis Park. This 5K and 1 mile optional costume race is fun for the entire family. Following the race there will be a Trunk or Treat, bouncy houses and games for the kids.

To register visit runtheeast.com or call 252-222-3007.

ON THE WATER | FISHING OCTOBER 10

Surf Fishing Class [ 8 AM–2 PM ] Learn the basics of saltwater fishing from the beach. Most tackle, bait and equipment provided. NC saltwater fishing license required. For ages 12 and up (under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Reservations required. Cost is $55.

F or more information contact the North Carolina Maritime Museum at 252-728-7317 or visit ncmaritimemuseums.com.

OCTOBER 17-19

NC Aquarium Annual Surf Fishing Workshop Presented by the NC Aquarium. Expert instruction and hands-on experience are the trademarks of this popular seminar. The action culminates with a fishing trip to Cape Lookout National Seashore or another location if the Cape is inaccessible. The cost is $150 per person, discounted 10 percent for aquarium members. Advance registration is required. To register, call 252-247-4003 or visit ncaquariums.com.

OCTOBER 18

Gordie McAdams Speckled Trout Surf Fishing Tournament Free registration through October 17 and excellent prizes! All trout must be caught by fishing on foot (surf, pier, inlet, sound) from Fort Macon to Emerald Isle. Sponsored by Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation and The Reel Outdoors. Contact Lainey Gottuso at lgottuso@emeraldisle-nc.org or call 252-354-6350 for more information.

OCTOBER 18

OCTOBER 24–25

Cape Lookout Albacore Festival Make plans to join us at this year’s 2-day Cape Lookout Albacore Festival, the Crystal Coast’s premiere fly fishing and light tackle tournament event. The CLAF takes place on Atlantic Beach and is aimed to raise money for Project Healing Waters. For more information visit capelookoutalbacorefestival.com.

ACTIVISM OCTOBER 17

✪ Red Cross Blood Drive [ 2–7 PM ] Carteret County Chapter of the American Red Cross is holding a blood drive at Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation Community Center, 7500 Emerald Drive. Please give!

GET OUTDOORS OCTOBER 9–11

Last Cape Lookout Lighthouse Moonrise Tours of 2014 [ 6:30 PM ] Bring your own flashlight and experience the lighthouse and island as the keepers did in the dark of night. Hear stories of the light keepers and watch the moon as it rises over the Atlantic Ocean and reflects off the waters of Core Sound. There will be one ferry trip on each date for all the climbs. The ferry will depart Harkers Island at 6:30 p.m. and return at about 9 p.m. Arrive for the tour no later than 6:10 p.m. Four 30-minute tours will be offered on each date, with a limit of 10 tickets for each tour group. Tours at 7 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. During the climb, the Keepers Quarters Museum will be open. For more information call 252-728-2250.

your life on the Crystal Coast WE1 DEPEND INTERESTED IN SUBMITTING AN ARTICLE OR PHOTO. 6 | C A RON O L OUR I N A READERS! S A L T | O CCALL T O B E252-723-7628 R / N OV E M B E R IF 2 0 1YOU’RE 4

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MID–OCTOBER TO MID–NOVEMBER

OCTOBER 17, 19

OCTOBER 17

Horse Sense & Survival Tours

Countywide Spelling Bee

Join a park ranger for a glimpse into the world of the wild horses of Shackleford Banks. For reservations and information call 252-728-2250, ext. 0.

[ 5–10 PM ] At The History Place, 1008 Arendell Street, Morehead City. For details call 252-247-7533.

OCTOBER 19 | NOVEMBER 16

4th Annual Crystal Coast Con

White Oak River Birding Cruise [ 10 AM–NOON ] Local bird expert Joanne Powell, with more than 40 years of experience in the region, will be guiding the cruises. At Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro. Program cost is $20. For information visit nccoast.org.

OCTOBER 25–26

✪ Carolina Kite Festival [ 10 AM–4 PM ] At Atlantic Beach Public Beach Access (The Circle). See colorful kites from around the world, candy drops for the children, kite building for kids, team flying. There will be a Saturday Night Fly at 6 p.m. For more information call 252-247-7011.

NOVEMBER 6

Full Moon Photography Cruise [ 3:30 PM ] Enjoy an afternoon cruise through the marshes behind Bear Island where we will search to find photographic opportunities including wildlife, the setting sun, and a rising full moon. The cruise is hosted by nature photographers Sam Bland and Jody Merritt aboard the Lady Swan. Cost is $25. Space is limited. For more information, call 252-393-8185.

JUST FOR FUN | KIDS OCTOBER 8

✪ Merry Time for Tots [ 10-11 AM ] Children ages 2–5 and their caregivers will hear the legend of the infamous albino dolphin “Hatteras Jack” and learn more about dolphins and whales. Space is limited, pre-registration is required. Free admission. The North Carolina Maritime Museum is located in Beaufort at 315 Front Street.

For more information call 252-728-7317 or visit ncmaritimemuseums.com.

10/8.......................... Hatteras Jack the Albino Dolphin 11/12.................................................. Boats that Float 12/10....................................................... Fish Printing

THINGS TO DO

OCTOBER 18 Get ready to live out your sci-fi fantasies at the 4th Annual Crystal Coast Con. Door prizes, costume contests, giveaways and special vendors will transform Mac Daddy’s, Cape Carteret’s family-fun entertainment center, into any sci-fi and gaming fan’s dream fantasy experience! Our vendors will have books, comic books, jewelry, handmade items, fantasy art and more. Tickets for the Crystal Coast Con are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information about the event and to purchase tickets in advance, go to CrystalCoastCon.com or call 252-393-6565. •

From the Publisher Thank you for picking up Carolina Salt magazine, depicting your life here on the Crystal Coast. All articles are written by locals.

FISH ING SEMINAR

SURF FISHING seminar October 17–19 teaches the basics and ends with a fishing trip to Cape Lookout. Cost is $150 per person. For information call 252-247-4003 or visit ncaquariums.com.

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 252723-7628. For up-to-date info, be sure to look us up on Facebook!

P H OTOGRAP H Y

FULL MOON PHOTOGRAPHY cruise November 6 at 3:30 p.m. through the marshes behind Bear Island. Cost is $25. Space is limited. For more information call 252-393-8185.

Stir a little love into everything you do.

FAIR TRADE COFFEE | DELICIOUS BAKED GOODS | LOCAL ART

COFFEE SHOP

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FROM 6:30AM TO 8PM

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ANIMAL FRIENDS

C OA DY HAG A , DV M

ABOUT ANIMED Animed Veterinary Hospital has been serving the Hubert area for over 35 years. They are a full-service hospital, committed to promoting responsible pet ownership.

REPTILIAN PETS NEED VETS TOO!

Y

ou’ve probably walked through a pet shop and seen the reptiles on display.

Everything from snakes to lizards to African tortoises are housed in terraria or aquaria, and they are undeniably cool to look at. Some of them are fun to handle, others can be more of a chore. Owning one is a whole other ball of wax. It seems pretty straightforward. Just feed it, clean the cage … what else is there, right?

Wrong. If you can’t keep a houseplant or a goldfish alive for more than a year, DO NOT invest in a reptile. Here are some general things to consider before diving in: ❶ First and foremost, let me tell you what reptiles are not. They are not ornaments, they are not maintenance-free and they are not cheap. While a purebred Labradoodle (ha!) might cost more up front, a Leopard Gecko with a proper setup can cost just as much. There are the enclosures; the substrate (whatever is on the floor of the enclosure); the lighting, heating and cleaning; the vitamins; the food and water quality to deal with. These are living, breathing animals who, unlike cats and dogs, cannot survive loose in our 70-degree house with a bowl of water and food. The care and keeping of a reptile means maintaining temperature and humidity in the proper ranges. It means providing a diet that is often not easily purchased at the corner store and supplementing vitamins that are necessary for good health. ➋ When selecting a reptile—and I cannot stress this enough—READ ABOUT it FIRST! Never buy a lizard on impulse or a snake because your kid thought it looked cool. (Do kids still say “cool”?) There are some great websites out there full of information, and the very pet store you are perusing reptiles in probably has books dedicated to the proper care of the species you are considering. Melissa Kaplan’s website www.anapsid.org is a good place to start. It is loaded with care sheets for most commonly owned types, and links to other sites for less popular critters. ➌ Once you have done your research, begin considering what type of housing you would like to provide and buy that first. Keep temperature and humidity gauges in several locations within the enclosure and make sure you can maintain a proper environment before using your $100 bearded dragon as a canary in the mineshaft. Too many times I see reptiles brought in for a sick visit shortly after purchase, simply because the conditions necessary for good health are impossible to achieve with the available equipment. If the only place in your house for the reptile tank is directly under an A/C vent, you are just asking for trouble. ➍ Having handled #2 and #3, it’s time to buy. If you can help it, never buy wild-caught animals. They are more likely stressed, infected with parasites, and have even possibly smuggled into the country illegally. Much better to buy a captive-bred animal that is used to an enclosure and has a known history. Don’t buy the obviously sick animals because you feel bad for them, as they are off to a bad start and have less of a chance of living a long, full life. Look for signs of disease, such as flaky, unshed skin, cloudy eyes, or a mouth that doesn’t close correctly. Check for sores, scars, missing toes and anything that doesn’t belong, like mites or ticks between the scales, or lumps in places they should not be. Finally, try to find a specimen that doesn’t act fearful, and has a modicum of personality.

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➎ Depending on the species, once you get them home, many reptiles will refuse food for several days to several months. Some juveniles will eat readily on the car ride home, but this does not mean you should keep feeding them until they are ready to pop. Also, do not start feeding larger prey items to your reptile until he is ready, and try to feed a varied diet. A diet of strictly crickets is a recipe for disaster just as much as feeding too large or too many crickets.

Many reptiles that are supposed carnivores will eat greens and veggies and do well with them if given the opportunity. Rats and mice can be deadly to your snake if fed live, so it is best to train your pet to eat frozen and thawed prey. If you have any questions about appetite, activity or health issues, see a vet familiar with reptiles, and get their advice. ➏ It is a good policy to see a vet for a “well check” to make sure you have purchased a healthy animal, and to get advice on proper care and common problems. Most of the issues that necessitate vet visits later are preventable through proper care. Far and away the most common problem I see in practice is Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD), followed by Vitamin A deficiency, intestinal impaction and then respiratory infections. There can be some level of all these going on in some patients.

MBD is improper bone formation resulting from deficiencies in vitamin D, calcium and ultraviolet (UV) light. It is easily preventable by supplementing vitamin D and calcium in the diet, and purchasing a high-quality UV bulb for reptiles, like those sold locally through reptileuv. com. Vitamin A deficiency is easily preventable by feeding your reptile prey animals such as crickets or mealworms, and fresh veggies rich in vitamin A like carrots and yellow squash.

Intestinal impaction is almost always a result of improper bedding or feeding prey that are too large. Respiratory disease is frequently just a result of inadequate cage cleaning, or using harsh chemicals that irritate the airways.

Reptile ownership should not be entered into lightly. As previously stated, they are not just living decorations, and their care can be more complicated than you think. Do the research and educate yourself to the point of expert before buying, and give you and your scaly friend the best chance for a happy life together. •

NANCY ROBERTS

SOUTHERN FICTION

THE PHANTOM SHIP A STORY FROM ‘GHOST S BY THE C OAST ’

I

t was the last of August and Captain Joe Sabiston’s ship was back in the busy port of Beaufort. This was not the first time Sabiston had noticed the girl among the crowd of villagers who came down to meet the ships when they sailed into Beaufort. She was taller than most of the women and held herself proudly. Her chestnut hair was streaked gold by the sun and he liked the way she moved—with grace and vitality—a look of eager anticipation on her face.

As he walked along the dock, he found himself headed directly toward her and passed so close that his large duffel bag brushed the sky blue chambray of her dress.

“Pardon me, ma’am,” he said.

“It’s quite all right, sir.” Her voice was breathless. “Have you seen Robert Chadwick?”

“He was one of the first off.”

“Then he is already on his way home,” she said, a quick smile lighting up her face.

“Thank you,” she said and, turning away, walked quickly through the crowd. An unusually attractive young woman, thought the captain, who told himself Chadwick was a lucky fellow. But marriage and the sea don’t always mix and Sabiston reflected that it was not for him. As his friends had so often told him, “You are married to the sea and your ship.” He had heard that, in Greece, a man taking command of a vessel for the first time would hang a crown of laurel leaves on the ship. It was the custom in that country for the bride to wear a crown of laurel upon the exchange of her wedding vows.

Captain Sabiston was approaching thirty and had been captain of his own vessel for a year. This morning as he looked about him, he saw his friend Captain Ireland and the two men greeted each other warmly. Ireland asked where he would be staying and when Sabiston admitted he had no idea, Ireland invited him to be his houseguest. Since he would be in port for a week or more while his schooner was unloading and preparing for her next voyage, Sabiston accepted gladly.

Captain Ireland’s wife, Jane, was an accomplished musician as well as a good cook and Captain Sabiston’s visit promised to be even more pleasant than he expected as he and Ireland, whom he had known but casually, discovered shared interests. Both were students of botany and enjoyed taking long walks together while Sabiston acquired considerable information about the plant life of the southern coast. The second night Sabiston was in port, Mrs. Ireland had a party and for the first time Sabiston met many of the townspeople socially rather than primarily as customers for his cargo or as merchants who stocked his vessel with supplies for the next voyage. Chadwick was there with the girl who had been looking for him at the dock and they joined the captain as he stood listening to Mrs. Ireland play the harpsichord.

“I am glad to see you again, Captain,” said Chadwick. “I think from my conversation and letters to her that Mattie here already knows our paths have crossed in various ports. Mattie, this is Captain Sabiston.” Sabiston bowed courteously yet felt strangely ill at ease and inwardly blamed his awkwardness upon his months at sea with only the rough men of a ship’s crew for company.

“How do you do, Mrs. Chadwick.”

Mattie looked surprised and Chadwick spoke quickly.

“I’m sorry, sir. I thought you knew I am unmarried. Mattie is my sister.”

The captain gazed at her. “I see and I am most happy to meet you ma’am.”

“Beaufort is my home port,” explained Chadwick and I am always glad to put in here to see my sister and widowed mother. It was apparent that the captain was quite taken with Mattie, for he stood there staring at her with obvious approval and scarcely seemed to hear Chadwick’s words. Mrs. Ireland noticed this with a woman’s perception and, rising from the piano, whisked them away to seats at the dining room table. She placed the captain and Mattie on her right and before

long the two were engaged in animated conversation.

During the following weeks Mattie joined Captain Sabiston and Captain Ireland on their daily nature walks and at night Sabiston often called upon her at the Chadwick home.

All ideas of laurel wreaths as the symbol of a captain’s marriage to his ship were forgotten.

Captain Sabiston proposed and he and Mattie were married before he went on his next voyage back to Baltimore. On these trips his ship was filled with hides, fist, tar, pitch and turpentine from Carolina as well as tea, spices, rope and cloth that had arrived in the Beaufort port from abroad.

John and Mattie were happy together, their marriage blessed with children and the years passed quickly. Each time Sabiston’s three-masted schooner would sail into the harbor on its return from Baltimore, he would anchor in the same place. Mattie could see it from her window and, scarcely able to contain her happiness, she would run down to the dock to greet him.

When his ship, the Esmeralda, was tied in port, she would hurry to open the drapes each morning and stare out at the harbor, hoping to see its sails with the salmon-tinted glow of the sunrise behind them. And then one September dawn, it was there. From her window she saw the vessel lying at anchor, the sun glinting on its brass fittings, the ship’s sleek lines a joy to behold. Her husband stood beside the mizzenmast looking toward the house as if he knew what was at the window. She saw him raise an arm and wave. Mattie’s heart quickened within her.

Snatching up a small shawl, she opening the window and waved, but he did not wave again.

Dressed quickly, she hurried down to the dock to greet him. But to her amazement the schooner was not there, nor was it anywhere in the harbor. As her eyes searched the waterfront, she saw her brother just stepping over on the dock from his own vessel. His CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

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SOUTHERN FICTION

RODNEY KEMP

A LITTLE BIT OF HUMOR

Burial rites for Uncle Cleve

C

icero Lewis was raised in that little jewel of a Down East Carteret County community called Davis Shore. When you’re raised to Davis Shore, they raise in their “youngerns” a fierce sense of independence and self-reliance. They want their youngerns to quickly grow up and to be afraid of absolutely nothing in this world.

Cicero, who in this story I call “my boyhood friend and idol, great American,” was raised just that way to Davis Shore and was afraid of absolutely nothing except one thing. He was afraid of dead people—he believed in ghosts and goblins.

Well, long about 1953 Cicero’s Uncle Cleve of Davis Shore up and died.

There weren’t any funeral homes at Davis Shore so you had to send the body to Beaufort to be prepared for burial. You’ve got to understand that Uncle Cleve was a humped-back man. Bent way over … Some folks say he got that from smoking Camel cigarettes all his life.

Every time they pushed Uncle Cleve’s head down in the casket his feet popped up. Every time they pushed his feet down his head popped up. They messed with Uncle Cleve most of one Saturday afternoon until they finally decided the only way to prepare Uncle Cleve for the funeral was to strap him down in the casket. So they ran a strap under Uncle Cleve’s little clip-on tie and shipped his body back to Davis Shore.

Tradition at Davis Shore called for “sitting up with the dead.” You placed the body in the parlor of the great home and let all the friends and relatives pay their last respects. But before you buried that thing the next morning someone had to sit up with the recently departed all night. The funeral home gave you four of those folding funeral home chairs and four of those handheld funeral home fans, the ones with a picture of heaven on one side, and that’s the way you sat up with the dead.

Sure enough my boyhood friend and idol, great American’s father came up to him and said, “Cicero boy, I need for you to sit up with me and two other gentlemen with your Uncle Cleve tonight.” And he did.

Long about 9:30 p.m. there came a cloud. Now in Carteret County when we say there came a cloud, we mean it starts to rain real strong. And we’re talking about torrential rains. And we’re talking about thunder and lighting.

And we’re talking about the wind blowing outside that parlor window, and casting strange and eerie shadows inside where Uncle Cleve strapped was down in that casket.

Long about 10 o’clock one of the gentleman stood up and looked at Cicero 2 0 | C A R O L I N A S A L T | O C T O B E R / N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 4

and his father and said, “As long as you two are going to sit up, I think I’ll go on to bed.” And he left.

Long about 11 o’clock the other gentleman stood up and looked at Cicero and his father and said, “As long as you two are going to sit up, I think I’ll go on to bed.” And he left.

Long about midnight, when that storm was at the height of its fury, my boyhood friend and idol, great American’s father stood up and said, “Cicero boy, as long as you’re going to sit up, I think I’ll go on to bed.” And HE left.

Now, you with me? Alone, in that raging storm, in that darkened parlor, none but my little boyhood friend and idol, Cicero Lewis, great American, and Uncle Cleve, strapped down in that casket.

Long about 2 a.m., there came a bolt of lighting so fierce and so powerful that it knocked out all the lights, all the source of power from Davis Shore, Carteret County, to downtown Raleigh. And at the very instant that lighting hit, that strap broke on Uncle Cleve. And Uncle Cleve came riding up out of that casket. I mean he came riding up there like he had good sense.

Cicero, my boyhood friend and idol, great American, cast down his hand-held funeral home fan, rose up out of his folding funeral home chair, walked over to the casket and said, “Well, Uncle Cleve, if you’re going to sit up, I think I’ll go on to bed.” •

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

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

ABOUT O.W.L.S. Take a tour of the facility at 100 Wildlife Way, Newport. To volunteer, call 252-240-1200.

If your organization would like to learn more about wildlife, the O.W.L.S. non-releasable education animals jump at the chance!

CELEBRATING THE ‘ICKY’ FACTOR Let’s celebrate it, because what they lack in good looks they make up for in personality, and a purposeful life.

W

hat better time than the month of Halloween to introduce you to Xena and Zelda, vultures who reside at the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter in Newport. Some people consider vultures creepy, scary, ugly and even icky, but what they may lack in good looks they make up for in personality and a purposeful life.

There are 23 species of vultures found worldwide (except Australia and Antarctica), but our girls represent the only two vulture species found in North Carolina. Xena, the red faced, brown feathered bird with whitish flight feathers underneath, is a turkey vulture.

Zelda, the black vulture, has black plumage with a gray neck and head. Some folks say the black vulture has the “prettier” face, but don’t tell Xena that!

Both girls were admitted to the shelter years ago with car graze injuries that when

healed, rendered them non-releasable. They have been part of our shelter’s education program, and best friends and enclosuremates, ever since.

Vultures are extremely gregarious, social birds and practice the concept of family.

You will often see large community groups of vultures roosting together in trees and, unfortunately, sometimes on rooftops.

Groups of vultures are referred to as a committee, vortex, a venue or even a wake. A circling of vultures in the air is called a kettle, which relates to the appearance of something boiling in a cauldron.

Vultures are considered raptors, but rather than taking down prey like an eagle or a hawk, their prey is already down. Vultures in general feed on dead animals. They are scavengers of roadkill and animals who have expired by other means as well. If dead animals or carrion is scarce, they will eat eggs or kill newborn animals. In defense of the turkey vulture, it’s usually the more aggressive black vulture that may attack living prey. If protein sources are hard to find, they both will eat almost anything: pumpkins, grass and seeds.

In areas populated by humans, garbage dumps become stomping grounds for vultures. In the wild, vultures find meals either by using their keen eyesight or by following other vultures. Most birds’ olfactory senses are minimal to none, but a vulture’s sense of smell is elevated, which helps them locate their meals, even in the density of a forest. They are referred to as “tearers,” which is what the word vulture means in Latin. They use their hooked, long beak as a ripping tool when dining on dead carcasses. Both turkey and black vultures have bald heads to prevent getting their feathers contaminated with carrion. Vultures occasionally consume too much of a good thing, ultimately gorging themselves. At that point, they can’t fly and will have to wait out their digestive systems to get off the ground again.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

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S A LT Y A I R O P E N M A R K E T

MARY MILLER

EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW

ABOUT PUMPKINS Whether you're baking, carving or just curious about pumpkins in general, there are surprises ahead.

Y

ou know it’s fall when you start seeing pumpkins at the grocery stores, nurseries and road-side produce stands. I never really gave much thought to choosing a pumpkin for Halloween jack-o’-lanterns until my husband I started running our own produce stand at the Salty Air Open Market in Cedar Point. I have found that there is much more to choosing a pumpkin than just picking the largest one.

History of the Pumpkin The word “pumpkin” originated from the Greek word pepŌn which means “large melon.” Then the French and English changed it some, and finally the Americans changed it to today’s “pumpkin” Most historians agree that the pumpkin originated in the Ancient Americas, not as modern pumpkins, but as a crooked neck variety of squash. It was the Indians that introduced the pumpkin and squash to the early Pilgrims.

Because of their high nutritional value and the fact that they can be stored for long periods of time, pumpkins played a huge role in the survival of our ancestors. When you picture the first Thanksgiving, you think of a Pilgrim woman in a starched white apron holding a pumpkin pie in a fluted pie shell. But that wasn’t even close to today’s version of pumpkin pie. The original was a pumpkin with the top cut off. The seeds and “guts” were scooped out and the cavity was filled with cream, honey, eggs and spices all mixed together. They would then put the top back on and bury it in the hot ashes of their cooking fire. Along with the cooked flesh of the pumpkin, the pilgrims scooped out the contents and ate it like custard!

As far as carving pumpkins for Halloween jack-o’-lanterns, there are several theories of how it got started. Early jack-o’-lanterns were carved from turnips and potatoes by the Irish and Scottish and carried in Celtic celebrations. The English used beets. Lumps of lit coal were placed inside for light. When our ancestors arrived in America they found that pumpkins worked even better. The jack-o’-lantern is also considered to be a symbol of harvest celebrations.

Fruit or Vegetable?

A pumpkin is not a vegetable—it’s a fruit! In fact, it’s a berry.

Pumpkins belong to the family Cucurbitaceae, which includes cucumbers, melons, squash and gourds. Within this family is the genus Cucurbita 2 2 | C A R O L I N A S A L T | O C T O B E R / N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 4

which includes gourds, winter and summer squash and all varieties of pumpkin. Four species are considered pumpkins, but only one is the species most people would recognize as the traditional carving and baking pumpkin.

Carving vs. Baking Pumpkins Some varieties of pumpkin are best for carving, and some are used for baking. Pumpkins used for carving will be much larger than the baking varieties. You will never go wrong with a Jack-O’-Lantern variety for carving. This variety is bred just for carving. These pumpkins have straight and stiff walls that stand up to the carving knife. Their outer flesh is tougher than the baking varieties. Plus once the inside has been scraped out, the inner cavity is perfect for holding a candle. The shape of the JackO-Lantern is also suitable for sitting on a flat surface. You should not use a carving pumpkin for baking. A carving pumpkin’s flesh is stringy and holds moisture, which makes baking with them a lot harder and a lot less tasty.

A pumpkin grown for food consumption is generally much smaller and sweeter. The heavier the pumpkin, the more flesh it has … and it will only get sweeter as it ages. The average size for culinary pumpkins is 3 to 8 pounds, verses the 10 to 20-pound carving pumpkins.

At the Salty Air Open Market, we are getting our baking pumpkins from Aman Family Farms in Swansboro. Their pumpkins are insecticide and pesticide free as well as non-GMO. The variety is called Little Giants and run from 2 to 6 pounds. Our carving pumpkins are the Jack-OLantern variety and weigh between 8 and 20 pounds.

Choosing the Perfect Pumpkin Whether you are looking for a pumpkin to carve or to bake with, there are several steps to take to make sure your pumpkin will stand up to the task.

FOR CARVING PUMPKINS: Before you go out to the pumpkin fields or local road stand to choose your pumpkin, have a good idea what you want to carve. Smaller pumpkins are good for simple faces. A medium-sized pumpkin will cover most stencil patterns. For the more elaborate patterns and designs you will probably want to choose a larger pumpkin. Choose a pumpkin with a smooth surface to make carving

CARVING TIPS intricate designs easier. Make sure your pumpkin has a flat bottom so it will sit on a flat surface and not roll over.

FOR ALL PUMPKINS: Choose a pumpkin that feels firm and heavy for its size. You never want a soft pumpkin. A soft pumpkin is a rotting pumpkin.

Knock on the pumpkin with your knuckles. You want to hear a crisp, hollow sound. Make sure your pumpkin has good color all around. A pumpkin that is still green in areas isn’t fully mature and will be harder to carve and is definitely not ready to cook.

Look for a healthy stem and that is solidly attached. A green stem means that the pumpkin is very fresh and just recently harvested. A strong sturdy stem means a strong healthy pumpkin. Look for damage to the skin. Nicks, punctures and cuts can cause problems.

Make sure there are no soft spots or mold present. All of these can cause your pumpkin to spoil and decay faster. Turn your pumpkin over and apply pressure on the bottom with your thumbs, if it flexes or gives, your pumpkin is not fresh. When picking your pumpkin up, never ever pick it up by the stem! The stem can break, and if it breaks at its base your pumpkin will rot very quickly. Follow your heart. Sometimes picking a less-than-perfect pumpkin can give your design more character.

Storing and Preserving Your Carved Pumpkin Once you choose your pumpkin and bring it home, there are some things you can do to prolong its life.

• Never display your pumpkin in direct sunlight.

Keeping it out of the sun will prolong the pumpkin’s color and keep it fresher for a longer time.

• Freezing temperatures will damage a pumpkin.

Bring it indoors if there is a danger of frost.

You can use a towel or blanket to cover your pumpkin on nights that are just below freezing.

• If you intend to display your pumpkin indoors, avoid setting it directly in contact with surfaces like tabletops, wood flooring or carpeting. The warmth of your home can cause the pumpkin to soften and weep pumpkin juice which can cause damage. Place your pumpkin on plastic, a platter or some other impervious surface.

After you have carved your masterpiece, follow these suggestions to help keep your Jack-O-Lantern glowing longer: • Add a teaspoon of bleach to a bucket of water and soak your freshly carved pumpkin in it for 8 hours. This will inhibit and deter mold. Make sure you drain all the water before you put it out for display.

• Use your fingertips dipped in petroleum jelly to coat cut edges. Use a cotton swab for areas that are hard to get to. This seals the wound and helps the pumpkin last longer.

• During the day, keep your pumpkin out of the direct sunlight. Place it in a cool, dark place. It will spoil more quickly at room temperature.

If you have room, keep it in your refrigerator when it’s not being displayed.

• If your pumpkin begins to shrivel, you can

sometimes revive it by placing a wet towel over it or by soaking it in a bucket of water. Some people have had success with spraying their pumpkin with hairspray or clear acrylic. This seals the flesh so it will not lose moisture.

After Your Pumpkin Goes Bad Don’t just throw your old jack-o’-lantern in the trash once it starts to rot. You can compost your pumpkin, bury it in your garden or feed it to your neighbor’s cows. Don’t have neighbors with cows or a compost bin or a garden? You can drop it off at The Salty Air Open Market in Cedar Point anytime during the day Monday through Sunday. We will have a Pumpkin Refuge Bin for collecting old pumpkins, which will be taken to Opossum Wood Acres, a wildlife shelter in nearby Hubert. They would love to have your old pumpkin to feed to their animals!

If you can’t make it to the market, you can drop your pumpkin off directly at Opossum Wood Acres at 119 Doe Drive in Hubert. Give them a call at 910-3266432 for more information.

Baking A Pumpkin I have to admit I have never cooked my pumpkin pies with fresh pumpkin—I have always used canned from the grocery store. Shame on me! Cooking pumpkin is so easy! There are several main cooking methods: boiling, steaming and baking. I am going to talk about how to bake your pumpkin. There is nothing better than the smell of warm pumpkin baking in the oven! Here are some tips on how to bake with raw pumpkin: • Choose a baking pumpkin that is heavy for its size and feels very firm. Cut it open from the top to avoid a mess, and clean the inside “guts” and seeds out. Save your seeds! They are high in protein and make a tasty snack once roasted!

• Cut the pumpkin into two halves and cover each half with foil, if you like. Place on a baking sheet foil side up and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 1 to 1½ hours, or until the flesh is tender. The outer edges will brown and the natural sugars will caramelize and give the pumpkin more flavor.

• Remove from oven and let cool. Once it has cooled down enough to handle, simply scoop out the cooked flesh. Mash it in a bowl with a fork or potato masher, or puree with a food processor or blender. Once you have a smooth consistency, just measure out the amount needed for you recipe.

• A 29-ounce can of pumpkin is equivalent to about 3½ cups of fresh, cooked pumpkin. A 16-ounce can of pumpkin is equivalent to about 2 cups of cooked fresh pumpkin. Freeze your leftover fresh cooked pumpkin in pre-measured freezer bags for later use.

There you have it. Everything you need to know about pumpkins. I have learned a lot in doing my research for this article. I found most of the information for this article on the Internet. There are tons of websites dedicated to pumpkins and you can find information on just about everything from growing pumpkins to pumpkin bread recipes. •

When cleaning the inside of your pumpkin, scrape the outer wall to an inch thick.

This makes carving much easier.

Use an ice cream scoop to clean out the seeds and guts (sometimes called the “pumpkin brains”) Pick a design that fits the size and shape of your pumpkin. You can use your copier to enlarge or shrink a design to make it fit better.

Before you put the lid back on your pumpkin, sprinkle some cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on the inside of the lid. The heat from the candle will activate the spices and a delightful aroma will fill the air.

If you make a mistake and cut too much out of your pumpkin, use toothpicks to put it back together.

Save the seeds! There is nothing that goes with pumpkin carving better than roasting your Pumkin Seeds!

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION Pumpkins are very good for you. They are low in calories and high in fiber. They are also low in sodium, and the seeds are high in protein!

1 CUP OF COOKED PUMPKIN CONTAINS: Calories...............................49 Protein................................ 2g Carbohydrate................... 12g Dietary Fiber...................... 3g Calcium.........................37mg Iron................................1.4mg Magnesium...................22mg Potassium...................564mg Zinc..................................1mg Selenium.......................50mg Vitamin C.......................12mg Niacin..............................1mg Folate.............................21mg Vitamin A.....................2650IU Vitamin E.........................3mg

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A Q UA O N E P O O L S

RODNEY CAPP

SOUTHERN HOMEKEEPING

Housekeepers of the … pool?

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ongratulations! You worked hard, saved up more then you spent on your first car and guarded your credit score like it was your only child. After all the hard work and growing up you finally bought your dream house.

Just like Barbie’s, your dream house has a pool. I mean what kind of dream house would it be without one? The papers are signed, the keys are transferred and you are already planning your first backyard barbeque party.

You are finally living out your dreams and are the envy of all your friends. I mean how many of your friends have a pool? The real estate agent has assured you that taking care of the pool is easy and has given you all the original paperwork. You, your family and friends get to swim and play all summer! All you have to do is clean the pool once a week and balance chemicals. Wait … what? Chances are you didn’t get to this place in your life dreaming about spending your free time scrubbing dirt and algae off a pool on your hands and knees, but people mow their own lawns so maybe it won’t be that bad.

At least the chemicals should be easy, right? I mean how hard can adding a few chemicals be? So you pull out the chemical test strip and the instructions are pretty basic. 1) Dip the strip in the water….got it! 2) Hold the strip horizontally for 20 seconds and read the colored patches from top to bottom in order….ok, you have been matching colors since kindergarten. You got this!

So now you have your results! You have a hardness of 100 ppm (parts per million), a total chlorine of 0.5 ppm, a free chlorine of 0.5 ppm, a pH of 8, an alkalinity of 40 ppm and a cyanuric acid reading of 30-50 ppm. If you understood half of those things you are doing better than most. I mean you paid attention in chemistry class right? Focus! I’m sure we can remember something. Then you remember you didn’t spend much time in chemistry class, let alone paying attention to the weird guy at the front of the classroom talking about bases, acids and pH. Ok, FOCUS! What did I do in school?

AHA! The internet! I mean if people can use a website to diagnose themselves, surely there must be information on pools! Ok here’s a list of what chemicals you need to balance your water.

Wait, they want the volume of my pool? Ok let’s bring back that geometry class. Wait, what shape would you even call my pool? A wiggly rectangle? Oh thank goodness here is a pool volume calculator online! Saved again! Ok, so there are hundreds of chemicals that all seem to do the same thing? Which one do I want? The cheapest? The highest quality? Oh look, a course on pool operating! It’s an online course too! How much can that cost? $250! Ok, ok, but once I know how to clean it the chemicals will be cheap, right? Let’s do another search. The average homeowner in North Carolina spends $400 to $800 a season on chemicals! That’s not even counting the electricity 2 4 | C A R O L I N A S A L T | O C T O B E R / N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 4

to run equipment, water to replace water lost to evaporation or repair work! In fact the average home owner can spend up to $1,600 each year to take care of their own pool. For that kind of money I should be able to pay someone to get on their hands and knees and clean my pool!

In reality many people come across their first pool with all the dreams of swimming after work, romantic nights with the spouse or throwing backyard barbecues that all their friends would envy.

Most new pool owners have little to no understanding of what they actually walked into when they acquired this concrete pond in their backyard. With little understanding of water chemistry, algae growth or equipment maintenance a pool can become a nightmare or even worse, a money pit.

“With improper care, a pool owner can cut the lifespan of their pool in half,” Says Rodney Capps, owner of Aqua One Pool and Spa. “If completely neglected, a pool can drop to a quarter of its expected lifespan.” According to the professionals, chemical costs can double or even triple if they are added incorrectly. You could waste chemicals by adding too much or require extra chemicals if they are not balanced and algae is allowed to grow. I’m sure your weekend swimming plans did not include green E. coli bacteria-infested water.

So what is the answer? Like we said before, you could spend some money and energy and clean your own, but who wants to do that?

For those of us who have enough chores during the week and want our pool to be the one place on earth we can find a personal oasis, there is a second option. Hire a pool company. We’ve all seen movies with a useless poolboy, though, so we have to ask: What exactly are you getting from a pool cleaning service and is it worth it?

According to Rodney Capps, “A professional pool service will allow you to just relax and swim while they do the dirty work.”

Sounds great, but in this world we all know that nothing comes free, so what does that cost? On average, a fee of $45 a week will get a pool technician to come to your house, clean your pool and balance your chemicals. Let’s see, $45 multiplied by 14 weeks of pool use equals $630! That’s right in the middle of the $400 to $800 average chemical cost for homeowners! I guess the home owner must have to pay for the chemicals, right? “Our service includes the chemicals it takes to keep your pool balanced,” Rodney says. So not only is your pool tech testing your chemical levels, but they are also bringing top-quality chemicals to your pool and adding the correct dosage to insure your equipment, kids and pets are all safe to swim. So as Monica says, “you can just relax and swim.”

What knowledge does a pool service bring to the table? Pool operators like the ones at Aqua One Pool and Spa are certified by CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

BROAD STREET CLINIC The Broad Street Clinic is a private, non-profit medical clinic. Its mission is to provide access to medical care for the uninsured low-income population in Carteret County. It is located on North 35th Street in Morehead City.

CLAM BAKE & PIG PICKIN’ BENEFIT

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To benefit the Broad Street Clinic of Morehead City.

arolina Salt would like to invite everyone to come out and show their support on November 8 for a Clam Bake and Pig Pickin’ at Snapperz Grill and Steam Bar to benefit The Broad Street Clinic. The fundraiser will be held in the Snapperz parking lot (drive thru style) at 2710 Arendell Street in Morehead City beside El’s Drive-In. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. and runs until 2:30 p.m. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to benefit The Broad Street Clinic. Last year’s event raised $2,800—our goal is to double that.

To secure a plate, please pre-purchase your tickets at the following locations: Snapperz Grill & Steam Bar; Broad Street Clinic; Sound Bank (Morehead City, Beaufort and Cape Carteret Cedar locations) or through members of the Broad Street Clinic board.

For more information call 252-726-4562.

On The Menu Get yourself a Clam Bake box for $15! It includes a half pound of peel and eat shrimp, clams, potatoes, corn on the cob and sausage, and includes cocktail sauce and butter. Or try the BBQ Plate for $7 a box—get a half pound of barbecue, slaw, baked beans and a roll.

Canned Pepsi products are available for $1 per can.

About The Broad Street Clinic The Broad Street Clinic was founded in 1993 by county physicians and concerned citizens as a private, non-profit, free health clinic serving the adult residents of Carteret County and surrounding areas. Its mission is to provide access to medical care for our uninsured low-income population. The clinic was originally based on Broad Street

in Beaufort, but is now located on North 35th Street in Morehead City near Carteret General Hospital.

The clinic is open Monday through Thursday. Monday mornings and Tuesdays are patient days when volunteer doctors, nurse practitioners and nurses see patients. It is not unusual for 70 patients to be seen on a first-come, first-served basis between 1:30 and 8 p.m. each Tuesday.

Thursday is pharmacy day when the clinic’s volunteer pharmacy manager, Dick Gray, arrives to prepare, on average, 400 prescriptions for 160 patients. Pharmacy hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and then 1:30 to 4 p.m. The clinic carries no Class II narcotics; the strongest medication the clinic carries is ibuprofen.

A gynecology clinic is held once a month.

Psychological services are now available weekly. A dental bus run by the North Carolina Baptist Men’s Association and staffed by local volunteer dentists and hygienists comes to the clinic on a quarterly basis. The clinic is about to open its own dental clinic which will provide limited dental services to established patients. We have also opened up a monthly eye clinic!

The Broad Street Clinic employs three part-time patient advocates who meet with the patients to make certain they are compliant with the requirements of the DAP program. The clinic employs one part-time bookkeeper who also keeps the office stocked and well oiled. The executive director, Edie Reed, does just about everything else and then some.

A special thanks to the following sponsors: Pate Dawson Food Company, Sound Bank, Carolina Salt Magazine, Mallard Gas, Minges Bottling Group (Pepsi), Snapperz Grill & Steam Bar and all of its employees, Carteret Community College, Island Essentials, The Hanford Family, Jason Davis of JD’s BBQ, Southern Foods, Swan Island Graphics, and all the wonderful volunteers that spend countless hours helping the clinic.•

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THE OLD HALLOWEEN

A

Remember how it used to be in the old days?

h fall. The crunch of the leaves, the crispness in the air, bright starry nights and cool mornings, all heralding one thing: the dawn of holiday decorating season. Specifically, Halloween. Remember Halloween? Not the new, glittery, plastic and store-bought Halloween. OLD SCHOOL Halloween.

You know the one. The one that USED to be a single day’s event. The one that didn’t require parties, planning, strategic trick-or-treat-route meetings by moms over their Starbucks pumpkin lattes, whole days dedicated to costume shopping, whole nights dedicated to carefully assembling “gift baggies” of candies tied off with expertly executed little bows to be handed out to well-coiffed, perfectly manicured tots in expensive, overthe-top costumes. Remember? Do ya? Do ya? Do ya?

Back in the day, Halloween consisted of, oh, I don’t know, TWO things: you colored in a jack-o-lantern at school that day, you trick-or-treated that night. End of story. Oh, sure, sometimes a few days in advance we would make a glittery construction paper jack-o-lantern in school or we’d assemble one of those weird paper skeleton things that you attached the arms and legs to with brads so you could move them. Remember? We’d bring ’em home and Mom would pop them on the door (unless, of course, she had sprung for one of those plastic door cover deals that had Frankenstein on it—but only the coolest kids had those) and voilà! Halloween decorating was done! Sidenote: Did you guys also have a mischievous neighborhood kid who would rearrange the limbs on your door skeleton, making its knees buckle in and using its hands to cover its privates so when you came home from school, you had a skeleton on your door that looked like it desperately needed to go potty? One time we came home and our skeleton was giving us the finger.

No? Hmmm.

Costumes consisted of some whacko collaboration of things from your parent’s clothes closet or the linen closet if you were going ghost. I remember one time, for like, three years running, my little sister and I went as the same thing: gypsies. Was it because we had a penchant for gypsies? No. Was it because we had a great respect for the gypsy culture? No. Did we dream of growing up to be gypsy princesses? Um, no. It was because we owned funky pajamas, we had kerchiefs that could be tied onto our heads, and we were the benefactors of a handful of plastic Mardi Gras beads that came from a party that my parents wouldn’t talk about around Grandma. There you have it folks … gypsy. Talk about a minimal investment in money, time … and effort. (I don’t know that I’ve ever met a

LOL!

gypsy in real life, but I can’t imagine that’s the official gypsy outfit. I remember the last year of our gypsy-dom. When we scoffed at our tired-out gypsy ensembles, our mother, ever the clever one, slapped red circles on both of our cheeks and TA DA! Gyspy CLOWNS. Eh, what can I say? We fell for it one last time. The next year though? Ghosts. Mardi Gras ghosts.)

Get out that easily with new, fancy Halloween? Not so much.

To start out with, nothing sends hordes of Suburban-driving mommas out to the superstore like having a THEME. First stop: Garden Department. Why? Hay bales. Now, not a single one of these ladies is out to do a little light landscaping with this stuff or feed their herd. Nope.

THESE bales shall form the base of the most beloved of early fall/Here Comes Halloween yard decorating ideas ever: the obligatory hay bale/mum/scarecrow/pumpkin sculpture. Ya can’t get away with a simple, one-bale deal anymore either. They get taller and more complicated every year. I suspect in the fancier neighborhoods, structural engineers are called in to design schematics and support systems so that the mini New York City Skylines of Straw don’t topple over onto the inflatable jack-o-lanterns or send pots of carefully color-coordinated mums flying to the ground, taking Mr. Scarecrow out at the knees in the process.

Next stop: craft department, because nothing says “welcome to my humble abode” like $50 worth of wide, wired candy corn-and-jack-o’-lantern themed ribbon tied around a giant grapevine wreath with a hand-painted and bedazzled 18-inch tall monogram in the middle of it. At this point, the first cart becomes the “drag behind” cart because, lucky you, right as you were running out of space in your own shopping cart, you found another cart (henceforth, known as the “push” cart) that had apparently been abandoned by a lesser mom who couldn’t handle the pressure. Amateur.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

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LO CAL HAPPENINGS

wansboro T

he Town of Historic Swansboro will be busy “decking their halls” (and its quaint shops, boutiques and restaurants) to ignite your holiday spirit the seaside way during the town’s annual Swansboro by Candlelight holiday open house Saturday, November 8, in downtown Swansboro from 5–9 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Historic Downtown Swansboro Merchants. Enjoy a leisurely dinner along the twinkling waterfront wonderland in one of Swansboro’s delectable restaurants.

Then stroll through the candlelit streets, exploring an array of charming shops and boutiques to find that unique treasure for everyone on your Christmas list.

Festivities will include a performance from The Nutcracker by the Swansboro Dance Studio at 5 p.m., followed by the official lighting of the Town Christmas Tree at 6 p.m. Local favorites Scearce & Ketner and Wild Honey will serenade shoppers from 6:15 to 8:30 p.m. at the Harry C. Pugliese Pavilion in the Olde Towne Square and the Swansboro High School Band will serenade you with holiday tunes at Second Wind from 5 to 9 p.m.

There will also be a wine tasting tent sponsored

by Bake, Bottle & Brew, and holiday treats from area merchants. For more information visit www. swansborochamber.org or call 910-326-1174. •

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CATCH ALL THE

Vocational Rehabilitation can help the disabled find work

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eah Lewis now shares her office administration skills with the Fleet Readiness Center—FRC East at Cherry Point.

Her supervisor could not be more pleased with her job performance. “She is eager, willing to learn and quickly picked up [our] program and ran with it,” says Donna McDougal, Human Resources Specialist.

A year ago things did not look so rosy for Leah. In 2009, Leah left a long-held job in Raleigh with the Office of Secretary of State and moved to Oriental with her partner to start an online boat parts business.

Unfortunately, business dwindled as the recession took hold, eventually leading to her decision to rejoin the workforce. After several months of frustration, Leah contacted Vocational Rehabilitation for help.

Born without hearing, Leah had speech therapy at an early age and was mainstreamed throughout her school years, using an interpreter.

Leah was no stranger to Vocational Rehabilitation. VR had played an important role in her life. “I contacted VR when I started my job search because I knew that they understood and would help someone like me,” shared Leah. VR has assisted Leah with a variety of services to help her reach her employment goal; gas assistance and interpreter services for interviews and job placement, job search assistance and on-the-job support. She began working with the VR Business Relations Representative, Libby Steadham, out of the Morehead City office in 2013. Together they worked on updating her resume and rethinking her job search strategy to better fit the current area and economy. Libby said, “Leah is one of the hardest working people I have ever worked with, never giving up on her dream to work in office administration again. She continues to be a great inspiration to everyone who knows and works with her.”

“Leah is one of dozens of success stories we can point to,” says Chris Clark, Counselor in Charge of the Morehead City Unit office. “We want to meet the needs of both the employee and the employer.” Donna McDougal from FRC East would say that their match with Leah is “mission accomplished!”

If you are a business interested in discussing potential hires or a person with a documented disability that is keeping you from getting a job and you would like to go to work, please call 252-247-2037 and speak to Libby Steadham, Business Relations Representative or email her at elizabeth.steadham@dhhs.nc.gov. •

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DI S C OV E RY DI V I NG

LEE MOORE

DI V I NG O U R C OAS T

IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER

O

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.

ctober is when the marine life off the Crystal Coast begins to change from what we have been seeing over the summer. The water is still in the mid 70s, but as it begins to cool down into the low 70s, northerly marine life moves south to take up residence off our coast.

October 11 is when divers, their families and friends return to Radio Island for Discovery Diving’s 35th Annual Treasure Hunt. Registration began in September, and the event expects to draw close to 200 participants. Painted, numbered oyster shells will be thrown out at Radio Island between the beach and the rock jetty for divers to find. The numbers on the shells determine drawing order for the prizes. Divers have 45 minutes to find and register their shells. At the pig pickin’, divers eat in the order in which they signed up for the Treasure Hunt.

Once everyone has gotten their food, the prize drawing begins.

Some see the Treasure Hunt as the end of the dive season, but diving is a year-round activity off of the Crystal Coast. Some divers opt for wearing a drysuit, but offshore wrecks still have water temperatures suitable for 7mm wetsuits.

The Papoose is the farthest wreck from shore that is still considered a regular day charter.It is a 412-foot tanker in 120 feet of water, with the highest part rising to about 90 feet. About 30 miles south of the Beaufort Inlet, it usually takes about two hours to reach this site. The wreck lies upside down with most of the stern section intact. Some of the hull plates are missing, allowing divers to look into the ship. There is a break amidships that leads to a debris field and onto the remains of the bridge. After Hurricane Arthur in 2014, the rudder fell to the sand.

The Papoose was a ship that rose from the flames. Her original name was the Silvanus.

As the Silvanus, she was traveling the Mississippi River when she rammed her bow into another ship, causing her deck plates to buckle and igniting her cargo of benzene. The fire and explosions caused her to be ruled a total loss. The burned out remains were towed to Beaumont, Texas, to be refitted.

After 300 workers had labored for five months, the ship was ready to go to sea again. She was rechristened the Papoose on March 31, 1927. She continued life as a tanker, making runs between Galveston and New York carrying gasoline. On the night of March 18, 1942, the Papoose was heading south from Rhode Island to Texas to pick up another cargo of crude oil. Since she was empty, Captain Raymond Zalnick was able to keep the Papoose closer to shore. The Papoose was completely blacked out to hide from patrolling U-boats. There was a northwest wind, the seas were moderately rough and the Papoose was not running a zig-zag course.

At 10:30 p.m., a torpedo from the U-124 slammed into the port side of the ship, rupturing the fuel tank. Oil and water poured into the fire and engine rooms. In four minutes, they were flooded to the top of the cylinder heads of the engines. Captain Zalnick gave the order to head for shore, but without the engines, the ship became a sitting duck. The radioman sent out a distress call, which was answered, and then the crew abandoned ship. As part of the crew was rowing away from the ship in the No. 3 lifeboat, a second torpedo passed close to them, continuing on to hit the Papoose on the starboard side, almost directly across from the first impact. The impact caused the No. 1 lifeboat to foul on the way down. Captain Zalnick ordered the bow of the lifeboat lowered to the water and the stern cut loose. Some of the crew was injured by falling debris. The next morning, the USS Stringham picked up the 34 men in the two lifeboats. Two of the crew died when the initial torpedo struck and flooded the engine room.

Just because fall is in the air and the temperatures are no longer above 80 degrees, the Crystal Coast is still a great to dive. As we get closer to winter, the weather will become more unpredictable and there will be fewer days that charter boats can get offshore. Contact Discovery Diving at dive@discoverydiving.com, 252-728-2265 or like us on Facebook to see what classes, charters and events are coming up in the near future. •

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Housekeepers, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 DON’T GET CAUGHT WITHOUT COVERAGE FOR YOUR BOAT.

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the American Association of Pools and Spas. This means they took a course and learned not only how to test and balance chemicals, but how to calculate water volumes and chemical dosages. They are taught which chlorine, pH, alkalinity, hardness and stabilizer levels are acceptable and what unbalanced levels will do to equipment and swimmers. Pool operators are also taught to notice when equipment is not operating correctly and even correct minor issues on the spot.

On top of the specialized knowledge a pool operator brings, they also bring specialized equipment. Technicians bring top-of-the-line vacuums, nets and brushes to make sure they can remove the bugs, leaves, dirt and anything else messing up your swimming party this weekend. Aqua One pool technicians also bring good old fashioned scrubbing pads to make sure every nook and cranny is cleaned out.

Aqua One Pool and Spa also offers other pool and spa services on top of regular maintenance. If you are thinking of installing a pool and spa, they can walk you down the confusing path of selecting what type of pool, filter and pump, as well as help you understand permitting and regulations regarding your pool. If you have the know-how to maintain your pool but need chemicals and equipment, they sell everything you need to clean and care for your pool. Their store will also test your water for free and tell you what chemicals you need to add and at what dosage. All you have to do is bring a sample of your water and the dimensions or volume of your pool. Aqua one also does service calls if something goes wrong. So quit spending your free time trying to fight the ugly green waters in your backyard and start relaxing in the crystal clean pool you were dreaming of.

Note on decorations used in the picture: Pumpkins, straw bales and scarecrows were provided by the Trick-or-Treat hayride and pumpkin patch at 3100 Freedom Way. Looking for decorations this year? You can go just about anywhere these days and get them.

They have specialty shops for Halloween decor or you can just grab a pumpkin while you pick up your groceries at almost any grocery store. But where does that money go? At the pumpkin patch on Freedom Way they send a portion of the proceeds to the FishStrong Foundation. In honor of Jeffrey Fisher who lost his life at 24 after a three-year fight with cancer, the folks at the Freedom Way pumpkin patch donate part of their profits to find a cure for the disease that is taking loved ones away from us. So instead of grabbing the pumpkin outside your grocery chain and letting that money drift off into a corporation, why not take a ride and pick out a quality, locally grown pumpkin and donate to cancer research at the same time?

You can walk away feeling good that you are supporting your local community and fighting back against cancer. All by just buying your pumpkin at 3100 Freedom Way pumpkin patch. They have a variety of pumpkin sizes and types to meet you fall decorating needs. They also have hay bales, corn stalks, scarecrows and more. From October 1–31, you can stop by any day Wednesday through Saturday after dusk and scare yourself silly. Have a scaredy-cat friend? Throw them in your car and come on down. With headless horsemen, walking dead, a petting zoo, a hayride and a tunnel of terror you’re sure to scare them and you! You can even make reservations by calling 910326-1075. Keep them in mind this Christmas as well. They will be back with beautiful trees and decorations. They are located at 3100 Freedom Way in Hubert. Look for the giant witch! •

Let the quacking begin at the Annual Rotary Duck Race— you could win BIG!

E

xcitement is building around the 6th Annual Swansboro Rotary Duck Race, to take place on the White Oak River November 1 in Swansboro across from Dudley’s Marina.

The event is being held to increase Rotary funding for community programs and projects, including annual scholarships for local students, BackPack Kids and Take a Kid Fishing, as well as supporting regional and international Rotary Projects..

This year more sponsors have stepped up to add to the prizes and available project funds. Non-profit organizations are being recruited to help sell tickets in exchange for 25 percent of the ticket sales.

Contact Terri Ashby for more information at 252-723-7627 or Beryl Packer at 252-269-1952. Tickets are available at Coastal Outlet in Cedar Point and Through The Looking Glass in Swansboro.

Approximately 10,000 ducks are up for adoption by supporters!

The first ten ducks to cross the finish line will win a prize and a chance to win a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado truck valued at $45,000! The first place price is a street-ready golf cart from John’s Golf Carts. Second place is a modular kayak from LL Bean that can be used for one or two people in tandem. The third place prize is a beautiful Weber Grill from Lowe’s worth $725. The remaining prizes are cash prizes.

Adopt A Duck $5................................................................................................... one duck $25.............................................................................................a Six Quack $50.................................................................................a Quacker’s Dozen $100..............................................................................a Flock of 30 ducks $250............................................................................... a Fleet of 80 ducks $500.....................................................................an Armada of 170 ducks

Big Buck Ducks In addition, a separate race will be held with approximately 200 Big Buck Ducks. This race is ducks that are adopted at $100 each. The cash prizes are $6,500 for first place, $2,500 for second and $1,000 for third place if all 200 ducks are adopted. (Prizes will be pro-rated based on the actual number of ducks in the race.)

The Swansboro Rotary Club is well known for its dedication to the surrounding communities. More than 70 members actively support numerous events to raise money for scholarships and other community services. In fact, the club has raised over $819,000 for local projects and programs since 1985.

Among the many events sponsored are the Oyster Roast & Pig Out in March, a Last-Out Drawing in September, the Great Mullet Run in October in conjunction with the annual Mullet Festival, the Annual Bluewater Tournament over Memorial Day Weekend and the King Mackerel Tournament in October. •

Old Halloween, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

Phantom Ship, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

On to: Costumes! Yeah, right. No self-respecting mommy is buying a costume from a superstore. They get purchased online … after your kid picks them out … after scrolling up and down and up and down and up and down and … because nothing says “mom fail” like your kid and some other kid wearing the same costume. Six-year-olds just don’t need the pressure of a Who Wore It Best episode in the middle of the street on Halloween night whilst their peers play judge and jury. And they will. For they are evil. And jacked up on candy corn and Pop Rocks.

Next department: Candy Aisle. Or rather, candy aisles.

Rows and rows in the middle of the store, where once summer supplies lived, are now wholly dedicated to the art of repackaging treats in Halloween wrappers so that, if you hand out the REGULAR wrapped Hershey’s minis—which in the past would have made you the “cool” house on the block—you now rank among the ill-prepared and unfashionable. Candy must be wrapped in THEMEware. And it wouldn’t hurt if the candy and the bowl holding it matched your wreath, too. Just saying …

Last on the list: The humble pumpkin. Humble, that is, until you get out your Leonardo da Vinci Let’s Make A Masterpiece pumpkin carving kit. The “punkin” your kid made with those silly triangle eyes and goofy, jacked up teeth?

Back porch. How can we adequately capture the essence of Halloween without one of those tediously carved Kitty Cat Juxtaposed Against the Backdrop of a Full Moon pumpkins on the front porch?

Ah. The simplicity of Halloween, like everything else in life, seems to now belong to a bygone era. I miss it, I do.

We’ve done it ourselves, though. We all cave in to the pressure, making everything in our lives so over-the-top that “normal” and “easy” just won’t suffice anymore. I wonder sometimes if maybe just one of us would stand up and say, “Not THIS year.

This year will be simpler. I’ll add one less story on the hay bale sculpture. My KIDS will get to decorate our front door with home-made paper jack-o-lanterns. We are going to MAKE our costumes … with stuff we ALREADY have! I’m going to spread some newspaper on the kitchen floor and let those sweet babies of mine design and cut their OWN front porch ‘punkins’.”

Yeah, right. Gotta go. My Dad just pulled up in the front yard with his big utility trailer. Gotta go string the lights and get the sound system set up to carry the kids trick-or-treating.

We’ve only got a few weeks to get it right! What? Your kids WALK? Cretins. •

lean, tanned face was grave and immediately she knew something was wrong.

He put his arm around her, “Mattie, I don’t know how to break the news to you, but I must. John’s ship went down in the storm.”

“No! I just saw it!” cried Mattie. “It was right in the place where he always anchors. The ship I saw was John’s. Where has it gone?”

“You couldn’t possibly have seen the Esmeralda, sister or John either. We were separated during a nor’easter and near dusk when the wind abated I saw him through my glasses to the south of us. We set our sails to overtake him, but the sea was still rough and the waves towered above my ship. I saw the Esmeralda rise from the trough to the crest and then fall back on its side as if felled by some monstrous hand. It sank so rapidly no one could help them.”

“But his ship—it was out in the harbor this morning in its usual place.”

“Mattie, you can’t have seen it. The Esmeralda will never anchor in Beaufort Harbor again,” her brother said sadly. Mattie began to sob wildly and then to berate the sea.

“Why did the sea snatch him away? I hate you! I hate you, I… hate… you!” she cried out looking across the water.

“Hush, Mattie. Hush,” said her brother holding her to him until her cried died away and became soft anguished moans.

“But how could I have seen his ship this morning?”

“My dear, you can only have seen a phantom ship sailed by a crew from another world.”

“No. It was John,” said Mattie Sabiston. She took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders. “He came back for one last good-bye,” she said quietly and walked toward the house. •

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your life on the Crystal Coast

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Vultures, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 Although they are raptors, their feet are quite different from those of birds that rely on powerful talons to capture prey. A vulture’s feet are more adapted to walking, running and hopping.

They look more like chicken feet. The vulture’s anatomy lacks a syrinx, which is the vocal organ in birds, so the only vocalizations they share are grunts and hisses. Vultures must chuckle a bit when they are mistaken for the majestic eagle or the considered-more-beautiful osprey, as they soar high in the sky with their six-foot wingspans.

An avian sports contender, the vulture can glide for hours without flapping a wing, which attests to its remarkable endurance. Vultures enjoy sunny days over gray days because they need warmed air with sufficient thermals to support soaring. It’s actually easy to tell vultures from other birds in the sky if you know what to look for. A vulture’s wings form the shape of a “V” in flight and they tilt from side to side as they soar, unlike eagles and hawks.

In our coastal region, we see vultures year round. They are permanent residents, mostly non-migratory. Most vultures mate for life after winning their significant other with impressive courtship dance moves. During breeding season, trees are not their choice for nesting. Their eggs are laid on the ground and hidden under cover, in rock crevices, in hollow trees or logs or sometimes in hillside depressions or caves. The eggs are whitish with lots of dark brown markings and both parents incubate the eggs from 38 to 41 days.

Vultures generally raise two chicks each year and feed their young by regurgitation. Like most species, young birds look different from adult birds, although baby vultures are unfortunately still homely.

Young vultures have a gray head, bill and legs. They get their adult coloration and plumage when they are one or two years old.

One might wonder how vultures don’t get sick feeding on dead and rotting foods. The answer is that they have a digestive system that contains special acids that can dissolve some pretty bad stuff … anthrax, botulism, salmonella and cholera bacteria. Medical researchers continue to look at the vulture’s innate protection system in attempts to find an effective treatment for humans suffering from serious and deadly afflictions.

In the spirit of the spooky holiday this month, the vulture tops the “Icky Factor” list. Not only do they eat dead and spoiled things, but they also use projectile vomiting as a defense mechanism. So be careful if you wonder into a vulture roosting area. You will be perceived as a disturbance and some of the icky stuff could be heading your way very quickly and accurately in attempts to scare you off! Also icky is the fact that they cool themselves by urinating or defecating on their own legs.

Quite the air conditioning system! Just a few more reasons why people don’t want them too close to their house.

In the United States, the vulture receives legal protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. It is illegal to take, kill or possess vultures and violation of the law is punishable by a fine of up to $15,000 and imprisonment for up to six months. So despite all the ickiness, how about a little respect for these dutiful birds who fulfill their inherent role in nature to cleanse disease from our environment, which helps other animals and people from getting sick. And who knows, these prehistoric creatures may just have the answer and cure for medical conditions the human race has been struggling with since the beginning of time. •

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OCT 12

Poker Fish

OCT 13

Go Pink On the Green Golf Tournament

OCT 16

Pink Pint Night at Shark’s Den

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