North Beach Sun Fall 2024

FALL 2024

eyeS Sky on the

the Subtle beauty of outer bankS weather

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FRee!

THROWING STONES

the Highland Way MAKING FRIENDS

WITH SHARKS N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 1

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FALL 2024 10 13

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FROM THE DESK BUT FIRST...

FALL EVENTS CALENDAR HEAD OF THE BRASS Jamming with Sam on Sax

18

PEACEFUL WATERS Making friends with sharks

20

BY THE GRAIN Elevating a kitchen staple

23

EYES ON THE SKY Capturing Outer Banks weather

32

ROCK ON Strongman Don Beishl

49

36 38 41

TOWN REPORT BUSINESS BRIEFS HOME SPOTLIGHT Lost & found

44

BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES Storm prep with the pros

46

FOUR IF BY SEA Help wanted

49

MANE ATTRACTIONS The winged horses of the Outer Banks

20

ABOUT THE COVER: Coastal clouds gathered ahead of Hurricane Idalia, which was downgraded to a tropical storm before passing through the Carolinas in 2023 (photo courtesy of Casey Robertson).

THIS PAGE: Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Neal (top and bottom), Lori Douglas (middle left), and Cory Godwin (middle right).

52 56

SUN SALUTATIONS GREAT SHAKES A combination of history and creativity

58

FIVE FACTS Kitty Hawk Elementary School

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 9

FRO M THE DE SK

staff staff PUBLISHERS Adam & Cathy Baldwin

Put yourself at the top of the list.

AS SUMMER SLOWLY WINDS DOWN, and our thoughts turn to fall festivities, many of us feel a slight sense of relief. But maybe that’s true of any major seasonal change: You turn a corner, mark another milestone off the books, and pivot toward future possibilities.

Or maybe there’s a bit more to it? Even if summer is the season you live for, there’s something almost relentless about it – the long hot days, the traveling and out-of-town family visitors. The barbeques, fireworks and sunscreen in near-countless different denominations.

Perhaps the trickiest thing about summer is that it’s supposed to be fun. Every day. At all times. Oh, and ideally? That fun should at least appear effortless.

Your best hair is “beach hair” (don’t care), to pair with a breezy, blockbuster “beach read.”

Boho is back, and crochet is cool again – ditto on the colorful sundresses. And you’ll want, of course, to sport a sun-kissed glow (but don’t forget to slather on the sunscreen).

Maybe summer isn’t inherently relentless, after all, it’s just the seemingly inescapable lists of summertime trends – most of which encourage us to live our best lives by doing the bare minimum (though not really).

Sure, every season has its quirks (pumpkin-spiced latte, anyone?), but somehow summer just seems to run that extra mile with it. It’s the only season that embraces “endless” as a positive adjective and co-opts other seasons’ features to bring us hybrids like “Christmas in July” without any sense of shame whatsoever.

Summer is brash, big and beautiful – and, let’s face it: There comes a time when that can start to feel just a little exhausting. We all have reserves of energy and patience, and they’re certainly not endless – no matter what time of year it is. Everyone needs periods to pause and replenish, to take stock of where we are and where we might be going next. Or even just to savor something as simple as an early afternoon nap.

There’s a reason why putting your own oxygen mask on first is such a popular metaphor for self-care – when we’re frazzled and running on fumes, the odds that we can cultivate compassion for others aren’t all that great.

So maybe it’s time to throw out all those top-trending lists – or, better yet, to rewrite them. This time, we might even consider putting ourselves right up there at the top, in whatever way feels most meaningful. Sick of scrubbing pots and pans? Run that dishwasher twice. Stuck on the first chapter of that true crime-inspired “easy” read? Break out your Jane Austen bucket list.

Only you know what you need most right now to make yourself the first priority during this transitional time of year – and it almost certainly won’t be found on a generic to-do list full of lifehacks for finding summer lovin’. And that’s more than okay. To be honest? It may even be the best way to mark our current seasonal milestone with true thankfulness – and to forge a pure sense of gratitude for all that’s yet to come.

As always, we hope you enjoy this issue!

EDITOR PUBLISHERS Amelia Boldaji Adam & Cathy Baldwin ART EDITOR DIRECTOR Dave AmeliaRollins Boldaji WRITERS ART DIRECTOR Cathy Baldwin Emmy Benton Dave •Rollins Amelia Boldaji • Steve Hanf SebastianCONTRIBUTORS Knaupp • Catherine Kozak Cathy Baldwin Amanda McDanel • Maggie McNinch Emmy Benton Michelle Wagner Amelia Boldaji PHOTOGRAPHERS Lori Douglas Lori Douglas Cory Godwin Cory •Godwin Jenni Koontz Ryan Moser Steve•Hanf ElizabethCatherine Neal • Casey Robertson Kozak OuterAmanda Banks History Center McDanel Maggie McNinch GRAPHIC Ryan DESIGNER Moser Dylan Bush GRAPHIC DESIGNER SALES MANAGER Dylan Bush Helen Furr SALES MANAGER ACCOUNT HelenEXECUTIVE Furr Faith Turek ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE DISTRIBUTOR Faith Turek Clint Trice The North Beach Sun is published quarterly by Access Media Group. All works contained herein are the property of the North Beach Sun. by The North Beach Sun is published quarterly Access Media Group.

All works contained herein are The views expressed in the articles contained herein propertyrefl of ect thethe North Beach Sun. do notthe necessarily views of the publisher,

or Access Media Group. contained The published The editor views expressed in the articles herein advertisements, all other domaterial, not necessarily reflect theeditorials views of and the publisher, content published in good faith.

Media editor oris Access Media Group.

TheAccess published Group andadvertisements, North Beach Sun cannot and guarantee and material, editorials all other accepts isnopublished liability for loss or damage of any content in any good faith.

Access Media kind caused by errors, or the accuracy Group and North Beachomissions Sun cannot guarantee andof byloss advertisers. accepts no claims liabilitymade for any or damage of any kind caused by errors, omissions or the accuracy of claims made by advertisers.

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Not Just a Phase

FORGET THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON – the light is where it’s at. But talking about Earth’s only natural satellite in terms of its relative visibility isn’t anything new: In addition to the common lunar phases we observe each month, the brilliance of a true full moon has evoked awe from indigenous cultures for millennia – and that reverence has led to numerous monikers for the 12-13 full moons we experience annually.

Though many ancient full moon nicknames have faded from regular usage (think March’s “worm moon” or November’s “beaver moon”), the timelessly poetic “harvest moon” – which is the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox – still reigns supreme. Earning its title long before the advent of electricity, the exceptional brightness of the harvest moon gave farmers the unique opportunity to tend to their crops later in the evening than usual – which was a particularly welcomed prospect right before the first official frosts of fall.

Apart from relatively rare “blue moons,” there are typically 12 full moons in a calendar year – each of which have been handed down their own distinct (and wildly colorful) names.

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Cran-tastic

WHILE THE OUTER BANKS IS BEST KNOWN for its contributions to the fishing

FLOWER MOON

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HUNTER’S MOON

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on the Outer Banks, there was a bustling trade network for yaupon holly among various Native American tribes. Originating on and around North Carolina’s coastal plain, where the shrub grows natively, demand for this plant stretched as far west as Illinois – and its popularity only skyrocketed further when it was introduced to early colonists in the 1500s.

Much of this fervor can be chalked up to the fact that yaupon holly is the only native North American plant that contains caffeine – and its leaves were used to brew up an earthy tea that colonists quickly dubbed the “black drink.”

As an alternative to Asian teas – which were much more expensive to import, and virtually impossible to source during Civil War-era blockades – yaupon tea

processing plants flourished (especially on Hatteras Island) through several other periods of economic hardship, including the Great Depression and World War II.

flickr.com/ilouque

Spill the Tea!

LONG BEFORE EUROPEANS FIRST ARRIVED

industry, seafood isn’t the only harvest that’s made a splash in our local waterways.

According to old newspaper accounts from the late 1800s, crops of native cranberries were once easily plucked from the bogs and swamplands surrounding today’s Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge – and their naturally occurring abundance may have even resulted in their commercial availability across regional grocery stores during the early part of the 20th century. (Pictured here, Thomas Midgett harvesting wild cranberries on the Dare County mainland near Manns Harbor, circa 1952. Photo courtesy of the Outer Banks History Center’s Aycock Brown Collection.)

Post-WWII, yaupon’s appeal began to wane nationwide – except on the Outer Banks, that is, where the home-brewed tea was still widely served in local restaurants until at least the 1970s. Though you’re unlikely to see it on a menu today, scientists have now taken up yaupon’s antioxidant-rich cause with evidence that it may be used to combat diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s.

13

fall events

2024

The Outer Banks is always full of fun things to do! Some of the following events were still being modified or added as of press time, so please don’t forget to check individual websites for the most current information.

OBX ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL September 4 – 5

BLUEGRASS ISLAND FESTIVAL October 16 – 20

Browse the works of local artisans whose specialties include painting, pottery, jewelry, photography, textiles and more at the Hilton Garden Inn. A portion of the proceeds go to local charities. facebook.com/obxartfestival

THE EASTERNS SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS September 15 – 21

FIRST FRIDAY September 6, October 4

Top surfers compete in the ESA’s “grand finale” at Jennette’s Pier. surfesa.org

Downtown Manteo comes alive on the first Friday of each month from 6–8 p.m. darearts.org

OBX PRIDE WEEK September 9 – 15 This week-long, all-inclusive celebration will feature live music, a drag show, celebrity impersonations and more – including a free, family-friendly pride festival held at Roanoke Island Festival Park. obxpridefest.com

CURRITUCK CORNHOLE TOURNAMENTS Wednesdays through the summer, ending September 11 Compete in weekly games at Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park for a chance to win a beach vacation donated by Brindley Beach. visitcurrituck.com

COROLLA CORK & CRAFT Wednesdays through the summer, ending September 11 Enjoy local beer and wine tastings, live music and curated crafts in the scenic setting of Historic Corolla Park. visitcurrituck.com

OUTER BANKS TRIATHLON September 13 – 14 This endurance multi-sport race challenges participants to swim, bike and run through Roanoke Island. obxse.com

DOWNTOWN MARKET ON THE MANTEO WATERFRONT Saturday mornings through the summer, ending September 14 Buy fresh local fruits, veggies and crafts at this farmers’ market every Saturday in downtown Manteo at George Washington Creef Park from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. manteonc.gov 14 | FA L L 2024

13TH ANNUAL SURFALORUS FILM FESTIVAL September 16 – 18 This three-day celebration of coastal marine culture showcases the year’s hottest surf films and ocean documentaries at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head. darearts.org/surfalorus

THROWDOWN SURF CLASSIC September 21 This annual “family-style” surf contest in Southern Shores raises money to support the local community. facebook.com/throwdownsurfclassic

CRABDADDY SEAFOOD & WINE FESTIVAL October 5 Enjoy steamed blue crabs, BBQ and fried fish while sipping local wine at this annual festival, complete with live music, hayrides and the Crabdaddy Olympics. sanctuaryvineyards.com

ISLAND FARM’S PUMPKIN PATCH Saturdays in October Head to the pumpkin patch to find the perfect locally grown pumpkin. Kids can play historic games, take wagon rides, sample fire-cooked popcorn and more. theislandfarm.com

PARADE OF HOMES October 10 – 13 Tour a select group of new, remodeled and green homes all along the Outer Banks. obhomebuilders.org

DUCK JAZZ FESTIVAL October 12 – 13 This free, all-day event features national, regional and local acts at the Duck Town Park. duckjazz.com

Bluegrass lovers from all over the world flock to the Outer Banks annually to hear acclaimed bands play at Roanoke Island Festival Park. bluegrassisland.com

ANOTHER ROUND 25K October 19 This inaugural race challenges runners to complete one 5K loop per hour for a total of five 5K loops at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head. obxse.com

OUTER BANKS SEAFOOD FESTIVAL October 19 Enjoy fresh, local seafood, cooking demos, mullet tossing, live music and more at this family-friendly event at The Soundside event site in Nags Head. outerbanksseafoodfestival.org

WINGS OVER WATER WILDLIFE FESTIVAL October 22 – 27 This several day event features a multitude of programs on subjects ranging from wildlife photography to natural history, birding and more. wingsoverwater.org

TOWNEBANK OUTER BANKS HALF MARATHON November 8 – 10 This three-day event includes a half-marathon and the Surf Pediatrics-sponsored Surf & Soar 5K, 8K and Fun Run. obxse.com

CURRITUCK BULLS & BBQ November 9 Enjoy a BBQ competition, cornhole tournament, barrel racing, a live rodeo and more at the Currituck County Rural Center. visitcurrituck.com

FIRST FLIGHT HOLIDAY MARKET November 16 and December 7 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.); November 26 and December 17 (4 p.m. – 7 p.m.)

Pick up locally made gifts during the First Flight Holiday Market at Aviation Park in Kill Devil Hills. kdhnc.com

WOODEN BOAT SHOW October 26

BEACH FOOD PANTRY CHEFS’ CHALLENGE November 16

Wooden boats—both new and restored— are on display during this annual event in downtown Manteo at the George Washington Creef Park. manteonc.gov

Chefs from some of the best restaurants on the Outer Banks compete during this event to benefit the Beach Food Pantry at the Pavilion at Pirate’s Cove Marina. beachfoodpantry.org

OUTER BANKS BREWTAG October 26

12 BARS OF CHRISTMAS November 29 – December 31

Watch teams launch handcrafted keg-driven flying machines from a flight deck while enjoying live music and sampling local and regional beers at The Soundside event site in Nags Head. obxbrewtag.com

Start a new Outer Banks tradition by visiting these 12 festive pop-up bars, fully decked out in holiday cheer.

12barsofchristmas.com

NIGHT OF 1587 PUMPKINS October 26 Enjoy a festive, fall night of trick-or-treating and contests at The Elizabethan Gardens as they attempt to light 1,587 jack-o-lanterns. elizabethangardens.org

HOLIDAY EVENTS IN MANTEO December 6, 7, 31 Get into the holiday spirit with the Manteo Christmas Tree Lighting on December 6 and the annual Christmas Parade the following day.

Or ring in 2025 in downtown Manteo for the always festive New Year’s Eve celebration! manteonc.gov

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N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 15

HEAD OF THE BRASS Saxophonist Sam Skelton just wants to play by her own rules PHOTO BY CORY GODWIN STORY BY BY SEBASTIAN KNAUPP

FOR MOST 15-YEAR-OLDS, a three-hour car ride with their dad is the ideal time to scroll through their phones or even take a short nap. Hatteras Island resident Sam Skelton, however, saw it as the perfect opportunity to learn how to play the saxophone.

She started out by fiddling around to songs like the Counting Crows’ “Mr. Jones,” intrigued specifically by what she describes as its “Clarence Clements-style raspiness.” Later that same week in the summer of 2016, she’d be playing full tilt in front of her favorite ice cream shop – with passersby repeatedly telling her she should’ve brought a tip jar along.

Eight years later at the age of 23, Sam still doesn’t like to waste time when she’s set her mind on something. While she accepts not being in full control of what she describes as this “amazing, wild [and] serendipitous” part of her life, she often finds herself exceeding her dreams long before she has time to completely articulate them.

Case in point: Her very first “long-term” ambition – making enough money to buy a milkshake – was accomplished during her debut ice cream shop performance (even without a tip jar). And her first “lifelong” goal of playing music in a professional band was checked off the list just few weeks later.

Now best known professionally as “Sam on Sax,” she continues to grow her catalog of venues both large and small at an incredibly rapid pace. In one of the few times Sam’s paused to consider her next major objective, she booked a dinner set – only to immediately out-do herself by being hired to feature at a big wedding. But Sam’s greatest achievement in her musical career so far is her current position as the front man and sax player for the four-piece band, Funkamongus.

Beyond the self-proclaimed dual ability of Funkamongus to conduct “chill jam sessions” while also “absolutely shredding,” Sam is a unique budding star worth seeing because of the gratitude

16 | FA L L 2024

Hatteras Island’s Sam Skelton kicks things up a notch during a solo performance at the Outer Banks Brewing Station.

she shows her hometown area. Growing up on Hatteras Island as a young blues and rock fan, Sam’s music is inspired by her personal all-time greats – including Stevie Ray Vaughan and Led Zeppelin – but her biggest idols remain those she tends to work with in much closer proximity.

“Local musicians have influenced me a lot,” Sam explains. Topping that list are the musicians she gets to share the Funkamongus namesake with, such as the band’s guitarist, George Tsonev. “Mickey Calhoun, my bass player, Earl Winfree, my drummer, they’re all just incredible musicians – and they put up with me for reasons unknown.”

A quick peek at any Funkamongus or a solo Sam on Sax show would immediately demonstrate why the band “puts up” with the young musician. Though she’s between 20 to 40 years younger than her bandmates, she has an almost effortless ability to jam with any generation, and she’s well versed in decades-worth of musical history to back her innate talent up. One might even describe her as being the perfect blend of rockstar and laid-back beach bum.

Sam’s list of other names who have influenced her is near-endless: Lou Castro, Lisa Cooper, Mark Skelton, Rory Kelleher, Brian Surratt, Sean McCroskey and Eli Thompson are just some of Sam’s many personal legends. Though she’s already taken the stage in big cities like Nashville, it’s Hatteras Island that has her whole heart – and she often talks about playing live beside her hometown heroes with a sense of reverence that’s more commonly reserved for internationally lauded superstars.

But if you ask Sam if she hopes to inspire other young local musicians in a similar fashion, she chooses to define her place in the industry somewhat differently.

“I think it goes bigger than music, honestly. It’s kind of like that feeling right before you’re about to cry tears of joy, you know? You’re just overcome with gratitude and emotions and blessings, and I think that moment, and that joy, takes away any darkness,” she says. “I think a lot of musicians feel that way, because music is so powerful… [it’s] the strongest drug on the planet.”

While Funkamongus is best known on the East Coast, they recently performed as far away as Arizona, switching up their usual beach scenery to “jam as the sun set over the mountain.” They also regularly perform at the Outer Banks Brewing Station and other area restaurants, which led to their first group performance at sprawling Roanoke Island Festival Park in July 2024 – an event which was a career-defining highpoint for Sam. As the accolades pile up, it only begs for one further question: Where does Sam hope to be in 10 years?

“Who knows?” Sam replies, with her characteristically keen awareness that life plans are often anything but set-in-stone.

“I’m still playing,” she adds after a thoughtful pause.

“And I will be, as long as I’m alive, because if I lose all my fingers, I’m just going to play trombone. And if I start having breath issues…I’ll play guitar. Yeah, that’s the plan.

As long as I’m still playing music 10 years from now, I’ll be happy.”

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OUTER BANKS COLLECTION

Downtown Market

Runs until September 14th, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at George Washington Creef Park

National Night Out Tuesday, October 8rd 4:00 to 7:00 PM

Wooden Boat Show Saturday, October 26th 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

SAVE THE DATE! Christmas Tree Lighting

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Christmas Parade Saturday, December 7th

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Peaceful Waters Researchers are harnessing the power of social media to change people's perceptions of sharks.

By Michelle Wagner ACCORDING TO SOME STUDIES, more than half of Americans admit to fearing sharks, and a number of them are so fearful that they even avoid swimming in the ocean. This shouldn’t come as a huge surprise considering that many of us have been programmed to fear these cartilaginous fish – whether it’s from sitting on the edge of our seats during thrilling flicks like Jaws, or from consuming other popular media that tend to paint sharks as aggressive predators.

This pervasive fear of sharks, suggests North Carolina State Associate Professor Dr. Lincoln Larson, is linked to “the decades and centuries of coverage in various forms of media that have vilified sharks much as they have snakes and other species.

“It’s an uphill battle we’re fighting against these completely entrenched perceptions of a species as being a threat to all mankind,” Larson says of the task this sets for wildlife managers and shark conservationists. “It’s a hard battle to fight.”

But what if watching YouTube videos and viewing other social media that promote tolerance of sharks could change negative attitudes about these misunderstood creatures, and in turn, increase support for shark conservation? Larson and a fellow group of researchers at NC State believe it can.

“There’s a general assumption that social media is terrible for society, and I basically agree with that, but what if we could use it within the realm of conservation as a force for good?” posits Larson. That question is what drove Larson and other researchers to undertake research titled “The Influence of YouTube Videos on Human Tolerance of Sharks” in the spring of 2020.

According to the study, people’s acceptance of certain species can impact public support for policies that can then increase wildlife populations. “This may be especially crucial for sharks, a species that is already experiencing severe declines worldwide and consistently suffering from negative portrayals in popular media,” notes the study’s authors.

18 | FA L L 2024

With these ideas in mind, NC State researchers recruited 335 residents from North Carolina and surrounding coastal states to participate in a study centered around a framing theory which suggests that people are influenced by – and subsequently act based on – the ways information is presented.

Participants in the study were randomly assigned one of two video treatments where sharks were framed either positively or negatively. According to the results, the video treatments impacted viewers’ tolerance for sharks in both directions. Positive framing influenced positive changes in viewers’ tolerance levels, with 70 percent more positive attitudes toward sharks, a 130-percent increase in acceptance of sharks and a 46-percent increase in intended future shark conservation behaviors. On the flip side, negative framing influenced negative changes in viewers’ outlooks, with 25 percent more negative attitudes toward sharks, an 18-percent decrease in acceptance of sharks and a three-percent decrease in intended future shark conservation behaviors.

“Based on our findings, YouTube and [other] social media can be really effective tools for reaching a lot of people,” explains Justin Beall, lead author of the study and a postdoctoral associate at Virginia Tech’s Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation.

“One thing that was a pleasant surprise for me was that the positive change in attitudes seemed to be quite larger than the negative change in attitudes, depending on which treatment they got.”

Despite all the impacts humans have had on the world, such as climate change and urbanization, Beall notes that sharks tend to be fairly resilient. The key to shark conservation simply lies in getting people not to persecute them.

“The idea that you could use social media as something that billions of people are constantly on in such a positive way appealed to us,” Beall adds. “If it can do positive things, then it could work on an unbelievable scale.”

Lauren Pharr, a co-author of the study and a Ph.D. candidate with NC State’s Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology Program, concurs with her colleagues.

While she acknowledges that people who saw positively framed study videos shifted their viewpoints largely because they realized that more negative popular media depictions make “a great story,” she points out that one of the purposes of the study was to examine how researchers could get people to focus on the many ways that sharks are beneficial to the environment.

Dr. Larson also cautions that conservationists need to think strategically about how to get positive content in front of people. Positive framing might work, she points out, but as YouTube and algorithms run their course, there’s also the chance that no one will see those efforts. “I would encourage conservation organizations to devote resources,

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money, staff, et cetera, to social media,” she notes, “because, like it or not, this is how people consume information in the modern age.”

Nils Peterson, a professor in NC State’s Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Program, suggests that positively framed social media could be modeled after some of the negatively framed videos “in terms of excitement and thrill, and all the things that seem to suck people in.” While he’s personally witnessed several free divers starting to do this through social media accounts that depict them swimming with great white sharks, Peterson would like to see more video efforts focused on certain species of sharks that don’t necessarily elicit visceral fear responses, such as basking and whale sharks.

Peterson was also part of a later study conducted by NC State researchers in 2022, which was titled the “Influence of Social Media on Fear of Sharks, Perceptions of Intentionality Associated with Shark Bites, and Shark Management Preferences.” That study also found that more people shifted blame for shark bites away from the animals after watching positively The key to shark framed YouTube videos about the diverse conservation species. simply lies in According to Peterson, the study essentially showed that the tolerance created getting people not by positively framed videos translated into to persecute them. public support for responding to shark bites by either engaging with educational content or by simply letting those isolated instances go. The negatively framed content, however, translated into increased public support for more destructive responses such as actively hunting sharks in areas where there are more opportunities for human and shark interactions.

“I think the little nugget there is the effect on increased tolerance from positive social media that actually translates into people buying into policies that are beneficial for sharks,” Peterson concludes.

For Dr. Larson, the findings from both studies are significant when it comes to moving the needle on shark conservation. “We can see the tremendous impact [these things] can have – especially the positive impact on conservation attitudes, [and a] tolerance of predators. It isn’t something that should be taken lightly, or overlooked, given the potential power it has to alter the conservation landscape.”

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2 0 | FA L L 2024

AW, SHUCKS. If you’re in the mood for some sweet corn straight off the stalk, you might be out of luck in the Tarheel State right now. Unlike more northern areas with cooler climes – particularly in the midwestern Corn Belt states – North Carolina’s production of fresh corn fades pretty quickly come fall.

But fresh isn’t always best when it comes to this versatile foodstuff. Though, botanically speaking, corn is classified as a fruit, it can be eaten as a vegetable or a grain depending on

when it’s harvested – with the latter designation being reserved for the plant once it’s fully mature and dried.

And there’s a lot of goodness in those grains. Soaking dry corn kernels in an alkali solution – and then washing them to remove their hulls – results in what’s known as hominy, which can be cooked and eaten as is, or be ground up more coarsely to make grits or masa for tortillas. In a similar vein, polenta is a paste or dough made up of cornmeal that can be boiled like grits and then fried, baked or simply served as a Southern-style

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2 2 | FA L L 2024

When gray clouds loom, Bodie Island Lighthouse stands its ground – as it has since this version of the navigational light was first completed in 1872. (Photo courtesy of Cory Godwin.)

EYES ON THE

SKY Local photographers capture the raw beauty and unpredictability of Outer Banks weather

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AS THE DAYS GROW SHORTER, and

summer skies give way to fall, it’s hard not to become a bit of a weather watcher. For our local photographers especially, every day is about braving the elements – and they know that capturing the scenery doesn’t always require a picture-perfect sunrise. From cloudy vistas to whirling winds, inky seas and snowcapped sand dunes, this is the Outer Banks in all its mercurial glory, as seen by those who’ve made it their lifework to document these everchanging seasons.

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 23

The silhouettes of several awe-inspiring waterspouts gather strength off the coast of Ocracoke Island (pictured right, photo courtesy of Casey Robertson). After the snow comes the sun – which steals the scene by casting long shadows on otherwise untouched sand dunes (below, photo courtesy of Cory Godwin).

2 4 | FA L L 2024

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 25

The last rays of daylight illuminate a frothy stretch of waves after crowds of beachgoers have collected their belongings (pictured above, photo courtesy of Elizabeth Neal).

Hatteras Island unfurls between calm coastal waters and a collection of darkening clouds (left, photo courtesy of Jenni Koontz/Epic Shutter Photography).

2 6 | FA L L 2024

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A deep blue sea reflects a rare break in the cloud cover as an incoming lightning storm electrifies the horizon (pictured right, photo courtesy of Elizabeth Neal). Another day is done while the sun takes its final bow behind Avalon Pier (below, photo courtesy of Ryan Moser).

2 8 | FA L L 2024

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3 0 | FA L L 2024

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Join in the fun this fall with these fabulous town events: Downtown Market (every Saturday, ends September 14), National Night Out (October 8), and the Wooden Boat Show (October 26).

11 407 Budleigh Street 252-473-2133 info@manteonc.gov

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N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 31

ROCK ON Super strength is taking local Don Beishl from the Outer Banks to his dream of competing in Scotland.

BY STEVE HANF 32 | FA L L 2024

THE AVERAGE PASSERBY might not give Don Beishl a second glance. Sure, he’s a strong guy, but he doesn’t necessarily give off Mr. Olympia vibes. The tattoos and his long beard are interesting to be sure, but again, not totally out of the ordinary.

When you see Don dragging a tree out of the woods, though – just before running off through a field with it – that could make you stop and look twice. And if he happens to be wearing a kilt at the same time, that would almost certainly warrant a deeper dive into his character.

“When I used to train over at the Outer Banks Sports Club, people would be going, ‘What’s this dude doing running around with a giant tree?’” Don recalls with a laugh. “At Jarvisburg Elementary School, there’s a big field in the back where I train, and you can see people slow down to watch as they drive by.”

Some onlookers even stop to chat with Don in order to find out what, exactly, he’s up to. What they learn from those conversations is that Don’s an outgoing local who loved track and field in primary school, went on to compete in shot put in college – and then thought his throwing days were over.

That all changed when Don met local chiropractor Gene Flynn, a distinguished former Highland Games competitor who racked up several world championship titles over decadesworth of challenges. Gene was describing the similarities between some traditional track and field events and the quirky Highland Games, Don practices lifting his replica which combine Scottish traditions like clothing Dinnie Stones in and music with maneuvers practiced by Scottish Jarvisburg. Photo warriors across the centuries: heaving heavy

by Cory Godwin. stones, sheaf tosses with pitchforks, hammer throws, and the games’ iconic caber toss, which involves running with an almost unimaginably large wooden beam before balancing it upright and vaulting it up in the air end-over-end as straight as possible.

“Gene was like, ‘Stone [throwing] is just like throwing the shot put, except you’re in grass and you’ve got a kilt on.’ It’s nine events, but the footwork is the same, so if you’re good with coordination, then you’re going to be fine,” Don explains. “It re-sparked that thrower in me, and I was like, “All right, I can do this again!’”

The transition to his new sport wasn’t necessarily hard, but it also could’ve been easier. After college, when Don couldn’t find a position teaching in his home state of Pennsylvania, he decided to relocate to the Outer Banks. After some odd jobs, he settled in with OBX Movers for seven years while also training as a powerlifter.

The near-countless chiropractic appointments that followed was how he first met Gene. While moving furniture and powerlifting certainly didn’t hurt in the strength department, Don found that he needed to work a lot more on his flexibility once he began to focus on the Highland Games.

Don’s initial foray into exploring the heavy athletics associated with the Highland Games sounds like something straight out of a Karate Kid movie – complete with a Mr. Miyagi training montage.

“The first time I trained with Gene, we went caber hunting and he was like, ‘No chainsaw. We’re doing this the traditional way…with an ax,’” Don says with a laugh.

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Don performs the caber toss at the Port City Highland Games in Wilmington. Photos courtesy of Benson Photography.

Instead of debarking the fallen tree right away, Don found himself lifting the 100-plus pound, 20-footlong log au natural, which led to him scratching up his shoulder on the bark – a common enough occurrence in Highland-related circles that those superficial wounds are known as “caber kisses.”

“I didn’t say anything about the bark. Once he was all scraped up and had a couple kisses, [I said] ‘Okay, now scrape the bark off and have a proper caber,’” Gene recalls with some amusement. “I just passed on how I was taught years ago by some of the old masters, so that was fun.”

Gene was also instrumental in helping Don get into his first competition: the invitation-only Highland Games at Grandfather Mountain in 2021.

The annual celebration of Scottish heritage in western North Carolina is said to be one of the largest in the country – and even one of the largest outside of Scotland worldwide – which means that most competitors train and compete for years before attending the gathering.

Don, however, was a raw rookie at his first Grandfather Mountain Highland Games – but he still managed to win a couple of events and placed third overall with thousands of people cheering him on.

“I was just kind of there throwing things and hoping for the best,” Don says. “Thankfully, I had a good showing and made Gene proud. It felt great.”

Over an average year, Don typically competes in four to five events, from his annual appearance at Grandfather Mountain to the Port City games in Wilmington, plus a special event benefiting veterans and service dogs in 3 4 | FA L L 2024

There are numerous records for distance walked while carrying the stones and how long they’ve been held aloft, but Don will be content with accomplishing even a partial lift, which is defined as “simply” lifting the stones off the ground, but not quite managing to stand fully braced and upright for at least two seconds. While a partial lift isn’t officially recorded, the feat is significant enough that it’s poetically known among competitors as Fayetteville. This year’s schedule has been a little lighter, “putting wind beneath the stones.”

As part of his preparations for the event, Don even though, due to a special fall trip to Scotland.

There, Don will be attempting to lift the legendary made his own set of replica stones to train with – one of Dinnie Stones. This part of Scottish history dates back which is 414 pounds and another that’s 308, so they only to 1800s strongman Donald Dinnie, who carried the weigh a combined 10 pounds less than the real Dinnie Stones. He got them from Stone Shop two now-famous stones more than OBX, a landscaping supply business in 17 feet across the Potarch Bridge in Jarvisburg – in typical Don fashion.

Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where they While a partial lift isn’t After inquiring about the stones once acted as bridge counterweights. officially recorded, they had in stock, he was asked what he Combined, the massive granite wanted them for. “I said, ‘This is going to stones weigh 733 pounds: one is 414.5 the feat is significant sound weird – but I need to pick them pounds and the other 318.5. The ultimate enough that it’s up,’” Don chuckles. challenge for lifters is to replicate poetically known The shop was intrigued enough by Donald Dinnie’s historic performance among competitors as – which only seven other people have “putting wind beneath the unusual request that they gave him the stones for free, and Don and Flynn ever managed unassisted – but even the stones.” equipped them with handles in order to just lifting the stones off the ground is finetune Don’s practice sessions before still considered a respectable feat. Only he heads to Scotland. about 300 people have managed to It’ll be the first United Kingdom trip for the man who fully lift the stones without straps for assistance to-date, with Don hoping to add to that number on September routinely has to disappoint native Scots who ask about 3, 2024. (As of press time, Don was en route to Scotland his clan’s heritage when they see his purple kilt. “I’m not even Scottish, guys.” Don quips. “I’m actually German. I for his attempt.)

Don started training with special weights last just like purple, so that’s what I went with.”

This kind of humor is what makes the 37-year-old December, opening with 400 pounds and quickly moving up to 500, then 600. By spring, Don was doing reps of such a hit at the Highland Games as he playfully interacts 734 pounds, which is when he reached out to the folks with the crowds and his fellow competitors.

“His charismatic personality just adds to the who coordinate the Dinnie Stone lifts with a training video that impressed them enough to earn him a coveted camaraderie of the games,” Gene says. “He’s got a good spot in the annual gathering. He’s one of only 80 people sense of humor, you know, and we get a good laugh. But he’s pretty serious when he competes.” scheduled to attempt lifting the stones this year.

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seadragonyellowhousegallery.com N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 35

town report What’s happening in your town? Here’s a report from all over the Outer Banks.

COM PIL ED BY C ATH ERI N E KOZ A K

Currituck County Development continues apace in Currituck County, with county commissioners approving two proposed building projects in July. Ashbrook Estates, LLC, was granted its request for a preliminary special-use permit for a 52-lot conservation subdivision located on the west side of Maple Road, according to meeting documents. The 130.73-acre property is located in the Barco-Maple area, adjacent to the Maple water treatment plant and the Currituck County Regional Airport. Ashbrook Estates plans to build six residences a year, which will give the county time to complete construction projects in order to accommodate an influx of additional students.

Currituck commissioners also approved a request from the owner of University Park in Harbinger to double the number of townhome units at the community’s existing complex to 78. The amendment to the project’s 2013 master plan would allow for the construction of 39 additional townhomes and a storage building.

Duck The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCCP) awarded $144,000 to the town of Duck in July for a proposed phase four stormwater management project on Teresa Court.

According to a division press release, the project goal is to use nature-based solutions to alleviate frequent flooding on the roadway. Remedies include permeable pavers, a central bioretention basin, and a one-foot-deep dry detention area around Teresa Court’s cul-de-sac.

Duck was chosen as one of many NC communities to participate in the RCCP in 2021, according to the town’s website.

3 6 | FA L L 2024

Southern Shores

Manteo

Southern Shores Town Council members added 11 commercial design standards to the town’s zoning ordinance in July, following nearly one and a half years of discussions that began at a November 2022 planning board meeting. Over the months, planning officials reviewed the commercial design standards of Duck, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head, considered feedback and eventually drafted a proposal for a zoning text amendment.

Planning improvements at Cartwright Park across from the Pea Island Cookhouse Museum on Bideford Street are set to begin now that the Manteo Board of Commissioners have approved working with engineering consultants Albemarle & Associates to design upgrades and stabilize the park’s infrastructure. Situated on the grounds of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Cartwright Park is named for the church’s founder Andrew Cartwright who built the first church at the site in 1865. The church leases the land, which is just under an acre, to the town.

The new commercial design standards – the town’s first – will apply to exterior paint colors, fencing materials, screening of dumpsters and mechanical equipment, architectural embellishments, and building elements that resemble animals, lighthouses, pirate ships or castles, among other things. After more discussion, the council passed the measure three to two.

Kitty Hawk Owners of nonresidential property in Kitty Hawk will now be allowed to build residential units for workers on their properties, with the town council’s unanimous approval on July 1 of a zoning text amendment. The change allows the construction of a separate unit no larger than 750 square feet on each property, but the total area of housing units cannot be more than 10 percent of the gross area of commercial use. Prior to the approved amendment, an apartment could be built on top of a commercial space only after the town’s approval of a special-use permit.

Kill Devil Hills A ribbon cutting ceremony and an open house was held on August 5 to celebrate the opening of Kill Devil Hills’ William E. Gard Fire Department Station 14 and the Dare County Emergency Medical

Service Station 1. Situated off the U.S. 158 Bypass in the heart of Kill Devil Hills, the 36,000-square-foot facility’s location is centered in one of the busiest and most densely populated areas of the Outer Banks. “Due to this high demand and need for a rapid response to emergency calls, the replacement of this particular facility has been a top priority,” said a press release for the event.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site of the new facility on May 10, 2023. It is the third and final station included in phase one of Dare County’s multiphase project to modernize the area’s emergency medical service facilities.

Nags Head Nags Head’s new public services complex on Lark Avenue at the west end of Eighth Street officially opened on June 5. The facility houses six divisions: sanitation, water operations/distribution, facilities maintenance, bulk waste collection, and streets and stormwater services.

The project, which started construction in early 2023, encompasses 35,000-square-feet of indoor space and includes an administration building and a redesigned bulk waste/recycling area, a sanitation and facilities maintenance building, and a water distribution shop, as well as storage, vehicle fueling and cleaning areas.

Designed to last about 60 years, the complex incorporates proactive green technology, including the installation of solar panels, which is expected to create net-zero energy usage. The facility is also equipped with electric vehicle infrastructure for future charging stations, and the adaptability for rainwater harvesting and water reuse.

The park has a picnic shelter, restrooms and grills, and is adjacent to the Collins Gallop Playground. Manteo commissioners agreed to seek input from the community for proposed improvements at public sessions during the planning process.

Dare County With erosion happening faster than anticipated on the nourished shoreline in Buxton, the Dare County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously in July to move up a planned renourishment project by one year to 2026. Buxton’s beach was last widened in 2022, and that nourishment project was expected to last about five years.

According to a presentation by Dare County Manager Bobby Outten, the $30.4 project is necessary to protect NC 12, the only highway on Hatteras Island. Parts of the road were lost during Hurricane Isabel in 2003, and again during Hurricane Irene in 2011. Coastal scientists consider Buxton to be one of the island’s most vulnerable areas during storms. Although Avon is not considered quite as high risk as Buxton, Outten said that it would save the county about four to eight million in costs to do both projects at the same time.

t

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 37

business briefs COM PI L ED BY C ATH ERI N E KOZ A K

Pledging to Preserve the Future Outer Banks visitors are encouraged to pledge to protect and preserve the unique environment, culture and history of our community for generations to come as part of the Dare County Tourism Board’s new program, “Outer Banks Promise.” Introduced in late June by a special committee working to implement the Outer Banks’ Long-Range Tourism Management Plan, the “destination pledge” is intended to incentivize responsible behavior and inspire awareness and action based on seven core messages rooted in kindness, responsibility, respect and safety.

Promises include staying on designated paths and not leaving any trash behind, and visitors can further individualize pledges in ways that are meaningful to them. Visit OBXpromise.com to make a promise online, download an “I Promise To” card to share, or show support in person at one of the four Outer Banks welcome centers.

New Owners at Historic Inn After nearly 30 years as innkeepers at the historic White Doe Inn, owners Bob and Bebe Woody sold the bed and breakfast to Tonia and Dave Roberts this past June.

Situated near the waterfront on Sir Walter Raleigh Street in Manteo, the inn – which was named in honor of Virginia Dare and the local legend of the white doe – is the largest house in Manteo and is considered one of the area’s most architecturally unique.

The three-story Queen Anne-style structure was built in 1910 for Theodore Meekins and his family by local builders John Wilson and Joe Dailey, and it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. The new owners are originally from Evansville, Indiana, and they worked together in the software industry before moving to Manteo, according to the inn’s website. Tonia, who trained in culinary school, now serves as the inn’s executive chef. Dave, a United States Air Force veteran and technology specialist, serves as the primary innkeeper overseeing operations and guest experiences.

Lunchtime Goes Live The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce began a new monthly program in August that features different speakers and will be broadcast for members of the community online over Zoom. Known as “Lunchtime Live” events, each broadcast will be held virtually at noon on the second Tuesday of each month through December.

According to the chamber, topics will include “everything pools” with High Seas Pools & Spas, Digital Branding for the Outer Banks with Musika Hospitality, Blue Zone with Outer Banks Health, and Your Dare County Library.

The sessions are free, but pre-registration is required.

More information about the program is available on the chamber’s website.

38 | FA L L 2024

Safer Service with a Blue Envelope Outer Banks Health has partnered with Dare County and local law enforcement agencies to provide a new communication tool that assists emergency responders and police officers when they’re interacting with people who have conditions such as autism, dementia or anxiety, the heath care provider announced in July.

Known as the “Blue Envelope Program,” the envelopes contain pertinent medical information that an individual can give responders in situations when they could be perceived as uncooperative or combative, according to the Outer Banks Health website. The blue envelopes also include appropriate documents such as vehicle registrations as well as contact information for trusted family members or friends and additional tips for law enforcement.

“We have many community members with a variety of backgrounds who experience communication challenges,” said Outer Banks Health Speech Language Pathologist Kristin Kuhar, who suggested bringing the program to Dare County after hearing about its success in New Jersey. “Communication for these individuals can become extremely difficult in stressful situations.

The Blue Envelope Program provides a way to ease stress and increase effective communication for both law enforcement and the individual.”

Blue envelopes are available for free throughout Dare County, including at medical practices, libraries, community centers and high schools.

The program is entirely voluntary and selfimplemented.

Real Estate

market snapshot Rather than analyzing data for the month of June, the MLS report from the Outer Banks Association of Realtors looked at how the market fared in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the year before.

According to the report, the median residential sales price of $585,000 from April through June was close to the record high of $600,000 that was reached in the last quarter of 2023. At the same time, residential inventory has climbed 62% higher than it was last year, with lots/land inventory up 22% and total inventory up 43%.

Out of all the Outer Banks communities, the town of Duck showed the highest year-to-date increase in median residential sales prices, from $730,000 in 2023 to $987,242 in 2024, a jump of 35%. Corolla and Hatteras Island were the only communities to experience a drop in median prices, at a 1% and 5% decrease, respectively.

The town of Kill Devil Hills, meanwhile, was the only area that experienced an increase in total sale numbers, from 131 sales in 2023 to 147 in the same quarter of 2024, a 12% jump.

Southern Shores, on the other hand, had the steepest decrease in sales numbers, from 51 to 34, a drop from of 33% from 2023 to 2024.

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Functional style is on full display in Corolla Village’s Lost Cottage. Photo courtesy of Helen Norman.

Making the most of a cozy Corolla cottage.

BY MAGGIE MCNINCH

WHEN NORTHERN VIRGINIA-BASED INTERIOR DESIGNER

LAUREN LIESS wanders through a house with project potential, she

gets a feeling. On the outside, she becomes still and quiet. Inside, she is deep in thought – envisioning what the space could be, running numbers on floor plan layouts and construction costs. Sometimes, she even feels a little queasy about the prospect of a new, unknown adventure heading her way.

As a longtime lifestyle influencer and HGTV host, Lauren was struck with this feeling the moment she laid eyes on a certain beach bungalow in historic Corolla Village. She knew it was special and was instantly smitten.

“The massive live oak tree in the front yard was about the most romantic thing I’d ever seen,” Lauren recalls. “The property was a bit overgrown, and I loved it that way.”

There was just one question that nagged at her: How on earth was she going to fit her family of seven (plus three dogs!) into a barely 800-square-foot, two-bedroom beach shack?

In addition to the house’s small size, there were many other renovations that needed to be addressed, including repairing some old water damage, raising the ceilings, installing new decks along with flooring, and more. Despite Lauren’s gut feelings and her infatuation

with the house, she and her husband David initially decided not to make an offer.

But, as Lauren and her family spent more time at the beach, they began to realize why so many people choose to make the Outer Banks home. As they thought about the years they could spend living in their own little coastal paradise, they realized it was one passion project they just couldn’t pass up.

So, they put in an offer – only to find out that two other offers had been made before theirs, and someone else wound up getting the cottage. They were devastated, thinking they had missed out on the perfect beach house.

A few days later, Lauren got a call. The original buyers had backed out – did Lauren and her family still want the house? Luckily, getting a surprise second chance was all the convincing they needed.

“It was actually our ‘Lost Cottage’ at one time – our ‘one that got away,’” Lauren wrote not long afterwards in a blog post. “The funny thing is, I’d named it before we even lost it because it’s kind of hidden in the oaks and feels a little mysterious to me.”

With the nerve-racking bidding process over and the house fittingly named, renovations could finally begin. Not only did almost everything have to be torn out and replaced, they also had to get N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 41

“This was one of my biggest challenges because I had never designed a home this small for clients or anyone else before – let alone for seven people with pets.”

-Lauren Liess, homeowner With slightly less than 800 square feet of space to work with, renovating the Lost Cottage for a family of seven was particularly challenging – and it meant making every inch of space count. To that end, Lauren and her husband David focused on using wideopen windows and sliding glass doors to flood the house with light, and maximized leisure space by installing features like bar tops and multiple bunk beds. Pictured to the right, the Lost Cottage is tucked away behind a large live oak tree (photo courtesy of Lauren Liess); all other interior photos courtesy of Helen Norman.

42 | FA L L 2024

creative about maximizing every square inch of the house for function and storage – all while living in the Washington, D.C., area and only being able to make trips south occasionally.

“This was one of my biggest challenges because I had never designed a home this small for clients or anyone else before – let alone for seven people with pets,” Lauren explains. “Every inch counted, and we maxed out every little corner and wall for storage. We also learned to be more minimalist, which makes laundry and life so much easier.”

Some notable features of the renovated cottage include the 10 by 13-foot bedroom that’s reserved for the couple’s five children with a snug array of bunk beds. The front, side and back decks also serve as the main dining and gathering spaces, with a large pass-through window from the kitchen to a back deck bar top.

Although the kitchen isn’t very big, Lauren still finds it relatively easy to cook in for a crowd. While she wasn’t able to salvage the cottage’s original cabinets, Lauren replaced them with vintage-inspired cabinets from her own popular furniture collection, and she made the most of ample sliding glass doors and windows to let in as much light as possible – while also fostering virtually unobstructed views of the property’s lush live oak trees.

“You can’t see it in the magazine, but the cottage smells so good,” Lauren says enthusiastically. “The walls are cypress, and the ceilings are cedar, and as soon as you walk in you get this beautiful fresh cedar scent.

It’s sort of my Pavlov’s dog for arriving at the beach – just inhaling the house makes me happy.”

The prime location of the cottage can’t be beat either – it’s close to the beach and right across the road from Corolla Village’s charming shops and restaurants. Given all of the neighborhood’s perks, Lauren wasn’t expecting to encounter yet another surprise benefit to their locale, however.

“We didn’t know it when we bought the Lost Cottage, but we ended up moving next to an old friend of mine from my days working in Corolla during college,” Lauren says. “He and his wife have since become some of our closest friends. The kids adore them, and we feel so grateful.”

The entire project took about a year to complete, and it gave Lauren and her family the bug to find and renovate more Outer Banks beach houses, including one they’re currently working on that they’ve dubbed the “Seagarden.”

With years of design experience, Lauren understands the difficulty of undertaking big renovation projects – which she’s written about at length in several bestselling books, including her recently released Beach Life: Home, Heart & the Sea. The book features undertakings like her work on the Lost Cottage while detailing her ideas on capturing a sense of coastal flair – and she encourages others to take a similar leap of faith when they find houses that pull at them.

“In the very beginning, know what you’re getting into. Realize that you will probably feel overwhelmed, strapped and exhausted at points,” Lauren recommends. “But remind yourself of all the reasons you wanted to do it in the first place, and remember to be grateful for the opportunity.”

N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 4 3

BATTEN DOWN THE

HATCHES Take it from these experts– installing the right products will help your home weather just about any storm.

BY EMMY BENTON

WINDOWS, ROOFING AND SIDING. These core components of a home should be the strongest defenses between you and Mother Nature – and choosing sturdy options can offer peace of mind (plus prevent future headaches) when powerful storms are in the forecast.

One of the most important precautions to take against late-season hurricanes and cool-weather nor’easters is to install shutters. Ian Gale of Hurricane Shutters OBX suggests putting shutters on every window and door if possible. “You need coverage all the way around because you never know which direction a storm might be coming from,” he explains.

The shutters most commonly used on the beach are roll-down shutters, Bahama shutters and storm panels. Storm panels and Bahama shutters are the most affordable options, but they aren’t as convenient as roll-down shutters.

Storm panels are corrugated aluminum panels that homeowners place into tracks on the tops and bottoms of their windows to secure them in place. This sounds easy in theory, but reaching upper windows requires a ladder, making the process complicated if your house has multiple levels or if you live in a single-level home up on stilts.

Bahama shutters tend to be more aesthetically pleasing, particularly in coastal areas, and they’re permanently attached to your home with telescoping arms that allow them to be propped open or closed at any time – but for some, the permanence of these fixtures is a downside, particularly if you don’t get a lot of natural light in your house to begin with.

Roll-down shutters can be manual or controlled by a switch, and they block out a lot of the driving rain we tend to get on the coast. While the electric version can seem the most manageable, they won’t be useful if the power goes out, Ian cautions, so manual shutters are really the better option.

The most important thing to bear in mind is that you should never install shutters that aren’t hurricane rated. Even though do-it-yourself options like securing plywood over your windows might seem wise in a pinch, any holes you have to drill to install them can cause problems with leaks down the road – and taping your windows can do more harm than good because it can cause them to break into larger, and more dangerous, pieces.

4 4 | FA L L 2024

But windows aren’t your home’s only potential weak spots during extreme weather.

Another important thing to consider is the reliability of your roof. Though shingles can be made from many types of materials, asphalt shingles are the most popular choice, according to Jason James of Albemarle Contracting Services, because of their affordability and their classic look. There are also different grades to pay attention to, ranging from 20-year to 50-year varieties, with the longer rated options costing more due to their increased thickness.

Adding a sturdy underlayment like an ice and water shield can offer another layer of protection if your shingles are blown off, but if you want to splurge on the very strongest defense, metal roofing is the best on the market. The only con? Metal roofing can be three to five times more expensive than asphalt shingles.

“It just depends on the style of your roof,” Jason says of the costs associated with metal roofing. “Hips and valleys and all those things come into play, so there are a lot of variables…but metal is probably the most durable and most storm-resistant.”

Investing in quality siding will also help keep your home in tip-top shape when the weather turns wild. Over the past few years, one of the most popular kinds of siding has been LP SmartSide, a wood composite siding that’s proven more durable than vinyl, wood and fiber cement siding.

Fiber cement siding can peel and flake when it’s exposed to moisture – which is bountiful on the beach – and even vinyl siding doesn’t create an impenetrable water barrier (not to mention the fact that it can blow off in strong winds). If you have the means, Jason recommends sticking with the old Nags Head cottage style by opting for cedar shake siding due to its durability.

“Cedar shake isn’t the most affordable, and neither is smart siding, but obviously you’re going to have some give and take when it comes to durability,” Jason explains.

“You’re going to pay more for something that’s going to hold up better.”

As for perhaps the most essential storm prepping tip? Think ahead. Local contractors can get backed up almost any time of year, and customized barriers like shutters can take weeks to fabricate – on top of any initial consultations – depending on the size of your home and the availability of the materials you wind up opting for.

And when it comes right down to it, these aren’t things you should save for a rainy day.

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FO U R IF BY S EA

Help Wanted A Vacation Advertisement B Y AM A N D A MC D AN E L

“I JUST DON’T THINK THAT’S GOING TO BE

ENOUGH,” said the woman beside me in the grocery

store.

“Well, Tom is vegan – plus how much are the children really going to eat?”

“I know, but the recipe calls for 64 ounces, and I’d rather have extra than for anyone to go hungry.”

As I pretended to peruse the pricier meat section in front of us, I silently agreed with the woman advocating for more over her much younger companion’s objections.

A wise woman knows that meal options are CRUCIAL, especially when feeding a large family. I considered voicing said agreement out loud, but refrained when her 20-something cohort spoke up again: “Who is honestly going to eat steak, ribs, steamed shrimp, two smoked chicken legs, potato salad, corn, deviled eggs and watermelon all at the same time?”

Touché. Point for the millennial.

As the Outer Banks has moved away from small motels and quaint courtside cottages toward the construction of more massive rental homes, the dynamic of “the family vacation” has evolved as well. Growing up, my family regularly rented what I (then) considered a mansion on the Pine Island oceanfront: three stately floors boasting five bedrooms, which was objectively large enough for my parents, their two siblings with spouses and a total of five children. There was no need for a pool since the ocean was right outside our door, a spacious kitchen provided plenty of room to prepare meals for the 11 of us, and a substantial dining room table was more than adequate for multiple games of gin rummy. There was even a small sitting room for my aunt to escape and play Tetris on her Gameboy undisturbed.

The oceanfront from Hatteras to Corolla is now paved with stately behemoths built to house multiple generations of families, wedding parties or even an entire block of neighbors. There are rentals with steam rooms and saunas, indoor pools and outdoor waterfalls, theater rooms next to game rooms fully equipped with 1990s mall video games, shuffleboard, ping pong and air hockey set ups. Home gyms rival that of corporate hotel chains, while private walkways and gazebos lead to infinity pools that are sometimes flanked by their own miniature golf courses.

All the excitement and entertainment you could ever wish for is accessible right within your own private oasis

4 6 | FA L L 2024

for any given week at any time of year.

For many families, this provides a priceless ease, especially when traveling with a lot of small children. When your vacation home offers such high-end resort-style amenities, there’s essentially no need to leave. Which brings me back to the tricky issue that plagues at least one family member in these sizable parties – and that usually falls upon the elder (but not necessarily the eldest) women in the group: There is an entire militia of fun-voyagers to feed.

Multiple times per day. For a full week.

One of the largest rental homes on the Outer Banks currently dominates the Kill Devil Hills shoreline – a property which boasts 36 bedrooms, 39 bathrooms and sleeps a whopping Vacation is 74 people, with every supposed to be convenience imaginable. a respite from Those luxuries can be the daily grind yours at the peak cost of meal prep, of $64,000 a week – a destination getaway carpooling, that, perhaps most work deadlines, notably, includes two field trips, sport chefs’ kitchens…but not a schedules and designated chef. near-endless As a restaurant server loads of laundry. as well as a mother, I cannot begin to describe the personal hell-fueled whirling dervish this creates in my already exhausted mind. Vacation is supposed to be a respite from the daily grind of meal prep, carpooling, work deadlines, field trips, sport schedules and near-endless loads of laundry.

But the masses still demand to be fed, even in a house that is not one's own. I have seen the horror on many a hostess’ face as a restaurant door opens and a literal parade

of family members march through with toddlers, gluten allergies and a requisite thrifty uncle in tow to demand a table for 26, with separate checks, please and thank you. I’ve also experienced the cafeteria line of hungry teenagers who, upon waking at 11 a.m., tear through stacks of pancakes like rabid raccoons let loose on fresh garbage cans. It’s a losing situation either way, especially with the expectations set so enormously high by the financial investment of a family holiday.

What, pray tell, is the solution? I find that a lot of families will divide meal responsibilities by purchasing a plethora of items for self-serve breakfasts, will often eat midday meals on their own, and then reconvene for group dinners that different family members prepare each night. Large frozen lasagnas, breakfasts for dinners, locally purchased steamer pots, pasta or taco bars, salads with fresh steamed seafood, grilled kebabs or hamburgers and hot dogs are popular for good reason.

But one person is still ultimately at the helm, more often than not – one who rightly deserves an uninterrupted nap and a meal that’s actually hot when she sits down to eat it.

Dear Reader, I implore you to heed this writer’s seasoned advice: Give mom a vacation as well by hiring a private chef. She may object – and cheap Uncle Frank most definitely will – but trust me that deep down this is the solution to ensure everyone has an enjoyable, restful vacation while remaining sated and happy. With a variety of cooking styles and price points, there are trained chefs available here on the Outer Banks who can accommodate all your needs – even if you only schedule them for dinner service. Lifting this foodie burden allows “fun mom” to come on vacation with everyone else, and it may even prove that “happy wife, happy life” is a motto we should all get on board with…especially when you’re staying in a house filled with 73 other hungry people.

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Mane Twenty years ago, a herd of snow-white winged horse statues arrived on the Outer Banks – and it was up to the community to transform them into works of art.

BY STEVE HANF

ATTRACTIONS

LLOYD CHRISTENSON WAS CHATTING with a client at his FiberStock offices in Buffalo, Minnesota, when the conversation turned to the Outer Banks. As the client explained how his mom made the trek to the beach from Ohio every year – and came back with photos of the horse statues scattered throughout the area – Lloyd made an unexpected move.

“I walked away and grabbed one of the books I have on our shelves,” Lloyd says as he recalls gifting a paperback copy of Outer Banks Wild: A Winged Horse Extravaganza Pictorial. “I said, ‘Give this to your mom,’ and next thing I knew I got this email from his mom – who I’d never met

– thanking me and telling me just how happy she was.

Those horses were important to her.”

Those horses – part of a herd of about 100 – have proved important to lots of folks over the years – from Lloyd and his employees to project organizer Linda Lauby and the countless visitors who have snapped pictures of the statues at various Outer Banks locations since 2003.

Linda laughs as she describes her first conversations with Lloyd. FiberStock, a fiberglass statue company that’s been owned and operated by the Christenson family since 1999, specializes in sculpting all types of models for museums, fairs, retail operations and even specialized N O RT H B E ACH SU N | 49

Previous page: The winged horse known as "Pegasus" recently received an overhaul courtesy of artist Cliff Dunn. The sculpture stands in the gardens outside of Kill Devil Hills Town Hall. Photo by Lori Douglas.

At right: Original fiberglass horse fabricator Lloyd Christenson. Photo courtesy of Benny Baldwin.

advertising concepts, but – for the most part – orders for their horse statues tended to come in one at a time.

Linda’s first order was for 25 horses. Then 25 more.

And 25 more…

That’s because Linda’s idea for a community-wide art installation caught fire. Heading into the 2003 celebration of a century of flight, Linda remembers meeting with the staff of her publishing company, Outer Banks Press, and commenting that something big should be done to mark the occasion.

Why not a community art project?

“Mermaids on Parade was happening in Norfolk and decorating their horses. Some did the work themselves, I had been reading about the Cow Parade in Chicago, while others turned to “a stable of artists,” as Linda puts so we went down the list of all sorts of animals that we it, to showcase a specific design. Some sponsors even could have fiberglass casts made of, and I decided to go donated their statues to schools so that students could with horses,” Linda explains. “I had been doing volunteer join in on painting them. work, publishing and writing for the Corolla Wild Horse One of the project’s first sponsors, in fact, was Jimmy Fund for the previous 10 years, and I thought that would Buffett, whose horse “Captain Sipster” was on display at be a good way to help them get the word out about what the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce. they do.”

One by one, the herd took shape, reaching 99 on Dubbing the project The Winged Horse Extravaganza, display on the Outer Banks, a few at private residences, Linda set out on a mission to bring a collection of blank and at least a dozen that ended up off the beach. Some life-sized horse statues to the area for sponsors kept their statues, while others sponsors to purchase, decorate and auctioned them off at a charity event in display during the centennial celebrations.

2004. Proceeds went to the Corolla Wild One by one, the Linda remembers some naysayers – Horse Fund, Kitty Hawk’s Monument to neigh-sayers? – including one local official a Century of Flight, and dozens of other herd took shape, who said she wouldn’t be able to sell a charities chosen by individual businesses. reaching 99 on single horse. Undaunted, Linda placed “I was really humbled and astounded display on the her first order with Lloyd. They sold out by how it brought the community Outer Banks, a immediately as local businesses and other together,” Linda says. few at private individual families jumped at the chance Linda actually had her eye on a specific residences, and to sponsor their own unique statue. horse and instructed her mom to bid on FiberStock had one horse mold in it at the charity auction. Alas, as the price at least a dozen stock but added a second custom mold rose higher and higher, her mom got cold that ended up off to ramp up production. Lloyd estimates feet. The eventual winner? the beach. that about four main employees made “Joe Coors, of the Coors Brewing all 118 statues, with around eight workers Company!” Linda exclaims with a laugh. contributing to the undertaking in total.

Linda expected most of the horses Some of the horses were larger than others, and they all to be gone and long forgotten in a few years, but while had wings that screwed into their withers for a Pegasus many have indeed been lost to time, around 40 of them effect. still remain as visible reminders of that special project.

“There was no looking back. We hustled, and we Among the best-known today are Julie Moye’s glittering just got it done. Linda gave us plenty of time, and once statue outside the KDH Cooperative Gallery, the butterfly we had 25 – which was the amount that would fit in the horse at Donna Designs in Duck, and several others that semi – we shipped them out and got going on the next reside at popular beach road restaurants like the Jolly 25,” Lloyd says of the more than 20-year-old project. “It’s Roger and Black Pelican. hard to believe it’s been that long ago.”

“It’s kind of like the public won’t let the project go When the blank fiberglass statues arrived at the away,” Linda says. “When we had our charitable auction, beach, each sponsor then had options when it came to we all breathed a sigh of relief and said, ‘We are never 50 | FA L L 2024

looking at another horse,’ but the phone calls kept coming in, and the project remained popular to the extent that I still get random phone calls from people asking about the horses.”

Local filmmaker Benny Baldwin produced a documentary this summer about the original winged horses, and Linda has plans in the works to reinvigorate the idea as WhoaBX, which will introduce a new herd of wingless statues to the Outer Banks on an open-ended timeframe with proceeds going solely to the Corolla Wild Horse Fund.

“Because of the generational changes and so on, it’s kind of funny that people are now making up stories about how the horses got here or why they’re still here, because at one point I think everyone on the island knew why they were here,” Linda says. “It’s just become part of the landscape.”

That’s what Benny enjoyed so much about working on his documentary Winged Horses of the Outer Banks.

“What I’ve run into is that the Outer Banks is everchanging,” Benny says. “You may remember those horses, but you don’t know the whole story 20 years later. You don’t know what Linda Lauby did and why and how. There’s just some fun stuff there.”

Even as memories of the original inspiration for the winged horses has faded somewhat on the Outer Banks, the same isn’t exactly true 1,400 miles away in Minnesota.

At FiberStock, Lloyd proudly displays a stack of books and posters about the Outer Banks art project right by his front door – even though he and his family haven’t quite managed to make the 22-hour journey to see the colorful statues in person yet.

“There’s just a handful of states I’ve never been to, and North Carolina is one of them,” Lloyd says, adding that he fully intends to make the trip one day. “The Outer Banks was a project that allowed us to keep growing, so we’re very blessed and thankful for that – and we’re reminded every day how important the project was to us.”

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sun salutations Beach Realty & Construction Top Agents Year-to-Date at Beach Realty Beach Realty is excited to announce the three top producing agents for 2024, year-to-date.

Congratulations to Ilona Matteson, Jackson Dixon and Joanne Kepler. With their years of experience, exceptional customer service, and their in-depth understanding of the market, they continue to set the standard in real estate excellence. Beach Realty is proud to have them on the team!

Beach Realty & Construction is a full-service real estate company offering real estate sales, vacation rentals and new construction and remodeling. For more information contact salesteam@beachrealtync.com.

Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty Names VanderMyde Group as Mid-Year Top Producing Team Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty is pleased to announce that the VanderMyde Group is the firm’s top producing team of the mid-year.

This award is based on production from January 1 through June 30. They ranked #1 in listings, sales volume and units. “Heather Vandermyde and her team are absolutely top tier professionals. They know their market and are able to counsel their clients effectively through both the buyer and seller process.

I engaged Heather for the buy and sale side of my oceanfront home on Cape Hatteras and would not have considered anyone else.

Best in the business!” said a recent five-star review. Team leader Heather VanderMyde can be reached at (252) 202-2375 or hvandermyde@gmail.com.

Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty Names Brook Sparks as Mid-Year Top Producing Agent Brook Sparks has been named Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty’s mid-year top producing agent. Brook led the way in listings, sales volume and units. This award is based on production from January 1 through June 30.

“Brook Sparks made easy work of selling our home after many realtors could not. She went beyond what any other realtor in the area had done for us in the past.

We struggled to sell our home until we signed on with Brook. She has a level of professionalism, experience and knowledge that is better than anyone I had worked with in the past. I would 100% recommend her for your needs of buying or selling a home,” said a recent five-star review. Brook can be reached at (252) 619-1177 or brooksparks@cbseaside.com.

Marty Griffin Earns Coldwell Banker International Diamond Society Award Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty congratulates Marty Griffin on earning the Coldwell Banker International Diamond Society Award, presented to the top 7% of all Coldwell Banker agents worldwide. This award is based on closed sales transactions in 2024. “I have worked with Marty since 2013. He is extremely professional, knowledgeable and always has my best interest in mind. I highly recommend him every chance I get!” said a recent five-star review. Marty can be reached at (252) 207-6448 or marty@cbseaside.com.

Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty Welcomes New Agent Sandra Doherty Healy Sandra Doherty Healy has joined Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty in the Kitty Hawk location. “I have a wealth of knowledge, organization and determination gained from a 25-year career in the private, government and nonprofit sectors. I bring extensive experience in marketing and sales to the negotiating table. My husband, a career Army officer and aviator, and I have owned multiple investment properties in Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills over the last 20 years. Most recently we built our forever home in Duck,” Sandra said. She can be reached at (917) 449-8485 sandra@cbseaside.com and solitudeobxsales.com.

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Pamela Smith Named President of Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty Gordon Jones, chief executive officer of Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty, recently announced the promotion of Pamela Smith from vice president to president and part owner. “Pamela has been with Coldwell Banker Seaside for 22 years and has been an incredible part of – if not the main reason for – our growth and success. Nobody works harder or is more dedicated to our agents’ success!” Gordan said. “I am fortunate to get to work with the very best agents and management team. We are the best because our agents are the best!” Pamela added. Pamela can be reached at pam@cbseaside.com.

Joe Lamb, Jr. & Associates Joe Lamb, Jr. Acknowledges Agents Shelley O’Grady and Bobby Williams Outer Banks native Shelley O’Grady has more than a decade of real estate experience.

With a focus on exceptional service and communication, she’s dedicated to helping clients achieve their buying or selling goals.

Contact Shelley at shelley@joelambjr.com or (252) 261-7721.

With more than 40 years of Outer Banks experience, Bobby is your go-to expert for buying or selling property. His deep knowledge, transparency and strong negotiation skills ensure a seamless real estate experience.

Contact Bobby at bwilliams@joelambjr.com or (252) 261-7721.

Myra Ladd-Bone Joins Joe Lamb Realty as Premier Real Estate Broker Joe Lamb Realty is excited to introduce Myra Ladd-Bone as the newest team member. With a career that spans decades, Myra combines profound industry knowledge with an exceptional ability to navigate the real estate landscape. Starting with Joe Lamb Realty in the 1980s, she returns to the team with a reinvigorated commitment to client success.

Myra’s impressive background includes founding and selling Atlantic Realty in 2018, demonstrating her unparalleled business acumen. For expert guidance on buying or selling your property, visit myra@joelambjr.com or call (252) 261-7721.

Sun Realty Sun Realty Honors Agents of the Month: Richard Hess and Paul Sabadash Richard Hess earned top sales for Sun Realty in April. He made the Outer Banks his home more than 30 years ago and quickly became a leader in the real estate and business community. Working out of Sun Realty’s Kill Devil Hills office, Richard understands the changes and challenges in the industry, and is positioned to stay ahead of the game. His expertise in negotiation and industry knowledge will ensure a smooth transaction. Contact Richard at (252) 256-2112 and put his experience to work for you!

Paul Sabadash earned Agent of the Month honors for both May and June. Paul moved to the Outer Banks in 1988 and has been providing excellent results for buyers and sellers ever since. He works out of the Sun Realty Corolla office and primarily focuses on the northern beach areas. You can reach Paul at (252) 722-3120.

Twiddy & Company Twiddy & Company Honors Matt Preston for a Decade of Service Over the past several years, Matt has consistently been one of Twiddy & Company’s top agents, achieving more than $29 million in sales since January 2023. His impressive track record reflects his dedication, expertise and a deep understanding of the market.

Matt’s commitment to excellence and personalized service ensures that each client enjoys a smooth and successful real estate experience. Cheers to a decade and many more milestones to come! Contact Matt today at (252) 207-6143 or mpreston@twiddy. com.

Twiddy & Company Celebrates Rob Ladd’s 25th Anniversary With more than 40 years of experience in the Outer Banks real estate market, Rob is a key mentor to all of the Twiddy & Company agents, and he helps clients have a flawless experience when buying or selling a home. Contact Rob today to help make your real estate dreams come true! Call or text (252) 202-8311 or email rladd@twiddy.com.

Twiddy & Company Honors Ray Meiggs Ray joined Twiddy & Company in 2015 to lead the creation of the Premier Home Services program, focusing on luxury oceanfront rental properties. Now, as an integral part of the Twiddy & Company’s Premier Sales Team, Ray leverages his enduring passion, extensive experience and profound regional knowledge. Known for his proactive “make it happen” work ethic, Ray enthusiastically looks forward to guiding you through your real estate journey and helping you discover your ideal home on the Outer Banks.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to Ray today at (252) 333-5310 or rmeiggs@twiddy.com.

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GREAT SHAKES Local artists shake things up for a common cause with a combination of history and creativity PHO TOS B Y RYA N M O S E R S TORY B Y A M E LI A BO L DA JI

THIS PAST SPRING, artists of all ages and backgrounds were invited to participate in a creative collaboration between Dare Arts and the Chicamacomico Historical Association that blurred the boundaries between the Outer Banks’ storied cultural history and its visionary present-day creators.

In a venture known as the Chicamacomico Shakes Exhibit, community members celebrated the 150th anniversary of the United States Life-Saving Service by decorating wooden shakes salvaged from the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station’s cookhouse using any medium they desired in order to illustrate the varied ways our past continues to inspire our future.

Nearly 150 decorated shakes lined Dare Arts’ Courtroom Gallery throughout the exhibit’s run during the month of April – with works ranging from seasoned professional artists to enthusiastic newcomers – and the overall effect was remarkable. Visitors were even offered the chance to purchase the shakes for a flat fee of $150, with proceeds being split between Dare Arts and the Chicamacomico Historical Association to further both of the nonprofits’ missions of engaging with the Outer Banks’ community at large.

For the Chicamacomico Historical Association, the funds raised from this event will primarily be used to restore Rodanthe’s Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station – which was one of seven lifesaving stations built on the Outer Banks in 1874, and the very first station to be fully operational along the North Carolina coast.

For more information about this special project or the artwork featured here, please contact Dare Arts (darearts.org) or the Chicamacomico Historical Association (chicamacomico.org).

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FI V E FA CTS

Kitty Hawk 1 Elementary School

From Old to New

Some may still remember when a small schoolhouse on Kitty Hawk Road sported wooden floors, coal stoves, hand-pumped water and outhouses tucked beside a modest cafeteria. At a time when the Outer Banks was much more sparsely populated, that original Kitty Hawk School was once spacious enough to accommodate students from elementary through high school, with some traveling to their classes aboard a solitary Ford Model-T school bus. The school’s last graduating class of high school seniors earned their diplomas in 1956, after which grades nine through 12 were bussed to Manteo. Only two years later, the Dogwood Trail KHES replaced the old schoolhouse, which was converted into the Judy-Rand Apartments during the 1970s and later became a youth hostel.

PHOTO BY CORY GODWIN / STORY BY EMMY BENTON

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Over the years, KHES has changed just as much as the students who enter learning their alphabet and leave middle school ready. The Dogwood Trail school’s original building was completed in 1959, with two more pods adding another 10 classrooms during the 1970s. As the Outer Banks’ population began to surge in the ‘80s, trailers were temporarily brought in to provide extra space until more classrooms, offices, a new library and a new gym were finished around 1990. The last parts of the school’s original structure were demolished to make room for a reconfigured entranceway as well as more parking spaces in the summer of 2003 – which was about the same time KHES leveled up with a second story reserved for fourth and fifth grade classrooms.

In addition to being a place of learning, KHES has also served as a community-wide safe haven in other ways. Amid heightened tensions over the threat of nuclear attacks on the U.S. in the early 1960s, President Kennedy urged all state and county governments to develop civil defense plans; a call which Dare County officials answered – albeit, with a twist. In light of the Outer Banks’ unique location, local officials decided that it was more important to develop emergency hurricane plans instead, which included designating strategic evacuation centers. The recently built KHES was selected as one of those hubs – and it quickly proved worthy of the role when it hosted the county’s Civil Defense Committee, the Salvation Army and numerous community evacuees during the Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962.

THE KITTY HAWK FALCONS KNOW HOW TO SOAR – and they’ve

been doing it in some fashion for 100 years now. In 1924, the first Kitty Hawk School opened its doors to students in grades one through 11 at its original location on Kitty Hawk Road. Twelfth grade was added to the curriculum in 1947 when the state began requiring an extra year of schooling, and attendees traveled to the single schoolhouse from as far north as Duck and as far south as Nags Head. For perhaps obvious reasons, the construction of a new Kitty Hawk Elementary School (KHES) focusing on grades one through eight was completed in 1959 along Dogwood Trail – and a version of that structure still stands there today with a motto that continues to inspire future generations: “By reaching high, we fly!”

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One thing’s for sure: KHES students and teachers alike know how to have fun. The school’s most longstanding tradition – and their parent-teacher organization’s only fundraiser – is also one of the most anticipated local events of the year: the KHES fall carnival. Typically held in late October or early November, the carnival will mark its 65th anniversary in 2024 as it throws open its doors to the community at large for an evening filled with games, cake walks, bouncy houses, face painting, food and silent auctions. Though it originally started out as a Halloweencentric event in the ‘60s, it’s since grown to encompass all of autumn’s favorite festivities – and it often lures back lots of grownup KHES alums who volunteer their time to raise money for their old academic stomping ground.

The number of students who have walked the halls of KHES is easily in the thousands – and plenty of them have gone on to lead pretty impressive lives in the years since. One of those famous former students is professional golfer Cathy Johnston-Forbes, who was a competitive tour member with the Ladies Professional Golf Association from 1986 to 2008. The Outer Banks’ first professional surfer Noah Snyder also attended KHES before eventually being inducted into the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame in 2022, and he’s gone on to make a name for himself as a fine artist in recent years – putting him in the company of other KHES alums such as documentary photographer Hunter Barnes, industrial designer and metalsmith Heath Wagoner, and award-winning poet Faith Shearin.

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