WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020
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THE COASTLAND TIMES
Dare County Families and Friends, I would like to wish you a joyous holiday season, a restful winter break, and a prosperous and reflective new year. As the remaining weeks of 2020 approach, I have been reflecting on this past year. Despite the often turbulent and unprecedented challenges that came before us, I am thankful for many things:
I am thankful for the unwavering dedication and commitment of the Dare County Schools staff. Our remarkable employees have shown that they will always rise to the occasion, doing whatever the moment requires to ensure that our students’ best interests always come first. I am thankful for our kind, loving, and supportive community. I am thankful that we live in a place where we take care of each
other. I am thankful for the many first responders and public healthcare professionals who give their absolute best to keep us all safe and healthy. I am thankful for our freedom and for the men and women who serve in our armed forces -- many of whom are away from their families during this holiday season. I am thankful for each and
every one of you. As we look to the start of a new year, let us remember that our most significant accomplishments are achieved by working together. On behalf of Rena, Jack, and Cate, I wish you a safe, healthy, and restful holiday season. My warmest wishes,
Students in the Cape Hatteras Secondary publications class could select among several assignments. This student chose to write a letter to Santa from the point of view their pets. Dear Santa, My name is Punkin. And this year, more than anything, I really want to help pull your sleigh. Ever since I was a young
kitten I was fascinated by the idea of magical reindeer that could fly. Also I hear that all the children leave out a plate of treats and if there’s one thing I love more than food, it’s treats. Now, to convince you even more that you should allow me to help pull your sleigh, I’m going to tell you a few things about me. I spend most of the year sleeping, so I’ll be very well
rested when it comes Christmas Eve. I probably get over 20 hours of sleep a day! That’s a lot of sleep so I’ll have tons of energy for pulling the sleigh. I’m also a great traveler. I’ve gone on a few trips with my family and I do very well, I’ve only gotten car sick once and that was when I was a little kitten. Also, I’m always on alert. I’ll be sure we don’t get caught or seen by any little kids hoping
to see you in the act. I’m quick to run at any loud or suspicious noise. With me on the team, we’ll never have to worry, I can promise you that. Hopefully, there are enough reasons for you to pick me to help pull your sleigh. I really hope I can, it would mean so much to me.
John Farrelly Superintendent, Dare County Schools
Santa letter contributed by Isabella Lettieri, Cape Hatteras Secondary School
On behalf of everyone at the North Carolina Department of Transportation, we’d like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and the best of health and happiness in 2021. 2020 has been a challenging year for many, but we have every expectation that the next year will be a better one. At NCDOT, we’ll be continuing our efforts to connect the people of Northeastern North Carolina to their homes, schools, jobs and services. We’ll continue to shore up vulnerable parts of NC 12 on Ocracoke Island, and be nearing completion on the Rodanthe ‘Jug Handle’ Bridge and a replacement for the Hertford S-Bridge. We’ll start construction to make Colington Road safer, and we’re expecting delivery on two brand new river-class ferries. We’re looking forward to the future at NCDOT, and we hope all of you enjoy the holiday season and have a happy and prosperous New Year.
Allen Moran, NCDOT Board Member
Christmas Greetings
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020
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THE COASTLAND TIMES
Currituck County Schools
Ms. Osmon’s third grade homeroom on the last day before holiday break.
Charlotte Lucier, first grade.
Bradley Hooker, second grader at Shawboro Elementary.
DJ Blowe, first grade.
Brady Vinson, first grade.
Chloe Kelly, second grader at Shawboro Elementary. Brooklin Walden, second grade student, virtual Moyock Elementary School.
Kennedy Brown, second grade. Abbigail Dobson, first grade, and Bailey Dobson, third grade, virtual Moyock Elementary.
Grayson Smith, first grade.
Chloe Kelly, second grader at Shawboro Elementary.
James Salazar’s Myself as an Elf Writing, Ms. Osmon’s third grade ELA class at Jarvisburg Elementary.
Kendall Young, fifth grade, Shawboro Elementary.
Christmas Greetings
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 THE COASTLAND TIMES
Currituck County Schools
Samantha Dubec’s Myself as an Elf Writing, Ms. Osmon’s third grade ELA class at Jarvisburg Elementary.
Raelynn Keefer, second grade, Shawboro Elementary.
Emma Parker, third grade, Ms. Osmon’s ELA class at Jarvisburg Elementary.
Victoria Wimmer, fourth grade, and Kendall Young, fifth grade, Shawboro Elementary.
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Gracie Kruger’s Myself as an Elf Writing, Ms. Osmon’s third grade ELA class at Jarvisburg Elementary.
Emersyn Dowdy’s letter to Santa.
Veronida Haldas, second grade, virtual Moyock Elementary. Sadie Haldas, third grade, virtual Moyock Elementary.
Valerie Roseke, first grade. At right, Kinley Brown, second grade.
Left, Kian Miller, third grader at Jarvisburg Elementary School, Ms. Osmon’s ELA class. Right, Quinn Kelly, first grade, Shawboro Elementary.
Christmas Greetings
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020
4B
THE COASTLAND TIMES
COURTESY SPRING ARBOR
The First Flight High School chorus brought spirited sounds to Spring Arbor in Kill Devil Hills.
As 2020 draws to a close, on behalf of Hatteras Island Meals, I’d like to thank all those who made it possible for us to continue serving our neighbors in need, uninterrupted. This has been a year full of obstacles, changes, and challenges for all, but even more so for those who already faced some adversities. Hatteras Island did not let those folks down. We were able to provide a
balanced mid-day meal to all who asked for our assistance in all 7 villages thanks to your generosity. Meals are provided to all who are unable to prepare meals for themselves, have limited access to groceries or restaurants, are in need of nutritional assistance, or have food security issues. Hatteras Island Meals is not a county or state program, nor is it affiliated with any national organization. We
Faith makes things possible, Hope makes all things work, and Love makes all things beautiful. God bless you during this holiday season, and may you have all three in the New Year! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Robert L. “Bob” Woodard, Sr. Chairman Dare County Board of Commissioners To everything there is a season Leading into the winter and Christmas season, Mrs. Holly Strum’s class at Wanchese Christian Academy has been busy. In art class, they created a chalk picture to include the aurora borealis, with much diversity in the individual outcomes. Several conversations originated about the northern lights. “Lately there have been visuals of the Christmas star and other astronomical from the states,” stated WCA. To commemorate the season of giving, students of Mrs. Strum created ornaments from the Jesse tree. “Each student made 15 in total to detail the Christmas story from Creation to the Birth of the Christ child,” stated WCA. “To everything there is a season, and this one is full of creativity, science, and holiday activity.”
are all volunteer staffed by your neighbors. We’re funded almost entirely by donations from you, your neighbors, your church, local businesses and organizations. We provide a safety net for the most vulnerable Hatteras Islanders whose needs would otherwise go unmet. Hatteras Island Meals is, and always has been, neighbors taking care of neighbors who need a little extra help.
A year unlike any other, 2020 posed a number of unprecedented challenges. Yet, in the midst of all the uncertainty, a silver lining emerged — a renewed love of the outdoors. Since May, when the stay-at-home orders were lifted, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has seen a 23% increase in inland fishing and hunting license sales. This additional funding helps the agency fulfill its mission and is reinvested in conservation efforts right here in our state.
My thanks to our tremendous volunteers, without whose dedication our mission could not be accomplished. Thanks to Sonny’s, Diamond Shoals Restaurant, Island Convenience, and Waves Market for being there for us. Thanks to CHEC for your steadfast support. Thanks to the NC Community Foundation and the Dare County Community Foundation for recognizing the value of the work we do.
As 2021 approaches, our agency will continue to encourage and promote an appreciation for the outdoors and North Carolina’s vast wildlife-associated recreational opportunities. When planning your next adventure, purchase or renew your hunting, fishing, or trapping license by visiting ncwildlife.org. Keep in mind the Wildlife Commission provides more than: • 2 million acres of game lands for public hunting, trapping, fishing and other
And, thanks to the generous businesses and individuals of Hatteras Island for your donations, large and small. Despite all the challenges 2020 presented we were able to take a leap of faith and expand our program from 4 days to 5. You didn’t let us down, we haven’t missed a day. By year’s end we’ll have delivered in excess of 10,000 meals to our neighbors. Thank you all for making
wildlife-associated recreation. • 500 Public Fishing Areas • 500 fish attractors in over 50 water bodies. • 200 Boating Access Areas to over 100 water bodies. • 8 agency-owned or operated shooting ranges Wishing you a healthy, happy New Year,
Cameron “Cam” Ingram, Executive Director N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Mrs. Marshall’s Kindergarten Manteo Elementary School Dear Santa Claus, My class and I hope you are well rested and ready for your big trip on December 24th! Usually we would write you a letter in class telling you the ways they have been good and what they would like for Christmas, but this year is a bit different. We had a short time together face to face in November, but other than that we have been learning remotely. I would like to tell you a little bit about my students and their families. All twelve of my little ones have worked hard to do their very best, and all twelve of their families have been great teachers and cheerleaders helping their children to do their very best and do what they need to do to learn. These families have been very creative and diligent about their children’s learning needs. I have learned from these families and about them, and I am honored and thankful to be a part of their lives during this time. With this being said, I can tell you that all twelve of my students are on the good list. They have tried extra hard with their learning and
with helping their families. Please bring them for Christmas: • Eben would like a drum set and an Oculus. • Reelin would like a hoverboard and a cast net. • Ryder would like skates, a Batman and a Spiderman action figure. • Bill would like a Transformer BumbleBee action figure and a Dinosaur • Evy would like some Shopkins and a Barbie Dream House • Alayna would like a babydoll. • Luke would like a Red Ryder BB Gun. • Lily Gwen would like a new purple bicycle and a My Little Pony Friendship Castle • Willow would like LOL and Barbie dolls. • Charley would like an RC Truck, a fishing pole, and a motorized scooter. • Brynley would like some clothes, a bicycle, and a snowglobe. • Sheadan would like a Nintendo Switch. Thank you Santa. Tell the Reindeer and Mrs. Claus we said hello! Have a safe trip! Love, Mrs. Marshall’s Kindergarten Manteo Elementary School
that possible, and thank you for your continuing support. If you’d like to donate or volunteer, reach us through our website at: hatterasislandmeals. org; find us on Facebook. com/Hat terasIslandMeals; or at P.O. Box 854, Buxton, NC 27920 Stay safe, stay healthy, and Happy Holidays!
Mike Tidd, President, Hatteras Island Meals
The Dare County Sheriff’s Office wishes everyone a Safe and Joyful Christmas and Holiday Season. Please remember to keep your home and car doors locked, arrange for mail and newspapers to be picked up if you plan to leave town and let your neighbors know to keep an eye on your property. Although our county offices will be closed Dec. 24, 25 and 28, Sheriff’s Office Deputies will be working on Christmas Day and are available 24/7. Please call 252-4733444 for non-emergency requests, Dial 9 1 1 for Emergency.
Merry Christmas, Sheriff J. D. “Doug” Doughtie Theatre of Dare would like to wish all of our fans and neighbors a safe and happy Holiday Season! It certainly has been an eventful year for us all, and we have missed seeing you in the seats. Let us all wish for a healthier New Year and a return to our normal lives in 2021!
Thank you… it's all I can say. This has been quite a year for Downtown Books. Who knew this time last year that we would close our doors for nine weeks due to the Pandemic, move our entire store and that our only contact with friends and customers would be through social media and from the window of a car.. that upon reopening things would be so different for all of us.. that despite it all YOU would support us with an incredible outpouring of phone-in orders, curbside pick-ups, online orders, positive feedback, five star reviews, in person shopping and voting us the Best Bookstore on the Beach for the second year in a row. We made it through a challenging year but only with your help. Thank you for keeping our doors open- even when they technically weren’t, for shopping small in such a big way this year, helping us keep staff and customers safe and doing your part to keep my and so many other small Outer Banks businesses alive. Happy New Year.. We can’t wait to make merry with you again soon!
Wishing You A V E RY M E R RY C H R I S T M A S & A H A P P Y N E W Y E A R !
Jamie Hope Anderson & Staff Amy, Avery, Bill & Chloe ( 8 0 0 ) 4 5 8 - 3 8 3 0 | R E S O R T R E A LT Y. C O M
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020
Christmas Greetings 5B
THE COASTLAND TIMES
Tyrrell County Schools
Sophie Haney, first grade.
Riley Davenport, fifth grade.
Elizabeth Bosely, third grade.
Genesis Gomez Vilanueva, fourth grade.
PHOTOS COURTESY TYRRELL COUNTY SCHOOLS
Anika Tillett, sixth grade.
Christmas Greetings
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020
6B
THE COASTLAND TIMES
Wanchese Christian Academy To everything there is a season Leading into the winter and Christmas season, Mrs. Holly Strum’s class at Wanchese Christian Academy has been busy. In art class, they created a chalk picture to include the
aurora borealis, with much diversity in the individual outcomes. Several conversations originated about the northern lights. “Lately there have been visuals of the Christmas star
and other astronomical from the states,” stated WCA. To commemorate the season of giving, students of Mrs. Strum created ornaments from the Jesse tree. “Each student made 15 in
total to detail the Christmas story from Creation to the Birth of the Christ child,” stated WCA. “To everything there is a season, and this one is full of creativity, science, and holiday activity.”
From the Principal: As we approach the Christmas season and wrap up a difficult year for most, we have to look back and reflect with gratitude on all the highlights. We are extremely grateful for each student we get to see every day, and for all the new families that have joined us. The community support of our school has carried us through this season of uncertainty. We just completed our first color walk-a-thon fundraiser and everyone’s support has helped us reach our goal for a new playground. We are growing, thriving and blessed beyond measure. We wish everyone in our community a joyous holiday season and happy, healthy new year.
Holly Strum Wanchese Christian Academy
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020
Christmas Greetings 7B
THE COASTLAND TIMES
Wanchese Christian Academy
Outer Banks Family YMCA
Christmas Greetings 8B
Outer Banks Family YMCA
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 THE COASTLAND TIMES
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 THE COASTLAND TIMES
Christmas Greetings
Outer Banks Family YMCA
9B
Christmas Greetings
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 THE COASTLAND TIMES
Dear Cindy Lou, How are you? What do you want for Christmas? I can not wait for Christmas to wake up early, and tear the wrapping paper off the presents. To find the one thing that you wanted the most. What do you do on Christmas day? I eat a large breakfast and then for the second time go and look back at the gifts I got. After that we call our family and friends wish them a Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year, From Your Friend Natalie Dear Santa, Few things I wanted to tell you about before the Christmas list. First WEAR A MASK WHEN YOU CoME iN!!!! Second, Try and leave a little snow and if possible a snowman preferably on the roof to make the neighbors ask questions. And last but not least a couple things I want for christmas: • New ear buds • Hot wheels Tesla/Tesla toy car with doors that open • 4500 Robux gift card
Sincerely, Michael
P.S. Keep an eye on Hunter. He hasn’t been as mischievous since mom left. Dear Abomana l Monster, If you have the ability to do this please make it snow where I live. We haven’t gotten snow in around two years. I don’t know if you can even do that, but can you at least try, I know that you probably live in the north pole where it snows. maybe you bring snow with you where you go. The trip might be far but you can travel on an iceberg or something.
Sincerely, Nicholas Dear Year 2020, Oh how we thought you were going to be a good year, once the clock struck midnight! Boy boy, you did fool us. You started off well, then we went down a dark path. Some of us were fortunate, though some of us were not. You will go on record as the most unlucky year in many many years. We saw a pandemic that brought with it a very different world as we knew it. The pandemic was not just here at home in the U.S., but it was a worldwide pandemic.
Northern lights, Nicole 2020
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Water’s Edge Village School
Many people felt the pressure and pains of the pandemic from illness to death and financial burdens. We were forced to live a life we had not done before, we were required to wear masks, social distance and wash our hands ALL THE TIME! We were not allowed to see friends as we used to or even family. We missed out on holidays, birthdays and special occasions with our family. Some did travel and see family, while others took heed and followed the “stay home, stay safe” order. For me, I have not ventured far, my family lives out of this area, and I have not seen any of them since Dec 2019. Never did I think I would not be able to see them this Christmas season, sad however, I am lucky to be able to say that. Hoping your relative, 2021 treats us all a little better! I will be happy to ring in midnight in hopes and prayers of a better year for all.
Your Friend, Finn Dear 2021This year has been a hard one! we kickstarted it with a Presidential impeachment; that fell through, then Australia was burned to a crisp than we almost had WW3. That was only January! February came and this thing IS called Corona! Remember when it was a “2-week break”? March rolls around and it goes haywire, the US goes into lockdown then toilet paper is put into alienation, then Breonna Taylor is killed. The U.S. has riots and protests all through the next couple of months. Continuing on, April is here, and there is lots to hear. The stock market is crashing; schools aren’t reopening. Over 1 million covid cases. Don’t forget stimulus checks came out, which are good and uplifting news to some but are hard to get. May is tragic. Lots of people die including George Floyd who was murdered on the streets by a white police officer. June is here and BLM is rocketing, right next to the Murder Hornets and COVID-19. July is somewhat better but then WHO declares this to be the worst thing that they have ever dealt with. August starts off with the Explosion in Beirut, then Joe Biden picks Kamala Harris to be his running mate in the 2020 Presidential
COURTESY WATER’S EDGE VILLAGE SCHOOL
Nicole
Election, and she accepts, which is historical news for our country’s future to hopefully be brighter. September rolls around and RBG passes away; she was buried in Washington DC. October is here, Trump and Melania get Covid, and the CDC cancels Halloween, The California wildfires arise and the election creeps closer and closer. November rolls around and the first wave of lockdown babies are born and it is election time, for 5 days from the 3rd to the 8th Americans have lots of stress piling up... Until November 8th when it is declared that Joe Biden is the new President-Elect. Americans are ecstatic with joy! (my mom is too). Just 2 1/2 short weeks later is Thanksgiving Dr, Fauci does not approve of in- person dinners, causing a super spreader. Now as this crazy year comes to a close we finally have a vaccine for Covid-19. Now we have to reflect because this year has put some real challenges and struggles under everyone’s belt, though it has been tough the world has learned to come together and provide for each other. So no matter who you think you are you haven’t been through something as tough as this roller coaster of the year. So 2021 please don’t be the evil twin.
-Caba
Dear 2020, You put us through challenge that we thought we would never pass. You push it to the limits we thought we could never do these kind of things, but you showed us that we’re better, we can do more, you brought us out you’ve made us show who we really are. Please, can you make my wish come true, make COVID go to-doloo. We’ve been waiting for the vaccine, now it’s here; we can cheer. What a year.
Sincerely, Olivia
Dear Santa, This year, I am wishing for a working Covid-19 vaccine for Christmas. I just want to know that I won’t be catching the virus during the holidays and that I will be able to enjoy Christmas. I also hope that a vaccine gets to the people who need it, not just the people that can afford it. One last thing: I want the vaccine to be produced enough for the whole world to get it. That is all I want for Christmas this year.
SIncerely, Henry
Dear Santa, What I want for Chritsmas is an Ipod, PS4 gift cards, new PS4 controller, Raymond Warner scooter gloves, New envy scooter wheels, and snow, no covid-19 because I just
Northern lights, Olivia 2020
want to be in school and for no more people to die. In 2021 I want to have no more covid-19. please tell Buddy the elf hi when you see him again. For my mom and dad for Christmas present I will give them a card with 20 bucks in it.
Merry Christmas, Sam Water’s Edge Village School.
Dear Santa, I hope your winter is going well you’re probably going to be busy here soon. For Christmas I would like some money so that I can buy something remote controlled or go cart or a new skateboard I would like an electric skateboard or something I could ride around to get places fast. I would also like to get stuff back to normal, get back in school and go see my friends like to go to school without a mask and be able to not have to social distance. I wish coronavirus would not have killed 1.16 million people because like those people had a family that had to go through all that stress. I prefer that people get tested for Coronavirus I wish the virus did not have a big reaction after the second shot or at least one lady said it did have a big reaction. She said that she had a headache and then she had a Flu and then a worst Flu and like a week later she was feeling better.
Sincerely,
Tamerat Water’s Edge Village School Elves letter By Elsie Dear Elves, How is life? Do you and the reindeer have to wear masks? How do they fit on your tiny faces? Because mine are always too big but mine are most likely the size of your whole body. Do you half to make your own. By the way is it warmer than usual in the north pole because it’s abnormally warm where I live. And one more thing can you tell Jack frost to make snow please and thank you. Merry Christmas.
Sunserly Elsie, Waters Edge Village School Dear Ghost of Christmas past, I wish that we could do our traditions but we can’t because of Covid-19. So we can’t see anybody inside without masks on. So we will see our family outside over break. I am so happy about that. Our traditions are we see everybody in our family over break and give presents to them and eat candy and play video games with our cousins and bake. But we can’t do all this year because of Covid-19 Sincerely,
William Boutin Water’s Edge Village School