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Third Annual Ocracoke Waterfowl Festival canceled

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Second Annual Ocracoke Waterfowl Festival in 2019.

Text and photos by Peter Vankevich

Another casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Third Annual Ocracoke Waterfowl Festival, scheduled for May 2 has officially been canceled.

“Whether it would be rescheduled in the fall, or just wait until next spring is a decision the guild’s board of directors will have to make when the island reopens,” said John Simpson, president of the Ocracoke Decoy Carvers Guild, which presents the event.

Trying to schedule a full festival in the fall would be a challenge, he said this morning, since there are similar festivals going on almost every weekend throughout the region. He also said the guild may host a smaller event in the fall if the island is back in business.

The first two festivals each attended by more than 500, took place in the Ocracoke School gym which was badly damaged by Hurricane Dorian on Sept. 6. This year’s festival was relocated to the Berkley Barn.

The new Ocracoke Waterfowl Festival may not have the long, storied history of the Ocracoke Invitational Fishing Tournament, that has also been canceled, but this event has been amazingly successful in just two years since the nonprofit guild was officially formed in January 2018.

Ocracoke Decoy Carvers Guild board of directors are, from left, Vince O’Neal, Scotty Robinson, Dave O’Neal, Trudy Austin and John Simpson

Several islanders, including John Simpson, brothers Vince O’Neal and Dave O’Neal, dad and son Dan and Scotty Robinson, Trudy Austin and Stephanie O’Neal, formed the guild to preserve Ocracoke’s long, rich tradition of decoy carving.

“Waterfowling has been a dramatic part of Ocracoke’s heritage and this folk art needs to be kept from becoming a lost art,” Simpson said at the time.

Root head goose carved by Ike O’Neal circa 1920s will be the guild’s logo.

The guild selected a root head goose carved by Ike O’Neal in the 1920s for its logo. These decoys are so named because the head and neck are fashioned from fallen trees on the island, primarily cedar.

After that, the guild got to work and announced it would hold the First Annual Ocracoke Island Waterfowl Festival on Saturday, April 21, 2018, in the Ocracoke School gymnasium. Decoys, many brought in by carvers up and down the Atlantic Seaboard, are the highlight of the festival among other activities.

Dave O’Neal in his Down Point Decoy Shop.

Each year, the festival celebrates a featured carver. The first was Dave O’Neal, owner of the Down Point Decoy Shop, located in Ocracoke’s “down town” and is well-known to decoy collectors throughout the world. One of the few good news stories relating to the destructive impact of Hurricane Dorian, was that unlike most of the neighboring buildings, the shop received minor damage.

Dan Robinson was The Second Annual Waterfowl Festival featured carver. This year, Nathan Spencer was to be honored.

Dan Robinson still has the first decoy he carved, this Bufflehead.

Casey Arthur, a Core Sounder carver from Stacy, Carteret County, was an invaluable consultant, providing encouragement and advice to the guild. Arthur, a passionate carver and mentor, is a long-term member and director of the Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild and frequent visitor to Ocracoke.

In a telephone conversation soon after its formation, Arthur said he was thrilled to see this new guild. “Ocracoke and Portsmouth islands have a wonderful tradition of carving,” he said.

In December, the Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild will host the 33rd Annual Core Sound Decoy Festival on Harker’s Island.

Carver Jason Daniels, who is the captain of the Ocracoke Sheriff’s deputies, recruited 42 students who each carved a Canvasback duck during the 2019 Arts Week.

 

Outer Banks folk prep for the unknown

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The 26-bed Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head is a joint venture between Vidant Health and Chesapeake Healthcare.

Reprinted by permission from the Coastal Review Online

03/27/2020 By Catherine Kozak

On the Outer Banks, daily life feels almost like the familiar suspension of normality in preparing for a storm: Everyone and everything is hyper-focused on stocking supplies and staying safe.

But unlike the adrenaline-fueled anxiety of hurricane readiness, anticipating the impact of looming disease is just endless churning of anxiety. No one knows what to expect or when it will end.

With the first death in North Carolina from COVID-19 reported Tuesday in Cabarrus County, and Dare County’s first positive case reported Wednesday, the state is bracing for the continued spread of cases from the coronavirus pandemic. So far, few have been found in northeastern North Carolina coastal counties, but public health professionals have been gathering resources for weeks to be as ready as possible. People in these rural counties are generally poorer, older and less healthy than most North Carolinians.

“This is such a fluid situation, and there are so many unknowns,” Hyde County Health Department Director Luana Gibbs said in an interview last week. “I think we’re pulling together as a community … We’re being very proactive.”

Gibbs said that in limiting their public contacts, healthy people are protecting not only themselves, but also the frail or vulnerable folks where they live and work.

“We do have a growing population of elderly and we do have a population with chronic health conditions,” she said. “Yes, that is a concern and I do worry about that.”

To read the rest of the story, click here.

Cooper announces statewide stay-at-home order until April 29

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RALEIGH— In another step to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, Gov. Roy Cooper ordered people in the state of North Carolina to stay at home for 30 days starting on Monday (March 30) and lasting until April 29.

Cooper’s Executive Order No. 121 takes effect at 5 p.m. Monday and reduces the size of gatherings to 10 people. The order provides for essential businesses to continue to operate while prioritizing social distancing measures. The order has the force of law and will be enforced in all 100 counties.

He said the CDC considers North Carolina to have widespread transmission, which means people who have tested positive cannot trace where they were exposed to the virus.

“Because no one is immune and there’s no vaccine, the best tool we have is keeping our physical distance and staying at home,” Cooper said in prepared remarks.

Both he and North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen said this measure was enacted to slow the spread of the disease and so as not to overwhelm the state’s health care system.

“We do not have the luxury of time,” Cohen said.

Cooper said the stay-at-home order will be a hardship but that the state “will do everything in our power to cushion the blow.”

He said 200,000 unemployment claims have been filed and that the first checks will go out next week.

The governor noted that three North Carolinians have died due to COVID-19 and the state has 763 confirmed cases of the virus in 60 counties.

The order directs people to stay at home except to visit essential businesses, to exercise outdoors or to help a family member. Specifically, the order bans gatherings of more than 10 people and directs everyone to physically stay at least six feet apart from others.

Unless noted in the order, previous closures and orders stand as written as do local government orders in cities and counties. Frequently Asked Questions about the Order can be found here.

If you do not think your business is included in the essential services list, and you think it should be, you may apply online at the NC Department of Revenue to be designated essential here. Until your exemption is reviewed, you may operate as long as your business can accommodate social distancing in your workplace.

The governor’s full order is available here.

For more information about health recommendations and who is designated at high risk for becoming seriously ill, please visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus.

Hyde County Health says no coronavirus cases in the county

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As of 10 a.m. today (March 27), Hyde County has NO confirmed cases of the virus, the Hyde County Health Department said in a press release.

However, this does not mean we are exempt from COVID-19, said Misty Gibbs, preparedness coordinator/PIO, in the press release. 

As of this morning, the N.C. Health and Human Services reported 763 cases in 59 of the state’s 100 counties and three related deaths. The highest age range of cases is between 25 and 49 years. Only 14% is 65 or older. 

Testing remains available, but the recommendation is that people who are mildly sick stay home to prevent the spread of illness.

 Mild symptoms are defined as fever and cough without any of the following: shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, confusion or blue lips. Should you develop these symptoms, call your healthcare provider or emergency services.

Do your part to protect yourself, your family and your community, by continuing to:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a household cleaning spray or wipe known to be effective on COVID-19. A list of such cleaners is available on our website at www.hydehealth.com.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Practice social distancing (six feet between individuals); avoid handshakes, hugs and other close contact.

Get your information from reliable sources, such as:

Ocracoke rebuilds while under COVID-19 quarantine

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To catch up on Ocracoke news and much more, click here

By Connie Leinbach 

Ocracoke continues to rebuild from the devastating Hurricane Dorian damage more than six months ago on Sept. 6.

Eagerly awaiting visitors after a three-month shutdown following the storm, islanders are now dealing with a second visitor shut down to help stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

The rest of the state and most of the country are in the same boat with the national economy virtually at a standstill, but to have two such hits within six months is especially hard for Ocracoke, which relies on income from visitors.

“I have friends who I’m not sure will make it,” said one business owner who declined to be identified.

Yesterday, the White House granted Gov. Roy Cooper’s request for a federal disaster declaration for the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic in North Carolina.

The declaration provides Public Assistance to all 100 North Carolina counties, allowing local governments, state agencies and eligible non-profits to be reimbursed for costs involved in responding to the outbreak.

Meanwhile, the sounds of saws, hammers, nail guns and chain saws continue as islanders work on their homes and businesses.

Below are some photos of progress as of this week and last.

Justin LeBlanc works on rebuilding the Ocracoke Coffee Company. May 1 is their expected opening date. Photo: C. Leinbach
Fishing charter owners, Stevie Wilson, at rear left, of the Dream Girl, and Farris O’Neal, right, of the Drumstick, work on getting their boats ready for fishing trips. Photo: C. Leinbach
Adam Burleson helps rebuild SmacNally’s. Photo: C. Leinbach
Eduardo works on getting his new food truck ready in a new location at Lawton Lane and Irvin Garrish Highway. Photo: C. Leinbach
The Ocracoke United Methodist Church’s parsonage on Howard Street is nearing completion after having been raised. Photo: C. Leinbach
Tim Wilkerson and Roger Meacham have to rebuild and secure the deck of the Jolly Roger, which is not expected to open this year. Photo: C. Leinbach
Lachlan Howard, front, and his dad, David Tweedie, rebuild their house at Lawton Lane and Howard Street. Photo: C. Leinbach
Down Creek Gallery is among the few businesses open. Photo: C. Leinbach
Quiet Ocracoke Village streets. The former T.J. Outfitters will revert to a rental house. Photo: C. Leinbach
The inside of the Ocracoke Oyster Company as of March 2 at its new location, the former Ocracoke Bar & Grille. Photo: C. Leinbach
Inside Jason’s Restaurant on March 2. Photo: C. Leinbach
Ocracoke Island Trading Company got all new floors and shelving after having been inundated by Dorian. Photo: C. Leinbach
Dajio Restaurant has a new plan–a two-story section in addition to the original building. Owners Doug and Judy Eifert hope to be ready by Memorial Day. Photo: C. Leinbach
A ferry comes into Ocracoke’s Silver Lake harbor. Photo: C. Leinbach

Ocracoke Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament canceled

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One of more than 70 fishing teams in the annual Ocracoke Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament that is canceled for this year. Photo: C. Leinbach

By Peter Vankevich

Not that it was unexpected, but it’s sad, nevertheless. Woody Billings announced on Tuesday that the 37th Annual Ocracoke Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament (OISFT) scheduled to kick off April 29 is officially canceled.

Billings cited many reasons –those affecting us all — coming from the COVID-19 pandemic for which Gov. Roy Cooper issued a state of emergency March 10.

“Not only do we not want to worry about the health of all people involved, there is the local aspect of bringing over 500 people to the Island and risking every one’s health,” Billings wrote on the OIFST Facebook page.  “We are going through a very tough time in America, and Ocracoke especially, because we on Ocracoke are dealing with two 100-year events in a period of less than seven months. Please keep Ocracoke in your prayers, We need them more than ever.” 

Ocracoke is currently closed to visitors and off-island residents who are not making critical repairs to their properties, and is uncertain as to whether it will be reopened by the surf fishing tourney’s scheduled dates of April 29 to May 1.

This is the first cancellation in its 36-year history. “We had a partial, though, in 2004 when a tropical storm struck, that shut down the second day,” Billings said this morning

Billings is head judge and, along with Richard Perkins, is co-chair of this popular catch-and-release tournament.

Woody Billings, left, announces tournament winners at the 2019 event. He is aided by Pattie Johnson Plyler and two of the Fish Lips. Photo: C. Leinbach

Last year, a tournament record was set with 70 of the 72 teams catching a total of 865 scoreable fish, the most ever for a total score of 2,319 points during the two-day competition.

As anyone with even the remotest familiarity with fishing, knows there are good days and bad ones. In 2017, only 79 fish were caught as the anglers battled high winds and pulled in more seaweed than fish.

Teams are spread along the southern part of Ocracoke’s world-famous beach.

Ask folks what OISFT stands for and many will say Ocracoke Island Surf Fishing Tournament and they would be wrong. The “I” is for invitational and there is a long waiting list to get in. Teams, many into second and even third generations, come back year after year, including anglers from Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Virginia.

Colorful and creative team names and dress are part of the fun: Fish-A-Ritas, Beach Drummers, Misfit Mermaids, Pheasant Pluckers and The Pubettes of Ocracoke are some of the teams.

Many of the teams have their own logos. Photo: C. Leinbach

Even if the event is invitational, the awards party and free barbecue meals on early Friday evening are open to the public and everyone shares in the camaraderie and “better luck next year” commiserations.

The OISFT will be sorely missed by the Ocracoke community this spring. In addition to the fun and bringing folks to the island, the proceeds are donated to Ocracoke nonprofits and for scholarships to some of Ocracoke School’s graduating seniors.

 

Dare County reports first COVID-19 case; state reports two deaths

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The electronic traffic sign at the north end of Ocracoke Village on March 25. Photo: C. Leinbach

From our news sources

Although Dare County Department of Health and Human Services announced today (Wednesday) its first positive case of COVID-19, this case will not show up as a Dare County case because a Dare County address was not used when the individual was tested.

 “The individual has been self-isolating since being tested and doing well,” Dr. Sheila Davies, director of the Dare County DHHS, said in a press release. This is not a case of community spread as it is believed the individual acquired the virus through travel or direct contact, according to the release.

Dare County DHHS staff is conducting an investigation into this individual’s activity. Anyone who is determined to have had direct contact with the individual will be contacted, but the DHHS will not release further details about the individual because of privacy rules.

Also today, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported the first COVID-19 associated deaths.

A person from Cabarrus County died on March 24 from complications associated with the virus. The patient was in their late 70s and had several underlying medical conditions. A second person in their 60s, from Virginia who was traveling through North Carolina also died from COVID-19 complications. To protect the families’ privacy, no further information about these patients will be released.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones,” said Gov. Roy Cooper in a press release. “This is a stark warning that for some people COVID-19 is a serious illness. All of us must do our part to stop the spread by staying at home as much as possible and practicing social distancing.”

On Tuesday,  in a letter to President Donald Trump, Cooper requested a major disaster declaration for the State of North Carolina due to the continuing impacts of COVID-19 on North Carolina.

In requesting the major disaster declaration, Governor Cooper asked the federal government to provide individual assistance for those affected, including crisis counseling, disaster unemployment assistance and Small Business Administration assistance, among other programs.

Cooper issued a state of emergency for North Carolina to respond to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis on March 10. President Trump followed by declaring a national emergency on March 13, opening Public Assistance for North Carolina, which reimburses government offices and non-profits for actions that protect public health and safety. Eligible counties and communities may qualify for financial reimbursements for the cost of taking prudent actions to reduce the impacts of COVID-19, while also protecting lives and public health.

To read the Governor’s request click here.

California, New York and Washington have already received major disaster declarations for COVID-19.

High risk persons
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recommends that people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 stay at home to the extent possible to decrease the chance of infection. On March 22, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated who is at high risk for severe illness. People at high risk include anyone who:

  • Is 65 years of age or older
  • Lives in a nursing home or long-term care facility
  • Has a high-risk condition that includes:
  • chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
  • heart disease with complications
  • compromised immune system
  • severe obesity – body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
  • other underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as diabetes, renal failure or liver disease

In addition, pregnant women should be monitored closely since they are known to be at risk for severe viral illness. However, data so far on COVID-19 has not shown increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness in pregnant women. While children are generally at lower risk for severe infection, some studies indicate a higher risk among infants.

Governor Cooper has taken several actions to protect the health of North Carolinians, including ordering all K-12 public schools in North Carolina to close through May 15th , banning gatherings of more than 50 people, limiting bars and restaurants to only take-out or delivery service, restricting visitors to long-term care facilities, and promoting social distancing by closing businesses like movie theaters, gyms, nail salons and several others.

North Carolina has more than 500 cases of COVID-19 reported in more than half of the state’s 100 counties, according to data from the N.C. DHHSs and county health departments. As testing increases, the number of cases reported each day is growing.

North Carolina saw its first case of COVID-19 on March 3 when a Wake County man tested positive for the virus. The man had traveled to Kirkland, Washington, and visited a senior care facility where there was later an outbreak of the illness. On March 21, the number of cases exceeded 200. On March 22, the count passed 300 and now exceeds 500.

For more information and additional guidance, please visit the NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus and CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Ocracoke Convenience Site has new recycling procedures

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Dave Johnson oversees the Ocracoke Convenience Site and has made improvements. Photo: C. Leinbach

By Rita Thiel

The Ocracoke Convenience Site has updated specifications for recycling and garbage disposal. 

Dave Johnson, head site attendant, has worked to clean up and better organize the site.

He changed the entrance so that people can drop off recycling first. He and his assistant help islanders to put the right trash/recycling in the correct bin.

He also bought magnetic signs for each bin with his own money.  

“I like to get things done,” he said. “Why wait to get funds approved for something we need now?  It was simple enough. I could do it on my own.” 

He particularly notes changes in the co-mingle recycling dumpster.

When the co-mingle and cardboard leaves the island, it goes to the East Carolina Vocational Center in Greenville where it is sorted, separated, baled and then shipped to the appropriate processing mills. 

“If we send contaminated bins–those with items not acceptable–then they have to bale this and send it to the landfill for us,” he said. “We’re then charged a double tipping fee for this.” 

When the co-mingle dumpster is emptied the next time, he will start with an uncontaminated bin and strongly enforce it so that the recycling actually works.

 “We need everyone to follow the recycling instructions,” Johnson said.

Other changes may come in time when the busy tourist season begins, he said, but for now, his improvements are working.

 “So far, pretty good,” he said.

Changes to the recycling business are frequent, he said, and repeats a motto he learned: “When in doubt, throw it out.” 

As of his last meeting with county officials, the following is a list of what is and what is not recyclable. 

The co-mingle bin now has stricter rules for what goes into it. Photo: C. Leinbach

The CO-MINGLE BIN
Takes plastics, metal cans and mixed paper as described below

Plastics

 Yes: #1 & #2 bottles and jugs only, such as milk jugs, soda, water, juice, detergent, shampoo. For now, lids are okay, on or off. No plastics #5 or #6. “These should be emptied, rinsed and scraped clean, with less than a spoonful left, please,” Johnson said.

 No: Yogurt, jello, pudding,or snack cups; butter or cottage cheese containers; microwave meals or food containers; No bags,baggies or loose pieces of plastic wrapping or packaging

Mixed paper

Yes: Newsprint

Computer paper and other sheet paper not bound (must be larger than a large post-it note)

Junk mail- all is accepted right now

Paper bags

Brown packing paper (clean, with no tape or labels)

No: Magazines or other bound paper materials such as books, journals, intact notebooks. 

Single-layer cardboard, cereal, pop tart, pasta or other food boxes or thin cardboard wrappings; detergent or soap boxes;

Waxed paper containers or waxed boxes or paper of any kind

Napkins, paper towels or rolls, toilet paper or rolls, tissues, paper plates

Scraps of paper

Metal

Yes: Food cans (lids okay, pop top or screw on)

Beverage cans

No: Aluminum foil, foil food wrappers, oil cans, scraps of metal or siding, gutters, etc.

 THE GLASS BIN

Yes: Beverage containers and food jars only (mayonnaise, salad dressing, peanut butter, etc.). All of these glass jars need to be emptied, rinsed or scraped out.

No: Glassware, dishes, window glass, light bulbs or other household glass. Spent compact fluorescent light bulbs can be taken to the Tideland EMC office on Odd Fellows Lane to be recycled.

THE CARDBOARD BIN

Yes: Corrugated cardboard, broken down (can have a non-waxed photo print label on the box). All cardboard must be dry and clean. No previously wet will be accepted. If cardboard is wet, throw it in trash bin.

Dave Johnson monitors the trash bins at the exit to the convenience site. Photo: C. Leinbach
The entrance to the Ocracoke Convenience Site was changed recently. Photo: C. Leinbach

 

 

 

Immediate action needed to protect our communities

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SOCIAL DISTANCING means take-out only at Ocracoke eateries. Photo: C. Leinbach

The following is an Op-Ed regarding the coronavirus pandemic from Vidant Health/ECU Brody School of Medicine.

Vidant Health and the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University are calling on all of eastern North Carolina to do their part to flatten the curve. We need to act quickly and definitively. When you watch what is happening in other communities and are scared about what you see, you should ask yourself a few questions: Will it hit my own community? Why can’t we stop this? What should we do? These are difficult questions, but the answers are clear.

This pandemic has turned into a wave that is rolling across our country, hitting our state and threatening eastern North Carolina. The data are clear: it has started to impact our region and the problem continues to grow.

We can’t stop this wave from hitting us. However, we can lessen its impact here and now in eastern North Carolina. The question is whether we will take the necessary actions to reduce the spread of the virus. When you see the disasters affecting communities around the world, you are seeing the towns, cities, regions or countries that did not take action to slow or stop the wave. What you don’t see are the ones that are not suffering as much. The ones whose health care system is able to respond to the demand. The ones whose economies are already recovering. These are the stories of the communities who took the actions to slow the wave. What we do now will determine our story.

The fact is we have a short window of opportunity, as the virus is moving much faster than we normally make decisions. We know the story and outcome if we do nothing more. We see it on the news and on social media every day. We know from history that bold and definitive actions can change the course for the better.

Hospitals throughout North Carolina have and continue to take measures to respond to the COVID-19 wave. This includes all nine Vidant hospitals serving eastern North Carolina. It is time for communities to make similar definitive and decisive decisions to protect our region.

Each of us has a responsibility to act immediately and to take action to help our communities respond to this crisis. Now, more than ever, we need every person, organization and government agency working together to protect our loved ones.

Practice social distancing. Stay home as much as possible. Call before visiting a health care facility if you have a fever. Respectfully encourage others through social media to do their part. These actions, combined with every day hygiene habits like proper hand washing, coughing and sneezing into the crook of your arm and cleaning surfaces, will help us flatten the curve and keep our loved ones healthy.

We are calling on local officials throughout eastern North Carolina and the state to take more decisive action in response to this crisis to include making the bold and right decision to ask North Carolinians to shelter in place. This means staying close to home as much as possible and only going out if absolutely necessary, such as buying groceries or picking up medications. This is the right thing to do to save lives and is the right thing for our long-term economic interests. Community members must encourage the political bodies to be decisive, take action now and then support them.

We would also like to thank all health care workers and every person on the front lines for their tireless efforts to care for those in need. This is a difficult time for doctors, nurses and care teams. We stand ready to care for those in our region, but we need local communities to do their part.

We are confident we can flatten the curve. However, we must all stand up together, as one community, to get through this crisis.

Michael Waldrum, M.D.
Chief Executive Officer, Vidant Health

Mark Stacy, M.D.
Dean, Brody School of Medicine
Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences, East Carolina University

 

Ocracoke groups receive grants toward COVID-19 fight

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Spring day on Ocracoke. Photo: C. Leinbach

Southern Shores–The Ocracoke Youth Center received a $4,225 Rapid Response grant from the Outer Banks Community Foundation to provide internet hot spots for Ocracoke students who do not already have internet at home.

The grant was part of $56,050 in COVID-19 Rapid Response Grants awarded to eight local nonprofits, supporting their efforts to provide for the basic, urgent needs of Outer Bankers during the COVID-19 emergency.

In addition, earlier this week, Dare Education Foundation, in partnership with Dare County Schools, received $4,500 to provide home internet access to under-resourced families in Dare County.

The goal of these grants is to allow students to participate in remote learning and online classes through the mandated school closures.

The foundation awarded more than $21,000 to local food assistance programs, from Kitty Hawk to Hatteras Island to Ocracoke, including the Beach Food Pantry, the Bread of Life Food Pantry in Ocracoke, and the Buxton Food Pantry.

The Albemarle Development Corporation also received assistance to serve daily prepared meals to at-risk seniors from the Baum Center in Kill Devil Hills.

More than $22,000 was awarded to provide financial assistance to Dare County residents who are out of work due to coronavirus closures.

Interfaith Community Outreach and Cape Hatteras United Methodist Men will use this grant money to help families that are most affected by unemployment or underemployment, including local seasonal workers who are affected by closures, or those workers without sick time or paid leave. These grants will help families afford rent, mortgage, utilities, medical bills and more.

The Community Clinic of Dare received $3,608 to upgrade their facility to allow for better sanitation, social distancing, and telemedicine. The clinic provides free primary medical care, medication assistance, and health and wellness education to approximately 550 uninsured and under insured patients each year who live or work in Dare County.

“The Coronavirus has created an unprecedented crisis for our community,” said Lorelei Costa, the Community Foundation’s executive director, “but our nonprofits, including the Community Foundation, are rising to the occasion in unprecedented and astounding ways.

“We have been blessed at the Community Foundation to receive several bequests, major donations, and legacy gifts over the years to endow our community grant-making. This has given us the flexibility to rapidly respond to quickly-changing community needs as they emerge. We are so grateful to our donors that have allowed us to be innovative in meeting community needs during this uncertain time.”

The foundation will continue accepting applications for its COVID-19 Rapid Response Grant Program on a rolling basis and reviewed every two weeks to ensure quick decisions and timely programs.

The second application deadline is 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, with decisions announced on Friday, April 3.

To be eligible for a COVID-19 Rapid Response Grant, programs must be related to the Coronavirus crisis, either directly (e.g., care for patients) or indirectly (e.g., assistance to workers without childcare).

To apply for a COVID-19 Grant, nonprofits should first call the Community Foundation at 252-261-8839 to discuss their programs and their funding needs. Requests can be submitted via a one- or two-page letter, briefly describing the nonprofit’s mission, the project at hand, the dollar amount requested, the local need it would meet, and the beneficiaries of the proposed program. You can find more information about all of these programs, and how to apply, at www.obcf.org/grants.

 

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