Ruth Fordon in her official turtle-patrol vest. Photo by Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Cape Hatteras National Seashore is honoring Ocracoke’s Ruth Fordon for her commitment to its sea turtle nesting program during National Volunteer Week, April 15 to 21.
Fordon, a full-time Ocracoke resident since 1988, assists with turtle strandings, nest sitting, early morning turtle patrols and raking out vehicle tracks so that newly hatched turtles don’t become trapped there on their first trek to the ocean.
Fordon first volunteered with the Seashore for turtle patrol in 2003, according to a press release.
“I love the early morning solitude of the ocean side and treasure those daybreaks when sea turtle tracks are found moving onto the sandy beach,” she said. “Locating the nest, digging to ascertain that indeed eggs were deposited, and then all the labor to properly outline the turtle nest area for protection from intruding feet and vehicles brings a feeling of deep satisfaction to me. I have also had the privilege of nest sitting and witnessing a boil (turtle hatching event), that amazing moment when the hatchlings depart the nest in masses and head to the ocean.”
Fordon assists with the turtle patrol alongside Seashore biologists.
“Ruth’s devotion to the sea turtles has been invaluable to both the community and the Seashore,” said Lead Biological Science Technician Jocelyn Wright. “Ruth even helped to train me at my first sea turtle nest 10 years ago. It has been a pleasure to work with her all these years and I’m glad to have this opportunity to recognize her amazing contribution.”
In addition to volunteering, Fordon has several jobs on the island. She is an agent with Ocracoke Lightship Realty, she works for the Ocracoke Observer and runs her own photography business.
In August and September, the Seashore offers park visitors opportunities to observe excavations of recently hatched sea turtle nests. During an excavation, biologists will dig up the hatched nest, count empty eggshells, and collect unhatched eggs for research.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore welcomes volunteers. To view a list of current volunteer opportunities, visit www.volunteer.gov,or call 252-475-9042 for more information.
An aerial view of Portsmouth Village. Photo: C. Leinbach
The simpler times of days gone by will be the theme of this year’s Portsmouth Island Homecoming Saturday, April 21.
Sponsored by the Friends of Portsmouth and hosted by Cape Lookout National Seashore, the 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. event will focus on the simple times and activities that were common to the people of Portsmouth in “A Step Back in Time.”
The free event includes a potluck midday meal.
In case of inclement weather, Homecoming will be held in the Ocracoke Assembly of God Church on Lighthouse Road. Please check www.friendsofportsmouthisland.org and Friends of Portsmouth Island Facebook page for any news or updates to this schedule.
For transport to Portsmouth, call 252-928-4361.
Schedule for the day is as follows:
9 a.m. Buildings open. 10 a.m. Hymn singing in church led by Connie Mason. 11:15 a.m. Church bell rings to begin the Homecoming Celebration. 11:30 a.m. Homecoming Program will feature David Quinn, grandson of Dot Salter Willis, who will offer the Island’s history, along with presentations from other island family members. 12:30 p.m. Potluck dinner on the grounds. (Ice, paper products and tea will be provided. Everyone is asked to bring food to share.) 1:30 p.m. Time to tour all the open buildings throughout the village. 2 p.m. Boats begin returning to Ocracoke (will run as long as needed).
Portsmouth belles from yesteryear, Elma Dixon and Marian Babb. Photo courtesy of Friends of Portsmouth Island
Two Outer Banks classics about Ocracoke, almost impossible to find, by the late Ellen Fulcher Cloud, will be published as one new book, “Ocracoke Lighthouse and the Old Salts,” and will be available for purchase from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 20, in the Ocracoke Preservation Society.
Published by Ray McAllister’s Beach Glass Books, the book recounts the definitive story of both the Ocracoke Lighthouse and the island’s seafaring men.
The new book, published in an enhanced edition, is a companion volume to Cloud’s “Portsmouth: The Way It Was,” republished last year in a similar edition. Ocracoke and the deserted Portsmouth once were sister villages on either side of Ocracoke Inlet.
Cloud’s unparalleled research, little-known stories and own family traditions make “Ocracoke Lighthouse and the Old Salts” a must- read for any lover of the Outer Banks.
First published 25 years ago as “Ocracoke Lighthouse,” Part One shares the history of the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina and the second oldest on the East Coast.
Cloud also includes her personal story and that of a few public-spirited friends who engaged in
the rollicking “Great Window Heist” to keep the historic lighthouse from being irreparably damaged by government officials.
Part Two, first published as the award-winning “Old Salt,” introduces Ocracoke’s “men of the sea,” pilots, fishermen and shrimpers, men of war, shipbuilders, surf men of the U.S. Life-Saving Service and even her own father.
The new book includes a new foreword by award-winning coastal author McAllister and two short pieces Cloud wrote after the books’
publications, plus more pages and enhanced photographs.
This hard-cover book sells for $21. Although concurrently going on sale throughout the Outer Banks, sales at other booksellers and online begin May 24.
Ellen Marie (Fulcher) Cloud. Photo courtesy of Friends of Portsmouth Island.
The Ocracoke Community Library will host a reception from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday (April 19) for “Ocracoke’s Community Helpers,” an installation of the recent STEAM fair project by Ocracoke School’s kindergarten class.
Students will be on hand to talk about their models of Ocracoke places and people. The STEAM Fair in late March showcased projects by students in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.
Refreshments will be served at the reception and the installation will be on view in the library’s main room until mid-June.
Monday, April 16 Community Center: NPS presentation about wildfire prevention; includes info on clearing brush from properties, 2 to 3 p.m.; Ocracoke Waterways Commission, 5:30 p.m.; Oceanographer Dr. Reid Corbett of UNC Coastal Studies Institute, Wanchese, talks about sea level rise, 7 p.m. (For info about the talk, click
Dr. Reide Corbett. Photo courtesy of Institute for Coastal Science and Policy (ICSP), East Carolina university
Tuesday, April 17 Coyote Music Den: Music Jam, all ages & levels, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. No charge; donations appreciated. Gaffer’s: Texas Hold ‘Em Poker, 7 pm
Wednesday, April 18 Coyote Music Den: Word Play, 7 to 8:30 pm. No charge; donations appreciated. Ocracoke Bar & Grille: Kim France, 7 pm Ocracoke Oyster Company: Team Trivia fundraiser for Stevie Wilson, 7 pm
Thursday, April 19 Ocracoke Community Library: Reception for “Ocracoke’s Community Helpers,” an installation of the recent STEAM fair project by Ocracoke School’s kindergarten class. Refreshments. 6 to 7 pm
Berkley Manor: Zillie’s and 1718 Brewing present a five-course Beer Dinner; limited number of seats available. 6 pm. Call Zillie’s: 252 928-9036. Ocracoke Bar & Grille: Kate McNally, 7 pm Gaffer’s: Island Time Steel Drum Band 7:30 pm
Friday, April 20 Ocracoke Preservation Society: Book signing by Ray McAllister of reprint of “Ocracoke Lighthouses and the Old Salts,” by the late Ellen Fulcher Cloud, 5 to 7 pm Coyote Music Den: Martin Garrish & Friends “Playing Your Ocracoke Memories” with special guests. 8 pm (doors at 7:30) Gaffer’s: Don Cox, 7:30 p.m.
Portsmouth Methodist Church. Photo by P. Vankevich
Saturday, April 21 Portsmouth Island Homecoming, 9 am to 2 pm. For transport to Portsmouth, call 252-928-4361.
Ocracoke Waterfowl Festival, Ocracoke School Gym, 9 am to 6 pm. (Clickhere for story about the festival.) Ocracoke Oyster Co.: Martin Garrish, 6 pm Gaffer’s: Don Cox, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 22 Ocracoke Bar & Grille: Kim France, 7 pm
Gaynelle Spencer Tillett, 81, died Friday (April 13) in her Ocracoke home.
A native of Ocracoke, Gaynelle was the daughter of the late Herman B. and Flora Burrus Spencer. She retired from the NCDOT Ferry Division and was a member of the Ocracoke Assembly of God.
Gaynelle is survived by a son, Ricky D. Tillett and his wife, Cindy; a sister, Louelle S. Midgett; eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, six nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday (April 17) in Ocracoke Assembly of God with Pastor Ivey Belch officiating. Burial will be private at Ocracoke Community Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ocracoke Assembly of God, P.O. Box 68, Ocracoke, NC 27960.
Twiford Funeral Home, Manteo is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.TwifordFH.com.
Dave O’Neal in his Down Point Decoys Shop. Photo: Peter Vankevich
By Peter Vankevich
Ocracoke’s first Waterfowl Festival on April 21 in the school gym will celebrate renowned island carver Dave O’Neal.
When you step inside his Down Point Decoys Shop, you may feel you have wandered into an earlier time. The small building that once served as the island’s post office is “downtown,” in front of Captain’s Landing. It brims with decoys–from small flying ducks about six inches long to a life-sized Common Eider, North America’s largest duck.
Among these historic working decoys are also contemporary, decorative birds—shorebirds, and woodpeckers and owls carved by Len Skinner.
Ready to talk all things decoys, O’Neal, except for his career in the Coast Guard, is a lifetime islander.
Duck hunting is a major winter activity here, and he was schooled in the art of making decoys from older islanders.
William Garrish, his wife’s grandfather, particularly liked carving flying ducks, a form he taught O’Neal. Several examples are in the store.
Another mentor was Wilbur Gaskill.
“They’d hand me some wood and a knife and say, ‘Start carving,’” O’Neal said, chuckling. “Sometimes I’d cut my finger.”
After graduating from the Ocracoke School class of 1971 (seven students), O’Neal joined the Coast Guard from 1973 to 1993 when his interest in carving became a passion.
It didn’t go unnoticed.
On a wall is a framed piece showing he was the feature story in an autumn 1986 issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine
“Back then, we all called it whittling,” he said, noting that only a few islanders continue the art these days. Maybe that could change.
So, to bring attention to the island’s rich carving history and to attract people to the art, O’Neal and several others, including his brother Vince O’Neal, Scotty Robinson and John Simpson, in January formed the Ocracoke Island Decoy Carvers Guild.
With helpful advice from the well-established Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild on Harkers Island, the guild holds monthly meetings with topics including the history of carving and workshops on techniques.
This root head goose decoy carved on Ocracoke in the 1920s by Ike O’Neal will be on display and is the guild’s logo. Photo: Peter Vankevich
The guild quickly drew attention by launching the upcoming Ocracoke Waterfowl Festival from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 21.
Along with decoys on display and for sale, activities will include carving presentations, a decoy head-carving competition, decoy painting for kids, artifact and hunting-blind displays, a raffle for a decoy and local seafood provided by Ocracoke Seafood Company.
While there, you may learn about root head goose decoys, and one carved on the island in the 1920s by Ike O’Neal. The guild chose this one as its logo.
The bodies of these decoys are made of Atlantic white cedar and the neck and head from a red cedar limb. Red cedar is the common tree on Ocracoke, while white cedar, which floats better, is found only on wetlands on the mainland.
“In the old days, people would find cedar limbs washed up on the beach,” O’Neal said. The head and neck would be carved from those, then secured to the body.
O’Neal’s shop also has vintage, factory-made decoys, including several made by one of the most famous, Mason’s Decoy Factory, that operated in Detroit from 1896 to 1924.
“There were a lot of small decoy companies, especially in the 1920s and 30s, sometimes as small as a person’s garage,” he said.
Decoys originally were viewed as utilitarian, to lure wild ducks in close enough to be shot. They were crafted not only to attract wild ducks but also to withstand the harsh water environment.
Carvers had individual styles and took care and pride in their work. These old decoys are now considered to be American folk art and can fetch a lot of money.
Finding historic decoys for sale can be a challenge.
“There are not many old North Carolina decoys on the market these days,” O’Neal said. “Most are held by collectors.”
The Down Point Decoy Shop brims with historic and contemporary decoys. Photo by Peter Vankevich
In the quiet winter months, islanders would whittle. One of their favorite duck subjects was the Redhead, a bird that can be seen around the island in the thousands.
Casey Arthur, a Core Sound carver from Stacy, Carteret County, and long-time member and a director of the Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild, is an O’Neal fan.
“David O’Neal is an Ocracoke carving icon and his persistent passion for decoys, whether it be carving or collecting, has led to inspiration of all who come in contact with him,” he said.
South Point Decoy Shop is a must-visit shop for collectors and carvers.
“People from all over the country drop in to talk decoys,” O’Neal said.
Visitors will get a bonus by hearing the famous Ocracoke “hoi toide” (high tide) brogue, and his is as real as it can get.
To read the story about the Ocracoke Decoy Carver’s Guild’s first meeting, click here.
Down Point Decoy shop on Ocracoke. Photo: Peter Vankevich
The National Weather Service in Morehead City continues to monitor the potential for severe weather tonight (Sunday) into early Monday morning. A strong line of showers and thunderstorms is expected to push into Eastern N.C. Sunday night.
At this time, the weather service says it looks like the best chance for strong to severe storms will be between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. The main threats with the storms will be damaging winds, and brief heavy downpours with localized flooding. An isolated tornado will also be possible within the line of storms.
Aaron Gallaher, owner of Plum Pointe Kitchen inside 1718 Brewing Ocracoke, will serve free samples of his menu Saturday (April 14) from 5 to 7 p.m. Photo: C. Leinbach
By Connie Leinbach
In anticipation of opening next Friday, the Plum Pointe Kitchen in 1718 Brewing Ocracoke will offer free eats for sampling today (Saturday) from 5 to 7 p.m.
Owner-chef Aaron Gallaher will offer several items hors d’oeurves-style to patrons in the brewery.
“These will be test items for tasting,” Gallaher said Friday as he and one of his staff, Claire Senseney continued to get the kitchen ready. Islander Chris McDonald also is on the food team.
Plum Pointe is a separate food concern inside the craft brewery. Gallaher expects the kitchen to open for business Friday, April 20. Hours will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Brewery hours are noon to 9 p.m.
Among the items for patrons to sample on Saturday will be bacon-wrapped shrimp with chipotle cream cheese, scallops ceviche and Vietnamese wings.
“They’re off the chart,” Garick Kalna, owner of 1718 Brewing, said about the scallops and the wings. “I’m super excited about it. The zucchini noodle is fantastic.”
Gallaher also will have beef sliders with caramelized onions and bleu cheese, pork sliders with Asian slaw and Korean barbecue sauce, drunken chicken sliders, fried plantains and sweet potato chips.
The name of the new eatery derives from Blackbeard, the same as the name of the brewery: 1718 is the year Blackbeard was killed off Ocracoke on Nov. 22, and this year is the 300th anniversary of that event. Plum Point, a narrow strip of land along the Pamlico River near Bath, Beaufort County, is the purported location of Blackbeard’s homestead.
Gallaher is excited about his new venture. A long-time bartender at Howard’s Pub, Gallaher has been on Kalna’s team since brewery construction began 2015, and he has a background as a chef.
He began as a dishwasher at the age of 18 in a five-star restaurant, the former Café Iguana, in Fayetteville.
“I started out as a dishwasher and four months later I was the head cook,” he said. “It had an 80-item menu with 30 items that changed weekly.”
His two-year stint as a chef kick-started his love for good food.
“I’ve always been experimental with food,” he said.
Kalna appreciates that, noting that though two separate entities, Plum Point Kitchen and 1718 Brewing look forward to working together.
“We want food that’s not available elsewhere on the island,” Kalna said.
A view of the inside of 1718 Brewing Ocracoke. Brooke Doane serves customers. Photo: C. Leinbach
Ocracoke, NC—The Ocracoke Civic & Business Association is seeking a full-time executive director and a part-time bookkeeper.
The OCBA is a non-profit corporation on Ocracoke Island, NC., organized primarily to further the common good and general welfare of residents of and visitors to Ocracoke within the meaning of Section 501(c) (4) of the Internal Revenue Code. The OCBA provides marketing for Ocracoke Island, opportunities for contributors to improve their businesses and limited advocacy for island interests under contract with the Ocracoke Travel & Tourism Development Authority.
Job description for Executive Director: The Executive Director of the OCBA functions as the Chief Executive Officer of the corporation. In this capacity, the Executive Director is responsible for administration of the overall operation of the corporation, including: reviewing and evaluating the results of program activities, overseeing finances, ensuring that contractual obligations are being fulfilled; assisting the President and Board of Directors in setting policy and program goals for each year.
Successful candidates will have strong organizational, administrative, and financial management skills as well as be comfortable in a hands-on role, willing to do the essential tasks necessary to meet the goals of the OCBA.
The Executive Director provides leadership and performs the following:
Execution of OCBA-Ocracoke Travel & Tourism Development Authority (OTTDA) Contract:
Oversees and implements all travel and tourism-related marketing as required and detailed in the OCBA-OTTDA Contract for such services (available upon request), including:
Submits to OTTDA for approval, which approval shall be in OTTDA’s sole discretion, an annual, detailed line item budget, and any subsequent amendments thereto, detailing the way the funds furnished by OTTDA to OCBA will be utilized during the then current fiscal year;
Provides quarterly reports and an annual report in writing to OTTDA concerning all travel and tourism related marketing as well as promotional activities and expenditures performed hereunder;
Produces and submits to OTTDA for approval a Strategic Marketing Plan for OTTDA, through sub-contract with a professional marketing firm approved by OTTDA, which approvals shall be in OTTDA’s sole discretion;
Upon approval of said Strategic Marketing Plan by OTTDA, implements said Plan;
Maintains, supplies, and staffs, as appropriate and as may be reasonably directed by OTTDA within budgetary restraints, a presentable Visitor’s Center in Ocracoke Village;
Markets and promotes any travel and tourism-related events identified and approved by OTTDA, such as 4th of July events and Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree;
Annually produces and distributes the Ocracoke Walking Map;
Insures that Ocracoke Township events identified by OTTDA are properly advertised and publicized utilizing, among other things, social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and other formats or media;
Sufficiently maintains and refreshes, as necessary and appropriate, the http://www.visitocracokenc.com website as well as its integration with http://www.visitnc.com and any other appropriate digital or electronic platforms, including those identified by the OTTDA; and
Executes any other activities, programs, or initiatives reasonably deemed by OTTDA to be in furtherance of the purposes and intentions described by the OCBA-OTTDA contract for travel & tourism-related marketing.
Other Related Marketing:
Manages online SEO (search engine optimization);
Develops and maintains a positive public image of Ocracoke through media releases;
Serves as public relations contact for all travel writers;
Represents Ocracoke Island in a cooperative local, regional, and statewide promotional efforts; develops and maintains a positive relationship with the business community and maintains public awareness of tourism issues and advertising opportunities;
Commits to maintaining and strengthening industry knowledge by attending industry conferences, establishing professional networks and participating in industry development organizations;
Supervises and participates in familiarization tours for journalists, travel agents and tour operators;
Attends TDA/OCBA Board Meetings and assists in planning and coordination of special and annual events, including: 4th of July and Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree; and
Provides current and updated information to the press.
Administrative:
Ensures effective implementation of any OCBA-sponsored events;
Develops and maintains partnerships with local non-profit organizations, the local business community, surrounding communities and regional marketing organizations;
Develops and implements strategy for OCBA contributor recruitment, retention and expansion using GrowthZone Software. Maintains database of contributors, descriptions and online presentation of those businesses. Trains businesses on utilizing marketing tools available;
Prepares monthly reports on ad negotiations and placements, basic inquiry data and website and social media statistics and audience analysis;
Manages the Administrative Assistant to include: assignment of their duties, day-to-day tasks and supervision of their work;
Works with the treasurer to create a yearly budget; monitor expense vs. budget; budget for events. Supervises bookkeeping function and reviews and authorizes all expenditures. Works with the treasurer and the Board of Directors of the OCBA to prepare yearly grant request to Occupancy Tax Board, typically due end of March;
Picks up mail; checks; deposits; approving bills. Treasurer will continue to do bookkeeping for 2017-18 (to include paying bills, deposits, payroll);
In partnership with the OCBA Board, Serves as the face and voice of the Organization (to contributors, community, press, etc.);
Liaisons with the community and outside agencies/organizations/press people; and
Interacts with contributors and board members.
QUALIFICATIONS: Required:
Candidates must be able to reside on Ocracoke full-time on Ocracoke within 3 months of taking position;
Marketing experience—10+ years’ experience in marketing or equivalent;
Degree – bachelor’s or above in Marketing or related field;
Computer skills/software: Word, Excel, QuickBooks; email; social media;
Experience working with budgets; managing expenditures, purchasing, & bookkeeping;
People/customer service skills—ability to interact with contributors, board members, visitors, travel writers, etc.; and
Ability to speak articulately and confidently in public as well as private settings
Preferred:
Experience managing a business; working in or managing a nonprofit; experience working with boards of directors/volunteers; experience organizing events.
Job description for part-time bookkeeper:
The bookkeeper for the OCBA is responsible for working with the Treasurer to manage the bookkeeping of the organization including managing accounts payable and receivable, bank deposits, reconciliations and other finance-related duties.
The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:
Maintaining records according to generally accepted accounting principles including the recording of general journal entries, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management and reconciliation of bank statements;
Applying strong accounting skills, including A/P, A/R, purchasing backup, journal entries, and all bookkeeping through financial statement preparation;
Participating in activities needed to support the Board of Directors financial oversight of the organization: and
Performing other duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES):
Candidates must reside on Ocracoke;
Two or more years of office or bookkeeping experience;
A high-level of proficiency in the use of QuickBooks or related programs;
Strong knowledge of bookkeeping practices and procedures;
Accuracy and attention to detail is absolutely required, as well as a track record of reliability, confidentiality, and conscientious work habits;
Proficient in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, Word and PowerPoint;
Ability to work independently with little supervision;
Ability to organize and prioritize effectively;
Attention to detail with exceptional level of accuracy;
Ability to interpret data; and
Ability to adapt and work efficiently in a rapidly changing dynamic environment with deadlines.
Interested applicants for the above jobs should send their resume and cover letter by April 25, 2018, to: Ocracoke Civic & Business Association, P.O. Box 456, Ocracoke, NC, 27960, or electronically to info@visitocracokenc.com.
