OVFD gets long-awaited new pumper truck

November 5, 2023

Jeff Dippold, an OVFD volunteer, drove the truck from Minnesota to Ocracoke. Photo: C. Leinbach

By Connie Leinbach

With the arrival of a new firetruck, the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department has a full complement of state-of-the-art equipment.

“The new truck will be the first one out for fire calls,” said Chief Albert O’Neal as he and others recently admired the new, custom-made vehicle outside the firehouse.

This new “first-out” pumper truck replaces the old one, which is more than 20 years old, O’Neal said.

“Hopefully, it will only have to be used in a parade,” an optimistic O’Neal quipped as he watched the members examine the new vehicle. “That’s what we’re shooting for.”

Along with the old pumper, the all-volunteer OVFD now has six responder vehicles, but O’Neal said they haven’t decided what to do with the old truck.

Jeff Dippold, a firefighter who also serves as treasurer, made the trip to Midwest Fire in Luverne, Minn., to pick it up, learn about it, and drive it to the island.

Along the way, photos of the truck’s journey were posted on the OVFD’s Facebook page and there was a bit of a mini parade as it drove off the Swan Quarter ferry and headed to the fire station on the other side of the village.

This one cost about $350,000 to build and when it’s outfitted with all of the gear, the total will come to about $500,000.

The OVFD relies on donations and grants to fund its operations and it must be fully ready to respond to fire emergencies on the island since help from other fire companies is not available.

The annual Firemen’s Ball, held on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, is one of the principal sources of revenue.

“This new truck is thanks to the fundraising from the many Firemen’s Balls over the years,” said Carmen Laton, a firefighter and the safety officer.

The nonprofit OVFD works closely with the Hyde County Emergency Services (EMS), providing first-responder assistance, including having its firefighters and trucks present at the airport for medevacs when people in emergency conditions are transported off-island by helicopter.

Being an island, Ocracoke must have the best severe weather-worthy equipment and all personnel ready to go as help from any other fire department is at least two hours away, which puts the island in a very vulnerable position.

The OVFD is always looking for new members and not just firefighters.

There are lots of support responsibilities needed to keep the department in top working order.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of this crucial public service can contact the company by email: OcracokeVFD@gmail.com.

Volunteers Van O’Neal, Chief Albert O’Neal and Bob Despo examine the newest addition to the firefighting fleet. Photo: C. Leinbach

New Catholic chapel opens on Ocracoke

November 2, 2023

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Para leer en español, haga clic aquí.

Text and photos by Peter Vankevich

Update: For the time being, the chapel will be open daily from 2 pm to 5 pm. Weekly Mass will be Wednesday, 4 pm.

Roman Catholics on Ocracoke finally have their own place to worship.

The dedication of a newly built chapel, Stella Maris, celebrated by Luis Rafael Zarama, bishop of the Diocese of Raleigh, along with several other priests, took place on the cool, windy, overcast morning of the last day of October.

This secluded building, located behind the Ocracoke United Methodist Church and not visible from School Road, includes a small residence.

How did it come to be built?

“Through much prayer,” said Rev. Alfred Smuda, OSFS, affectionately known as Father Fred, in an interview. He is the pastor of Our Lady of the Seas parish in Buxton and travels to Ocracoke to say Mass, usually on Wednesday afternoon. Date and time for the next Mass are on the community board at the post office.

The home and the land graced with old live oaks belonged to the Wilson and Martha Garrish family and was the home of Wilson’s late parents, Preston “Jule” Garrish and Etta Mae Howard.

Father Fred recounted how after saying Mass in the Ocracoke United Methodist rec hall he would look at the property and think it would be a wonderful place for a chapel.

Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama awaits Fr. Fred Smuda (in green) who concelebrated the dedication Mass.

The praying led to the sale of the house, donation of adjacent land, financial benefactors and the support of the Diocese of Raleigh, and the chapel with beautiful stained glass was built.

“Some folks saw the need for a church and from their hearts donated to the church and the land and that’s a miracle of love,” said Bishop Zarama after the Mass.

Statue of Mary on the grounds of the Stella Maris Chapel

The pews of the chapel can accommodate 80 worshippers, but on this dedication day an additional 30 seats were added and still there were folks standing all the way outside.

The name, Stella Maris, is Latin. Translated as Star of the Sea, it is an ancient title for Mary, the mother of Jesus.

“I wanted a name that would reflect the Ocracoke community and it was approved by the diocese of Raleigh,” Smuda said.

Celebrating Catholic Mass on Ocracoke has been a challenge over the many years, according to Nancy Carlson who has been attending Mass on the island for 26 years. Services have taken place in many locations, including people’s homes, the old fire station, outside at Books to be Red, the Community Center, the aforementioned rec hall and, most recently, in the Ocracoke United Methodist Church.

“I am so happy for today, not just for me but the entire community,” said Gloria Perez. “Building the church is a result of the work of many volunteers.”

Standing with her before the dedication were Rocio Trejo and Vanessa Perez who reiterated that it was a day for celebration and to acknowledge the efforts of so many who made this come true.

“If you want to know who is responsible for today, look up,” said one of the principal benefactors who wished to remain anonymous.

After the Mass, food was served and those who attended had an opportunity to spend some time outside where there are benches and a statue of Mary. The secluded grounds will serve as a place where folks can go for reflection.

The new chapel was filled for the dedication Mass

Island Catholics attending the dedication. From left: Yaneth Camacho, Antonina Ortiz, Roció Trejo, Vanessa Perez and Gloria Benítez Perez.

Performers continuing outside after the conclusion of the dedication Mass.

Los católicos romanos de Ocracoke finalmente tienen su propio lugar de culto

November 2, 2023

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To read in English, click here

Actualización: Por el momento, la capilla estará abierta todos los días de 14 a 17 horas. La misa semanal será el miércoles a las 4 pm.

Texto y fotografías de Peter Vankevich

La dedicación de una capilla recién construida, Stella Maris, celebrada por Luis Rafael Zarama, obispo de la Diócesis de Raleigh, junto con varios otros sacerdotes, tuvo lugar en la mañana fresca, ventosa y nublada del último día de octubre.

Este edificio apartado, ubicado detrás de la Iglesia Metodista Unida de Ocracoke y no visible desde School Road, incluye una pequeña residencia.

¿Cómo llegó a construirse?

“A través de mucha oración”, dijo en una entrevista el Reverendo Alfred Smuda, OSFS, conocido cariñosamente como Padre Fred. Es el párroco de la parroquia Our Lady of the Seas en Buxton y viaja a Ocracoke para decir misa, generalmente los miércoles por la tarde. La fecha y hora de la próxima Misa están en el tablero comunitario de la oficina de correos.

La casa y el terreno adornado con viejos robles pertenecían a la familia Wilson y Martha Garrish y era el hogar de los difuntos padres de Wilson, Preston “Jule” Garrish y Etta Mae Howard.

El padre Fred contó cómo después de decir misa en el salón de recreo metodista unido de Ocracoke miraba la propiedad y pensaba que sería un lugar maravilloso para una capilla.

Obispo Luis Rafael Zarama espera al P. Fred Smuda (de verde), quien concelebró la Misa de dedicación.

Estatua de María en los terrenos de la Capilla Stella Maris

Los bancos de la capilla tienen capacidad para 80 fieles, pero en este día de dedicación se agregaron 30 asientos adicionales y todavía había gente parada afuera.
El nombre, Stella Maris, es latino. Traducido como Estrella del Mar, es un título antiguo para María, la madre de Jesús.
“Quería un nombre que reflejara la comunidad de Ocracoke y fue aprobado por la diócesis de Raleigh”, dijo el padre Smuda.
Celebrar la misa católica en Ocracoke ha sido un desafío a lo largo de muchos años, según Nancy Carlson, quien ha asistido a misa en la isla durante 26 años. Los servicios se han llevado a cabo en muchos lugares, incluidos los hogares de las personas, la antigua estación de bomberos, el exterior de Books to be Red, el Centro Comunitario, la sala de recreación antes mencionada y, más recientemente, en la Iglesia Metodista Unida de Ocracoke.

“Estoy muy feliz por hoy, no sólo por mí sino por toda la comunidad”, dijo Gloria Pérez. “La construcción de la iglesia es el resultado del trabajo de muchos voluntarios”.

Junto a ella antes de la dedicación estuvieron Rocío Trejo y Vanessa Pérez quienes reiteraron que era un día para celebrar y reconocer los esfuerzos de tantos que hicieron esto realidad.

“Si quieres saber quién es el responsable de hoy, mira arriba”, dijo uno de los principales benefactores que prefirió permanecer en el anonimato.

Después de la Misa se sirvió comida y los asistentes tuvieron la oportunidad de pasar un rato al aire libre donde hay bancos y una estatua de María. Los terrenos apartados servirán como un lugar donde la gente podrá reflexionar.

La nueva capilla se llenó para la Misa de dedicación.

Católicos de la isla asistiendo a la dedicación. De izquierda a derecha: Yaneth Camacho, Antonina Ortiz, Roció Trejo, Vanessa Pérez y Gloria Benítez Pérez.

Los artistas continúan afuera después de la conclusión de la Misa de dedicación.

Ocracoke events Oct. 30 to Nov. 5–updated

October 30, 2023

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Ocracoke’s new Stella Maris Chapel. Photo: P. Vankevich

Tuesday, Oct. 31
The newly built Catholic Stella Maris Chapel on School Road behind the Ocracoke United Methodist Church will be dedicated at 9:30 am. Limited parking; golf carts and bikes encouraged.

Wednesday, Nov. 1
1718 Brewing Ocracoke: Island Trivia, 6-8 pm

Thursday, Nov. 2
Ocracoke Decoy Carvers Guild, 7 pm. Community Center.

Friday, Nov. 3
Festival Latino de Ocracoke begins with virtuosic Venezuelan harpist Larry Bellorin, 7 pm. Deepwater Theater.

Saturday, Nov. 4
Festival Latino de Ocracoke, Berkley Barn. 9 am to 5 pm

The Battle of Ocracoke Infield, Ocracoke Community Park, The Reapers vs. The Kudzu, a Carolina Sandlot scuttle, 1pm.

Ocracoke Oyster Company: Ray Murray, 7 pm

Sunday, Nov. 5
Rematch: The Battle of Ocracoke Infield, Ocracoke Community Park, The Reapers vs. The Kudzu, a Carolina Sandlot scuttle, 10 am. They’re looking for some island kids to play.

Hyde government building closed for HVAC renovation, staff available via phone

October 30, 2023

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The Hyde County Government Center will be closed to staff and the public today, Tuesday and Wednesday (Oct. 30 to Nov. 1) to install rooftop HVAC units to the facility.

All Hyde County administrative offices located in the building and the Hyde County Clerk of Court will be affected.

During this time, staff will be available via phone/email and working from home to assist you. To access services, refer to the chart below:

Latino festival slated for first weekend in November

October 25, 2023

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The Ballet Folklorico de Ocracoke will perform at the festival in the Berkley Barn. Photo by Eakin Howard

The Sixth annual Festival Latino de Ocracoke will take place the first weekend in November.

Produced by the island non-profit, Ocracoke Alive, in partnership with Ocracoke’s vibrant Latino community, the festival will feature music, ballet folklorico dances, incredible food, games and more.

The festival kicks off on Friday, Nov. 3, with day performances and workshops for Ocracoke School students with the virtuosic Venezuelan harpist Larry Bellorin.

Friday night the Larry Bellorin band will give a special concert at 7 p.m. at Ocracoke Alive’s Deepwater Theater.

Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m., the celebration moves to the Berkley Barn at the Berkley Manor with food, games and performances by Larry Bellorin & friends, Trio Chavales de Hidalgo, and more. The festivities move inside the Berkley Barn for an evening concert from 6 to 8, including performances by Ocracoke’s own Ballet Folklorico de Ocracoke.

The evening rounds out with a community dance at the Berkley Barn from 8 to 10 p.m. with Trio Chavales de Hidalgo.

Proceeds from the Festival Latino de Ocracoke will benefit programming on the island community.

The Festival Latino is supported by Ocracoke Alive with assistance from the Ocracoke Township Tourism Development Authority, the Pony Island Inn, Sorellas and additional sponsors.

Those wishing to help sponsor the Festival Latino de Ocracoke may do so with a tax-deductible contribution at www.ocracokealive.org.

Volunteer signups for the event are also posted online.

Ocracoke events Oct. 23 to 29

October 23, 2023

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Lots going on on Ocracoke this week.

Tuesday, Oct. 24
Kitty Mitchell Studio, “The Belles of Belhaven” art show opening, 7 pm

Wednesday, Oct. 25
An Evening at the Commons, Island Inn Commons, 5-7 pm

Friday, Oct. 27
Books to Be Red book signings: Kevin Duffus, noon to 1 pm; Kelley Shinn, 3 to 5 pm
The Breeze: Zack Brock & Good Intentions, 9 pm

Berkley Manor barn & grounds: Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree, vendor fair 2 to 5 pm; costume contest: 6 pm. See schedule below.

Saturday, Oct 28
Berkley Manor barn & grounds: Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree, 9 am to 5 pm

Community Center: Bingo to benefit the Ocracoke School basketball team, 6 pm, doors open at 5:30

1718 Brewing Ocracoke: Sixth anniversary/Halloween party with the Carolina Hellcats, 7 pm

Ocracoke Oyster Company: The Motley Tones (seafaring and rowdy songs) 7:30-10 pm

The Breeze: Zack Brock & Good Intentions (Halloween party), 9 pm

Sunday, Oct. 29
Island Inn Commons: Ghost stories, 7 pm

An Evening at the Commons set for Oct. 25; ghost stories Oct. 29

October 23, 2023

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The Island Inn Commons landscaping project Photo: C. Leinbach

Ocracoke Preservation Society (OPS) will hold an Evening at the Commons event on Wednesday, Oct. 25, starting at 5 pm.

Everyone is invited to join for wine and a walk through the building project and the garden space, which has been diligently planted over the summer.

The night is dedicated in gratitude to all the project sponsors and friends who have helped along the way.

From 6 to 7 p.m. that night, Ocracoke Alive will host a silent auction of 22 artist mural panels that have adorned the edges of the Commons area over the summer.

These panels include those of 12 student works, which were collaborations from Ocracoke Arts Week this year.

All proceeds will benefit the Island Inn restoration.

Online pre-bidding for all panels is available now through 9 p.m. on Oct. 24.

Visit www.ocracokealive.org for mural photos and details.

The OPS will hold a free evening of ghost stories with Amy Howard and David Tweedie at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29 at the Island Inn Commons.

These murals are among 22 that will be auctioned Oct. 25. Photo: C. Leinbach

Mitchell Studio to unveil the ‘Belles of Belhaven’

October 22, 2023

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Two island artists have developed an art show around the eclectic items found in the Belhaven Memorial Museum.

Kitty Martin Mitchell and Ann Ehringhaus will show their work in “The Belles of Belhaven” at the Kitty Mitchell Studio across from Community Square on Ocracoke, with an opening from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, with beverages, hors d’oeuvres and live music.

A ‘Dark Princess,’ painting by Kitty Mitchel.

“Ann and I independently of each other thought it would be fun to do a show based on the insanely eclectic items in the Belhaven Museum, so we are doing it together,” Mitchell noted. “My focus was on the female images: the mannequins, the photos, the dolls and figurines. Hence the ‘belles’ of the Belhaven Museum.”

The museum, at 210 E. Main St., Belhaven, Beaufort County, honors Beaufort County native Mary Eva Blount Way, who, according to the Roadside America website, simply couldn’t throw anything away.

“It’s the craziest eclectic collection of things you could imagine,” Mitchell said. “Everything from old photos, fancy old ball gowns to candy tins, weapons, critters preserved in formaldehyde, skeletons, a giant map of the United States made out of buttons, flea circus, and much, much more.”

According to Project 543 on the visitnc.com website, Miss Eva began her collection with a humble box of buttons given to her by her mother-in-law; the collection eventually grew to more than 30,000.

As time passed, friends and neighbors contributed trinkets and treasures until Miss Eva’s collection grew too large for her family barn.

After her death in 1962, citizens of Belhaven purchased her collection to create Belhaven Memorial Museum and allow visitors to step back in time.

A spokesperson for the Belhaven Chamber of Commerce said the museum hasn’t been open for a while and did not know when it would open.

Clarification: Mitchell said she and Ehringhaus got their photos before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 closed many places.

Ocracoke Child Care center to become teacher housing

October 19, 2023

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Ocracoke Child Care was recently transferred to the Hyde County Schools Foundation and will be turned into teacher housing. Photo: C. Leinbach

From our news services

In a plan to address housing needs on Ocracoke, the Hyde County Education Foundation, in collaboration with Ocracoke Child Care Inc., has assumed control of the child care center on Old Beach Road, which will be converted to teacher housing.

A press release from Hyde County Schools on Oct. 18 said that the foundation envisions converting the former childcare center into six separate apartment units, each accommodating one to two occupants.

These apartments will be offered at an affordable monthly rate to new school staff on the island for up to three school years as they seek permanent housing.

In the event of unoccupied units, the project will extend temporary housing offers to other county and state employees, including law enforcement and EMS personnel.

“Having an affordable housing option that we can offer our potential teachers and staff is exciting,” said Ocracoke School Principal Leslie Cole.

Housing options on Ocracoke have always been challenging, and this problem has been exacerbated by rising home prices and the loss of housing stock during Hurricane Dorian, according to the press release.

The median home price on Ocracoke has reached record levels and making home ownership unaffordable on the current school salary scale. Year-round rental units are extremely limited, and in many school years, Hyde County has had to turn away quality teachers because they could not find a place to live, the press release said.

Recognizing the importance of having school employees living near their workplace and a part of the community, Hyde County Schools aims to encourage longer-term commitments from staff by addressing the housing deficit.

Dr. Melanie Shaver, Superintendent of Schools, has been instrumental in driving this initiative since joining the school system.

The foundation, a non-profit focused on impediments to the education of students in Hyde County (which includes staff housing and early childhood education), will work to address these issues.

Ocracoke members of the foundation include Tommy Burruss, Sara Teaster, Raul Ibarra, Alice Burruss and Angie Todd.

Through community engagement, partnerships and discussions with the Board of Education and community stakeholders, solutions have been identified to mitigate the turnover rate and housing challenges on Ocracoke.

Renovation efforts for this project are anticipated to begin next spring.

Moving forward, the foundation will expand its board to work to identify and create solutions for housing options on the mainland as well.

Mainland Hyde County faces similar problems of a housing shortage, with an aging housing stock and limited options for rentals.

A significant portion of recruited staff comes from outside of the area, creating issues when accepting roles with the school system due to a lack of housing. Many mainland staff members are forced to reside in neighboring counties, creating lengthy daily commutes.

Ocracoke School has used the Ocracoke Childcare building for the last four years as a venue for learning and staff after Hurricane Dorian in 2019 flooded Ocracoke School, making it unusable. Ocracoke School has been rebuilt and reopened in August.

Revenue from the rental units will be reinvested in property maintenance and to support expanding early childhood education programs.

In addition, Hyde County Schools will expand the Pre-K program in Ocracoke to include 3-year-olds beginning in the 2024-2025 school year.

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