May 2009 Letters to the Editor |
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New Letters to the Editor....05.26.2009 8:00 am
Beach access and park issues
This is to the people or birdwatchers who don’t want ORVs on the beaches. We don’t want ALL your beaches. In fact, you can have most of the beaches for your precious plovers and oystercatchers and whatever species you deem to be endangered at the moment and that is most convenient to close access to ORVs. We don’t want all the beaches, we just want a few miles here and there and you can have the rest! Oh, yes, you have most of the access to the beaches since we are not allowed to drive on them anyway. But the few miles where there is the best surf fishing on the East Coast, why don’t you just leave it alone? Leave it to the hard working, taxpaying people who need a break once in a while to come down on the shores of the Outer Banks to relax, spend some money, and boost the local economies? Leave it alone so families can spend some time with their children and bask in the sun and play in the waves? Leave it alone so they can seek out some shells on the shores? Leave it alone so they can spend some quality time fishing with grandparents and catch the fish of a lifetime, telling stories to one another and just plain have fun driving on the beach once in a while? If you think about it, this fight is all about just a few miles of shore around the Oregon Inlet Bridge, Cape Point, and Ocracoke Inlet. These are the best surf fishing places. It’s not the only places where birds like to nest. It’s also not vital to their survival. There are plenty of man-made islands that they have been nesting on the last few years. About 99.9 percent of ORV drivers are very responsible people. We don’t want to cause problems. We can we all get along if you just keep your birdwatching to the sections where we are not allowed to drive and where we fish. This is only about 10 miles total. Then we can all be happy and hopefully everyone can have a happy and prosperous summer. Shirley Hellms Charlottesville, Va. Just another case of the NPS being our friend with lead sinkers. I didn't know that saltwater dissolved lead. I’m going to Morehead for vacation this weekend. At least I know where I can fish in Atlantic Beach. Wayne Church Pfafftown, N.C. Divers worry about marine sanctuary rulemaking This is just another group of people that want control. When they get it, they won’t stop there. How in the world can I go around all the wrecks that are in the area as I troll for fish? Gary Coe Darlington, S.C. Attorney disputes state on Bonner Bridge right of way This is more of the same stalling tactics being used by the same environmental groups that have restricted access to Cape Hatteras beaches. They say that they want to preserve the area, but I don't think anyone believes that. As long as Derb Carter, Jason Rylander, and other attorneys keep these disputes going in court, they continue to collect fat salaries. These people are getting paid to manipulate the judicial system. The consent decree took the democracy out of the negotiating process. The more reg-neg meetings I sat through, the more I realized this. The attorneys, along with the Park Service, weren't asking about our opinions on how to proceed. They were telling us how things we're going to be. During these hearings, I'd say that at least 60 to 75 percent of the stakeholders were against restrictions and year-round closures. Despite this, the restrictions and closures have continued. This is exactly what I find most disturbing. Even though the majority of the stakeholders were against the restrictions, they happened anyway. One question: Where's the democracy? The claims these groups were making about animals, especially birds and turtles, were shaky at best. At one meeting we sat and listened to a paid government official tell us about how beach closures in Daytona Beach, Fla., affected turtles. I won't get into specifics, but I felt as if my intelligence was being insulted. I mean what on earth did that have to do with what's going on here? No facts were presented to substantiate the environmental group’s claims about what’s happening here -- on Cape Hatteras, not Florida, not Cape Cod. At another meeting Walker Golder presented a series of papers that were written by students and by other "environmentalists." These papers were obviously biased, and no explanation was given about how these people came up with the numbers and claims that they made. According to the EPA, the data is supposed to be evaluated by a panel of scientists, before any kind of law or decision can be made. We never heard from any authentic scientists, only paid government officials and an inexperienced biologist who obviously just got here and hasn't lived here for 20-30 years like most of the stakeholders have and simply doesn't understand how nature works here. on Cape Hatteras. The reason I mention the reg-neg meetings is because they are tied together with the Bonner Bridge dispute, as they both affect long-term life here on Cape Hatteras. This is about privatization. The environmental groups want to cut Cape Hatteras off from the general public. Going "green" doesn't mean we have to go blind. We can help animals and use the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area in a safe, responsible way. We're not the shotgun wielding savages that the environmentalists make us out to be. We all love and respect the environment and the wildlife that it holds. That’s exactly why so many of us choose to live in a place like this. It's scary to think that decisions like this are being made behind closed doors without any input from the public. It really makes you wonder about the direction our country is going in -- directly from one extreme to another with no balance. It's also sad to think that the only way you'll be able to enjoy Cape Hatteras in the future is by buying a gold membership from Audubon, which conveniently includes a week at an oceanside villa on Cape Hatteras. I don't need any attorney or government official to tell me how to enjoy the beach. Cape Hatteras was meant to be enjoyed -- wild and free. The freedom is what makes this place romantic. If you take that away, people will go else where. Jay Balfe Buxton Promoting Dare County seafood If you are a restaurateur, a fisherman, a marketer, a seafood store owner, or an interested person you are welcome to join us at our next meeting on Tuesday, June 2, at 1 p.m. at the Fessenden Center in Buxton. Hope to see you there. John Griffin Salvo Wind energy projects in coastal waters I sincerely hope there is a lot more investigation done on this project before anything is started. Ever since I read this article, I have been feeling stressed about it. There are several concerns that I want to research myself before I will be ready to make a statement about them, but none of them were mentioned in this article. I understand the "need" for new forms of energy, but I believe in "look before you jump." April Gray Avon Now here is an interesting idea. How about cheap energy from the wind? There’s only one real problem -- the idea of turbines in the sound. How is the sound "offshore" waters owned by the fed? I thought that was state water. I would oppose turbines in the sound as being harmful to recreation and sightseeing, but actual offshore waters (3 to 200) miles off the coast would be great. Think of all the fish habitat it would create. Fish like bottom structure and hang around and orient to any structure they can find. Think of all the fishing opportunities created when you sink a couple of hundred pilings and associated riprap for the turbine posts. It would a great boost for sportfishing in an area that is already great. Better yet it would create something to distract the people-hating bird people from trying to close all the beaches. You can't argue both sides of an argument at the same time -- keep all humans away from the beaches and don't ruin the view from those beaches by building turbines in sight of same. I am not always negative about things, just the things I need to be negative about. Bert Smith Richmond, Va. New group aims to bring farmer’s market to Hatteras This is such a fantastic idea! Over the many years we were coming to OBX as vacationers, once in a while someone would sell home-grown produce along the road and it was always a treat. Now that we own a home here, we have a little garden, but we will definitely be regular visitors to the farmer's market. Marti Barlett Frisco Congratulations on the start up of Coastal Harvesters. We wish you all the success possible. You have a great leader in Joanne Throne, and she will no doubt lead the venture to be a successful one. We look forward to visiting the farmers on our next visit to Hatteras Island. John Holloway Berlin, Md. Cape Hatteras students win third prize in national competition Congratulations Ms. Shisler, Ashley, Kailee, and Evan! I am so proud of the students and staff members of our schools! I can't wait to share this information with my former classmates (class of 1973) when we meet this summer for our annual dinner! April Gray Rimmer Avon Random thoughts on visiting Hatteras Random thoughts: - A trip to the island isn't complete without a thunderstorm. - Island Perks has the best breakfast on the island. - Dirty Dick's is an overpriced tourist trap. - Beach closures for birds are absurd. - Sandbar and Grille sunsets are one of life's simple pleasures. - Fishing at False Point and the jetties is great. - Coast Guard going out with both 47s is an awesome sight. Dan Staniewicz Abingdon, Md. New Letters to the Editor....05.18.2009 8:00 am Beach access issues On the subject of Ramp 44 opening/closing: My grandmother used to say "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Jim and Paula Brown Baltimore, Md. Game fish status for red drum and spotted sea trout (This is a copy of a letter to state Sen. Marc Basnight and Rep. Tim Spear.) I have e-mailed you before on this issue, but must again write you to reiterate that Frank and Fran's The Fisherman's Friend, a retail tackle shop in Avon, N.C., for over 22 years cannot and will not support the position of making these fish sportfish only. The Division of Marine Fisheries of our fine state has done an admirable job in restoring red drum to 30-plus percent escapement and 40 percent escapement is considered recovered. In the many years I sat on DMF advisory committees, I have not heard that spotted sea trout is overfished. If we allow this bill to pass in the state legislature, we are accomplishing what the environmental groups are doing to our "historical and heritage" rights to free access to Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area. Furthermore, this may be only a small portion of the commercial catch dollars, but we must know because of the additional restrictions put on our commercial fishing industry over the last 15-20 years, this may be the final one that collapses the entire fishery. And also know that should this law be passed and one of these special interest groups see a trout or drum in a net that the uproar will begin to ask for net bans in state waters. We know that is their intent anyway as the intent of the special interest groups on the off-road vehicle issue is to ban vehicles on Cape Hatteras everywhere all year. Thank you for your service to our whole community. Frank Folb Owner Frank and Fran's Avon (This is a response to Folb’s letter by state Sen. Marc Basnight’s office) Thank you for your e-mail. As you may know, House Bill 918 has not been passed by the N.C. House of Representatives and was not introduced in the N.C. Senate. Therefore, it is not currently before the Senate. I have spoken with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Marine Fisheries Director, the Director of the Wildlife Resources Commission, and the Marine Fisheries Commission, and none of them supports this legislation. The Fisheries Reform Act authorizes the MFC to regulate fisheries. Since this regulation did not come from the MFC or the Joint Commission on Seafood and Aquaculture, it does not seem to have followed the process as prescribed by statute. I would urge you to please work with the MFC on this issue. Senator Basnight understands the importance of both the recreational and commercial fisheries. For one user group to have all of the chips is not the intent of the Fisheries Reform Act. Again, thank you for your email. If there is anything our office can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to contact me. Chris Dillon Director of Special Projects President Pro Tempore's Office North Carolina Senate We need to stop commerical fishing, stop nets, etc. in creeks and stop nets on the beach. They shippped our territorial trout to Florida. It's time our people in office take action. We're losing our fish at a unbelievable rate. David Craver Emerald Isle, N.C. Banning plastic bags (This a letter from Sen. Marc Basnight to residents of Currituck, Dare and Hyde counties.) Here on North Carolina’s coast, our economic livelihood depends on the well-being of our waters, our beaches and our environment. We all know that clean water and healthy marine life are essential to support our commercial and recreational fishermen. Pristine beaches, wildlife areas and outdoor recreation are among the biggest attractions for visitors. Our tourism industry reaches out worldwide selling the Outer Banks as a calming, beautiful place to relax and enjoy the gifts Mother Nature has bestowed on our community. Over the past few years, as the population has grown, I have watched the Outer Banks lose some of its charm and some of its beauty. With more litter and more pollution, we have lost a bit of who we are, and what we want the rest of the world to know about us. Because of you, I set out to do something about it. North Carolina uses 3 billion plastic bags per year – more than 10 million in Currituck, Dare and Hyde counties alone. These bags contribute to overburdened landfills, threaten wildlife and marine life, degrade the beaches and other natural landscapes of North Carolina's coast, and, in many cases, require consumption of oil and natural gas during the manufacturing process. Additionally, in windy areas like ours, these flimsy bags flutter through the air, get stuck in our trees, and end up in the water where they could endanger turtles, fish and other marine species. At least 19 states have considered legislation in the past two years to recycle, tax or ban these bags, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Only San Francisco has an outright ban – and it is my hope that the Outer Banks may soon have one as well. On May 13, the North Carolina Senate, by a vote of 47-1, overwhelmingly approved my proposal to require large retailers and chain stores in Dare, Currituck and Hyde counties to stop providing plastic bags for their customers’ use. Instead, the stores will furnish paper bags made out of recycled content or, better yet, customers will bring their own reusable bags to carry their goods. In addition, retailers will have large signs and educational efforts encouraging the public to use their own bags. For an area like the Outer Banks, protecting our environment is an investment in our economy. Dare, Currituck, and Hyde counties are some of the most environmentally sensitive and environmentally valuable parts of the state. This initiative will help us send a strong message to the 3 million people who visit the Outer Banks each year that we care about our environment and our community. This message is so very important to convey. We must take every step we can to keep our community beautiful, not just now but for generations to come. Our barrier islands and coastal counties are at risk due to sea level rise, stormwater pollution, and so many other factors. This is but a start – and it does not address other pollutants. Reducing the use of plastic bags is just one small thing we can do to promote a healthier environment for us all. It is the right thing to do, today and for the future. Sincerely yours, Marc Basnight President Pro Tempore North Carolina Senate An American Girl tea party As you can tell from the pictures and the article -- not to mention, the smiles all over the girls’ faces -- what a great time they had! Laya was so excited she could take her doll and wear her matching dress. Thank you for the time and effort that was put into The American Girls Tea Party. It was a blast! Thanks to the girls at Island Free Press also for putting up the great article and pictures. Carrie Barley Hatteras Cape Hatteras students are finalists in national competition I'm pulling for Hatteras! Great job! Ginger Powell Greenville, N.C. Talking trash on Ocracoke On the guest column (on Commentary Page) about “Talking Trash on Ocracoke: Al Scarborough’s column was great -- well thought out and right on the money! I found Fred Westervelt’s column rambling with nothing to sway me to his side. I am one of your occasional “vacationing itinerants” who pretty much knows how to throw my trash away. It's not hard when traveling to figure out the rules in any area! Jack Hart Hickory, N.C. New Letters to the Editor....05.11.2009 7:45 am Beach Access Issues Rearding Michael Erwin’s letter of May 4: Let's tell "the rest of the story," Michael. It's not just about ORVs. You cannot go in any wildlife closure even if you are on foot. Thus most of the best and most popular recreational spots within the seashore on the ocean and sound are now effectively closed to all humans. It's sort of like the equivalent of not being able to get to Old Faithful, Mt. Rushmore, Yosemite Falls, etc. Plus the closures are helping to devastate the economies of Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. So if you think it is just an ORV issue, you have your head deep in the "SAND." Ted A. Hamilton (aka Salvo Jimmy) Salvo and Hampton, Va. You guys are taking it too far when you close these beaches to vehicle and human and dog traffic. The birds will cope. It is crazy when you put the birds before the people. We as citizens of this United States of America actually own this property and by your limiting access, you are taking away our rights as citizens. It is just like everything in this country. You make rules and laws for the few, not the majority! The squeaky wheel always gets the attention! Christopher A. Daniels Chester, Va. Why do birdwatchers have extra rights? Fishermen are extremely cautious on conserving wildlife but have no rights. I have enjoyed Outer Banks for 30 years and never killed a tern or oystercatcher. I have never killed a turtle. Please help me grasp the concept. Larry Kidd Aylette, Va. What's to stop some overzealous environmentalist from doing the vandalism so that the protected area gets expanded? It would seem unlikely that a fisherman or business person in the area would commit the vandalism with this type of consent decree in place. The extreme environmental movement would not hesitate to do some minor vandalism if they thought that their goals were better served. Rather than punishing the community with this ridiculous consent decree concerning vandalism, how about stepping up law enforcement? Kevin Sautter Sumerduck, Va. My husband and I just returned from your lovely island. We are heartbroken that you are being manhandled by people making decisions that hurt your livelihood. Can anyone answer this question for me: Who is actually determining where and when to close the beaches and what are their qualifications? Everyone I asked down on the island did not know the answer. Who is the expert calling the shots? I think this is the question that needs answering. Is it an ornithologist and are they walking in the restricted areas checking the progress? I would truly love to know their credentials. What can we do to help you? We will write letters and call politicians. This is wrong, wrong, wrong. We will help anyway we can. It is crazy and un-American. Kathy Freeborn West Grove, Pa. Ocracoke Island Invitation Surf Fishing Tournament It sure sounds like it was a great tournament. There were a lot of points between first and second place in the men's division. Why are the women singled out to win separate prizes? Can they not compete with the men? I would appreciate if you posted the finishes without regard to sex. Tight lines to all. Doug Champion Beaufort, N.C. Game fish status for red drum and spotted sea trout (This is a copy of a letter to state senator Marc Basnight and state Rep. Tim Spear.) Dear Sen. Basnight and Rep. Spear, First let me say “Thank You” for your service to North Carolina. In “traditional” form, and with all due respect gentlemen, you are looking “substantial, additional prosperity” for your counties, constituents, and local businesses straight in the face, and you can’t even recognize it! Dare County was the most productive county for the commercial harvest of speckled Trout and red drum in 2007 and 2008, yet you both refuse to investigate or even consider the resulting positive impacts on the people you represent if speckled trout and red drum were to become “game fish”. According to the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries and their statisticians, the total “end value” of a speckled trout sold at the fish house, and then on to the fish market, distribution etc., resulted in a positive community wide impact of $11.09 per pound for Dare County and every other county where these fish are sold. Yet the same fish caught on a rod and reel by a recreational fisherman in Dare County and all North Carolina counties resulted in a positive financial impact of $42.28 per pound to your businesses and communities! How can you ignore this information any longer? I know that all commercial fishing interested parties first “knee-jerk” reaction to this has been not just “No,” but “Hell, no!” I suggest that you logically and truly consider the real numbers before making a decision on H918 before you make up your minds. You two gentlemen owe it to your constituents to fairly examine the evidence before you, and you both command the respect of those constituents that would value your opinion if it were presented to them as a logical, factual, economic matter, instead of the emotional attack and defense of “heritage and history” as this issue has been portrayed. North Carolina could become the premier sport-fishery state for both of these fish, and Beaufort, Dare, and Hyde counties would be the primary beneficiaries economically as a result! Please weigh the following economics as you consider your positions on this matter: According to the recently released document from the NCDMF called “Speck Socioeconomics,” here are the facts:
These same commercial fishermen who spend their winter days pulling nets in cold and freezing weather to sell these fish for $1.40 per pound at the fish house, could instead be reaping the values as a “professional guide” making $400 to $500 per day catching these fish on a rod and reel! Since Texas made these two fish “game fish” 28 years ago, their numbers of full-time professional fishing guides has increased by 400 percent. Many of these men and women were and are still commercial fishermen! In all the counties mentioned above, many if not most of the “charter captains” who make good money taking tourists fishing during the warmer months, in turn do some form of “commercial fishing” in the winter months. By making North Carolina the premier sport fishery for the spotted sea trout and the red drum in the entire United States, we would be opening new avenues of revenues for many struggling commercial “net” fishermen that currently have no such opportunity! Logical answers to complicated problems often present themselves in adversity. I trust that both of you and the very thoughtful people that you surround yourselves with will seriously consider “logical” ideas, data, and simple economics instead of “emotional rhetoric.” Once again, thank you for your service to the state of North Carolina. Dean Phillips Coastal Fisheries Reform Group CFRGNC@yahoo.com www.cfrgnc.blogspot.com/ Community Care Clinic of Dare Thank you to the Island Free Press for your recent article on the Community Care Clinic of Dare. Those of us associated with the clinic appreciated the effort to inform our community of what this organization provides for our friends and neighbors. Not only does the clinic fill an ever-increasing need for services, it is also a fine example of what true teamwork can do. When it was identified that the people of Dare County needed help with medical services, the citizens of Dare County rose to the challenge to make it happen. With grants, donations, donated clinic space, discounted diagnostic testing and the expertise of many, all that was left was to find the medical staff. The unselfishness of so many healthcare volunteers, from doctors to nurses to pharmacists sealed the deal. With the expert direction of Linda Saturno, and the guidance of a knowledgeable board, the clinic does an excellent job of providing help, real help, to people who truly need it here in our community. There are many people in our community who still don't know that we offer these services to qualified individuals; and there are still many people who would probably love to make a donation or volunteer their time and skills if they knew of us. That is why articles such as yours are so important and make such a difference in facilitating those connections. After all, "There are only two kinds of people in the world...those who need help, and those who can help". Janet Jarrett, Board Chair Community Care Clinic of Dare Executive Director, Regional Medical Services 5200 N. Croatan Hwy Kitty Hawk, NC 2794 New Letters to the Editor....05.04.2009 10:15 am Beach Access Issues I read the April 14 article on the National Park Service decision to close Cape Point to ORVs to protect American oystercatchers. The park is to be congratulated for taking a difficult stand to protect natural resources. Our beaches from New England to Florida are under tremendous human recreational pressure, and our birds face numerous threats, without having to also contend with motorized vehicles on the beautiful sand beaches of the Carolinas. Protecting species BEFORE they become endangered is much more cost effective than waiting too long. Michael Erwin Charlottesville, Va. I am so disappointed with what is happening with the beach closures on Hatteras Island. I've been vacationing at Cape Hatteras for 40 years now, along with relatives and friends. We all consider Cape Hatteras a second home, but this year we won't be returning due to the beach closures. The more I think about this, the more upset I get. I have actually gone as far as to send a letter to Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck, hoping that they will make more people aware of this issue. Right now it seems like only the people who vacation and live in Hatteras are aware of this. I suggest that everyone who thinks this is an outrage, e-mail Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck. Let's bombard them with e-mails and maybe they will mention the issue on the air. Who knows, if they receive enough emails, and the issue becomes big enough, something positive could come out of it. I believe that so many people throughout the country are fed up with these holier-than-thou groups that try to change our way of living. I believe this issue could really hit home with many, many people. E-mail addresses are: Rush Limbaugh ElRushbo@eibnet.com Glenn Beck me@glennbeck.com Jess Glovier Pittsburgh, Pa. By way of the letter, be it known that the Hatteras Harbor Charter Boat Association supports free and open access to our beaches in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreation Area. We, the Hatteras Harbor Charter Boat Association, realize what an asset our beaches of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreation Area are to the residents and visitors of Hatteras Island and support free and open access and continued use of the beaches to both pedestrians and responsible, properly licensed vehicles and drivers. We believe that the National Park Service has, in its statements, assured this right to the residents and visitors of the Outer Banks. Further, we are concerned that the original intent and designation of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore as a public recreational area is being ignored or changed to reflect the influence of highly-selective, special-interest groups. We believe that free and open beach access for responsible vehicular and pedestrian use is no less important today than it was 20, 30, or even 50 years ago. Hatteras Harbor is home to the largest most experienced charter fleet on Hatteras Island, offering full day, half day and make up charters on more than 20 boats. Hatteras Harbor Charter Boat Association Hatteras Boy they got it all wrong! The (new) signs should read, “Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area, owned and operated by the National Audubon Society and Defenders of Wildlife. Your tax dollars at work! M. Breeden Virginia Beach, Va. I have enjoyed the scenic view and fishing for more than 20 years. Each season, I have discovered a multitude of beauty, and each time there has been no more erosion or lack of wildlife than previous visits. Left the Point in February only to return in April to find the beach closed for the most part -- areas cordoned off for bird refuge. With ropes and signs with pictures of birds, I can only assume our flying friends can't read. Circling the small portion of beach allotted to ORVs, I realized these feathered creatures were invading my space and not their own. Those who feel nesting is far more important than driving have equally lost their right to walk. It all leaves me the realization that the only winners in the competition of rights are the fish! D. Hall Williamsburg, Va. Talking Trash on Ocracoke Sounds like there are still a few kinks to work out (with the Pay as You Throw program), but having just returned from a long weekend at a rental cottage, I thought this worked great. It's simple and makes recycling easier. The instructions left in the cottage were very clear and there were more then enough bags supplied. (I never remember to bring them and have to buy them anyway.) And there was no special trip to the recycling center since the cottage had a recycle bin as well. I don't see where this would cause any problems for summer visitors. The price structure seems fair and at least it's understandable. I've lived in the same locality for over 17 years and still can't figure out how our trash collection is priced. It has something to do with our water usage, like that makes sense. It's too early to determine if this is a success, but no matter what there will be people who will find fault. H. Marston Hopewell, Va. Spring Beauty: Kellie’s Garden Stunning, informative, and on my favorite subject, flowers – close-ups too. Great job. Thanks for sharing with the rest of us. Pat Viveiros Manassas, Va. Thank you, for this beautiful, informative feature article. Brings back memories of the time my dad let me have a small plot behind the garage for my very own flower garden. He showed me how to transplant "weeds" to that area and care for them. It was the beginning of a life-long passion. Among other things, I learned that a weed is only a plant growing where it's not wanted. Katherine Lamb Charlotte, N.C. Cancer Foundation dance I would like to praise the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation for the generous help I got from them last year when I got pancreatic cancer. I’m sorry I missed the dance. I somehow was not aware of it. However, I will be there next year. Frank Lorenzo Salvo Students demonstrate to get their teacher back Mr. Ted, former teacher of mine, was the best teacher here at Cape Hatteras High. We have a new teacher that no one is learning anything from and we all want Ted back. Maggie Austin Hatteras Celebrating Margaret Peele’s birthday I just got back from a week-long vacation on the Outer Banks and was pleasantly surprised to find Island Free Press and especially a 2008 article in a search for more information on some folks that I met on the island, back in 1985. Back then, my old girlfriend and I drove down to Hatteras village to visit with her Aunt Margaret, Uncle Fulford, and family, the same folks in your article! We had the most outstanding week ever. Miss Margaret's son Barry drove down from Virginia Beach with his wife Jean, and her other son Shanky also was there that week, although I think Shanky lived nearby. I'm sorry to hear that Shanky died in 2003. He and Barry were very nice in showing us all the cool things to do on the island -- from just hanging out on the beach, to the 4th of July bash on the point, shelling, catching blue crabs, and a fun boat ride to Ocracoke with one of Mr. Midgett's (aka Stocky) sons and one of the Odens, who was probably around the same age as Barry and Shanky. We also had a great dinner at the Marlin Club, which was put on if I recall correctly, by a man named Homer. Altogether, it was just a super fun week and I have nothing but great memories of the folks I met and, of course, the island itself. The Outer Banks is God’s country! I’m glad to hear Mrs. Peele is doing well. On my next trip down, I’ll drop by to say “hi.” Bob Caissie Northborough, Ma. |
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