New
Letters to the
Editor....11.29.2011 11:30 am
Beachgoers rescue stranded dolphin on Thanksgiving Day Many thanks to the few committed people who stuck with the plan to rescue the stranded dolphin. A life-long memory will be theirs for seeing it through and not giving up. They and the dolphin were given a gift. Linda Scott Mathias, W. Va. Award-winning Ocracoke ranger is known for his boundless energy and gregarious nature How well put. Kenny is truly wonderful ranger. Will be sorry to see him retire! Tom Campbell Newport News, Va. Well deserved! Kenny is a great ambassador for the island and O’cockers. Brant Godfrey Ocracoke Congratulations, Kenny! HQ finally got something right. Tom Fearing Manteo Bike the Light and Hatteras Island Community Fair combine for a crazy, fun Saturday Although I enjoyed this article, I was surprised to see how many times Spa Koru and Joe Thompson were mentioned and that not one of the Community Fair organizers was mentioned in the article. All of the money raised went to the students at Cape Hatteras Secondary School. Even though this was the first year the event took place, there were well over 1,000 people in attendance and a lot of money was raised to go back into the community. Every vendor donated a portion of their sales to the PTA or Booster Club, and many items were donated free of charge. There are too many to list but businesses like Wanchese Seafood, which donated all of the shrimp, and Pepsi, which donated 80 cases of product, would have liked a little publicity. Many local businesses donated a lot (as always), but I was shocked by the generosity of the contributing businesses from the northern beaches. All of Dare County’s business community made the event a smashing success, along with months of hard work for the event organizers. I guess that I saw the great picture of the fair and it seemed that more focus in the article went to Joe and Spa Koru's generosity than the countless others who made the fair such a large success and the numbers speak for themselves. In closing I want to point out that both of these events were actually kicked off with alumni games and a meet the current CHSS players night on Friday evening. If we are going to give credit, lets give it to people who organized all three events and not just one. The three combined events made it one very special weekend for our island. I hope that all three events can be held in a similar manner next year and for many more to come. On another note: Keep up the good work. We are fortunate to have Island Free Press and, overall, you do a terrific job. You can't please everybody all the time. Andrew Tawes Buxton Hatteras and Oregon inlets have shoaling problems -- again Yes, there is an easy solution--stop dumping the sand right back. Make dredge islands. Boats, recreational users, and wildlife will all be happy. Ginny Buxton Hatteras Island Ocean Center is a new project that would be a fishing pier and much more Isn't it amazing what people can envision for using other people's money? George Rilling Madison, N.C. There is a pier in Frisco that has been damaged in recent storms and could be the site for the proposed pier. Before we go and destroy the views and the appeal of Hatteras village, I suggest we consider rebuilding in Frisco. The pier in Frisco will not change the landscape, and property owners have accepted the pros and cons of investing in property in that area. I am a property owner ,and the businesses on Hatteras Island have been struggling for the past several years. I doubt they want to see more erosion of their business to a new venture. If we need a pier, rebuild the one in Frisco. Steve Ingram Chesapeake, Va. This sounds like a wonderful endeavor! As property owners in Hatteras village, we and our friends would look forward to patronizing your Ocean Center! Susie Holman Clifton, Va. Roger and I are nonresident property owners. We have a little cabana and spend all summer there. We've tried to be involved in what's going on in the village and helped collect signatures to rebuild the Bonner Bridge . Quite frankly, this concept of the Ocean Center does not fit in with the laid-back, family atmosphere and lack of commercialization that characterizes the village. Let this non-resident from out of state spend his dollars "up the beach." Do not ruin what draws people to Hatteras village. Roger and Nancy Marsh Plantation, Fla. A fishing pier is one thing, but the food court and restaurants aren't consistent with the spirit of Hatteras. You should build the pier in Kitty Hawk. Angie Wyrick Round Hill, Va. Thank you, Mr. Kaplan. It is about time someone sees the big picture of the future of Frisco Pier and the surrounding area. What a boost it would be for Hatteras. I wish you all the luck in this project. James Taylor Wakeforest, N.C. The village is a quiet place, a quiet beach, and the serenity of the village is its treasure. Just wondering why don't they put this in their backyard, Frisco? Though a new pier may sound like a good idea, a full blown public beach access at this location does not sound so good. Noise, crowds, trash and cars. An arcade? Really? A food court? This isn't your local mall. A public bathhouse, so the Ocracoke visitors can wash up before they head back to Nags Head? I don’t want to imagine looking down the beach and seeing crowds of people where now it’s so peaceful. The view from the southern part of the village looking towards the lighthouse will certainly change too. Let’s put this at the Frisco Pier location or near the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum where parking and “day-trippers” already exist and gather. We need to watch what is being proposed. It's not always what we think we're going to get. Not a big fan of this idea at this location, though the effort should be applauded. There are other business opportunities that can be generated in the village, particularly at this location, that are less intrusive to our homes and the way of life here. Susan Hatteras Hatteras waterman and his family are thankful for his ‘miraculous’ recovery The watermen of Smith Island, Maryland, have been praying for Tall Bill after being notified by Karen Amspacher, director of the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center, of the accident. We're thrilled the recovery is going much better than expected and will continue our concern and lifting Tall Bill up in prayer. Pastor Rick Edmund Ewell, Md. A very happy Thanksgiving to you and all yours, Tall Bill. God Bless. Tom Fearing Manteo What an inspirational story that reminds us all to be thankful for what we have. Best wishes to Bill for a speedy recovery and God bless Bill and his family. Vanessa Gable Roanoke, Va. The story of one Kinnakeet family and the struggle to rebuild after Hurricane Irene To the family--thanks very much for sharing your story of courage and perseverance. You allowed me to see the struggle suffered by the residents of OBX on a very personal level. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Lorraine Burgess Stoney Creek, Ontario Locomotion’s Changing Tide thrift shop has closed I am really saddened to read about Changing Tides having to close. It was always a favorite shopping spot of mine. Kathy Kiddy was always very helpful and pleasant to all the customers. Maybe they can find a new location that will donate the space. It's really a shame that a business that does so much for the island teens has to close. Roger and Nancy Marsh Plantation, Fla. Rodanthe residents wedding photo is a winner How can one see the other photos? Sunni Beaufort (Editor’s note: You can contact the Outer Banks Wedding Association through its website, www.outerbanksweddingassoc.org.) Really, Really Free Market is aiding all islanders in need Can you tell me if this will be open til the end of the year? Janet O'Brien Sicklerville, N.J. (Editor’s Note: The Really, Really Free Market in Salvo will be closing in mid-December.) New Letters to the Editor....11.17.2011 4:10 pm Hatteras Island Ocean Center is a new project that would be a fishing pier -- and much more What a great idea! This project, combined with the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, will help visitors from all over the country and world realize the importance of this fragile strip of land. Fishing and tourism are two of the most important part of this area. I will, as an avid fan of the OBX, support this project whole heartedly. Liz Palmer Little Falls, N.Y. This is an outstanding idea that will give families access to fishing, shopping, and a recreational area that the NPS really doesn't provide for tourists on vacation and locals also. Grant Virginia Beach, Va. I think it is a wonderful idea. Maybe don't go too overboard though because that is a laid-back relaxed area. In fact, I was there two weeks ago and had some of the same idea. In fact, told my husband I would like to purchase and reopen that pier myself. Glenda Sabina, Ohio I have vacationed on Hatteras for more than 30 years. I am looking forward to this project. Build it to withstand the elements. Just remember Hurricane Isabel, etc. JACK STUPRICH Baltimore, Md. I need a job! Windjammer Frisco My family and friends always vacation – for 15 to 20 years -- in Hatteras village because it is away from it all and not too busy and a great area to hang out at the beach. Do you really need more tourists to the village and who wants to become shark bait by the pier? Let’s keep Hatteras village as natural as possible. Randy Cook Cambridge, Ohio The village is a quiet place, a quiet beach, and the serenity of the village is its treasure. Just wondering why don't they put this in their backyard, Frisco? Though a new pier may sound like a good idea, a full blown public beach access at this location does not sound so good -- noise, crowds, trash, and cars. An arcade? Really? A food court? This isn't your local mall. A public bathhouse so the Ocracoke visitors can wash up before they head back to Nags Head? I don’t want to imagine looking down the beach and seeing crowds of people where now it’s so peaceful. The view from the southern part of the village looking towards the lighthouse will certainly change too. Let’s put this at the Frisco pier location or near the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum where parking and “day-trippers” already exist and gather. We need to watch what is being proposed. It's not always what we think we're going to get. Not a big fan of this idea at this location though the effort should be applauded. There are other business opportunities that can be generated in the village, particularly at this location, that are less intrusive to our homes and the way of life here. Susan Hatteras CHEC working against time to install permanent power poles at Pea Island Inlet Let’s hope this can be completed before all that Thanksgiving cooking, plus guest and cottage owners here for that week! Kathy Hatteras Commentary: NPS refusal to drain stormwater is a point of contention for islanders and visitors Interesting and well researched commentary on this escalating problem. To quote one of our founding fathers: "Were we directed from Washington when to sow, and when to reap, we should soon want bread" --Thomas Jefferson, Autobiography, 1821. Kevin Montrose, Pa. There is a creek that empties under Highway 12 at Conner’s in Buxton and another that empties in Frisco at the go-cart track. They originate in the Buxton sedge. Water could be pumped to these drainages for evacuation into the sound, but it’s hard to get water to drain uphill. These creeks flow in both directions with regularity. I believe the rise in sea level is a contributing factor to our standing water. Charles Peele Frisco DOT plans public meetings and public comment period on long-term Highway 12 fixes If the approved phase 2 permanent solution from the Bonner bridge recommendation (which allowed for three short bridges) were began as phase 1, this would fix the problem, maybe not in the order preferred. But would also not add any additional cost in this economically challenged time. Randy Maynard Louisburg, N.C. In order to prevent the constant loss of dunes to the ocean, I feel that using huge jetty rocks or concrete jacks instead of rebuilding dunes and roadway will stop and redirect the water back into the ocean. Another idea is actually building the "long bridge" when the Bonner Bridge is replaced. This would eliminate the affected area all together. Someone in control needs to realize that 15 percent or more of North Carolina tax dollars come from south of the Bonner Bridge, and if something is not done, there will be no tourists, and, therefore, no dollars coming into the state. I bet the environmentalists would be pleased! But what happens to all the people who live and make a living in all the Hatteras Island villages? Roger and Nancy Marsh Plantation, Fla. Hit musical, “Always, Patsy Cline,” coming to Buxton on Nov. 13 "Always...Patsy Cline" was an outstanding gift to the community. However, my guess is that fewer than 200 took advantage of the production. Laura Martier and Barbara Hird gave superb performances in their respective roles and the band was very good. The only down side was that in the first half of the program Ms. Martier had to compete with the band to be heard. Thanks to the sponsors who made the production possible. Roger Dill Avon Island Living: Have yourself a merry little Christmas island-style This really started my day out right. I have been coming to Hatteras Island for 53 years now. My parents started taking us there for vacation in the summer when I was 5. Of course, things were a lot different then – Ormond’s, Conner’s and some of the older places were there. You were able to come and go and have family days on the beach without the worry of where you could go. We certainly weren't there to hurt anything. My parents later bought a small home on Sunset Strip that my brother bought from them, and now my daughter and her family lives in. I have never had the pleasure to spend Christmas there, and I'm always amazed at the community spirit and all my daughter tells me they do over the holidays. I spend every Thanksgiving there and we get a house and anyone in the family who can come for the week does, and we have a wonderful holiday and feel blessed to be there and together. I'm fortunate enough to be able to stay longer this year with my daughter's family and be able to go to Breakfast with Santa with my grandson, Jack, who is 4. What a treat that will be. And don't let me forget to mention my daughter’s husband happens to be the best cook in the world, so I always look forward to some awesome food. Maybe one day, I'll be able to enjoy all the festivities of the island, but for now, I live it through the eyes of my daughter as she tells me what they do each day. What a wonderful community. Each time I'm fortunate enough to go, once I get on Highway 12, it's like I'm entered a different world. God bless this little island and all of the people who live there and make it what it is. Martha Keziah Lincolnton, N.C. Ocracoke park ranger Kenny Ballance receives regional award Very well-deserved and way overdue! Valerie Willis Camden, S.C. So glad such a great award exists to honor our rangers, and so very glad that Kenny Ballance has been recognized for such an honor! Mary Turner Ocracoke Congratulations, Kenny, on a well-deserved honor. Jennifer Gamiel Manteo The old Hatteras in photographs Today is my birthday. and one of the pictures on here, the one from atop Hatteras lighthouse, was taken 52 years ago! Just like me! Barbie Thacker South Charleston, W.Va. UPDATE: Really Free Market organizers have set closing date for daily markets Our family was on vacation in Avon recently, and we saw the devastation first hand. My daughter has to fulfill service learning hours as part of high school graduation requirements. We decided together to do something while on vacation to help those in need. She had to get permission from her teacher to volunteer out-of-state, and he agreed it would be a great way to fulfill some of her hours. We went to the Really Free Market and were put to work folding clothes, towels, sheets, blankets, etc., and sorting through bags and boxes of toys and miscellaneous items. It was time well spent. We got to talk with some of the local people about their experiences before during and after the Hurricane. It was amazing to see that people who had lost everything from the contents of their homes to the clothes off their backs volunteering their time to help others. The Outer Banks has always and will continue to be the perfect place for our families to vacation. Amy Williams Berlin, Md. New Letters to the Editor....11.07.2011 8:30 am 235 anglers catch 41 drum in
NCBBA annual Red Drum Tournament
I'd like to point out that all drum were released alive, thanks to quick work by the judges and anglers! David K. Joyner NCBBA President Franklin. Va. Bonner Bridge lawsuit will not be decided anytime soon I think maybe we, the people of our island, should file a lawsuit against the environmental groups for our stress and our safety. This is getting a little out of hand. They waiting for people to loose there lives. Then what happens? Maybe they should be sent to travel our roads everyday -- with there loved ones... Pat Conley Avon How long can the Defenders of Wildlife, the National Wildlife Refuge Association and the SELC screw over the Outer Banks? It amazes me that these people have been able to get such a strangle-hold among the common-sense, freedom-loving people that I know reside on those beautiful shores. Mike Rocky Mountains in Colorado Hatteras Coast Guardsmen spent countless hours aiding hurricane victims If any of those guys want to contact me, I will provide them with a vacation in Avon! E-mail ksw4obx@gmail.com. I am serious - so get this message to them if you can. Thanks to all. Karen Louisburg, N.C. Hatteras woman dies in dive accident off Wrightsville Beach We love you, Amy, and we will miss you forever. Life will never be the same without you. Diana M. Morris Claysville, Pa. Island Cooking: Crazy Johnny Conner’s beef brisket and other fall recipes Thanks for the wonderful recipes, so looking forward to trying them soon, especially the pears! What fun! Charlotte Breeden Frisco Island Living: Getting by with a little help from our friends We're with you up here on the “upper” Outer Banks. Stay strong. We're helping and keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Nancy Brandell Kitty Hawk Thank you for your article, Joy. I could so relate. I have always enjoyed working in the yard and now it doesn't seem to be the same yard. My feelings fluctuate between sadness that the pretty landscaping is gone to gratefulness that there was not more damage. I feel so blessed to have friends that help when I need them. Tricia Fort Rodanthe Your take on locals asking for help is spot on. It takes an absolute critical need for some to ask for help. Ask me how I know. Thanks for the article. Uncle KB Avon IT’S OPEN!! After coming/going to Hatteras village for many years, feeling welcome, and loving our time there, we wonder if the stress of so many visitors and so much traffic isn't just too much for the fragile dunes and highways. We realizes that fewer visitors would mean less income for islanders, but we just hate that the roadways need repair so often and at such a great expense to North Carolina. Why isn't Highway 12 a toll road for out-of-staters? We don't think we are alone in our love for the dunes and the ocean and sound and sealife. You are all so generous with your beautiful islands, and it is so appreciated by so many people. We hold our breath, too, when there is a coastal storm. Patricia Aument Lancaster, Pa. Serendipity: Relocated, renovated, redecorated, and ready for the rest of its life This was fun to see!! I am recovering from a broken leg and watched the movie again, ‘Nights in Rodanthe.” This time, of course, I had extra time since I'm pinned in my wheelchair and went in search of the house! How fun to see what the new owners have done! Congratulations on all of your hard work! Perhaps, if you are renting out rooms, we will be able to come and stay. I'll have to put it on my “bucket List” of things to do and see before I leave this world. Job well done! Diane Griffith Anderson, Calif. The Mess at Mirlo: Future is uncertain for Rodanthe beach houses Welcome to our world. Residents who share borders with the National Park Service in Buxton are faced with a similar problem. Also, the standing water on park property is the ideal breeding environment for the African tiger mosquito. The difference is that there is a drainage system NPS refuses to use or can't use. Furthermore, the NPS refuses to take advantage of the declaration of a disaster area and do an emergency pumping. Until then, every rainfall will flood the Cape Point Area. There ought to be a class action sui,t but I doubt it can happen until someone gets sick. Ginny Buxton The old Hatteras in photographs Today is my birthday and one of the pictures on here, the one from atop Hatteras lighthouse, was taken 52 years ago! Just like me! Barbie Thacker South Charleston, W, Va. UPDATE: Really Free Market organizers have set closing date for daily markets Our family was on vacation in Avon last week, and we saw the devastation first hand. My daughter has to fulfill service as part of high school graduation requirements. We decided together to do something while on vacation to help those in need. She had to get permission from her teacher to volunteer out of state, and he agreed it would be a great way to fulfill some of her hours. We went to the Really Really Free Market and were put to work folding clothes, towels, sheets, blankets etc. We sorted through bags and boxes of toys and miscellaneous items. It was time well spent. We got to talk with some of the local people about their experiences before during and after the hurricane. It was amazing to see that people who had lost everything from the contents of their homes to the clothes off their backs volunteering their time to help others. The Outer Banks has always and will continue to be the perfect place for our families to vacation. Amy Williams Berlin, Md. |
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