Island Free Press ...Events and Meetings

You can send your news of special events, workshops, meetings, etc. on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands to editor@islandfreepress.org. Please send as a document or plain text. Please do not send only PDFs of posters or other announcements. You can send these for illustration, but we need text. We must receive your announcement one week before the event.

Local food meeting will be Monday, June 3

Dare County citizens are invited to join Dare County Cooperative Extension Service and the Center for Environmental Farming Systems for a local food meeting on Monday, June 3. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Comfort Inn South, 8031 Old Oregon Inlet Road, Nags Head.

The agenda includes examining how we feed ourselves and how we might work together to support the local food economy.

The purpose of the meeting is to examine the relevance of a food council in the county and to take initial steps towards developing a council as a formal entity.

A local food council is a volunteer group made up of representatives from the different parts of the local foods system, including consumers, producers, processors, retailers and other stakeholders. Every food council organizes in its own unique way, but most focus on assessing the local food system, identifying and bridging gaps in the system, and developing key linkages in the region and across the state.

The idea for a Dare County local food council took root at a winter conference held by Saltwater Connections, a regional initiative aimed at sustaining livelihoods, cultural heritage and natural resources from Hatteras Island to Ocracoke and Down East Carteret County. Participants identified sustaining the local commercial fishing industry and enhancing access to North Carolina produce as major issues.

For more information, contact Susan West, Hatteras Island coordinator for Saltwater Connections, at ridgeroad@earthlink.net or 252-995-4131.

Ocracoke Gallery plans June art openings

Down Creek Gallery, now in its eighth year of promoting local artist and their works, will again launch its “Expose Yourself to Art” series this June. The art openings are held at the gallery with refreshments, live music, and light hors d’oeuvres provided. All are invited, locals and visitors, to share in these social evenings with the local artist. The Openings are from 5 until 8 p.m.

The openings are:

Row Selman will present her most recent paintings in an exhibit on Thursday, June 6. She is a traditional painter who studied in the Boston School under master painter and instructor Paul Ingbretson. The Boston School has as its objective a solid foundation and understanding of painting, including drawing, color, and composition.

Row can be seen painting in the marshes and fields around Ocracoke. She loves the huge views and big skies that Ocracoke offers. In fact, Ocracoke is one of her favorite places to paint. She can be seen painting in all types of weather situations, whether a sunny, snowy, or windy day or cold or warm day.

"Painting from life offers the best way to train a painter's eye," remarks Row. Her love of painting nature from life has led her to paint throughout the U.S.

An art opening for the work of Sarah Searight will be on Thursday, June 20.

Searight is a native of Austin, Texas, an artist, Southern Methodist University graduate, U.S. Coast Guard-certified captain, and water-lover. For her loyal customers, fans, and critics alike, the characteristics that come to mind when one faces her work are that she is flamboyant with color while remaining true to the environment from which she derives her inspiration. An expert at capturing movement and light into her paintings, she also captures beauty that few take time to notice.

Showing out of her studio/gallery on Ocracoke, she records the life of a protected nature reserve with respect and veneration.

Searight has been coming to Ocracoke for the last 12 years and has developed a following for her fresh, flowing oils, watercolors, and acrylic paintings. Her paintings and drawings capture the many moods of Ocracoke's beautiful landscape.

For more information on Row Selman or Sarah Seawright, call or come by the Gallery located on the waterfront at 260 Irvin Garrish or Highway 12 in Ocracoke village. The phone number is 252-928-4400. You can also check out these and other artists and artworks at downcreekgallery.com.

Bingo nights planned at Cape Hatteras Anglers Club

Cape Hatteras Anglers Club has bingo on Wednesday nights on the dates listed below.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and games start promptly at 7 p.m.

The prizes are all cash and everyone is welcome. The Anglers Club is located at 47231 Light Plant Road in Buxton – the road is just across from Conner’s Supermarket. For more information, call 252-995-4253.

2013 Bingo Schedule
May 29
June 5,12,19,26
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
August 7, 14, 21, 28
September 4, 18
October 2, 16, 30
November 13, 20
December 11

Coastal Federation to sponsor inaugural fishing tournament

The North Carolina Coastal Federation will sponsor its inaugural fishing tournament aboard the Miss Hatteras on Saturday, June 8. The full-day, offshore bottom fishing tournament will start at Oden's Dock in Hatteras at 6 a.m., and the boat will return at 4 p.m.

Registration costs $95 for federation members and $120 for non-members. The non-member price includes a one-year federation membership. Space is limited. Register on-line at www.nccoast.org or by calling 252-473-1607.

All participants receive a tournament T-shirt. Fishing gear, tackle, bait and a one-day saltwater fishing license will be provided as part of the registration fee.

Prizes will be awarded for various categories, including smallest, biggest and most fish caught. This is a family-friendly event recommended for children 12 years old and up. Anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by a paying adult.

In the event of severe weather, a rain date is scheduled for Saturday, June 15. Registration fees will transfer over to this date, but are non-refundable.

In preparation for the day, please bring plenty of water and a packed lunch. If you are prone to sea sickness, it is highly recommended that you take a dose of motion sickness medicine the night before the trip. Wear comfortable clothes.

Come enjoy a day on the deep blue on the 75-foot Miss Hatteras and help support the federation. Visit www.nccoast.org, or call 252-473-1607 for more details and registration.

Full Moon lighthouse climbs scheduled for May 24

As a special experience for the visiting public and local communities, the National Park Service will be offering full moon climbs of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse the evening of Friday, May 24. Two tours will be given -- one at 8:30 p.m. and a second at 9:30 p.m., and each tour is limited to 30 people.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. The full moon climb ticket sales will start on Wednesday, May 22, 2013. The lighthouse ticket booth is open from 8:15 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. daily and tickets for this event are non-refundable.

As there are no lights inside the lighthouse, climbers will navigate the 257 stair staircase using handheld flashlights. During the climb, park rangers will provide stories of the arduous duties of the lighthouse keepers.

From the watch room, visitors will be able to view the light up close and in motion and hear of the operation of the beacon, past and present – a truly unique experience. Outside on the lighthouse balcony (weather permitting) climbers will get a glimpse of what the lighthouse keepers of old were able to experience – seeing that beam of light reaching out to sea and the reflection of the newly risen moon on the ocean.

Things to know:

1. Tickets, limited to the first 60 purchasers, must be purchased in person, in advance, at the lighthouse ticket booth and begin Wed., May 22. It is anticipated that tickets will sell out early. Standard admission fees apply -- $8 for adults and $4 for children (11 years of age and under) as well as seniors (62 and older). The lighthouse ticket booth, located at the lighthouse site, is open from 8:15 a.m. – 4:40 p.m. daily.

2. Each participant must bring a handheld flashlight with fresh, serviceable batteries.

3. All participants are required to be at least 42 inches tall and must climb the steps on their own – they can not be carried. If unsure, check with park rangers before purchasing your non-refundable ticket. Also, keep in mind that some youngsters, although meeting height requirements, may not enjoy the dimly lit, sometimes claustrophobic environment.

4. Children 11 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult (16 years of age or older).

5. For safety reasons, all participants must climb and descend with the group. No exceptions.

6. Know you limitations! The lighthouse is tall, dark, often hot, humid, and can be a challenge to climb. There are no internal lights or air conditioning.

7. All routine lighthouse safety requirements, as well as restrictions as to eating, drinking, gum etc., apply. This information will be provided at the time of ticket purchase.

8. Tickets are non-refundable. If the program is cancelled due to weather, the ticket holder may exchange the ticket the following morning, Saturday May 25, 2013, between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. for a replacement ticket useable only on May 25. This ticket will be for day climbing only.

For more general information on the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse see http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/climbing-the-cape-hatteras-lighthouse.htm

Kinnakeet fish fry dinners start May 25

The Kinnakeet Civic Association Fish Fry starts Saturday, May 25. The group will continue every Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Avon Volunteer Fire Department through the Labor Day weekend.

Adult plates are $9 and kids and seniors plates are $6. Dessert is available for $1. The dinners include fried fish, cole slaw, baked beans, hush puppies, and a drink.

The civic association also needs volunteers each Saturday to help with the fish fry and donation of supplies. Volunteers put up and take down signs, prep the food, set up tables and chairs, fry the hush puppies and fish, set up and serve the food, and clean up and put away tables and chairs.

If you can help with any of these tasks, please call Robin Ames at 995-4534 or e-mail her at lscprobin@charter.net.

Net proceeds go to support the many activities of the KCA such as playground improvements, history potluck dinners, the scholarship fund and health fair, and enabling the group to contribute to the fire department, village churches, school events, fireworks, Community Fair, and many other island organizations. This year, fish fry meals will also be delivered to Avon shut-ins.

Barbecue lunch fundraiser will be May 25

The Cape Hatteras Wounded Warrior Project will host a barbecue lunch fundraiser on Saturday, May 25, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Arts and Crafts Show at Indiantown Gallery on Highway 12 in Frisco.

The cost is $9 a plate, which includes barbecue, beans, slaw, a roll, and a drink. Take out only. All proceeds will benefit the project.

Memorial Day Service planned in Hatteras village

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Cape Hatteras Flotilla 16-4, along with the Coast Guard Motor Lifeboat Station Hatteras Inlet and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, will sponsor a Memorial Day service to give thanks and honor those who have served our country on Monday, May 27, at 10 a.m. at Hatteras United Methodist Church.

The guest speaker will be Irene Nolan, editor of The Island Free Press.

To reserve seating for a veteran, you can call Kal Gancsos with the Coast Guard Auxiliary at 986-1401.

Also, the sponsors of the event want to honor those families living on Hatteras Island who relatives made the ultimate sacrifice in the service and defense of their country. If a deceased member of your family belongs on that honor roll, please call Ganscos or e-mail him at kalzone41@embarqmail.com.

Fashion fundraiser planned at REAL Watersports

For the third year, REAL Watersports in Waves is hosting the Sunset Swim Charity Runway Event. There will be fashion, prizes, entertainment, a DJ, and more.

The Sunset Swim event will be on Thursday, June 6. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for drinks and socializing. The fashion show stars at 8:30, with dancing and raffle to follow. Tickets may be bought in advance and at the door. General admission is $10. VIP admission, which includes front row seating and entrance to raffle, is $25. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 at the door.

Combining fun down the runway with raising funds for cancer, the Sunset Swim charity fashion show, aims to entertain, as well as garner attention for cancer prevention and awareness. Featuring local designers and boutiques, the event presents local models in stylish swimwear, colorful suits, and beautiful jewelry and accessories. The night will begin with music from Big Hair Productions. Guest may mingle while sipping Sunset Swim signature drinks and perusing our auction items.

The charity fashion show raises money to fund Athletes 4 Cancer’s Camp Koru Survivorship Program, which uses surfing, standup paddling, skiing, and snowboarding as channels of growth and life-renewal after cancer has taken so much away. All the money raised directly benefits this program.

Tickets are on sale at REAL Watersports and online at sensibikinis.com/events. Sponsors include Blu Boutique, Mojo’s Sunset Café, Ocean Atlantic Rentals, Sunset Salon, Big Hair Productions,and REAL Watersports.

Dare Day Festival is Sunday, June 1, in Manteo

The 38th annual Dare Day Festival will be on Saturday, June 1, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. on the Manteo Waterfront. The Dare Day festival is a celebration of Dare County and its heritage, and is the official kickoff for the summer season in Dare County.

The festival begins at 9 a.m. with “The Blessing of the Season” by local pastor Ken Davenport of Hatteras United Methodist Church on The Magnolia Market Stage. Entertainment will follow throughout the day on the Magnolia Market Stage and the Marshes Light Stage. Also, on The Magnolia Market Stage at noon will be the presentation of two Dare Day awards honoring outstanding citizens from both the Town of Manteo and Dare County.

Craft and food vendors will open their booths on the Manteo Waterfront and surrounding areas with a variety of beautiful crafts offerings and delicious foods. To reserve your space, contact the Dare Day office at 252-475-5629 or visit dareday@darenc.com.
The smell of seafood, polish sausages, hamburgers, hotdogs, funnel cakes, and much more will fill the air. There will be homemade and soft-serve ice cream, slushies, freshly squeezed lemonade and all kinds of cold drinks to quench your thirst during the Dare Day Festival.

Children will be able to have their faces painted, ride a kiddie train or ponies, play games, and enjoy the inflatable slide and moon walk.

Dare Day is a fun-filled family event and is a festival that you will not want to miss. Check out the Facebook page at facebook/daredays.com.

'Empty bowls' fundraiser is May 30

An "empty bowls" fundraiser is set for Thursday, May 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Cape Hatteras Secondary School Cafeteria.

For your $10 donation, you will get a ceramic bowl that is handmade by local potters and students and a meal of soup, chowders, and chili made by islanders and local restaurants, warm bread, and a cook drink. Homemade baked goods will also be available for purchase. The donation for youngsters elementary age and younder is $3. Entertainment will be provided by the Cape Hatteras Secondary School jazz band.

The fundraiser is sponsored by the secondary and elementary school arts students, Antoinette Mattingly of Kinnakeet Clay, and Edith Camp of Catfish Pottery. The event will benefit Hatteras Island food pantries and Hatteras Island Meals.

The 14th annual Ocrafolk Festival will showcase new and returning artists

The 14th annual Ocrafolk Festival on Ocracoke Island will feature new and returning artists the weekend of June 7 to 9. Presented by Ocracoke Alive, the festival celebrates music, storytelling, and artisans from the North Carolina coastal region and beyond. In the February 2012 issue of Coastal Living magazine, the Ocrafolk Festival was rated as one of the top 15 island festivals in the world.

The 2013 Ocrafolk Festival is also seeking individual and business sponsorships.

"We are excited about the new perks we are offering for supporting the Ocrafolk Festival this year," says Festival Director David Tweedie. "In addition to our heartfelt thanks and press recognition, sponsors can receive tickets to the Friday night feed and the special Saturday night Ocrachicks concert, sailing trips on the Skipjack Wilma Lee and more. Best of all, donors help ensure that this great event can happen for another year."

The festival is financed with donations, grants, admission buttons, merchandise sales and fundraisers.

Interested contributors can find out more information on donation levels at http://www.ocracokealive.org/ocrafolkfestivalsponsors.cfm and can donate online or by mail.

As the festival has grown over the years, the producing staff has added new dimensions, with a few new ones this year.

Last year, commemorative, limited-edition buttons were sold to help with revenue. This year, these buttons will be required for patrons wanting to sit in the festival-supplied seating.

A change has been made this year in the Friday Night Feed from 5 to 7 p.m. This will not be a community potluck but will be catered by the Pony Island Restaurant and will be $15 a plate.

However, complimentary dessert will be available at the Art Auction at 7 p.m. in the newly renovated Berkley Manor, 155 Silver Lake Dr., near the south ferry docks. A cash wine and beer bar also will be available at the auction.

During Saturday’s event from noon to 6 p.m., those who want to enjoy a glass of wine or beer may do so within earshot of the music in the new Beer and Wine Garden. Zillie’s Island Pantry will provide the alcoholic beverages.

A late night singer-songwriter circle will take place Saturday night at 9:30 in Ocracoke Coffee. It is open to all musicians.

Last year, a new stage was added—the Workshop Stage—to great acclaim, where aspiring musicians can learn from professionals. This stage will again take place on the lawn of the Ocracoke United Methodist Church.

For children, the ever-popular fish print T-Shirts will be available Saturday morning from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

New performers this year include Caravan of Thieves, Cassie & Maggie MacDonald, Jeanne Jolly, The Outliers, The Alberti Flea Circus and Paperhand Puppets.

They will perform on the Live Oak Stage on the Books to be Red grounds and the Howard Street Stage, along with returning favorites Storyteller Donald Davis, Molasses Creek, Beleza, L Shape Lot, Jacob Johnson, Bernie Petteway, The Green Grass Cloggers, Martin Garrish, Phil Kelly, Bob Zentz, Philip Howard, Capt. Rob Temple & Sundae Horn, The Ocrafolk Opry, Chainsaw Artist Clyde Jones, Jef the Mime, Lou Castro and the Jazzcasters, Rodney Kemp, Craicdown, John Golden, The Ocrachicks and more.

Fine artists and crafters on the festival grounds will showcase their works in painting, sculpture, wood carving, jewelry, textiles and more. Food will be available by some of Ocracoke's finest eateries.

For more details visit the festival website at www.ocracokealive.org.

Ocracoke Alive, Inc., is a private non-profit committed to enriching the Ocracoke Island community through the encouraging and sponsoring cultural, artistic, educational, and environmental activities including the production of plays, musicals, musical events, exhibits, schools, workshops and festivals.

Registration underway for Hatteras UMC Community Preschool

Hatteras United Methodist Church Community Preschool is now enrolling students for the 2013-2014 school year. Registration forms are available at the Hatteras UMC Office, at the Hatteras Library, from the school, or by e-mailing the school at hatteraspreschool@gmail.com. Classes are available for children ages 2-5 and any child who will be 2 years old by Aug. 26 is eligible to apply. Please return your completed registration form, along with the $45 registration fee, to the HUMCCP office, or mail to HUMCCP, PO BOX 655, Hatteras NC 27943.

If you have any questions, please call 986-2399 or email hatteraspreschool@gmail.com.

Historic Chicamacomico fig trees are for sale

The fig tree at the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site & Museum was planted in 1911 when the new station was completed. All U.S. Life-Saving Stations were required to plant citrus-fruit bearing trees of some sort to help the crews combat scurvy. This 102-year-old producing tree is so special that it was given the name “Figamacomico!”

Rooted cuttings directly from this tree are available for purchase with prices ranging from $50 to as low as $10. But truly, such a rare and unique thing is priceless. Spring is an excellent time to plant your historic tree. Your purchase will bear fruit for you and for the nonprofit museum at the same time.

The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site & Museum is one of the many sites on the Historic Albemarle Tour and the National Outer Banks Scenic Byway. It is located in Rodanthe, the northernmost village of Hatteras Island. It is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. from April to end of November. To learn more about Chicamacomico, its activities and offerings, visit www.chicamacomico.net, e-mail at clss@embarqmail.com, call 252-987-1552, and now on Facebook.

USCG Auxiliary seeking names of those who died in service to the country

In preparation for Memorial Day 2013, the local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Cape Hatteras Flotilla 16-4, in conjunction with Coast Guard Motor Lifeboat Station Hatteras Inlet and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, plans to honor those families living on Hatteras Island whose relatives made the ultimate sacrifice in the service and defense of their proud and free nation. If a deceased member of your family belongs on this honor roll, please contact Kal Gancsos with the pertinent details as soon as possible at kalzone41@embarqmail.com or call 986-1404.

For much more about Cape Hatteras Auxiliary, Flotilla 16-4 visit http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=054-16-04.

Beach Klub announces 2013 concert series

Koru Village’s Beach Klub will open for its second season on May 20 with a full summer schedule, including the Beach Klub’s concert series.

The venue will bring a variety of genres to Cape Hatteras, some musicians visiting the island for the first time and others returning to play at the PapaWack Theatre for their second year. The PapaWack Theatre is North Carolina’s only oceanfront theater of its kind.

“We hope to see all our friends and fans at Koru’s Beach Klub this summer on Aug. 8. It is our first ever performance on Hatteras Island, so we know it will be extra special,” said Al Anderson from The Original Wailers.

Beach Klub’s Concert Series:

May 31--Rock the Cape- A festival to benefit the Dare County Arts Council featuring Southern Culture on the Skids, Formula, Waterhigh, Ruth Wyand Trio, and the Community Music School

June 6 - Antero Reggae
June 11 - Beach Klub's Birthday Bash featuring The Doerfels
June 20 - Band of OZ
June 27 - Proverbial
July 4 - Fireworks Celebration featuring Kirstin Thein and Band
July 11 - The Hound Dogs Family Band
July 18 - The Embers
July 25 - Sol Driven Train
Aug. 8 - The Original Wailers
Aug. 15 - The Rhondels
Aug. 22 - Dave Matthews Tribute Band
Aug. 29 - Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band

“The Embers had a great time last year on Hatteras Island at the Beach Klub and met lots of new fans and friends! We look forward to this year’s show on July 18 which should be bigger and better,” said founding member of The Embers, Bobby Tomlinson.

Tickets to the Beach Klub’s concert series will be available at Koru Village at the end of April.

The Beach Klub will host two other weekly summer events, The Avon Luau and Teen Night. On Tuesdays, The Avon Luau will feature live entertainment, traditional island food, drinks, and an open pool for the entire family to enjoy. On Wednesdays, Teen Night will feature live DJ music, games, snacks, and more.

For more information, visit KoruVillage.com or call 252-995-3125.

Dare County Arts Council prepares to Rock the Cape

On Friday, May 31, the Dare County Arts Council will host the inaugural Rock the Cape festival from 2-10 p.m. at Koru Village’s Beach Klub in Avon.

Rock the Cape is a kick-off-to-summer benefit for Dare County Arts Council’s program outreach on Cape Hatteras and the Community Music School. The fundraiser will celebrate life on the water’s edge and will feature local music, artists, food, drinks, a kids’ zone, and more.

“My number one intention for the Beach Klub was to create a place where people could come enjoy live entertainment together. The PapaWack Theatre was built onto the Beach Klub in honor of my parents who have instilled in my family that arts are a vital part of life. I hope this is the first of many events the Dare County Arts Council hosts at the Beach Klub and I support their efforts in bringing more programming to Cape Hatteras,” said owner of Koru Village Joe Thompson.

North Carolina band Southern Culture on the Skids will headline the event with Outer Banks bands, Formula, Waterhigh, Ruth Wyand Trio, and the Dare County Arts Council’s Community School playing throughout the day.

Tickets for the event are $12 in advance and $18 at the door. Tickets will be available at Koru Village in Avon, Dare County Arts Council’s Gallery in Manteo, and Cloud Nine in Nags Head in April. Tickets are now available online at brownpapertickets.com.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit Dare County Arts Council programs, including outreach on Cape Hatteras and the Community Music School.

"The goal of the Community Music School is to provide affordable music lessons and creative opportunities to kids who might not have the chance to learn how to read music or play an instrument. Rock the Cape is a way to keep these music lessons going," said Community Music School instructor and musician Ruth Wyand.

Artists interested in selling their work at Rock the Cape are encouraged to contact the Dare County Arts Council, as vendor space is limited. Artists must reserve a space to sell their work at the event.

For more information, contact Dare County Arts Council at darearts.org or 252 475 5558.

Really Really Free Market is first Saturday of each month

The Kinnakeet Civic Association sponsors the Really Really Free Market the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. until noon at the Avon Fire Station.

Everyone is welcome at this free event, where all are encouraged to give, receive, and create on their own terms. You are invited to bring goods, services, skills, performances, stories, crafts, food, games, music, clothing, furniture, plants, and resources to share with others in the community. The event is self-organized by everyone who participates.

Nothing is required for participation, but please think creatively about the skills you have and could teach, the useful or beautiful things you have and don’t need, or the resources you can share with people to create something during the event.

Really Really Free Markets celebrate forms of cooperation and gift-giving. They create open spaces in which status is generated by giving rather than owning, and in which giving and receiving happen directly. As at other Really Really Free Markets across the U.S. and around the world, the aim is to create and participate in a world in which resources are held in common, we find in ourselves the capacity to meet the needs of others in our community, and "free" means just that: really -- really free.