Carolina Salt March Issue

your life on the Crystal Coast

march 2013

springchores

southern gardener:

gatorcountry

outer banks wildlife :

captaindingbatter

tales of a charter captain:

day campscamp albemarle:

ChiCken Breast, Boneless Pork ChoPs, shrimP, sCalloPs, tuna and salmon.

s i m P l Y G r i l l e d …

w w w . r i B e Y e s s t e a k h o u s e . C o m

104 Golfin’ Dolphin Drive • Cape Carteret • 252.393.2509502 Front Street • Beaufort • 252.728.6105

TWO LOCATIONS ON THE CRYSTAL COAST

What’s on your plate tonight?

trY our unlimited salad Bar!

things to do on the crystal coast

look inside for march’s

gatorouter banks wildlife :

2013

A casual Island eatery with a Touch of Class.

SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER

Seafood • Salads • Steaks Burgers • Sandwiches

Open Tuesday-Thursday 11am-8pmFriday & Saturday 11am-9pm

Sunday 11am-8pm

311 Mangrove Drive (Across from CVS)

EMERALD ISLE

252.354.7775www.flipperz.net

STARTING BREAkFAST MAy 1

We work miracles with monogramming!

Monogrammed Mini-Totes for A Special Easter!

Located in the entrance of the restaurant, Flipperz Fudge Co. and Flipperz Retail are great places to satisfy your sweet tooth, purchase wine, take home a unique gift or order custom embroidery for your friends, family & business!

MONOGRAMMED PURSES | WRISTLETS | iPAD COVERS | HATS | BEACH BAGS

www.CarolinaSalt.com >> MARCH 2013 5Carolina Salt Magazine

a b o u t t h e c o v e ryour life on the Crystal Coast

march 2013

springchores

southern gardener:

gatorcountry


captaindingbatter






104 Golfin’ Dolphin Drive • Cape Carteret • 252.393.2509

502 Front Street • Beaufort • 252.728.6105TWO LOCATIONS ON THE CRYSTAL COAST



things to do on

the crystal coastlook inside for march’s


2013

e d i t o r i a l s & a d v e r t i s i n gPlease contact the publisher Will ashby at [email protected] or 252-723-7628 for ad rates and editorial ideas.

ad & editorial deadline for the april issue is March 16, 2012. email your letters to the editor, photos, community listings and articles to [email protected]. next issue will be published april 1, 2013.

Published by crystal coast outdoors PublicationsP.o. box 572, Morehead city, nc 28557 • 252-723-7628

We dePend on our readers! call iF you’re interested in subMitting an article or Photo!

contributing WritersSarah Smith • Linda Bergman-Althouse • James Rosemond • Erika Worden • Michael Stanley • Kim Worrell • Ken Hunt • Gary T. Hardison

Robin Hamm • Ken Stone • Capt. Jeff Cronk • Lee Moore • Lindsay Parker • Marilyn Acker • Sherry White • Amie Talton • Jan Eppolite

P u b l i s h e rWill ashby

c r e at i v e d i r e c t o rChevy Kaylor

g r a P h i c d e s i g n e rbryan Frazier

s a l e s d i r e c t o ral roberts

inside this Month

Marc h .2013

the regulars■ Things To Do in March 8

■ OWLS: Gator Country 14

■ Ask the Aquarium: Sharks 24

■ Parrot Heads: Winter Doldrums? 36

■ Diving the Crystal Coast 38

■ March Tide Chart 39

TAKE A BREAK AT dAy CAMP 12it’s not too early to start planning for the summer. camp albemarle offers numerous

day camps for kids across a wide range of interests from sports to art! Check it out!

caPtain dingbatter 18ever heard the word dingbatter? how about dit-dot? so, how long before the locals

consider you a local? short answer: a really, really long time.

beannachtaM na Feile Padraig! 19Happy St. Patrick’s day (in Irish)! Carolina Salt considers it a public service to help

you learn how to pour a perfect Black and Tan! Also, great stout cocktails.

ST. PATRICK’S dAy fESTIvAL 20Residents of the Crystal Coast wait all year for the famous St. Patrick’s day festival in

emerald isle. Food, fun, costumes, music and of course, plenty of guinness!

A fAMILy fLoCK? 22Ever think about raising some backyard chickens? It may sound a little overwhelming, but

chickens don’t require much more care than a dog or cat. Plus you get fresh eggs!

sPring chores For the outdoors 23old Man Winter still has a few tricks up his sleeve, but now is still the

time to do some important prep work for the upcoming growing season.

groW What you eat 25The fruits and vegetables you grow in your own backyard are not only

fresher than supermarket, they are safer, tastier and more nutritious.

GET uP! GET A PAddLEBoARdInG WoRKouT! 27Winter is having its last gasp. Getting exercise outdoors takes a little more gumption.

Take a page from Kim Worrell’s notebook and pick up a few cold weather SuP tips.

14gator country

Thank you for picking up Carolina Salt magazine, published to depict your life here on the Crystal Coast. All articles are written by locals. We cover a wide range of topics including local history, outdoor sports, wildlife, special events and more. Every month we look to you, our readers, to keep our magazine fresh. If you have a story to tell, an event to promote, an interesting local photograph or just some good times stories to share, send them our way. Participation is welcomed and

appreciated. Reader contributions are the founding principle of the magazine. We want to be a local resource for you, our readers … SO GET INVOLVED!

If you like what you see, tell people about it ... especially our advertisers. Let our folks paying the bills know where you saw them. For questions, concerns and more information about Carolina Salt, send e-mail to [email protected] or give us a call at 252-723-7628. For up-to-date info regarding

our latest shenanigans, be sure to look us up on Facebook under Crystal Coast Outdoors.

this month’s cover shot comes to carolina salt via clay ashby,

an aspiring young photographer from cape carteret.

THINGS TO DO IN MARCH THINGS TO DO IN MARCH

MARCH 1–3 & 8-10Carteret Community Theatre Presents ‘Faith County’Performances of Faith County: An Evening of Cul-ture will be held at Joslyn Hall at the McGee Build-ing on the campus of Carteret Community College, Morehead City. Showtimes follow; doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

MArCH 1–2, 8–9 ................................... 8 P.M.MArCH 3, 10 ........................................ 2 P.M.

MARCH 2Basic Obedience Class for Dogs Begins In SwansboroSwansboro Parks and recreation, in partnership with refined K-9, offers a class to teach your dog basic skills in a beautiful and fun park environment. Have the best behaved dog in the neighborhood! Training begins March 2 at Swansboro Municipal Park; classes will be every Saturday at 5:30 p.m. through April 13. The registration fee for all six weeks of training is $120. Call 910-326-2600 to reg-ister or come by the Swansboro recreation Center, at 830 Main Street Extension in Swansboro.

MARCH 3–9Toast to the Coast: Celebrating Seven Days of Fine DiningThis new exciting biannual event takes place all over beautiful Carteret County at over 16 fine din-ing establishments with a prix fixe menu of only $25. Events include culinary tours with culinary diva and eastern North Carolina food blogger Liz Biro, designer nights with a twist on the normal fare, a ladies only day and more! Feast all week and Toast to the Coast! For more information call Stephanie McIntyre at 252-726-6273 or visit www.toasttothecoast.org.

MARCH 3Pianist Clay Whittington at The Morehead CenterHope Mission and Cape Lookout High School invite you to join them for a benefit concert presented by talented musician Clay Whittington at The More-head Center, located at 1311 Arendell Street in Morehead City. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door and can be purchased by calling 252-726-1501 or online at www.themoreheadcenter.com. Mr. Whittington has worked with the Carteret Community Theater as pianist for the 2011 show Broadway at Its Best.

MARCH 4Swansboro Parks and Recreation Logo Design Contest Kicks OffCalling all designers and artists! Swansboro Parks and recreation is sponsoring a contest to estab-lish its brand-new logo. The winner will receive a variety of prizes, including a T-shirt and water bottle with their winning logo on it! The design should capture the spirit of the department, which oversees the town’s parks, public docks and rec-reation center. Designs will be accepted via email beginning March 4; contest ends April 1. Pick up additional information and contest guidelines at the Swansboro recreation Center, 830 Main Street Extension in Swansboro. For more information con-tact Brittany Wood at [email protected] or by calling 910-326-2600.

MARCH 7Hannah’s Haus Oyster Roast to Benefit Coastal FederationHannah’s Haus, located in the back of Gaskill’s Hardware at 900 Live Oak Street in Beaufort, is hosting an Oyster roast in support of the NC Coastal Federation from 5 to 7 p.m. Support the N.C. Coastal Federation with local oysters and great beer. There is no cost for this event, but donations for beer and oysters will go directly to the federa-tion. A special federation membership deal will be offered during the event, so bring your friends.Volunteers are needed at the federation’s member-ship table and at the oyster tables. Contact Sarah Phillips at [email protected] to help.

MARCH 8, 15, 22 & 29Friday Free Flicks in Emerald IsleAt 7 p.m. at the Emerald Isle Community Center at 7500 Emerald Drive, family-oriented movies are shown. Free and open to the public. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Popcorn and drink for $1. Please bring chairs and or blankets, but no out-side beverages or snacks. Call 252-354-6350 for movie title one week prior to showing.

MARCH 9Scrapbooking WorkshopFrom 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., scrapbooking workshops with Linda Phelps will take place at Emerald Isle Parks and recreation. Pre-registration is required. Program is open to crafters ages 12 and up. Fee is $5 (additional packages available). Use of tools and snack included. Fees payable at workshop. Call Lin-da Phelps at 910-326-6164 or email [email protected] for information or to register.

MARCH 9Down East Folk Arts Society Concert Presents Toby WalkerJoin Down East FolkArts in the upper room at Claw-son’s 1905 restaurant in Beaufort at 8 p.m. to en-joy the blues, rags and hot country picking of Toby Walker. Membership is encouraged, volunteers are welcomed and all are invited. Visit www.downeas-tfolkarts.org for details or call 252-633-6444 for more information. Admission is $15 general, $12 members, $8 students.

Get Hooked Fishing School at the Aquarium at Pine Knoll ShoresA comprehensive, one-day overview of various aspects of angling in local waters. registration includes lunch, drawings for fishing gear and give-aways. Cost is $60 (members $54). Advance reg-istration is required. Call 252-247-4003 for more information and to register or visit the website at www.ncaquariums.com

MARCH 11First in 4-Week Series of Yoga Classes Begins in SwansboroAre you interested in learning the basics of yoga? Join Second Wind at the Swansboro recreation Center for an 4-week Intro to Yoga series. Classes will focus on basic postures, meditations and re-laxation. Series begins March 11 at the Swansboro recreation Center in Municipal Park. Classes will be every Monday at 8 a.m. through April 1. regis-tration fee is $25 (drop-in fee $10 per class). For questions or to register call 910-326-2600 or come by the Swansboro recreation Center at 830 Main Street Extension in Swansboro.

MARCH 14Beaufort Historical Association Volunteer Training OrientationInterested in volunteering at the Beaufort Historic Site? A training orientation is offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for those interested in volunteering. Anyone interested in historic preservation and research, student educational programs, driving a double-decker bus, leading tours, retail sales or helping with the many committees that are the backbone of the association are welcome to attend. Call 252-728-5225 or email [email protected] for more information.

MARCH 15International Film from Peru: ‘October’

Carteret Community College Foundation presents its second annual International Film Series, featur-ing Peruvian film ‘October’ (‘Octubre’) in Joslyn Hall at 7:30 p.m. with live music from 6:30 until the film begins. There is a suggested donation of $5; international pastries & refreshments will be avail-able for purchase. For a more eventful evening, try the “Dinner and a Movie” option. Enjoy dinner and a glass of wine reflecting Peruvian culture catered by Piccata’s at 6 p.m. in the Camp Glenn Building. Individual tickets are $30; series tickets (Dinner and Movie for all four showings) are $100. reser-vations are required for the dinner portion of the event. Contact Tiffany Taylor at 252-222-6056 or [email protected] to make reservations.

MARCH 16St Patrick’s Day 5K RaceThe Carteret County Domestic Violence Program is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day-themed run along Front Street in Beaufort. There will be 5K and 1-mile Fun run events. registration is $15 per single adult or $40 per family. St. Patrick’s Day costumes are en-couraged!

Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s FestivalHead out to Emerald Isle for the St. Patrick’s Day Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Emerald Planta-tion shopping center. The event is sponsored by the Emerald Isle Business Association. Admission and parking are free. The festival features over 75 arts and crafts vendors, food, clowns and displays along with amusement rides, a climbing wall, face paint-ing and many other fun, family-oriented activities. As always, the festival will feature delicious foods such as corned beef and cabbage, shrimp burgers, hamburgers and hot dogs, Mediterranean cuisine, BBQ, funnel cakes, fried peanuts, cotton candy and more. Festivalgoers can also enjoy a beer garden.The Little Ms. & Mr. Leprechaun Contest will take place on the main stage at 11 a.m. The contest is for boys and girls ages 2-3 and 4-5, with each partici-pant being judged on the originality and creativity of their costume and overall stage presentation. Call 252-354-6350 for more information or visit www.emeraldislestpatricksfestival.com.

Swansboro Rotary Club’s 34th Annual Oyster Roast and Pig-Out It’s time for the club’s most popular fundraiser: an all-you-can-eat extravaganza that takes place in-doors at the rotary Civic Center in Swansboro. Ma-chine Gun, a popular variety band from Wilmington, will provide musical entertainment. In addition to

oysters, the menu includes roasted pig, fried fish, clam chowder, chili dogs, cole slaw, hush puppies and a variety of beverages. Diners are reminded to bring an oyster knife and a glove. The Civic Center, which is on West Main Street Extension off NC 24 behind Family Care Pharmacy, provides a spacious indoor area for diners. It will be equipped with sev-eral large-screen televisions tuned to the NCAA basketball tournament. Tickets are $45 in advance

and $50 at the door. Tickets for children 15 and un-der are $20, available only at the door. Proceeds benefit youth scholarships and projects in Onslow and Carteret counties. Tickets can be purchased from any member of the Swansboro rotary Club or at the Civic Center. Tickets can also be purchased at Darden Insurance and Century 21 Waterway re-alty in Swansboro and at Eastern Mortgage in Em-erald Isle. For more information, call 910-326-5066.

flip ahead to p20

MARCH 16: ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVALHead out to Emerald Isle for the St. Patrick’s Day Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Em-erald Plantation shopping center. The event is sponsored by the Emerald Isle Business As-sociation. Admission and parking are free. The festival features over 75 arts and crafts ven-dors, food, clowns and displays along with amusement rides, a climbing wall, face painting and many other fun, family-oriented activities. As always, the festival will feature delicious foods such as corned beef and cabbage, shrimp burgers, hamburgers and hot dogs, Mediter-ranean cuisine, BBQ, funnel cakes, fried peanuts, cotton candy and more. Festivalgoers can also enjoy a beer garden. The Little Ms. & Mr. Leprechaun Contest will take place on the main stage at 11 a.m. The contest is for boys and girls ages 2-3 and 4-5, with each participant be-ing judged on the originality and creativity of their costume and overall stage presentation. Call 252-354-6350 for more information or visit www.emeraldislestpatricksfestival.com.


MARCH 1–3 & 8-10Carteret Community Theatre Presents ‘Faith County’Performances of Faith County: An Evening of Cul-ture will be held at Joslyn Hall at the McGee Build-ing on the campus of Carteret Community College, Morehead City. Showtimes follow; doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

MArCH 1–2, 8–9 ................................... 8 P.M.MArCH 3, 10 ........................................ 2 P.M.

MARCH 2Basic Obedience Class for Dogs Begins In SwansboroSwansboro Parks and recreation, in partnership with refined K-9, offers a class to teach your dog basic skills in a beautiful and fun park environment. Have the best behaved dog in the neighborhood! Training begins March 2 at Swansboro Municipal Park; classes will be every Saturday at 5:30 p.m. through April 13. The registration fee for all six weeks of training is $120. Call 910-326-2600 to reg-ister or come by the Swansboro recreation Center, at 830 Main Street Extension in Swansboro.

MARCH 3–9Toast to the Coast: Celebrating Seven Days of Fine DiningThis new exciting biannual event takes place all over beautiful Carteret County at over 16 fine din-ing establishments with a prix fixe menu of only $25. Events include culinary tours with culinary diva and eastern North Carolina food blogger Liz Biro, designer nights with a twist on the normal fare, a ladies only day and more! Feast all week and Toast to the Coast! For more information call Stephanie McIntyre at 252-726-6273 or visit www.toasttothecoast.org.

MARCH 3Pianist Clay Whittington at The Morehead CenterHope Mission and Cape Lookout High School invite you to join them for a benefit concert presented by talented musician Clay Whittington at The More-head Center, located at 1311 Arendell Street in Morehead City. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door and can be purchased by calling 252-726-1501 or online at www.themoreheadcenter.com. Mr. Whittington has worked with the Carteret Community Theater as pianist for the 2011 show Broadway at Its Best.

MARCH 4Swansboro Parks and Recreation Logo Design Contest Kicks OffCalling all designers and artists! Swansboro Parks and recreation is sponsoring a contest to estab-lish its brand-new logo. The winner will receive a variety of prizes, including a T-shirt and water bottle with their winning logo on it! The design should capture the spirit of the department, which oversees the town’s parks, public docks and rec-reation center. Designs will be accepted via email beginning March 4; contest ends April 1. Pick up additional information and contest guidelines at the Swansboro recreation Center, 830 Main Street Extension in Swansboro. For more information con-tact Brittany Wood at [email protected] or by calling 910-326-2600.

MARCH 7Hannah’s Haus Oyster Roast to Benefit Coastal FederationHannah’s Haus, located in the back of Gaskill’s Hardware at 900 Live Oak Street in Beaufort, is hosting an Oyster roast in support of the NC Coastal Federation from 5 to 7 p.m. Support the N.C. Coastal Federation with local oysters and great beer. There is no cost for this event, but donations for beer and oysters will go directly to the federa-tion. A special federation membership deal will be offered during the event, so bring your friends.Volunteers are needed at the federation’s member-ship table and at the oyster tables. Contact Sarah Phillips at [email protected] to help.

MARCH 8, 15, 22 & 29Friday Free Flicks in Emerald IsleAt 7 p.m. at the Emerald Isle Community Center at 7500 Emerald Drive, family-oriented movies are shown. Free and open to the public. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Popcorn and drink for $1. Please bring chairs and or blankets, but no out-side beverages or snacks. Call 252-354-6350 for movie title one week prior to showing.

MARCH 9Scrapbooking WorkshopFrom 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., scrapbooking workshops with Linda Phelps will take place at Emerald Isle Parks and recreation. Pre-registration is required. Program is open to crafters ages 12 and up. Fee is $5 (additional packages available). Use of tools and snack included. Fees payable at workshop. Call Lin-da Phelps at 910-326-6164 or email [email protected] for information or to register.

MARCH 9Down East Folk Arts Society Concert Presents Toby WalkerJoin Down East FolkArts in the upper room at Claw-son’s 1905 restaurant in Beaufort at 8 p.m. to en-joy the blues, rags and hot country picking of Toby Walker. Membership is encouraged, volunteers are welcomed and all are invited. Visit www.downeas-tfolkarts.org for details or call 252-633-6444 for more information. Admission is $15 general, $12 members, $8 students.

Get Hooked Fishing School at the Aquarium at Pine Knoll ShoresA comprehensive, one-day overview of various aspects of angling in local waters. registration includes lunch, drawings for fishing gear and give-aways. Cost is $60 (members $54). Advance reg-istration is required. Call 252-247-4003 for more information and to register or visit the website at www.ncaquariums.com

MARCH 11First in 4-Week Series of Yoga Classes Begins in SwansboroAre you interested in learning the basics of yoga? Join Second Wind at the Swansboro recreation Center for an 4-week Intro to Yoga series. Classes will focus on basic postures, meditations and re-laxation. Series begins March 11 at the Swansboro recreation Center in Municipal Park. Classes will be every Monday at 8 a.m. through April 1. regis-tration fee is $25 (drop-in fee $10 per class). For questions or to register call 910-326-2600 or come by the Swansboro recreation Center at 830 Main Street Extension in Swansboro.

MARCH 14Beaufort Historical Association Volunteer Training OrientationInterested in volunteering at the Beaufort Historic Site? A training orientation is offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for those interested in volunteering. Anyone interested in historic preservation and research, student educational programs, driving a double-decker bus, leading tours, retail sales or helping with the many committees that are the backbone of the association are welcome to attend. Call 252-728-5225 or email [email protected] for more information.

MARCH 15International Film from Peru: ‘October’

Carteret Community College Foundation presents its second annual International Film Series, featur-ing Peruvian film ‘October’ (‘Octubre’) in Joslyn Hall at 7:30 p.m. with live music from 6:30 until the film begins. There is a suggested donation of $5; international pastries & refreshments will be avail-able for purchase. For a more eventful evening, try the “Dinner and a Movie” option. Enjoy dinner and a glass of wine reflecting Peruvian culture catered by Piccata’s at 6 p.m. in the Camp Glenn Building. Individual tickets are $30; series tickets (Dinner and Movie for all four showings) are $100. reser-vations are required for the dinner portion of the event. Contact Tiffany Taylor at 252-222-6056 or [email protected] to make reservations.

MARCH 16St Patrick’s Day 5K RaceThe Carteret County Domestic Violence Program is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day-themed run along Front Street in Beaufort. There will be 5K and 1-mile Fun run events. registration is $15 per single adult or $40 per family. St. Patrick’s Day costumes are en-couraged!

Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s FestivalHead out to Emerald Isle for the St. Patrick’s Day Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Emerald Planta-tion shopping center. The event is sponsored by the Emerald Isle Business Association. Admission and parking are free. The festival features over 75 arts and crafts vendors, food, clowns and displays along with amusement rides, a climbing wall, face paint-ing and many other fun, family-oriented activities. As always, the festival will feature delicious foods such as corned beef and cabbage, shrimp burgers, hamburgers and hot dogs, Mediterranean cuisine, BBQ, funnel cakes, fried peanuts, cotton candy and more. Festivalgoers can also enjoy a beer garden.The Little Ms. & Mr. Leprechaun Contest will take place on the main stage at 11 a.m. The contest is for boys and girls ages 2-3 and 4-5, with each partici-pant being judged on the originality and creativity of their costume and overall stage presentation. Call 252-354-6350 for more information or visit www.emeraldislestpatricksfestival.com.

Swansboro Rotary Club’s 34th Annual Oyster Roast and Pig-Out It’s time for the club’s most popular fundraiser: an all-you-can-eat extravaganza that takes place in-doors at the rotary Civic Center in Swansboro. Ma-chine Gun, a popular variety band from Wilmington, will provide musical entertainment. In addition to

oysters, the menu includes roasted pig, fried fish, clam chowder, chili dogs, cole slaw, hush puppies and a variety of beverages. Diners are reminded to bring an oyster knife and a glove. The Civic Center, which is on West Main Street Extension off NC 24 behind Family Care Pharmacy, provides a spacious indoor area for diners. It will be equipped with sev-eral large-screen televisions tuned to the NCAA basketball tournament. Tickets are $45 in advance

and $50 at the door. Tickets for children 15 and un-der are $20, available only at the door. Proceeds benefit youth scholarships and projects in Onslow and Carteret counties. Tickets can be purchased from any member of the Swansboro rotary Club or at the Civic Center. Tickets can also be purchased at Darden Insurance and Century 21 Waterway re-alty in Swansboro and at Eastern Mortgage in Em-erald Isle. For more information, call 910-326-5066.

flip ahead to p20

MARCH 16: ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVALHead out to Emerald Isle for the St. Patrick’s Day Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Em-erald Plantation shopping center. The event is sponsored by the Emerald Isle Business As-sociation. Admission and parking are free. The festival features over 75 arts and crafts ven-dors, food, clowns and displays along with amusement rides, a climbing wall, face painting and many other fun, family-oriented activities. As always, the festival will feature delicious foods such as corned beef and cabbage, shrimp burgers, hamburgers and hot dogs, Mediter-ranean cuisine, BBQ, funnel cakes, fried peanuts, cotton candy and more. Festivalgoers can also enjoy a beer garden. The Little Ms. & Mr. Leprechaun Contest will take place on the main stage at 11 a.m. The contest is for boys and girls ages 2-3 and 4-5, with each participant be-ing judged on the originality and creativity of their costume and overall stage presentation. Call 252-354-6350 for more information or visit www.emeraldislestpatricksfestival.com.


MARCH 23

Emerald Isle Easter Egg HuntThe Easter Egg Hunt and Festivities will take place at Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation beginning at noon. Join the EI Bunny for festivities including sidewalk chalking, face painting, music and more. At 1 p.m. sharp, the egg hunting whistle will be blown. Egg hunters should arrive prior to 12:45 with their own baskets. There is no fee to participate in the egg hunt. Hunters compete in three age cat-egories, ages 3 and under, ages 4–7 and ages 8–13. Prizes will be awarded in each group for the person finding the EI Bunny’s prize eggs. The EI Bunny him-self will be on hand for photographs and to award the prizes. Everyone is invited; no registration is required. Call 252-354-6350 for more information.

Portrait Drawing WorkshopIn this workshop, nationally exhibited artist Irene Baily, member of the Portrait Society of America, will be using a live model to teach portrait draw-ing. Workshop will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the artist’s studio in Emerald Isle. The cost is $50. Charcoal and erasers will be provided, but partici-pants will need to bring a drawing pad and a bagged lunch. Class size is limited to 6. Registration forms are available at www.SeasideArtsCouncil.com. For more information, contact Kathy Kelly at 252-354-5259 or [email protected].

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny & Eggs-travaganza Swansboro Parks and Recreation invites you to join the Easter Bunny for breakfast at 9 a.m. at the Swansboro Recreation Center at 830 Main Street Extension in Swansboro. Breakfast will be followed

by an egg hunt in Municipal Park. Age categories are 3 & under, 4–7 and 8–12. The event is free, but bring a basket. Call 910-326-2600 for reservations.

MARCH 25Auditions for Children’s Theater Production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’Carteret Community Theater will be hosting the Missoula Children’s Theater production of The Wiz-ard of Oz. Auditions will be at 4 p.m. at West Cart-eret High School. Children kindergarten through 8th grade are eligible. For more information, call Robin Hamm at 252-247-5838.

MARCH 26First Aid & CPR Certification Class Is Just In Time for SummerSummer is just around the corner! But before you pull out the swimsuit and sunscreen, why not take the time to earn or renew your CPR certification?

MARCH 3Who Killed Cleopatra and Other Tales from Ephesus[ 3 P.M. ] Area residents will have a rare opportunity to hear the tales of a German archaeologist on March 3, 2013 at 3 p.m as the North Carolina Maritime Museum presents “Who Killed Cleopatra’s Sister and other tales from Ephesus.” Dr. Hilke Thür has excavated in Ephesus, Turkey since 1975 and will be speaking about her discovery of the tomb of Arsinoe, Cleopatra’s sister. Arsinoe was just a teenager when she was believed to have been murdered on the orders of Cleopatra and Marc Anthony.

MARCH 14Ports and Pilots[ 10 A.M. TO NOON] Get a firsthand look at some of the exports and imports moving through the North Carolina Port Facility in Morehead City. Fee includes video presentation on harbor pilots and transportation to the port. Not suitable for children under 12. Reservations required by calling 252-728-7317. Fee: $10.

MARCH 15-17Build a Ship in a BottleHow is that model ship built in a glass bottle? Now is your chance to learn how by building your very own! Experienced instructor Jim Goodwin will take you through the steps and help you make a mantle-worthy ship in a bottle. Reserva-tions required by calling 252-728-7317. Fee: $150.

MARCH 19Boatbuilding Past and Present[ 9:30 TO 11:30 A.M. ] Participants will tour the Watercraft Center where wooden boats are restored and the art of building them is taught to new generations. They will then visit a local boat manufacturer and observe modern construction methods (transportation provided). Not suitable for children under 12. Reservations required by calling 252-728-7317. Fee: $10.

MARCH 30Beaufort Boatbuilding Challenge Demonstration SessionJoin two previous competitors from the Beaufort Boatbuilding Challenge as they demonstrate tricks they have learned to successfully compete in the actual Boatbuilding Challenge to be held on May 4th this year. Teams get only 4 hours to construct a 12’ rowboat and then race on Taylor’s Creek. These methods may make you a winner. Free. NC Maritime Museum, 315 Front St, Beaufort, 9:30am-noon Beaufortchallenge.com or Vic Fasolino, 252-648-0944

252-728-2762www.ncmaritimemuseums.com

You never know when you will find yourself in an emergency. Knowing the proper methods and pro-cedures may boost your confidence enough to take action and save someone’s life. American Heart As-sociation First Aid and CPR Certification provides training on how to correctly perform first aid and CPR on adults, children and infants. All students must pre-register. The class will take place at the Community Center at 7500 Emerald Drive in Emer-ald Isle at 6 p.m. The maximum class size is 9, so register early (a minimum of 6 students is required for the class to proceed). Fee is $32.25, with no textbook fees. You must pre-register and pre-pay for this class. Contact Sarah McNally at 252-354-6350 or [email protected] to register.

MARCH 30Beaufort Boatbuilding Challenge Demonstration SessionJoin two experienced competitors from the Beau-fort Boatbuilding Challenge as they demonstrate tricks and skills required to successfully compete in the Boatbuilding Challenge to be held in May this year. Challenge teams get only four hours to con-struct a 12-foot rowboat and then race on Taylor’s Creek. Attend the free session and give yourself a competitive edge! Demo will be at the NC Maritime Museum at 315 Front Street in Beaufort, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. For more information, call Vic Fasolino at 252-648-0944 or visit beaufortchallenge.com.

Missoula Children’s Theater Presents ‘The Wizard of Oz’Carteret Community Theater will be hosting the Missoula Children’s Theater production of The Wiz-ard of Oz. There will be showtimes at 2 and 7 p.m.Tickets can be purchased at the door. Carteret Community Theater is proud to sponsor this tour-ing company. For more information, call Robin Hamm at 252-247-5838.

APRIl 5 - 6Newport Pig Cookin’ ContestNewport Community Park on Howard Boulevard across from Town Hall. The USA’s Largest Whole Hog B-B-Q Pig Cookin’ invites you to join us for two days of food, fun and springtime celebration. Concession stands, rides, bake sales, funnel cakes, live music, souvenirs and much more. Free admission and free parking. Barbecue plates only $6. Bulk pork sold for $6 per pound, subject to availability. Serving begins Saturday at 11 a.m. Contact Jim Bristle for more information at [email protected].

flip ahead to p22

RAISING CHICKENS IN yOuR OWN BACKyARDEver think about raising some backyard chickens? It may sound a little overwhelming, but chickens don’t require much more care than a dog or cat. Plus you get the benefit of fresh eggs! It can be a real educational experience for your kids too. Plus, the rich organic compost they produce can be incorporated into your garden, and they will feed on insects in your yard. So if you are considering raising some chickens, do a little homework and give

it a shot. You will be reaping the rewards of fresh eggs in no time.


MARCH 23

Emerald Isle Easter Egg HuntThe Easter Egg Hunt and Festivities will take place at Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation beginning at noon. Join the EI Bunny for festivities including sidewalk chalking, face painting, music and more. At 1 p.m. sharp, the egg hunting whistle will be blown. Egg hunters should arrive prior to 12:45 with their own baskets. There is no fee to participate in the egg hunt. Hunters compete in three age cat-egories, ages 3 and under, ages 4–7 and ages 8–13. Prizes will be awarded in each group for the person finding the EI Bunny’s prize eggs. The EI Bunny him-self will be on hand for photographs and to award the prizes. Everyone is invited; no registration is required. Call 252-354-6350 for more information.

Portrait Drawing WorkshopIn this workshop, nationally exhibited artist Irene Baily, member of the Portrait Society of America, will be using a live model to teach portrait draw-ing. Workshop will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the artist’s studio in Emerald Isle. The cost is $50. Charcoal and erasers will be provided, but partici-pants will need to bring a drawing pad and a bagged lunch. Class size is limited to 6. Registration forms are available at www.SeasideArtsCouncil.com. For more information, contact Kathy Kelly at 252-354-5259 or [email protected].

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny & Eggs-travaganza Swansboro Parks and Recreation invites you to join the Easter Bunny for breakfast at 9 a.m. at the Swansboro Recreation Center at 830 Main Street Extension in Swansboro. Breakfast will be followed

by an egg hunt in Municipal Park. Age categories are 3 & under, 4–7 and 8–12. The event is free, but bring a basket. Call 910-326-2600 for reservations.

MARCH 25Auditions for Children’s Theater Production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’Carteret Community Theater will be hosting the Missoula Children’s Theater production of The Wiz-ard of Oz. Auditions will be at 4 p.m. at West Cart-eret High School. Children kindergarten through 8th grade are eligible. For more information, call Robin Hamm at 252-247-5838.

MARCH 26First Aid & CPR Certification Class Is Just In Time for SummerSummer is just around the corner! But before you pull out the swimsuit and sunscreen, why not take the time to earn or renew your CPR certification?

MARCH 3Who Killed Cleopatra and Other Tales from Ephesus[ 3 P.M. ] Area residents will have a rare opportunity to hear the tales of a German archaeologist on March 3, 2013 at 3 p.m as the North Carolina Maritime Museum presents “Who Killed Cleopatra’s Sister and other tales from Ephesus.” Dr. Hilke Thür has excavated in Ephesus, Turkey since 1975 and will be speaking about her discovery of the tomb of Arsinoe, Cleopatra’s sister. Arsinoe was just a teenager when she was believed to have been murdered on the orders of Cleopatra and Marc Anthony.

MARCH 14Ports and Pilots[ 10 A.M. TO NOON] Get a firsthand look at some of the exports and imports moving through the North Carolina Port Facility in Morehead City. Fee includes video presentation on harbor pilots and transportation to the port. Not suitable for children under 12. Reservations required by calling 252-728-7317. Fee: $10.

MARCH 15-17Build a Ship in a BottleHow is that model ship built in a glass bottle? Now is your chance to learn how by building your very own! Experienced instructor Jim Goodwin will take you through the steps and help you make a mantle-worthy ship in a bottle. Reserva-tions required by calling 252-728-7317. Fee: $150.

MARCH 19Boatbuilding Past and Present[ 9:30 TO 11:30 A.M. ] Participants will tour the Watercraft Center where wooden boats are restored and the art of building them is taught to new generations. They will then visit a local boat manufacturer and observe modern construction methods (transportation provided). Not suitable for children under 12. Reservations required by calling 252-728-7317. Fee: $10.

MARCH 30Beaufort Boatbuilding Challenge Demonstration SessionJoin two previous competitors from the Beaufort Boatbuilding Challenge as they demonstrate tricks they have learned to successfully compete in the actual Boatbuilding Challenge to be held on May 4th this year. Teams get only 4 hours to construct a 12’ rowboat and then race on Taylor’s Creek. These methods may make you a winner. Free. NC Maritime Museum, 315 Front St, Beaufort, 9:30am-noon Beaufortchallenge.com or Vic Fasolino, 252-648-0944

252-728-2762www.ncmaritimemuseums.com

You never know when you will find yourself in an emergency. Knowing the proper methods and pro-cedures may boost your confidence enough to take action and save someone’s life. American Heart As-sociation First Aid and CPR Certification provides training on how to correctly perform first aid and CPR on adults, children and infants. All students must pre-register. The class will take place at the Community Center at 7500 Emerald Drive in Emer-ald Isle at 6 p.m. The maximum class size is 9, so register early (a minimum of 6 students is required for the class to proceed). Fee is $32.25, with no textbook fees. You must pre-register and pre-pay for this class. Contact Sarah McNally at 252-354-6350 or [email protected] to register.

MARCH 30Beaufort Boatbuilding Challenge Demonstration SessionJoin two experienced competitors from the Beau-fort Boatbuilding Challenge as they demonstrate tricks and skills required to successfully compete in the Boatbuilding Challenge to be held in May this year. Challenge teams get only four hours to con-struct a 12-foot rowboat and then race on Taylor’s Creek. Attend the free session and give yourself a competitive edge! Demo will be at the NC Maritime Museum at 315 Front Street in Beaufort, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. For more information, call Vic Fasolino at 252-648-0944 or visit beaufortchallenge.com.

Missoula Children’s Theater Presents ‘The Wizard of Oz’Carteret Community Theater will be hosting the Missoula Children’s Theater production of The Wiz-ard of Oz. There will be showtimes at 2 and 7 p.m.Tickets can be purchased at the door. Carteret Community Theater is proud to sponsor this tour-ing company. For more information, call Robin Hamm at 252-247-5838.

APRIl 5 - 6Newport Pig Cookin’ ContestNewport Community Park on Howard Boulevard across from Town Hall. The USA’s Largest Whole Hog B-B-Q Pig Cookin’ invites you to join us for two days of food, fun and springtime celebration. Concession stands, rides, bake sales, funnel cakes, live music, souvenirs and much more. Free admission and free parking. Barbecue plates only $6. Bulk pork sold for $6 per pound, subject to availability. Serving begins Saturday at 11 a.m. Contact Jim Bristle for more information at [email protected].

flip ahead to p22

RAISING CHICKENS IN yOuR OWN BACKyARDEver think about raising some backyard chickens? It may sound a little overwhelming, but chickens don’t require much more care than a dog or cat. Plus you get the benefit of fresh eggs! It can be a real educational experience for your kids too. Plus, the rich organic compost they produce can be incorporated into your garden, and they will feed on insects in your yard. So if you are considering raising some chickens, do a little homework and give

it a shot. You will be reaping the rewards of fresh eggs in no time.

Dates: June 10 - 14 sports and Games CampSports and Games campers will spend their days learning and practicing all sorts of sports – from the traditional (soccer, basketball) to the unusual (cricket, pick-leball)! They will also spend some time in the shade learning strategies, playing games and celebrating things like teamwork, perseverance and healthy lifestyles.

Dates: June 17 - 21 Critter CampIf your camper has a special interest in the four-legged kind, this is the camp for them! With critter games, critter crafts and special visits from real critters, Crit-ter Camp will introduce your camper to animal habitats, habits and ways to help ensure a safe environment for all of them.

Dates: June 24 – July 3 (8 Days!) everything CampWith a little bit of everything, this is the camp characterized by all things camp! With time to do it all, these campers will play lots of games (on the field and in the pool!), make awesome crafts, learn about the natural world, try out some camp activities (like kayaking orienteering or tree climbing) and make new friends!

Dates: July 8 – 12 arts CampWith an array of game and projects, your creative camper will spend their time learning to capture the creativity displayed in the natural world. Whether paint-ing, drawing, sculpting, photographing drumming or maybe just acting a little silly, Arts campers will learn new techniques or skills while enjoying the fun of an outdoor setting.

Dates: July 15 - 19 science CampSeeking to encourage those campers with an ever-growing sense of wonder and discovery, Science Camp campers will spend their time experimenting (making messes!), learning about unique coastal science phenomena (the chemistry of water quality, the physics of tides), and trying their hand at building and testing outdoor fun!

Dates: July 22 - 26 Green CampIf your camper is interested in learning not only about our special environment, but also how to preserve it, this is the camp for them! With projects at camp and ideas for home, campers will learn about our gardening program, recycling and reducing their negative environmental impacts.

Dates: July 29 – auGust 2 local legends CampCoastal North Carolina has a rich history, including Native Americans, Europeans and the ever-exciting pirates. This camp will explore the histories and traditions of these different groups, giving campers a taste of what life was like for each of them and what role North Carolinians played in our national history.

Dates: auGust 5 – 9 International CampSpending each day of the camp focusing on a different area of the world, campers will have the chance to try eating, speaking, dressing and acting like people from that region. They will also have the chance to learn about their traditions and, though celebrating differences, see what we all have in common.

Dates: auGust 12 - 16 adventure CampIs your camper ready to try some of the adventures Camp Albemarle has to offer? These campers will take on the outdoors – tree climbing, kayaking orienteering, fire building, archery and more!

Nine months of the year, students are tasked with learning new skills, new facts and new formulas. For many students, the day they spend most of the spring waiting for is the day when this can end and summer begins. Unfortunately while enjoying summer sunshine, watermelon, fresh air and perhaps a bit too much time in front of the TV, phone and computer screens, students can lose up to two months of academic instruction over the summer. As partners in the parenting and educating, process, summer camps can provide engaging and stimulating programs that not only fight this summer learning loss, but actively engage children in an entirely different type of instruction.

As a ministry that can remain true to its rich heritage of the highest caliber of camp programs, yet continue to embrace that which will keep the programs exciting and dynamic, Camp Albemarle will begin a day camp program in the summer of 2013, sixty years after first opening its doors. The week-long camps, geared towards first through fifth graders, will have different themes each week, ideally piquing the interests of different campers, while allowing those who wish to come for more than one session to have fun, new experiences each day.

The camps will focus on engaging campers’ creativity and passions, simultaneously teaching skills, facts and values. Campers attending Sports Camp, for example, will practice their skills through drills and games, but also learn about teamwork and vision, as well as explore things like the physics of flight – and how that affects goal scoring. Those who feel best suited to Adventure Camp will have opportunities for tree climbing, kayaking orienteering and archery, but will use these activities to learn about trusting others and believing in oneself. International Campers will explore different countries and regions, learning about traditional dress, foods, holiday celebrations and day to day life through crafts, games, dramatic play and of course food! Each camp will give campers the chance to work on problem solving and critical thinking, through exploration of topics that are exciting to them. At camps, we believe in the unique power of experiential education and particularly education through fun!

IF YOUR INTEREST HAS BEEN PIQUED, CAMP ALBEMARLE’S SCHEDULE OF DAY CAMPS FOR 2013 IS ON THE OPPOSITE PAGE! CHECK OUT SOME OPTIONS!

summer 2013 Day CampsTAKE A BREAK

at DAY CAMP!

By Sarah Smith

assistant Director, Camp albemarle

12 Carolina Salt Magazine MarCh 2013 >> www.CarolinaSalt.com www.CarolinaSalt.com >> MarCh 2013 13Carolina Salt Magazine

Dates: June 10 - 14 sports and Games CampSports and Games campers will spend their days learning and practicing all sorts of sports – from the traditional (soccer, basketball) to the unusual (cricket, pick-leball)! They will also spend some time in the shade learning strategies, playing games and celebrating things like teamwork, perseverance and healthy lifestyles.

Dates: June 17 - 21 Critter CampIf your camper has a special interest in the four-legged kind, this is the camp for them! With critter games, critter crafts and special visits from real critters, Crit-ter Camp will introduce your camper to animal habitats, habits and ways to help ensure a safe environment for all of them.

Dates: June 24 – July 3 (8 Days!) everything CampWith a little bit of everything, this is the camp characterized by all things camp! With time to do it all, these campers will play lots of games (on the field and in the pool!), make awesome crafts, learn about the natural world, try out some camp activities (like kayaking orienteering or tree climbing) and make new friends!

Dates: July 8 – 12 arts CampWith an array of game and projects, your creative camper will spend their time learning to capture the creativity displayed in the natural world. Whether paint-ing, drawing, sculpting, photographing drumming or maybe just acting a little silly, Arts campers will learn new techniques or skills while enjoying the fun of an outdoor setting.

Dates: July 15 - 19 science CampSeeking to encourage those campers with an ever-growing sense of wonder and discovery, Science Camp campers will spend their time experimenting (making messes!), learning about unique coastal science phenomena (the chemistry of water quality, the physics of tides), and trying their hand at building and testing outdoor fun!

Dates: July 22 - 26 Green CampIf your camper is interested in learning not only about our special environment, but also how to preserve it, this is the camp for them! With projects at camp and ideas for home, campers will learn about our gardening program, recycling and reducing their negative environmental impacts.

Dates: July 29 – auGust 2 local legends CampCoastal North Carolina has a rich history, including Native Americans, Europeans and the ever-exciting pirates. This camp will explore the histories and traditions of these different groups, giving campers a taste of what life was like for each of them and what role North Carolinians played in our national history.

Dates: auGust 5 – 9 International CampSpending each day of the camp focusing on a different area of the world, campers will have the chance to try eating, speaking, dressing and acting like people from that region. They will also have the chance to learn about their traditions and, though celebrating differences, see what we all have in common.

Dates: auGust 12 - 16 adventure CampIs your camper ready to try some of the adventures Camp Albemarle has to offer? These campers will take on the outdoors – tree climbing, kayaking orienteering, fire building, archery and more!

Nine months of the year, students are tasked with learning new skills, new facts and new formulas. For many students, the day they spend most of the spring waiting for is the day when this can end and summer begins. Unfortunately while enjoying summer sunshine, watermelon, fresh air and perhaps a bit too much time in front of the TV, phone and computer screens, students can lose up to two months of academic instruction over the summer. As partners in the parenting and educating, process, summer camps can provide engaging and stimulating programs that not only fight this summer learning loss, but actively engage children in an entirely different type of instruction.

As a ministry that can remain true to its rich heritage of the highest caliber of camp programs, yet continue to embrace that which will keep the programs exciting and dynamic, Camp Albemarle will begin a day camp program in the summer of 2013, sixty years after first opening its doors. The week-long camps, geared towards first through fifth graders, will have different themes each week, ideally piquing the interests of different campers, while allowing those who wish to come for more than one session to have fun, new experiences each day.

The camps will focus on engaging campers’ creativity and passions, simultaneously teaching skills, facts and values. Campers attending Sports Camp, for example, will practice their skills through drills and games, but also learn about teamwork and vision, as well as explore things like the physics of flight – and how that affects goal scoring. Those who feel best suited to Adventure Camp will have opportunities for tree climbing, kayaking orienteering and archery, but will use these activities to learn about trusting others and believing in oneself. International Campers will explore different countries and regions, learning about traditional dress, foods, holiday celebrations and day to day life through crafts, games, dramatic play and of course food! Each camp will give campers the chance to work on problem solving and critical thinking, through exploration of topics that are exciting to them. At camps, we believe in the unique power of experiential education and particularly education through fun!

IF YOUR INTEREST HAS BEEN PIQUED, CAMP ALBEMARLE’S SCHEDULE OF DAY CAMPS FOR 2013 IS ON THE OPPOSITE PAGE! CHECK OUT SOME OPTIONS!

summer 2013 Day CampsTAKE A BREAK

at DAY CAMP!

By Sarah Smith

assistant Director, Camp albemarle



Some of the calls we receive at the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter in require attention a little beyond our realm of expertise. Like when a call comes in to relocate a 12-foot, 400-pound alligator with a bite force of 1,200 psi that has shown up in the parking lot of a shopping mall. Although we wildlife rehabilitators aren’t “hands on” with a gator (they definitely won’t fit into even our largest kennel cab) we know who to call.

Wildlife Control officers, directed by the the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, and local police departments consider an alligator out of water and wandering around in a residential area a critical danger and respond with a great sense of urgency. The question that always surfaces is, why was he out of the water away from his habitat and among humans in the first place?

In eastern North Carolina, we have lots of alligators in our fresh water streams, canals, ponds, lakes, marshes and tidal estuaries, and that’s usually where they stay. Until people start feeding them. It’s against the law and the fine can be as high as $200, but intentional feeding still happens. Bread, chips, sandwiches, chicken bones. Some feeding is unintentional, like when fishermen throw fish offal overboard.

North Carolina wildlife officials warn people not to feed the alligators, which are common around waterways frequented by tourists, especially in the southeastern part of our state. Almost all human attacks are a direct or indirect result of illegal feeding.

Alligators are carnivorous and they are opportunists. They eat whatever is available—fish, other alligators, turtles, waterfowl, cats, dogs, small livestock, humans. Meat is meat and food is food,

as far as the gator knows. North Carolina gators only eat during

the spring, summer and early fall when temperatures are above 70 degrees, so they grow more slowly than alligators that live in warmer climates. In fact, North Carolina is as far north as the American alligator can survive.

Alligators are large, dangerous animals that easily lose their fear of people, earning them the classification among biologists as charismatic megafauna. Although alligators have made a strong comeback after being hunted nearly to extinction in the 1900s, they remain on the threatened species list.

Sometimes an alligator is confused with its closest cousin, the crocodile. Our alligators have a short, blunt, rounded snout while crocodiles have a long, pointed snout. Cold-blooded alligators, the largest reptiles in North America, have overlapping jaws with darker coloration than the crocodile and are less tolerant of seawater, although they have been known to take a dip in the ocean. Unlike alligators, crocodiles do not live in North Carolina.

Alligators are diurnal and nocturnal,

meaning they are active both day and night. They dig large holes in the earth and make dens that provide protection and a place to rest during very hot or cold days. The “doorways”

to these dens are usually accessed under-water. They are commonly seen on river banks, basking in the sun during the spring and summer. Alligators may be spotted in the water by watching for eyes, a head or a snout protruding from the water’s surface.

Being social animals, alligators often gather with other gators during mating season. The alligator begins its courtship in April and breeding goes on until May or early June. The female lays about 30 eggs in a nest she constructs of vegetation. The decaying organic material serves to heat the eggs. The nest is about two feet high and five feet in diameter. The white eggs, only a bit larger than chicken eggs, take about 65 days to hatch. The hatchlings are about nine inches long and sport yellow bands around their bodies. The young alligators leave the nest in early fall, but the mother keeps a close watch over them for up to two years.

The alligator grows up to a foot a year during the first six years of its life. Male alligators normally grow to be 11 to 12 feet long. Females grow to around 8 feet

long. The longest alligator ever recorded was a male over 19 feet long!

The average lifespan of the alligator is 30 to 50 years, with the maximum most likely occurring in captivity.

In North Carolina hunting or killing an alligator is illegal, and only state wildlife officials can remove problem gators. They can become aggressive if they feel threatened, especially when defending their nest or young and will attack humans, so do not approach them and by all means, DO NOT FEED THEM.

Alligators have been around since the dinosaur days, so they can make do in the wild without an individual yielding to the temptation to picnic with them or any other human interference!

There are no recorded human deaths in North Carolina due to alligator attack, so let’s keep it that way.

We invite you to drop by to say hello and take a tour of our facility at 100 Wildlife Way in Newport on Tuesdays, Thursdays

or Saturdays at 2 p.m. for the nominal fee of $3 per person (carried infants are free). OWLS is a 501(c)(3)

non-profit organization committed to promoting and protecting native wildlife. Donations of supplies from

our wish list or good ol’ fashion money are greatly appreciated. If you’d like to volunteer at the shelter, contact our

volunteer coordinator at 252-240-1200, stop in to fill out a screening application or visit our website and click on the

“How Can You Help” link for a copy of the volunteer application. Need a guest speaker? We can do that too! If your organization would

like to learn more about wildlife and what they do to help us maintain ecological balance and improve our quality of life, please call on us. Our non-releasable education animals jump at the chance to be the star of a getting to know your wildlife program! The holidays are here, so please browse our gift shop for some wildlife

related finds that make wonderful Christmas gifts. Come see what we do and how you Can help us do it!

O. W. L . S . || l i n d a b e r g m a n - a l t h o u s e

GATORCOUNTRY


Some of the calls we receive at the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter in require attention a little beyond our realm of expertise. Like when a call comes in to relocate a 12-foot, 400-pound alligator with a bite force of 1,200 psi that has shown up in the parking lot of a shopping mall. Although we wildlife rehabilitators aren’t “hands on” with a gator (they definitely won’t fit into even our largest kennel cab) we know who to call.

Wildlife Control officers, directed by the the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, and local police departments consider an alligator out of water and wandering around in a residential area a critical danger and respond with a great sense of urgency. The question that always surfaces is, why was he out of the water away from his habitat and among humans in the first place?

In eastern North Carolina, we have lots of alligators in our fresh water streams, canals, ponds, lakes, marshes and tidal estuaries, and that’s usually where they stay. Until people start feeding them. It’s against the law and the fine can be as high as $200, but intentional feeding still happens. Bread, chips, sandwiches, chicken bones. Some feeding is unintentional, like when fishermen throw fish offal overboard.

North Carolina wildlife officials warn people not to feed the alligators, which are common around waterways frequented by tourists, especially in the southeastern part of our state. Almost all human attacks are a direct or indirect result of illegal feeding.

Alligators are carnivorous and they are opportunists. They eat whatever is available—fish, other alligators, turtles, waterfowl, cats, dogs, small livestock, humans. Meat is meat and food is food,

as far as the gator knows. North Carolina gators only eat during

the spring, summer and early fall when temperatures are above 70 degrees, so they grow more slowly than alligators that live in warmer climates. In fact, North Carolina is as far north as the American alligator can survive.

Alligators are large, dangerous animals that easily lose their fear of people, earning them the classification among biologists as charismatic megafauna. Although alligators have made a strong comeback after being hunted nearly to extinction in the 1900s, they remain on the threatened species list.

Sometimes an alligator is confused with its closest cousin, the crocodile. Our alligators have a short, blunt, rounded snout while crocodiles have a long, pointed snout. Cold-blooded alligators, the largest reptiles in North America, have overlapping jaws with darker coloration than the crocodile and are less tolerant of seawater, although they have been known to take a dip in the ocean. Unlike alligators, crocodiles do not live in North Carolina.

Alligators are diurnal and nocturnal,

meaning they are active both day and night. They dig large holes in the earth and make dens that provide protection and a place to rest during very hot or cold days. The “doorways”

to these dens are usually accessed under-water. They are commonly seen on river banks, basking in the sun during the spring and summer. Alligators may be spotted in the water by watching for eyes, a head or a snout protruding from the water’s surface.

Being social animals, alligators often gather with other gators during mating season. The alligator begins its courtship in April and breeding goes on until May or early June. The female lays about 30 eggs in a nest she constructs of vegetation. The decaying organic material serves to heat the eggs. The nest is about two feet high and five feet in diameter. The white eggs, only a bit larger than chicken eggs, take about 65 days to hatch. The hatchlings are about nine inches long and sport yellow bands around their bodies. The young alligators leave the nest in early fall, but the mother keeps a close watch over them for up to two years.

The alligator grows up to a foot a year during the first six years of its life. Male alligators normally grow to be 11 to 12 feet long. Females grow to around 8 feet

long. The longest alligator ever recorded was a male over 19 feet long!

The average lifespan of the alligator is 30 to 50 years, with the maximum most likely occurring in captivity.

In North Carolina hunting or killing an alligator is illegal, and only state wildlife officials can remove problem gators. They can become aggressive if they feel threatened, especially when defending their nest or young and will attack humans, so do not approach them and by all means, DO NOT FEED THEM.

Alligators have been around since the dinosaur days, so they can make do in the wild without an individual yielding to the temptation to picnic with them or any other human interference!

There are no recorded human deaths in North Carolina due to alligator attack, so let’s keep it that way.

We invite you to drop by to say hello and take a tour of our facility at 100 Wildlife Way in Newport on Tuesdays, Thursdays

or Saturdays at 2 p.m. for the nominal fee of $3 per person (carried infants are free). OWLS is a 501(c)(3)

non-profit organization committed to promoting and protecting native wildlife. Donations of supplies from

our wish list or good ol’ fashion money are greatly appreciated. If you’d like to volunteer at the shelter, contact our

volunteer coordinator at 252-240-1200, stop in to fill out a screening application or visit our website and click on the

“How Can You Help” link for a copy of the volunteer application. Need a guest speaker? We can do that too! If your organization would

like to learn more about wildlife and what they do to help us maintain ecological balance and improve our quality of life, please call on us. Our non-releasable education animals jump at the chance to be the star of a getting to know your wildlife program! The holidays are here, so please browse our gift shop for some wildlife

related finds that make wonderful Christmas gifts. Come see what we do and how you Can help us do it!

O. W. L . S . || l i n d a b e r g m a n - a l t h o u s e

GATORCOUNTRY

20 Carolina Salt Magazine MARCH 2013 >> www.CarolinaSalt.com

After five years of running the dive charter Tortuga, I feel like a local in Carteret County. My family has owned property here all my life and I have been coming to Morehead since age three. My grandmother suffered a premature death in her early fifties and my only memory of her was on a summer vacation here. I love the Crystal Coast. It feels like home, but I have to accept that in the eyes of the true locals, I will always be a dingbatter.

One stormy morning in my first year of running charters, I woke up at 5 a.m. and made coffee to enjoy while checking the buoy reports. Southwest winds sustained at 20 knots, gusting to 27 knots. I knew immediately that my dive charter was out of the question. The buoy was reporting

waves five feet tall, with a period of four seconds and a driving, drenching rain. These were conditions that make going to sea for recreational purposes a fool’s folly. Of course for me, it was not a recreational trip. I get paid to take people diving, but if I ever want to take them diving again, I need to make sure that the experience meets most of their expectations.

Of course, the decision not to run is easy when the NOAA forecast has posted a small craft advisory. From a business and liability point of view, it just doesn’t make since to take paying customers to sea when the National Weather Service clearly states you are an idiot to do so. They do not always get it right, but the real-time data from the weather buoy

suggested they did that morning.I called my customers and told them to

sleep in and I decided to head down to the local cafe to get some breakfast. My friend Tom had come from Virginia to visit and was planning on tagging along on the dive trip. He did not plan on diving—he likes a boat ride as much as anything and I had room on the boat. I agreed to let him come if he honored his promise not to help in any way. Like most boat crews, my mate and I have a well thought out and thoroughly practiced system for doing things and outsider help almost always does more harm than good.

“Pour yourself a cup of coffee,” I said to Tom as I pointed to the coffee pot. Without really speaking, he got himself

a cup and scavenged around the kitchen looking for the condiments. I let Tom know the trip was cancelled and he walked to the front door, opened and quickly shut it. The torrential rain poured in through the little opening.

“What do you do when you get blown out like this and have to cancel the trip?” he asked.

“We go get some runny eggs with sausage and hash browns,” I answered. I lent Tom my spare rain slicker, the one I replaced because it was not even water-resistant, much less waterproof. He was saturated before he got to the truck in the driving rain.

We decided to go to breakfast at the Beaufort Café. Back then, I considered

myself a Morehead City sort of guy, so I always tended to gravitate to things Morehead, only venturing into Beaufort on special occasions. It is hard to believe that a couple of bridges and a causeway could make one mile seem worlds away.

We crossed the causeway over to Beaufort, looking north towards the Newport River and commenting that even the most casual recreational boating was out of the question in this nasty weather.

After a quick sprint from the truck to the restaurant, Tom and I bellied up to the breakfast bar. It is just what Tom and I do when we go out to eat, whether it is breakfast, lunch or dinner. We just prefer the bar. Tom is a restaurant guy and an occasional bartender, so it seems natural

to eat there. I like it because it allows you the opportunity to interact with others outside of your immediate group, whether it is other customers or the restaurant workers.

The Beaufort Café is a wonderful breakfast diner and the restaurant was bustling with customers and the workers serving them. In the corner was the captain, mate and several customers from Outrageous V of Discovery Diving, also victims of this unexpected low pressure system that appeared for our Labor Day at the coast. I began to converse with one of the waitresses standing behind the counter, a woman that was obviously a native of parts to the east, with her brogue

By James RosemondCaptain Dingbatter

CONTINUED ON P36 ››

“Honey, you’re sweet enough, but ’til you put some feet down in the sand, I am sorry but you’re still going to be a dingbatter.”

spring chores for the outdoors


Beannachtam na Feile Padraig!

{ HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY! }

Celebrating St.Patrick’s Day in the U.S. means drinking a Black and Tan or a light beer with green food coloring. Contrary to popular belief, however, Black and Tan as a mixture of two beers is not a drink commonly consumed in Ireland, nor is green beer. Indeed, the Black and Tan has image problems in parts of Ireland due to its association with past paramilitary dealings in Ireland. The group called the Black and Tans was largely composed of British World War I veterans employed by the Royal Irish Constabulary as temporary constables from 1920 to 1921 to suppress revolution in Ireland. Although it was established to target the Irish Republican Army, it became notorious through its numerous attacks on the Irish civilian population.

The Black and Tan drink is believed to have originated in pubs in Britain with no association to the paramilitary group. It was just happenstance that the English drinkers were ordering a mix of dark stout and draught bitter. As the recipe was carried over the pond to the U.S., Yuengling, the oldest brewery in America, commercialized their “Original Black & Tan” into one of the best-selling brands of beer in the U.S. since 1986.

In March 2006, Ben and Jerry’s released an ice cream flavor called Black and Tan in honor of Saint Patrick’s Day. The name, with its paramilitary connotations, offended many Irish nationalists. Ben and Jerry’s has since apologized and stopped the production of their Black and Tan ice cream. Even if you can’t get a scoop of black and tan ice cream, you can still make your own delicious concoction by pouring any dark beer over vanilla or coffee ice cream—a favorite treat!

an IrIsh toast“here’s to you and yours. and

to mine and ours. and if mine

and ours ever come across

you and yours, I hope you and

yours will do as much for mine

and ours as mine and ours

have done for you and yours!”

author Erika WordEn rEcommEnds any of thEsE st. Paddy’s day trEats, all

availablE at harrika’s brEW haus, homE of thE irish fEst!

to MaKE a PErFECt BLaCK anD tanPour a light-colored lager or ale into a tall beer glass. Do not fill the glass more than half full. It helps to tip the glass to prevent foaming. Place a spoon over the glass, upside down. the spoon will help disperse the flow of the heavier dark beer, allowing for the layering of the two beers. slowly, very slowly, pour the dark beer over the upside down spoon. You do not want to rush this part of the process, as the desired separation is best achieved with a slow pour and no foaming. a perfect Black and tan will have the lighter lager or ale in one layer on the bottom and the dark stout in another layer on the top. If you find that your layers are a little mixed, allow the beer to sit for a minute or two.

DIrtY turtLEterrapin rye ale and o’hara’s Irish stout

haLF anD haLFo’hara’s Irish stout and

o’hara’s Irish red

PatrIoto’hara’s stout and sam smith organic

snaPPEro’hara Irish red and Fullers EsB

BLaCK VELVEto’hara’s stout and Champagne


It’s not St. Patrick’s Day in Emerald Isle without the excitement and fun of the St. Patrick’s Festival! It’s been a shamrock holiday tradition in Emerald Isle for 21 years and is only growing better with time!

This year we celebrate our 22nd Annual Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival, which is proudly presented by Transportation Impact on Saturday, March 16th from 9am-5pm at the Emerald Plantation shopping center.

Admission and parking are free for the festival. This year’s festival will feature over 75 arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, Oak Grove Stables petting zoo and rides, clowns and static displays along with amusement rides, face painters, and many other fun family-oriented activities. Festivalgoers can also enjoy a beer garden and entertainment on any one of our three stages! The Little Ms. & Mr. Leprechaun Contest will take place on the main stage at 11am. The contest is for boys and girls ages

2-3 and 4-5 and requires pre-registration by 12pm on Friday, March 15th.

Want to know what’s new about this year’s festival? The Transportation Impact No. 43 Ford Fusion will be joining the 2013 Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival fun! Locally-owned, Transportation Impact made its NASCAR debut at the Pocono 400 in June of 2012 and maintains an associate sponsorship with Richard Petty Motorsports. Representatives from the Petty Family Foundation will also be on hand! The 22nd Annual Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival is promised to be a day of leprechaun fun and nothing short of memorable! See more details at www.emeraldislestpatricksfestival.com.

Little Ms. & Mr. Leprechaun Contest

R E G I S T R A T I O N F O R Ms s

Child’s Name ______________________________________ age ____________________

PareNt’s Name _________________________________ PhoNe_____________________

address _________________________________________email_____________________

Favorite iCe Cream __________________ CartooN ______________

sPeCial iNterest ____________________ taleNt _______________

detach and return with payment by march 15 at noon to sarah mcNally, 7500 emerald drive, emerald isle, NC 28594. entry fee is $15 per child. make checks payable to st. Patrick’s Festival. For more information call 252-354-6350.

Enter your child in the Little Ms. & Mr. Leprechaun contest for boys and girls ages 2–3 and 4–5. Each participant is judged on the originality and creativity of their costume and overall stage presentation. Participants should dress the part and be prepared to answer questions and/or perform on stage. Entry fee is $15. Each contestant will receive a small gift for participating. One boy and one girl from each age category will be awarded a Family Fun Pack of gift certificates. Entrants should meet at the Gold Stage under the main tent on the festival site at 10:30 a.m.. The contest begins at 11 a.m.

It’s fun for the entire family at the Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival. Going strong for 21 years, the festival celebrates its 22nd anniversary with great music, over 75 arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, Oak Grove Stables petting zoo and rides, clowns and displays along with amusement rides, face painters, and many other fun family-oriented activities. Festivalgoers can also enjoy a beer garden and entertainment on any one of our three stages!

St. Patrick’s Festival

CaLLing aLL LepreChauns for fun & prizes!

goLD sTage10 a.m. .......Pure T Mommicked11 a.m. .......Little Ms. & Mr.

Leprechaun Contest12 p.m. .......My Three Kilts1 p.m. .........Big Drink2 p.m. .........The Lizzy Ross Band3 p.m. .........Heritage4:30 p.m. ....Spare Change

eMeraLD sTage10 a.m. .......Conch Stew11 a.m. .......Pamlico Joe12 p.m. ......Dependable Taxi1 p.m. ........Wild Honey2 p.m. ........Selah Dubb3 p.m. ........Pamlico Joe

shaMroCk sTageDJ Mack with Karaoke

BeeR GaRDen OPen 9a .m. to 6 p.m.

PORT CiTy PiPeS & DRuMS Parading Throughout the Day

22Nd ANNuAL 2013


It’s not St. Patrick’s Day in Emerald Isle without the excitement and fun of the St. Patrick’s Festival! It’s been a shamrock holiday tradition in Emerald Isle for 21 years and is only growing better with time!

This year we celebrate our 22nd Annual Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival, which is proudly presented by Transportation Impact on Saturday, March 16th from 9am-5pm at the Emerald Plantation shopping center.

Admission and parking are free for the festival. This year’s festival will feature over 75 arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, Oak Grove Stables petting zoo and rides, clowns and static displays along with amusement rides, face painters, and many other fun family-oriented activities. Festivalgoers can also enjoy a beer garden and entertainment on any one of our three stages! The Little Ms. & Mr. Leprechaun Contest will take place on the main stage at 11am. The contest is for boys and girls ages

2-3 and 4-5 and requires pre-registration by 12pm on Friday, March 15th.

Want to know what’s new about this year’s festival? The Transportation Impact No. 43 Ford Fusion will be joining the 2013 Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival fun! Locally-owned, Transportation Impact made its NASCAR debut at the Pocono 400 in June of 2012 and maintains an associate sponsorship with Richard Petty Motorsports. Representatives from the Petty Family Foundation will also be on hand! The 22nd Annual Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival is promised to be a day of leprechaun fun and nothing short of memorable! See more details at www.emeraldislestpatricksfestival.com.

Little Ms. & Mr. Leprechaun Contest

R E G I S T R A T I O N F O R Ms s

Child’s Name ______________________________________ age ____________________

PareNt’s Name _________________________________ PhoNe_____________________

address _________________________________________email_____________________

Favorite iCe Cream __________________ CartooN ______________

sPeCial iNterest ____________________ taleNt _______________

detach and return with payment by march 15 at noon to sarah mcNally, 7500 emerald drive, emerald isle, NC 28594. entry fee is $15 per child. make checks payable to st. Patrick’s Festival. For more information call 252-354-6350.

Enter your child in the Little Ms. & Mr. Leprechaun contest for boys and girls ages 2–3 and 4–5. Each participant is judged on the originality and creativity of their costume and overall stage presentation. Participants should dress the part and be prepared to answer questions and/or perform on stage. Entry fee is $15. Each contestant will receive a small gift for participating. One boy and one girl from each age category will be awarded a Family Fun Pack of gift certificates. Entrants should meet at the Gold Stage under the main tent on the festival site at 10:30 a.m.. The contest begins at 11 a.m.

It’s fun for the entire family at the Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival. Going strong for 21 years, the festival celebrates its 22nd anniversary with great music, over 75 arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, Oak Grove Stables petting zoo and rides, clowns and displays along with amusement rides, face painters, and many other fun family-oriented activities. Festivalgoers can also enjoy a beer garden and entertainment on any one of our three stages!

St. Patrick’s Festival

CaLLing aLL LepreChauns for fun & prizes!

goLD sTage10 a.m. .......Pure T Mommicked11 a.m. .......Little Ms. & Mr.

Leprechaun Contest12 p.m. .......My Three Kilts1 p.m. .........Big Drink2 p.m. .........The Lizzy Ross Band3 p.m. .........Heritage4:30 p.m. ....Spare Change

eMeraLD sTage10 a.m. .......Conch Stew11 a.m. .......Pamlico Joe12 p.m. ......Dependable Taxi1 p.m. ........Wild Honey2 p.m. ........Selah Dubb3 p.m. ........Pamlico Joe

shaMroCk sTageDJ Mack with Karaoke

BeeR GaRDen OPen 9a .m. to 6 p.m.

PORT CiTy PiPeS & DRuMS Parading Throughout the Day

22Nd ANNuAL 2013

Ever think about raising some backyard chickens? It may sound a little overwhelming, but chickens don’t require much more care than a dog or cat. Plus you get the benefit of fresh eggs! It can be a real educational experience for your kids too.

before you purchase

Before purchasing your chicks you want to make sure you can provide a safe home for them, which includes a coop for shelter and a fenced-in area safe from predators. The size of the coop will depend on how many birds you want to raise. Generally you want about one square foot per bird. If you live within city limits you should check your local ordinances before investing in a family flock.

your new chicksBaby chicks should be kept in a brooder

for their first 3 to 4 weeks to keep them warm. A 2x3 cardboard or plywood box will house 25 baby chicks. Keep them chicks warm by hanging a heat lamp over the box. You want to maintain a temperature of 90 to 95 degrees. As they grow feathers, you can gradually reduce the temperature.

eggsBegin feeding chicks with Start & Grow

chick feed for the first 18 weeks then switch to Layena Feed to ensure proper nutrition and healthy egg layers. You can supplement your hens’ diet with scratch grains to encourage their natural pecking and feeding instincts. Offering laying

hens crushed oyster shells will provide the extra calcium needed for strong shells.

Note that you don’t have to have a rooster to have egg-producing hens. In fact, unless you want to hatch your own chicks, it is recommended to stick with just hens. Once the hens begin to lay, as a general rule you can expect two eggs every three days from each.

extra goodiesThe benefits of chickens don’t stop

at eggs. The rich organic compost they produce can be incorporated into your garden. Also, they will feed on insects in your lawn and garden. So if you are considering raising some chickens, do a little homework and give it a shot. You will be reaping the rewards of fresh eggs in no time.

s o u t h e r n g a r d e n || M i c h a e l s t a n l e y

For more InFormatIon about startIng your FamIly Flock, contact tHe FrIendly Folks at s&H Feed & garden at 910-326-5690 or [email protected].

a FamilyFlockchickens are easier than you might think. and there are more plenty more benefits than a unending supply of fresh eggs.


Well, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow—good news for all of us anxious to get out and garden. While Old Man Winter may still have a little more in store for us, it is time to plant those cool season vegetables such as asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, garden peas, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, onions, potatoes, radish, rutabagas, spinach and turnips.

For warm season vegetables, like beans, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, okra, peppers, squash and tomatoes, you want to wait until after our last chance of frost (usually after April 15). To ensure your best chance of success, be sure to fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 3 to 4 weeks.

pest controlKeeping your garden clean and weed-

free will help protect against disease and insects. Be sure to scout regularly for plant-damaging insects. Early detection goes a long way in preventing infestations. There are both conventional and organic methods to control pests in the garden. Consult your local garden center for the solutions best suited for your situation.

Most of your spring flowers should be planted after our last chance of frost unless you are able to offer them some protection.

Spring flowers in or around the vegetable garden can add some aesthetic value and also attract bees and butterflies which are essential for pollination.

wildlifeLet’s take a minute and think about

some of the wildlife around the garden. Birds can be fun to watch and offer some value. Different species of birds, like purple martins and barn swallos, eat insects and are an asset to have around. Setting up habitats for these birds will help attract them to your garden. Purple martins are out scouting for homes now—birdhouse gourds are a great choice.

fruit treesIf you have fruit trees, you want to get

started with insect control now if you want to enjoy the fruits later! As buds swell you should apply horticultural oil spray that will kill any overwintering insects. While your trees are blooming, avoid any use of insecticides to protect the pollinating insects. After most of the flower petals have fallen, make an application of fruit tree spray with an insecticide and fungicide once a week for 4 to 6 weeks and then every 2 weeks until harvest. If you want to take the organic route, use Neem Oil instead of Fruit Tree Spray.

lawnsAs far as the lawn is concerned February

and March are good months for weed control. Pre-emergent herbicides, which prevent weed seeds from germinating, can be applied now to help prevent weeds like dandelion, clover and crabgrass. Applications done around Valentine’s Day and Labor Day will reduce weeds on your lawn. If you have any actively growing weeds, control them now before applying fertilizers. For warm season lawns you do not want to apply any nitrogen before May. Early applications of fertilizer may cause problems down the road.

trees & shrubsEarly spring is also a good time to

fertilize trees and shrubs. A good slow release fertilizer is the best choice. You also want to check for scale insects—look for black, sooty mold. Horticultural oil or a systemic insecticide will help control insects. Be sure to clean up decaying leaves and plant debris as this can harbor disease that can attack your plants.

Spring is right around the corner and now that you have your to-do list, let’s get gardening. Remember, for all of your gardening questions contact your local garden center.

spring chores for the outdoors

by mIcHael stanley


Q.: Do sharks lay eggs?During development,

sand tiger shark young

devour siblings inside the

mother, resulting in a smaller

number of live pups.

Photo by Sue Mobley

courteSy of N.c. AquAriuMS

information provided by the North carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. the state operates three public aquariums; one in Pine Knoll Shores, another at fort fisher and a third on roanoke island. the aquariums are administered by the North carolina Department of environment and Natural resources and are designed to inspire appreciation and conservation of North carolina’s

aquatic environments. for more information about the Aquariums, log onto www.ncaquariums.com or call 800-832-fiSh.

A. some do and others bear live young. statistics indicate 60 to 70 percent of shark species give birth to live young and 30 to 40 percent lay eggs. science

has much to learn about the reproductive methods of these top predators, making it difficult to generalize

about their populations as a whole. What we do know is that the most common type of birth involves eggs remaining

inside the mother until they have absorbed the yolk, developed and hatched internally. the mother then gives birth to live, self

sufficient pups. this occurs in whale, basking, thresher, tiger, spiny dogfish and many other shark species. sharks that lay eggs are notably fewer and include such species as bamboo, cat and horn sharks.

Interestingly, some live bearers have a biological twist in the internal development of young. some pups inside the mother do not receive primary nutrients from a yolk sac. Instead, they are nourished by eating the surrounding infertile eggs. other live bearers produce many fertilized eggs, but few young survive internally because the developing young feed on their less developed or weaker siblings. developing young of the shortfin mako, sand tiger and great white sharks are examples that use this cannibalistic method. a third reproduction process is used by about 10 percent of known shark species. this involves the egg’s yolk sac becoming



As the world moves to a more healthy lifestyle, people are becoming more interested in where and how their food is grown. Organic produce has made its debut in grocery store aisles in a big way as more people seek ways to control the amount of chemicals and toxins that make their way into our bodies.

If you haven’t tried your hand at growing your own fruits and vegetables, you will find it rewarding. The produce is more nutritious and tastier than frozen, canned or even fresh fruits and vegetables from the grocery store. At the same time you can control how your produce is grown and what, if any, pesticides are used. Don’t forget that involving young children in the process will provide a great educational experience that will never be forgotten. You would be surprised how many kids today have never seen fruit growing on a tree or a tomato on a plant. They think produce is something from the grocery store.

My own interest and eventual career in gardening was cultivated by my dad at a young age. I have fond memories of us working together in our vegetable garden every Saturday and most evenings after dinner. Out of that quality time grew my love of gardening, and of him.

“Grow what you eat” can be as simple as tomato plants and herbs in patio containers or as involved as a large piece of land dedicated to farming. You can always start small and enlarge your growing area as you become more comfortable with the process. Here are some tips for new and experienced gardeners on getting your garden started successfully.

It’s all in the soil. The most important thing you can do to ensure success in gardening is to prepare the soil,

preferably several weeks before you plant. Even if the garden area was previously worked and planted, ground laying fallow will compact with rain over the winter and become less porous. Plants require good drainage. Turning the soil over with a shovel, pitchfork or garden tiller while adding organic material like compost or aged cow manure will not only improve drainage but help to enrich the soil with essential nutrients and help it retain moisture.

For large gardens we carry cow peat in bulk quantity. Tilling the soil also helps to kill existing weeds. If you are preparing a new area heavily covered with grass or weeds, you may choose to lay plastic or damp newspapers over the area for several weeks to kill the grass or weeds before tilling. Do not use weed killers, as many remain in the soil for long periods of time, either killing new seedlings or seeds, and being absorbed by plants and transferred to the fruit. Chemical weed killers are off limits for organic growing.

If you choose to container garden be sure to use a potting soil mix. Regular topsoil or garden soil will compact over time in containers and become hard with little drainage or aeration. You can incorporate cow peat with potting soil too.

Hardening transplants. Whether you purchase plants or grow your own seedlings, the plants should be hardened, or acclimated to the outdoors, before being transplanted. About 7 to 10 days before planting, set the transplants outside

in a wind-protected, shaded location. Gradually expose the plants to longer periods of sun over several days. Allow the plants to dry slightly between waterings during the hardening period. Hardening young seedlings increases their food reserves, reduces the severity of transplant shock and increases their chances of survival in the garden.

The main goal in transplanting is to avoid root disturbance as much as possible. Little damage occurs with biodegradable pots like peat or rice pots, but such containers must be planted below the soil surface. Any part of the peat pot remaining above the soil surface should be removed because it will act as a wick and draw moisture from the

soil around the transplant as the exposed peat dries out. If you have started flats of young seedlings, use a sharp knife to cut the soil into blocks around the plants the day before you plan to transplant. Water the blocks thoroughly after cutting. This will stimulate the growth of tiny root hairs, thus lessening transplant shock. If you have purchased vegetable plants in cell packs (multiple plants each in its on cell ) carefully remove the plant from the cell,

GROW WHAT YOU EAT

BY JAN EPPOLITECAROLINA HOME & GARDEN


Decoy Carvers Guild essay contest

The Core Sound Decoy Carves Guild is sponsoring an essay contest to help send 10 lucky kids between the ages of 10-17 to attend Camp Canvasback at the Eastern 4-H Center for the week of July 14-19! Winners will receive a 50% scholarship to attend the camp, with parents responsible for the remaining tuition ($230).

Camp Canvasback is a wonderful summer program that encourages youth to conserve and pursue waterfowl traditions, ethics and conservation. Through a partnership with the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission, girls and boys participate in activities that help them understand waterfowl biology, wetland ecology, hunting techniques and other conservation practices. Skills taught include shotgun safety, shooting and firearm care, waterfowl identification, duck blind construction, GPS navigation, boat and water safety and first aid. For more information on Camp Canvasback, please visit http://www.eastern4hcenter.org/programs/camp_canvasback.htm.

Any child interested should prepare an essay of 500 words or less on why they would like to attend Camp Canvasback. Please send typed entries by May 1 to Raymond Earp, President, Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild, 302 Copeland Road, Beaufort, NC 28516

For more information please visit www.decoyguild.com or you can also find the Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild on Facebook.

HappyEasterfrom Carolina Salt

We seem to be going through some actual winter weather here on the Crystal Coast lately. The temps have definitely gotten cooler, but the good news is that spring is just around the corner.

It’s time to decide if you want to buy new summer water apparel or attempt to get back into last year’s board shorts and swimsuits. Maybe you bought some cool, new gear at the close of last season and you want to start sporting it right away. Of course it is also possible that you just want some good ol’ fashioned exercise to keep your body running smoothly and efficiently. Whatever the case, you’re going to have to put some time into working out one way or another. I’m not a big fan of going to the gym … so if you’re like me, I suggest we hit the water!

If you already have a standup paddleboard (SUP) or a kayak, then you have an idea of how much of a workout they can be if the conditions are adverse. Even though you might’ve purchased your SUP or kayak for recreation, it’s also a great way to get a fun workout! Don’t forget to check with your physician before starting a new workout program.

I realize it is cold outside, but that doesn’t need to stop you from starting a workout program on your board. Wear the appropriate attire for kayaking, surfing or SUPing and always be prepared to get

wet! For SUPing or kayaking, you can easily

devise a workout to suit your specific needs and abilities. One suggestion is that you go out and get a logbook of some sort. Maybe a waterproof one, in case you want to keep it with you during your workout. Video of your workout is fun too!

Once you’ve taken this initial step, do a practice run on your SUP or kayak to see where your personal comfort zone is. By that I mean go out and do a normal paddle for you, normal strokes, normal distance you are comfortable paddling, in normal conditions (tide and wind). You should consider doing this on three separate occasions to help you establish an average.

Now you’re ready to start a workout program. It might be a good idea for you to check out other folks’ workout ideas online to see if anything strikes your fancy. Now you just need to work out a plan to transition from your normal pace that you established and gradually work that up to the pace you think you’d like to be doing.

I would stretch this progression out over a period of six weeks or so to give your body time to adapt to each new week’s challenges. Remember to push yourself, but to always listen to what your body is telling you if you start to feel pain and always consult a physician before you

start a new workout or if you feel anything unusual.

It’s also a great idea to document what you eat. This helps you target what foods (or beverages) might be holding you back. Natural food creates natural results … but that’s my opinion. Do what’s right for you!

I think you will find by setting weekly mini-goals for your workout, it will make it much more enjoyable and time will fly by. There will probably be a noticeable difference in the way you feel and look and you will have improved your paddling skills and endurance as well.

Don’t forget to check out some of the SUP world’s top fitness instructors like Nikki Gregg at www.nikkigregg.com and Suzi Cooney at www.suzietrainsmaui.com, as well as www.suppaddlingfitness.com. These are just a few outstanding examples to follow for SUP fitness but feel free to check for websites for any of your favorite racers or trainers.

As the weather and water temps get better, we’ll be ready for some SUP yoga. Ann-Marie’s Yoga will be offering weekly classes on Emerald Isle starting soon.

Contact Flatwaters Paddling for additional info on upcoming SUP Yoga and SUPFit classes … most importantly get a board, get a fitness program and get up! Paddle!

k i m w o r r e l l || F l at Wat e r s Pa d d l i n gGet Up! Get a Paddling Workout!

Pirates were known for frittering away money on rum, gambling and women of questionable virtue. They could never have imagined the many ways we fritter money away today, mostly without even thinking about it. So let’s look for some buried treasure in our budgets!

Many people enjoy Starbucks. For an occasional treat I like a Grandé Dark Roast (black) with a glazed doughnut. In my neck of the woods, this sets me back $3.68. What if you made this a daily workday habit? Five days a week at $3.68 per day is $18.40. Out of the 52 weeks in the year, let’s take away four weeks for holidays and vacation. This leaves us with 48 weeks. at $18.40 is $883.20 per year or an average $73.60 per month. What should really keep you awake without coffee is that over a 30 year career, you are out of pocket $26,496!

Now let’s suppose you cut down and enjoy your Starbucks only once a week. Put the balance (an average $58.88 per month) into an investment yielding 5% per year and at the end of thirty years, you will have saved $21,196.80 plus earned an additional $28,010.88 for a total of $46,132.11 in your pocket. Be $26,496.00 out of pocket or have $49,207.68 in your pocket. You decide.

Now consider your gym membership. If you’re using it at least four days a week, it’s well worth the expense in health benefits. If you show up only twice a month, it’s time to exercise your financial muscles! With gym costs running between $275 and $700 per year, let’s work with an average number of $480 per year ($40 per month). At the end of 30 years, you could be out of pocket $14,400 for something you are not using. Quit the gym, work out at home (for real) and, assuming a 5% rate of return, wind up with a healthy $33,428.86 in your pocket.

Wow! You’ve already got an additional over $80,000 toward retirement by regulating a treat and getting rid of something you’re not using. Shall we go on?

Unless you’re going on a long sea voyage, why buy bottled water? Some ad geniuses on Madison Avenue are laughing themselves all the way to the bank on this one. Think this through: $1.50 per bottle at two bottles a day is $3; per work week is $15; a year is $720; and 30 years is $21,600. By investing a few dollars in your own water bottle and filling up at home or at the fountain at work, you could end up with $50,143.75 in your pocket. Simply by not paying for something you can get for free, you’ve added $130,000!

What you should take away from all this is that even small expenses can have a large effect on your pocket over time. Be mindful of the everyday little expenses and the automated payments. That is where you need to look for buried treasure.

What else can you do? First, think through your “thoughtless,” or automatic, expenses. Write down other daily trickles out of your pocket and re-evaluate long-term contracts from which you are not getting full value. Second, use your knowledge to calculate a weekly savings on the daily trickle items and yearly savings on the contract items. Read your contract carefully; the most contracts have an automatic reenrollment set up unless you take action in a specific time period. Third, write a check and invest the money or at least segregate the money in a separate bank account until you choose an investment. Convert the yearly savings on the contract items to weekly savings, add it to the weekly savings on the daily trickle items and write the check at the end of every week (a mutual fund would probably work best in taking small investment increases).

You don’t need to dream about buried treasure … it’s closer than you think, for the person who knows where to look!

Dreaming of buried pirate treasure? Try looking at the little things in your budget!

BY KEN HUNT

For a profession that dates back as early as 2,330 B.C. in the early Egyptian civilization to the 21st century, massage therapy has evolved into a place of acceptance. Those who have enjoyed massage and are fans have experienced first hand both the relaxing and therapeutic effects of a great massage. But there are those who have yet to embrace what millions have discovered: that massage is not only viewed as a luxury item but as a necessary ingredient in an overall wellness package.

Many view physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists and surgeons as “real” practitioners and tend to view massage therapists as individuals who are not as qualified or skillful enough to address both acute and chronic pain that many find themselves experiencing. There are times our perspective is the only one we consider without looking at many other viewpoints and gathering information that is available to us to gain a broader view. It’s true massage therapy, as a profession has overcome some huge challenges to finally get to a place of credibility, with skilled, licensed and certified therapists. Some of those hurdles still exist in the minds of those who have not allowed themselves to experience the therapeutic effects of massage. When the focus becomes seeing massage as a healing tool that has been around for thousands of years in many cultures and view touch as a natural reaction to pain and stress and is a way for conveying compassion and support, it is my view many will open up and embrace it more widely.

There are many reasons many have not opened up to the many benefits of massage and one of those reasons is because of the price of an one hour massage. Prices vary due to the scheduled time of the session to the specificity of the type of massage you are seeking. Prices can range from $75 to $85 for 60 minutes of a deep tissue massage, which is the most requested massage session in our area. If an individual would consider spending $150 a month for a service or treatment that was able to provide relaxation, decrease anxiety, lower blood pressure, increase

circulation, improve injury recovery time, improve sleep, increase concentration/stamina, improve posture and flexibility, flush out body toxins and regulate blood sugar levels, all in an noninvasive, safe, no-side-effects treatment. That investment would be worth it! By the way, all of the above mentioned has been scientifically proven through research of the effects of massage therapy on different populations. These studies for massage therapy can be found by visiting the University of Miami’s website www.miami.edu/touch-reseach.

Many massage therapists are highly skilled and have completed extensive training in modalities that help in relieving pain and stress and are capable in assisting individuals in living a greater quality of life. Many are highly trained and have certifications in the following areas: medical massage, neuromuscular therapy, reflexology, trigger point, lymphatic drainage, myofascial release/deep tissue, pregnancy massage, myoskeletal alignment, oncology massage orthopedic massage, rolfing, just to name a few. When making an appointment inquire to find out if the massage therapist on staff is certified, licensed or have had extensive training and is able to perform these modalities with great confidence for the treatment you are seeking. When all is said and done, it is your health and the quality of life that truly matters most.

So, as 2013 continues to unfold, turn your focus to your health and well being and begin to invest in becoming a healthier you. The investment you make in seeking out healthier, natural , alternative ways, with no negative side effects, to bring about optimal well being, will pay huge dividends for years to come. Remember, it is difficult to be a great care taker if you are not taking care of yourself. The profession of Massage Therapy is still as relevant today as it was in the earlier civilizations.GARY T. HARDISON OF A FLAIR FOR HAIR IN CEDAR POINT IS A NC STATE LICENSED, NATIONALLY CERTIFIED MASSAGE THERAPIST WHO HAS BEEN PRACTICING FOR ALMOST TEN YEARS.

Massage Therapy: A Twenty-First

Century Profession


Volunteer opportunities abound at the Beaufort Historical Association and there is something for every member of the family. All who are interested in sharing their time and skills are invited to attend the annual Volunteer Training Program on March 14 from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Beaufort Historic Site on the 100 Block of Turner Street in Beaufort.

Whether you come once a year to demonstrate a 19th century craft or help with an enormous event like the Old Homes Tour, spend weekends selling art in the Mattie King Davis Art Gallery or give tours of the Historic Site during the week, you would be a welcome addition to an ever-growing number of volunteers who assist wide a wide variety of tasks.

The 2013 Volunteer Training consists of one session and offers an overview of every volunteer opportunity there is at the BHA. Following a brief registration period, the trainees will tour five of the BHA’s historic buildings and see how volunteer docents guide tours for the many visitors who come to the site. Next, the various educational programs will be discussed and volunteer opportunities at Harvest Time, Kindergarten Thanksgiving, Living History and school group tours will be shared.

Just before lunch, prospective volunteers will be treated to a tour on the 1967 English double-decker bus, giving those who

attend a chance to see the volunteer driver, narrator and conductor positions at work while enjoying a lively tour of beautiful Beaufort. At the end of the bus tour, the group will arrive at the Old Burying Ground and take a guided stroll through this amazing landmark and observe their tour guide in action.

A catered lunch will be provided, during which prospective volunteers will have the opportunity to meet the BHA staff, hear about volunteer needs in the office, the Welcome Center and the

Mattie King Davis Art Gallery and ask questions to better understand the vital role volunteers play in the daily functions of the BHA.

New and returning volunteers are invited to learn about this area’s colorful history while finding the perfect volunteer opportunity at this BHA Volunteer Training. This one-day training program

serves as an overview to the abundant opportunities available and once a specific area of interest is selected, new volunteers will receive more in-depth training in their chosen field.

Due to limited space, those interested in participating are asked to register in advance and confirm the date and time by calling the Beaufort Historical Association at 252-728-5225, stopping by the Welcome Center at 130 Turner Street in Beaufort or visiting www.beauforthistoricsite.org.

Volunteer for History

one training session gives an overview of

every volunteer opportunity available at

the beaufort Historical association. and it

comes with a free tour of beaufort on the

famous double-decker bus!

Core Sound Decoy Festival Poster Contest:The Surf Scoter

It is nearly time for the 2013 Core Sound Decoy Festival poster contest! This will be the 13th year for the contest, which is sponsored by the Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild. The Guild encourages local artists to submit artwork that, if chosen as the winning entry, will be used on decoy festival posters, advertising flyers and apparel. The featured decoy for 2013 is the surf scoter. As is the custom, a cash prize of $250.00 will be awarded to the winning artist.

Packets containing contest rules and an application may be obtained by mail by calling Amie Talton at (252) 393-3792 or e-mailing Amie at [email protected]. Contest rules and applications may also be found online at www.decoyguild.com. The president of the guild will notify the winner by phone.

Poster Contest Schedule

March 30 ........ Deadline for submissionsApril 16 .......... Members will vote for the top 6 postersApril 17 .......... Board members select the winner from the top 6.

Missoula Children’s Theater production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ in Morehead

Carteret Community Theater will be hosting the Missoula

Children’s Theater production of “The Wizard of Oz.” Auditions will

be Monday, March 25, at 4 p.m. at West Carteret High School.

Children in kindergarten to 8th grade are welcome to attend,

including children who are homeschooled. The audition will be

approximately two hours long.

Casting will be done on the same day as auditions. Rehearsals

begin that very night. Around 50 or 60 children and two assistants

will be cast. The play will be presented on Saturday, March 30, at 2

and 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door. The students need

to be available the entire week and all day Saturday.

For more than 40 years, the Missoula Children’s Theatre has

opened the hearts and minds of children to the possibility of

achievement through creativity and teamwork that they learn

during the theatrical process. This year alone, over 65,000 kids will

be cast in one of many MCT International Tour shows. Carteret

Community Theater is proud to sponsor this touring company. For

more information call Robin Hamm at 252-247-5838.

Salt i t ’ s e a s y t o a d v e r t i s e ! c a l l u s at 2 5 2 - 7 2 3 - 7 6 2 8W W W. c a r o l i n a s a lt. c o M

Volunteers needed to help the Island feral cat population

What a busy year 2012 was for Island Cat Allies! Although our purpose is managing the feral cats on the island of Bogue Banks, the need has been so great on the mainland that we have extended our help there, too. Calls come in from everywhere about feral cats in need of neutering and shots. Most people don’t want to call animal control and have the cats put down, they just want them to stop multiplying. ICA will come to the location, trap the cats, take them to a veterinarian to neuter or spay them and administer shots. We will then return them to the area. The benefit of feral cats to the community is they keep the mice, rat and snake populations at bay. This way they can live out their lives in familiar surroundings. Someone in the area must agree to help feed them, however.

If they are kittens or an adult cat that has been dumped off and is friendly, we will try to find them homes. We always say we are not in the business of adoption, but if we have someone willing to foster until they are adopted, we will take them in. Fosterers are wonderful volunteers who care about animals.

Pet Smart has been very generous to all the cat rescue groups in the area by allowing us to keep a few cats on display in their store to aid in finding them a forever home. ICA has a website with pictures of all the available cats. Our fee to adopt is $50 or $75 for two cats, which helps cover the expense of the neuter/spaying and shots. Unfortunately most of our foster homes are filled to capacity. We always need volunteers.

Our biggest fundraiser of the year is our annual yard sale the day before Easter. If you have anything you want to get rid of, just give us a call and we will take it. Our yard sale is filled with bargains and it’s a fun thing to do if you have company over the holiday. It is held at the Emerald Isle Community Center on Highway 58 from 8 a.m. until mid afternoon. Stop by and take a look!

do something great for our community

• ComeshopforbargainsatourAnnualYardSaleonSaturday,March 30, beginning at 8 a.m. at the Emerald Isle Community Center

• DonatetoourAnnualYardSaleandcleanoutyourgarage• Adoptacatormaybetwo!• Volunteer to feed the feral cats in your area or volunteer to

foster a cat until it can find its forever home• Callandletushelpyouminimizecatreproduction

Donations to the Island Cat Allies are always welcome. Call us at 252-354-7780 or visit www.IslandCatAllies.com.

Parrot Heads

March & April Events

» by KEN STONE

Winter doldrums? Not the ParrotHeads!

Well, we got some cold (no snow like up north, though) and things on the Isle slowed up some, but that didn’t slow down the Parrot Head crew. Our regular PHriday PHlocking celebrated Mardi Gras with folks pouring into the Emerald Club in costume and bringing in all kinds of gumbos, beignets and other tasty treats related to Mardi Gras (even a King Cake—Leanna scored the baby) to party in true New Orleans style.

Our PHlocking Committee made sure there were plenty of beads and masks to go around, people came dressed to carry on and pumped up the good times and laughter with teams of PHlockers doing their best to dress up one member in the rowdiest Mardi Gras outfit. Thankfully, few pictures of this survived. After a spirited game, Lee Summer Williams and George Brumbelow were ceremoniously crowned mini-marshmallow catching queen and king. Our own DJ Bobbie Raub supplied the event with an infusion of zydeco music to keep everybody cranking with good tunes and a 50/50 raffle was held, with winner Carl Rauschenburg donating back his 50 percent of the take to the Salvation Army (the chosen charity for the mini raffle). Parrot Heads: generous and fun-loving as can be!

Everybody is gearing up for our next big showing at our Parrot Head booth at the Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Day Festival. We’ll have lots of bling and decorations, info on the club and what we do, a Riff Raff Raffle with a variety of donated items from generous local merchants and Parrot Heads and of course all the proceeds will be donated to charity. I ‘spect you’ll also see Party-On the Parrot running around and you can get your picture taken in our giant pirate cutout. Stop on by and join in the fun at our booth and take in a great festival with something for everyone. The town does an amazing job at putting this whole event together and it shouldn’t be missed.

And hey, don’t forget to wish a super happy birthday to the following Parrot Heads born in March when you see them around town. They be … Everette “Cap’n” Grissom, Ronna Kennedy, Suzanne “Cats” Lindley, Patricia Kennedy, Joy Musser, Gene “Colorado” Harmande, Beverly Stenzel, Austin Davis, Ed Palilonis, Kim Bennett, Russ Johnston, Carolyn Fowle, Betty Strader, Lanny

Thomas, April Hardee, Carol Poe, Julia Weber, Will “Carolina Salt” Ashby, Joy “Nurse” Bailey, Wade Viverette, Debra Bejcek, Kathy Pope and Mart Passey. Have a great day and celebrate with friends, love and laughter. Y’all made it another year in style!

Don’t forget, if you’re having a drink or two, make sure you and your friends have a designated driver so that you and those around you stay safe. Meanwhile, get out and enjoy the great area we live in and throw out an act of kindness whenever you can—what goes around comes around. See ya around the Isle!

3/2 �� Hoop Pole Creek Cleanup with the NC Coastal Federation

3/16 �� Emerald Isle St� Paddy’s Day Festival

4/5 �� Adopt-A-Highway Spring Litter Pickup

4/11 �� New Member Social at Senor Dick’s Piano Bar

4/13 �� Town-Wide Scavenger Hunt

39

spring into fishingMarch 20 marks the beginning of spring this season and there will be some serious inshore and nearshore opportunities available for those ready to brave the traditionally tough conditions. Regardless of weather, March is a time of change. The days are getting longer, the weather is often unsettled and many animals (including a variety of fish) begin their spring migration. Along the Crystal Coast, that means fishing heats up! So, get on the water and scout out the opportunities our marine environment has to offer and if you get the chance, come check out the Get Hooked Fishing School, an in-depth seminar on inshore fishing along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, at the Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium on March 9. Well, what else is there to say? Go fill up your fuel tank, spool up your rods, tie on a few new baits and spring into fishing! That’s what I’ll be doing this month.

inshore biteWinter is drawing to a close and we’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy another extremely mild winter with amazing numbers of Puppy Drum roaming the shallow flats and a great Trout bite in the rivers and creeks. During March, anglers can expect the inshore waters to continue to offer many chances to hook-up with Speckled Trout, Redfish and some Stripers in our coastal rivers and along the Crystal Coast. The water temps will be making a steady climb this month into the upper 50s and low 60s. The result will come in the form of some hungry fish easing out of their winter slumber to appease their increased metabolisms. The first areas to heat up will be our creeks in our rivers and along the mainland side of the sounds. These warming waters will begin to attract our wintering populations of speckled trout and puppy drum as they attempt to feed upon the surfacing schools of peanut pogies, scattered finger mullets, clouds of mud minnows and crabs. Due to the large amount of terd moss or slimy green algae, that will be covering much of the high-salinity bays this month, anglers can better target reds by setting up a Carolina or fishfinder rig and rigging it with a Gulp shrimp, frozen shrimp, cut mullet or some fresh blue crab. By casting this rig and letting it rest on the bottom in an area holding redfish, anglers can avoid constantly getting their bait covered in slime. If you prefer to cast artificial baits, I would suggest working a top-water bait such Sebile’s Bonga Minnow in the Natural Golden Shiner color or a 5–6" Berkley Gulp jerk shad in the New Penny or Smelt color rigged on a weightless worm hook. Anglers wanting to target speckled trout this month will do well to head into the creeks off the rivers. Some of the best baits for March trout are Berkley’s 3" Gulp Shrimp, 4" Smelt minnow, the Storm shrimp and Mirrolure’s 17 and 27MR hard baits.

nearshore bite If the surf water temperatures reach 60 degrees by the end of March, we will begin to see schools of Bluefish showing up around the inlets and nearshore live bottoms. Regardless of the arrival of bluefish, large schools of False Albacore will appear around the inlet tidelines and just outside the surf zone by mid to late March. This spring run of albacore will be feeding voraciously and will strike most 3–4" metal jigs or soft plastic shiner imitations such as Berkley’s 5" jerk shad. To locate these fish, anglers should

Fishing ReportFishing Report

CAPTAin JEFF CROnKFish’n4Life Charters

910‑325‑8194336‑558‑5697

www.nccharterfishing.com

the hooked up fishing report …


MARCH 2013 >> www.CarolinaSalt.com

d i s c ov e ry d i v i n g || l e e m o o r e

Hoods come in

different thicknesses

and designs. Hoods cover the

head while leaving the face bare. some

hoods extend down to cover the neck and part of

the shoulders. the part that extends down to the shoulders

gets tucked inside of the wetsuit to help keep the water out.

another style of hood is one that extends down to the neck only. the

edge of the hood stops at the top of the neck on the wetsuit jacket, which allows

water to get into the wetsuit. a beanie just covers the head and stops at the base of the

skull. there is a chinstrap that holds the beanie in place. a majority of hoods have a vent at the top

that allows exhaled air to escape the hood. a hole can easily be added to ventless hoods.

drysuits are an option for those divers that really don’t want to get wet. a drysuit is a wearable shell that is sealed at the wrists and neck. undergarments are worn under the drysuit to provide thermal protection. drysuits also help to

keep the diver warm on the surface by keeping the heat inside the suit (wetsuits release heat on the surface). before divers venture offshore in a drysuit, training is needed to ensure they are properly

weighted and can safely dive. even though the weather has turned cold, divers continue to come to the crystal coast to enjoy our wrecks. thick

wetsuits and drysuits allow divers to dive year-round. IF you Would lIke more InFormatIon on dIVIng some oF tHe best Wrecks WItH

some oF tHe best marIne lIFe In tHe World, contact dIscoVery dIVIng at 252-728-2265 or at [email protected] or lIke us on Facebook to

see WHat eVents are comIng up In tHe near Future.

February seemed more like early spring than late winter, but a light dusting of snow in the middle of the month reminded the crystal coast that winter was

still around. Water temperatures offshore were in the mid to upper 60s with in-shore waters in the low 50s. the last couple of weeks in February saw daytime temperatures reaching into the 50s and 60s, while overnight lows fell as low as the 20s and 30s, causing the water temperatures along the shore to drop into the low 40s.

While the crystal coast doesn’t always get snow like the central and western parts of the state, the air temperatures get very cold. In fact, march is traditionally one of the coldest months of the year in north carolina, so divers need to prepare for cold air when they get out of the water.

most divers wear a 7mm Farmer John wetsuit while div-ing the crystal coast in the winter. the advantage of the Farmer John is that is comes in two pieces. the bottom part covers the legs and the torso, but does not have sleeves to cover the arms. a jacket covers the arms and the torso and extends down to cover the thighs. When the two pieces are worn together, the torso and thighs have 14mm of thermal protection. the double insulation keeps the core of the body warm. the wetsuit covers all of the body except for the feet, hands and head.

like wetsuits, booties and gloves are made of neoprene and come in a va-riety of thicknesses. booties range from 3–6mm. most of the booties are covered by the foot pockets of the fins or by the legs of the wetsuit. since little of the booties is exposed to the water, 3mm booties can be worn year-round. For those individuals whose feet tend to get cold even in the summer, 6mm boo-ties can be worn year-round.

☛ Div

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The

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40

www.CarolinaSalt.com >> JANUARY 2013 Carolina Salt MagazineHigHway 24 East • swansboro • 252-393-2204

The most complete bait & tackle marina on the East Coast. Extensive boat storage and a friendly staff make Dudley’s

a one-stop shop for all your boating needs.

Your Complete Bait & Tackle Shop

North Carolina, Cape Hatteras, Bogue Inlet March 2013N 34° 39' / W 77° 06'

Date Day High Tide High Tide Low Tide Low Tide Sunrise Sunset Moonrise Moonset Phase1 Fr 939am 2.1 1009pm 2.5 340am -0.3 347pm -0.4 632am 558pm 1017pm 828am

2 Sa 1026am 2.0 1101pm 2.5 430am -0.2 433pm -0.3 631am 559pm 1122pm 910am

3 Su 1118am 1.9 1159pm 2.4 526am -0.1 525pm -0.2 629am 600pm 957am

4 Mo 1218pm 1.8 629am 0.0 625pm -0.2 628am 601pm 1226am 1050am 3rd

5 Tu 104am 2.4 127pm 1.8 738am 0.1 733pm -0.2 627am 602pm 127am 1148am

6 We 214am 2.4 240pm 1.8 849am 0.1 846pm -0.2 625am 603pm 223am 1251pm

7 Th 322am 2.4 349pm 1.9 954am -0.1 956pm -0.2 624am 604pm 314am 156pm

8 Fr 425am 2.5 451pm 2.1 1052am -0.2 1059pm -0.3 623am 604pm 359am 302pm

9 Sa 521am 2.5 545pm 2.3 1143am -0.3 1156pm -0.4 621am 605pm 440am 408pm

10 Su 712am 2.5 735pm 2.4 129pm -0.4 720am 706pm 617am 612pm

11 Mo 759am 2.5 821pm 2.5 147am -0.5 212pm -0.4 718am 707pm 652am 715pm New

12 Tu 843am 2.4 905pm 2.5 236am -0.4 253pm -0.4 717am 708pm 726am 816pm

13 We 925am 2.3 947pm 2.5 322am -0.4 331pm -0.3 716am 709pm 800am 916pm

14 Th 1005am 2.1 1028pm 2.5 406am -0.2 409pm -0.2 714am 709pm 835am 1015pm

15 Fr 1046am 2.0 1110pm 2.3 450am -0.1 447pm -0.1 713am 710pm 912am 1112pm

16 Sa 1126am 1.8 1153pm 2.3 535am 0.1 526pm 0.1 711am 711pm 951am

17 Su 1210pm 1.7 622am 0.2 608pm 0.2 710am 712pm 1033am 1207am

18 Mo 1241am 2.1 1259pm 1.5 714am 0.3 657pm 0.3 709am 713pm 1119am 1258am

19 Tu 134am 2.0 155pm 1.5 811am 0.5 753pm 0.4 707am 714pm 1208pm 147am 1st

20 We 233am 2.0 259pm 1.5 912am 0.5 857pm 0.4 706am 714pm 100pm 232am

21 Th 334am 2.0 401pm 1.6 1010am 0.4 1001pm 0.3 704am 715pm 154pm 314am

22 Fr 431am 2.0 456pm 1.8 1100am 0.3 1058pm 0.2 703am 716pm 250pm 353am

23 Sa 521am 2.1 543pm 1.9 1143am 0.2 1150pm 0.1 702am 717pm 348pm 429am

24 Su 606am 2.2 627pm 2.1 1223pm 0.1 700am 718pm 448pm 504am

25 Mo 648am 2.3 709pm 2.3 1237am -0.1 100pm -0.1 659am 718pm 549pm 538am

26 Tu 729am 2.3 751pm 2.5 123am -0.2 138pm -0.2 657am 719pm 653pm 612am

27 We 810am 2.3 833pm 2.7 208am -0.3 217pm -0.3 656am 720pm 758pm 647am Full

28 Th 852am 2.3 917pm 2.8 253am -0.4 257pm -0.4 655am 721pm 904pm 725am

29 Fr 936am 2.3 1003pm 2.9 340am -0.4 339pm -0.4 653am 722pm 1011pm 807am

30 Sa 1023am 2.2 1052pm 2.9 429am -0.3 425pm -0.4 652am 723pm 1118pm 854am

31 Su 1113am 2.1 1146pm 2.7 521am -0.2 515pm -0.3 650am 723pm 946am

©2013 FreeTideTables.com - For comparison only - Times are local - Tides in feet from MLLW

Cape Hatteras tides: March

tide CHart

www.DUDLEysMarina.nEt

200 wEt & Dry sLips

boat sErvicE

officiaL citation

WEigh station

nc wiLDLifE sErvicE agEnt

EtHanoL-frEE

gas at thE Docks!

dialect, good natured disposition and sassy sense of humor. I asked her how long the café had been there and she happily told me that it had opened two years ago.

“I always seem to gravitate towards the Morehead City side of the bridge, but I have been meaning to come in here and eat,” I told her.

“Oh, you’re one of them Morehead City slickers, huh?” she said smiling. With a slight pause, she continued “You a dingbatter, too?” (I had heard the term, but wasn’t sure of the definition, only remembering it had some Down East slang significance.)

“I am not sure—what’s a dingbatter?” I asked. She looked at me and her face explained that I had answered her question with my question, because only a dingbatter wouldn’t know what a dingbatter actually was.

“Well, a Dingbatter is a tourist that don’t never leave.” I pondered a moment, then answered, “I guess in fact that I

must be a dingbatter.” Although I had been coming to Carteret County since I was two years old (close to 50 years), I only spent a portion of my time here. “How long do you have to be here not to be a dingbatter any longer?” I respectfully inquired.

“Three generations. If your granddaddy was a dingbatter but your daddy grew up here, then you ain’t a dingbatter.” I asked how long her family had been here and she proudly announced that it had been 500 years in Carteret County and Ocracoke.

“Wow” I sighed, doing the math in my head and thinking that

if her family arrived in these parts in 1508, they must have been some of the very earliest English settlers, since Columbus landed on San Salvador just 17 years earlier and the Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth 110 years later. But diplomacy prevailed and I kept those thoughts to myself.

“And a dingbatter that has been here so long they start calling the newer folks dingbatters are dit-dots,” she added, getting wound up and enjoying the platform to entertain.

“Well, although it’s not much, my grandfather owned property here. Then my father did and now I do too, so am I still a dingbatter?” I asked.

“Honey, you’re sweet enough, but ’til you put some feet down in the sand, I am sorry but you are still going to be a dingbatter.”

We finished our breakfast and I left the Beaufort Café laughing to myself about the exchange that occurred at the breakfast bar and vowing to make the diner my new favorite place to go.

Although I consider Carteret County home, I guess I will just have to resign myself to the fact that I will never truly be a local and lower my goals to reaching the status of dit-dot. It was not until three years later that I discovered the word “mommicked,” so I guess that is surefire proof I am a dingbatter.

captaIn James rosemond runs tHe dIVe cHarter boat tortuga. He Is also a Freelance WrIter and tHe autHor oF “HIdIng on tHe bottom.” VIsIt HIm onlIne at WWW.tortugacHarters.net.

›› CaPTaIN DINgbaTTEr, CONTINUED FrOM P18


›› aSK ThE aqUarIUM, CONTINUED FrOM P24

a placenta attached to the mother’s uterine wall to transfer nutrients from mother to pup, similar to the biology of humans and other mammals. this occurs primarily in larger sharks, such as bull, blue, lemon and hammerheads.

depending on the species, live pups measure between 17 and 23 inches long at birth. egg layers produce egg capsules ranging from about 4 to 10 inches long. the

protective capsules have a leathery texture and are often unusual shapes with cord-like tendrils that anchor the eggs to objects like coral or plants to keep them from being swept away. some sharks, such as the horn shark, push egg cases into the sea bottom, under rocks or into crevices.

all sharks reproduce using internal fertilization. some species mate year-round, others prefer certain seasons and regions. some bear young each

year, while others stop reproducing at irregular intervals that can last several years. live bearers have a gestation period of 6 to 22 months, depending on the species.

as apex predators, these ancient fish play a vital role in the balance of the world’s oceans. today, some 200 species are on the endangered species list and some states are imposing fishing restrictions on selected species.

›› grOw whaT yOU EaT, CONTINUED FrOM P25

›› hOOKED UP, CONTINUED FrOM P37

look for flocks of small white terns hovering frantically just a few feet above the water’s surface. Always approach these surfacing fish slowly and cast a few yards ahead of the school. Use a fast retrieve with an occasional pop or twitch to the rod tip. An albacore’s strike is swift and hard and their run is high speed. It’s important to keep the rod bent and the drag light to avoid unwanted break-offs. Since these fish are not great table fare, you’ll want to avoid gaffing them, but rather grasp them by the forked tail and release them quickly after they are de-hooked.

product newsWhether recreational or competitive fishing is your cup of

tea, successful anglers know that innovative new baits and tackle can offer them an edge in today’s world of saltwater fishing. Berkley made history some years ago when they developed and introduced Berkley Gulp and Berkley Gulp Alive, revolutionizing the world of scented artificial soft baits. Now they’ve designed and introduced the perfect companion for their Gulp baits, Gulp

Jigheads! Winning the Best of ICAST Award in July 2012, the Gulp Heads offer anglers a specific jig for their Gulp Baits. The Gulp Heads come in a full line of jigs that can be fished in fresh or salt water. They consist of the Darter Jighead, the Minnow Jighead and the BDS Jighead. Berkley has managed to incorporate a new patented Gulp Grip Bait Keeper, heavy-duty black nickel finished hooks and is composed of Tundra Composite thus, making is lead free. These jigheads are available in 1/16–5/8-ounce weights with 1/0 to 4/0 hook sizes. If you’d like to learn more about these jigheads, check them out at Berkley’s Website, www.berkley-fishing.com and be sure to ask your local tackle store if they have them in stock.

gently massage the root mass to ensure the roots are not spiraling around the root ball and place in the soil just covering the top of the root mass. Try to transplant late in the afternoon or on a cloudy day. Protect newly set plants with a light shade during bright, sunny weather for the first 3 to 5 days.

Early plantings may need protection, such as plastic covers or glass cloches, to avoid frost damage. When coverings are used, be sure to provide some ventilation so young plants are not cooked by the heat. If frost is in the forecast (not freezing temperatures) unexpectedly, you can cover sensitive seedlings with an inverted

flower pot for the night. Just be certain to remove it the next day before the plant gets overheated.

Fertilizing transplants. Fertilizers are available in dilutions designed for transplants. If you choose to grow organically or have used sufficient organic material like compost or manure to prepare your soil, you can wait several weeks to a month before adding any additional fertilizer, organic or synthetic. Fertilizer burn can result if too much fertilizer is used on young seedlings, so be careful … more is not better!

“Manure soup” is a easy-to-make organic fertilizer providing all the

nutrients needed by fruits and vegetables to grow and produce a harvest. You will find instructions for making the soup on the back of each bag of cow peat.

Pest control. This is when you need to make a decision: organic or not. There are many organic products you can choose for control in combination with manual removal of pests and weeds. If you encounter any of these issues, feel free to stop by and consult with Adam, the nursery manager at Carolina Home & Garden. He is happy to help diagnose disease and identify pests and weeds, as well as offer advice on organic and chemical ways to control these problems.

A casual Island eatery with a Touch of Class.

SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER

Seafood • Salads • Steaks Burgers • Sandwiches

Open Tuesday-Thursday 11am-8pmFriday & Saturday 11am-9pm

Sunday 11am-8pm

311 Mangrove Drive (Across from CVS)

EMERALD ISLE

252.354.7775www.flipperz.net

STARTING BREAkFAST MAy 1

We work miracles with monogramming!

Monogrammed Mini-Totes for A Special Easter!

Located in the entrance of the restaurant, Flipperz Fudge Co. and Flipperz Retail are great places to satisfy your sweet tooth, purchase wine, take home a unique gift or order custom embroidery for your friends, family & business!

MONOGRAMMED PURSES | WRISTLETS | iPAD COVERS | HATS | BEACH BAGS

your life on the Crystal Coast

march 2013

springchores

southern gardener:

gatorcountry


captaindingbatter






104 Golfin’ Dolphin Drive • Cape Carteret • 252.393.2509502 Front Street • Beaufort • 252.728.6105

TWO LOCATIONS ON THE CRYSTAL COAST



things to do on the crystal coast

look inside for march’s


2013

Documents

Carolina Salt March Issue