Ocracoke Blog

Pre-Labor Day Lull

Although it is still busy on the island and there are lots of people around it has slowed down just a bit. We usually get a lull right before and right after Labor Day Weekend. School starting has a lot to do with that. Ocracoke School begins its 2010-2011 school year on Wednesday, August 25 and most of the college kids have already headed back to class.

After a super busy season everyone has been looking forward to even this slight slow-down. We all need a chance to regroup and gear up for the fall season. Fall is great on Ocracoke (as long as there aren't any storms and we are not inviting any this year). Fall is great because it isn't the busiest time of the year but it is still busy. The weather is still wonderful. The beaches are still fabulous. All of the shops and restaurants are still open and you get all the perks of summer without the crowds. Plus...fall is for fishing. Check out http://www.fishtradewinds.com  for updates on fishing conditions and what is being caught.

Another good reason to visit Ocracoke in the fall is that the rental rates go down. Check out www.ocracokeislandrealty.com for fall rates and specials.

Yes...we can all take a deep breath and slow down just a little because fall is coming. The yellow butterflies tell me so...Hope to see you soon!!

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Kitties, Rip Currents, Summer

What a busy summer it has been!! I can't believe it is August already!! There have been lots of people coming and going this summer. Some came just for the day and others to stay longer. The weather has been beautiful even if it has been hot! Not much rain this summer, although we could have used more than what we have gotten. Less rain means less mosquitoes...gotta look on the positive.


RIP CURRENTS

I would like to remind beach-goers everywhere to keep an eye out for rip currents! They can be deadly if you don't know what to do when you get caught in one. Never try to swim against a rip current! Here is some helpful information:



RIP CURRENTS ARE POWERFUL CHANNELS OF WATER FLOWING QUICKLY AWAY FROM SHORE WHICH OCCUR MOST OFTEN AT LOW SPOTS OR BREAKS IN THE SANDBAR AND IN THE VICINITY OF STRUCTURES SUCH AS GROINS, JETTIES AND PIERS. HEED THE ADVICE OF LIFEGUARDS AND THE BEACH PATROL. PAY ATTENTION TO FLAGS AND POSTED SIGNS POSTED NEAR BEACH ACCESS POINTS AND LIFEGUARD STATIONS.

IF YOU BECOME CAUGHT IN A RIP CURRENT...DO NOT PANIC...REMAIN CALM AND BEGIN TO SWIM PARALLEL TO SHORE...ONCE YOU ARE AWAY FROM THE FORCE OF THE RIP CURRENT BEGIN TO SWIM BACK TO THE BEACH...DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SWIM DIRECTLY AGAINST A RIP CURRENT. IT CAN EXHAUST AND EVEN KILL THE STRONGEST SWIMMER.


OCRACATS

In mid-July Ocracats sponsored another spay/neuter clinic at the fire department on Ocracoke. This time around 96 cats and kittens were spayed or neutered. Some of the felines were privately owned and some were feral that locals caught in traps to help curb the population explosion. Many of those caught were kittens, some of which were barely of the age to be "fixed". Many of the feral kittens were housed with foster parents who hoped to domesticate them so they could be adopted. There are posters up on bulletin boards around the village asking people to adopt the kittens.

We here at Ocracoke Island Realty have been assisting as much as we can by helping trap felines for the clinic and helping to find homes for those who can be adopted. Several weekends guests were greeted in our office by kittens in a box looking for a home or pictures of kittens waiting to be adopted. Below is a picture of one of the kittens adopted through our office. He now happily resides with the Lagergren family on the Cow Mountain Farm.


"On-J"...doesn't he look happy and content?!

Even I was drawn in by the pictures of the cute little kittens who were being fostered. I kept looking at them until finally I had to adopt one myself. I am keeping him inside for now and he is slowly becoming more and more domesticated. The first couple of days he would hide so good that we could not find him anywhere...even with flashlights, looking in every nook and cranny. When he did come out and I would pick him up (which he was fine with) and he would purr loudly and enjoy being petted but when I put him down...he would run away to hide again. 
It has now been a week and he is becoming more comfortable every day. He still kind of stays out of the way but loves to be picked up and be loved on. He will play with his toys out in the open when we are at home. He will even come out and play with a toy on a stick when my daughter or myself is holding it. Each day he seems just a little more comfortable. He has quickly become a beloved member of our family.


"Shadow"  

Take a part of Ocracoke home with you...adopt a kitty. For more info on how to do that please contact our office.

2010 OIR PHOTO CONTEST

Don't forget to send us your entry for the 2010 Ocracoke Island Realty Photo Contest. Entries are due by September 15, 2010. The grand prize winner and honorable mention winners will receive gift certificates toward a future rental with Ocracoke Island Realty.

For more information click here .

Last year we had a lot of great photos entered and from what I understand we have gotten some pretty good ones this year too. So send us your photos of Ocracoke scenery, wild life, vacations, family, whatever. You never know...you just may win a prize!

BACK TO SCHOOL/FALL FISHING

We are over a week into August and that means school will be starting soon for most students. From Kindergarten to College, kids (and young adults) will be going back to class and that marks the end of the family vacation season. You may have just enough time to sneak away for a last minute trip to the beach...or maybe you could start planning a Labor Day Weekend excursion.

If you don't think you can squeeze a trip in now, how about a fall fishing trip? Fall is just around the corner and it is a great time to be on Ocracoke Island! Less crowds, great weather, all of the gift shops and restaurants are still open...and, of course, the fish will be biting!

Call OIR now to reserve your cottage, house or condo for your last minute, back to school trip or your fall fishing trip. We will be glad to assist you in planning your getaway!




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HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!

THE OCRACOKE ISLAND REALTY FAMILY WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE A SAFE AND HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

LET FREEDOM RING!!

If you are on Ocracoke Island don't forget...



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Where Would You Rather Be?

The biggest summer holiday is nearing. Where would you rather be?

Here? 



Or here?


Ocracoke's beaches have been on Dr. Beach's top ten list many, many times and in 2007 topped the list at #1! Does anyone even have to ask why?

Here is a schedule of the events scheduled for Sunday, July 4th:




9:00 am...FLAG RAISING CEREMONY (We will observe a moment of silence)
Ocracoke School Circle
Ocracoke Boy Scouts



9:30 am - Noon...34th ANNUAL SAND SCULPTURE CONTEST
NPS Lifeguard Beach





10:00 am - 2:00 pm...CLASSIC CARS
Pony Island Motel lawn (pool side)




10:00 am - 2:00 pm...OCRACOKE LIGHTHOUSE
Open for public viewing
(Walking suggested, VERY limited parking)


                           
Ocracoke Assembly of God Church                                                               Ocracoke United Methodist Church

11:00 am...CHURCH SERVICES




11:00 am - 2:00 pm...OCRACOKE PONIES
Visit the Pony Pens north of the village to view ponies




1:00 pm...THE HERD SKYDIVING
Pony Island Motel lawn
(Time may vary due to weather conditions)


              

3:00 pm...OLD TIME OCRACOKE PARADE
Pre-register by 6:00 pm Friday, July 2nd. Forms available at the Post Office and the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum. Check in by 2:00 pm on the 4th at Sweet Tooth.

PARADE ROUTE-Line up on Hwy 12, just past Jimmy's Buffet. Follow Hwy 12, left onto Lighthouse Rd, right onto Creek Rd, right onto Silver Lake Dr. Follow road around Silver Lake Harbor to the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum.

JUDGING WILL TAKE PLACE FROM THE ISLAND INN BALCONY

PARADE'S END @ NPS PARKING LOT- Moment of Silence, National Anthem, Entertainment, Prizes for Parade Winners-Ocracoke Preservation Museum.

PLEASE CHECK LOCAL BULLETIN BOARDS FOR UPDATES AND SPECIFICS REGARDING EVENING HAPPENINGS AROUND THE VILLAGE

RAIN DATE: July 5th

HAVE A SAFE AND WONDERFUL 4TH OF JULY!!!!

NOTE: As many of you may have already heard, there will be no fireworks on Ocracoke Island this year. The tragedy that occurred last year took 4 lives and altered many others. Those who live here and many of those who were visiting last July 4th will never forget these people. I am not sure how long it will be before Ocracoke is ready for fireworks again.
Please continue to keep in your thoughts and prayers Charles Kirkland, Jr; Terry Holland; Mark Hill and Lisa Simmons who lost their lives and Martez Holland (who was severly injured) along with their families, the firefighters, paramedics and first responders.


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Ocracoke High School Class of 2010



Samantha VanderMyde, DJ Lukefahr, Jordan Jones, Aaron Caswell


As a very proud mother of one of the 2010 graduates from Ocracoke High School I wanted to share the following link with you.


http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/7780951/

I have been out of the office for a few days for graduation events and such so this is just a quick blog. I will post more about graduation soon but first I have to catch up in the office.
Meanwhile, enjoy the WRAL story.

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More Signs Of Summer

Several things mark the arrival of summer on Ocracoke Island. Besides the weather, the flowers and the increase in population...Memorial Weekend is the official kick off of "the season". Memorial Weekend is when the Annual Ocracoke Volunteer Firemen's Ball is held...the first big bash of the summer. There is also graduation (June 13th) and the end of the school year (June 10th). Bingo starts up for the summer beginning tonight and continuing every Tuesday night throughout the summer (Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department building across from the Coffee Shop-starting at 7pm). Jason's Restaurant is doing Sushi Night every Tuesday night from 5pm to 8pm. Shows begin at Deepwater Theater (every Wednesday night at 8pm).

Another big event that marks the beginning of summer is the Ocrafolk Festival. This seems to get bigger and have more of a crowd each year. Many people come especially for the festival. Occurring June 4-6, 2010, this event is full of fantastic music and other entertainment, great food and arts and crafts from near and not so near. This is the 11th year for the festival. This year's Easter fundraiser brought in $1600! If you would like to make a donation to the Ocrafolk Festival you can mail it to them at PO Box 604 Ocracoke, NC 27960.

The festival begins on Friday, June 4, at the Ocracoke School Gym  with a "Meet The Performers" Pot Luck. Come at 6 pm and bring a main dish, side dish, dessert or drink. Following the pot luck is a live auction at 7:30 pm followed by entertainment from the Green Grass Cloggers at 9 pm.

Saturday enjoy music, storytelling and other entertainment on any of the 3 stages set up in various locations. Entertainment, along with artisans and craft displays are located in the area of Books To Be Red, School Road and Howard Street. Refreshment booths will also be available.
There is a Silent Auction all day on Saturday located next to the information booth which is located on School Road in front of Deepwater Theater.

Sunday morning features a Gospel Sing at 9am at the Live Oak Stage before services at Ocracoke Churches. After church more entertainment at the Live Oak Stage.

For a detailed schedule of events with time, locations and rain locations click here .

I hope to get a chance to check out the festival myself so maybe I will see you there! Happy Summer!!

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In And Around The Office

I got to go to part of the 2010 Ocracoke Volunteer Firemen's Ball for the first time this past Saturday and I had a great time. It seemed that everyone there was also having a great time.
When I left the Realty at 5 to go to my part time job there were a lot of people lined up for the BBQ dinner along with many smiling people who had just picked their plates up. When I arrived at the job there was a plate waiting for me and let me tell you...it was DELICIOUS!!!! A big pile of BBQ, about a third of a rack of spareribs, cole slaw, boiled red potatoes and a roll. Everything was FANTASTIC!!
I got off work at 9 and walked across to a packed Community Center to dance and enjoy the music. Luckily it had started shortly before my arrival. There were lots of people milling around outside and inside, as a friend of mine put it, "You couldn't have fit a piece of paper in there!".
That was okay though. Everyone was smiling and laughing and dancing! I am so glad that I went.
I don't know the figures from everything yet but I am guessing that the Fire Department made out pretty well! I will post the figures as soon as I get them.

Meanwhile, I thought I would share some pictures of the flowers and plants on the Ocracoke Island Realty office grounds. We have some very pretty landscaping and right now several things are in bloom.
Summer has arrived!

Happy Memorial Day! Say a prayer for our troops and keep them in your thoughts!

              





                         
   

                         
     

             


               


             


             

           


            


           


         

In the last picture the purple hydrangea actually came from a bush in my own yard. I haven't ever seen one quite that color and thought it was interesting so I cut one and brought it in to the office to share with everyone. 



        


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Come One, Come All To The Firemen's Ball



As you can see from the picture above everybody is welcome at the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department's 5th Annual Firemen's Ball!
This fun event is a great fundraiser for the Volunteer Fire Department and funds are needed to help with the new Fire Department building. The current building, located across from the Coffee Shop on the Back Road, was built in 1968. Besides severe deterioration the building is inadequate to house the vehicles and equipment needed by the firemen.

Last year's ball was the most successful yet. Over 700 people were fed at the pig picking. The pig picking, along with donations, auctions and entertainment, raised over $50,000. Wow!
The property where the new building will be located, on Highway 12, was donated by the Hutcherson family. So far numerous services have been either donated or performed at a greatly reduced rate; donated fill sand is in place and the permitting process is complete.

If you are on Ocracoke Island this Saturday, May 29th, don't miss the Firemen's Ball. The pig picking and silent auction begins at 5pm. Plates are $10 each. The live auction begins at 7pm. The dance, with live music performed by the Dune Dogs and the Ocracoke Rockers, begins at 8:30pm. Donations are appreciated for the music and beverages. 

There have been some really great items donated for the auctions, including massages, fishing trips, original artwork and much, much more. So come on out and enjoy the festivities! Hope to see you there!

For more information about the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department visit www.ocracokevfd.org  

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Ocracoke High School Prom 2010

                                                          



On Friday, May 21, the Ocracoke High School Prom was held in the Community Center. This year's prom consisted of dinner and dancing. The students and some of the teachers decorated the Community Center earlier in the day and the place looked great!


          

        

Several high school teachers chaperoned the event. Food was provided by local restaurants and there was a DJ for dancing. I understand that everyone had a really good time. 
The kids...oh, excuse me...The young adults all looked very nice...beautiful ladies, handsome gentlemen! You see just how grown up they are when they get all dressed up!

Of course the Seniors must be recognized at the prom.



          


Here are several of the prom attendants.


Mitchell Ibarra, Echo Bennink, Casey Tolson, Emmet Temple, Kayla Willis, Aaron Caswell, Jordan Jones,
Maddie Payne, Cody Smith, Joseph Chestnut, Samantha VanDerMyde, DJ Lukefahr, Chelsea Markovich,
CJ Wynn, Annie Buchanan, Ronnie O'Neal, Jasmine Flores

Seniors and dates...


Aaron Caswell-Senior, Jordan Jones-Senior, Joseph Chestnut-Junior, 
Samantha VanDerMyde-Senior, DJ Lukefahr-Senior, Chelsea Markovich-Alumni



More attendees...



                         
Echo Bennink, Casey Tolson, Emmet Temple, Kayla Willis           Chelsea Markovich, DJ Lukefahr                Jordan Jones, Aaron Caswell


                            
Echo Bennink, Casey Tolson                        Cody Smith, Maddie Payne                                  Devynn Mager, Devynn's Mom


                                     
Molly Lovejoy                                     Mitchell Ibarra                                  Molly Lovejoy, Exchange student-Joaquin Monasterio (Argentina), Exchange
                                                                                                              student-Chichaya Srichaisawat (Thailand), Devynn Mager



        
Kayla Willis, Jasmine Flores

And, of course, we can't forget...Prom King and Prom Queen...

    
Prom King DJ Lukefahr being congratulated by Molly & Echo    

    
 Prom Queen Samantha VanDerMyde with Joseph Chestnut


Congratulations, King & Queen!
What a great group of young adults! I am glad they had a nice prom! Everyone looked fabulous!









 

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Pet Week Promo


Ocracoke Island Realty cats loaded to go to the clinic.



During a recent promotion Ocracoke Island Realty donated $5 to Ocracats for every confirmed reservation that was taken from May 2nd to May 9th. The result was 109 reservations for a total of $545! A check in that amount was presented to Ocracats to help feed, spay and neuter local feral cats.


Some of the many cats waiting for surgery. OIR cats are to the left.


Ocracoke Island Volunteer Fire Department building.


On Saturday, May 15th, Ocracats sponsored a spay/neuter clinic. Dr. Darlene Lannon and her husband, Brian, from Lannon's Animal Hospital in Elizabeth City, NC came down to work on cats from early in the morning to late in the evening. They worked diligently throughout the day to spay or neuter as many cats as they could. There were so many cats brought in to be "fixed" that they couldn't even get to them all. Ocracoke Island Realty took several cats that hang around the office to the clinic but all of them weren't able to be attended to. All in all somewhere around 30 cats (give or take) were spayed or neutered.

       
These are two of the cats rounded up at OIR. Aren't they cute? Don't you just want to take them home and cuddle with them?



Several people assisted with the recent clinic. Thanks go to Rita Thiel, Gael Hawkins, Pat Garber, Ruth Fordon, Ken DeBarth and Kim Hansen.
Ocracoke Island Realty, Ocracoke Coffee Company, Ocracoke Seafood Company, Jason's Restaurant and Pony Island Restaurant all donated food. Lightkeeper's Guest House provided lodging.
Debbie Martin of Friends of Felines on Hatteras Island, provided much assistance and guidance, along with food and the loan of traps.
The clinic was held on the second floor of the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department building.

Sometime mid to late June there will be another clinic. The NC State University School of Veterinary Medicine will be on hand to perform the operations. When I have more information I will post it here.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to Ocracats can send it to:
Ocracats
PO Box 993
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Or you can contact Pat Garber at 252-928-6765...or you can contact Ocracoke Island Realty for more information.

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