Thursday, April 22nd, is Mediterranean Tapas Night at Cafe Atlantic. Owner Ruth Toth and her friend, Debbie Wells are working hard, even as I write, to prepare several interesting sounding dishes. There will be samples of appetizers, such as Gazpacho, Felafels and Ratatouille over Polenta...Entree samples, such as Mushroom and Eggplant Moussaka and Grilled Marinated Lamb Chops...Dessert, such as Flan De Naranda and Profiteroles...and even beverages, such as Sangria and Cristolina Cava.
Cafe Atlantic usually has one or two "feature events" per season and they are always a huge hit. If you are on the island don't miss Mediterranean Tapas Night at Cafe Atlantic.

There are quite a few things going on Saturday, April 24th, that you may be interested in attending.

         Aren't these the cutest little basketball players you have ever seen?

The Annual Ocracoke Child Care Hoop-A-Thon will be held at the Ocracoke School Gym from 11AM to 1PM. This is always a fun event for the participants and the spectators. There will be hot dogs, Mexican food and baked goods sold inside the School Commons area. There will also be raffles and adult & school age shoot-outs. All proceeds benefit Ocracoke Child Care, which we are very happy to have available. It is a great place for kids! Peace begins in the playground!
If you would like to learn how to sponsor a child or a team with a tax deductible donation, please contact Ocracoke Island Realty and we will be glad to assist.


Portsmouth Island

The Friends of Portsmouth Island will be sponsoring homecoming on Saturday, April 24th. This event is held every two years. It is an opportunity to visit "open houses" at the post office, Methodist Church, schoolhouse, US Life Saving Station and selected homes. Porch talks and demonstrations will be offered and new exhibits at the Visitors Center will be officially opened.
The theme this year is "Celebrating The Life Of Portsmouth Village". There will be two hymn sings at the church and a potluck dinner on the grounds.
Portsmouth Island lies just south of Ocracoke Island and has been abandoned for about 35 years. The National Park Services now manages the entire island, including the village.

Portsmouth Island is accessible only by boat. Reservations for transport to the island can be made with Rudy Austin by calling 252-928-4361. ($20 per person, round trip).

For more information about Portsmouth Homecoming 2010 and a schedule of events click here . 




Mike Murray, Outer Banks Group Superintendent, invites children throughout the Outer Banks to take part in National Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, April 24th. This program is designed for ages 5 to 13. It is a fun way for children to explore and learn more about the National Parks and how they can help protect them. Children can become three different kinds of Junior rangers.

At the Cape Hatteras National Seashore children can complete a "Seashore Ranger" workbook to earn a Junior Ranger badge. You can get these workbooks from any Seashore visitor center, the Bodie Island Lighthouse, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and near the ferry dock in Ocracoke Village. "Especially For Kids", a special Junior Ranger program, is scheduled for 11am and 2pm at the Bodie Island Visitor Center; 11am and 3:30 at the Hatteras Island Visitor Center next to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse; 11am and 2pm at the Ocracoke Visitor Center.

To earn a Flight Ranger patch visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial, complete their booklet and attend one ranger program. There are three Junior Ranger programs scheduled for April 24th. Take To The Air-30 minute paper airplane program at 11am...Fun With Flight-30 minute kite making program at 2pm...Flight Room Talks-presented at 10am, 12pm and 4pm.

Fort Raleigh National Historic site offers a chance to earn a Roanoke Ranger patch by attending a program and completing the booklet. You can also earn a National Junior Ranger Day special Underground Railroad Junior Ranger badge by completing The National Underground Railroad Network To Freedom booklet. A 30 minute program, Fort Raleigh Kids will be presented at 11am and 2pm. Also offered is a chance to become a Fort Raleigh Web Ranger and earn a Junior Ranger badge through the park's website at http://www.nps.gov/fora . From there you can print out worksheets, fill them in and mail them to the park.

Children who cannot visit a National Park in person can still take part in the national "WebRangers" activities at www.nps.gov/webrangers  .



Aaron Caswell Band

Just in case you aren't tired yet...and I hope you aren't...there is a BBQ & Concert scheduled to benefit Ocracoke's own WOVV radio station. This will be held at the Community Center from 4pm until...
There will be BBQ for $10 and tamales-2 for $3...Raffle and Silent Auction. 
There will also be lots of great music...Aaron Caswell Band, Rob King, Free Poor with Craig Ramey, April Trueblood.

So if you are on Ocracoke Island Saturday, April 24th, and can't find anything to do...then you haven't read this blog. Hope to see you somewhere.