November 10, 2008 marks the 233rd birthday for the United States Marine Corps.
Happy birthday Marines.
Semper Fidelis
Veteran’s Day gives all of us the opportunity to turn our thoughts to the many men and women that are serving, and have served, our country to defend our freedoms. We owe much gratitude for the services they provide to each and every one of us.
College of The Albemarle, (Route 17 in Elizabeth City), is pleased to host a special event on Veterans’ Day to honor the service and sacrifice of all those who have served in our Armed Forces.
Date: November 11, 2008
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: College of The Albemarle, Elizabeth City, NC
Held in COA’s Auditorium, this program will feature survivors of the USS INDIANAPOLIS, which was torpedoed and sunk in the final days of World War II. Survivors of the blast spent five days at sea – unaware that their SOS calls had been ignored. Please join us to hear the harrowing ordeal of 317 brave men who fought for their lives – battling shark attacks, severe burns, dehydration, starvation, the effects of salt water and dementia. Learn the story behind the Indianapolis’ secret mission, its dramatic sinking, and the accidental rescue of its survivors. Hear about the subsequent – and controversial – court-martial of ship’s Captain Charles Butler McVay. After an exciting multi-media presentation, local crewmember/survivor – Felton Outland of Sunbury, NC – and two of his fellow sailors will share their stories and answer questions about this tragic event. A crewmember from one of the Navy rescue ships will also be on hand to recount the dramatic rescue efforts and on-board medical treatment protocols that were followed.
For more information please call Lisa Johnson, COA Public Information Officer, at 252-335-0821, ext. 2255.
There will be a repeat performance of this program at 10 AM on Wednesday, November 12 as well.
Saturday, November 8, 2008 is a great opportunity to support local Outer Banks businesses and help preserve vital natural environments along the coast.
The North Carolina Coastal Land Trust is a non-profit organization formed in 1992 to help protect locally and regionally valuable natural areas and waters. Since its inception, the Coastal Land Trust has protected over 40,000 acres of barrier island beaches, riparian corridors, and other special natural areas.
Outer Banks Land Trust Day
Outer Banks Land Trust Day is an opportunity for the community and area businesses to support the Coastal Land Trust. Patronize these businesses on Saturday, November 8, 2008, which are all donating 10% of sales from Outer Banks Land Trust Day:
• Kitty Hawk Kites
• Kelly’s Outer Banks Restaurant and Tavern
• Nags Head Hammocks
• Kitty Hawk Sports
If you shop online at www.kittyhawksports.com from November 8-15th, enter the promo code LANDO8 to receive a 10% discount AND have 10% of your purchase donated to the Coastal Land Trust.
The vacation rental industry is gaining tremendous momentum. The industry is in a clear period of growth. Vacation rentals are becoming more familiar to the general public, and vacationers are realizing the great benefits a vacation rental has over the typical hotel stay (lower costs, larger, more comfortable accommodations, a personal touch, linens and towles provided, “clean house guaranett”, private pools and hot tubs, many are dog friendly, etc.).
The well educated consumer is helping the industry grow and forcing improvements within the industry. For example, guest reviews are gaining in popularity. In addition to a well educated consumer, a major factor in the growth trends is the current state of the economy. There is no denying the fact that the U.S. economy is struggling through a difficult period, and the general public is being much more prudent with disposable income. Vacationers want more for their money, and vacation rental homes offer much more than a typical hotel stay.
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal highlights these growth trends and industry improvements.
The Outer Banks Marathon is four short days away.
Thousands of runners and their guests will converge on the Outer Banks this weekend for the 3rd annual OBX Marathon (www.OBXMarathon.com). Over 5,000 runners are registered; up about 20% this year. The field will include top runners from around the world, including Kenya and Ethiopia. The course and the weather should be condusive to fast times, helping those hopefull to qualify for the Boston Marathon through this run. Total prize purse money for this year’s event totals more than $25,000.
The OBX Marathon is a tremendous boost to the local economy during the “shoulder season,” with last year’s events generating an estimated $2 million in revenue to the local community. In addition, the marathon helps to support two local charities; The Dare Education Foundation (www.DareEducationFoundation.org) and The Outer Banks Relief Foundation (www.OuterBanksReliefFoundation.com).
Race Day Traffic Pattern: To help spectators get to the finish line and post-race festivities, all traffic entering Manteo/ Roanoke Island after 7:00am on race day will use the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge, travel through Manns Harbor, cross the Manns Harbor Bridge and enter Manteo from the west side of the island. This will add an additional 15 minutes to your drive.
Spectator Spots All areas provide direct viewing and off-road parking immediately adjacent to the course.
Marathon course: • RPC Contracting, parking lot on south side of complex, 934. W. Kitty Hawk Road, by MM2, Kitty Hawk • Wright Bros. Memorial, parking lot north of the Monument, MP7, Kill Devil Hills • First Flight Elementary and High School – parking lots, 100 and 109 Veterans Drive, by MM9, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 • Nags Head Woods Visitor Center, 701 W. Ocean Acres Drive, MP9.5, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Marathon and Half Marathon course: • YMCA , 3000 S. Croatan Hwy., MP11, between MM13 & MM14, Nags Head, NC 27959 • Outer Banks Mall, 5000 S. Croatan Hwy., MP14, between MM17 & MM18, Nags Head, NC 27959 • Tanger Outlet Mall, 7100 S. Croatan Hwy., MP16, Nags Head, NC 27959 • Pirate’s Cove Marina, 2000 Sailfish Drive, just before MM24, Manteo, NC 27954 • Dare County Justice Center, 962 Marshall Collins Drive, before MM25, Manteo, NC 27954 • Chesley Mall , US Highway 64, between MM25 & MM26, Manteo, NC 27954 • College of the Albemarle, 205 US Highway 64, before MM26, Manteo, NC 27954 Key: MM = Marathon Course Mile Marker MP = Milepost along US 158 (Croatan Hwy.)
Race Course (Map):
Let your voice be heard…get out and vote.
However, if you are on the Outer Banks, remember your umbrella,
A potentially severe storm is developing off the Cape Hatteras coast. Forecasters are predicting a storm with winds of up to 50 miles per hour by Tuesday night.
The good news is that great fall weather will return by the end of the week, with forecasts calling for clear, sunny skies with temperatures in the upper 60’s. The weekend should offer gorgeous Outer Banks weather for outdoor activities, including the third annual OBX Marathon on Sunday.
Weather Update From Dare County Emergency Management….
A slow moving low pressure system continues to bring high winds and rough surf for OBX. These conditions will continue through Thursday. No ocean over wash is anticipated even during high tides, 12 noon, however high surf could cause some structure damage to properties that now are in the surf zone at high tide. As system moves past on Thursday there is the potential for minor to moderate sound side flooding from the backside NW winds.