Violins & Voices – A Classical Christmas on the Outer Banks

Violins & Voices a Classical Christmas

Violins & Voices a Classical Christmas will be held in the indoor theatre at Roanoke Island Festival Park on Friday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m.

The holiday event is a benefit for GEM, a non-profit that provides a positive and supportive day environment for adults with memory loss, physical and mental disabilities and those in need of socialization.

Refreshment will be served following the performance. Tickets are $10.00 and may be purchased at the door the night of the event.

Local performers include:  Angelo Sonnesso – Tenor; Lisa Martinez – Soprano; Christian Jackle –Soprano; Nick Hodsdon – Baritone; Sue Artz – Violin; Joy Martinez and Blaire Smith (8 years old) and David Spangler – piano/accompanist.

ESPN Interviews Outer Banks Professional Surfer Jesse Hines

Mickey “2M” McCarthy

Jesse Hines grew up on the Outer Banks and honed is surfing skills on all of the local OBX breaks.  With some guidance from fellow Outer Banks local and fellow surf professional, Noah Snyder, Jesse has developed into a well-renowned professional surfer highly regarded for his ability to find his way into the cavernous space inside a wave, the barrel.

Jesse’s skills have been displayed in video, print, online, etc.  Last year, Jesse made the cover of Surfer, was awarded “best barrel” by Billabong, and won “best barrel” at the WRV Battle of the Banks competition.

Unfortunately, the fall of 2009 brought Jesse some unlucky news, a broken leg, but nature tends to balance itself out; limiting one faculty generally leads to greater appreciation of other aspects of life.  Jesse has been off his board for a month or two, but he has found a great opportunity to slow down and focus on his family and his interest in music.

ESPN surfing caught up with Jesse last week to see how his recovery is progressing.

Recycled Christmas Trees Used to Build Dunes Along the Outer Banks

Currituck County plans to use recycled Christmas trees to help replenish the dune line that was damaged in November by the nor’easter storm.

Following the Christmas holiday, Christmas trees will be collected in Currituck County from December 26, 2009 through January 10, 2010.  Christmas trees may be dropped off at each Currituck County Recycling Center, as well as at the Southern Outer Banks Water Plant. A special Christmas tree collection area will be designated by new signage at each site.

Residents recycling Christmas trees should first remove all decorations and tinsel from each tree. County employees will collect the trees and take them to the beach for the dune replenishment program.

For additional information, contact the Public Works Department at 232-2504

Dare County will also offer Christmas tree pickup and recycling.

“Christmas by the Sea” on the Outer Banks

Christmas Tree Lighting
The tree lighting program in Manteo, set in front of the historic old courthouse, is a musical dramatic celebration of that indefinable spirit of selfless joy that, for over 400 years, has touched the lives of Roanoke Island residents at Christmas and caused them to persevere against all odds in pursuance of their dreams.

The 2009 tree lighting will take place on Friday, December 4th.

Christmas Parade
The 2009 Christmas parade will be held on Saturday, December 5th.  Please see the link below for more information on the events or to register a float.

No Texting While Driving in North Carolina

Beginning December 1, 2009, a new law banning drivers from texting while driving in North Carolina goes into effect.  Violators will be fined $100 for typing or reading text messages while driving a motor vehicle.  

North Carolina is not the first state to enact such a ban; 19 others and the District of Columbia have all outlawed texting while driving.

Outer Banks Fishing Report – 12.1.09

Water temperature is 58 degrees;  wind is SW at 12 mph.

All the Piers are closed for the season.

Off-shore: 

  • Yellowfin tuna has slowed a bit, but warm waters have drifted towards the VA border that show a lot of promise.
  • Bluefin tuna should start showing up in good numbers anytime.
  • Coastal wreck fishermen can find tilefish, grouper, snapper and other bottom dwellers. Big bluefish also should be available around such structures.

Surf:

  • Along the coast, striped bass action should pick up with every passing cold front. If it’s a cold winter, look for big numbers of fish to be available from the Virginia coast south to Hatteras Inlet.
  • A few Speckled Trout caught in the Surf.
  • Large Rock Fish at Oregon-Inlet Bridge off the jetty and the cat walk.

Sound:

  • Speckled trout should continue to be available in the sounds for several more weeks, but striper quickly are stealing angler interest, as they have been available in good numbers around most structures.

Springtime Photography Workshop on the Outer Banks

Springtime on the Outer Banks Photo Workshop

April 21-25, 2010
Wednesday noon through Sunday afternoon at 2:00

$980 (discounts available)
Limit 12 with 2 instructors (maximum 6:1 student-to-instructor ratio)

 

 

Barefoot Contessa is putting on a photography workshop on the wild and pristine North Carolina barrier islands. By popular demand, they have added a springtime Outer Banks workshop. The workshop will highlight special gems along the untamed Outer Banks coastline.

The sunrises and sunsets can be spectacular, the patterns along the seashore and in the marshes inspirational, and the sights and sounds of the wild Atlantic pounding the coast intoxicating. You’ll love photographing here, and you’ll be able to celebrate your passion for photography, hone your seeing and imaging skills, and learn about the magic of light to make wonderful photographs.

 

The workshop will be based in Nags Head, near the site of the first flight by the Wright Brothers. It is an area rich in history, so there is no lack of subject matter.

Springtime here is quite different from the fall. The Outer Banks are almost deserted; the winter winds have tossed the dunes around into new formations; and the coast looks particularly wild and dramatic.

 

The workshop includes: 

  • Maximum 6-to-1 ratio students to instructors
  • Opening wine-and-pizza reception;
  • Primer booklet to help you get started;
  • Early-morning and late-afternoon shoots;
  • Mid-day downloading of your images and processing with the latest version of Lightroom;
  • Lots of individual instruction in both the field and classroom;
  • Critiques, both individual and group;
  • Discussions on various aspects of photography, including digital workflow;
  • Final group critique and show on last day (what many feel is the highlight of the workshop experience); and
  • Lots of fun and frivolity throughout!

Here are some FAQs to address questions you may have as well as equipment and installed downloads you need to bring to the workshop including, if necessary, the free, 30-day, trial versions of Adobe products.

 

You will also receive written instructions on the ins and outs of successfully and easily turning your favorite digital images into beautiful prints straight out of the latest version of Lightroom using your own printer.

Cost:  $980 To sign up, fill out the Application Form.