twmthis week magazine

Volume 37 Issue 52 • 12|29|16 - 1|4|17

FirstDayHikesFort Macon • Jan. 1

Volume 37 Issue 52 • 12|29|16 - 1|4|17

COVER STORYVisitors and residents can end 2016 with a

bang at the New Year’s Eve cannon firing at Fort Macon, then start 2017 with a First Day Hike.

RECIPESThis year, take entertaining to a new level

with distinctive recipes and decorating ideas featuring a signature ingredient.

MOVIE REVIEWWhat “Sing” might lack in originality, it more than

makes up for in execution – in smarts, energy, star power and plain old entertainment value.

CALENDARSFind out what’s happening this week and

beyond on the Crystal Coast and in surrounding areas.

AROUND TOWNSeveral towns in the county will ring in the

new year with many events and activities on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

FAMILYOn Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, with temperatures set

for just 54 degrees, hundreds of people will rush into the Atlantic Ocean to raise money for charity.

FOOD AND DRINKOcracoke Seafood Co. will host the 11th annual

Oyster Roast and Shrimp Steam fundraiser to benefit the Ocracoke Working Watermen Association.

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FEATURED PHOTO

CONTACT INFORMATIONtwm is published weekly by Carteret Publishing Co. Inc. 4206 Bridges Street, Morehead City, NC 28557

EDITOR:Megan Soultmegan.soult@thenewstimes.comPHOTOGRAPHY:Dylan Raydylan@thenewstimes.comGRAPHICS:Megan Lewismegan@thenewstimes.comADVERTISING:Kim Moseleykim@thenewstimes.com

To submit event information, email Megan Soult or write to: twm, P.O. Box 1679, Morehead City, NC 28557

Include the event time, date, location including address, admission price and contact information.

ADVERTISE WITH US!It’s the best deal on the Crystal Coast. Reach out to 6,000 people across Onslow, Craven and Carteret counties. this week is available FREE at hundreds of local businesses and hotspots.

Call Today | 252-726-7081

Find us online at www.carolinacoastonline.com/entertainment, www.facebook.com/thisweekmagazine or www.instagram.com/twm_moreheadcity.

ON THE COVER:The nature trail at Fort Macon State Park winds through dunes, marsh and maritime forest on the east end of Bogue Banks. (Dylan Ray photo)

The sun rises over the Neuse River in this photograph by Shawn Lewis. To see your photograph in this space, email it and a short caption to megan.soult@thenewstimes.com, share it with us on our This Week Magazine social media feeds, or mail hard copies with a postage-paid envelope if you would like the photo-graph returned to you.

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BY MEGAN SOULTNEWS-TIMES

An important historical docu-ment is the focus of an upcom-ing celebration.

The African-American Historical Cultural Educational Society will present its annual Emancipation Proclamation Observation, which celebrates the 154th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the abolition of slavery.

The celebration is at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, in the dis-trict courtroom on the first floor of the courthouse in Beaufort.

Those who attend the cel-ebration can hear a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation and the Gettysburg Address, songs, the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer and the lighting of candles and recogni-tion of departed members.

The Rev. Violet Bailey, found-er and president of the society, organizes the celebration each year.

According to Rev. Bailey, the

Emancipation Proclamation to be read during annual event

celebration is modeled after the town’s original celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation.

In 1925, the black men of Beaufort got together and decided to celebrate the Emancipation Proclamation.

The event was organized by five of the town’s prominent black men, with Charlie Hawkins leading the event. It started with a march from Pine Street to city hall. Mr. Hawkins would recite the Gettysburg Address outside city hall. The event last-ed all day, and townsmen par-ticipated by singing the Negro National Anthem, which has been changed over the years. It is now known as “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which will be sung during this year’s event. The day would end with a din-ner with black-eyed peas and all of the fixings that went along with the entrée. The dinner also included spiritual songs.

The program was disbanded for a few years but was started again by Rev. Bailey and Muriel Williams. The women went to

different black schools in the community presenting programs on African-American poets and singers.

During that time, teach-ers from these schools would bring up Black History Month, which inspired Rev. Bailey and Ms. Williams to return to the original program that their par-ents started. It has remained the same ever since.

According to www.archi-vese.gov, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, as the nation approached its third year of the Civil War.

The proclamation declared that, “all persons held as slaves within the rebellious states are and henceforward shall be free.”

The proclamation also announced the acceptance of black men into the Union Army and Navy, enabling the liberated to become liberators. By the end of the war, almost 200,000 black soldiers and sailors had fought for freedom.

The original Emancipation

The Rev. Violet J. Bailey leads a crowded courtroom during “Lift Every Voice and Sing” during the annual African-American Historical Cultural Educational Society’s observation of the Emancipation Proclamation in Beaufort. This year’s event is at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1. (Dylan Ray photo)

Proclamation is kept in the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

For more information on the event, call Rev. Bailey at 252-728-4840.

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BY JOCELYN NOVECKASSOCIATED PRESS

One can imagine the pitch meeting: It’s “American Idol,” but animated, and everyone’s an animal.

We’ll star a cuddly koala. We’ll get McConaughey, Witherspoon, some other A-listers. We’ll throw in every-one’s favorite pop songs – get Legal on the phone! And hey, we’ll add a fart joke. How could it miss?

And actually, that pitch meeting would be pretty much on the money. “Sing” doesn’t miss, at all.

What this new holiday entry from Illumination (“Despicable Me,” “Minions,” “The Secret Life of Pets”) might lack in originality of concept, it more than makes up for in execu-tion – in smarts, energy, star power and plain old entertain-ment value. And with a satis-fying ending that also packs

an emotional punch, it’s hard to imagine you won’t exit the theatre smiling, if not, um, singing.

The story, by writer-direc-tor Garth Jennings, revolves around Buster Moon, the aforementioned koala. A short digression here: why Buster doesn’t have an Australian accent or any discernible rela-tion to Australia – he’s a KOALA! – is certainly curious. Then again, Matthew McConaughey certainly isn’t Australian. And we love his distinctive drawl. So, we’re good.

Buster is a theatre owner, and his dedication to live entertainment will be touch-ing to all those musical lovers out there (and this IS the sea-son for musicals). However, he appears to have horrible taste in the shows he picks (“War of Attrition” is one of the amus-ing titles.) Times have been tough.

So Buster decides to put

on a singing competition. He scrapes together $1,000 for the cash prize. But due to an unfortunate typo on the flyers printed by his somewhat blind but lovable secretary, Miss Crawly (voiced by director Mr. Jennings himself), the prize is upped to $100,000.

Needless to say, hordes show up to audition.

Which is good, because who doesn’t love a good audition montage?

This amusing scene gives Mr. Jennings a chance to pull out all the stops. (Until the end of course, when he REALLY pulls out all the stops.) What ensues is a funny series of inappropri-ate animal/pop song mashups, like the snail singing “Ride Like the Wind.” You get the pic-ture.

We also meet our main char-acters here:

Rosita (Reese Witherspoon) is an overworked stay-at-home mama pig – she has 25 kids and

an exhausted husband, and it’s pretty hard to find childcare for 25 piglets.

Johnny (Taron Egerton) is a gorilla with a Cockney accent who’s trying to break free of the criminal gang run by his father.

Ash (Scarlett Johansson) is a teen porcupine with a jerky boyfriend and a hidden song-writing talent.

Mike (Seth MacFarlane) is a rat with a Sinatra-esque croon and a spending problem.

And Meena (singer Tori Kelly) is an elephant with a terrible case of stage fright.

Of course, when someone in an upbeat movie starts out with a case of stage fright, it’s pretty obvious what’s gonna happen by the end. So we won’t even leave you in suspense on that. But there are other questions to be answered:

Will Ash show her arrogant boyfriend what she’s made of? (With Ms. Johansson playing

her, the odds are pretty good – and you knew Ms. Johansson could sing, right?) Will Rosita break free of the burdens of parenting? Will Johnny set-tle into a preordained life of crime, or follow his musical dreams? And will Buster man-age to make his theatre sol-vent?

The answers come with the help of even more celeb-rity voices: Leslie Jones, Jay Pharoah, Jennifer Saunders, Rhea Perlman and, most spec-tacularly, Jennifer Hudson have cameos.

As mentioned, the best comes last. It’s hard to beat a good singing con-test. And anchoring it all is Mr. McConaughey’s pleasing drawl. His koala is a nice bal-ance, neither too sweet nor too nasty, neither too corny nor too cynical.

In fact – sorry, but we have to say it – it’s all right, all right, all right.

(AP photo)

‘Sing’ review: McConaughey movie is all right, all right, all right

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Take holiday hosting to new heights

(Content and images provided by Family Features.)

Find more ideas to take a holiday menu to new heights at grapesfromcalifornia.com.

Signature ingredient:For many families, the opportunity

to host cherished relatives and house guests is a treasured holiday tradition. This year, take entertaining to a new level with distinctive recipes and deco-rating ideas featuring a signature ingre-dient.

A familiar, yet unexpected, ingredient such as California grapes can elevate a wide array of dishes in flavor, texture and appearance to help make the holidays extra special.

While one will surely dedicate plenty of attention to the holiday feast, don’t forget about serving up breakfast for the

guests who arrive early or stay past the festivities.

A rich, nutty pancake topped with juicy grapes serves up a joyful way to start the day.

Then, for the big event, put a unique twist on traditional favorites with this stunning Golden Beet and Grape Salad and Grape and Wild Rice Stuffing.

Edible accents for sweet seasonal decorThe beautifully vibrant colors of grapes,

which can be found in red, green and black varieties, add visual interest to reci-pes, but also make a delightful edible gar-nish or centerpiece. Grapes’ easy, natural beauty lends grace to a home’s holiday decor, while providing loved ones with a

healthy snack option between meals and events.• Grapes make for lovely centerpieces when placed artfully in bowls, on platters or draped from a cake plate.• For an indulgent and attractive treat, dip grape clusters in liquid gelatin then roll in sugar, spices and finely chopped nuts to make a “frosted” finger food. • Use grapes – fresh or “frosted” – as a garnish to decorate cookie plates, cakes, puddings, mousses and more.• If you’re the guest this time around, gift your hostess with a pretty basket tied with ribbon and filled with multi-colored grape clusters wrapped in tissue.

GRAPE AND WILD RICE STUFFINGServings: 41 can (14.5 ounces) vegetable broth½ cup water½ cup brown rice½ cup wild rice½ cup chopped onion ½ cup chopped celery ½ cup chopped apple1 tablespoon butter or margarine1 teaspoon minced fresh sage¼ teaspoon pepper2 cups California seedless red grapessalt, to tasteHeat oven to 350 F.Bring broth and water to boil; add brown and wild rice. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 45-55 minutes, or until

rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Sauté onion, celery and apple in butter; add sage and

pepper. Add prepared rice and grapes; mix well. Adjust seasoning with salt, if necessary.

Place in 1-quart covered baking dish and bake 20 min-utes, or until thoroughly heated.

Serving suggestion: Serve with roasted poultry or meats.

GOLDEN BEET AND GRAPE SALADServings: 8½ pound yellow beets (approximately 3 medium beets), peeled2 cups halved red California grapes3 tablespoons orange juice2 tablespoons minced shallots1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil1 tablespoon lemon juice2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon1 teaspoon honeykosher salt freshly ground black pepper1 head purple endive or butter lettuce, leaves rinsed, dried and separated, dividedIn food processor fitted with shredding blade or

by hand, grate beets. Combine shredded beets with grapes.

In small bowl, mix orange juice, shallots, oil, lemon juice, tarragon and honey. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Pour dressing over beet and grape mixture; mix well. Line eight serving plates with endive or lettuce leaves, divide salad among them and serve.

PEANUT GRAPE PANCAKESServings: 42 cups complete pancake mix 5 tablespoons peanut butter powder 3 cups halved green or red California grapes¼ cup chopped peanuts, unsalted ¾ cup warm maple syrup Prepare pancake mix according to package instruc-

tions; gently stir in peanut butter powder. Heat griddle or large skillet and brush lightly with

vegetable oil. Cook pancakes, ¼ cup at a time, until browned. Serve sprinkled with grapes, peanuts and maple syrup.

Note: A complete pancake mix has everything in it but water, which is added to form batter.

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Visitors and residents alike can end 2016 with a bang at the New Year’s Eve cannon firing at Fort Macon State Park Saturday then start 2017 with a First Day Hike on Sunday, Jan. 1.

The park staff will have a can-non firing at the park, scheduled for 7 p.m., to correspond with midnight coordinated universal time.

According to a press release from the park, this year Gumbo Lily will hold a free concert before the firing, starting at 6 p.m.

Visitors are invited to bring folding chairs and picnic meals, but are reminded that alcohol isn’t permitted in the park.

On New Year’s Day, Fort Macon staff invite visitors to begin the year with a First Day Hike.

The fort will offer two ranger-led hikes, both starting from the Fort Macon visitor Center at 2 p.m. Jan. 1.

One hike will be a short nature hike along the Yarrow’s Loop trail and inlet beach, about ¾ of a mile. The second hike will be along the new 3.2-mile Elliott Coues trail.

According to the N.C. State Parks System in a separate press release, more than 40 guided hikes are scheduled in the state parks system, ranging from short “leg-stretchers” to seven-mile treks, most of them featuring

interpretive programs by rang-ers along the way.

All seasonal state park facili-ties will remain open on the holiday.

A record 3,469 hikers trav-eled 8,228 miles on state park trails on Jan. 1 this year, explor-ing every one of the state parks and state recreation areas in brisk winter weather.

In North Carolina, this popu-lar tradition began at Eno River State Park more than 40 years ago, an annual event that now regularly draws more than 800 visitors to that Piedmont park.

Mike Murphy, state parks director, said that as the holi-day season draws to a close, the First Day Hikes event offers a rededication to fitness, fam-ily time and enjoyment of the outdoors and the rich natural resources that distinguish North Carolina.

“It’s also a reminder that the state parks are a year-round resource for recreation, well-ness and learning for more than 17 million visitors,” he said.

Each state park and state rec-reation area puts its own stamp on First Day Hikes. For Fort Macon, this will be the explo-ration of the new Elliott Coues Trail.

As an added bonus, visitors involved with the N.C. State Parks 100-Mile Challenge – to walk, hike, paddle, cycle or otherwise

Fort Macon to fire cannons New Years Eve, hold First Day Hikes on Jan. 1

explore 100 miles in the state parks – can add First Day Hikes mileage to their totals. Details about the 100-Mile Challenge can be found online at the web-site www.nc100miles.org

Nationally, First Day Hikes are promoted by America’s State Parks and the National Association of State Park Directors, with more than 400 hikes scheduled in state parks across the country.

This year, nearly 55,000 peo-ple rang in the New Year by collectively hiking over 133,000 miles.

The Fort Macon staff has sev-eral regular events scheduled for the early part of 2017.

Regular fort tours are sched-uled for 11 a.m., Monday through Friday, in January, February and March.

At 10 a.m. each Wednesday during these months, Fort Macon will hold musket-firing

demonstrations, as well.Each month, the fort will also

hold Flags of Fort Macon and the Confederacy.

These presentations are scheduled for 10 a.m. on three Mondays: Jan. 2, Feb. 6 and March 6. Visitors will get to learn about the wide range of flags used by the Confederacy during the Civil War.

The Friends of Fort Macon, the volunteer group dedicat-ed to supporting the fort, will hold monthly meetings at the Golden Corral in Morehead City. Meetings have been scheduled for three Wednesdays: Jan. 4, Feb. 1 and March 1.

The fort staff has also sched-uled bird hikes for January, February and March. Scheduled at 9 a.m. for three Mondays – Jan. 9, Feb. 13 and March 13 – visitors may meet with fort staff at the visitor center, then take a leisurely hike to identify

native birds in the area. At 5:30 p.m. on three Fridays

– Jan. 13, Feb. 17 and March 10 – fort staff will have astron-omy gatherings for visitors at the fort’s bathhouse. Visitors will get to view space through a telescope and learn more about the universe.

In addition, at 10 a.m. on three Thursdays – Jan. 19, Feb. 16 and March 16 – visitors may meet at the visitor center lobby for the Natural Side of Fort Macon nature hikes.

Visitors will get to take a leisurely hike to explore the natural side of the fort, cover-ing both the fort’s trails and its beach.

More information on Fort Macon and its events is avail-able by calling 252-726-3775 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. More informa-tion is also available online at the website ncparks.gov.

The nature trail at Fort Macon State Park winds through dunes, marsh and maritime forest on the east end of Bogue Banks. Fort Macon State Park will offer First Day Hikes on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, to start the New Year. (Dylan Ray photo)

All Craven-Pamlico-Carteret Regional Libraries is offering DVD gift cards for purchase.

The cards can be redeemed at any of the libraries that

have DVDs. Single cards are $1.Those

who buy five cards can get another card for free.

Patrons must have a valid li-

brary card to check out DVDs. Proceeds from the gift

cards will go to purchasing new DVDs for the library’s col-lection.

County libraries offer DVD rental gift cards

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Civil War historian Ed Bearss will appear in New Bern on Sunday, Jan.. 8. This is the 11th visit in a series of annual events for Mr. Bearss, one of the leading histori-ans and experts on the Civil War.

This presentation will be 2 p.m. at the Coleman Auditorium in the N.C. History Center. The cost of lecture will be a donation of $10 with all proceeds going to support the New Bern Battlefield Park.

During the lecture, Mr. Bearss will present his own reflections after more than three-quarters of a century of study and teachings on the subject.

Many times his lectures have been delivered while hiking through the historic battlefields.

Mr. Bearss is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of World War II, a military historian, an author known for his work on the American Civil War and World War II eras and a popular tour

guide of historic battlefields. He served as chief historian of

the National Park Service from 1981 to 1994 and is now Chief Historian Emeritus.

Mr. Bearss leads numerous tours – traveling as many as 200 days per year – around the United States, the Pacific and Europe.

To reserve a seat or for addi-tional information, call the New Bern Historical Society at 252-638-8558. Tickets will also be available at the door.

This lecture is presented by the New Bern Civil War Round Table and the New Bern Historical Society.

The mission of the New Bern Historical Society is to celebrate and promote New Bern and its heritage through events and edu-cation.

Offices are in the historic Attmore Oliver House at 511 Broad St. in New Bern.

A historian reflects on the Civil War: Ed Bearss to return to New Bern

Ed Bearss, a Civil War historian, will present a lecture at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, at the Coleman Auditorium in the N.C. History Center in New Bern. The lecture is $10. (Contributed photo)

BY CHUCK WATERSCONTRIBUTOR

The King has enjoyed a nice reign during the “Summer of Elvis” film festival at the Webb Memorial Library in Morehead City, but now with winter upon us and 2017 rap-idly approaching, the King needs a real home.

Four of Elvis Presley’s classic films were screened during the summer months as a fundraiser for the library, which culminated with a showing of his legendary “1968 Comeback Special” that first aired on NBC-TV later that year.

Those who attended the film series were greeted by a life-size Elvis statue at the library. The stat-ue is now being raffled off.

“We loved having Elvis as part of our staff during the summer and fall, but now it is time for him to leave the building and find a new home.” said Kitty Brawley, events coordinator at the Webb. “It’s now or never.”

Raffle tickets for the life-size Elvis statue are on sale now at the library with the drawing scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9, the day after Elvis’ birthday on Jan. 8, 1935, at the Webb, 812 Evans St.

Refreshments will be available, and a compilation of Elvis hits will provide the background music.

Proceeds from the raffle will be

Don’t let Elvis have a Blue Christmasused to purchase two new shelves for the adult fiction room.

The Elvis statue stands 6-feet tall. It was donated by the Flowers family of Morehead City, who own the Sports Center on 35th Street.

“We are so grateful for the Flowerses to have donated the Elvis statue to us,” Ms. Brawley said. “It generated a lot of comments from

patrons and visitors alike during their visits to the Webb. It just goes to show that the King’s enduring appeal is timeless.”

Raffle tickets cost $3 for one, $5 for two and $10 for five chances. A dozen tickets can be purchased for $20.

This life-size Elvis statue is being auctioned to benefit the Webb Memorial Library. Tickets are $3 for one ticket, $5 for two and $10 for five. A dozen tickets can be purchased for $20. The drawing is 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9, at the library. (Contributed photo)

ELVIS | CONTINUED ON 10

CINEMA 4Atlantic Station Shopping Center, Atlantic Beach, NC

247-7016

Atlantic Station Cinemas gift cards make wonderful gifts!! We gladly offer a military discount with IDBuy tickets online at atlanticstationcinema.com

BARGAIN MATINEES EVERYDAY AT

BOTH CINEMAS

EMERALDPLANTATIONEmerald Plantation Shopping Center

Emerald Isle, NC354-5012

Emerald Plantation Cinemas gift cards make wonderful gifts!! We gladly offer a military discount with IDBuy tickets online at emeraldplantationcinema.com

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DIGITAL

SING (PG)Fri-Sat: 1:00-3:20-7:00-9:20

Sun: 1:00-3:20-7:00 Mon-Thurs: 5:00-7:20

PASSENGERS (PG13)Fri-Sat: 1:00-3:30-7:00-9:30

Sun: 1:00-3:30-7:00 Mon-Thurs: 5:00-7:30

STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE (PG13)Fri-Sat: 1:00-3:45-6:45-9:30

Sun: 1:00-3:45-6:45 Mon-Thurs: 4:45-7:30

WHY HIM (R)Fri-Sat: 1:00-3:20-7:00-9:20

Sun: 1:00-3:20-7:00 Mon-Thurs: 5:00-7:20

SING (PG)Fri-Sat: 1:00-3:20-7:00-9:20

Sun: 1:00-3:20-7:00 Mon-Thurs: 5:00-7:20

PASSENGERS (PG13)Fri-Sat: 1:00-3:30-7:00-9:30

Sun: 1:00-3:30-7:00 Mon-Thurs: 5:00-7:30

STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE (PG13)Fri-Sat: 1:00-3:45-6:45-9:30

Sun: 1:00-3:45-6:45 Mon-Thurs: 4:45-7:30

WHY HIM (R)Fri-Sat: 1:00-3:20-7:00-9:20

Sun: 1:00-3:20-7:00 Mon-Thurs: 5:00-7:20

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8Calendar deadline is two weeks prior to the start date of the event. Send an email that includes the event time, date, location including address,

admission price and contact information to megan.soult@thenewstimes.comSUDOKU

Here’s How It Works:Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken

down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWERS

Editor’s Note:Sudoku puzzles and answers are published in the

next edition of twm.

Level: Advanced

CALENDAR | CONTINUED ON 13

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

Event placement on a specific date is not guaranteed, as events run as space is available. Find the full calendar online at carolinac-oastonline.com by hovering the pointer over TWM and choosing the “Calendar” option, or on a mobile device, choose “Calendar” from the drop-down menu.

Kids and FamilyHOLIDAY CAMPS 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, at the N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Campers enjoy out-door activities, animal inter-actions, discovery labs and behind-the-scenes action. The Dec. 30 session is for grades 5-6. Advanced registration is required. The camps are $40 per camper. For details, call 252-247-4003 or visit www.ncaquariums.com.

TILLER SCHOOL OPEN ENROLLMENT begins Monday, Jan. 2, and runs until Friday, Feb. 3. The student lottery will be held at noon Monday, Feb. 6. Student applications can be downloaded at www.tillerschool.org or picked up from the school office. School information sessions and tours can be scheduled by calling 252-728-1995.

ETIQUETTE COMPANY SOCIAL GRACES AND DINING CLASS 4-5:15 p.m. Tuesdays starting in January. Registration is now open. The first session is Jan. 10. The classes are for third through fifth grade students. For more infor-mation, email manners@ec.r.com or call 252-229-0550.

ArtJANUARY OIL PAINTING CLASS 9 a.m. to noon Mondays Jan. 2-30, at Irene Bailey’s studio, 905 Ocean Drive in Emerald Isle. This class offers individual instruction and is open to all levels. The class costs $100. For more information, call 252-723-3258.

JANUARY OPEN STUDIO WITH MODEL 1:30-4:30 p.m. Mondays Jan. 2-30, at Irene Bailey’s studio, 905 Ocean Drive in Emerald Isle. This class is $50 or $15 per class. For more information, call 252-723-3258.

Music and TheaterCRYSTAL COAST CHORAL SOCIETY REHEARSALS resume from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, in the fellowship hall of Swansboro United Methodist Church. New members are welcome to attend until Tuesday, Jan. 24. All parts are needed and no auditions are required. For more information, call music director Finley Woolston

at 910-358-2997.

Food and DrinkCARTERET COUNTY SHRINE CLUB ANNUAL NEW YEARS DAY DINNER 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1, at 1411 Highway 101 in Beaufort. Plates cost $8. For more informa-tion, call 252-241-2284.

EMPTY BOWLS FUNDRAISER TICKETS are now on sale at Hope Mission. Tickets, $20, can be pur-chased by calling 252-240-2359. The 14th annual Empty Bowls soup luncheon, pottery selection and silent auction is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City. Tickets can also be purchased in January at Handscapes Gallery in Beaufort by calling 252-728-6805; Webb Memorial Library in Morehead City by calling 252-726-3012; and Cape Carteret Aquatic & Wellness Center by calling 252-393-1000. For more information, call Glenda at 252-240-2359.

NEWPORT COMMUNITY GARDEN Want to grow fresh food for your family but don’t have enough land? Rent a plot at the Newport Community Garden. For more information, call Lynnette Worthington Livingston at 252-223-4749 or visit www.facebook.com/newportgarden.

EventsHOLIDAY HALF-OFF CLOTHING SALE 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 29-31 at Caroline’s Collectables, 3716 Arendell St., Morehead City. This holiday sale excludes shoes, accessories and Christmas apparel. Proceeds ben-efit the Carteret County Domestic Violence Program Safe House. Shoppers can also help by donat-ing women’s shoes, clothing and accessories. For more informa-tion, visit www.carteretdomes-ticviolence.com.

BLOOD DRIVE 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, at Carteret Health Care 3500 Arendell St. in Morehead City.

SMOKE ON THE WATER ANNUAL BONFIRE 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, at the Atlantic Beach circle. This event is a part of the Crystal Coast Countdown.

CRYSTAL COAST COUNTDOWN Friday, Dec. 30, through Saturday, Jan. 1, 2017. The event will span multiple venues throughout the county and will feature indoor and outdoor activities with a lineup of musicians, storytellers, dance groups, tours, artists, art competi-tions and more. New Year’s Eve features a countdown to midnight

with a “Crab Pot Drop,” live music and fireworks.

BEAUFORT’S BUCCANEERS NEW YEAR’S 4:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, at John Newton Park. There will be free s’mores and more at the park.

FIFTH ANNUAL PIRATE DROP 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, at John Newton Park in Beaufort. Capt. Shack takes the plunge to start off the New Year.

BLOOD DRIVE 2:30-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, at Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints, 3606 Country Club Road in Morehead City.

BLOOD DRIVE 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at Shepard of the Sea Lutheran Church, 201 E. Fort Macon Road in Atlantic Beach.

CRAB POINT EXTENSION AND COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION is collecting women, men and chil-dren’s shoes in good condition to be distributed around the world to the needy. Drop off surplus shoes at Martha’s Mission in Morehead City to the attention of Emily.

HOPE MISSION is seeking donat-ed items for their new thrift store, Hope Mission Thrift Store. To donate, bring items to Hope Mission or to the new store at 1409 Bridges St. in Morehead City. Staff members will pick up large items. For more information, call 252-240-2359.

COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICE RECRUITMENT FOR FOSTER AND ADOPTIVE PARENTS To learn how to become a foster or adoptive parent, call the County Department of Social Services at 252-728-3181, ext. 6176.

Local heritageJONES ISLAND ECO TOUR 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, at Hammocks Beach State Park. Join a park ranger on a boat ride to Jones Island in the mouth of the White Oak River overlook-ing Swansboro. Participants will explore the island and discuss its wildlife, ecosystems and cul-tural history. Participants should dress for the weather. Seating is limited; registration is required by contacting the park office at 910-326-4881.

FORT TOURS 11 a.m. Monday-Friday in December (except Dec. 25), at Fort Macon State Park. For more information, call 252-726-3775.

NEW YEAR’S EVE CANNON BLAST 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, at Fort

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CALENDAR | FROM PAGE 12 NIGHTLIFE CALENDARMacon State Park. Celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of 2017 with a blast. Fort Macon will fire off its big guns in celebra-tion of the New Year. There will be live entertainment starting at 6 p.m. with the cannon firing at 7 p.m. to correspond with midnight UTC time. For more information, call 252-726-3775.

FIRST DAY HIKE 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1, at Hammocks Beach State Park. Join a park rang-er on the first day of the year for an exciting hike through the woods. Participants will get the opportunity to explore part of the park’s new property, discovering new sights and sounds and taking in the fresh air. Bring binoculars if you have them. Registration is required by contacting the park office at 910-326-4881.

FIRST DAY HIKE 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1, at Fort Macon State Park. Fort Macon will be offering two ranger-led hikes this year, both starting from the Visitor Center. One will be a short nature hike on the Yarrow’s Loop trail and inlet beach covering about ¾ of a mile. The second hike will be along the 3.2-mile Elliot Coues Trail. For more information, call 252-726-3775.

FLAGS OF FORT MACON AND THE CONFEDERACY 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 2, at Fort Macon State Park. Meet at the Fort Visitor Center to learn about the wide range of flags used by the Confederacy during the War Between the States. For more information, call 252-726-3775.

M U S K E T - F I R I N G DEMONSTRATION 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, at Fort Macon State Park. Learn about a Civil War-era musket’s history, loading procedures and firing. Participants will meet in the fort. For more information, call 252-726-3775. This program repeats every Wednesday in January.

HUGGINS ISLAND HISTORY HIKE 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, and Jan. 28, at Hammocks Beach State Park. Join a park ranger on a boat ride over to Huggins Island and learn about the unique history that has shaped this maritime island over the years. Participants will get a chance to see and explore one of the Atlantic coast’s bet-ter preserved earthwork fortifica-tions and how it played a role in the American Civil War. They will also look at other generations that have utilized this island over the years. Participants should dress for the weather. Seating is lim-ited and registration is required by calling 910-326-4881.

JONES ISLAND ECO TOUR 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, and Jan. 29, at Hammocks Beach State Park. Join a park ranger on a boat ride over to Jones Island, an island located

in the mouth of the White Oak River overlooking Swansboro. Participants will explore the island and discuss about the different wildlife and ecosystems, as well as its cultural history of this unique island. Participants should dress for the weather. Seating is lim-ited and registration is required by calling 910-326-4881.

BIRD HIKE 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 9, at Fort Macon State Park. Meet at the Visitor Center and take a lei-surely hike to identify birds native to the area. For more information, call 252-726-3775.

NATURE ON THE QUEENS 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, and Jan. 25, at Hammocks Beach State Park. Join a ranger and explore the newest addition of the park along Queens Creek learning and writing about some of the sights and sounds that can be found in the park in this nature jour-naling program. Each time is a new topic. Participants should bring their own notebook. Meet at the former FFA Camp area. Registration is required by calling 910-326-4881.

FORT TOURS 11 a.m. Monday-Friday in January at Fort Macon State Park.

EducationCRUISING AND CRUISE PLANNING CLASS 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, at First United Methodist Church in Morehead City. This eight-week class, offered by Fort Macon Sail and Power Squadron, is designed for members who cruise on a sail or power boat. Preregistration is required and can be completed by visiting www.fmsps.org. For more information, contact Ken Link at seaclef@coastalnet.com or call 252-726-0630.

SEAMANSHIP CLASS 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, at Carteret Health Care. This eight-week class is offered by the U.S. Power Squadrons local affiliate, Fort Macon Sail and Power Squadron. Preregistration is required for this class. To preregister, visit www.fmsps.org and select “Boater Education.” For more information, contact Ken Link at 252-726-0630 or seaclef@coastalnet.com.

JUICING VS. SMOOTHIES WORKSHOP 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at Carteret Community College Bryant Building conference room, first floor. Discover the benefits of juicing vs. smoothies and under-standing which ingredients are healthy and which sabotage your efforts. The class is $15. For more information, visit www.yogawell-nessnc.com or contact the instruc-tor, Theresa Jade Morton at 252-646-3923.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY FLOTILLA 20-02. To learn what capacities need to be filled and

become a uniformed volunteer Coast Guard Auxiliary member in Flotilla 20-02 in Morehead City, call 252-393-2869 or email lhorton4@ec.rr.com.

USCG ABOUT BOATING SAFELY CLASS for those 28 or older at Coastal Carolina Community College or U.S. Coast Guard Station Emerald Isle. This one-day, eight-hour class helps boaters stay safe and legal and feel more comfortable on the water. Classes are taught by certified U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors. Those who pass earn a boater safety certificate. For more information, email smathusek@ec.rr.com, call 610-331-6764 or visit http://swansboroaux.com.

BOATING SKILLS AND SEAMANSHIP Mondays and Thursdays, two hours a session, for six weeks. Classes are taught by certified U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors. Those who pass earn a boater safety certifi-cate. For more information, email smathusek@ec.rr.com, call 610-331-6764 or visit http://swans-boroaux.com.

FitnessRESOLUTION RUN 9 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 1, along the Beaufort water-front. This is a 5K and one-mile race that starts and finishes at the corner of Turner and Front streets. The registration fee is $25 per person.

GENTLE DE-STRESS YOGA CLASSES 5:15-6:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, at Carteret Community College’s Historic Camp Glenn Building. The six-week class is $40. Participants should bring a yoga mat and blanket. For more information, visit www.yogawellnessnc.com or contact the instructor, Theresa Jade Morton at 252-646-3923. The class repeats Tuesday, Feb. 21, and Tuesday, April 4.

GENTLE BACK HEALTH YOGA CLASSES 12:10-1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, at Carteret Community College’s Historic Camp Glenn Building. The six-week series is $40. Bring a yoga mat and blanket. This class is appropri-ate for all ages and no prior yoga experience is needed. For more information, visit www.yogawellnessnc.com or contact the instructor, Theresa Jade Morton at 252-646-3923. The class repeats Thursday, Feb. 23, and Thursday, April 6.

TAOIST TAI CHI noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, and noon-1:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, at the Morehead City Parks and Recreation Center, 1600 Fisher St. There is no need to prereg-ister for this four-month class. For more information, call Terri Thomas at 252-314-4110, visit taoist.org or email moreheadc-ity.nc@taoist.org.

FLOYD’S 1921: 4EverAll 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31; 7-10 p.m. Friday, April 7; 7-10 p.m. Friday, May 5; 7-10 p.m. Friday, June 2; 7-10 p.m. Friday, July 7; 7-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4; 7-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1; and 7-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6.

JACK’S WATERFRONT BAR: Celebrate the New Year’s Upstairs at Jack’s 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $25 per person, and they can be purchased at eventbrite.com.

Atlantic BeachAMOS MOSQUITO’S: Karaoke 5-9 p.m. Thursdays.

Beaufort CRU WINE BAR: Champagne tasting with Natalie of Advintage 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30; Barry Charlton 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30; and Last Chance Wranglers 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31.

BACKSTREET PUB: Nuttbred 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31.

RIBEYES: Morris Willis 6 p.m. Tuesdays. ROYAL JAMES CAFÉ: Hank Barbee 9-11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30; and Spencer Scholes 9

p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31.

Cedar PointHARRIKA’S BREW HAUS: Tastings 6-9 p.m. each Thursday; Music and $3 Drafts 7-10 p.m. Fridays, includes open microphone, live kara-oke and duets or solo acts with $3 draft beer; Biergarten 7-10 p.m. Saturdays featuring live entertainment for visitors to enjoy while sipping beer. Drink specials are also avail-able.

Emerald IsleE-CLUB: New Year’s Eve Party 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31. There will be no cover charge. DJ K Dash will play and there will be a free champagne toast, breakfast and specials. There will also be a free shuttle service.

SwansboroBORO CAFÉ: Live music at 7 p.m. every Friday.

ICEHOUSE WATERFRONT RESTAURANT: 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 p.m. Saturdays.

Harkers IslandFISH HOOK GRILL: Morris Willis 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31.

AREA SPORTS CALENDARThursday, Dec. 29

High School Basketball Holiday in the Pines Tourney at Pinecrest HS Varsity Boys: East Carteret vs. TBA .................................................. TBA

Friday, Dec. 30High School Basketball Holiday in the Pines Tourney at Pinecrest HS Varsity Boys: East Carteret vs. TBA .................................................. TBA

Tuesday, Jan. 3High School Basketball JV Boys: North Brunswick at Croatan ....................................... 4:30 p.m. Varsity Girls: North Brunswick at Croatan ..................................... 6 p.m. Varsity Boys: North Brunswick at Croatan ............................... 7:30 p.m.High School Wrestling West Craven, Havelock at West Carteret ...................................... 6 p.m. North Brunswick, Croatan at Northside-Jacksonville .................. 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 4High School Winter Track and Field Croatan at Swansboro ........................................................................ 3 p.m.High School Basketball JV Girls: East Carteret at Northside-Jacksonville ......................... 4 p.m. JV Boys: East Carteret at Northside-Jacksonville ................... 5:30 p.m. Varsity Girls: East Carteret at Northside-Jacksonville ................ 7 p.m. Varsity Boys: East Carteret at Northside-Jacksonville .......... 8:30 p.m.High School Wrestling South Lenoir, Lejeune at East Carteret .......................................... 6 p.m.

* Scheduled events subject to change

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For more information, call the library at 252-726-3032, or stop by during business hours.

The Webb is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Details are also available at the library’s website: www.thewebbli-brary.com.

ELVIS | FROM PAGE 7

BY MEGAN SOULTNEWS-TIMES

As 2016 comes to a close, many people look forward to celebrating the beginning of a new year.

Several towns in the county will ring in the new year with many events and activities on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

FridayAtlantic Beach will celebrate

the occasion with the event Bonfire at the Beach.

From 6-8 p.m. at the Atlantic Beach circle, gather around the fire and enjoy the live music of Robert McDuffy. This event is free and open to the public.

SaturdayThe History Museum of

Carteret County will ring in the New Year with a Hat Making Party.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., make plans to visit the muse-um to participate in an event that is fun for children and adults alike.

The event is free with gen-eral admission to the museum, which is $3 per adult and $1 for child. All Carteret County

Historical Society members are admitted for free.

All hat-making supplies and assistance will be provided by the museum’s staff.

The museum is at 1008 Arendell St. in Morehead City.

From 1-4 p.m., the N.C. Maritime Museum will host an activity that helps celebrate the New Year.

The museum will supply a template for 2017 glasses and hats, while participants supply the creativity.

Add spots, stripes, glitter, words, bows and more. Adults and children are invited to attend this free event.

The N.C. Maritime Museum is at 315 Front St. in Beaufort. For more information, call 252-728-7317 or visit www.ncmaritimemuseums.com.

After attending the free event at the N.C. Maritime Museum, downtown Beaufort will have several activities planned for the evening.

From 6-6:30 p.m., Capt. Shack will walk the plank high above the Beaufort Docks for the New Year’s Eve Pirate Drop. The pirate will take the dive into Taylor’s Creek.

At 6:30 p.m., the event Marshmallows and Resolutions will feature live

Crystal Coast Countdown events set

music and s’mores, as well as hot cider and cocoa.

This event takes place at John Newton Park.

The whole family can enjoy this event. Those who are attending should bring lawn chairs. Participants are reminded that coolers are not permitted. Beer and wine sales will be on site.

Morehead City will also count down to the New Year with a Crab Pot Drop that is bigger and better than ever.

The drop, which was previ-ously held at Katherine Davis Park, will now be held at Jib Plaza and will feature live music and fireworks. The pot drops at midnight.

Over at Fort Macon, cel-ebrate the end of 2016 and the beginning of 2017 with a blast.

The fort will fire off the cannon for a New Year’s Eve Cannon Blast.

The event starts at 6 p.m. with a live performance by the band Gumbo Lily.

The cannons will go off at 7 p.m. to coincide with mid-night Greenwich Mean Time. Participants should bring a

folding chair and a picnic.For more information, call

252-726-3775.

SundayAt the start of 2017, get a

head start on New Year’s res-olutions with the Resolution Run.

The 5K and one-mile run starts at 9 a.m. at the corner of Front and Turner streets.

The registration fee is $25 per person.

Then, at 1 p.m., take a dive into the ocean for a good cause.

The annual Penguin Plunge will be held at the Atlantic Beach circle.

Each year the event raises money for a nonprofit orga-nization. This year, the recipi-ent of the funds raised is the Carteret Community College’s Veteran’s Student Success Center.

Preregistration is avail-able online at www.penguin-plunge.org, and registration for the one-day event will begin at 10 a.m. on the board-walk in front of the Crab’s Claw Restaurant.

Registration forms can also

be downloaded from the web-site and brought to the reg-istration tables on the day of the event.

Penguin Plunge participants donate a minimum of $10 ($5 for children 12 and under) to participate in the event.

Donations of $20 include an event T-shirt while $35 yields a sweatshirt. A limited num-ber of Penguin Plunge beach towels are also available for purchase at $30.

For more information and the latest updates about the 2017 Penguin Plunge, visit www.penguin-plunge.org.

First Day Hikes will be offered at Fort Macon State Park and Hammocks Beach State Park.

Fort Macon will offer two ranger-led hikes starting at 2 p.m. at the Visitor’s Center. One will be a short nature hike on the Yarrow’s Loop Trail and inlet beach covering about ¾ of a mile. The second hike will be along the 3.2-mile Elliot Coues Trail.

The hikes at Hammocks Beach State Park start at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the park.

Registration is required by calling the park at 910-326-4881.

The Emanc ipat ion Proclamation will be celebrat-ed at 3 p.m. in the district courtroom on the first floor of the courthouse in Beaufort. (A previous article incorrectly reported 11 a.m.)

Those who attend the cel-ebration can hear a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation and the Gettysburg Address, songs, the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer and the lighting of candles and recogni-tion of departed members.

For more information on the event, call 252-728-4840.

To have an event added to the New Year’s celebration list, email details to megan.soult@thenewstimes.com.

Jayden Cabrera, center, leads the pack of runners at the start of a previous Resolution Run in Beaufort. This year’s run, which is at 9 a.m. Sunday in Beaufort, is one of many events taking place in the county to celebrate the New Year. (Dylan Ray photo)

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Oyster roastOcracoke Seafood Co. will host the 11th annual Oyster Roast and Shrimp Steam fundraiser to benefit the Ocracoke Working Watermen Association. This year’s event is from 2-5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, at the Fish House on Ocracoke. Seafood lovers will be able to enjoy steamed oysters, steamed shrimp, Vince and Rudy’s Famous Fish Stew, soft drinks, water, live music and raffle items. The price is yet to be determined. It will depend on the price of seafood. After the roast, the Ocracoke Working Watermen’s exhibit will feature hot cider and homemade desserts from 3-6 p.m. Bring your own oyster knife. For more details, visit Ocracoke Seafood Festival’s Facebook page. (Dylan Ray photo)

On Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, with temperatures set for just 54 degrees, hundreds of people will rush into the Atlantic Ocean to raise money for charity.

The 14th annual Penguin Plunge is set for 1 p.m. on the boardwalk at Atlantic Beach, and everyone is invited to take part, as a “penguin” or as a spectator.

Preregistration is available online at www.penguin-plunge.org, and registration for the one-day event will begin at 10 a.m. on the boardwalk in front of the Crab’s Claw Restaurant.

Registration forms can also be downloaded from the website and brought to the registration tables on the day of the event.

Last year, more than 800 “pen-guins” waddled into the chilly Atlantic as thousands of spectators provided encouragement.

More than $11,000 was raised for the 2016 charity.

This year’s charity is Carteret Community College’s Veteran’s Student Success Center.

Penguin Plunge participants donate a minimum of $10 ($5 for children 12 and under) to partici-pate in the event.

Hank Hingley, coordinator of the Veteran’s Student Success Center, is excited that donations from the 2017 Penguin Plunge will serve veterans.

“The objective of the center is to assist in the transition from mili-tary to campus life through peer and social support,” Mr. Hingley, a retired Marine and psychology faculty member at the college. “Donations will be used to support the center’s mission to arm our military active duty, veterans and dependents with the resources and support necessary to achieve

Annual Penguin Plunge to benefit Veteran’s Student Success Center

their educational goals.” More information about the

Carteret Community College’s Veteran’s Student Success Center can be found by visiting www.carteret.edu/student-life/veter-ans-success-center/.

Donations of $20 include an event T-shirt while $35 yields a sweatshirt. A limited number of Penguin Plunge beach towels are also available for purchase at $30.

Participants should plan to arrive early for the shirt pickup and bring donations in the form of cash or credit card.

“Penguins” should wear bath-ing suits and use the buddy sys-tem while taking the plunge and be prepared to enter the ocean at 1 p.m.

Organizers remind participants to be in good health before par-ticipating in the Penguin Plunge.

A towel and warm clothes are also recommended for after the plunge when prizes for the various challenges will be awarded.

Penguin Plunge co-founder,

Miriam Sutton, encourages groups to participate in the Challenge Awards, which include school (high school, middle school and elementary divisions), corporate and civic challenges.

Plaques will be awarded based on the highest number of “pen-guins” making donations to par-ticipate in the Penguin Plunge event. A costume contest will also be held for those who wish to participate.

“Spectators can also make donations to the charity during the event,” Ms. Sutton added. “We even have ‘Too Chicken to Plunge’ stickers available for those who prefer to stay dry and observe the fun.”

For more information and the latest updates about the 2017 Penguin Plunge, visit www.penguin-plunge.org or visit our “Penguin Plunge” Facebook page.

Penguin Plunge mascot, Gilbert, will also be posting last-minute updates on his “Penguin Plunge” Twitter page.

Participants in a previous Penguin Plunge run toward the ocean. This year’s event is set for 1 p.m. on the boardwalk at Atlantic Beach. (Dylan Ray photo)

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The deadline for Carteret Writer’s annual writing con-test is quickly approaching.

Next year marks the 26th year for the group’s annual writing contest.

The contest is open to all writers age 18 and above.

Submissions are accepted from Sunday, Jan. 1, through Wednesday, March 8, for five categories.

The five categories are fiction, flash fiction, non-fiction, poetry and writing for children. This category is intended for adults who write for children.

Entries must be in English, submitted by mail and must be unpublished at the time of submission.

The judging will be blind and conducted by published authors, journalists or other professionals in the field of writing who are not mem-bers of Carteret Writers.

Their criteria will be origi-nality and literary quality.

Winners wi l l be announced at an awards banquet in May, and the winning entries will be pub-lished in the group’s literary journal, Shoal.

Awards for each category are $100 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place.

There will also be one honorable mention for each category.

Carteret Writers is a non-profit organization based in Morehead City.

The group consists of both published and unpublished writers of all genres that meet monthly, September through April.

Visit www.carteretwrit-ers.org for detailed submis-sion guidelines and contest forms, or email questions to carteretwriters@gmail.com.

The U.S. Power Squadrons local affiliate, Fort Macon Sail and Power Squadron, is offer-ing the public a course entitled “Cruising and Cruise Planning.”

The course starts at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, at First United Methodist Church in Morehead City and runs for eight weeks. The course is held on Tuesday evenings.

The course is designed for members who cruise on either a sail or powerboat (owned or chartered).

Students will learn the best boat to select for their type of cruising, plus equipment and systems such as the electrical system, safety equipment and galley planning and prepara-tion.

Next it goes into electronics and electronic navigation, charts and planning on approaching harbors, inlets, bridges and locks.

The course features a sec-tion on crew and crew selec-tion, clothing, eye wear and bedding.

The chapter on communica-tions presents VHF radio and the Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI), travel docu-ments, entering and clearing ports and U.S. Customs and border protection. There is a section on chartering and boat security.

The course then moves into medical needs and prepared-ness, references and sources, weather websites, survival

equipment and CPR. The material covers cruis-

ing the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the Great Lakes, inland lakes and rivers and the Pacific Northwest.

Finally, there is a cruising planning exercise so students can practice in the comfort of their own home what they will do when on the water.

Preregistration is required for this course. To preregister, go to www.fmsps.org and select Boater Education. Click on the far right “cost” column for the Cruising and Cruise Planning course listing and follow the directions.

For more information, contact Ken Link at seaclef@coastalnet.com or call 252-726-0630.

Local Power Squadron to offer lessons on cruising

The U.S. Power Squadrons local affiliate, Fort Macon Sail and Power Squadron, is offer-ing the public a course entitled “Seamanship.”

This course consists of boat handling, seamanship, rules of the road and marlinspike (knots, bends and hitches).

The course starts at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, at Carteret Health Care and will run for eight weeks. The room will be deter-mined.

Seamanship discusses the “before you go” information on recreational boating, the boat itself, weather, safety, medica-tions, the environmental con-siderations, a boat’s condition

and courtesy. Next, students will spend time

discussing the boat, how differ-ent boats behave, what materi-als boats are constructed from like wood, steel, concrete and plastics. They will also cover planning, propulsion, steering, rudders, maneuvering and single versus multi-engine.

Then the students will move into maneuvering and what works best, followed by handling a boat at sea, reading the waves, finding lighted and unlighted buoys, navigation hazards, com-mercial traffic, military vessels and dredges.

A whole chapter is spent on the rules of the road, one of the

most important parts of using a boat.

Students will also discuss anchoring, mooring and rafting, emergencies on the waters and special circumstances like Man Overboard and fire.

They will see common line configurations, types of marine line, care of line and basic knots.

Preregistration is required for this course. To preregister, visit www.fmsps.org and select “Boater Education.”

Click on the far right “cost” col-umn for the Seamanship course listing and follow the directions.

For more information, con-tact Ken Link at 252-726-0630 or seaclef@coastalnet.com.

Seamanship course scheduled

Writing group to host annual contest

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