causes to celebrate

Two Ocracoke Island non-profits hosted fundraising events to help visitors and locals come together in celebration of the new year. The Ocracoke Working Waterman's Association steamed oysters and shrimp and served up Van's fish chowder on the afternoon of the 30th. It's quickly become one of my favorite winter events, bundling up and standing side by side with friends old and new, shucking and slurping to the point of bursting. The oysters this year, perhaps due to the early cold snap, are gorgeous, plump and ridiculously succulent.

Last nights festivities included dancing to beach music at the Community Center to support the Ocracoke Fire Protection Association, our Volunteer Fire Department. They were in action twice putting out fires in December. I was happy to hear from my firefighting friend Sarah (who wears specially ordered extra small suit and boots) about their rapid response time and efficiently organized efforts.

We'd gone to look at the house they spent hours dousing during the bitter cold of early December. I was worried about how cold she must have been, standing outside all night, until she pointed out that she'd been a few feet away from a wall of flame. Then I had other reasons for concern. Thank you to all our firepeople for your bravery and commitment.