Why Do We Live On Ocracoke?
A wonderful article by Frances Stead Sellers just came out in the Washington Post a few days ago, entitled “Amid flooding and rising sea levels, residents of one barrier island wonder if it’s time to retreat.” As an Ocracoke resident, I am often asked by friends and visitors how long I plan to stay, how many times we think we can rebuild and fight the inevitable rising tides when it would seem smarter and more secure to move inland to a more stable location.
My response reflects why I moved to Ocracoke Island twenty-six years ago. I believe it also explains why visitors return year after year, generation after generation to this special place. Why do we stay? The simple-yet-complex answer is because it is much easier to rebuild from physical damage, however costly and time consuming, than it is to build a community, especially one that has roots that stretch back 300 years.
Although I was first attracted to Ocracoke’s beautiful natural setting, I stayed for the relationships I formed and the sense of welcome I received. Ocracoke’s tiny village (chocked full of local families, artists, restauranteurs, academics, lost wanderers, curmudgeons, masseuses, and misfits all looking to drop off the map) resonated deep in my heart and soul. I know there are other special places like Ocracoke around the globe, but they aren’t easy to find. So, when I stumbled on one, I instinctively latched on.
Living in isolation does something to your psyche, and living in chosen isolation with a group distills and clarifies meaning in life. Here on the frontier, I am forced to rub shoulders with a wide variety of folks. Most of these characters thrive at this remote post because they have strong personal compasses. . . ones that point in every possible direction. I find it invigorating and inspiring to mix with them each day.
Thank you for your interest in the Ocracoke community . . . for your donations, contributions, prayers and thoughts. Whatever the long-term future might hold, we are here now, and look forward to your return.
David Tweedie
Ocracoke Alive Executive Director
Photo by Casey Robertson
Upcoming Events That Support Ocracoke
Wednesday, Nov 13 ~ 10:30 AM-12 PM, Legislature Building, Raleigh, NC . Rally at the NC State Legislature Building to ask the state legislature to pass a hurricane relief bill for Eastern NC before the end of the session. Come show your support!
Saturday, November 16, 7 PM ~ Music Across the Sounds Benefit Concert for Ocracoke Artists at the Turnage Theatre in Washington, NC presented by Arts on the Pamlico. Funds raised will be channeled through the non-profit Ocracoke Alive to sponsor programming in the Ocracoke community by Ocracoke artists.
How Else Can I Help?
Ocracoke Alive is recommending two ways that you can donate to help the community.
1. Assist Ocracoke Alive through a tax-deductible donation to help repair Deepwater Theater at www.ocracokealive.org or mail a contribution to Ocracoke Alive, PO Box 604, Ocracoke, NC 27960. Donations made through our Ocracoke Alive General Contribution Fund will help us get Deepwater Theater back in operation so that this fall and winter, our space will be available for student and community activities and meetings. As you can imagine, a multipurpose space is much in need with so many structures damaged. Fortunately, we had moved many of our supplies to our new storage shed, but we still anticipate about $25,000 in repairs. The Outer Banks Community Foundation has generously started us off by awarding Ocracoke Alive $5000 to replace contents lost (fridge, tables, displays).
2. Make a General Contribution to Ocracoke through the Outer Banks Community Foundation Dorian Disaster Fund. These monies will pass through the Ocracoke Fire Department Board for distribution in the community. When making the donation, you can determine if you would like it to go to a more general fund for Hatteras and Ocracoke, or focus just on Ocracoke.
Ocracoke is a resilient community. As we work together, the core spirit of the village has earned the admiration of the aid workers who have arrived on the scene. Thank you for your support in helping us heal. We look forward to having you back here when the dust settles.
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