Pine Knoll Shores Mayor's Notes

Let’s do it again!

HERE THEY COME toward the finish line, in all sorts of bright colors! We are speaking of kayaks, of course. Pine Knoll Shores hosted the first-ever, town-sponsored, and we hope the first annual, kayak race on May 17. The idea was initiated by a member of the town’s Recreation Advisory Committee and this great group of folks moved into high gear to accomplish the planning for this signature event. 

The focus for the event was “Kayak for the Warriors,” mirroring Camp Lejeune’s “Run for the Warriors,” an annual 5K/10K road race. Through a nonprofit organization called “Hope for the Warriors,” funds raised by these events support service personnel who have suffered combat wounds in Iraq or Afghanistan and their families. Our part of the events of the day, the kayak race, raised over $700 for the benefit of folks convalescing at Camp Lejeune.

The kayakers put in at Garner Park and paddled a little over four miles to finish at the Beacon’s Reach Marina. One of the paddlers told me that it was fairly calm when they started out, but the wind picked up quite a bit as they headed west. And, I don’t believe it was blowing in the direction which would have made the trip easier. We had some mighty tired paddlers as they crossed the finish line, but they were welcomed in the water by our champion town manager, Brian Kramer, barefoot, and sporting short pants and a safety vest. On shore, however, they were greeted by shouts and cheers from the happy crowd who were obviously enjoying the whole show. First to cross the finish line was Garrett Smith, one of our part-time residents whose other home is in Raleigh.

Run by an enthusiastic and lively group of volunteers with some support from town administrative staff, as well as some of our good Fire/EMS, police and CERT members, the day was an outstanding success. Volunteers provided assistance in sign making, staffing safety stations, operating safety vessels in Bogue Sound, as well as having snacks and cool drinks available for the returning paddlers.

I think we could say that a “good time was had by all,” and a vote of sincere appreciation goes to Jo-Ann Shallcross, the Chair of the Recreation Advisory Committee and her team for all of their good work on giving this idea some “traction.” Let’s do it again!

Women’s Club Member Shares Widow’s Concerns

The meeting of the Pine Knoll Shores Women’s Club (PKSWC) on May 23 featured member, Dr. Terrie Sweeny, speaking about “Moving on After the Death of a Spouse.” Living alone is different. It takes getting used to after 60 years of being responsible for others. The freedom gives one the ability do exactly what one wants, when one wants, without consulting anyone, but it must be done in the process of missing one’s life partner.  

She stressed the importance of forgiving yourself for any mistakes or misunderstandings of the past because those things cannot be changed. It is extremely important to have all financial affairs in order so that the transition to the new life stage will go as smoothly as possible. It is difficult enough to do what must be done when one is grieving without the complications of poor or missing records, etc. Living alone in the present, one must recognize and adjust to living a different way. A new stage of life needs to be dealt with constructively. 

Terrie explained how psychologist Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs helps us understand ways that can help one deal with a loss. Maslow has described the hierarchy of needs which can provide a model for someone in this stage of life. After basic physiological and safety needs are met, a person can now move on to fulfill higher needs such as those in the cognitive and aesthetic areas. After those needs have been realized, it is possible to go up to the higher points on the pyramid, including self-actualization and finally transcendence.

During the business meeting PKSWC founding mothers Connie Browne and Jo Swann were honored and members voted for 2008-09 officers. The club does not meet during summer months and meetings will resume in September.  All women living in Pine Knoll Shores are welcome to join.

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