A Celebration of
Friendship and Service
2019: YEAR OF THE TREE
By Janie Price
Friends gathered in October to celebrate and extend well wishes to friend and
long-time Pine Knoll Shores resident Diane Donovan before she relocates to
Raleigh to be near family.
Back in the ’80s, Diane and husband, Jay, had built their retirement home in
Florida, but plans changed when they decided to stop in Pine Knoll Shores to
visit friends. During that and later visits, they found Pine Knoll Shores to be so
appealing that they never moved to Florida. Diane arrived in July 1985, and Jay
followed a few months later after finishing up things with his job. Diane and Jay
took to life in Pine Knoll Shores. They had some established friends already living
here and joined the country club, where they made even more connections.
About the time that Diane arrived in town, there was a growing interest in
establishing a library on the island. The Marine Resources Center (predecessor to
today’s aquarium) had been hosting a small space for the library, but when it was
decided that the space was needed to house a sea turtle exhibit, the search began
for a permanent location.
Having been a library volunteer since 3rd grade, Diane agreed to chair the
committee to relocate the library, and work began to find a suitable building. All
towns along Bogue Banks were considered, but in the end. Pine Knoll Shores was
chosen because of its central location.
The Friends of the Library was organized, with Diane serving as its first
president, and donations were solicited for the new library. A space was donated
in town; furnishings were provided at wholesale cost by a local furniture broker;
funds came from towns, businesses and individuals; and the Bogue Banks Public
Library in its own space became a reality.
Diane also volunteered to do office work with home hospice when that
service was first established, with the Salvation Army Board of Directors and
with volunteers who worked to dress teddy bears and dolls to be given to
disadvantaged children, and she even served for a while on the Shoreline staff.
She also found time to serve a couple of terms on the board of Pine Knoll
Association.
After Jay passed away in 1991, Diane found she wanted more activities to help
fill the void left by the loss of her dear husband. She volunteered at the library, at
the aquarium and at the Beaufort Historical Association (BHA). With her degree
in retailing, it wasn’t long before she took over the gift shop for BHA, which
turned into a “real” job.
Many in Pine Knoll Shores have been touched by Diane through the years,
and this writer is no exception. A number of years ago, Diane assisted in teaching
bridge to a group of town residents—and that has helped to create a circle of fast
friends. Diane is a formidable opponent at the bridge table, yet is quick to offer
encouragement and tips when needed.
As she heads to Raleigh, Diane plans to continue to knit lap robes, prayer
shawls, and baby sweaters and blankets to benefit those in need. She will spend
more time with family and continue to play bridge. She says she also plans to
relax—but we’ll see how that goes.
Thank you and best wishes, Diane. You have certainly left your mark on Pine
Knoll Shores.
Community Appearance
Commission Update
By Amry Cox, CAC Member
Many folks naturally think about spring planting, but fall has distinct benefits
and may be even better. Cooler temperatures are easier on both those doing the
planting and the plants. The earth is still warm and allows for root growth up
through a hard frost or winter freeze. Fall may even have a greater number of
good planting days when temperatures, rain and sun nicely align.
Fall can also bring bargain buys at nurseries, as they are trying to limit
inventory before winter sets in. According to the Better Homes and Gardens
online site, less watering is needed in fall, with its milder temperatures, than in
spring to counteract higher temperatures and dryer summer months.
Fall’s mild temperatures and normal rainfall contribute to growing new root
stock, and the plants are not also trying to produce new leaves. Adding leaf
litter and mulch, which introduce vital nutrients for root growth, is a further
aid. A stronger, more developed root system is better to support new growth in
the spring. According to the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, which has a
program in tree research, it is best to refrain from fertilizing in the fall as that
would unnecessarily promote new top growth.
Did you know that different species of trees might have their own time of year
for optimum development? Trees to consider planting in the fall are hawthorn,
maple, sycamore and pines (best to choose longleaf or slash, which are not as
attractive to pine beetles). Conifers with needle leaves need a somewhat earlier
start in the fall than hardwoods because they prefer the slightly warmer soil
temperature of late summer.
Davey Tree Service’s company blog has an easy to remember rule of thumb:
plant at least six weeks prior to extreme conditions of winter or summer. This
gives the newly planted tree time to start acclimating and sending out new roots
before it goes into hibernation and freezing or experiences the heat and dryness
of summer.
So, fall is fine for planting, and November is nice in our growing zone. An
estimated 2,000 to 3,000 mature trees were lost due to Hurricane Florence.
Another 750-800 trees have been lost due to wind and a surging infestation
of pine bark beetles. The town and residents have their work cut out for them
replacing that number of trees
because it takes a decade or two to
grow a mature tree. Replant now—
and again in the spring.
Since we are talking about trees,
a quick shout out to the Pine Knoll
Shores Garden Club for celebrating
their 45th year and their own Year of
the Tree. Our tree population and tree
canopy need all the help they can get.
WILLIAMS HARDWARE
at Morehead Plaza
• WINDOW & SCREEN REPAIR
• POWER TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
• LAWN & GARDEN SUPPLIES
• CHAINS & FASTENERS
• PLUMBERS & ELECTRICAL
• SHARPENING SERVICE
Gerber, Buck & Case Knives • Keys
Glass Cut to Size • We Cut Thread Pipe
ssirsy
Hardware
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252-726-7158
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The Shoreline I November 2019