Irish Dancers Back in Town!
By Phyllis Makuck
McTeggart Irish Dancers from Kentucky will be back in town at the end of the month.
They will perform, once again, at St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church in Salter Path on
Wednesday, July 25, at 1 p.m., after the regularly scheduled noon Celtic service. A finger-
food lunch will follow. All are welcome!
If you attended last year, you know what an exciting event this promises to be. If you
missed it, you’re in for an unexpected treat. The dance group that will be here consists of
eight teenage girls, all accomplished dancers who compete internationally This year, some
of them even danced in Dublin, Ireland. They will perform for us, free of charge, in cos
tume, to lively Irish music, lifting everyone’s spirits—wowing all with their energy and skill.
Their connection to Pine Knoll Shores is through Gary and Elise Bray from Lexington,
Kentucky, who have a second home in Beacons Reach. The Brays’ two daughters, Abby and
Anna, have been dancing with the McTeggarts for 10 years. They will be coming here with
family and friends for some beach time after a big dance workshop in Boulder, Colorado.
The July 25th program will take place upstairs in the main church. You may want to ar
rive by noon to attend the Celtic Eucharist service or arrive a little later in time for the 1
p.m. dance, which will last about 30 minutes. Plan to stay after the program to visit with the
dancers and have a late lunch in the church hall. For more information, go to www.stfran-
cisbythesea.org and click on current events or call me at 726-8776.
Aquarium Volunteers Earn State Honors
Pine Knoll Shores’ Aquarium volunteers Tom Lenweaver, Ann Lenweaver and Claire Burkhart have been singled out for the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for distin
guished volunteer service. This prestigious award is given annually to North Carolina residents who exemplify the spirit of service to others.
These award recipients have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to the Aquarium’s volunteer program, as evidenced by their in-depth knowledge of aquatic life and con
tinuing study of various aquarium species, said Volunteer Coordinator Chris Carlin. “We are so proud that these dedicated volunteers are part of the Aquarium team.”
Ann and Tom Lenweaver began volunteering at the Aquarium in 2006 and have filled a leadership role in that program by serving as trainers, volunteer aquarists, divers, touch
tank and discovery cart interpreters, special event helpers and much more. Both have received the Aquarium’s Volunteer of the Year Award and the Dive Team Award.
Claire Burkhart also began volunteering at the Aquarium in 2006. She has logged the greatest number of hours—more than 3,500—of any volunteer since the Aquarium re
opened in May 2006. She serves as a trainer, touch tank and discovery cart interpreter, volunteer aquarist and special events helper. She has received the Aquarium’s Volunteer of
the Year Award and the Above and Beyond Award. In addition to her work at the Aquarium, Claire volunteers with several animal welfare groups in Carteret County.
Tom Lenweaver, Aquarium Director Allen Monroe, Ann Lenweaver Volunteer Coordinator Chris Carlin and Claire Burkhart
July 2012 I The Shoreline 7