Spring has Sprung for Parrot Heads!

By: Ken Stone

The beginning of the warm season… YAY!  It’s gonna keep getting better and better as we ramp up for the coming season!  Parrot Heads started out the merry month of March with our PHriday PHlocking paying homage to St. Patrick with lots of PHolks a-wearin’ the green and getting happy feet to an Irish jig or two and lots of great tunes from 4Ever All.  Plenty of games, great food, and laughter as usual.  Even had a 50/50 raffle with Rowdy Rene choosing to send the winning pot on to a family in need.  Lots of sign-ups for coming events amidst the fun and plans for the huge E.I. St. Patrick’s Day Festival and the Parrot Head booth.  But first, a crew of 22 Parrot Heads woke up Saturday morning (not too early of course) to help out the NC Coastal Federation in cleaning up and trail maintenance at Hoop Pole Creek.  The best (or worst) find this year was oddly, a full set of men’s clothing; go figure??  Anyway, Parrot Heads, Federation folks, and other volunteers left the environs around the creek looking pristine and natural; a good deed.

On to the big event for the month:  The Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Day Festival where we set up our booth on a gorgeous day complete with a 22 item Riff Raff Raffle of great goodies donated by generous Parrot Head members and local merchants, with all funds going to this year’s worthy charity, The Carteret County Domestic Violence Program.  Lots of sunshine, laughter,  and tons of people made for a fabulous day.  We were also able to pass along info on the Program and there were lots of happy raffle winners announced and contacted at the end of the day.   As usual, we had a rip roaring good time (that’s what Parrot Heads do, Party With a Purpose) while raising and donating $964 to the Domestic Violence Program.   Now $964 seemed like an odd number, so we threw in a few extra bucks to round it up to $1000; know the program can certainly put the funds to good use.  Aside from the raffle, we set up our pirate cut out for free photo ops, promoted the Parrot Head Club and some of our upcoming activities, signed up new members, gave out a bunch of green beads and bling, had Party On the Parrot flying around the booth getting photos with kids and adults alike, saw some green hair coloring come out, and joined in the general great time of the entire Festival.  The Town does an incredible job of pulling this huge and festive event together and we’re always happy to participate in it.  Next time you see some of the E.I. Town staff or Business Association folks, tell them THANKS!

As April flows on in we’ve got a busy calendar, so come on out and join us for some community spirited fun:

•  April 5 – PHirst PHriday PHlocking with the theme of “Scavenger Skills” to get PHolks pumped for the next day’s town-wide Scavenger Hunt and tunes by Scearce & Ketner.
• April 6 – Town-wide Scavenger Hunt starting with registration at The Emerald Club
• April 11 – New Member Welcome & Social at Senor Dick’s Piano Bar
• April 13 – Adopt a Highway Spring Litter Pickup

That’s April, but don’t forget to schedule May 18 for participation in our annual Beach Bicycle Poker Run to benefit Hope for the Warriors; you don’t want to miss this!  And while you’re scheduling things, you should remember to wish a big Happy Birthday to those Parrot Heads who made their debut into the world during the month of April.  They be: Phyllis Harke, Jordan Williams, Susan Johnson, Wendy Merrill, Steve Hoyle, Ty “Water Master” Cannon, Annie Hughes, Matt Teachey, Mystie Turnage, Russell Burgess, Valerie Johnson, Matt “Mr. E. Club” Morel, James “El Presidente” Hicks, Diane Hulse, Gary Schroeder, Dan Grainger, Kim Venters, Bob Messig, Debbie Blondin, and Catherine Hudson.

The season’s upon us so take a deep breath, be kind to those around you, and of course… don’t be an April Fool (or any other month for that matter)… get a designated driver if you’re having a cold one.  Life moves pretty fast; if you don’t stop to look around once in a while you could miss it.  See y’all around the Isle; peace out!   Ken

Well we got some cold (no snow like up north though!) and things on the Isle slowed up some, but that didn’t slow down the Parrot Head crew.  Our regular PHriday PHlocking celebrated Mardi Gras with folks pouring into the Emerald Club in costume and bringing in all kinds of gumbos, beignets, and other tasty treats related to Mardi Gras (even a King Cake, Leeanna scored the baby) to party in true New Orleans style.  Our PHlocking Committee made sure there were plenty of beads and masks to go around, people came dressed to carry on, and pumped up the good times and laughter with teams of PHlockers doing their best to dress up one member in the rowdiest Mardi Gras outfit; thankfully, few pictures of this survived.   After a spirited game, Lee Summer Williams and George Brumbelow were ceremoniously crowned mini-marshmallow catching queen and king.  Our own Bobbie Raub DJ’d the event with an infusion of Zydeco music to keep everybody cranking with good tunes, and a 50/50 raffle was held with winner Carl Rauschenburg donating back his 50% of the take to the Salvation Army who was the chosen charity for the mini raffle.  Parrot Heads… generous and fun loving as can be!

Everybody is gearing up for our next big showing at our Parrot Head booth at the Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Day Festival.  We’ll have lots of bling and decorations, info on the Club and what we do, a Riff Raff Raffle with a variety of donated items from generous local merchants and Parrot Heads, and of course all the proceeds of this will be donated to charity.  I ‘spect you’ll also see Party-On the Parrot running around, and you can get your picture taken in our giant pirate cut out.  Stop on by and join in the fun at our booth and take in a great festival with something for everyone.  The Town does an amazing job at putting this whole event together and it shouldn’t be missed.

If you can plan ahead more than a few minutes, put some Parrot Head fun events up on your calendar: 3/2- Hoop Pole Creek Cleanup with the NC Coastal Federation, 3/16- E.I. St. Patty’s Day Festival, 4/5- Adopt a Highway Spring Litter Pickup, 4/11-New Member Social at Senor Dick’s Piano Bar, 4/13- Town-wide Scavenger Hunt, and 5/18-Beach Bike Poker Run.  That’s just a start; more to come!

And hey, don’t forget to wish a super happy birthday to the following Parrot Heads born in March when you see them around town. They be… Everette “Cap’n” Grissom, Ronna Kennedy, Suzanne “Cats” Lindley, Patricia Kennedy, Joy Musser, Gene “Colorado” Harmande, Beverly Stenzel, Austin Davis, Ed Palilonis, Kim Bennett, Russ Johnston, Carolyn Fowle, Betty Strader, Lanny Thomas, April Hardee, Carol Poe, Julia Weber, Will “Coastal Salt” Ashby, Joy “Nurse” Bailey, Wade Viverette, Debra Bejcek, Kathy Pope, and Mart Passey. Have a great day and celebrate with friends, love, and laughter; y’all made it another year in style!

Speaking of celebrating… don’t forget, if you’re having a drink or 2, make sure you and your friends have a designated driver so that you and those around you stay safe and alive.  Meanwhile, get out and enjoy the great area we live in, and throw out an act of kindness whenever you can; what goes around comes around.  Around?  Yup, I’ll see you around the Isle…  Ken    

Cold, warm, cold, warm, cold; weather can’t make up its’ mind, but Parrot Heads adapted and partied on.  Hey, it’s winter at the beach, but there’s always a sunny day to make you smile and say “Ah-h-h… Dang, this place is great!” whether it’s 70 degrees or 30 degrees.  Our regularly scheduled PHirst PHriday PHlocking drew in the locals to listen to great tunes from 4 Ever More, snarf some good food and grog, and catch up on whassup around town.  We started collecting our outrageously expensive (what???) member dues of $10 for the year to help support activities and cover expenses, and also signed up a bunch of new members who wanted to join in on the fun and community spirit.  Lots of happy feet ate up the dance floor too.  Good friends, good times, and more to come in 2013 and beyond.

A couple of weeks later, we cranked out our annual “PHluff Up The PHlock” gathering of PH Board members and other interested Parrot Heads to take a look at where we’ve been and where we’re going as a Club and settle on new officers and Board members.  35 feathered friends gathered at Stones End and broke into groups to comment, throw out ideas, and plan; what a great crew!  Quickie highlights:  We’re upgrading and updating our website (come check us out at emeraldisleparrotheads.com), Facebook, and Twitter so everyone can stay up to the minute on whassup with us, pumping up organization and fun stuff at our monthly PHlockings at the beloved Emerald Club, promoting quality and involved membership and fun, and plotting out this year’s activities and charity work.

If you look into your crystal ball and say “Eenie, meenie, chili beanie, the spirits are about to speak…” (Hey, old geezers think Bullwinkle and Rocky), you’ll get a vision of good stuff to come.  OR, just read on for a sneak peek…  Aside from themed PHlockings, great music from some of our favorite bands, and all out inside and outside fun and frolic at the E. Club, we’re planning a heavy duty schedule of fun events that fit our motto of “Party with a Purpose”.  March 2 – help out with the NC Coastal Federation to clean up Hoop Pole Creek in Atlantic Beach.  March 16- Check out our booth at the Emerald Isle St. Patty’s Day Fest; stop by for a great Riff Raff Raffle with proceeds and donations to a local charity TBA, giveaway bling, Party-On the Parrot, photo opportunities, meet some of the crew, and find out what we’re all about having a great time while we help out in our community.  April 6 – Adopt a Highway Spring Litter Pickup making the entrance to the Isle a cleaner prettier place from Rte. 24 to over the bridge.  April 13- Town wide scavenger Hunt with prizes and team entrance fee donated to charity.  April 11- New Member Social at Senor Dick’s Piano Bar, a get together and get to know new members in a fun atmosphere.  May 18 – The world renown Beach Bicycle Poker Run, our major fundraiser benefitting Wounded Warriors with bike decorating contests, rowdy stops and door prizes, a huge raffle for great items donated by generous local merchants and individuals, cash prizes for the best poker hand, and a great day of fun and laughter.  June and July are open and we’re toying with other ideas (but then again, maybe we need a break to chill on the beach).  August 4 – Annual Parrot Head weekend with the just for fun Pelican Island Beach Party.  September TBA – Annual “The Coast is Clear Under the Pier” Party; fun in the sun and surf with games, food, and raffles with all proceeds going to a chosen charity.  September 28 – Oktoberfest, a new party this year with proceeds benefitting cancer research.   October 19- Fall Adopt a Highway litter pickup.  Other October possibilities??? – Pet Parade and costume contest; boat dinner cruise?   November – Float building and entry in the EI holiday parade (any prize $ gets donated to charity).  December- Toys for Tots donations and food drive.  Gonna be a busy year for sure, and that doesn’t include the other stuff we do as a need arises!

The need also arises (so does the sun) to wish a Happy Birthday to the following Parrot Heads who took another trip around the sun in February.   They be: Jane Allen, Mendy Barrow, Jan “Bless Your Heart” Hicks, Sue “Secretary” Stone, Joan “Swansboro” Gerdsen, Ashton Mayne, Susan Hurley, Mike Lincoln, Tim “Generous” Randall, Marcia McMahan, Debra Pontenberg, Deborah Styron, Gary Hardee, Vickie Burgess, Mike “Mr. E Club” Haut (Biggie B’Day, by the way!), Don Hurley, Janice Luttner, Susan Venters, Michelle Akers, and Eric Starnes.

Forging onward through the fog, we leave you with a good thought to think on… “A good life is when you assume nothing, do more, need less, smile often, dream big, laugh a lot, and realize how blessed you are.”  See y’all around town… Ken

Well, another year flew by for Parrot Heads and friends and we’re all looking forward to even more good times and help for our community in 2013. Catching all y’all up on the remains of 2012, we finished out the year with a couple of grand finales. Remember last month’s article (do you even remember what you had for breakfast? Funny, I don’t remember being absent minded…) where we said we’d share pics of our PHantastic PHloat in the Christmas parade? We had a blast building it with a PHlock of creative Parrot Heads (partying all the way, Ho Ho Ho…) and we even won a $100 prize for our entry which in true Parrot Head spirit, we donated to The Salvation Army. Followed by a drop off of the Coastal Outlet trolley and dumping the plane in front of the Emerald Club, we partied on with Chris, Allie, and Jason singing tunes in the chilly Tiki bar at the Emerald Club. Could have used some hot chocolate!

Everyone was busy getting ready for Christmas and the holidays but we managed to have a huge turnout at our Christmas party with games (we’re easily amused), tons of tasty chow, great tunes from Chris, Allie, and Jason of 4 Everall, and lots and lots of laughter. The typical Parrot Head generosity came out as we filled up 4 huge boxes with toys for the Toys for Tots program and also piled up stacks of canned goods for Amber’s (Mike’s kind hearted grandaughter) Food Drive for the local food banks. Giving back to our communities is what we do best (with a party with a purpose flavor). We DO have one heck of a good time at whatever we do, and perhaps the proof of that is that our little local Parrot Head Club raised and donated $6700 to various local charities last year, and provided plenty of help and volunteer hours to a variety of non-profit organizations that all play such an important role in our communities. We now are approaching 300 members locally and are part of the Parrot Head nation that now has 239 clubs worldwide in the U.S, Canada, and Australia and raised 4.1 million dollars for charity last year, with almost 28,000 members all partying with a purpose in their communities. For more info, check out our local website at www.emeraldisleparrotheads.com or the national website at www.phip.com. Better still, come on out and join in the fun and community projects; we meet at the Emerald Club the first PHriday night of the month at 7:00.

And hey! Don’t forget to wish our December babies a Happy Happy Birthday. They be: Bonnie “Founder” Forkey, Scott Jones, Maggie Jensen, Jan Mitchener,

Things are starting to get kinda nippy around the Isle lately so we started fluffing up our feathers and moving  our PHlockings inside the Emerald Club for great tunes from Scearce and Ketner (can’t let these guys’ fingers freeze up) with lots of laughter and some insane games (we may be growing older but we don’t have to grow up).   Of course it’s hard to do turkey bowling inside so that got moved out to the Tiki bar area for some outdoor rowdiness.  There was lots of talk and planning for the Emerald Isle holiday parade after Turkey Day over some tasty grub donated by the E Club and prepared by Chef Eddie.  Seems an ever expanding crew of Parrot Heads kept coming together at Stones’ End to party and create an awesome float for the parade.  “Twas the Flight Before Christmas”, a sea plane being towed by dolphin along with a PHlock of PHolks riding on the Coastal Outlet trolley was the entry.  Hope everyone got to come out to this fun parade that keeps getting bigger and better every year; the Town does a great job on organizing this event.  We’ll post some pics in next month’s article if you happened to miss the parade that was followed by an impromptu party at the Emerald Club with Chris and Allie singing up a storm to happy Parrot Heads and friends.

Closing out the year, we helped raise funds for the extension of Emerald Isle’s multi-use path (“The PATH”) through donations and support of the Rotary Club’s annual Duck Race, and are looking forward to our end of the year PHlocking and Christmas party on December 7^th.  As always at this time of the year, we’ll be rounding up toys for a big Toys For Tots donation so come on out for some yuletide fun and bring an unwrapped toy for donation.  Its’ been a great year for Parrot Heads so far with the PHlock now closing in on 300 members all partying with a purpose, having a blast while giving back to their communities.

Speaking of blasts from the past, there are some Parrot Heads who will be celebrating another trip around the sun in December.  Happy birthday to:  Bonnie “Founder” Forkey, Scott Jones, Maggie Jensen, Dicky “Song bird” Scearce, Ken Sanders, Harry McDonald, Steve Heverly, Alex Davis, Roma”MacDaddy’s” Browder, Mel Fairchild, Kelly “Fishin’” Lewis, Bryant Mitchell, Leanna “T Shirt” Dyer, Carl “Coastie” Rauschenberg, Billy Alford, George Brumbelow, Linda McGowan, James Bunn, Bill Thomas, Glenn Musser, Kevin “Photo” Geraghty, Greg Stenzel. Ginger Johnson, Margaret Penny, Loretta Alexander, Lisa Cannady, Cecil Davis, and Buck “Daddy” Browder.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and took the time to really appreciate and be thankful (despite some ups and downs that might have happened along the way) for our lives and those we love.  Get ready for a warm holiday season, and if you start to get stressed and a little crazed, take a deep breath and remember… that’s not what it’s all about.  Looking forward to seeing all y’all around town!   Happy Ho Ho!   Ken

So… does anyone remember cartoons with Mr. Peabody the dog and Sherman his boy (on the Rocky & Bullwinkle show), and most importantly the “Way, Way Back Machine” that could transport them back in time?  Well, we need to employ that time travel vehicle in this article so we’re firing it up to describe a couple of events that took place recently in the Parrot Head world that we promised to tell you about in last month’s article (Were you paying attention last month?).

First off, members and friends hopped onto a beautiful beach day to celebrate the slowing of the season and a reuniting of the locals after a busy tourist season with our yearly “The Coast is Clear Under the Pier Party”.  Michael & Mendy and the crew put together another great party with a purpose this year with around 75 rowdy folks hanging out with the sun, sand, and surf, chowing down on hot dogs, shrimp and other goodies, with games, laughter, and raffles for a herd of generously donated booty that ranged from a variety of gift certificates, T shirts, hats, etc. to a beautiful paddle board.  Our very own Mr. B.R. Browder was the proud winner of the paddle board (how many tickets did that boy buy??).  The best part of this party was the Purpose, as all funds raised went to this year’s two chosen charities: O.W.L.S. (Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter) and Island Cat Allies.  Thanks to donations from supportive local merchants and individuals we were able to raise $1486 that was split between the two charities.  Great stuff, people!!

We can’t forget the happenings at our regular PHirst PHriday PHlocking with folks getting an early start on Halloween showing up with costumes, a pass the pumpkin game, along with Eddie’s food courtesy of the E Club, other games, birthday celebrations, and lots of laughter and good friends just chillin’ and catching up.  Also had some Parrot Heads riding in the Coastal Federation’s Ride for the Coast event; a good time for a good cause, with no injuries to riding PHlock member feathers.  Another Saturday morning rolled around with a dozen Parrot Heads heading out to pick up our Adopt a Highway stretch of road from 24 to over the bridge.   Boy did that stretch need some T.L.C.; we picked up 33 bags of trash along with such questionable rubble finds as a truck tire, buckets, a car bumper, siding, a set of headlights, a child’s car seat (we never found the kid that might have been in it), 3 Lira, and of course the usual tonnage of plastic bags and styrofoam cups.  Obviously, don’t litter or tolerate litterbugs, but please make sure stuff doesn’t inadvertently blow out of the bed of your pick ‘em up trucks or car windows.  ‘Nuff said on that.  Parrot Heads also volunteered with the Town’s annual Triathlon helping out wherever it was needed.

The next undertaking on the horizon is the building of our PH float for the Town’s holiday parade after Thanksgiving.  We won first prize last year and are getting the creative juices flowing again to try for another 1^st place, which will be a challenge with all the great entries.  Members have started gathering in a secret location (well really not that secret) to start assembly; always lots of laughter, creative work, and usually plenty of tasty food involved. Here’s a hint… think we’ll be calling it “The Flight Before Christmas”.  At any rate, it’ll be a sight to see and rest assured we’ll be tossing out a bunch of bling to the crowds with some good ol’ Jimmy Buffet tunes playing.

Oh yeah, certainly don’t forget to wish a Happy Birthday to those Parrot Heads who managed another trip around the sun this November:   Chuck Jacob, Rita “Cook the Books” Babich, Audie Tyrrell, Joe Quigley, Bobbi Raub, Deb Heverly, Lucy Gray, Leslie Dudley, Gale “Twins” Tutor, Dale “Twins” Tutor, Rick Demer, “Pretty Marj” Browder, Pat Thomas, Nick Klaus, Vickie King, Nancy “Bicycle” Johnston, Susan Fabian, Kathy “Early Bird” Ruge, Andrew Descary, Jim Rackenhauser, Jeffrey Sicular, Jake Mitchell, Sharon “Neighbor” Ambrose, Taylor Klutz, and Mike Creech.

Our membership is now bulging out daily into over 275 fun loving folks who believe in giving back to their communities and in a tropical lifestyle, so c’mon out and join us to “Party With a Purpose”.  Check out the website at emeraldisleparrotheads.com or just show up at one of our first Friday of the month PHlockings, 7:00 at The Emerald Club.  Meanwhile, to all y’all… be kind to those around you and the environment, and stay safe out there!  See you around Town.    Ken

Parrot Heads: In the Autumn of Our Years??

We’re not “Fall”ing for that Autumn of our years stuff; we’re just getting started with a little cooler weather and the fact that the pace of the Isle has slowed down and mellowed with the departure of beach visitors and tourists who help out the local economy.  Nice to see some cooler nights and open windows rather than cranked up AC.  The beautiful weather and the saner temps brought out a herd of folks (maybe that’s a flock of folks) to our PHirst PHriday PHlocking at the Emerald Club.  Lots of great grub and fun people with a changeup of tunes from Jah Creation; a little background Reggae to chill folks out.   Of course Jane, Chuck, Ken, and Carl were on hand with coconut bowling to keep the PHlock entertained (we entertain easily) and ensure lots of laughter.  We picked up ten new members that night (welcome, welcome!) who happened to stop by the Tiki Bar, had a blast and joined the Parrot Head family.  We’re up to 289 members now!

There was still lots of chatter about the 10^th Annual Island/Sandbar Anniversary Party and looking forward to the Coast is Clear Under the Pier Party to celebrate the slowdown in pace of the Isle and return to the locals.  Due to article deadlines (everybody has deadlines, just like work) this will have already happened (have I told you about my time theory?), but with great food, games, rowdiness, and raffles for lots of booty like T shirts, fresh seafood, beach gifts, bowling and golf passes, etc., etc., and even a paddle board the party will be (was?  There’s that time issue again) a fun filled event.  Pics to follow in next month’s C.S. so stay tuned!

We’ll be doing an Adopt a Highway pickup in mid-October to keep the entrance to the Isle looking spiffy, then move into float building mode for the Emerald Isle holiday parade the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  Creative minds (??) will be churning up ideas for this year’s float to see if we can top last year’s.  The planning sessions and building sessions (parties?) are always a hoot and we always manage to come up with some grand stuff for the parade.

While your brains are still churning, don’t forget to keep the following birthday babies in mind who made an appearance on this planet in October.  Another trip around the sun for: Leonard “Super Trooper” Crumpler, Charlie Upchurch, Janice “Crazy Canuck” Brumbelow, Randy Runyan, Rene “Red” Synan, Barbara Morgan, Vickie Creech, Erin “Artsy Bartender” Sheldon, Dan “Lawyer Up” Ruge, Becky Parham, Sonia Brooks, Paula Hubbell, Ricky Taylor, Joe Oebbecke, Wendy “Candy” Gollihue, Kelley “ Crazy Carver” Nelson, Traci Runyan, Louise “Mama Doc” Ehrenkaufer, Bob Fowle, Jessica Pickett, Melelia Bass, Maggie “Volunteer” Rauschenberg, Jay Toler, Marcus Johnson, and Tim Cogdill.  Phew! Lotsa October B’Days… musta been a cold January!

Halloween’s almost upon us so start getting your costumes ready, enjoy the beauty of a less crowded beach, and be kind to those around you (strangers as well as friends).  And of course, that solid advice… if you’re drinking any whoopee juice, make sure you and any friends have a designated driver.  See y’all around town…  Ken