Tara Bonner

This is such a neat article that I had to post it! Enjoy!!

Photo: Edward Teach, Blackbeard the Pirate

Pirate bones could be in that box, author says
State rejects request for DNA test on 18th-century remains from Bath

BY JERRY ALLEGOOD - Correspondent
Source: http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1528007.html

WASHINGTON, N.C. -- A Raleigh author is attempting to reopen the 274-year-old estate of a Beaufort County man he thinks was once a member of Blackbeard's pirate crew -- and whose bones may be stored in a box in Raleigh.

Kevin P. Duffus, a writer and filmmaker, says he needs access to the estate of Edward Salter, a landowner and merchant who died in 1735, to help confirm that the state has Salter's remains. With the backing of some of Salter's descendants, Duffus is seeking to have DNA testing done on bones that the state Office of State Archaeology recovered from a gravesite in Bath 23 years ago.

If the bones are Salter's, not only could they be given a proper burial, Duffus says, but they could help prove that at least one of Blackbeard's pirates was not executed in Williamsburg, Va., as popular history says. Duffus contends that Salter was a barrel maker who was forced to join the pirate's crew after being hijacked aboard a ship.

But state officials opposed Duffus' petition to be named executor of Salter's estate, saying "mere speculation" about the identity of the remains does not justify reopening the estate. State officials said the state archaeologist is required by law to preserve human remains in state custody.

Last week, Martin Paramore, Beaufort County's Clerk of Court, sided with the state, dismissing Duffus' request. Paramore ruled that if the remains are those of Salter, then his next of kin have the authority over them.

Duffus says he will appeal. He says opening the estate and appointing an executor would help him and Salter's descendants press the state for the DNA testing needed to determine whether it indeed has his bones.

Brian Blount of Springfield, Mo., Salter's great-grandson times seven, and Blount's aunt, Joan Bass, testified at the hearing in support of Duffus' petition. Blount said the state had not responded to the family's efforts to identify the bones and have them properly buried.

Duffus said he and supporters want to work with the state and will establish a fund to pay for the DNA analysis, which he said would cost about $1,200.

State archaeologist Steve Claggett said the state tried to determine the identity of the remains after they were discovered at a waterfront site near Bath Creek. "There was considerable publicity at the time," Claggett said.

Claggett agrees that historical research indicates that the remains could be those of Salter, the landowner and merchant. The basic aim of DNA testing, he said, is to identify ancestors, and this would not shed any light on whether Salter was the pirate.

He said several samples of DNA would need to be tested for a proper analysis.

Claggett said the state did not have the money to do the testing on the remains, which he estimated would cost several thousand dollars.

The remains were discovered in a crypt along Bath Creek during construction of a bulkhead by a phosphate mining company. According to Duffus, Edward Salter owned the land when he died.

An anthropologist at Wake Forest University concluded that the remains belonged to a man of European heritage who had performed repetitive manual labor during his lifetime using his right arm and shoulder. Archaeologists also determined that the construction of the crypt was typical of early-18th century methods and materials.

Research by Duffus and others indicated that cooper Edward Salter first appeared in the records of Bath when he purchased two lots in the town in October 1721. Additional property deeds and records reflect Salter's success as a cooper, merchant and planter. Over the next decade he purchased more than 4,000 acres of land, including a plantation and house on the west bank of Bath Creek.

A pirates' captive

According to an official deposition held in the British Archives, a cooper named Edward Salter was forced into piracy aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge by Blackbeard on Dec. 5, 1717, near Puerto Rico. According to a warrant issued by George I, king of Great Britain, a common sailor named Edward Salter was among six men suspected of being members of Blackbeard's pirate crew and arrested in Bath in November 1718.

Traditional historical accounts have claimed that the men, along with nine wounded survivors of the fight between Lt. Robert Maynard of the British Royal Navy and Blackbeard at Ocracoke Inlet, were taken to Williamsburg for trial. Popular history has it that 13 of the 15 men, including Edward Salter, were convicted and executed.

However, there exists no official record that proves Edward Salter was executed. According to Duffus, three other names that appear in previously published historical accounts as having been hanged at Williamsburg also appear in Bath records following their reported executions: James Robins, John Martin and Joseph Brooks Jr.

Duffus described his contentions in a book published last year. He also claimed that Blackbeard was actually Edward Beard, the son of a Beaufort County landowner.

He said he and Salter's descendants hope to bury the remains.

"We don't believe he is at rest today," he said.

Source: http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1528007.html

June 25th from 6-8pm
Party by the Pool at Grande Villas "Caribbean Style"

Think jerk fish & chicken and fruit salsa!
Enjoy the Caribbean food and atmosphere and while splashing in the Grande Villas Pool and enjoying the ocean breeze.

DJ Mack will spin the tunes and provide Karaoke,
so kick back, relax with your pineapple drink, and watch the "brave" try their skills at singing.

Guests are encouraged to bring their swimsuits to try out the pool, and bocce ball will be available out on the lawn. Beverages compliments of GV.

RSVP to ashley@gvcondos.com or (919) 609-7527

Spinnaker's Kid's Club 2009 Schedule
Monday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Ages 5 to 12

MONDAY
9am - 10am: Registration & Weekly Kids Club Welcome
Begin your Spinnaker’s Scrapbook- “This is me”
10am - 11am: Handprint Flowers Craft
Beach Walk & Shell Hunt
11am - 12pm: Soccer Skills & Freeze Tag
12pm - 1pm: Lunch
1pm - 2pm: Water Balloon Toss
Sand Memory Game
2pm – 3pm: *Let’s Make Sea shell Critters! ($4)
Sea Turtle 101

TUESDAY
9am - 10am: Daily Activity Run Down & Welcome
Spinnaker’s Scrapbook- “This is my family”
10am - 11am: Make Your Own Bookmark!
Monster Bowling
11am - 12pm: Outside Bean Bag Toss Game
Frisbee Toss
12pm - 1pm: Lunch
Board Games
1pm - 2pm: Red Light, Green Light
Football Toss
2pm - 3pm: Sand Art & Free Choice


WEDNESDAY
9am - 10am: Daily Activity Run Down & Welcome
Spinnaker’s Scrapbook “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
10am - 11am: Beach Walk & Sandcastle Building
11am - 12pm: Make our own Country & Flag
12pm - 1pm: Picnic Lunch on the Beach
1pm - 2pm: Lawn Bocce Ball
“On A Roll” Beach Game
2pm - 3pm: *Tie Dye T-shirts ($5)
Dolphin 101 & coloring

THURSDAY
9am - 10am: Welcome
Spinnaker’s Scrapbook- “What is your Favorite Ocean Animal?”
10am - 11am: Paper Plate Portholes
11am - 12pm: Simon Says
Twister Competition
12pm - 1pm: Lunch
Uno & Old Maid
1pm - 2pm: Freeze Tag & Soccer
2pm - 3pm: Lei Making and Free Art Choice

FRIDAY
9am - 10am: Daily Activity Run Down and Welcome
Spinnaker’s Scrapbook- “My Favorite Beach Activity”
10am - 11am: Musical Chairs
Beach Walk to Nature Preserve and Talk
11am - 12pm: “I Spy” on the Beach and Sand Castle Building
12pm - 1pm: Lunch
Cards
1pm - 2pm: Water Balloon Races
2pm - 3pm: *Sand Dollar Painting ($5)
Shark 101 & Coloring

SATURDAY
9am - 10am: Daily Activity Run Down & Welcome
Finish Our Spinnaker’s Scrapbooks!
10am - 11am: Message in a Bottle Craft
11am - 12pm: Outside Bocce Ball & Freeze Dance!
12pm - 1pm: Lunch
1pm - 2pm: Beach Walk, Shell Hunt and Sandcastle Building
Kid’s Choice of Beach Games
2pm - 3pm: Pen Pal Party & Ice Cream Party!!


The Spinnaker’s Kids’ Club is open year round; however, the scheduled activities will run from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Activities are subject to change due to weather conditions.

Spoil Yourself at Indian Beach, NC!

Summer Day Time Activities
9-11am

Thursday-
Surf Lessons courtesy of Hot Wax Surf Shop
**Register online at www.hotwaxsurf.com, be sure to use the Grande Villas code when booking registering online

Friday-
Photography Lessons w/ Jeff Pennell
**$20 per person, 2 person class minimum (sign up with the front desk by the Monday of your arrival)

Personal Training and Massage -
Available on an individual basis. Check with the HOA in the Lobby Lounge to arrange these exclusive services during your stay. Fees vary.

Summer Evening Activities

Monday-
Horseshoes & Bocce Ball on the beach

Wednesday-
Wine Tasting $15 per person, minimum of 5 people required
**Sign-up with the HOA in the Lobby Lounge by Monday at 4pm

Thursday-
Culinary Class $8 per person, minimum of 3 people required
**Sign-up with the HOA in the Lobby Lounge by Monday at 4pm

Take Your Pick Any Day of the Week!

In the Osprey Club Lounge or on the Veranda…
Poker
Dominoes
Scrabble
Yahtzee
Uno
Oceanopoly

View All Activities: http://gvcondos.com/news-events/events/31-adult-summer-activities

I just love this article, so I have to post it! Atlantic Beach is Indian Beach's neighbor on the NC Crystal Coast and more specifically the island of Bogue Banks. Enjoy!

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Atlantic Beach, NC

DestinationsForLeisure.com

By: Byron Mackelroy

Breath-taking beaches, awe-inspiring nature and rich historical significance make North Carolina’s Crystal Coast the perfect vacation escape. Atlantic Beach offers an unspoiled stretch of Southern Outer Banks Coast with some of the finest fishing and scuba diving in the country. With so much to do, this top 5 list should help guide you on a fantastic Atlantic Beach getaway.

Beaches, Beaches and More Beaches

The beaches along the Crystal Coast are undeniably the greatest feature. Soft warm sand spread out along the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean offers an unparalleled experience of pleasure and relaxation. Bogue Banks is where the majority of beach communities are located. This barrier island offers access to many beautiful beaches, public fishing piers and hotels. Most access points offer shower and restroom facilities along the pristine beaches.

Great Accommodations

With such great scenery, any lodging along the beach has a built in panoramic treasure. For travelers looking for a high-class pampered stay, the One Ocean Resort Hotel & Spa offers upscale accommodation with the added benefit of a full feature spa. For those of you looking for a bargain stay, check out an Atlantic Beach Hotel with a mini-vacation offer. These packages are designed to introduce you to a resort’s timeshare offerings and they generally include access to some great amenities during your stay.

Scuba Diving

The Atlantic Beach area is far and away one of the absolute best scuba destinations in North America. With an abundance of clear, clean water and an amazing array of marine life, diving along the Crystal Coast is an experience that will last a lifetime. While exploring the variety of marine animals you can visit one of the many shipwrecks or take a peak back in history by diving alongside a sunken U-boat.

History

First envisioned in 1870 as an Ocean Resort town by Appleton Oaksmith, Atlantic Beach began life as a retreat for relaxation purposes. The first bathing pavilion was constructed in 1897 followed by the construct of the New Atlantic Beach Hotel to house guests. Surrounded by significant historical sites such as the Civil War era Fort Macon, Atlantic Beach also offers a glimpse into World War II history with the sunken wreckage of a German U-Boat sitting on the sea floor just off the coast. Any history lover will enjoy the many tours and historical sites available to wet their appetite.

Exposure to Nature

Atlantic Beach is surrounded by and saturated in pristine nature. The Rachel Carson Reserve, named for the well-known naturalist, is home to an abundance of crustaceans, birds, butterflies and wonderful vegetation. For those of you interested in observing ocean life without a scuba tank, the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is a must see. This state of the art aquarium displays all the local sea life and is a great family destination if you want to take a break from the beach for a day. With all the activities to choose from, Atlantic Beach is a prime location to get away from it all. Pack your sunscreen, bring a good book and don’t forget your camera. The memories you make while staying on the Crystal Coast are sure to last a lifetime.

Read Article: http://gvcondos.com/discover/31-top-5-reasons-to-visit-atlantic-beach%2c-nc