T&T: Fred and Sam and Elizabeth City, NC

[Allen Ames]

Elizabeth City deserves its nickname as The Harbor of Hospitality, largely
through people like Fred Fearing and Sam _______.  Both greeted us at the
dock, gave rides to various places to boaters who needed them, and generally
made us feel welcome.  The various attractions of the city itself definitely
added to the welcome.

 

We were so sorry to hear of Fred's death a couple of days after we left
Elizabeth City this fall.  We were also distressed to hear that Sam had been
handed a cease and desist order by City Police in front of the very boaters
he was voluntarily helping.  We understand that the City is concerned about
liability, particularly if incoming boaters perceive Sam to be an official
of the city, but feel there must be far better ways to handle the situation
than a very public police citation.  Sam has carefully measured the slips
and knows what boats will fit and where.  He always has help from the
boaters when he docks new boats.  The only problems I have seen there are
when Sam was not around and people tried to dock in inappropriate slips.
The day we were there, we discovered that Sam's VHF radio had died and we
took up a collection to get him a new one.  It was presented to him at the
Rose Buddies get-together that evening.  The Mayor-elect of the City was
present at the two parties we attended and gave his full support to the
continuance of the Rose Buddy tradition.

 

We strongly hope that the NEW administration of Elizabeth City proves more
sensitive to the feelings and importance to the city of these marvelous
older gentlemen who have made "The Harbor of Hospitality" such an important
part of their own lives.

 

Allen and Judy Ames

SESAME, Camano Troll at anchor in New Bern, NC

blog:  <http://camano130.blogspot.com/> http://camano130.blogspot.com/