At Occano, the Sound is a gift we unwrap day after day—and share with the ones we love most. And we look forward to sharing it with you.

Until recently, organic produce was found mainly in home gardens, quaint farmers’ markets and specialty health food stores. Over the past few years, however, the heightened eco-consciousness of the green movement and health concerns about chemicals used in conventional farming have led to consumer demand for fruits and vegetables grown without synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilizers, irradiation or biotechnology, making organic the fastest growing sector in the food marketplace.   In addition, research is beginning to support the contention that chemicals used in conventional farming can have a negative impact on health. The 2008-2009 annual report from the President’s Cancer Panel,… Read More »

The Kudzu vine is a rapidly rising weed problem in the southeastern United States and is frustrating to manage due to how quickly it spreads and how difficult it is to totally eradicate. Kudzu is a persistent weed that can grow up to 100 feet or more if there is no intervention. It has been noted that the invasive vine is growing in the area, particularly on the waterfront properties with vegetation. Such as Salmon Creek, the entrance to Salmon Creek, and Albemarle Sound. Here is a brief history and how to remove it from your yard if you find… Read More »

The association understands you have a soft heart and good intentions, but feeding deer is not in their best interests, or yours. Depending on what you feed them, deer may actually be harmed by your feeding. Some foods will kill them within a few days or debilitate them enough to be easy targets for predators and automobiles. Feeding is a way of domesticating deer. Tame deer create a host of other problems. Because they no longer fear people, they become vulnerable to hunters. They are emboldened to eat the shrubs in your vicinity. They will bring more deer into your… Read More »

Memorial Day is often considered the unofficial beginning of summer. Parades take place, the grill is dusted off for the first time. However, it is more than that. Memorial Day is in remembrance of soldiers who fell in combat risking their lives for their country. It is about gratitude. This year Memorial Day will occur on Monday, May 30. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. 10 Ways… Read More »

Flight is a magnificent means of transportation, but not without its dangers—especially for birds. For many birds, a journey across the skies ends with a deadly collision with windows, vehicles, cell towers or high-tension wires. If you’ve been startled by the dull thud of a bird smacking your window, you’re not alone. Bird collisions with windows occur day and night, in all seasons, and in cities, suburbs and rural areas. Birds don’t see the glass, generally because it mirrors trees, shrubs, or sky, so the transparent panes appear to offer a passageway through a building. It’s surprising how common this… Read More »

Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week is an observance in the United States that pays tribute to the local, state, and federal peace officers who have died, or who have been disabled, in the line of duty. It is celebrated May 15th of each year. The event is sponsored by the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and is implemented by the FOP Memorial Committee. The holiday was created on October 1, 1961, when Congress authorized the president to designate May 15 to honor peace officers. John F. Kennedy signed the bill into law on October 1, 1962. The proclamation was signed by President Kennedy. In 1994, President… Read More »

On Sunday May 15 and into Monday, 16, 2022 there’s going to be a big total lunar eclipse—a “Blood Moon”—visible across North America for a jaw-dropping 84 minutes. All you need are clear skies and wide eyes. The appearance of the Moon during the May 2022 total lunar eclipse. Credit: NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio On the night of May 15, 2022, and into the early hours of May 16, skywatchers will be treated to a spectacular phenomenon that takes place every 1.5 years or so: a total lunar eclipse. Total lunar eclipses occur when the Moon and Sun are on opposite sides… Read More »

             Our community is fortunate to have a local farmers market. If you haven’t shopped there before, consider the many advantages of patronizing our local merchants. Here are a few… Edenton Farmers Market www.edentonfarmersmarket.org – 200 N Broad St, Edenton, NC 27932 · (252) 484-5440 Soggy bottom Roadside Farmers Market – 4040 Mackeys Rd Roper, NC 27970 (252) 505-0068 Martin County Main Street Market – Main St. and Smithwick St. Williamston, NC  27892 Farmers markets have gained popularity in the last few years as more and more consumers have come to enjoy the very fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods, eggs,… Read More »