Friday, October 12, 2007

Rain, we miss you.

My Ocean View
By Jennifer Roush

One thing I immediately noticed after I moved down here from Morgantown, W.Va., is the difference in the amount of rainfall. In Morgantown, I almost expected it to rain more often than not. It was gray and rainy much of the time. The city itself received 41.2 inches of rain a year.

Since moving down here, I often think, where is the rain? And I don’t think I’m the only one asking that question.

In the statistics I have come across, I found the average annual rainfall for Wrightsville Beach to be around 50.85 inches. To put this into perspective, the annual rainfall in Seattle is 36 inches.
Therefore, as we enjoy the sunny days, we cannot help but notice the lack of rain. And as day after day goes by with little to no rainfall, we see our need for water conservancy go up.

The town issued a water conservation proclamation on Sept. 13 requesting voluntary action. Who took that to heart? Are people turning their sprinklers off and taking shorter showers?

This is a problem all over the state. I believe it’s time to stop waiting, thinking the rain situation is going to turn around, and that it’s imperative to take water conservation seriously.

Below are measures listed in the town’s proclamation:
* Limit lawn watering to that which is necessary for plants to survive.
* Water shrubbery the minimum amount required, reusing household water when possible.
* Limit vehicle washing to the minimum.
* Refrain from washing down outside areas such as sidewalks, patios and the like.
* Use showers for bathing rather than bathtubs, and limit showers to no more than four minutes.
* Refrain from leaving faucets running while shaving or rinsing dishes.
* Limit use of clothes washers and dishwashers and when used, operate fully loaded.
* Install water-flow restrictive devices in showerheads.
* Use disposable and biodegradable dishes.
* Install water-saving devices such as bricks, plastics, bottles or commercial units in toilet tanks.

Monday, October 01, 2007

My Ocean View by Jennifer Roush

This is my first "Ocean View." A new one will be posted weekly.


As many of you know, I recently took over the position of managing editor of the town’s Lumina News, but for most of you that likely is the extent of it. My story of change began a month ago, which ended up with me making the long journey from the mountains to the shore.
I grew up in the small suburb of Cross Lanes, W. Va. This community is a few miles from Charleston, and, to the rest of the state, that is “the city.” Staying in the area, I kept some of the same friends from grade school to my college years.
After one year attending Clemson University right out of high school, I transferred to West Virginia University, where I received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism. In school, I did such things as write for the school newspaper, was managing editor of a quarterly newspaper, co-authored a book, had internships and took about every opportunity I could.
After school, I stayed at WVU teaching journalism as an adjunct instructor. I also worked as a community reporter and city reporter, eventually working my way up to features editor of a local daily newspaper.
I had found myself at the home of the Mountaineers, Morgantown, for several years, but something in me knew I wouldn’t be there forever.
I had visited the Wilmington area every year on vacation and absolutely loved it. It became my favorite place to go. It was also quality time with my mother, who lives in Raleigh. One summer she asked if I perchance wanted to go to Outer Banks instead, but I still just wanted to come back here.
Something about this area’s beauty makes me want to smile, cry and try to wake up at the same time. Even though I can also bask in the beauty of the mountains, this place, in addition to beauty, has an air of endless possibilities. The saying is “the grass is always greener on the other side.” Well, the grass may be greenest here.
When I saw the job posting for this position, I felt it was the perfect job for me. And it is. I love writing, editing, people and stories. I am ever curious and intrigued by people’s stories and issues, which is one of the main reasons I am drawn to this profession.
My goal as managing editor is to not only continue the legacy of success established by Lumina News, but to also forge ahead. I have a lot of hopes for what I can do for this publication and for the community. I plan to do all I can to make sure Lumina News meets and exceeds your expectations weekly.
We are a people who strive for excellence and that comes with a lot of work, but, in the end, it’s worth it for the service we provide to Wrightsville Beach.