As a lot of my readers may know, I own and operate a vacation home cleaning business. In all of the years (approximately six years now), this is the first luncheon that I have been invited to. A few generous home owners honor the property management company that take such wonderful care of their beach homes. I'm not complaining, in fact I don't work directly for the management company, I am an independent contractor.

Being an independent contractor has it's advantages, I essentially work for myself, and choose to be on everybody's side. I love living on the Crystal Coast more than anywhere else in the Continental, United States of America. I represent my community as a whole, and have appointed myself an unofficial Emerald Isle Ambassador.

The homeowners of this lovely three bedroom condo in Indian Beach, NC were adamant that I attend. That astounds me, but I am very honored that I was able to meet them for the first time and attend such a lavish lunch. Mrs. H. really knows how to entertain. She provided several dishes (homemade no less) that I've not had in a gathering of so many people! Including a fresh fruit dessert tray accompanied by a fondue pot filled with delicious dark chocolate! My other favorites were the artichoke dip, smoked salmon, and the cream cheese / wasabi dip.

Thank you Major and Mrs. H for a lovely afternoon, and for the wonderful bottle of wine that I have yet to share with my husband, and thank you for the Virgina peanuts for my crew members. They are already enjoying them!

The Town of Emerald Isle has a few employment opportunities to consider if you are looking for a job in Emerald Isle.

Right now, they have three positions posted, including a Full-Time Landscape Specialist in the Parks and Recreations department, as well as a Parks and Rec Seasonal Employee. There are also jobs in the Emerald Isle Fire Department for Part-Time Firefighters.

For more Emerald Isle Employment options, check out The Carteret County News-Times Classified Section. Good luck in your Emerald Isle Job Hunting!

From the Carteret County News-Times Online Edition Classifieds, the Town of Emerald Isle Police Department is seeking a Telecommunicator:

The Town of Emerald Isle Police Department is seeking qualified applicants for the position of a full-time Telecommunicator. This critical and exciting position requires constant attention to detail, as it is responsible for dispatching and monitoring calls for police, fire, and emergency medical services and is the central telephone answering point in the Town of Emerald Isle for all emergency 911 calls for assistance. Ideal candidate must be customer service oriented. Must be able to speak distinctly and be able to deal with people involved in emergency situations and must be able to work swing shifts. Minimum qualifications include graduation from an accredited high school or a GED. No previous experience is necessary; however a general knowledge of telecommunications systems, town geography, police, fire, and EMS operations is preferred. PIN Certification preferred, but not required. Starting salary is $24,542 (negotiable with experience). Applications can be obtained from Emerald Isle Town Hall, 7500 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, NC 28594 Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or visit our website at www.emeraldisle-nc.org Applications should be submitted to Police Chief, Bill Hargett, Emerald Isle Police Department, 7500 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, NC 28594. Deadline for applications is Thursday, January 3, 2008 at 5 p.m. The Town of Emerald Isle is an Equal Opportunity Employer.