Carteret resident receives state's highest civilian honor

MOREHEAD CITY - Even as state Sen. Jean Preston presented Carteret County resident Jack Goldstein with the state's highest civilian honor, she said one title was still missing from his resume: legislative liaison.

Official title or not, that's what Goldstein has been to her since the day she was first elected to office.

"For years, every Sunday night Jack and I would talk about the issues of tourism," Preston said. "It was a highlight of my week. We talked about the good things, the bad things and what things we needed to do. I understood the value of his years of experience."

Goldstein was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Thursday night during a surprise presentation at the annual holiday reception for the Crystal Coast Tourism Authority.

"It's quite an award and I'm honored to have received it," said Goldstein, who didn't realize he was being honored until Preston began reading a list of his many accomplishments and activities.

"I didn't have any idea," he said.

Lee Lipsitz of Emerald Isle said he was thrilled for his long-time friend. Lipsitz, a native of Ahoskie, said he and Goldstein virtually grew up together. He describes Goldstein as "a giver."

Buck Fugate, who initiated the efforts to honor Goldstein, agreed.

"He is the most unselfish person I've ever met. He'd do anything for you. He's the definition of public servant," Fugate said.

Goldstein, 91, a native of Windsor, moved to Carteret County in 1973. He and his late wife, Ginger, settled in Indian Beach on Bogue Banks and become involved in the community.

Fugate, who owned the former Arrowhead Campground in Indian Beach, came to know Goldstein after he arrived in Carteret County. The two were active in efforts to incorporate the town. Fugate served as its longtime mayor and Goldstein continues to serve in the town board seat he took on after his wife's death.

The two friends have been equally involved in beach nourishment issues on Bogue Banks and at the state level.

Goldstein has been a big advocate for Carteret County tourism, whether preserving beaches or promoting attractions.

He has served on the Carteret County Tourism Development Authority since 1990 and served as chairman for six years. He has also been on the N.C. Travel Industry Association board since 1980 and is a board member emeritus for the N.C. Travel & Tourism Coalition.

He has served on the N.C. Beach, Inlet & Waterway Association since its inception in 1978 and holds a seat on the Carteret County Beach Commission. Goldstein also holds the title of "Godfather" of the North Carolina Seafood Festival, for which he is a founding member.

The list goes on, but Goldstein remains humble.

"I've lived a long time," he said. "I've had a long time to do it."

Staff writer Jannette Pippin can be contacted at jpippin@freedomenc.com or 910-382-2557.