Chincoteague Island- more, more, more!

Chincoteague Island – more, more more!

Greetings from a gradually warming Chincoteague Island, Virginia!

Much to do this weekend and here is Evelyn Shotwell’s ‘to do’ list from her vantage point at the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce. It's all yours Evelyn!
The Chincoteague Insider






Hi all,
Finally, I send you greetings without a snow forecast in the picture! We will experience a virtual heat wave by Sunday if all the weathermen are correct in their predictions. Sunshine today just makes you feel better all over! March roared in with an exciting list of “happenings” in Chincoteague and throughout the Delmarva Peninsula. Take advantage of all that you can….


OUT & ABOUT

March 4: “Bright Star” sponsored by Chincoteague Island Films at the Island Roxy Theater at 8:00 p.m. This will kick off the spring film series.

March 6: Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday with the Chincoteague Island Library at 3:30 p.m. Children 4-8 years of age are invited with their parents to come hear stories, make crafts and more. No charge.

March 6-7: Special local resident rates weekend at the Delmarva Discovery Center in Pocomoke City MD. Show driver’s license to receive discount. Come experience Delmarva……
Watershed Game: Saturday 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.
Plankton Craft Activity: Saturday at 12 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
Bird Carving Demonstration: Ernie Muehlmatt—Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

March 8: Watch Chincoteague on the TODAY SHOW. Eastern Shore of VA Tourism Commission announces the Today Show is scheduled to present a travel segment on family friendly vacations that will spotlight Chincoteague & Assateague Islands. The coverage is estimated to reach 5 million people and has an advertising value of approximately $225,000 according to Virginia Tourism Corporation data. To read more about tourism on the Eastern Shore of Virginia visit www.esvatourism.org to view their eNewsletter. Go to the bottom of the home page and click on “Eastern Shore Tourism Industry Partners”…Click on General Info tab….click on Tourist ENews.

March 10: US Coast Guard Open House to provide opportunity for mariners to meet the locally based federal and state law enforcement officers, ask questions, and learn about new and exciting regulations. Held in Tarr Hall on the Chincoteague Coast Guard Base, South Main Street at 6:30 p.m.

March 11: Anticipated launch of a suborbital rocket from Wallops Flight Facility. The window is 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and backup days are March 12 & 13. For updates on launch status, call 757-824-2050, or visit www.twitter.com/NASA_Wallops or http://sites.wff.nasa.gov/webcast.

March 15 & 16: Beginner & Intermediate Watercolor Art Series at Delmarva Discovery Center. Register early. Classes limited to 6-12 persons each. Call 410-957-9933 or email events@delmarvadiscoverycenter.org.

NASA Visitor’s Center: Open Thursday-Monday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. March-June. Free and Fun!

Seafood Festival Tickets on sale now at the Chincoteague Chamber, Waterside Inn, Shore Bank and PNC Bank.

OYSTER FESTIVAL SHIRTS---$17
(IN PINK & BLUE—GREAT FOR EASTER GIFTS)
OYSTER FESTIVAL HATS---$15
OYSTER FESTIVAL POSTERS---$12

Evelyn
Evelyn Shotwell
Office Manager
Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce
757-336-6161

Is your Chincoteague Island Ready for Spring?

Is your Chincoteague Island Garden Ready for Spring – Give it a Facelift

With the Annual Chincoteague Daffodil Festival just over a month away, the Chincoteague Insider is getting itchy for Springtime, warmer weather and gardening.
The Chincoteague Daffodil Festival will be held April 10th & 11th, 2010 at the beautiful Chincoteague Center. The Daffodil Festival is the Eastern Shore of Virginia's only Flower, Home, Garden and Spring Art & Craft Marketplace. To learn more about this amazing event please visit http://www.ChincoteagueDaffodilFestival.com.

Now, let's talk about your Chincoteague Island Garden.

Your garden is likely one of the things you cherish about your home. It is a great place to relax, to feel like you have accomplished something after you work in it, and to be able to see the lovely flowers bloom when it is time. Getting your garden ready for spring can be time consuming, but also worth all the time you spend on it.

After a while you may discover that your garden area could really use a facelift. It is important to pay attention to this though. Otherwise you may risk your flowers not growing like they should. Perhaps you wish that your garden was in another area of the yard or that it was bigger. Instead of just thinking about it you should make a plan of action so that it can be accomplished.

You may have seen some new types of flowers that you would like to plant for the spring. Perhaps you are tried of the colors that are coming up so you want to replace them with something new. The great thing about having your own garden is that you do have the flexibility to change when you want to. It is your unique area for you to be creative with. You do need to have an idea of the direction you are going with it though in order to complete a springtime facelift.

Having a garden can also be a learning process. Instead of focusing on what didn’t work for you last year, focus on how you can make it better this year. If you have been using pesticides or herbicides then now is the time to make a pledge to use only organic materials in it. This is better for the environment and you will still get very nice flowers to grow from such methods.

The job of giving your garden a facelift in the spring time may initially seem very difficult. However, when you start to work on it you will find that you are enjoying it. Being outside in the spring is a great way to rejuvenate both the body and the mind. Working in the garden can help you to reduce stress as well.

The choices you make with your garden are going to influence the beauty of your landscaping. Don’t be afraid to try new ideas to see how they work for you. If they do then that is great. If they don’t then you can make additional changes down the road. Have fun with your garden instead of seeing it as work and you will find that you are motivated to work in it during the spring.

Chincoteague Island- Springtime tips for homeowners

Chincoteague Island - Springtime tips for homeowners

Owning your home is a huge accomplishment and one that most people are very proud of. Due to the busy schedules we all have though there may be things inside of your home as well as around the yard that don’t get the attention they need. Spring is the perfect time of year to spend taking care of all of them.

Making a list of what needs to be accomplished is the best place to start. Then you can start to tackle different things on the list until they are all done. You should reflect on what you have accomplished so that you will stay motivated to finish. Not all of the jobs we have to do in the spring time are fun but they can be rewarding.

For example when you sit down on your porch swing you will love being able to see how lovely your yard looks. You won’t be seeing the fence that is broken or needs painting anymore as it has now been taken care of. When the home is well cleaned and the yard is in shape then you will be able to view home as your safe haven. It will be your palace where you can relax.

Your home and your yard should also be places to have fun. They don’t need to be kept like a museum. Encourage your children to express their talents in the home such as by displaying various crafts for the springtime. They should also have lots of room to run and play in the yard.

Making improvements to your home may be on your list, but you have been putting them off due to the cost. Keep in mind that it doesn’t have to cost very much to make positive changes. Adding a coat of paint to the walls or brightening up a room by purchasing new curtains is very easy and cost effective.

Shop for used items too online or locally at second hand stores. You may find great items that you can display in your home or in your yard. Art for the walls is a nice way to bring in spring. A statue or other décor for the yard can also be a great way to enhance it too.

You can cut back on electricity too by allowing the sun to shine in the home and leaving the lights off. That natural sunlight can also make you feel better by improving your mood. While you can’t always to outside you can open the windows and also let the cool air come in. This is a great way to benefit from spring and to treat your mind and body as well.

For more tips on how to prepare you home or vacation rental for the coming season, be sure to attend the Annual Chincoteague Daffodil Festival at the Chincoteague Center on April 10th & 11th, 2010. The Daffodil Festival is the Eastern Shore of Virginia's only Flower, Home, Garden and Spring Art & Craft Marketplace. For more information and discount coupons, please visit http://www.Chincoteaguedaffodilfestival.com

Chincoteague Island 2-25-2010

From: Evelyn Shotwell
Date: 2/25/2010 1:37:01 PM
To: Evelyn Shotwell
Subject: OUT & ABOUT


Good wintry afternoon,

Where’s the snow? I hear the wind howling but I see blue skies out the window. You know what they say…if March comes in like a lion—roaring & blustery, it will go out like a lamb—mild and gentle. I’m ready for that! Spring can’t be far away, can it? I seem to hear it calling…….

Hang on a while longer. We have lots to do indoors while we wait. Enjoy!





OUT & ABOUT



February 26: North Accomack Little League Dinner & Auction Fundraiser at 6:00 p.m. in the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company Banquet Hall. Dinner prepared by Ladies Auxiliary and dessert compliments of Island Creamery. Artwork, decoys and lots of other nice items to be auctioned by Chester Jackson at 7:00 p.m. Contact Todd Tarr at 757-336-2901 or Donnie Hollaway at 757-336-5510 for tickets.



March 2: Caregiver Connection from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Hospice Resource Center at 6309 Church St.



March 3: “Celebrate Volunteerism” social at Delmarva Discovery Center at 4 p.m. Learn more about volunteer opportunities at the DDC. RSVP by March 1 by calling 410-957-9933 or emailing jroynon@delmarvadiscoverycenter.org.



March 4: “Bright Star” sponsored by Chincoteague Island Films at the Island Roxy Theater at 8:00 p.m. This will kick off the spring film series.



March 6: Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday with the Chincoteague Island Library at 3:30 p.m. Children 4-8 years of age are invited with their parents to come hear stories, make crafts and more. No charge.



March 6-7: Special local resident rates weekend at the Delmarva Discovery Center in Pocomoke City MD. Show driver’s license to receive discount.



March 15 & 16: Beginner & Intermediate Watercolor Art Series at Delmarva Discovery Center. Register early. Classes limited to 6-12 persons each. Call 410-957-9933 or email events@delmarvadiscoverycenter.org.



NASA Visitor’s Center: Open Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. through February.

Open Thursday-Monday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. March-June.

Free and Fun!



2010 CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND VISITOR’S GUIDES ARE HERE!!!

STOP BY SOON TO PICK UP A CASE OR A FEW FOR YOUR BUSINESS





WE ALSO HAVE EASTER DECOY SHOW FLYERS





OYSTER FESTIVAL SHIRTS---$17

(IN PINK & BLUE—GREAT FOR EASTER GIFTS)

OYSTER FESTIVAL HATS---$15

OYSTER FESTIVAL POSTERS---$12







Evelyn

Evelyn Shotwell

Office Manager

Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce

Chincoteague Island Coast Guard Event for Mariners

News Release

Coast Guard hosts joint agency law enforcement open house
for mariners
CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND, Va. – The Coast Guard base on Chincoteague Island is scheduled to host an event for mariners to come and meet locally based federal and state law enforcement officers March 10 at 6:30 p.m.
The event will provide an opportunity for mariners to meet some of their local enforcement officers, ask questions and learn about new and existing regulations.
Regardless of whether mariners operate a commercial, charter, or recreational vessel; subject matter experts will be on hand to answer questions about recreational and commercial fishing, or questions about laws pertaining to safety gear.
Boaters without specific questions are invited to come and listen to the discussion or pick up information on Boating Safety, Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety, and Fishing Regulations or to come and schedule a Courtesy Marine Examination.
The following are participating agencies and agency departments:
• U.S. Coast Guard Station Chincoteague
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• U.S. Park Service (NWR)
• Virginia Marine Resources Commission
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Safety Instructors and Courtesy Marine Examiners
• U.S. Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads Commercial Fishing Safety Examiners
The session will be held at Tarr Hall, in the Galley Facility, located on the base.
###
Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.

Chincoteague Events - February

Greetings from Chincoteague Island, Virginia!


Good Afternoon All,
A weekend without snow or rain??? Do we dare hope? It looks promising. Have a wonderful time “out and about” before the next weather system rolls through. I hate it when the Groundhog is right!!

OUT & ABOUT

February 20: The Virginia Symphony will perform at Nandua High School in Onley at 8:00 p.m. Call 757-302-0366 for ticket information.

February 22: “Tooth Fairy” at Island Roxy at 7:00 p.m. Portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Chincoteague Island Family YMCA. A fun, family movie for all ages.

February 23: Hospice Grief Support from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Hospice Resource Center at 6309 Church St.

February 24: Entrepreneur Express Workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (lunch included) at the Workforce Development Center Great Hall on the Campus of Eastern Shore Community College. Local entrepreneurs Honey Moore, Jonathan Bess and Pam Barefoot will share their practical experience; a rep from Shore Bank will show how to apply for a small business loan; and George Bryan with Eastern Shore Small Business Development Center will offer help on writing a business plan. It’s all FREE but call in advance to register since enrollment is limited. Contact Laura Fosque at 757-789-7979 or lfosque@es.vccs.edu.

February 26: North Accomack Little League Dinner & Auction Fundraiser at 6:00 p.m. in the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company Banquet Hall. Dinner prepared by Ladies Auxiliary and dessert compliments of Island Creamery. Artwork, decoys and lots of other nice items to be auctioned by Chester Jackson at 7:00 p.m. Contact Todd Tarr at 757-336-2901 or Donnie Hollaway at 757-336-5510 for tickets.

NASA Visitor’s Center: Open Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. through February.


2010 CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND VISITOR’S GUIDES ARE HERE!!!
STOP BY SOON TO PICK UP A CASE OR A FEW FOR YOUR BUSINESS


WE ALSO HAVE EASTER DECOY SHOW FLYERS




OYSTER FESTIVAL SHIRTS---$17
(IN PINK & BLUE—GREAT FOR EASTER GIFTS)
OYSTER FESTIVAL HATS---$15
OYSTER FESTIVAL POSTERS---$12


Evelyn
Evelyn Shotwell
Office Manager
Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce
757-336-6161

Chincoteague Island and the Rites of Spring

Chincoteague Island and the Rites of Spring

If spring on Chincoteague Island has a lullaby, it’s the croaking of frogs and toads newly awakened from their winter’s hibernation and eager to find mates.

If spring on Chincoteague Island has a ritual dance, it’s performed by the piping plovers. These threatened birds arrive at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge to nest, but first perform some astoundingly intricate courtship displays before choosing their mates and raising their families over the course of the summer.

If the spring air on Chincoteague Island has a proprietary perfume, it’s the scent of wisteria blooms mingled with the fragrance of salt air. The soft blue cascades of wisteria make a perfect backdrop for the dazzling yellows of the daffodils at the Chincoteague’s Center annual Daffodil Festival in early April, when dozens of Eastern Shore crafters and artists display their finest creations and the face painting is almost (but not quite) as artistic! All of this plus an array of local and regional businesses displaying their goods and services, plus flowers and more flowers!

Easter weekend means it’s time for another celebration of artistry at Chincoteague’s Easter Decoy and Art Festival, where decoys hand carved by some of the best carvers in the US draw crowds of wildlife enthusiasts. Some of the decoys are meant to be used, and some simply to be admired like the many wildlife paintings also being exhibited, but all of them are one-of-a-kind!

Spring on Chincoteague means it’s time to fill up on soft shell crab sandwiches, crab cakes, clam chowder, sweet potato pie, and music from one of the Eastern Shore’ hottest bands at the annual Chincoteague Seafood Festival. Both black and red drum arrive along with the first annual run of flounder if you’d rather catch dinner aboard an inshore charter. The local charter captains are storehouses of information about where the fish are biting and what bait they’re biting on!

Attention turns from the water to the sky with Chincoteague's annual International Migratory Bird Celebration, held at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island. During the spring thousands of shorebirds arrive at the Wildlife Refuge to rest on their journey along the Atlantic Flyway as they migrate to their nesting grounds further south. The Celebration features lectures, workshops, and bird-viewing hikes with avian experts.

Assateague Bus Tour Service resumes on weekends at the Bateman Visitor Center weekends in March and April, and is expanded to include Fridays during May. This two-hour tour (fortunately, this is Assateague, and not Gilligan’s Island) makes a loop of the Wildlife Refuge, and you may catch a few glimpses of the Chincoteague pony herd. A large number of foals are born to the herd in early spring.

The Assateague Lighthouse is open for climbing on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with the last climb beginning at 2:30. The Lighthouse is not only an important piece of Chincoteague and Assateague history; it’s the tallest structure around and a great place to get a view of the islands and surrounding waters.

The final event of Chincoteague’s spring, and a sure sign that Memorial Day and the summer busy season are looming, is the Blessing of the Fleet and Water Parade. Both commercial and private vessels can participate at Robert Reed Park. After being blessed the boats then travel to Curtis Merritt harbor on the opposite side of the Island.

If spring on Chincoteague Island has reputation, it’s for being just as much fun as summer, without the crowds and mosquitoes!