Chincoteague/Delmarva Bike Week Connection

Chincoteague/Delmarva Bike Week Connection

Before too much time goes by, I want to comment on what was a really amazing happening on Chincoteague Island this past weekend. Once again events like this on Chincoteague help dispel the notion that the island goes to sleep after Labor Day.

On a nearly perfect weather weekend, estimates of nearly two thousand motorcyclists descended upon Chincoteague Island as a part of the Delmarva Bike Week festivities.

According to the Chincoteague Police Chief Eddie Lewis this large entourage was peaceful, law abiding and here to have a good time while promoting Biking as a safe and enjoyable pastime.

The ultimate destination of the bikers was the Sea Shell Café. David Landsberger the owner of the Sea Shell Café is himself and avid biker and was instrumental in organizing this leg of the Delmarva Bike Week Event. The Sea Shell Café is one of the newer and arguably one of the finest restaurants on Chincoteague. For more information about the Sea Shell please visit www.ChincoteagueIslandVacations.com and see their webpage.


The Chincoteague Bike Week portion of the program was co-hosted by WCTG Radio’s resident Diva Robin Rothschild who did a fabulous live broadcast on Saturday. Music was supplied by California Bob on Friday and incredible blues guitarist Chaz DePaolo on Saturday. To learn more about Chaz DePaolo, please read Jonathan Richstein’s Blog on www.ChincoteagueOutlook.com.

The Chincoteague Insider would like to give a Big Thumbs-Up to Mr. Landsberger, Ms. Rothschild, and Bruce Bennett for bringing this event to Chincoteague the past two years. It brings tangible benefit to the local businesses and is Big Fun! Great job all!

Insider out!

Chincoteague Events Continue

The educational, cultural, entertainment and just plain fun events continue to happen on Chincoteague Island. As you will see in Evelyn Shotwell's excellent list of activities on the near horizon, Chincoteague's offerings don't stop with Labor Day Weekend. Far from it, Chincoteague Island Events continue throughout the year.
Here is Evelyn's current fun sampler...Enjoy!



From Evelyn Shotwell
September 24, 2009
Out & About



Hi All,
Fall has arrived on the calendar but it still feels like summer outside. Hopefully we will be enjoying cooler temperatures soon. It looks like a full weekend of activities in and around the islands. Please take time to enjoy our wonderful events and happenings. HAVE LOTS OF FUN…..OUT & ABOUT


OUT & ABOUT

September 25: Celebrate the completion of the Island Nature Trail & Eastern Shore Native Plant Demonstration Landscape at the Island Nature Trail on Hallie Whealton Smith Dr. at 3:30 p.m. Light refreshments and guided tours of the trail will follow brief comments.

September 26: FREE Admission to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in celebration of National Public Lands Day.

September 26-30: Farmer’s Market behind Don’s Seafood Restaurant—8:00 am to Noon

September 26: Great Day in the Park from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.—Food, Games, Entertainment in the Robert Reed Waterfront Park—FREE!!!—Come and enjoy.

September 26: Blue Rhythm Boys in concert at 7:30 p.m. at the senior Center on Church St. Call the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance at 757-336-5636 for ticket information.

September 26: Chincoteague Island Family YMCA Dinner & Silent/Live Auctions at the Firehouse--6:00 p.m. Turkey & Dumplings, clam fritters and ALL the trimmings!!! Call Joan at 757-894-3178 or go by Shore Bank for tickets.

September 27 & October 19: Pocomoke River Adventure Series—The Delmarva Discovery Center is hosting an exciting canoeing/kayaking adventure series on the Pocomoke River! Call 410-957-9933.

October 1: Fall Film Series at the Island Roxy Theater features “Ronin”—8:00 p.m.

October 2: “Sweet Dreams” by CJ Harding—Patsy Cline Tribute at The Chincoteague Center—7:00 p.m.—Call 757-336-0614 for tickets or more information or visit www.ChincoteagueCenter.com .

October 2: First Friday Program at the Herbert H. Bateman Educational Center on the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge—7:00 p.m.—Grayson Chesser on “Eastern Shore Decoys Before WWII”

October 3: Costen House Art Show at the Delmarva Discovery Center in Pocomoke City—10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.—Call 410-957-9933 for more information.

Customer Service Curriculum Fall 2009—schedules available in the chamber office or call the Eastern Shore Community College at 757-789-1751 or 757-789-7979 or email rlock@es.vccs.edu.


*ASSATEAGUE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Through September: Thursday-Monday--9a.m. to 3p.m.—757-336-3696
October-November: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
*ASSATEAGUE ISLAND BUS TOURS: Through September: Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m.—757-336-3696
October-November: Sat. 1:00 p.m./Sun. 10:00 a.m.

***The Town of Chincoteague along with Kevin Krome and Steve Potts, owners of Bill’s Restaurant, are working to improve the Christmas Pole Decorations along Main Street and possibly extend them down Maddox Blvd. If you would like to make any amount of donation to this worthy project to enhance the beauty of the island during the Holidays, please call Kevin at 757-894-0051.

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

Father to Son

Father to Son

“How I rediscovered the fine art of crabbing on Chincoteague Island and had a bonding experience with my 9yr. old son”

It all started a few days before this past summer's Chincoteague Blueberry Festival. While distributing some posters to one of the local campgrounds, I ran in to one of the fine exhibitors who attend the show. We chatted for a while and she mentioned that she was trying to pack the week with fun and unique activities for her kids. By the way, this exhibitor hails from Georgia and uses the Blueberry Festival as a sort of working vacation.

Towards the end of our conversation she bluntly asked me if I knew anything about crabbing. Now, it’s been quite a few years since I had done any crabbing, but I sure like to eat crabs and I did my best to recollect for her the basics of Crabbing 101. This set the process in motion in my own mind.

The next week,(Pony Swim Week) while my family and I were in relaxation mode and enjoying our beautiful waterfront vacation home that we had rented with some friends, my son said, “Hey Daddy, why don’t we try to catch some crabs?”

I said “ let’s do it” and the next day we waltzed on down to Captain Steve’s Bait and Tackle Shop right on Maddox Blvd. We were helped by a guy named Jimmy and he was absolutely terrific. He helped us get the right equipment i.e. crab lines, chicken necks for bait, weights, buckets etc. He also convinced us to get a wire net so that the crabs wouldn’t get tangled in the web. Jimmy also steered us to some great crabbing locations like Memorial Park and the little marsh stretch near the bridge to Assateague Island.

Crabbing is actually very easy to do and can be enjoyed by both young and old alike. It’s really fun too!

Well, needless to say, we had a wonderful time crabbing and enjoying a new experience together. Our little crabbing adventure has been the subject of many laugh filled conversations and “inside jokes” ever since. Like many other shared events on a Chincoteague Vacation, it will be formed into a life long memory. Oh, and yeah we did actually catch some crabs too.

So, when visiting Chincoteague remember that one of the most inexpensive forms of recreation is crabbing and it can reap big rewards…like dinner for instance. The entire family will want to get involved and who knows, maybe you’ll create an unforgettable Chincoteague Island memory like I did.

Until the next time…

Chincoteague Cultural Alliance September Events

Greetings from the musicocentric Island of Chincoteague!

Let's call it like it is, the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance has brought an amazing feast of musical and artistic riches to Chincoteague this summer. With the coming of cooler days and nights, one's taste runs to slightly more savory musical dishes and the coming months promise an array of offerings to satisfy your changing appetite. I apologize for not posting this in time for some of the events, but I'm letting them stand so that one can see the spectacles that were missed. Never fear, there is more to come!



CCA September Events


September 2009
Chincoteague Cultural Alliance
P.O. Box 257
Chincoteague Island, Virginia 23336
Greetings!

The summer is over but there are still plenty of CCA events this month. Mark your calendars for the Plein Air Exhibition and Sale, the 2nd Saturday Art Stroll and two upcoming concerts.


Plein Air Painting, Exhibition and Sale

Where & When
Date: September 12
Time: 6-10pm
Location: St Andrews Paschal Hall, Church St.


Watch more than 40 local, regional and national artists painting at various locations throughout the Islands on Friday and Saturday this weekend. Then, join the artists for a reception, exhibition and sale from 6:00-10:00 Saturday evening at - NOTE NEW LOCATION - St. Andrews Paschal Hall, 6288 Church St. This is the 6th year for this popular event!
Click here for additional information.


2nd Saturday Art Stroll

Where & When
Date: Sept. 12
Time: 6-10pm
Location: Participating shops



Meet artists, authors, musicians and more as you stroll through town visiting CCA shops and galleries. There's something for everyone - from Basketmaking to Wine Tasting and everything in between. Click here for a complete list of special events this month. In addition to the Art Stroll, the Chincoteague Police Department is sponsoring a community block party - in conjunction with the Poker Run for the Kids - from 5-9pm on Main St. between Mumford and Church Sts. Stroll along to the sounds of The Island Boys as you visit participating 2nd Saturday locations.


Trio La Milpa Wind Ensemble Concert


Where & When
Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Bateman Center


The Chincoteague Cultural Alliance, in cooperation with the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and the Chincoteague Natural History Association, will present a concert by the acclaimed woodwind ensemble, Trio La Milpa. The concert will be held at the Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center at the Refuge.

Trio La Milpa will present a recital featuring the works of Beethoven, Handel and Bartok, among others. The concert will also feature a world premiere of a new work written especially for the occasion by composer Bruce Yurko.

Tickets are $18 for adults and $5 for children. For additional information about the concert and to purchase tickets, click here.


CCA Fall Acoustic Concert Series: The Blues

Where & When
Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Chincoteague Senior Center, Church St.

Blue Rhythm Boys

Blue Rhythm Boys return to open the fall 2009 Blues Series. They played to and delighted a sold out audience in 2008 and bring the "blue" portion of their repertoire to the series this year. Blending the blues of Mississippi John Hurt with the "hot club" swing of Django Reinhardt, The Blue Rhythm Boys have delighted audiences with their tight vocals and hot guitar playing since 1997.

Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door and $5 for children.For more information about the concert and to purchase tickets please call Jon Richstein at Sundial Books 757-336-5825





Thanks for supporting the Arts on Chincoteague Island!

Chincoteague Big Weekend

From: Evelyn Shotwell
Date: 9/11/2009
From her desk at the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce






Good Morning All,
What a night…wind and rain…but hopefully it will all be gone and we will have nothing but clear skies for the weekend. There are tons of things going on all over the islands. Enjoy the artists as they paint “en plein air” today and tomorrow. They should have some interesting scenes to paint with all the water around!! Kick up your heels and enjoy the days ahead…out & about!!

OUT & ABOUT



September 11 & 12: Chincoteague Cultural Alliance 6th Annual Plein Air Paint Out Reception & Sale—Over 40 artists will be painting in and around Chincoteague and Assateague islands “en plein air”, that is, outdoors and in the moment. Reception and sale will be held Saturday September 12, 6:00-10:00 p.m. at Paschall Hall at St. Andrew Church, 6228 Church St. Visit www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org for additional info.

September 12: 2nd Saturday Art Stroll—Start your day basket making with Helen Sheets at Gull Watch Basketry from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Other demonstrations, exhibits, book signings, tastings and music will be from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Island Butterfly; Bayside Arts; Island Arts; Island Cottage Collection; Psychotronic Music & Beads; Sundial Books; Island Library; Linda Nerine Gallery; Guinevere’s; Threadgoodes; Wine, Cheese & More; Kite Koop and aNoPheles Blues. Schedules available in chamber office and local businesses.

September 12: Community Block Party After Summer Blowout & Chincoteague Police Department Poker Run—Party on Main St. between Church & Mumford from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sponsored by Chincoteague Police Dept. Food & Fun, Dance & Sing………Come Party on the street!!!!!!

September 15: Night Time Artificial Cloud Study Using NASA Sounding Rocket Launch scheduled between 7:30 and 7:57 p.m. Backup days are Sept. 16-20. Call 757-824-2050 for updates.

September 15: Tai Chi Class sponsored by Chincoteague Island Family YMCA begins—Held every Tuesday 6:30-7:30 p.m. for 6 weeks. Call 757-336-6364 or 757-894-3178 to register.

Thanks for the update Evelyn! Now please don’t anybody say that there’s nothing to do this weekend. What do you want people! Get on out there and have some fun on Chincoteague Island this weekend and beyond!

9/11 Remembered

9/11 Remembered

Like most people, seminal moments in our lives can leave such indelible impressions on us that they can freeze us in time. Like the John Kennedy or Martin Luther King assassinations, the Space Shuttle disaster and most notably the unprovoked attack by Islamic Terrorists on the World Trade Center.

Events of such singular magnitude leave us remembering details such as where we were at the exact moment of receiving the news.

I can tell you that I certainly remember where I was when I received the news about the destruction of the World Trade Center as I was momentarily paralyzed with fear. Afraid not for myself, but for my wife and her friend and traveling companion who were spending the week in New York City attending the International Gift Show at the Jacob Javetts Center right in the heart of Manhattan.

Unable to reach them by cell phone,(all circuits were overloaded) remember this was 8 years ago and the technology was not up to today’s standard, I was frustrated and overwhelmed with that peculiar type of anxiety that comes with “not knowing.”

Eventually, my wife was able to contact me. Their hotel room which was on the Jersey side of the Hudson River had become a temporary residence for a large number of Manhattan refuges and they were sharing a pivotal experience that they would never forget for the rest of their lives.

Sometimes, here on Chincoteague Island and the Eastern Shore, things in heavily populated, major cities like New York seem to be happening in another universe and when I finally did get to talk to my wife it was very hard to grasp that she was in the middle of this.

It even gets a little bit stranger, you see the only reason my wife didn’t end up literally right at the foot of the World Trade Center, right at Ground Zero at exactly the time of the attack was that her friend had a cast on her leg and was "moving slow” on that day.. This caused them to miss their usual train, a fortunate accident that prohibited them from leaving the Jersey side at all. When they did try to leave, they were turned back and told to stay in their room. They watched it on TV and looked out their window and could see the smoke and floating debris just a very short distance across the river. It was surreal!

My wife cried, “ Sam, I could feel thousands of souls leaving this Earth.” Her sadness and grief was palpable and I could feel it in my chest even over the phone. This is the moment that it became real for me. I remember where I was sitting, the strange position I had placed the dining room chair while I was talking to her, I even remember the squeak of the chair, but these things merely frame the sound of her words and the emotion she conveyed. My memory was set in stone. It will forever be with me. My sadness for those people that were murdered and their families as well as my loathing for the cowardly perpetrators of this vile act remain unchanged with the passage of time.

My wife’s emotion was a complex union of the strange relief one experiences when one “dodges a bullet” and a sincere and profound empathy for those who died and for their loved ones as they are the real victims of this atrocity.

We as Americans can never forget either! No one in those Towers deserved to die on that day. We were attacked in the most cowardly manner by people who hate us simply for what we are and we should be ever grateful to those who have kept this type of slaughter of innocent Americans from happening again.

Labor Day Weekend Over

Labor Day Weekend Over


Now that the Labor Day weekend has come and gone and the kid’s are back in school, the summer season on Chincoteague Island gives way to an entirely different atmosphere.

I must confess, this is my favorite time of the year, especially for going to the beach. The water is still warm, although the rains are hampering things a bit today. The crowds are seriously diminished during the weekdays and even the weekends at the beach have a more relaxed feel. In fact, relaxed is a good way to frame the way the Chincoteague experience becomes in these late summer days. Families generate a lot of hustle and bustle in high season, but the after season attracts a type of visitor that is looking to savor the sunsets, sip a glass of wine, enjoy the wonders of nature at the National Wildlife Refuge, take a long and leisurely meal at one of Chincoteague’s fine dining establishments or maybe just read a book on the bench in front of Sundial Books. It’s “all good” as they say today.

Now don’t get me wrong, there are still plenty of activities in this season. There’s Plein Air, the 2nd Saturday Stroll, Cultural Alliance Musical Events, the Oyster Festival, Chili Chowder Cook Off and much more. There is almost always something going on in any season on Chincoteague Island.

If I were a tourist, this is the season that I would choose to visit Chincoteague. In fact, I could easily spend a couple of weeks here at this time. By the way the fishing’s great too!