Greetings from Chincoteague Island- Spring 2010

Greetings from Chincoteague Island!

Spring on Chincoteague Island has surely sprung! Evelyn's work has just begun.


Good Afternoon All,
Ready to get Out & About and enjoy the weekend? As you can see, there are many, many things to get into the next couple of weeks. Spring has sprung, flowers are blooming, grass is growing, and it’s not raining! Take advantage of the sunshine to enjoy the great outdoors.

OUT & ABOUT

April 30 & May 1: Green Energy Symposium—Potential Economic Impact for Virginia’s Eastern Shore—Friday 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at ESCC Workforce Center in Melfa, VA. Call 757-789-7979 or email lfosque@es.vccs.edu for more information.

May 1: “Operation We Care” collection of items for care packages to our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq at Mr. Baldy’s Restaurant around 11 a.m. Contact Jeff Merritt at 410-713-8940 or jemerritt314@yahoo.com.

May 1: Countywide Spring Clean—Tipping fees will be waived at both county landfills for residential waste and recyclable materials in an effort to encourage Accomack County citizens to remove unsightly refuse from homes, yards, and communities. Landfills will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

May 1 & 8: Farmer’s Market behind Don’s Seafood Restaurant from 8 a.m. to Noon.

May 1 & 2: Discount weekend for local residents at Delmarva Discovery Center in Pocomoke City
Rocket Launch Saturday 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.—Let’s Go Fly a Kite! Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

May 2: Poetry Reading by Bill Hollis at 2 p.m. at Sundial Books. For more info call 757-336-5825.

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

May 5: Seafood Festival at Tom’s Cove Park sponsored by the Eastern Shore of VA Chamber of Commerce. Tickets available at the Chincoteague Chamber (cash & check only), Waterside Inn, PNC Bank, & Shore Bank. To purchase with a credit card call 757-787-2460.

May 6: The Last Station will be the featured film at the Island Roxy Theater at 8:00 p.m.

May 8: Mother Earth Day Festival at Robert Reed Waterfront Park from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. featuring art, music, vendors and hazardous waste collection trailer. (See attachment)

May 8: International Migratory Bird Celebration---Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Entrance fees to Refuge waived for the day. See attachment for a complete list of events.

May 8: Second Saturday Art Stroll—Participating shops will be featuring special exhibits, demonstrations, music, bead making and more. Visit Threadgoodes for Mad Hatter Mother’s Day Tea Party from 4 to 7 p.m.

May 12: Mid-Atlantic Institute for Space & Technology 1st Annual Intern Recognition Dinner at Pocomoke VFD Community Center at 6:30 p.m. Contact Lori Graham for tickets at 410-957-6570 or lori@mistusa.org.

NASA Visitor’s Center: Open Thursday-Monday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. March-June. Free and Fun!
Assateague Lighthouse Tours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call 757-336-3696 or visit www.piping-plover.org for more information.
Refuge Wildlife Bus Tours: April: Saturday at 1:00 p.m. and Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
May: Friday at 4:00 p.m., Saturday at 1:00 p.m., Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

WHAT’S UP WITH YOU???
MERCHANTS: SEND US NEWS….General info only…no coupons or discounts please. Format: Name of Business….short phrase or sentence. Limit all to one line of text. Send to chincochamber@verizon.net by noon Wednesday for inclusion in current Out & About.
• Capt. Bob’s Flounder Tournament May 7-16. Visit www.captbobs-marina.com to register.
• Captain Steve’s Flounder Tournament May 7-16. Visit www.stevesbaitandtackle.com to register.
• YMCA Camp Silver Beach Open House Sunday May 2—2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Meet directors, tour facility, & snacks.
• Lower Shore YMCA in Pocomoke City is looking for promo items (brochures, pens, magnets, coupons, etc.) to put in Triathlon participants’ bags. Contact Paul Becker at 410-957-9622 or pbecker14@gmail.com if you have items to donate to promote your business. Many participants are from DE, NJ, VA and vacation in Chincoteague or Ocean City. Items are needed by May 15.



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

Chincoteague April Events continue

What? You thought it was all over for April after the Chincoteague Daffodil Festival? Read what Evelyn Shotwell rom the Chincoteague Chamber has to say about that. The Spring events on Chincoteague Island just keep on rolling.






Hi All,
We have a big range of activities on tap for this weekend……from pony roundup to concerts. Don’t miss the ribbon cutting and dedication of the new Island Library Expansion on Saturday afternoon from 2-4 p.m. Lots of new and exciting things happening on Chincoteague----a new bridge, new library, beautiful waterfront park to enjoy concerts and special events. Be a part of the excitement! Have fun OUT & ABOUT.


OUT & ABOUT

April 16-18: Spring Roundup of Chincoteague ponies for shots and vet checks. Friday—south herd beginning at 5 p.m. and Saturday—north herd. All shots given on Saturday.

April 17: Island Library Dedication & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Rain Date May 1. Live entertainment, balloons, flags, and several speakers will complete the celebration in the Robert Reed Downtown Park. Tour the expansion after the ceremony.

April 17: Saturday at the Refuge with Terry Howard speaking on “Chincoteague: Then & Now” at the Herbert H. Bateman Visitor Center on the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

April 17: Bluegrass Festival at the Chincoteague Center. Doors open at 1:00 p.m. Vendors, workshops, jamming sessions, concessions including chili dogs, pork BBQ, snacks and drinks. Roadside Café performs at 7:30 p.m. Call 757-336-0614 or 757-336-3030 for information. (Island Bluegrass Alliance)

April 17: Chincoteague Cultural Alliance presents bluesman Ben Prestage in concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Senior Center on Church Street. He has a unique mix of Mississippi Country Blues with Florida Swamp Blues performed on a cigar box guitar.

April 18: Weekend Bird Walk—7:30 a.m.—Sign up at Toms Cove Visitor Center in advance—Stroll to beach, freshwater and salt marsh habitats is designed for the beginning bird watcher. Distance of 1 mile, lasts 2 hours. Limited number of binoculars and bird guides are provided. 757-336-6577.

April 18: Pancake Supper & Bazaar at Emmanuel Episcopal Church at Jenkins Bridge—4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Call 757-824-5043 for ticket information. Crafts and Bake Sale in addition to supper.

April 27: Hospice Grief Support Program---1:30--3:00 p.m. at Hospice Resource Center 6309 Church St.

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

Assateague Lighthouse Tours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call 757-336-3696 or visit www.piping-plover.org for more information.

Refuge Wildlife Bus Tours: Saturday at 1:00 p.m. and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. through April. Call 757-336-3696 or visit www.piping-plover.org

WHAT’S UP WITH YOU???
MERCHANTS: SEND US NEWS….General info only…no coupons or discounts please. Format: Name of Business….short phrase or sentence. Limit all to one line of text. Send to chincochamber@verizon.net by noon Wednesday for inclusion in current Out & About.

• Oyster & Maritime Museum 2010 Special Exhibit—Boats of Chincoteague—Spring: Friday-Sunday

SEAFOOD FESTIVAL TICKETS ON SALE AT THE CHINCOTEAGUE CHAMBER (cash or check only), WATERSIDE INN, PNC BANK AND SHORE BANK. FOR CREDIT CARD ORDERS CALL 757-787-2460.


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

Chincoteague Daffodil Festival - Live

Chincoteague Island Daffodil Festival – Live

Insider Greetings from Chincoteague Island!

The Insider is reporting from a secluded area of the Chincoteague Center, right in the middle of one of Chincoteague’s most exciting events.

The Daffodil Festival encompasses the Shore’s only Flower, Home, Garden and Spring Art and Craft Marketplace with great food from Pepper Jacks Grille and great music from the likes of The Celtic Islanders, Johnny Mo, My Christina and of course the incomparable Danny Kourvic aka the Piped Piper.

The music never stopped at the Chincoteague Daffodil Festival nor did the glorious, warm sunshine that poured down on the event all day.

This year’s festival presented one of the finest arrays of artists, crafters, and specialty foods exhibitors that have ever exhibited here on Chincoteague Island and despite the economic woes of our current times, most reported brisk sales and an enthusiastic group of shoppers.

There is fun stuff for kids as well at the Chincoteague Daffodil Festival like Pony Rides from Against the Wind Farms, Sand Art and more.

Fabulous displays of flowers and bedding plants from Maplewood Gardens and an awesome display from Prism Pools and Spas made the Festival all the more exciting and valuable to those who attended.

The Chincoteague Daffodil is a growing tradition here on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Today the event starts at 10:00am and runs until 3:00pm. You should check it out for a family-friendly day with something for everyone.

That’s the Chincoteague Daffodil Festival at the Chincoteague Center, 6155 Community Drive in Chincoteague Island, Virginia. For more information, please visit www.ChincoteagueDaffodilFestival.com

Insider…out!

Chincoteague Daffodil Festival, art strolls & more

From: Evelyn Shotwell
Date: 4/8/2010 3:43:50 PM
To: Evelyn Shotwell
Subject: OUT & ABOUT





Good Afternoon,
I hope you have enjoyed the glorious weather this week. It’s very difficult to focus on indoor tasks when it’s so nice outside. Winter may finally be over!
With the increase in visitors, we are in need of your brochures in the chamber office. Please check with us to make sure we have plenty on hand. We’re happy to see folks shopping and dining around town. We have received positive comments on how friendly everyone is and how nice business owners are. Keep up the good work!
Have fun…..out & about!
OUT & ABOUT


April 9: US Rep. Glenn Nye will be guest speaker at the annual Eastern Shore Christian Businessman’s Prayer Breakfast at 8:00 a.m. at the Elks Lodge in Chincoteague. Open to the public but reservations are required by calling Michelle Haynie at 757-787-1335 ext. 207 or emailing mhaynie@shorebank.com.

April 9: Eastern Shore Madrigal Singers will hold benefit concert “Broadway, Novelty, Barbershop, etc.” at Christ United Methodist Church at 7:30 p.m. Donations benefit Oyster & Maritime Museum.

April 9: Chincoteague Elementary School PTA sponsors Bingo at 5:30 p.m. at the school. Smith Island Cake auction too. Great family fun. Refreshments on sale. All to help the PTA. Come out and enjoy!

April 10: Second Saturday Art Stroll—First of the season!! Threadgoodes, Island Arts, Guinivere’s, Island Cottage Collection, Psychotronic Music & Beads, Sundial Books, Ron Hugo Photography, Flying Fish Gallery, Island Butterfly, Wine Cheese & More, Kite Koop, Egret Moon Artworks, & aNoPheles Blues have special treats and exhibitions planned. Get out and stroll!

April 10 & 11: Chincoteague Daffodil Festival at The Chincoteague Center. Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visit www.chincoteaguedaffodilfestival.com for more info. Or call 757-709-1914

April 16-18: Spring Roundup of Chincoteague ponies for shots and vet checks. Friday—south herd beginning at 5 p.m. and Saturday—north herd. All shots given on Saturday.

April 17: Island Library Dedication Ceremony from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Rain Date May 1.

April 17: Saturday at the Refuge with Terry Howard speaking on “Chincoteague: Then & Now” at the Herbert H. Bateman Visitor Center on the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

April 17: Bluegrass Festival at the Chincoteague Center. Doors open at 1:00 p.m. Vendors, workshops, jamming sessions, concessions including chili dogs, pork BBQ, snacks and drinks. Roadside Café performs at 7:30 p.m. Call 757-336-0614 or 757-336-3030 for information. (Island Bluegrass Alliance)

April 17: Chincoteague Cultural Alliance presents bluesman Ben Prestage in concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Senior Center on Church Street.

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

Lighthouse Tours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Assateague Island Bus Tours: Saturday 1:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. Call 757-336-3696 or visit www.piping-plover.org

WHAT’S UP WITH YOU???
MERCHANTS: SEND US NEWS….General info only…no coupons or discounts please. Format: Name of Business….short phrase or sentence. Limit all to one line of text. Send to chincochamber@verizon.net by noon Wednesday for inclusion in current Out & About.



SEAFOOD FESTIVAL TICKETS ON SALE AT THE CHAMBER, WATERSIDE INN, PNC BANK AND SHORE BANK.




Evelyn
Evelyn Shotwell
Office Manager
Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce

Chincoteague Easter Decoy Festival and more

From: Evelyn Shotwell
Date: 4/1/2010 2:48:48 PM
To: Evelyn Shotwell
Subject: OUT & ABOUT





Happy Easter to All,
It’s no April Fool joke…..spring is here……blue sky, singing birds, and green grass! I think I even saw a laughing gull yesterday. That’s a sure sign of spring! They always return with the visitors. Lots of activities on tap to keep folks of all ages entertained. Get out and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!!


OUT & ABOUT

April 2 & 3: EASTER DECOY & ART FESTIVAL at Chincoteague Combined School. Friday Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Auction Saturday 7:30 p.m. Visit www.chincoteaguedecoyshow.com for a complete list of exhibitors.

April 2, 3, 4: Great Drops of Blood Easter Drama Union Baptist Church—7:30 p.m. Come early. Free.

April 3: Easter Egg Hunt at Union Baptist Church Activities Bldg.-10:00 a.m. Ages 1 yr. to 5th Grade.

April 3: Book signing at Oyster Museum—James Carpenter From Tears to Memories: The Cemeteries of Chincoteague and From Tears to Memories II from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

April 3, 10, 17, 24: Introduction to Drawing for Kids & Teens with Chincoteague artist Tracey Taylor Arvidson—Call Delmarva Discovery Center at 410-957-9933 for details.

April 3: Farmer’s Market opens—8 a.m. to Noon—behind Don’s Seafood Restaurant on Main St.

April 4: Easter Sunday—Sunrise Service at Memorial Park at 6:30 a.m.

April 6, 13, 20, 27: Introduction to Drawing with Tracey Taylor Arvidson at the Delmarva Discovery Center

April 6: Caregiver Connection-Chincoteague Hospice Resource Center 6309 Church St from 2:30-4:00 pm

April 6: Results of yearlong Alternative Transportation Study conducted by the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and the US Department of Transportation’s Volpe Center to be presented at the Chincoteague Center at 6:00 p.m. Public invited to attend and learn more.

April 9: Eastern Shore Madrigal Singers will hold benefit concert “Broadway, Novelty, Barbershop, etc.” at Christ United Methodist Church at 7:30 p.m. Donations benefit Oyster & Maritime Museum.

April 10 & 11: Chincoteague Daffodil Festival at The Chincoteague Center. Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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

Lighthouse Tours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning April 2.
Assateague Island Bus Tours: April 2-4 p.m., April 3-1 p.m., April 4-10 a.m. After Easter weekend—Saturday 1 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. Call 757-336-3696 or visit www.piping-plover.org

WHAT’S UP WITH YOU???
• See winning art entries from Jr. Duck Stamp Art Competition on www.wildponytales.info
• Capt. Bob’s open April 1. Spring Hrs: M-F 7 am to 5 pm, Sat-Sun 7 am to 6 pm. Rentals 5/1/10
• Capt. Zack’s Seafood will re-open on the island Friday April 2
• Etta’s Channel Side Restaurant will reopen on April 2 at 4:00 pm
• Oyster Museum opens April 2: Fri & Sat 10 am to 5 pm, Sun Noon to 5 pm until Memorial Day
• Queen Hive Farm Open House April 3. Call 757-854-1320 or visit www.QueenHiveFarm.com
• YMCA Camp Silver Beach Open House: Sunday April 18 & May 2, 2010 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

MERCHANTS: SEND US NEWS….General info only…no coupons or discounts please. Format: Name of Business….short phrase or sentence. Limit all to one line of text. Send to chincochamber@verizon.net by noon Wednesday for inclusion in current Out & About.




Evelyn
Evelyn Shotwell
Office Manager
Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Special Event

Greetings from Chincoteague Island! The following Press Release concerns a vitally important issue to all who know and love Chincoteague Island.

News Release
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
P.O. Box 62
Chincoteague Island, VA 23336

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: March 22, 2010
Contact: Lou Hinds, Refuge Manager Phone: 757-336-6122


Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Unveils Results of Yearlong Alternative Transportation Study
Public Invited to Attend Meeting on April 6

Refuge Manager Lou Hinds invites everyone to join him on April 6 at 6:00 PM in the Chincoteague Community Center for a presentation on the results of the Alternative Transportation Study conducted by the Volpe Center.

For the past year, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and its partners have been working with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Volpe Center to complete this study. The purpose of the study was to objectively analyze different ways to address transportation problems -- including beach access, traffic, and parking.

The study results being presented on April 6th will include ideas and comments gathered from previous public meetings, as well as analysis of data and information about traffic, transportation, and other factors.

“We want those in attendance to learn more about the unbiased, well-rounded, and well thought out set of alternatives that were developed by the Volpe Center,” Lou Hinds exclaimed. “However, no decisions will be made that night to choose one alternative over another. We will only be presenting the findings of the study.”

The studies alternatives will provide suggestions for improving traffic flow from pedestrians, private cars, bicycles, and commercial buses. Based upon public input as well as experience and expertise, the study’s alternatives will drive the Refuge’s future decisions as it works through the development of its Comprehensive Conservation Plan.

For more information visit our website at http://www.fws.gov/northeast/chinco or contact Lou Hinds, at 757-336-6122.



-End-

Chincoteague Spring Checklist

Are you Prepared for Chincoteague Spring? Review this Checklist to Find Out

Are you prepared for springtime in Chincoteague? It can often roll right in if you aren’t paying attention. Then you may find you have too much work to do for you to fully enjoy it. You don’t want to take that route though because there is plenty of fun to be experienced in the spring time as well. Find that balance so you can make the most of this wonderful time of year.

There are other things on a personal level that can happen in the spring as well. For example if you want to go to the beach over the summer this is a perfect time for you to start a good eating plan and exercising more. Then you will be ready when summer is there instead of in a panic about it.

Cleaning very thoroughly is a huge part of the spring regiment for many households. Come up with a good way to get this done. If it seems like too much then make a plan to tackle one element at a time. Getting started is often the hardest part of it all. Once you find that motivation it will move along quickly. Focus on the end result instead of what you are doing and it will be less tiresome.

What does your yard look like as spring approaches? Hopefully it is offering you some spectacular looking flowers that you planted the previous year. If so, enjoy them to the fullest and bring some of them in the house to display as well. There are plenty of great ones you can plant in the spring too so think about doing that. It doesn’t take very much to get a garden area in place.

The sunlight feels good, especially after so many days of cold weather over the winter. Yet you have to make sure you don’t spend too much time outdoors in the spring though without drinking enough water. You need to stay well hydrated so don’t overlook that need. You also need to wear sunscreen to protect yourself. Wear long sleeves and a hat if you will be outdoors for extended periods of time in the summer.

Not everyone looks forward to the spring time though due to the onset of their allergies. The reminders of the suffering that has occurred in the past is something they aren’t looking forward to. Instead of waiting for allergies to attack though hit them head on. Explore the different treatment options out there so that you can find something worth taking. Some of them do have side effects that you will want to avoid. It can take some time to find the right product but don’t give up.

If you are well prepared for these aspects of spring then it will be a great time of year for you. There may be other things you want to add to your checklist as well that will work for you and your family.

One final item you will certainly want to add to your Chincoteague Spring Checklist is to attend two really great Festivals on Chincoteague Island. The Chincoteague Easter Decoy & Art Festival is held April 2 & 3, 2010. This fabulous event now in it’s 31st year is held at the Chincoteague Combined School. For more info. www.ChincoteagueDecoyShow.com

The second fantastic “must attend” event is the Chincoteague Daffodil Festival on April 10th & 11th at the Chincoteague Center. The Daffodil Festival is the Shore’s only annual Flower, Home, Garden and Spring Art & Craft Marketplace. To learn more and to pick up some discount coupons please visit www.ChincoteagueDaffodilFestival.com

A visit to Chincoteague on the weekend of April 10th & 11th brings the added benefit of the 2nd Saturday Art Stroll…too much fun!