Chincoteague Insider-standing ovation for the CCA

Chincoteague Insider- standing ovation for the CCA

As we near the end of the calendar year here in 2009 and we begin the whirlwind of Holiday festivities with family and friends, the Chincoteague Insider thought it fitting to give-it-up for the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance.

The Chincoteague Cultural Alliance is
truly the “Home of the Arts on Chincoteague Island,” and I want to go on the record as being very grateful for their existence. I say that not only for the entertainment they have brought to me personally, but for the fact that they enrich the Chincoteague experience to an immeasurable degree and create a unique yet complementary layer to the many other offerings this wonderful island contains.

The Chincoteague Cultural Alliance gives prospective visitors to Chincoteague Island a different take on a Chincoteague Island Vacation, thus expanding the base of possible visitors. This is undeniable in my opinion.

In my humble opinion, every business on Chincoteague Island should be feeling this spirit of gratitude as well. We are all the better given the hard work and tangible results the CCA brings to Chincoteague Island.

Let’s take a brief look in review of what the CCA brought to Chincoteague in 2009; Scott Ainsle, Wale Liniger, the Blue Rhythm Boys, Trio Milpa-Wind Ensemble, The Plein Air Art Event, Music at the Dock, Chincoteague Unplugged, the Summer Film Series, the “Day in the Life of the Island” photo contest, the Native American Festival, and of course the 2nd Saturday Art Stroll…Wow! What a year.

So, let me take the risk of naming names. I say this because I fear leaving some worthy individual out, but I’ll be brave.

Bill Troxler, Bob Behr, Billie Dayton, Jane Richstein, Jon Richstein, John Beam, Nancy West, Megan McCook, Karen Lukacs and Madelaine Adamson and anyone else who works with the CCA…the Chincoteague Insider is giving you a rousing round of applause for a job well done. Thank you for the amazing entertainment you bring to Chincoteague Island. I can’t wait to see what you have up your collective sleeve for 2010.

Bravo!

Until the next time…

Chincoteague November Happenings

Greetings from a wind-blown and rain-drenched Chincoteague Island. This nor'easter can't last forever, but it has already overstayed it's welcome. When it's time to come out of your cave, there will be plenty to do here on Chincoteague. As usual, Evelyn Shotwell from the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce, is right on top of the situation. O.K. Evelyn, I have a real bad case of Cabin Fever, "what can I look forward to?"



From: Evelyn Shotwell

Date: 11/12/2009 12:14:00 PM
To: Evelyn Shotwell
Subject: OUT & ABOUT






Good Windy Afternoon!!!
I hope everyone is doing well through the “November Noreaster”!! A few more hours and we will be on the downhill side of the wind and rain I think. Here are some ideas of things to do after you have cleaned up the water and debris. Have fun when you can get “out and about”…..


OUT & ABOUT

November 13: “Surviving the Holidays after the Loss of a Loved One”—1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.—Hospice Resource Center at 6309 Church St. Chincoteague.

November 13-14: Jane Luquette Fine Art Photography—featured artist in Lighthouse Oil Shed

November 14: Christmas Bazaar at Christ United Methodist Church—9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

November 14: Town Cemetery Committee Clean-Up Day—9 a.m. to Noon—Holy Ridge Cemetery on North Main St—Call Ellen Richardson, Gary Turnquist, or Terry Howard to help.

November 14: Native American Festival—Robert Reed Waterfront Park Noon to 5 p.m.—Visit www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org for info. Demonstrations, music, dancing & food.

November 14: Basket & Handbag Bingo Fundraiser for PASSS (After Prom Party)—Chincoteague High School—Doors open at 6 p.m.—Bingo begins at 7 p.m.

November 14: Second Saturday Art Stroll—Last one of the season—Come out and have fun—schedules in local businesses and chamber office.

November 14: Chincoteague Island Library invites any child 12 years old and younger with an Island Library card to be its guest at the Saturday showing of “Where the Wild Things Are” at the Island Roxy Theater on Main Street. Show your card and admission to the movie is free. Come to the library if you don’t have a card yet.

November 18: Book signing by Christopher White, author of “Skipjack: The Story of America’s Last Sailing Oystermen”—Sundial Books from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
November 21: Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company Ambulance Fundraising Dinner at the Fire Station on Main St. Call 757-894-1216, 757-894-8771, 757-894-3285, 757-336-5505, or 757-336-5027 for tickets. Ladies Auxiliary will prepare the meal (sure to be wonderful!!) and items from local carvers, artists, and businesses will be offered in silent and live auctions. Come out for a good time for a good cause.

November 21: Scott Ainslie Blues Concert at Senior Center on Church Street—7:30 p.m.—Advance tickets available online at www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org and at Egret Moon, H&H Pharmacy and Sundial Books.

November 21-22: Todd Lonaberger, Nature & Wildlife Photography at the Lighthouse Oil Shed.

November 21-29: Waterfowl Week at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Call 757-336-6122 or visit the Herbert H. Bateman Educational Center for a schedule of activities.

*Visit http://sites.wff.nasa.gov/ or call 757-824-2050 for rocket launch info from Wallops
*NASA VISITOR CENTER: Call 757-824-2298 for fall schedule.
*ASSATEAGUE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: October-November: Friday, Saturday, Sunday-9am-3pm
*ASSATEAGUE ISLAND BUS TOURS: October-November: Sat. 1:00 p.m./Sun. 10:00 a.m.



Evelyn
Evelyn Shotwell
Office Manager
Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce

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!

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!

Chincoteague Cultural Alliance August Concert

Greetings from the Chincoteague Insider! The Chincoteague Music Scene is alive, rich and dynamic. The Chincoteague Cultural Alliance should be on the radar for all lovers of music and the performing arts. Here's a perfect example.

PRESS RELEASE
Chincoteague Cultural Alliance
www.ChincoteagueCulturalAlliance.org


FOR IMMEDIATE USE CONTACT INFORMATION:
August 5, 2009 Jon Richstein – 757-336-5825
R. Owen Hooks – 757-336-3399
Chincoteague Cultural Alliance


Walt Michael Concert August 19

The Chincoteague Cultural Alliance presents Walt Michael in concert at 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 19 at the Senior Center in downtown Chincoteague.

Walt Michael’s various musical incarnations, have spanned over 37 years and taken him from the coal camps of Appalachia to the White House to the Closing Ceremonies of the 13th Olympic Winter Games.

Considered to be a virtuoso of tremendous influence in the revival of the hammered dulcimer, Walt’s wide repertoire ranges from old-time Southern Appalachian, to Celtic, to breath-taking original compositions. As a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist and he has recorded fourteen albums and instructional videos, appeared at the Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center and toured extensively throughout the US, Canada, Europe and the UK. His music has been heard on ABC-TV, NBC's Tonight Show, Broadway, BBC, TNN, CBC, OLN and PBS.

Walt has composed and performed collaboratively with both the Pilobolus Dance Theater and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. He was the musical producer, composer and recording artist for the Outdoor Living Network’s documentary, Cowboy 101. His music figures prominently in the soon-to-be released feature length movie “The Last Blast” in which he also plays two roles: a punk rocker and a G-man.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are available at the door and online at www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org. Click on Music and look for Chincoteague Unplugged


Chincoteague Cultural Alliance
P.O. Box 257
Chincoteague Island, VA 23336
Phone: 757-336-5636

Note: Be sure to read Jon Richstein's Music Blog on http:www.ChincoteagueOutlook.com

Chincoteague Bridges: Goodbye to the Old- Hello to the New

Chincoteague Bridges - Good-Bye to the Old, Hello to the New

Since 1940, the only way for anyone to reach the Virginia island of Chincoteague was by boat, or over the Causeway Bridge which crossed both Black Narrows and the Chincoteague Channel before reaching the Town of Chincoteague. This bridge was built to replace the original Causeway Bridge which opened in 1922, thanks to the tireless work of John B. Whealton, who was awarded $144,000 to complete the job!

When the first Causeway Bridge was opened to much fanfare on November 15th, 1922, more than four thousand people showed up with their automobiles to enjoy the festivities. Before the afternoon ended, rain had begun to fall. The newly opened Causeway unfortunately proved unable to handle both the rain and heavy automobile traffic, and 96 vehicles remained trapped on it.

With typical Chincoteague enterprise, the town's residents used their own boats to ferry the stranded visitors to the safety of local hotels. When the hotels were booked up, they took the strangers into their own homes! The automobiles, over the next few days, were placed on barges and carried to either Franklin City or Wisharts Point for their owners to collect.

John Whealton’s building company spent the next month reinforcing the soil on which the Causeway had been constructed with tons of oyster shells, and the bridge reopened before Christmas. The failure of the bridge was an embarrassment, but the hospitality of the Islanders set a standard which has continued to this day!

Because of that hospitality, however, increasing traffic on the bridge required its replacement in 1940. The 1940 bridge now brings more than 1 million annual visitors to Chincoteague, making the island one of the most popular vacation spots on the entire Atlantic seaboard.

During the 1940s, the bridge was a popular crab-catching spot for the island youngsters, and also served as a diving board into Chincoteague Channel for the bravest among them! In the days before automation, the bridge was manned by a bridge tender around the clock, and the bridge houses which served as dining and bedrooms for the bridge tenders remain to this day.

The bridge tenders had the responsibilities not only for opening the bridge to boat traffic, but have actually maintaining the bridge by giving it regular coats of paint to protect it from the weather and grease to keep it open and closing smoothly. Even during the unforgettable Ash Wednesday storm of 1962, which had Chincoteague Island underwater for days, the bridge tenders manned their posts around the clock!

Time, however, has taken its toll on the Causeway Bridge and in 2008, the Richmond office of the American Bridge Company was given a $68.7 million contract instructed to replacement bridges scheduled for completion in November 2009. The shorter of these bridges, the Marsh Island Connector, will access Marsh Island at the same place as the present Black Narrows Bridge.

The longer bridge will extend from the west side of Black Narrows at VA-175 and continue north and east to the intersection of Main Street and Maddox Boulevard. It's been planned to relieve the enormous traffic congestion which builds up around the Chincoteague Fire Department. Although it’s a two-lane bridge, the lanes are wider than those of the Chincoteague Channel and Black Narrow Bridges, which no longer meet safety standards.

Both the older bridges, after nearly seven decades, will be taken down when the new bridge is opened. For many of the residents of Chincoteague, losing those bridges will be like losing old friends with whom they spent some of the happiest hours of their lives!

Chincoteague Weekend- Big Music,Artsy Stroll

Chincoteague Weekend- Big Music-Artsy Stroll

Chincoteague Island is set to hit some high notes this weekend starting with a Free concert at the beautiful waterfront Robert Reed Park. These free concerts produced by the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance are a valuable addition to the ever-expanding buffet of CCA musical offerings. Kudos to Bill Troxler, Musical Director of the CCA who by the way has a newly released CD himself. If you want more information about Mr. Troxler’s new CD, please call Jon Richstein of Sundial Books Fame at 757- 336-5825 and he will tell you all about it.

Now, about that Free Concert at the Dock.
This Saturday’s concert begins at 5pm and features a talented duo from Cumberland, Pa. called Hemlock Hollow. Roger and Chris Wilkinson play in a range of styles from classic folk to old time country, originals and covers of favorites like the Beatle’s and the Stones. Bring a beach chair and enjoy!

The Island Bluegrass Alliance is at it again with a couple of great Bluegrass Bands performing at the Chincoteague Center. Satyr Hill from Baltimore, Md. and Thunder Creek from Wakefield, Va., will touch all the Bluegrass bases, traditional, gospel, old-time etc. in two shows, one at 5pm and another at 7pm. For more information call Bill Chrisman at 757- 336-3030.

Be sure to check out Bill Chrisman’s new video interview on www.ChincoteagueOutlook.com under the Personalities Button. Bill ruminates about the origins of the Island Bluegrass Alliance and his love of Bluegrass Music.

The Linda Nerine Gallery at 6519 Church St. will be hosting a talented multi-media artist as part of the Second Saturday Art Stroll. Lucy Roehm a resident of both Philadelphia and Chincoteague Island has become one of the most collected artists on the island. Ms. Roehm works in watercolor, oil, acrylic, graphite and pencil. For more info. 757-336-5322.

And speaking of the 2nd Saturday Art Stroll, there is a virtual Cornucopia of artists, musicians and special events throughout the island, way too many to list here. For a full rundown of this not-to be-missed monthly extravaganza, the Insider suggests that you visit www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org . I can tell you this, each and every one of the Strolls is better than the last one. The Town really gets in to this event!

One more thing, check out the newly renamed Mexican Restaurant on Chincoteague. Now known as “That Mexican Place” is very affordable and the food is quite good. “The Mexican Place” is located on Chicken City Rd. just off Maddox Blvd.

Have a fun weekend! Until the next time…

Chincoteague New Additions

There are a number of new additions either completed or near completion on and about Chincoteague Island. Perhaps the two most glaring examples of this positive growth are the new addition to the Chincoteague Library which will not only contribute to the visual landscape at Robert Reed, but will expand the minds of all who pass through it's doors and the New Chincoteague Bridge which will function as the Gateway to the Island.

The Chincoteague Library expansion will include a children's reading room and meeting rooms. The upstairs will include an entire section on Chincoteague's history and more. The number of books will triple, as will the number of computers. The expanded Chincoteague Library will provide a wonderful resource to locals and visitors alike. The expansion project is scheduled to be completed in September 2009

A Big Insider Thumbs-Up to Linda Ryan, Carl Palmer, Nancy Conklin and other members of the Island Library's Board of Directors. Great job Folks!

Thw New Chincoteague Bridge is on schedule for a November completion. Most of us will miss the romance of the old bridge, but none deny the convenience the new bridge will bring.

There's some new stores, the Island Surf Station, Saltwater Trading Company, and the Coastal Convenience Store all owned by Mark Kiesewetter. All the Best Mark!

And finally, Chincoteague has a new member of the Misty clan. Smoke'n Mist was born last week and now resides at the Chincoteague Pony Center with his mom. The Chincoteague Pony Centre boasts the largest herd of Misty's descendants to be found anywhere.

Chincoteague Island has always managed to lovingly embrace the tried and true and traditional and to embrace change at the same time. Old and new. Hometown and Tourist Town. Chincoteague has managed this balancing act for many generations and will continue to so so in to the future.

Lot's of great music on the Island next week, as well as the 2nd Saturday Art Stroll.The Insider will deal with that in the next post.

Be sure to check out the new videos on www.chincoteagueoutlook.com.

Until the next time...

Daytripping - Chincoteague Style

One of the great things about Chincoteague Island is that it is truly a self-contained vacation playground. With the beautiful beach at the National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island many days can be spent in the sun and waves. The beautiful waters provide so many water recreation opportunities like sailing, jet skying, parasailing, not to mention pleasure boating, scenic and eco-cruises and of course fishing. Days and days can be spent on Chincoteague’s waters.
There always seems to be a special event or festival either at the Beautiful Robert Red Park, on Main St. or at the Chincoteague Center. And of course there’s bike riding, miniature golf and shopping at all of the wonderful stores and gift shops sprinkled throughout.
Chincoteague is also blessed with a full range of comfortable accommodations and restaurants to fit any budget or taste. So why would anyone ever want to venture off the island?
The “Insider” has often remarked that Chincoteague Island is the ideal two-week vacation destination simply because though it has everything, that irresistible human impulse to explore an area inevitably kicks in and Chincoteague is ideally located for those little road trips that everyone seems to enjoy. You know, where you just jump in the car and head for points unknown, but not too far away from your homebase. That’s right with Chincoteague as a homebase you can tour to fascinating smaller and larger towns on both the Eastern Shore of Virginia and the Eastern Shore of Maryland and never drive more than 90 minutes in either direction. This allows plenty of exploration time for you and your family with the comfort and security of your homebased bed and pillow back on Chincoteague Island.
Daytripping Chincoteague Style is big fun and I recommend it to any one. Go to the Daytrips tab on the www.chincoteagueislandvacations.com homepage and you will find descriptive articles of many of the fascinating towns on the Eastern Shore with estimated driving times, directions and more. Have fun when you explore the Shore! Until later, have a great day!

Chincoteaue Vacation Tip and more

Chincoteague Insider Vacation Tip

Greetings from Chincoteague Island! With Memorial weekend only one week away marking the official start of the vacation season; the time for procrastination is over. I'm talking about making the accomodations for your family vacation. Chincoteague has a wide range of great hotels, motels, campgrounds, B&B's, cabins, cottages and vacation rental homes to suit any budget , so visit www.chincoteagueislandvacations.com for a sampler of fine accomodations or call the Chincoteague Chamber for a comprehensive list at 757-336-0614.

2nd Saturday Art Stroll
If you missed this months stroll, you missed a good one! To avoid a disappointment like this next month , I urge you to visit www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org and get up to speed with all of their happenings. And speaking of happenings of the musical stripe, the CCA will be presenting Will Kimbrough in concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Senior Center on Church St. Mr. Kimbrough blends interesting lyrics and skillfull guitar into a folk,rock,country and bluegrass stew that is a real crowd pleaser. There are lots of places to get tickets in advance, notably Sundial Books and the Kite Koop. You can also get tickets at the door.
Also, the CCA will begin their Music at the Dock series of Free concerts at Robert Reed Park on May 24th. Bob Zentz gets the music started at 5pm with a wonderful menu of sea chanteys, folks songs and his own original songs. All you need to do is show up and enjoy!

An Insider thumbs up to Chincoteague's Mayor Jack Tarr for signing the National Safe Boating Proclamation. NSBW runs from May16-23 and encourages all boaters to wear life jackets and promotes safe boating education.

Be sure to check out the new videos at www.chincoteagueoutlook.com. This week we posted a video on the Seafood Festival, an interview with Jeff Davis of the ESVA Chamber and a few other surprises as well.
Until the next time...