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!

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 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 Post-Blizzard

Chincoteague Insider Greetings from a snow weary Chincoteague Island, Virginia!

O.K. like the rest of the Mid-Alantic, Chincoteague has been pummeled with a major snow storm again. Having said that, there is still plenty of goings on in Chincoteague and Evelyn Shotwell of the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce can prove it. Here's Evelyn...




Hi All,

Well, we made it through another blizzard! What will this weekend bring? Hopefully we will be able to get out and enjoy all the “fun stuff” going on in the area. Cure that cabin fever with some of the happenings listed below.





OUT & ABOUT



February 12: New Member Orientation—Call the chamber at 757-336-6161 (or email chincochamber@verizon.net) to set up a time to stop by and let us show you what the chamber does for you. We will discuss the chamber website, marketing, demographics and statistics, avenues for free advertising and coop advertising, brochure distribution, referrals and much more. If this day does not work for you, we would be happy to see you anytime. Suzanne and I are here Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come by to say hello.



February 13: Sundial Books hosts folk musician Diana Wagner at 3:00 p.m. She will be playing traditional love songs in honor of Valentine’s Day. Contact Sundial at 757-336-5825 for more info.



February 13: 4th Annual Death By Chocolate—come join us in our sweet celebration from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Pick up a playing card from any merchant displaying the Death By Chocolate poster, complete your card while enjoying treats and shopping, and enter your completed card at Waterside Inn for a chance to win fun prizes donated by local merchants—drawing at 6:15 p.m. Call the Waterside Inn at 757-336-3434 for more information.



February 13-14: Great savings at Delmarva Discovery Center—50% off all admissions, one child FREE with paid adult, total admission for a family of four=$10—show driver’s license to receive discounts if you live in Worcester, Somerset, Wicomico, Sussex, or Accomack Counties. Experience Delmarva:

Virginia Space Flight Academy—Saturday & Sunday Noon-2:00 p.m.-Principles of aerodynamics.

Delmarva Nature Talk—Saturday 11 a.m. & 2:30 p.m., Sunday 2:30 p.m. Learn interesting biofacts about diverse animals that live on the peninsula and meet reptiles Cornelius and Gary.

Decoy Carving Demonstration with world champion carver Ernie Muehlmatt. Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Sunday Noon-2:00 p.m.

Oyster Shell Art with local Chincoteague artist Jenny Somers all weekend.



February 14: VALENTINE’S DAY—Tell someone you love them and think they are special!!



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.



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…or for that special Valentine in your life!!)

OYSTER FESTIVAL HATS---$15

OYSTER FESTIVAL POSTERS---$12





Evelyn

Evelyn Shotwell

Office Manager

Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce

Chincoteague Daffodil Festival- set to bloom in 2010

The Annual Chincoteague Daffodil Festival-
Set to bloom April 10th & 11th 2010

The annual Chincoteague Daffodil Festival celebrates the coming of Spring with a Flower, Home, and Garden Event now in it’s third year combined with the long- running Spring Fine Art and Craft Marketplace that has been held at the Chincoteague Center for 9 years.

Thousands of daffodil bulbs have been planted on the greenspace at the Chincoteague Center in the past two years to enhance the mood of rebirth that signals the arrival of spring on the beautiful Chincoteague Island. Springtime is the ideal time of the year for a Chincoteague Island Vacation.

The Chincoteague Daffodil Festival is an event for all of the Eastern Shore of Virginia residents and guests alike and features a stunning array of plants, flowers, garden art, unique products for the home and hearth, garden equipment, pools and spas, local and regional businesses and services, expert gardeners and landscapers etc to offer their advice and demonstrations. The Chincoteague Daffodil Festival combines fun with education and entertainment.

The Chincoteague Daffodil Festival is held at the beautiful Chincoteague Community Center, 6155 Community Drive, Chincoteague Island, VA. 23336. The event is held both indoors and outdoors,rain or shine on the spacious grounds bursting in springtime bloom.

The Fine Art and Craft Marketplace is held indoors and features a fabulous presentation by some of the finest Artists and Crafters both local and regional.

Back by Popular demand will be Pepper Jack Grille who will be preparing their wonderful Breakfast and Lunch offerings under the guidance of Chef Annie. Come Hungry! Leave Happy! Pepper Jack Grille’s menu is available for viewing at www.ChincoteagueDaffodilFestival.com


Additionally, there will be fun activities for the kids, and non-stop Live Music by Local and Regional musicians.

The Chincoteague Daffodil Festival is still seeking quality exhibitors in a all categories. Interested parties should visit www.ChincoteagueDaffodilFestival.com for an application. It is there that you can also view the music video of the 2009 Chincoteague Daffodil Festival, get your Free copy of the ebook "Daffodil Secrets Revealed," and pick up discount coupons.

The Chincoteague Daffodil Festival is proud to announce our Top Sponsors for 2010, Maplewood Gardens who will be giving away a $500 Shopping Spree and Prism Pools and Spas who will be giving away a Green Egg barbeque grill.

The Chincoteague Daffodil Festival will be held on April 10th and 11th, 2010 from 9am-4:30 on Sat. and 10am to 3pm on Sun. Admission is $5.00 for adults and is Free for children under 12.

The Annual Chincoteague Daffodil Festival has become increasingly popular in recent years attracting both locals and tourists alike to a truly unique, family –friendly Eastern Shore Event.
For more information, contact Sam Serio 757-894-2334, samserio@esva.net or
Visit www.ChincoteagueDaffodilFestival.com

Chincoteague Island Halloween

Have a Chincoteague Island Halloween

Don't be scared! There lot's to do on Chincoteague this weekend and beyond. Let's see what Evelyn Shotwell has stirring in her steamy caldron for the next couple of weeks of Chincoteague Events.


HAPPY HALLOWEEN ALL,

Tomorrow night we will have lots of little ghosts, goblins, witches, pumpkins, ballerinas, princesses, and other characters out and about on the streets of Chincoteague. Please be aware of them while you are driving and help keep them safe as they “trick or treat” from house to house. And, don’t forget to set your clocks back an hour before retiring on Saturday night as Daylight Savings Time ends. We get to recover our lost hour from April!! Yeah!!





OUT & ABOUT





October 30: Chincoteague Police Department hosts “Little Center of Horrors” Teen Costume Dance from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Chincoteague Center 6155 Community Dr. Call 757-336-0614 or 757-336-3155 for information.



October 31: Chincoteague Church of God Harvest Fest from Noon to 4:00 p.m. Call 757-336-5161.



October 31: TRICK OR TREAT—6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. AND…………

Historic Main Street Merchants will be hosting a pumpkin decorating contest under the pavilion at the Robert Reed Waterfront Park for contestants of all ages from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Upon completion of decorating all pumpkins will be placed on the steps of the Island Library and will be judged at 7:00 p.m. The library will be hosting a DVD party right after the pumpkin judging. Children may also Trick or Treat at area downtown merchants displaying a pumpkin decal in their windows from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Attendees must be in costume.





November 5: Senior Education—11:00 am to 11:30 am---Senior Center Church St.

Caregiver Connection—2:30 pm to 4:00 pm—Hospice Resource Center—Church St.



Operation We Care: Harley Owners Group along with Harley Davidson of Ocean City seek donations of supplies for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Visit www.easternshorehog.com for more information & a list of needed items. Mr. Baldy’s Family Restaurant at 3441 Ridge Rd. (757-336-1198) is a drop off location on Chincoteague. Contact Jeff Merritt at 410-713-8940 to have your donation picked up.



Customer Service Curriculum Fall 2009—Classes begin October 13 and continue into November. 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: October-November: Friday, Saturday, Sunday-9am-3pm

*ASSATEAGUE ISLAND BUS TOURS: October-November: Sat. 1:00 p.m./Sun. 10:00 a.m.











Please join Virginia Tourism Corporation’s Welcome Center for an Open House!

Stop by NEW CHURCH WELCOME CENTER on THURSDAY, November 5 any time between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Preview our new and existing welcome center marketing options for 2010. Take advantage of a 10% discount on new or renewing products. Make Tourism Work Better For You!







Evelyn

Evelyn Shotwell

Office Manager

Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce

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

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!

Pre-Danny Report

Pre-Danny Chincoteague Report.

This week Chincoteague and Assateague Island have seen some of the most beautiful beach days of the summer. Even the dolphins are happy as they seem to be making a "big splash" nearly every day. As for Hurricane Danny, I'm predicting it passes over the Mid-Atlantic because it didn't schedule a spot on Evelyn Shotwell's Out & About list.If it's not on Evelyn's list, then it ain't happening. That's my story and I'm sticking to it! Take it Evelyn.




From: Evelyn Shotwell
Date: 8/27/2009 3:38:17 PM
To: Evelyn Shotwell
Subject: OUT & ABOUT




Good Afternoon,

As we prepare for the weekend (and maybe Danny) we have lots of fun things to do before summer ends. Concerts, yard sales, decoy shows, fishing lessons, movies…………. Enjoy it all!!



OUT & ABOUT



August 27: Summer Cinema Series—“Waking Ned Devine” –9 p.m.—Robert Reed Waterfront Park—Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy!!! Last one of the summer!! Reviews are great….a must see!



August 29 & September 2: Farmer’s Market behind Don’s Seafood Restaurant—8 a.m. to Noon



August 29: Music at the Dock—Free Concert in Robert Reed Waterfront Park by Sweet Adelines. Bring a blanket or lawn chair.



September 1: Caregiver Connection—2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.—Hospice Resource Center 6309 Church St.



September 1: Chincoteague Island YMCA Walking club—meet at Senior Center—7 p.m.



September 2: Deadline for qualified individuals to apply for 4 special use permits to provide guided waterfowl hunting opportunities for the 2009-2010 migratory game bird season. Lottery will be held September 9. Contact Refuge Manager Lou Hinds at 757-336-6122 for more information.



September 4: Chincoteague Island YMCA Bake Sale at PNC Bank—9 a.m. to 6 p.m.—Eat lots…..



September 4: First Friday Evening Program on Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge featuring Jimmy Vasiliou of Steve’s Bait & Tackle Shop will be speaking on “Fishing off Assateague: Baits, Rigs, & Techniques”. He will talk about the types of fish found off the coast of Assateague Island, where to find them and how to catch them.--7:00 p.m.



September 5: Chincoteague Island YMCA Yard Sale—Michael’s Jewelry parking lot 6328 Maddox--8am to 2 pm—Help support the Island YMCA by shopping ‘til you drop!!!!



September 5 & 6: Chincoteague Decoy Carvers’ & Artists’ Show—Chincoteague Center—Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 757-336-0614



*ASSATEAGUE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Thursday-Monday --9am to 3pm



*ASSATEAGUE ISLAND BUS TOURS: Thursday-Sunday, 10 am & 4 pm—757-336-3696



*ISLAND HISTORY TROLLEY TOURS: Every Tuesday & Thursday at 2:45 p.m. & 3:45 p.m. until September 3, 2009. Ticket sales and tour departures at the Chincoteague Center, 6155 Community Drive off Deep Hole Rd.



*NASA VISITOR CENTER ACTIVITIES:

Saturdays & Sundays—“Puppets in Space”--11:00 a.m.

Sundays—“Humans in Space” – 30 minute program looks at living and working in space.

Wednesdays—“Virginia Space Flight Academy Rocket Launch”—2:30 p.m. Cancelled if raining or winds exceed 18 mph. Rain date: Thursdays at 2:30 p.m.



*PROGRAM SCHEDULE FOR ASSATEAGUE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE: Follow the link (http://www.nps .gov/asis/upload/August%2023-29.pdf) and see attached schedules for lots of fun activities.





Evelyn

Evelyn Shotwell

Office Manager

Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce

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

Live from the 22nd Annual Chincoteague Blueberry Festival

Live from 22nd Annual Chincoteague Blueberry Festival

Greetings from Chincoteague Island !The Chincoteague Insider has stolen away from the Fine Madness of the 22nd Annual Chincoteague Blueberry Festival to give you a live report of this wonderful event. It’s amazing what you can do with a laptop and a wireless card these days.

The crowd came early and has remained through most of the afternoon. Just about everybody was enjoying some form of blueberry confection from Homemade Blueberry Ice Cream to Old-Fashioned Blueberry Shortcake, Blueberry Pie, even Blueberry fried dough, and of course Fresh Blueberries. I never cease to be amazed at the versatility of nature’s healthiest and most tasty of fruits.

As for the main food offerings from Pepper Jack Grille; well let’s just say, forget your preconception of “festival food”, these folks prepared a range of breakfast and lunch plates that pleased the eye and made the mouth water…simply delicious!

The music never stopped. From the Irish and Celtic influenced music of the Celtic Islanders to the amazing Piped Piper, a one man band extraordinaire along with the Gospel tinged bluegrass of Mountain Faith and capped off with the youthful enthusiasm of the acoustic duo Tyler Ringer, visitors to the festival danced, clapped and applauded with great vigor.

And let’s not forget the fantastic assortment of Fine Artists and Crafters who converged on the beautiful Chincoteague Center from 13 states. The Chincoteague Blueberry Festival remains the largest Fine Arts and Crafts Show on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and is truly a Shoppers dream come true.

There is plenty of fun stuff for kids as well from Pony Rides to Bungee Jumping.

The Blueberry Festival runs through Sunday July 26th from 9:00am – 4:30 pm and is a great way for the family to enjoy an event that has something for everybody.

For more information you can always visit the website at www.ChincoteagueBlueberryFestival.com

I hope to see you at the festival.
Until later,
Insider – out!

Chilly Blueberry Soup

Chilly Blueberry Soup

Welcome to the Blueberry overload! The blueberry overload is of course in preparation for The 22nd Annual Chincoteague Blueberry Festival which occurs a scant 9 days from today. Held at the beautiful Chincoteague Center at 6155 Community Drive from 9Am to 4:30PM on July 24th, 25th, and 26th, 2009. For more information, please visit http://www.ChincoteagueBlueberryFestival.com.


The following recipe is delicious in taste and prefect for those hot, humid summer evenings. The Chilly Blueberry Soup is a wonderfully fresh dish that works well in between barbecue meat courses. Also, the fact that the antioxidants are kept at their health promoting best in this dish makes it all the more attractive.

Chilly Blueberry Soup



Makes three servings.
1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, thawed with juice
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp ground coriander
Dash ground cinnamon
Dash ground cloves
1 Tbsp dry red wine
1/3 cup plain yogurt
1/3 cup sour cream
Mint sprigs and additional sour cream for garnish
Puree the blueberries and water in a blender and pour into a small saucepan. Add the lemon juice, sugar, and spices; and while stirring, heat to a boil. Reduce the heat, covering and simmering for five minutes. Remove the mixture from the heat; pour it into a medium bowl, and refrigerate it until cool. Add the wine and stir; repeat with yogurt and sour cream. Cover and chill thoroughly before serving; after ladling into serving bowls garnish each with a dollop of sour cream and sprigs of fresh spearmint.

Chincoteague Mother's Day Weekend

First of all, the ' Chincoteague Insider' would like to wish a belated Happy Mother's Day wish to all of the Mom's everywhere. I know the older I get, the more I appreciate the love and support my Mother has given to me over the years and continues to do so. I love you Mom!

Saturday May 9th on Chincoteague was literally crammed with fun and exciting things to do. My good friends Larry and Shelly were still here on vacation and we decided to "do it all."

First thing in the morning,it was breakfast at Mr. Baldy's. Always a good choice and a great value for those that enjoy a traditional breakfast. And who doesn't?

From Mr. Baldy's it was off to the Chincoteague Farmers Market. Held in the parking lot behind Don's Seafood Restaurant, the Farmers Market is where local purveyors of fresh fruits, vegetables,plants and flowers, homemade jams, jellies, relishes and more display their goods. The Farmers Market is a wonderful resource here on Chincoteague Island.

After visiting the Farmers Market, we took the short drive over to Assateague Island and took in the marvelous International Migratory Bird Celebration held at the Bateman Center. It was here that many wonderful Wildlife Artists converged along with Native American Drumming,dancing and numerous educational stagings for children and adults. The celebration attracted a large number of visitors of all ages and was a great experience. Sally Bowden, Michael Dixon and the rest of the staff at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge do a bang up job of putting together events that get people to interact with the bounty of Natural wonders found on Assateague in a highly entertaining way and for that they get an 'Insider' thumbs up!

From the International Migratory Bird Celebration, my party "beat feet" to catch the wild happenings at the Mother Day Earth Celebration held at the beautiful Robert Reed Park. This event is organized by Megan McCook in conjunction with the Main Street Merchants Association. Music was supplied by the always entertaining Pod Quad. Robert Reed park was filled to the brim with wonderful art and craft booths,Eco-friendly product booths and demonstrations, tons of fun activities for the kids. With just the right hint of Woodstock Era nostalgia,splashed with tie-dyed colors, the Mother Earth Day Celebration blended Big,Retro Fun with the raising of consciousness for the plight of the planet. Big Peace Sign Megan!