Chincoteague Island 2-25-2010

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


Good wintry afternoon,

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

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





OUT & ABOUT



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

Free and Fun!



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

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





WE ALSO HAVE EASTER DECOY SHOW FLYERS





OYSTER FESTIVAL SHIRTS---$17

(IN PINK & BLUE—GREAT FOR EASTER GIFTS)

OYSTER FESTIVAL HATS---$15

OYSTER FESTIVAL POSTERS---$12







Evelyn

Evelyn Shotwell

Office Manager

Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce

Chincoteague Ponies in the Snow

Chincoteague Ponies in the Snow

I have been sitting and staring out of my window with a nice hot cup of tea. The tea that I drink is of my own concoction and consists of both Black and Green teas. The music in the background is a Brahms Piano Trio and it is serving as the perfect obbligato to my astonished state as I witness yet another blizzard here on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

This is truly a remarkable and totally unprecedented series of weather events and of course they carry inevitable repercussions. Like for instance, my son has had only two half-days of school in the past week and a half. Soccer games and practices have been cancelled for the same period and even his piano lesson is in jeopardy today. This particular storm seems angrier with its ferocious winds and blinding blankets of fluffy snow. It’s good to be inside.

My son and I have done a lot of bonding during this period, since my work is primarily done at home by phone and computer. My current main project is the Chincoteague Daffodil Festival on April 10th & 11th at the Chincoteague Community Center. This is the Eastern Shore of Virginia’s only Flower, Home, Garden and Spring Craft Event. If you want to learn more and check out the video my friend Larry Warwick shot of last years event, please visit http://www.ChincoteagueDaffodilFestival.com.

Now, I keep pretty busy with that work but with my son and I snowed-in all these days we have done a lot of reading together in the same room, watched numerous episodes of his favorite cartoon Phineas and Ferb and he plays his piano or Nintendo DSI while I obsess on the various political opinion shows that are a part of my TV diet. We also suit up and take long treks through our private woods with the dogs and pick up and drag branches and tree limbs to the burn pile. I know we will both cherish these memories as the years go by. The snow will get deeper and blow even more ferociously in our minds eye, but the thoughts will grow all the more precious as well.

Speaking of treasured memories, I have often remarked that every family should witness the Annual Chincoteague Pony Swim at least once in their lives. The Pony Swim will forge an unforgettable memory and a lasting bond between everyone who shares in that experience.

Well. Now I would like to add another Chincoteague Pony experience to that list. Everyone should see the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and the Chincoteague Ponies in the Snow at least once as well. The marshes take on a very mysterious, even eerie patina in a snow storm and the Chincoteague ponies exude a nobility and stoic elegance that is achingly beautiful. Scharlene Leonard of the Island Butterfly has captured such a scene in one of her photographs. I am sure that she will be very happy to show it to you when you visit her eclectic shop on Main St. She and her daughter Carla are must see Main St. Merchants.

This weekend would be a great time to visit the Island Butterfly or any of the Main St. Merchants during the Death by Chocolate Event. Don’t miss it !
Now, back to my tea and daydreams,
Until the next time from the Chincoteague Insider,
Enjoy the moment…

Chincoteague Blueberry Festival Press Release

Chincoteague Blueberry Festival Press Release
July 24, 25 & 26, 2009
Preorder Blueberry Pies and Fresh Blueberries Now!

The 22nd Annual Chincoteague Blueberry Festival will be held at the beautiful Chincoteague Community Center a t 6155 Community Drive on Chincoteague Island, Virginia on July 24, 25 and 26, 2009. The Blueberry Festival will be held from 9:00 to 4:30 pm rain or shine.

The Blueberry Festival remains the largest Fine Arts and Crafts event on the Eastern Shore of Virginia with exhibitors from 10 states including many excellent local artists. This large Fine Arts and Crafts exhibit brings a unique Christmas in July shopping atmosphere to Chincoteague. The Arts and Crafts exhibits are located both inside the Chincoteague Center building and outside on the green space and parking lot.

The fresh gourmet blueberries will once again be provided by Dick’s Kitchen. These succulent delicacies are a huge favorite of Festival visitor’s and sell out every year. To guarantee yours you should Preorder your fresh blueberries. For fresh blueberry preorders please call Dick Jones at 703- 496-3553 or 540-273-2963.

The Blueberry Festivals’ net profits from the fresh blueberry sales will be donated to the Chincoteague Police Departments ” Ride for Kids” Program to benefit local children.
Buying fresh blueberries at the festival provides not only a tasty and nutritious treat for the family, but helps the kid’s in need as well! Blueberries freeze extremely well and many of the festivals blueberry devotees stock up for the entire year

The Ultimate Blueberry Pies will once again be made and sold by Sugarbakers Bakery. These delicious offerings also sold out last year and should be preordered. To Preorder pies, please call 757-336-3712.

The blueberry confections continue with Blueberry Ice Cream from the Island Creamery, old fashioned blueberry shortcake from Diane James and much more!

Breakfast and Lunch will be served by Pepper Jack Grille. Come hungry! For a complete menu, please visit www.ChincoteagueBlueberryFestival.com.

The musical offerings are expanding for the 2009 Chincoteague Blueberry Festival to include the Celtic Islanders, the Piped Piper, Mountain Faith, Tyler Ringer and Ron Cole and Wayne Young. Musical performances will continue for the entire event. For a complete musical schedule, please visit www.ChincoteagueBlueberryFestival.com.

Some other new attractions for kids include bungee jumping and pony rides from Against the Wind Farms.

To receive a free copy of the Chincoteague Blueberry Festivals publication “ A Healthy Taste for Blueberries” please visit http://www.chincoteagueblueberryfestival.com


For Discount Coupons and additional information please visit www.ChincoteagueBlueberryFestival.com or email samserio@esva.net
.

Chincoteague Summer Rules Part.2

Chincoteague Summer Rules Part 2



The Big Event of the Chincoteague Island summer, the yearly Chincoteague Pony Swim and Pony Auction, is held on the last Wednesday and Thursday of July. Crowds in excess of 40,000 people come to the Island, outnumbering the locals by a ratio of 10:1! Finding a good shoreline spot from which to view the ponies swimming the channel has become more difficult each year. On hazy days, seeing them may be impossible from the shore.

Why not do the smart thing and reserve a seat on one of the Pony Swim Charters (you’ll have to book one well in advance) for a guaranteed close-up of the ponies? You’ll also have guaranteed access to a restroom while you wait for the action to begin?

The second most famous residents of Chincoteague and Assateague are the blue crabs, and Chincoteague Island summers are peak crabbing season! Head for the Chincoteague Veteran’s Memorial Park Waterfront with some chicken necks secured to fishing lines and a net to secure your catch. Simply drag your lines across the channel floor and wait for some bites.

One of the most magical experiences you can have during a Chincoteague Island summers is the after-dark Assateague Island ranger-led campfire and marshmallow roast. As the Atlantic surf pounds in the darkness, your ranger will tell of the exploits of Blackbeard. The legendary pirate said to have hidden in the waters off Chincoteague, and with flaming ropes entwined in his beard, leapt with his crew onto passing ships and seized them.

Assateague Island is constantly being reshaped by the sea, and the Assateague Lighthouse which once stood on the shore, with its beacon warning approaching ships of the offshore reefs, is now in the middle of a field. Nothing stays forever on these enchanting islands, except the fun and adventure!

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…