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 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!

The Chincoteague Fog

From: Evelyn Shotwell
Date: 3/12/2010 1:10:12 PM
To: Evelyn Shotwell
Subject: OUT & ABOUT





Hi All,
I don’t think the fog could get much thicker! Nice day to cuddle by the fire with a book and cup of hot chocolate. There is hope, however, for brighter, warmer days ahead.....a flock of robins were enjoying worms on the chamber lawn just recently. They were big and plump and chirping very loudly proclaiming spring to be close at hand! I hope they are right!!

OUT & ABOUT

March 14: DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS at 2:00 a.m. Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead (spring forward) one hour before going to bed on Saturday night!

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.

March 20: FIRST DAY OF SPRING!

March 20: “In Search of Shamrocks”, an Irish themed scavenger hunt, with the Historic Main Street Merchants beginning at 10:00 a.m. Pick up a playing card at participating merchants displaying the shamrock and enjoy your hunt for the pot of gold. Visit www.chincoteaguemerchants.org for complete details.

March 20: Saturday at the Refuge from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.—Speaker will be Gary Turnquist on the “Cemeteries on Assateague & Chincoteague Islands”. Sponsored by Chincoteague Natural History Association and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Free to Public. Tea & Cookies follow.

March 20: Reptiles Alive! At the Delmarva Discovery Center in Pocomoke City MD—Presentations at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m. Visit www.delmarvadiscoverycenter.org for more fun events.

March 20: Guitarist Stephen Bennett to perform at historic Cokesbury Methodist Church in Onancock at 8:00 p.m. Visit www.acesva.org for ticket information.

March 20: Cabaret Series Eastern Shore’s Own Art Center—Stump Hole Water—show starts at 7:30 p.m. Visit www.esoartscenter.org for more details.

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

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 Island- Springtime tips for homeowners

Chincoteague Island - Springtime tips for homeowners

Owning your home is a huge accomplishment and one that most people are very proud of. Due to the busy schedules we all have though there may be things inside of your home as well as around the yard that don’t get the attention they need. Spring is the perfect time of year to spend taking care of all of them.

Making a list of what needs to be accomplished is the best place to start. Then you can start to tackle different things on the list until they are all done. You should reflect on what you have accomplished so that you will stay motivated to finish. Not all of the jobs we have to do in the spring time are fun but they can be rewarding.

For example when you sit down on your porch swing you will love being able to see how lovely your yard looks. You won’t be seeing the fence that is broken or needs painting anymore as it has now been taken care of. When the home is well cleaned and the yard is in shape then you will be able to view home as your safe haven. It will be your palace where you can relax.

Your home and your yard should also be places to have fun. They don’t need to be kept like a museum. Encourage your children to express their talents in the home such as by displaying various crafts for the springtime. They should also have lots of room to run and play in the yard.

Making improvements to your home may be on your list, but you have been putting them off due to the cost. Keep in mind that it doesn’t have to cost very much to make positive changes. Adding a coat of paint to the walls or brightening up a room by purchasing new curtains is very easy and cost effective.

Shop for used items too online or locally at second hand stores. You may find great items that you can display in your home or in your yard. Art for the walls is a nice way to bring in spring. A statue or other décor for the yard can also be a great way to enhance it too.

You can cut back on electricity too by allowing the sun to shine in the home and leaving the lights off. That natural sunlight can also make you feel better by improving your mood. While you can’t always to outside you can open the windows and also let the cool air come in. This is a great way to benefit from spring and to treat your mind and body as well.

For more tips on how to prepare you home or vacation rental for the coming season, be sure to attend the Annual Chincoteague Daffodil Festival at the Chincoteague Center on April 10th & 11th, 2010. The Daffodil Festival is the Eastern Shore of Virginia's only Flower, Home, Garden and Spring Art & Craft Marketplace. For more information and discount coupons, please visit http://www.Chincoteaguedaffodilfestival.com

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 Island Coast Guard Event for Mariners

News Release

Coast Guard hosts joint agency law enforcement open house
for mariners
CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND, Va. – The Coast Guard base on Chincoteague Island is scheduled to host an event for mariners to come and meet locally based federal and state law enforcement officers March 10 at 6:30 p.m.
The event will provide an opportunity for mariners to meet some of their local enforcement officers, ask questions and learn about new and existing regulations.
Regardless of whether mariners operate a commercial, charter, or recreational vessel; subject matter experts will be on hand to answer questions about recreational and commercial fishing, or questions about laws pertaining to safety gear.
Boaters without specific questions are invited to come and listen to the discussion or pick up information on Boating Safety, Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety, and Fishing Regulations or to come and schedule a Courtesy Marine Examination.
The following are participating agencies and agency departments:
• U.S. Coast Guard Station Chincoteague
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• U.S. Park Service (NWR)
• Virginia Marine Resources Commission
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Safety Instructors and Courtesy Marine Examiners
• U.S. Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads Commercial Fishing Safety Examiners
The session will be held at Tarr Hall, in the Galley Facility, located on the base.
###
Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.

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 and the Rites of Spring

Chincoteague Island and the Rites of Spring

If spring on Chincoteague Island has a lullaby, it’s the croaking of frogs and toads newly awakened from their winter’s hibernation and eager to find mates.

If spring on Chincoteague Island has a ritual dance, it’s performed by the piping plovers. These threatened birds arrive at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge to nest, but first perform some astoundingly intricate courtship displays before choosing their mates and raising their families over the course of the summer.

If the spring air on Chincoteague Island has a proprietary perfume, it’s the scent of wisteria blooms mingled with the fragrance of salt air. The soft blue cascades of wisteria make a perfect backdrop for the dazzling yellows of the daffodils at the Chincoteague’s Center annual Daffodil Festival in early April, when dozens of Eastern Shore crafters and artists display their finest creations and the face painting is almost (but not quite) as artistic! All of this plus an array of local and regional businesses displaying their goods and services, plus flowers and more flowers!

Easter weekend means it’s time for another celebration of artistry at Chincoteague’s Easter Decoy and Art Festival, where decoys hand carved by some of the best carvers in the US draw crowds of wildlife enthusiasts. Some of the decoys are meant to be used, and some simply to be admired like the many wildlife paintings also being exhibited, but all of them are one-of-a-kind!

Spring on Chincoteague means it’s time to fill up on soft shell crab sandwiches, crab cakes, clam chowder, sweet potato pie, and music from one of the Eastern Shore’ hottest bands at the annual Chincoteague Seafood Festival. Both black and red drum arrive along with the first annual run of flounder if you’d rather catch dinner aboard an inshore charter. The local charter captains are storehouses of information about where the fish are biting and what bait they’re biting on!

Attention turns from the water to the sky with Chincoteague's annual International Migratory Bird Celebration, held at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island. During the spring thousands of shorebirds arrive at the Wildlife Refuge to rest on their journey along the Atlantic Flyway as they migrate to their nesting grounds further south. The Celebration features lectures, workshops, and bird-viewing hikes with avian experts.

Assateague Bus Tour Service resumes on weekends at the Bateman Visitor Center weekends in March and April, and is expanded to include Fridays during May. This two-hour tour (fortunately, this is Assateague, and not Gilligan’s Island) makes a loop of the Wildlife Refuge, and you may catch a few glimpses of the Chincoteague pony herd. A large number of foals are born to the herd in early spring.

The Assateague Lighthouse is open for climbing on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with the last climb beginning at 2:30. The Lighthouse is not only an important piece of Chincoteague and Assateague history; it’s the tallest structure around and a great place to get a view of the islands and surrounding waters.

The final event of Chincoteague’s spring, and a sure sign that Memorial Day and the summer busy season are looming, is the Blessing of the Fleet and Water Parade. Both commercial and private vessels can participate at Robert Reed Park. After being blessed the boats then travel to Curtis Merritt harbor on the opposite side of the Island.

If spring on Chincoteague Island has reputation, it’s for being just as much fun as summer, without the crowds and mosquitoes!

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 Bridges, Blizzards...again, and Bon Bons

Chincoteague Bridges, Blizzards…again, and Bon Bons

Greetings from Chincoteague Island!

O.K. the bad news first! The opening of the new Chincoteague Bridge has been delayed until April 1, 2010. Just in time for the Easter Decoy Festival and the Annual Chincoteague Daffodil Festival, but not soon enough for the long-suffering commuters who have had to endure the delays and one-lane status of the Causeway for what seems to be forever. The reason is, of course, the weather, which everyone knows has been wet,wet, and more wet for many months.

Amazingly, the Chincoteague Bridge Project is on budget. Let’s hope this revised opening date holds true.

Is this really Happening? Are we really about to have another major snow event. As usual, we will receive only a smattering of the snowfall that is predicted for the rest of the Mid-Atlantic, but it only takes a few inches to grind the Eastern Shore of Virginia to a halt.

Like everybody else, or so it seems, I went to the grocery store early today before I worked out at the YMCA. Both were jammed beyond belief. The grocery store could have used a traffic cop in the parking lot. It was totally mad and kind of fun at the same time. I noticed that despite the chaos people were still taking the time to chat with people they know. I did it myself! I love that about the Eastern Shore. I admit that I have enjoyed these snow storms, so far, but enough is enough.

So, having said that, this snow stuff really needs to give us a break. Next weekend, February 13th is the 4th Annual Death by Chocolate Event on Chincoteague from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Just look for the poster on the door of all participating merchants. The event ends at the beautiful Waterside Inn at 6:00pm where the final drawing is held. For more information, please call 757-336-3434 and tell the fine folks at the Waterside that the Chincoteague Insider sent you.

Until the next time…

Chincoteague Island- Blizzards, Captain Barry and Blueberry Blues

Chincoteague Island – Blizzards, Captain Barry and the Blueberry Blues

Greetings from the snowed – in Chincoteague Island, Virginia!

Though it does occasionally snow here on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, it’s darn rare that we get a bona fide, sockeroo of twelve inches or better type blizzard like we experienced this weekend. Generally, a few inches of snow will close the schools and drain the local food stores of toilet paper, milk, bread and canned soups, but snow accumulation of this amount simply shut down the entire peninsula.

Chincoteague Island is particularly beautiful when it snows. The salt marshes take on an eerie serenity when covered with snow. Scharlene Leonard resident designer and co-owner of the Island Butterfly on Main St. has a fantastic photo that she took of a Chincoteague Pony in the snow some years back. I highly recommend that you visit and take a look at this beautiful photograph. Trust me, you will want a copy for yourself.

I am long overdue in sending a shout out and big time kudos to Captain Barry of Captain Barry’s Back Bay Cruises. So, finally here it goes, Captain Barry please accept a Chincoteague Insider major salute. Captain Barry offers arguably one of Chincoteague Island’s finest guided boat tours. He is also a great humanitarian! While everybody else was watching the news of the tragic earthquake in Haiti, Captain Barry packed his bags and headed for that devastated island to offer help. This is not the first time Captain Barry Frishman has done this sort of thing, he went to Sri Lanka in the wake of the tsunami in 2004 and has been to Haiti to assist the needy prior to this trip. If you would like to assist with Captain Barry’s efforts, please call 757-336-6508.

On a somewhat lighter note, my own household ran out of our store of succulent, delicious blueberries that we purchased at this years Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival.
Now, you would think that 50 lbs. of blueberries in the freezer would be enough to get you through the winter at very least, but no! Obviously, I will have to Preorder more blueberries next year. You can do the same by visiting http://www.ChincoteagueBlueberryFestival.com. The Chincoteague Blueberry Festival will be held July 23rd, 24th,&25th, 2010 at the Chincoteague Center. Mark your calendar and be sure not to miss this fabulous annual event.

Until the next time…Enjoy the beauty of Chincoteague Island in the Snow.

Chincoteague - January's Snowy Exit

Greetings from the possibly snowed -in Chincoteague Island, Virginia.

January may be exiting in a flurry of white stuff,but Chincoteague Island is a great place to weather a storm, so come on down! Make sure you stock up at Wine, Cheese and more before you dig in and of course pick up some books and tunes at Sundial Books.

Let's see what Evelyn Shotwell at the Chamber has for us if we decide to venture out.



Good morning all,
Are you ready for the snowy weekend? Been to the grocery store? Got plenty of snack food and movies? Sounds like a good weekend to snuggle up with a good book or movie! If you do happen to get “out & about”, here are a few things to enjoy. Listen to local radio and TV stations for cancellations or postponements or call the sponsors before you head out the door just in case plans have changed.
I plan to have my first snow cream of the season!!! Can’t wait….


OUT & ABOUT

January 30: 2nd Annual Chincoteague Pancake Eating Contest at Mr. Baldy’s Restaurant at 10:00 a.m.—Call 757-336-1198 for details to enter. Lots of winter fun! See how you “stack up”!!

January 31: Eastern Shore Wedding Expo at the Eastern Shore Community College Workforce Development Center—12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call 757-789-5927 for details. An opportunity for you to make wedding dreams come true. Meet local caterers, florists, reception vendors, hair & makeup consultants, photographers, gown and tux retailers, and other wedding service providers.

February 2: Caregiver Connection at Hospice Resource Center 6309 Church St—2:30-4:00 p.m.

February 3, 2010—Chincoteague Chamber’s Annual General Membership Meeting at the Chincoteague Center – 7:45 a.m. – Light breakfast, networking time, guest speaker Steve Potts of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission, and sponsor Waste Management of Delmarva. Come and enjoy!!

February 6-7: Special 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 County MD, Somerset County MD, Wicomico County MD, Sussex County DE, or
Accomack County, VA.

February 10: History of Deal Island MD by regional historic researcher Dan Parsons—7:00 p.m.—Free and open to the public.

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.

NASA Visitor’s Center: Open Monday-Friday through February. Call 757-824-2298.



2010 CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND VISITOR’S GUIDES ARE at the Chincoteague Chamber
STOP BY SOON TO PICK UP A CASE OR A FEW FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Call Evelyn Shotwell at the Chincoteague Chamber for more info.
757-336-6161

Chincoteague Island in the Winter Season

Chincoteague Island – Fun and Adventure in the Winter Season
By Sam Serio

Chincoteague Island and Assateague Island in the winter are entirely different, but no less appealing, places than they are in summer season.. The summer throngs of tourists have long gone, and many of Chincoteague's mainstay summer attractions like the beach and bike rental shops have battened their hatches until the return of spring. Chincoteague’s amazing seafood, however, remains available at island eateries all year long! There are many wonderful seafood stands that sell the freshest possible seafood delicacies like oysters, fresh fish, clams, scallops and crabs that you can prepare yourself if you are so inclined.

What a winter visit to these Eastern Shore of Virginia islands will give to those who pay attention is the chance to see the world of barrier islands from an entirely different perspective.

Coming to Chincoteague Island and Assateague Island in the summer, when the water offers respite from the blazing sun and thousands of visitors crowd the beach sands, it's hard to reach beyond the obvious appeal of these islands to the more subtle treasures lying beneath.

By the time winter arrives on Chincoteague and Assateague, the golden, green, and sapphire tones of summer have been supplanted by quieter browns, grey-greens, and grey-blues. The brightest hues you'll find are the iridescent black, blue, and green patches decorating the wings of the teal ducks which now descend on the islands in large numbers, attracting waterfowl hunters in large numbers of their own.

Life changes dramatically during the winter for the herd of Maryland’s Chincoteague ponies on Assateague Island. While the ponies are summertime's biggest draw for the more than one million visitors coming to Chincoteague each year, all that attention make some of the members of the free-running Maryland herd forget their wild heritage and behave like panhandlers, approaching tourists to beg for food.

Visiting Assateague Island in the winter, after the ponies have had a chance to decompress from their days in the spotlight, will let you appreciate them for what they are: living links to an island past which included visits both from Virginia's Native Americans, who gave Chincoteague its name "beautiful land across the water," and from English settlers who arrived in the early 1600s to begin the process of building a new nation.

In the town of Chincoteague itself, the winter decompression from the frenzy of summertime means kids heading back to school and resumption of the town's official business. But it also means that it's time for Chincoteague's Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade, a festive night-time celebration during which Santa himself joins the Saltwater Cowboys, several Eastern Shore marching bands and fire departments, and some ingeniously decorated floats in a procession down Main Street.

Death by Chocolate, during which local merchants entice visitors with chocolate treats, celebrates Valentine's Day and the almost-end-of-winter. Enjoy enough of them, and you'll have a chance to win some terrific prizes!

Finally, as they are everywhere else, the winter days on Chincoteague are short. You’ll simply have to pack as much daylight fun into your visit before the winter witching hour between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM, when the most glorious sunsets of the entire Chincoteague year occur! By the way, isn’t that Cocktail Hour?

Until the next year, the Chincoteague Insider wishes all lovers of a Chincoteague Island Vacation a very happy and prosperous New Year!

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 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 Island Sunshine

Chincoteague Island Sunshine

Today I want to say a few words about that precious and all-to-absent of late natural phenomenon otherwise known as sunshine. After 5 days of drenching rains and punishing, chilly winds, Chincoteague Island and the rest of the Mid-Atlantic region were finally granted a reprieve and that honey- golden bringer of life broke through the clouds and the island feels reborn.

The play of the sunlight on the skin just feels good and the air is the freshest and cleanest I can remember in a long time. I found myself inhaling deep diaphragm expanding gulps of that air just for the rush…it was good!

I actually kind of enjoyed being cooped-up for those soggy, windy days though. It was a good time to catch up on some reading and think deep thoughts. My son and I held a reading contest since all of his sports were cancelled. I played a lot of piano, had a Birthday, watched some old movies on Turner’s Classics. When was the last time you watched Mutiny on the Bounty with Clark Gable? I even did some cooking etc.

But, there comes a time when you go stir-crazy and you just have to get out. I started to ruminate on the many things you can do on Chincoteague when the weather is bad.

The list can get impressive. For instance you can go bowling at the Libertino Bowling Lanes or hang out at the Chincoteague Library. You can catch a mosie at the Island Roxy. The local game arcade was still functioning much to my son’s satisfaction. You can grab a book and a CD at Sundial Book and a nice cigar at Wine ,Cheese and More and once again retreat to your cave with a steaming cup-a-joe.

See there’s lot’s to do, but I do prefer this sunshine. When it’s this pleasant, a simple walk around Robert Reed Park is very satisfying. You never know who you’ll meet on that little excursion!

I do regret the negative impact the rains had on the Chili Chowder Cook-off. We can all hope for better weather for that great Chincoteague event next year.

Yeah, I know, “when the lemons get smashed…make lemonade,” but I prefer the honey- golden color of this Chincoteague Sunshine any day!

Until the next time…
Good Day Sunshine!

Chincoteague Island Vacation-Oct. Happenings

Greetings from the Chincoteague Island! Here, once again is Evelyn Shotwell's list of things to do while on your Chincoteague Island Vacation in October.

Take it Evelyn!



Happy Oyster Festival Weekend!!!
We hope you can join us on Saturday for the chamber’s big party!! Don’t wait---get tickets now. There are only a few left.
Be sure to tell your guests about the free trolley service on Saturday. Have a wonderful time while out & about eating oysters!!!

OUT & ABOUT

October 6-27: Watercolor: Level II Beginners Landscape Class—Every Tuesday in October--9 a.m. to noon or 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call Delmarva Discovery Center at 410-957-9933.

October 7: Join Governor Tim Kaine & Eastern Shore neighbors at the Eastern Shore Welcome Center Grand Opening from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Contact Donna Bozza at 757-787-8268 for advertising opportunities.

October 7: Plein Air Watercolor Workshop at a riverside residence outside Pocomoke City from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 410-957-9933 for more information.

October 9 & 10: FALL ROUND UP—Go to Assateague and watch our hard working volunteer firefighters round up the famous wild ponies for their annual vet checks and shots.

October 9: Eastern Shore Community College Community Educations program will be hosting a FREE play about the struggles of the watermen of Tangier Island. Play starts at 2:00 p.m. in the Great Hall of the College’s new Business Development & Workforce Training Center.

October 10: OYSTER FESTIVAL----TICKETS GOING FAST—CALL TODAY TO GET YOURS!!!!! BE A PART OF THE PARTY. Shirts (short sleeve & long sleeve T’s and sweatshirts), hats, mugs, posters and bags on sale now in the chamber office. Attached is a flyer about the Trolley that will be running free of charge for the festival.

October 10 & 11: Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week—9 a.m. to 4 p.m.—Free admission to the Wildlife Refuge on the 10th to enjoy wildlife art shows, photography programs, Circle of Life Fun Run/Walk, exhibitions, Virginia Living Museum Animal Presentation and so much more. Family fun activities to “Give Wing to your Wild Side”.

October 10: Second Saturday Art Stroll—After eating your fill of oysters at the 37th Annual Oyster Festival, spend the evening enjoying the many exhibits, demonstrations, wine tasting, music, and much, much more on Main Street, Maddox Blvd. and Church Street. Schedules at the chamber.

October 10: Pocomoke River Adventure Series—Kayak the Pocomoke—Call 410-957-9933 for more.

October 11: Oyster & Maritime Museum Open House---2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission, local historical collections & refreshments.

October 12: Small Business Workshop—Learn How to Make your Small Business More Successful—sponsored by Delegate Lynwood Lewis & ESCC featuring presentations from Virginia Department of Business Assistance—5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.—ESCC Workforce Development Center--- RSVP to delllewis@house.virginia.gov or 757-787-1094

October 14: Plein Air Watercolor Workshop at Cypress Park & Dock from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 410-957-9933 for information.

October 17: 10th Annual Chili Chowder Cook Off—Robert Reed Waterfront Park---10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.—Arts & Crafts, boat rides, great food, family fun, live music. Little Miss Chili Pepper & Mr. Hot Stuff Competition. Boys & Girls ages 3-6 are encouraged to enter. Contact Karen Murphy at 757-894-3544 or mike.murphy2@verizon.net. Application deadline is Tuesday October 13.

October 17: Chincoteague Island Library Official Ribbon Cutting ceremony on the north porch of the library on Main St.—3:00 p.m.

October 17: Walter “Wale” Liniger performs blues at the Senior Center on Church Street at 7:30 p.m. call 757-336-5636 or visit www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org for ticket information.

Customer Service Curriculum Fall 2009—Classes begin October 13. 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 TOUR: October-November: Friday, Saturday, Sunday

*ASSATEAGUE ISLAND BUS TOURS: 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
Evelyn Shotwell
Office Manager
Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce

Chincoteague Bridge - the bigger problem

Chincoteague Bridge – the bigger problem


Today I would like to comment on the front page story in the Chincoteague Beacon that appeared in that paper this week. It was title, “Bridge delays upset drivers.” The full article can also be found on www.delmarvanow.com. The article was written by Carol Vaughn a staff writer for the paper. The reporter goes into great detail about the tremendous traffic back ups on the causeway leading to and from Chincoteague Island and the frustrations that ensue.

First of all, let me confess that I believe almost no one hates traffic jams more than I. I am nearly phobic about being trapped in a line of cars with no option but to sit and wait. I will go to great lengths to avoid situations such as this and the general absence of problems like these on the Eastern Shore of Virginia are a big reason why I choose to live here.

Apparently, this nightmare is going to continue well in to January and I guess we will have to “tough it out,” but I have greater concerns than mere inconvenience.
.

I have witnessed first-hand how a major construction project can have a devastating effect on local businesses. When I was in my twenties, I worked at the Lexington Market in Downtown Baltimore, MD when a buffet of major Urban Renewal Projects including the building of the subway were happening simultaneously. It literally killed business in many of the downtown areas including Lexington Market. No one wanted to go anywhere near the area for a long time and it took years to recover. Many businesses never did recover.

It is clear that the bridge construction is having a seriously detrimental effect on the Chincoteague Island businesses and is even affecting some of the upcoming events and festivals

So here is my appeal to all of the residents and visitors to Chincoteague, in the coming months please go out of your way to buy locally. I mean really, really locally. Buy on Chincoteague. Buy your Holiday and Christmas gifts from local gift shops and stores. Forget Amazon and buy your books at Sundial Books, the Book Hounds or the Kite Koop. If your taste runs to the gourmet, you’ve got incredible selections at Wine, Cheese and More or Threadgoods

Buy a piece of art from one of Chincoteague’s Fine Artists.

Make an extra effort to keep your “eating out” dollars on Chincoteague. If you are looking for a Romantic Getaway, then rent a luxury room at the Hilton, the Waterside,
The Comfort Suites, the Island Motor Lodge or the Refuge Inn .

Be sure to attend the Oyster Festival, the Chili Chowder Cook off, shop at the Farmers Market, and do some gift shopping at the Holiday Craft Extravaganza at the Chincoteague Center or the Thanksgiving Craft Show at the Chincoteague High School.

Attend one of the many wonderful Chincoteague Cultural Alliance Events.

Keep your hard earned dollars here!

Chincoteague Island simply cannot afford to lose any of our fine local merchants. Now is the time to help your neighbors. We all have to spend, so please spend your money here on Chincoteague and we will all make it through this difficult time.

Also, how about a prayer or two for good weather and a speedy completion of the Chincoteague Bridge Project. Hopefully, the new bridge will herald a new era of prosperity on Chincoteague and these inconveniences will be viewed as merely “growing pains.”

Until the next time…Spend locally!

Chincoteague/Delmarva Bike Week Connection

Chincoteague/Delmarva Bike Week Connection

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

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

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

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


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

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

Insider out!

Chincoteague Events Continue

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



From Evelyn Shotwell
September 24, 2009
Out & About



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


OUT & ABOUT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Father to Son

Father to Son

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until the next time…

Chincoteague Cultural Alliance September Events

Greetings from the musicocentric Island of Chincoteague!

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



CCA September Events


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

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


Plein Air Painting, Exhibition and Sale

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


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


2nd Saturday Art Stroll

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



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


Trio La Milpa Wind Ensemble Concert


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


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

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

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


CCA Fall Acoustic Concert Series: The Blues

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

Blue Rhythm Boys

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

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





Thanks for supporting the Arts on Chincoteague Island!

9/11 Remembered

9/11 Remembered

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Labor Day Weekend Over

Labor Day Weekend Over


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

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

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

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

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

Happenings in the "dog days"

Greetings from Chincoteague!

regular readers of the Chincoteague Insider Blog are well aware of my high regard for the work of the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce. These folks work hard every day to enhance the business environment on Chincoteague Island and to add true value to the Chincoteague visitor's vacation experience. So, without further ado, here is Evelyn Shotwell's list of things to do on the Island. Take it away Evelyn!


From: Evelyn Shotwell
Date: 8/21/2009 10:02:47 AM
To: Evelyn Shotwell
Subject: OUT & ABOUT






Good Morning,
This week has certainly felt like “the dog days of summer”!! The good news is the mosquitoes seem to have disappeared for a while. At least they are not in a feeding frenzy like last week. We still have interesting things to do on Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. Hold on tight this weekend and enjoy being “out and about”. We should be enjoying cooler temps by Sunday.


OUT & ABOUT

August 22: Martha Burns & Linda Hartsock sign Voices of the Chincoteague at the Oyster & Maritime Museum—3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

August 22 & 26: Farmer’s Market behind Don’s Seafood Restaurant—8 a.m. to Noon

August 23: Dinner & a Cruise Luau hosted by the Delmarva Discovery Center. Call 410-957-9933 for ticket information.

August 25: Hospice Grief Support Program—1:30-3:00 p.m.—6309 Church St.

August 26: Mandy Kriss Concert at 8 p.m. at the Senior Center on Church St. Old pop tunes, Broadway Ballads, Tin Pan Alley ditties, simmering “torch” burners, the blues, and Brazillian Bossa are all part of the show.

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!!

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.

*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 Labor Day. Ticket sales and tour departures at the Chincoteague Center, 6155 Community Drive off Deep Hole Rd.

*NASA VISITOR CENTER ACTIVITIES:
August 22: “What on Earth?” Discover the world of fossils--1 p.m.
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) for lots of fun activities.


FYI: In association with Hurricane Bill, the National Weather Service is forecasting a high risk of rip currents for Friday, August 21 through the weekend. Rough surf conditions will arrive late this week and will continue in our waters through late Sunday or early Monday. If these conditions occur, damage is expected to the parking lots on the Virginia end of Assateague Island. In addition to treacherous waters, parking spaces and services will be limited. Anyone headed to area beaches should expect delays and should exercise caution when entering the waters. From Kim Halpin, Deputy Refuge Manager Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge



Evelyn
Evelyn Shotwell
Office Manager
Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce