The Chincoteague Insider

Learn from a "Chincoteague Insider" about the great things to do on Chincoteague Island. You will learn inside information on Chincoteague events, get advice on the best places to stay, find the best vacation properties, learn which restaurants the "locals" prefer, discover where to shop and get day trip ideas for the best family fun vacation ever on Chincoteague Island Virginia!

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Location: Chincoteague Island, Va

Thursday, August 27, 2009

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

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Sunday, August 23, 2009

Surfs Up on Assateague

Surfs Up on Assateague Island

The beach was awesome today! Yep, that’s the report I got today from my 9yr old son when he and my wife and friends returned from a fablulous day of sun, sand and waves.
Unfortunately, Daddy(the Insider) was busy spreading the word about www.ChincoteagueOutlook.com throughout Chincoteague Island. I’m on a mission!

Hurricane Bill wrecked some serious havoc farther north, but left us here on Chincoteague with a seasonably warm day with lower humidity and a delightful balmy breeze…in other words, perfect beach weather.

Hurricane Bill created just enough excitement to provide an unusual distraction from the normal beach activities; sunbathing, surfing(body and board), skim boarding, sand castle construction, frisbee, etc. Apparently the high winds and rain churned up or swept in large numbers of conch shells to the delight of the many collectors who at least for today made some great finds.

A school of dolphins made a brief appearance, but dispensed with the near shore acrobatics that have come to be expected. Now, that is something to see!

All in all this was a “Perfect 10” day at the beach. I hope you were there!

By the way, “Surfs Up” is the title of the Chincoteague Insider’s favorite Beach Boys song from the album of the same name. The lyrics are from Van Dyke Parks who collaborated with Brian Wilson on some of his best offerings. I’ve been singing it all day.

Until later…

Friday, August 21, 2009

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

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Thursday, August 6, 2009

Chincoteague's Post Pony Penning Week Activities

Greetings from the Post Pony Penning Chincoteague Island "Happenings Update."
You would think that Chincoteague would be in a "let down" mode, but that's not the case at all. Music, Art Strolls and family fun are still in abundant supply. Take a look at my friend Evelyn Shotwell's comprehensive list of Chincoteague Island's activities this week.



From: Evelyn Shotwell
Date: 8/6/2009 4:20:31 PM
To: Evelyn Shotwell
Subject: OUT & ABOUT


Good Afternoon All,

Hope you all survived Pony Penning without being too exhausted!! Thank goodness the rain (& mosquitoes) held off last week for most of the events. If you all are running out of suggestions to keep your guests and customers comfortable while under siege by the infamous Chincoteague mosquitoes, send them to the chamber office for ideas of indoor things to do.

Have fun out & about…while strolling or just enjoying the beach. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday look like GREAT beach days.



OUT & ABOUT



August 7: First Friday Talk—Herbert H. Bateman Educational Center—Park Ranger Chris Seymour will speak on “Forgotten Heroes”, United States Life-Saving Service at Assateague



August 8: 2nd Saturday Art Stroll—Demonstrations, Exhibitions, music, wine tasting, book signings, 4th Annual Queen for a Day & Soiree. Schedule in chamber office.



August 8 & 12: Farmer’s Market behind Don’s Seafood—8am to noon



August 11: Chincoteague Refuge Offers All-night Viewing of Perseid Meteor Shower—Pull an all-nighter on the beach and watch the meteor shower!!! Be on the beach by 10 pm. You can leave whenever you wish or stay all night. What a treat!



August 11-12 and 13-14: Wetland Education Workshop (WETMAAP)—Nasa Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center—Call Amanda Clark at 757-824-2297 or email Amanda.l.clark@nasa.gov to pre-register.



August 13: Summer Cinema Series—“BABE”—9 pm—Robert Reed Waterfront Park—Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the free movie!!!!



August 14: Charlie Sizemore Band (Bluegrass) will perform at Chincoteague Center at 7 pm. Call 757-336-0614 or 757-336-3030 for ticket information. Visit www.IslandBlueGrass.com.



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



*STORY/CRAFT HOUR AT THE ISLAND LIBRARY: Every Thursday thru August 15 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am for 4-8 year olds.



*NASA VISITOR CENTER ACTIVITIES:

August 8: “Sun-Earth Connections”--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 links below for activities including bird and nature walks, kayaking, surf rescue demonstrations, beach campfires and night hikes. Find schedules on http://www.nps.gov/asis/upload/August%202-8.pdf and http://www.nps.gov/asis/upload/August%209-15.pdf



*CHINCOTEAGUE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ACTIVITIES—check at the Herbert H. Bateman Educational Center for a list of summer events.



*“RIDE THE PONY EXPRESS”. Come by the chamber office for a schedule!





Evelyn

Evelyn Shotwell

Office Manager

Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce

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Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Chincoteague Cultural Alliance August Concert

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

PRESS RELEASE
Chincoteague Cultural Alliance
www.ChincoteagueCulturalAlliance.org


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


Walt Michael Concert August 19

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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