When traveling through the project area on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., drivers should expect multiple, alternating lane closures on Route 175 and traffic interruptions at the intersection of Main Street and Maddox Boulevard for equipment and materials mobilization.

Motorists may also encounter early morning lane closures on Saturdays. However, all lanes will be open beginning Wednesday, December 24 at 5 a.m. through Friday, December 26 at 8 p.m. and again from Wednesday, December 31 at 5 a.m. to Friday, January 2 at 8 p.m. to ease holiday travel.

This year, VDOT has noticed a slight reduction in the volume of traffic on interstates when compared to 2007.  Still, highway crashes are one of the leading causes of death in the commonwealth. This holiday season please do your part to help prevent highway fatalities by buckling up, avoiding distractions, sharing the road, obeying speed limits and driving drug-and-alcohol free.

The merchants are providing hot cocoa and warm cider and Santa’s elves will be passing out candy canes.

Attendees are invited to bring a donation for the local Food Bank and/or a donation for the Toys for Tots drive.

The Chincoteague Library is again selling luminaries to raise money for the library expansion. The luminaries will be lit this evening and the names will be read for those being honored with the luminary.

There will be holiday songs and caroling. Town officials, dignitaries and local celebrities will be among those attending. Everyone is invited to join these festivities. Many of the shops will be open after the tree lighting to offer end of season sales or early holiday shopping.

Contact Cathy at 757-336-2610 for additional information.

All are welcome. Refreshments will be served.

All donations will benefit The Chincoteague Island Food Pantry.

For more information contact:

Chincoteague Island Benevolent Association

Nolan Warnick 757-336-3008 or Kathryn Tolbert 757-336-5741

Professional Chili

1st Place     Eric Shocket  from Robesonia PA
2nd Place    Sea Star  from Chincoteague VA
3rd Place     Mallards from Onanock VA

Professional Chowder

1st Place    Mallards from Onanock VA
2nd Place   The Sea Shell Cafe  from Chincoteage VA
3rd Place    Mr Baldys  from Chincoteage

Amatuer Chili

1st Place    Brian Cramer from Wilimington Deleware
2nd Place   Rick Cralle from Chincoteague VA
3rd Place   Scott Selfridge from Glassboro NJ

Amatuer  Chowder

1st Place     Scott Selfridge from Glassboro NJ
2nd Place    Owen Hooks from Chincoteague VA
3rd Place     John Turansky from Lewes DE

Peoples Choice   Kenneth Knock from Melfa VA

Little Miss Chili Pepper — Emma Faith    6 yrs old   Parents  Robert & Jennifer Faith

Little Mr Hot Stuff —– Christopher Perras  5 yrs old  Parents  Chris & Carrie Perras

The goal of the Chincoteague Island Extended campaign is to help year-round residents and visitors by providing information about the shops that are open during the Extended Season. The schedule will be printed three times a year covering three time periods - October through December, January/February, and March through May.  The Chamber of Commerce is assisting with copying the printed schedules and with distributing the information through the Visitor Center on Maddox Blvd. Copies will also be distributed to all local hotels, inns, restaurants, the town offices and participating shops. A new web site, www.chincoteagueislandextended.com includes shop locations and hours as well as a .pdf version of the print schedule that can be downloaded and copied as needed. To further assist in identification, each participating shop will display the Chincoteague Island Extended logo in the window.

Both associations encourage visitors to take advantage of the slower pace of the extended season and visit the Island throughout the year, saving time and gas by shopping local.

The campaign began this fall with participants from the CCA and HMSMA but other shops, restaurants and services open all year are invited to join the effort. Anyone interested in including a shop, restaurant, hotel or inn as part of the Chincoteague Island Extended campaign, please email Carla Leonard at islandbutterfly26@yahoo.com or Jane Richstein at jane@sundialbooks.com.

Participating local merchants all around town will have special offerings, demonstrations, and tastings, to kick-off this holiday season. Join the merchants for this Holiday Open House and get Christmas shopping done early while beginning the merriment of the 2008 holiday season.

Greg Trooper is one of America’s premier singer-songwriters.  Amazon.com calls Greg Trooper’s work a “catalog of superbly crafted albums.”  Billboard magazine has called him “an artist of considerable insight and passion.” Nashville music critic Robert K. Oermann has said Trooper’s “songs and delivery grab you by the throat.”  His songs have been recorded by Vince Gill, Steve Earle, Billy Bragg and Robert Earl Keen, among others.   Trooper’s music is equally informed by Memphis soul, Greenwich Village folk and Nashville twang.

Greg Trooper’s recordings have creative vision and a collaborator’s heart. Americana star Buddy Miller produced Trooper’s 1998’s ‘Popular Demons’ album.  Soul legend Dan Penn steered Trooper’s 2005 extraordinary ‘Make It Through This World’. In the studio and on the road, Trooper’s colleagues have come from roots music’s most rarified circles, including Larry Campbell, a member of Bob Dylan’s band, and Garry Tallent, bassist in Bruce Springsteen’s E-Street band.

Tickets are $18 at the door, $15 for advance purchase.  Student tickets are $5.  Advance tickets for the Greg Trooper concert are available online, or at Egret Moon, H&H Pharmacy, Island Cottage Collection, Psychotronic Music and Beads, and Sundial Books.

To purchase tickets online go to www.ChincoteagueCulturalAlliance.org and click on “Music.”  Seating is limited.  The first two concerts of the fall concert series sold out.  Advance purchase of tickets is recommended. Note the new concert time of 8:00 p.m. for this performance.

Located downtown in the park behind Don’s Seafood Restaurant the event runs from 10am until 4pm. Volunteers could be used in many areas and this is a great opportunity to get involved in your community. Join in this event and create some memories to last a life time while making friends and enjoying the festivities!

Contact islandbutterfly26@yahoo.com for more details and any questions.

Also included at the annual festival is the Little Miss Chili Pepper & Mr. Hot Stuff competition. Any little boys or girls interested should apply by October 13, 2008. The children will be onstage answering questioning and have the option to display a talent is desired, ages 3 to 6 may enter, Always a crowd pleaser and lots of fun! First place winners win a $25 savings bond and ride in the Christmas Parade representing the Main Street Merchants.

For more information on this competition contact Karen Murphy at 757-894-3544 or email mike.murphy2@verizon.net.

If you can cook an outstanding chili or chowder there may still be some cooker spots available. With general questions on the event or for cooker applications please contact 757-336-3700. Don’t miss this fun filled day of food and entertainment bringing together community, friends, and vistors!

All of the artist’s profit from the sale of his paintings will go to the Muchenge Orphan Trust in Zimbabwe . Chris has led many teams of workers to Zimbabwe and helped to establish community cooperatives to care for children whose parents have died of AIDS. In the Muchenge village, about the population of Chincoteague, there are 500 children who no longer have living parents to care for them. Because there are no orphanages, the oldest child becomes the head of the household and while trying to survive cares for the younger siblings. The Orphan Trust provides trained care-givers and funds to assist these “child-headed households.” Chris is an ordained United Methodist pastor now serving as the District Superintendent of 75 churches in the Annapolis area. He and his family often spend time at their family home on Willow Street here in Chincoteague. Come by Island Butterfly on Saturday, September 13, and say “hi” to Chris.

The Blue Rhythm Boys will perform on Saturday, September 20, 2008.  Blending the blues of Mississippi John Hurt with the “hot club” swing of Django Reinhardt, The Blue Rhythm Boys have delighted audiences from New Orleans to New York with their tight vocals and hot guitar playing since 1997. Tom Mitchell and Jim Stephanson bring authenticity and originality to their own smoky mix of hot jazz, blues and hokum.

North Sea Gas will perform on Saturday, October 4. With a combination of instruments including guitar, mandolin, bodhran, banjo, whistle, mandola, bouzouki and mouth organ complementing fine vocals, harmonies, their unique blend of Scottish and Irish music and a keen sense of humor, North Sea Gas delivers an entertaining evening. During their twenty-seven years of performing, North Sea Gas has produced a dozen albums and received six Gold or Silver Disc Awards from the Scottish Music Industry.  Those awards are the Scottish equivalent of the American Grammy Awards.

Greg Trooper will perform on Saturday, November 17.  Music critic Barry Mazor wrote that Trooper “sings with a clarity of purpose and a variety of effect that few in the acoustic world match.” Billboard Magazine has called him “an artist of considerable insight and passion.” Nashville music critic Robert K. Oermann has said Trooper’s “songs and delivery grab you by the throat.”  Fans know a voice of grit and experience singing songs in which they recognize themselves. Trooper’s music feels equally informed by Memphis soul, Greenwich Village folk and Nashville twang.  His songs have been recorded by Vince Gill, Steve Earle, Billy Bragg and Robert Earl Keen, among others.

All performances of the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance Fall Concert Series will be held in the Chincoteague Senior Center on Church Street . Performances begin at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $18 at the door, $15 for advance purchase or $40 for a season ticket that provides admission to all three concerts.  Student tickets are $5 for each concert.  Tickets go on sale September 10.  Advance tickets are available online and at Egret Moon, H&H Pharmacy, Island Cottage Collection, Psychotronic Music and Beads, and Sundial Books.  Season tickets are available online, through the mail or at the September concert.  Seating is limited.  Advance

Ticket purchase is recommended. To purchase tickets online go to:  www.ChincoteagueCulturalAlliance.org and click on “CCA Store.”  To order season tickets by mail, send a check to Chincoteague Cultural Alliance at P.O. Box 257, Chincoteague Island , VA 23336.

The Chincoteague Cultural Alliance is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization formed to enhance community life by fostering and promoting the growth and vitality of arts and culture on Chincoteague Island and Delmarva’s Eastern Shore .  The Alliance is the sponsor of the popular Second Saturdays Art Stroll on Chincoteague.

The trio’s repertoire consists of traditional Irish folksongs with a touch of bluegrass.  Celtic Islanders have been performing together in pubs around the Washington Metro area since 2003.  They provide a spirited blend of Irish music, ranging from the light-hearted barroom favorites to the poignant ballads depicting the struggles of the Irish people, with a bit of American bluegrass thrown in as well.  Celtic Islanders performances always include traditional and well known jigs and reels.

Bill Weiskopf, leader of Celtic Islanders, is a resident of Chincoteague Island.  Bill plays mandolin, five-string banjo and guitar and sings lead on many of the Irish songs.   He started listening to Irish music at an early age, when he lived for a few years with his grandmother, who was born in County Cork, Ireland.    Bill has performed Irish music in one form or another since 1982.  He performed for several years at Matt Kane’s Bit of Ireland in Washington DC.  Matt Kane’s was one of the original Irish pubs in the Washington DC area, and it was there that the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem launched their long and successful U.S. careers.

Celtic Islanders formed in 2003 when the three members played Irish music during Bill Weiskopf?s wedding on Chincoteague Island.  Donna Neil and Bart Branscum complete the trio with their vocals, guitar and bass.

From the Irish Washerwoman to Whiskey in the Jar, to Brennon on the Moor and the M.T.A., Celtic Islanders will engage you with an afternoon of enjoyable music.  Bring a chair or spread a blanket and enjoy the concert.

Plein Air Reception, Exhibit and Sale
Comfort Suites – 6:00 – 10:00pm – Meet the artists who have been painting outdoor scenes of Chincoteague and Assateague for the past two days. Enjoy savory and sweet treats as you browse the artworks.

Book Signings
Oyster and Maritime Museum (3:00 – 5:00pm) - Kelly Lidard signs copies of her 2009 Assateague Wild Pony Calendar
Island Cottage Collection – Kelly Lidard signs copies of her 2009 Assateague Wild Pony Calendar
Sundial Books (6:00 – 8:00pm) – Virnell Bruce signs copies of Shells: A Cameo of Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Demonstrations
Oyster and Maritime Museum (3:00 – 5:00pm) - Painting on Feathers by Donnie Thornton
Bayside Arts Cooperative - Free needle bead weaving by Jenny Somers.
Island Arts - Chair Massages by Massage Away
Island Cottage Collection - Decoy Decoration by Jen Daisey, Photography by Lauren Pochron, Metalsmithing and Soapmaking by Jim and Marianne Warren, Chair Canning & Basket Making by Deb Finnegan, Pen Making by Sam Schmitt
Linda Nerine Gallery - Colored pencil flower drawings by Lucy Roehm
Psychotronic Music & Beads - Glass bead-making by Mia Weldon
Vintage Rose Antiques – Hand-blown Venetian Glass and Swarvoski Crystal by J Nicholas Jewelry

Exhibitions
Bayside Arts Cooperative - Pottery by Elizabeth Hunt
Island Cottage Collection - Prints by Joyce Reed, Paintings by Jack Richardson & Guy Wilkins, Sculptures by David & Bill Turner
Linda Nerine Gallery - Stained glass garden décor by Wade Brooks and hand-painted (one of a kind) silk scarves and neckties by Debra Street.

Music
Psychotronic Music and Beads– DJ Michael plays sounds that only you thought were worth remembering
Sundial Books – Live music with Diana Wagner.

Tastings
Threadgoods (6-8 pm)  Fall & winter collection from Tastefully Simple
Wine, Cheese & More  (6-9:30pm)  Wine tasting. No charge but donations to CCA scholarship fund are encouraged
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Vent-a-Thon – Egret Moon Artworks (in the garden) - Who needs yoga or massage when you can let it all out in the Garden Of Gripes!  Come talk about Politics, Religion, and all the other stuff you couldn’t talk about on dates.

2nd Saturday Soirée  - aNoPheles Blues Gallery.  On Sept 13, 1503, Michelangelo started his famous statue of David.  Share with us your memories of that day as we chip away at our stash of cosas giustas Italiano.  See the Pope nightlite.

Keep in mind that while the shops and galleries listed above have special events scheduled this month, other members feature art, books, antiques and specialty foods in their shops and many provide special treats during the art stroll. These include Bookhounds, Dreams at Oyster Bay Gallery, Enchanted Island, Flying Fish Gallery, Guinivers, Island Butterfly, Kite Koop, Osprey Nest Gallery, Renasence Studio, Solid Rock Photography and Tomorrow’s Treasures. For additional information, visit the CCA website at www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org or call (757) 336-6117.

Artists choose distinctive locations throughout the Islands and make use of their unique styles in pursuit of the common goal of capturing scenes as quickly as possible before the movements of sun and clouds alter the lighting and colors of the view.  The press of time and changing light make plein air work energetic and exciting.

Plein air painting demands intense concentration and great skill by artists.  No two plein air paintings will look alike even if the artists set up their easels side-by-side.   Works may be executed in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel or pencil.   Paintings will range in size from charming miniatures that can beautify any space to large scale master works that can be the focal point of a room.

Visitors are encouraged to watch the artists at work.  Some artists are willing to talk about their work while they are painting.  Others may be so engaged with their work that they are unaware of any onlookers.

The 6 - 10 pm reception and sale at Comfort Suites on Main Street in Chincoteague offers opportunities to meet the artists, and see and purchase the art work completed during the two-day event.  The show and sale are free and open to the public.  Gourmet refreshments will be provided by local culinary artist Sally Locklin.

The Plein Air Art Event is part of the 2nd Saturdays Art Stroll sponsored by the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance.  The Stroll is a monthly, island-wide event hosted by galleries and shops that present art and craft demonstrations, exhibits, live music, wine tasting and the unexpected.  Info Maps are available at shops and galleries throughout the Island and online at www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org

Saturday August 16 — 7:00pm

Bill Yates and Friends ” A Tribute to the Country Gentlemen” is the result of the love of the “real”  Country Gentlemen music. A small jam session to sing some Country Gentlemen songs led to the idea to keep the CG music alive.

The Country Gentlemen are considered by many to be the  first “progressive” bluegrass band. Several things set the CG apart from other  bluegrass bands of the time (1950’s). Since the bands inception, they have been known for their unique choice of material, ranging from traditional bluegrass  to the popular music of the time. One of the  Gentleman’s strength is adapting music from many different genres to bluegrass style. Their influences can be seen in almost every bluegrass band’s playing today. Many of the top bluegrass names can be counted as former members. In 1996 the CG were inducted in to  The International Bluegrass Hall of Honor.

Bill Yates Played with the CG for Charlie Waller for 18 plus years and recorded 17 projects with the band. Mike Phipps provides the stellar vocalizing reminiscent of Charlie Waller”s. The tribute band succeeded in depicting both the sound and psyche of the pioneering Country Gentlemen. In their effort to keep the Country Gentlemen music alive, “Bill Yates & Friends succeed.

As usual There will be door prizes, home-made chili dogs, pork barbecue and Ice cream.

Also, VIP table seating will be available for $30.00 advance reservations. $25.00 for gen admission at-the-door & $20.00 for advance gen admission.

Afternoon Event

Oyster & Maritime Museum: Demonstration - Watercolor Painting with Diana Davis from 3pm to 5pm

Evening Events

3rd Annual Hoopla Hula Island Queen for a Day

Start at Guinivers for your crown makings and map, create your crown next door at Egret Moon. Go to Dreams Gallery for your flower lei, Tomorrow’s Treasures to create your shell necklace, and Vintage Rose for your queenly photo. Stop at Threadgoods for a cool slushie and wind up at Egret Moon for the Island Queen Competition and Crowning at 9:30 pm.

New Member Gala Premier: Dreams Gallery at Oyster Bay Outfitters

Meet artists Laura Ellison Opdyke, jeweler and Pat Ellison, painter with music by Sean Kelly

Demonstrations

Bayside Arts Cooperative – painting by Jenny Somers, watercolor by Tracey Arvidson and drawing  by Deborah DeLoach

Gull Watch Basketry - Basket-making by Helen Sheets, 6-8 pm

Island Arts - Painting by Nancy Richards West

Island Cottage Collection - Decoy Decoration by Jen Daisey from Chincoteague, Photography by Lauren Pochron from Chincoteague, Metalsmithing and Soapmaking by Jim and Marianne Warren from Parksley

Linda Nerine Gallery - Water color painting by Jan Nelson

Psychotronic Music & Beads - Glass bead-making by Mia Weldon

Meet the Artists

Island Butterfly - 2008 Photos and postcards featuring Island scenes by Carla Leonard

Solid Rock Photography - 2008 Pony Penning Photos & exclusive Salt Water Cowboy Trading Cards by Kenny Lewis

Exhibitions

Bayside Arts Cooperative - Pottery by Elizabeth Hunt and Photography from around the world by Barbara Luehning

Island Cottage Collection - Pine Needle Baskets by Reds Miller and Hand-painted Pony Swim ornaments by Joyce Reed

Linda Nerine Gallery - Mixed media jewelry by Isajul and Wearable art by Elizabeth

In upcoming months, progress will be more visible as you drive by the project. The bridge’s main horizontal support beams have been set in place for 2/3 of the spans, and crews are currently working on wall pours, forming retaining walls and pouring concrete.  The first deck pour is scheduled for early August.

Motorists traveling on Route 175 from the Wire Narrows Bridge to the Main Street Intersection should expect multiple alternating lane closures from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. until the beginning of October. These closures are necessary for crews to receive equipment and materials for the project.

source: Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) press release

On Sunday, July 27 Owen Hooks & Friends will be playing live from 5:00 - 8:00pm in the Sundial Books courtyard. Guitars, banjos and great vocals will keep your feet tapping. In addition to his musical talent, Owen is also the author of The Wild Pony Auction at Chincoteague and will have copies of the book available for sale.

The Hidden Galleon by John Amrhein, Jr. is “the true story of a lost Spanish ship and the legendary wild ponies of Assateague Island.” On September 5, 1750, a Spanish warship named La Galga drove ashore on Assateague and came to rest close to shore and partially submerged. The only people who died were lost swimming ashore. Her captain later described her location as “within two ship lengths of the Maryland and Virginia boundary.” Meet John Amrhein and talk with him about the research and discoveries that led to his writing The Hidden Galleon. John will be at Sundial Books Wednesday, July 30, 4:00 – 6:00pm, Thursday, July 31, 2:00 – 4:00pm and Friday, August 1, 11:00am – 1:00pm.

Jessie-Ann Friend continues the tradition of books about Chincoteague ponies with The Forgotten Pony – the story of Rainy’s Boy. Jessie-Ann met Marguerite Henry as a young girl and promised to keep the stories of Misty’s descendents alive. The Forgotten Pony is the second in what will be a trilogy of books for young readers.  Meet Jessie-Ann on Sunday, July 27 from 3:00 – 5:00pm, on Tuesday, July 29 from 1:00 – 3:00pm and Thursday and July 31 from 4:00 – 6:00pm.

Wrap up the week with a series of traditional music concerts by Diana Wagner as she launches her new CD, Tradition Bearer.  Diana performed in Chincoteague last fall as part of the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance Acoustic Music Concert series and has just completed the production of her first CD of folk and traditional music. She will give a series of concerts on Saturday, August 2 at 12:30pm, 2:30pm and 4:30pm in the Sundial Books courtyard. Meet Diana, share stories about music and enjoy a relaxing afternoon.

Sundial Books is located at 4071-4073 Main Street, next to the Island Library. Our inventory includes best-sellers, local and regional books, used books, antiquarian books and signed, first editions as well as gifts and local art. For more information call (757) 336-5825 or www.sundialbooks.net.

Sanford and Ferebee have appeared with or opened for notable performers including: Air Supply, Kenny Loggins, Tony Rice Unit, Osborne Brothers, Taj Mahal, The Kingston Trio, Helen Reddy, Norman & Nancy Blake, Alison Krause and Union Station, the Charlie Byrd Trio, Seldom Scene, and Robin & Linda Williams.

Both performers are strong and distinctive singers who toss the lead duties back and forth while taking turns harmonizing.  Sanford laces in a tasteful array of percussion with rattles, chimes and hand drums over Ferebee’s accomplished guitar foundation.

During the past five years Ferebee and Sanford have collaborated on performance art programs including a work commissioned by The Women?s Studies Department of Tidewater Community College.

Bring a chair or spread a blanket to enjoy the lively art of Sanford and Ferebee as they carry on the great American tradition of a free concert in Robert Reed Park on Chincoteague Island.

The Amy Ferebee & Regina Scott Sanford concert is part of the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance Music at the Dock Series made possible by grants from the Town of Chincoteague, the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.