Olde Towne Photos

Nordalini's Pizza

2012-01-27T13:57:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd share another secret recipe.

Nordalini’s Pizza

Ingredients:

½ lb. Chopped Italian Sausage
1 (8 oz.) can Tomato sauce
1 medium chopped Onion
1 clove chopped Garlic
½ teaspoon dried Basil Leaves
½ teaspoon dried Oregano Leaves
¼ teaspoon ground Black Pepper
One medium Bell Pepper, chopped
1 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1 cup shredded Provalone Cheese
½ cup crumbled Feta Cheese
1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
½ cup Broiled Mushrooms
½ cup Sliced Black Olives
Pizza Dough (recipe below)

Directions:
Cook and stir sausage until light brown; drain. Mix in tomato sauce, onion, garlic, basil, oregano and pepper.
Prepare Dough.

Ingredients:

2 packages Active Dry Yeast
¾ cup Warm Water
1 teaspoon Sugar
½ teaspoon Salt

2 tablespoons Olive Oil

2 cups All-Purpose Flour

¼ cup Wheat Germ

¼ cup Corn Meal

2 tablespoons Italian Seasoning (Oregano & Basil)

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Stir in sugar, salt, , seasoning, oil and 1 cup of flour. Gradually add the rest of the flour, as necessary, to prevent sticking. Turn onto well-floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about five minutes). Divide dough into halves. Pat each half into a ten-inch circle on a lightly-greased cookie sheet or pizza pan, lightly dusted with cormeal. Bake four minutes in a very hot oven. Remove from oven, spread with sauce. Sprinkle sausage, green pepper and cheeses, except cheddar, which is added when pie is removed from oven. Bake in 425 degree oven until cheese is bubbly and crust is brown. Remove from oven and sprinkle with shredded Cheddar and Feta cheeses. Let cool a few minutes before slicing.
*Alternate dough preparation: Rub Olive Oil in bowl. Roll Ball of dough in bowl to coat. Let rise thirty minutes. Punch down and spread on a large round pizza pan, rolling up the edges.

( photos to follow later )

Statsraad Lehmkuhl Departing

2011-11-17T10:48:00.005-05:00

November 14-16 - and another nice vist from a beautiful ship and her fine crew. Gentle breezes and following seas on your return to Norway.

See previous post previous post for more info. Click on picture or here for images in my Flickr Album .

Email

Family Secret Barbeque Recipe

2011-07-16T15:37:00.005-04:00

This is for my faithful followers only. I figured I can't take it with me ( well I could, but why would I? Barbeque Heaven is in North Carolina ), so, like my photos, I thought I'd share one of my most prized secrets.

Nordan Family Secret NC BBQ Recipe

This recipe can be used for ribs or shoulders. The technique is a little different. Some ingredients may be adjusted or omitted.
--------------------------------------------------------
BBQ DRY RUB
2 1/2 TBS Brown Sugar
2 tsp Paprika
2 tsp Dry Mustard
2 tsp Onion Powder
2 tsp Garlic Powder
1 1/2 tsp Dried Sweet Basil
1 tsp Ground Bay Leaves
3/4 tsp Ground Coriander
3/4 tsp Ground Savory
3/4 tsp Ground Thyme
3/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
3/4 tsp Gound White Pepper
1/8 tsp Ground Cumin
1 TBS Instant Tea Mix *new ingredient added as per Steven Raichlen of BBQU. See link at bottom.

Prepare the rub in a small bowl. Massage into meat thoroughly the night before you plan to grill. Wrap the meat well in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator until grilling time, so that the flavors will be absorbed into the meat. The dry mixture can be stored in an airtight container for up to four months.
----------------------------------------
BBQ SAUCE
1 lb.      Bacon, finely chopped
1/2 tsp   Sweet Basil
2 ea.      Bay Leaves
1/4 cup Bell Pepper, chopped
2 TBS   Butter, unsalted
1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
1/4 cup Celery, chopped
1/2 tsp Chili Powder
6 oz.    Coca-Cola
1 can    Condensed Beef Broth
1 TBS Coriander, ground
1/8 tsp Cumin, ground
2 tsp     Curry Powder
1/4 cup Dark Brown Sugar
3 TBS Garlic, minced
3 TBS Ginger, crystallized
1 TBS Sugar, granulated
1/4 cup Honey
6 TBS Lemon Juice
1 TBS Lemon Peel, grated
2 TBS Molasses
1 TBS Dry Mustard
1 TBS Olive Oil
1/4 cup Onion, chopped
1 cup    Orange Juice
1 tsp     Dry Oregano
2 tsp     Paprika
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1/2 tsp White Pepper
1/2 tsp Ground Sage
1 tsp     Sea Salt
1/2 tsp Savory, ground
1 TBS Sesame Oil
2 TBS Soy Sauce
1/4 tsp Tabasco Sauce
1/4 tsp Dry Thyme
1 can    Plum Tomatoes, crushed
1 can    Tomato Sauce
2 TBS Vegetable Oil
3 TBS Red Wine Vinegar
3 TBS White Wine Vinegar
2 TBS Worchestershire Sauce
-----------------------------------------------------------
Procedure:

Bring basil, bay leaves, broth, oregano, savory and thyme to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer.
Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions, celery, green pepper, garlic, mustard, salt, white and blck pepper, paprika, coriander and cumin.
Cook until browned (5 to 7 min.) Add to broth along with lemon peel, juices, soy sauce, vinegar and the oils. Stir to combine.
Add the cooked bacon and any rendered fat to the mixture.
Add remaining ingredients and combine.
Continue simmering until the broth is reduced by a forth (about an hour).

Cool to room temperature and baste away ! Adjust seasonings as necessary. If sauce is too thick, add a small amount of apple cider. Refrigerate any remaining sauce in covered container for up to 2 weeks.
--------------------------------------------
Technique :

Soak hickory chips in apple juice for 6 hours. Drain.

Place chips over hot coals in a covered grill.

If you are using a roast (shoulder) , place roast on aluminum foil on grill and close lid, leaving air vents in top open. Cook pork, covered for four to six hours at 190 to 225 degrees until internal temperature reaches 170 degrees. Turn occasionally. Remove from grill, cool and let rest. Remove and discard excess fat from roast. Finely chop pork and place on baking sheet. Sprinkle with vinegar and crushed red pepper mix to taste. Heat under broiler to desired crispness.

Serve with coleslaw (recipe follows), baked beans, hushpuppies or buns and Bluegrass music.

*note: If doing Babyback ribs, you may want to wait til they're almost done to baste with sauce. Add Orange Marmalade or Peach Preserves for a sweeter glaze or serve on the side.

You hearty folks can add Bourbon as necessary.

* For more Barbeque tips from the BBQ Master and Grilling Guru, Steve Raichlen, click on the link > http://www.bbqu.net/aboutsteven.html

Simple Coleslaw Recipe:

3   cups Finely Shredded Cabbage
1   cup Diced Apple
1/2 cup Shredded carrots
1/2 ts    Black Pepper
1/4 cup Pickle Relish
2   TB    Chopped Onion
2   TB    Lemon Juice
3    ts     Oil
1   cup   Diced Cucumber
2/3 cup Mayonnaise
1/2 TB Vinegar
1/2 ts    Salt
1/8 ts    Sugar

REWARD - NIKON D70

2011-06-28T03:52:00.002-04:00

REWARD for information leading to the arrest and conviction to the perpetrator that smashed my car window and helped himself to my NIKON D70 camera and GLOCK 23 hand gun. I was 20 feet away but too late. I'll probably never see them again but I'm posting this because it's linked to the Internet and may turn up something. I had all the evidence I needed, but we didn't put the pieces together until it was too late. The serial numbers are as follows: Nikon DSLR70, ser. no. 3100354, lens: 18-70 mm f3.5-4.5G AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor, ser. no. 2246656. Glock 23, 40 cal. ser. no. GCE 964.

Pokey Smokey II_DSC_2011_7037

2011-05-21T23:58:00.002-04:00

Pokey Smokey II_DSC_2011_7037, originally uploaded by Olde Towne Photos (Clyde).

Pokey Smokey II - Up and Running

Via Flickr:
Pokey Smokey was a 19th century replica steam engine train that provided fun rides on the Portsmouth City Railroad in the City Park. Due to safety concerns, Pokey was retired in 2005 and auctioned off to a train collector. The Portsmouth City Railroad is still at the City Park. $50K had been raised; I believe it is up to around $63K now, but about another $200K is required. If you would like to donate to the Pennies for Pokey fund to raise money for Pokey Smokey II, please contact me at stacey.parker@nscorp.com
Tax ID#54-6062589

* The new Pokey Smokey II miniature train has revved up its engine for a comeback.

The seven-bench carriage and locomotive will be unveiled at 9:30 a.m. Thursday in City Park, the city announced. The attraction will reopen to riders on May 14.

The original Pokey Smokey stopped operating in 2005 because of safety concerns. The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation raised $216,000 to buy the new coach. It will be handicap-accessible and run on gasoline.

Royal Wedding

2011-05-01T22:59:00.001-04:00

The British Monarchy's Photostream on Flickr

~ The Official Royal Wedding Photograph ~

Click on photo to enlarge or link for original size.

The Royal Wedding Group in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace on 29th April 2011 with the Bride and Groom, TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in the centre.

Front row (left to right): Miss Grace van Cutsem, Miss Eliza Lopes, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, HM The Queen, The Hon. Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Lady Louise Windsor, Master William Lowther-Pinkerton.

Back Row (left to right): Master Tom Pettifer, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, HRH The Prince of Wales, HRH Prince Henry of Wales, Mr Michael Middleton, Mrs Michael Middleton, Mr James Middleton, Miss Philippa Middleton.

Picture Credit: Photograph by Hugo Burnand

Note: The photos are for editorial use only, and they are must not be re-sold or commercially exploited in any way. For requests other than editorial use, please put your requests in writing to Press Office, St James’s Palace, London, SW1A 1BS.

The Tulip

2011-04-09T05:31:00.001-04:00

The Tulip, originally uploaded by Olde Towne Photos (Clyde).

So you won't have to break your neck reading this, I've printed it here:

Tossing turban style contours, with an aloofness as one passes by,
Utilizing every charm it possesses, under a lupin blue cloudless sky,
Like a guardsman, gallantly standing, holding up his noble head high,
In rainbow colours, brilliant and stately, a vision to surely yield a sigh,
Ponder thus upon the regal tulip, it has pure beauty, you cannot deny.

The Tulip ~ by Ernestine Northover

Having to turn the print to read the verse, causes it to yield three different views. Purely accidental. :-)

Nikon D-70 / iso 200 / 8 sec. @ f22

13th Annual Olde Towne Scottish Walk

2011-01-04T06:27:00.002-05:00

For information on the Scottish Walk, see last year's post. More photos are being posted on my Flickr photo-sharing website.

Scroll down to bottom to adjust Playlist.

Holidays in Olde Towne

2010-12-12T16:38:00.002-05:00

Click here to go to photos :-)

Click on the link above to view snapshots of Santa's arrival and various entertaining groups that were performing in Historic Olde Towne Portsmouth December 11. You may to view and download your favorite images (if you have a free Yahoo account). Thanks to all who sponsored, supported or performed in the Festival. Despite the Scottish sunshine weather, I didn't see one sad face. I had the pleasure of making photographs of some of the cutest and best behaved children. Ya think Santa's presence had anything to do with that? Shoot me an email if you want the high resolution image file for printing.

OldeTownePhotos@aol.com

Tall Ship HNoMS Statsraad Lehmkuhl to Visit Norfolk

2010-11-04T13:01:00.008-04:00

The world's fastest sail training three-masted Tall Ship, Statsraad Lehmkuhl from Norway will again grace the harbor at 9:30 AM Thursday.

Click for > Photos from previous visits and other related images

Website Home Page

Facts & History: HNoMS Statsraad Lehmkuhl

•The Barque ‘Statsraad Lehmkuhl' is from Bergen. It is a three masted Barque, launched in 1914. She was built by JC Tecklenborg, Bremerhaven, Germany and is Norway's oldest and largest sailing vessel.

•Overall Length: 98 metres ( 321.5' )

•Length of Hull: ( 259' )

•Rig: Three-masted barque

•Height of Rig: ( 158' )

•Beam: 12.6 metres ( 41.34' )

•Draught: 5.2 metres ( 17.06' )

•High Carbon Steel Hull

•Carries a crew of 125 ( 100 training )

From Festevents Website:

On Thursday November 4, 2010 the unique and majestic 96-year old Norwegian tall sailing ship "HNoMS Statsraad Lehmkuhl" is scheduled to arrive in Downtown Norfolk at 9 am, docking at Otter Berth next to Waterside. The ship will depart on Friday, November 5, 2010.

Arrival will be immediately followed at 9:30 am with a dockside public welcome ceremony. The public is invited to tour the ship on Friday, November 5, from noon - 4pm; school groups can reserve a private tour from 10 am - noon.
The Statsraad Lehmkuhl is sailed by the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy's first year officer cadets, who are participating in leadership training and teambuilding during the trip. The cadets also get a strong foundation of basic seamanship during their weeks onboard. Stripped of modern communication technology, the students are forced to work together to overcome the timeless challenges and dangers of travelling the seas by sail. Statsraad Lehmkuhl has been part of the basic training program since 2002, whereby the Royal Norwegian Navy leases the ship for several months every year. Norfolk has become a favorite port of call for the ship and her crew; this will be the 6th consecutive year that the ship has called on Norfolk as part of their sail-training schedule. The port visit is sponsored by Norfolk Festevents, Ltd.
The City of Norfolk and her community leaders will officially welcome the HNoMS Statsraad Lehmkuhl on Thursday, November 4 with a flag-raising and dockside ceremony scheduled to take place at Otter Berth in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia. Lake Taylor High School's NJROTC Color Guard will carry out the flag-raising ceremony beginning at 9:30 am.
School Tour Schedule: Friday, November 5, 2010, 10 am - noon. Please contact Hank Moseley with Festevents, at 757-441-2345 ext.3019 or moseleyh@festevents.org for more information and to arrange for school tours. Schools must provide their own transportation to and from Otter Berth. Ship tours are FREE.
Public Visitation Schedule: Friday, November 5, 2010, Noon - 4 pm. Ship tours are FREE and open to the public from Noon - 4 pm only.

Departing Norfolk at sunset, heading for Baltimore, New London and Norway.

Departing Norfolk at sunset, under a champagne sky.

Bloggers' Photo Community Challenge

2010-11-01T07:38:00.000-04:00

Click on the link above for this month's images ( Autumn Colors )
or here > http://communityphotochallenge.blogspot.com/

Here's mine

Schooner Days 2010

2010-09-20T17:42:00.004-04:00

Schooner Days is a celebration of the world’s largest gathering of schooners along the waterfront of Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia. It's held this year in conjunction with the 21st Annual Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race from Baltimore to Portsmouth- racing to save the bay!

Visit the Schooner Days 2010 blog for all the latest details of this coming event and things I might have missed.

See also: List of Participating Schooners

and: Racing The Bay (Alan's Blog)

Celebrate USCG 220th Birthday

2010-08-06T10:52:00.004-04:00

Check out my Flickr Photostream for more photos of this event. ( Link on the side bar . ) >

Operation Sail 2012

2010-07-28T00:41:00.005-04:00

Operation Sail 2012
and the United States Navy
Announce Ports to Host Star-Spangled Banner
and War of 1812 Bicentennial Celebrations

National events will be held in New Orleans, Norfolk, Baltimore, New York and Boston.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Operation Sail, Inc. (OpSail) and the U.S. Navy announce the participation of five historic U. S. ports in the 2012 events that will commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the birth of The Star-Spangled Banner. OpSail and the U.S. Navy will bring tall ships, naval vessels and the Blue Angels flight demonstration team to each port city, beginning in New Orleans in May 2012 and ending in Boston on July 4, 2012 in conjunction with the annual Harborfest celebration. Read more... > http://opsail.org/press0103.html

Katie Harden for the New Face of FOX 43

2010-07-27T11:28:00.002-04:00

Click on the link ( Post Title ) above and you'll see why I'm voting for Katie.

The following link below will take you to her bio-sketch on FOX 43's page >http://www.fox43tv.com/generic/face_of_fox_43/FOF_harden_katie_top10_page

Portsmouth Boaters' Guide

2010-07-25T17:54:00.003-04:00

http://www.skipjackmarinegallery.com/boatersguide.pdf

Click on the link for a printable 22 page ( when folded ) copy of the unofficial BOATER'S GUIDE to Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia @ Mile Marker "0" on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.

Portsmouth is an Official Coast Guard City.

Thanks to Alison Elder of Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery for putting this together and sharing with us.

Welcome Kalmar Nyckel

2010-05-27T17:56:00.006-04:00

Parade of Sail - Harborfest / 2010

The Kalmar Nyckel, Delaware's seagoing goodwill ambassador, is in town and I promised some members of the crew that I'd post some links to some of the attractions and exciting things going on in Portsmouth. The Kalmar Nyckel is a replica 1625 Dutch 200 ton Pinnace and will be the lead Tall Ship in the Harborfest Parade of Sail.
The original Kalmar Nyckel was one of America's pioneering colonial ships. She sailed from Sweden to the New World in 1638 leaving its passengers to establish the first permanent European settlement in the Delaware Valley, the Colony of the New Sweden in present-day Wilmington, Delaware. She made a total of four roundtrip crossings of the Atlantic - more than any other ship of the era. Click on title for website. Click on picture for larger image.

History - Trophy > Trophy Park / Norfolk Naval Shipyard

http://www.visitportsva.com/historicalsites.html

New Arrival at The Railroad Museum of Virginia

2010-05-23T18:23:00.007-04:00

DSC_2010_1844, originally uploaded by Olde Towne Photos.

The Norfolk & Western #1134 arrived at the Railroad Museum of Virginia in Portsmouth this week after her rescue from the scrapyard in Roanoke and many weeks of restoration. What a beautiful addition. Visit my Flickr Photostream for more photos until I can post them in my blog.
See previous post for more info on the museum > http://oldetownephotos.blogspot.com/2009/07/railroad-museum-of-virginia.html
http://www.roanoke.com/extra/wb/244390

Confederate Memorial

2010-04-22T07:32:00.007-04:00

My small contribution for Memorial Day 2010

Regardless of how these men who participated in the War for Southern Independence have been portrayed by historians, they were brave men who believed in God, loved their families, bled and died. They did not want to die. Many of the men who returned home from the war, both the maimed and the whole, tried to return to a normal life.

From 1875 to 1893, the Monument Association and the Ladies Memorial Aid Association struggled to raise funds, mainly through picnics, fairs, and contests, to complete a monument to the Confederate dead of Portsmouth and Norfolk County. They were later joined in their efforts by Stonewall Camp Number 380, United Confederate Veterans of Portsmouth, Va. The granite was donated by the Seaboard & Roanoke and Raleigh & Gaston railroad companies from their quarries near Henderson, NC. On 14 December 1876, the cornerstone was laid with Masonic ceremonies. The capstone was placed on 15 June 1881. The ornamental iron fence was placed around the monument in 1882. On 15 December 1887, the infantry (south elevation) and artillery (north elevation) statues were received from the Monumental Bronze Company of Connecticut and were placed on their platforms. The remaining statues, navy (east elevation) and cavalry (west elevation) were placed subsequent to the dedication of the monument. The monument was dedicated on 15 June 1893. Each of the four statues mount on the four platforms surrounding the monument are individually crafted unique statues. Following the cornerstone laying, four local men were chosen to pose for the figures. This monument is only one of three in the South containing a statue of a confederate sailor. This statue faces east toward the Elizabeth River, the route taken by the CSS Virginia in her engagement with the USS Monitor on 08-09 March 1862, during the Battle of Hampton Roads. Along the headband of the sailor's flat hat can be read the word "Merrimac." When the U.S. Navy abandoned the Gosport Navy Yard on 20 April 1861, all ships, munitions, and stores were ordered destroyed. Some histories report that among salvageable items were naval uniforms and hats that were later worn by the CSS Virginia's crew. Facing south on the monument's pedestal is caved the inscription "To our Confederate Dead" and around the four sides of the obelisk are inscribed the dates 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864 and 1865 which is directly below the 1861 on the south facade. At the top of the monument also facing south, is a five-pointed star. In the ground facing north at the monument's base, rests a weathered marble stone honoring Major F.W. Jett, a Confederate engineer, who was influential in constructing the monument. to the left of the stone in the ground is a bronze plaque bearing the stone's inscription. Surrounding the entire monument is an ornamental iron railing with a gate on the north side.

National Register of Historical Places

18 page PDF

http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/registers/Cities/Portsmouth/124-0183_Confederate_Monument_1997_Final_Nomination.pdf

http://www.moc.org/site/DocServer/Monuments_and_Memorials_Collection.pdf?docID=624

McAfee Alerts

2010-04-21T03:54:00.001-04:00

McAfee Alerts have been added to my blog. Scroll down to the bottom of the page.

Buffalo Riders of Hampton Roads

2010-02-22T15:21:00.004-05:00

I have posted photos of the annual Buffalo Riders Parade on my Flickr site. Click on the link or copy and paste. > http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldetownephotos/sets/72157623351280055/

Olde Towne Scottish Walk

2010-01-09T03:34:00.004-05:00

Thanks to David Cartier for permitting me to repost his entry from his blog, "What's New in Olde Towne".

To mark the coming New Year, a crowd will gather in Olde Towne Portsmouth for the 12th Annual Olde Towne Scottish Walk this Thursday, December 31, 2009. The Olde Towne Scottish Walk is modeled after Scotland's Hogmanay Festival, a day when townspeople honor their community and merchants and offer blessings for prosperity in the coming year.

The Olde Towne Scottish Walk, a procession of locals, family, friends an visitors led by pipe-and-drum bands, starts at Queen and Washington streets and ends at High Street Landing in Olde Towne Portsmouth. Participants will gather at 3:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Monumental United Methodist Church. After the tuning of the pipes (about 4 p.m.) the walk will make its way through the streets of Olde Towne to the foot of High Street.

At High Street Landing, there will be a flag raising ceremony honoring George Washington's raising of the first flag "the Grand Union" on New Year's Day. Participants in the walk will all join hands and sing ‘Auld Lang Syne’ as a way to thank the local merchants for their work in the holiday season and to wish the community ‘good luck’ in 2010.

Many people are familiar with ‘Auld Lang Syne’ yet few may actually know what 'Auld Lang Syne' is all about. Of course, many people will instantly associate the words with "Scotland" or perhaps ‘New Year’. Some people consider it to be an international expression of friendship, fellowship and hope. Others perceive it to be a simple song, presented at the conclusion of a social gathering, remembering the past and re-affirming the importance of our future, and those important to us. Of course ‘Auld Lang Syne’ is ALL of these things!

"Auld Lang Syne" is a Scottish poem that was written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song. It is well known in many English-speaking (and other) countries and is often sung to celebrate the start of the New Year at the stroke of midnight. Canadian band leader Guy Lombardo is often credited with popularizing the use of the song at New Year’s celebrations in America, through his annual broadcasts on radio and television, beginning in 1929. The song became his trademark.

And, what actually is the Hogmanay Festival? Hogmanay Night, celebrated on December 31st every year, is still strong in Scotland and comprises several deep-winter activities, many of which, like Hogmanay, derive from early pagan rituals.
This celebration dates back as far as the Vikings. Its roots are found in the pagan practice of fire and sun worship during the dark months of winter. Later this became the Roman celebration of 'Saturnalia' where the people celebrated without any inhibitions or restraint. The Vikings celebrated a variation of this festival and called it 'Yule' which later became the 12 days of Christmas or 'Daft Days'.
Although Hogmanay is a great reason for merriment one must not forget the more benevolent values that represent the soul of Hogmanay. Hogmanay is a time for charitable goodwill and acts of kindness to one’s neighbors, a night to renew old acquaintances and to reflect on lessons learned from the past year and to make the following year a success. On that note, here’s to 2010 and a happy and prosperous year to all the readers and contributors of our blog, ‘What’s new in Olde Towne’. Happy New Year!
So, come wear your warmest woolens and plaids and join in the fun. For more information, contact Susan Heeley Cocke at 757.650.3052. Be sure to look for the lighted boat parade along the Elizabeth River seawall at 8 p.m.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Throughout his hospitality career, David Cartier has been responsible for marketing destinations from Maine to Virginia. He will share the latest on the people, events and what’s happening in historic Olde Towne, Portsmouth. David, along with his wife Betsy own and operate Starboards Coffee Kiosk at High Street Landing, where they provide area information to locals, visitors and boaters alike. Follow Starboards on Twitter.
http://hamptonroads.com/2009/12/olde-towne-scottish-walk-walk-friendship-fellowship-and-hope

Follow Up:
Under a sky of "Scottish Sunshine" several hundred people paraded through Olde Towne Portsmouth behind a bagpipe band and honor guard to the beginning of High Street at the seawall on the Elizabeth River. Auld Lang Syne was sung and a ceremonial program commemorating the Revolutionary War with a Flag Raising ceremony of the Grand Union Flag of 1776 and addresses from interpreters portraying Benoni Bradner of New York, the Rev John Braidfoot, Anglican priest from Portsmouth, and Gen Joseph Reed who delivered a message from General Washington in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The ceremonies concluded with a rousing thirteen-gun-salute as each of the original states' names were called out. The warmth of the afterglow continued down High Street and into the local pubs and eateries where music was enjoyed and new friendships were made and old ones rekindled.

For some photos of the events, please click on the TITLE above or visit my Flickr Photostream >
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldetownephotos/sets/72157623003586735/

Photos of "Holidays In Olde Towne" posted

2009-12-13T08:24:00.003-05:00

Click on the link above to go to the photo set on my Flickr Photostream. Or here >
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldetownephotos/sets/72157622990072694/

I haven't edited these yet. They are just for a sneak preview. Email me with your requests or feel free to download. Thanks, Clyde

Holidays in Olde Towne ( Portsmouth VA )

2009-11-28T20:49:00.008-05:00

I wanted to spotlight one of my favorite landmarks and post some of the upcoming events for the Holidays in Portsmouth, but it looks like my friend David Cartier beat me to it. He has done all the legwork and he and his wife, Betsy have composed a newsletter that covers everything. I doubt there is anything left to say except Thanks for all you've done for Olde Towne, Portsmouth and me especially.

Check it out here > Starboard's Guide to Holidays in Olde Towne

and here: Starboards Coffee Kiosk

more events > http://www.portsvaevents.com/december_09.html

printable PDF > http://www.portsvaevents.com/downloads/OldeTowneHolidayMusicFest-EventGuide.pdf

Olde Towne Home Tours

Veterans' Day

2009-11-10T22:46:00.004-05:00

A Soldier Died Today

He was getting old and paunchy
And his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion,
Telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he once fought in
And the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies;
They were heroes, every one.

And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors
His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly
For they knew where of he spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer,
For ol' Bob has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer
For a Soldier died today.

He won't be mourned by many,
Just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary,
Very quiet sort of life.

He held a job and raised a family,
Going quietly on his way;
And the world won't note his passing,
'Tho a Soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing,
And proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell of their life stories
From the time that they were young
But the passing of a Soldier
Goes unnoticed, and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution
To the welfare of our land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise
And cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow
Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country
And offers up his life?

The politician's stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are often disproportionate,
To the service that he gives.

While the ordinary Soldier,
Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And perhaps a pension, small.

It's so easy to forget them,
For it is so many times
That our Bobs and Jims and Johnnys,
Went to battle, but we know,

It is not the politicians
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom
That our country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,
Would you really want some cop-out,
With his ever waffling stand?

Or would you want a Soldier—
His home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Soldier,
Who would fight until the end.

He was just a common Soldier,
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us
We may need his like again.

For when countries are in conflict,
We find the Soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles
That the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor
While he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage
At the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simple headline
In the paper that might say:

"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A SOLDIER DIED TODAY."

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Join the Hampton Roads Council of Veterans Organizations in honoring our nation's veterans. This parade begins on Atlantic Avenue at 17th Street and continues to the Veterans Memorial on 19th Street.

Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race - Results

2009-10-19T19:37:00.002-04:00

The results are in ! Although the Pride of Baltimore II crossed the finish line first, a handicap advantage awarded Lady Maryland with the 1st Place honors. http://www.schoonerrace.org/results09.htm

Aboard the Schooner Virginia

2009-10-15T13:50:00.006-04:00

* update 0700 16 Oct 2009 - The schooners are arriving in Portsmouth for this three day event. More photos later and on my Flickr Photostream .

Aboard Schooner Virginia
Photographer Steve Earley and reporter Aaron Applegate join the crew of the 122-foot schooner Virginia for The Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race, a 120-mile contest from Baltimore to Hampton Roads. Read their blog for continuous updates. Find a map here.

http://hamptonroads.com/blogs/aboard-schooner-virginia

http://www.schoonervirginia.org/

http://www.pride2.org/index.php

http://www.schoonerrace.org/

http://www.sailwx.info/shiptrack/tallships.phtml

Happy Birthday USN - Pirates Beware

2009-10-13T22:30:00.002-04:00

http://clyde-boats.blogspot.com/2009/10/pirates-beware.html

USS Freedom ( LSC-1 ) to deploy early. Click on link for story and news release.

2009 Schooner Days in Portsmouth

2009-10-10T15:32:00.003-04:00

Click on title above to sail over to my other blog for more details.

or go to the Website for updated news and schedule of events > http://www.schoonerdays.com/

Schooner Days coincides with the arrival of the Schooners in the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race. > http://www.schoonerrace.org/

Remembering September 11, 2001

2009-09-11T10:30:00.002-04:00

http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/385676main_iss003e5387_full.jpg

Visible from space, a smoke plume rises from Manhattan after two planes crashed into the towers of the World Trade Center. This photo was taken of metropolitan New York City the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, from aboard the International Space Station. "Our prayers and thoughts go out to all the people there, and everywhere else," said Station Commander Frank Culbertson of Expedition 3, after the attacks. Image Credit: NASA

Remembering Sept. 11, 2001

"Make History" http://makehistory.national911memorial.org/"
National September 11 Memorial & Museum" http://www.national911memorial.org/
"Night at #1 Liberty Place" http://bit.ly/Ae93m

Department of Defense (DoD) Remembering Sept. 11, 2001

http://bit.ly/3fEMsR “They were daughters and sons, sisters and brothers, mothers and fathers, spouses and partners, family and friends, colleagues and strangers. They hailed from cities and towns across our nation and world...

The Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race

2009-09-11T01:48:00.003-04:00

Click on title line to go to other blog for list of participating vessels in the GCBSR 2009. Or here >
http://clyde-boats.blogspot.com/2009/09/great-chesapeake-bay-schooner-race.html

Railroad Museum of Virginia Updates

2009-09-04T00:53:00.004-04:00

Click HERE to go to updates and photos of the move of the engines in Roanoke.

39th Annual Seawall Art Show

2009-08-18T09:38:00.007-04:00

August 29 - 30

The possibilities are endless - and so is the fun!
The 2009 show features work by more than 90 artists working in media such as oils, pastels, watercolor, acrylics, pen and ink, pencil, fiber, fine jewelry, fun jewelry, blown glass, lampwork glass, stained glass, pottery, photography, and metal. Admission is free; there is food, entertainment, and plenty of parking. Programs with artists info will be given out at the show.
Artists vie for some $8,000+ in awards for their work, plus thousands in show purchase guarantees — buyers can purchase these as a part of their support for the museum. There is also a student art show on the site, with awards.

Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

With more than 30 years experience showcasing juried fine arts and fine crafts on the Portsmouth waterfront, the Seawall Art Show draws large crowds of art buyers to this prestigious event. With the assistance of the Portsmouth Museum and Fine Arts Commission, it is an all volunteer run show. Show proceeds always go to support the arts in Portsmouth.

Top two photos from the 2009 show. Works by Mark Cunningham and Terri Stewart. Click on image to enlarge.

Hurricane Preparedness

2009-08-16T08:05:00.031-04:00

Above image - Hurricane BILL ~ Updated > 8/20/2009 ~ from NASA Project G.O.E.S.

Click on Title at top for latest image. * note: It's HUGE.

Check out these sites for more information and please send me any that you think should be on this list. Thanks.

Hurricane Preparedness Tips This fact sheet contains health and safety tips for families preparing for a hurricane from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and its agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration.

CDC Emergency Preparedness and Response

NOAA's National Weather Service

National Hurricane Center

Latest Satellite Imagery

Visable Loop

Visable Loop Close-up

Tropical Weather Reports

NASA Project G.O.E.S.

Hurricane City

Portsmouth Office of Emergency Management

American Red Cross

FEMA

NOAA Aircraft Operations Center ( Hurricane Hunters )

http://www.wavy.com/subindex/weather/hurricane

Emergency Contact Numbers

Virginia Public Inquiry Center 1-866-880-4280

Local Government Agencies

CHESAPEAKE
Office of Emergency Services: 382-6464

HAMPTON
Non-life threatening emergency: 727-6111
Office of Emergency Management: 727-6414

NEWPORT NEWS
Disaster Information: 269-2910
Emergency Management: 269-2900
Fire Department: 247-2500

NORFOLK
Norfolk Emergency Services Department: 441-5600

POQUOSON
American Red Cross: 898-3090

PORTSMOUTH
Special Hurricane information line: 393-5000

BC Jeff Terwilliger, Deputy Coordinator

309 County Street #100

Portsmouth, VA 23704
Office: (757) 393-8338

SUFFOLK
Police (non-emergency): 923-2350
Information: 923-2000
Emergency Services: 923-2110

VIRGINIA BEACH
Emergencies: 911
Public information: 427-4111
Shelter information: 427-3580, press 1, then 630

WILLIAMSBURG
American Red Cross: 253-0228

YORK COUNTY
Emergency Management Information: 890-3600
Public Information: 890-3300

OTHER CONTACT NUMBERS

AMERICAN RED CROSS
Tidewater Chapter: 446-7700

CABLE TELEVISION
Cox Cable Customer Service: 222-2222
Charter Communications (Suffolk): 539-2312

ELECTRIC
Dominion Virginia Power: 888-667-3000

Cape Hatteras Electric: (252) 995-5616
Ocracoke Island (Tideland): (252) 928-3351

NATURAL GAS
Virginia Natural Gas: 466-5500
Columbia Gas: 800-543-8911

TELEPHONE
Verizon: 611Verizon (for former GTE Customers): 800-483-1000
Mid-Atlantic Sprint Carolina: 800-682-1034

TRAFFIC
VDOT Highway Helpline: 800-367-7623

MILITARY CONTACTS
Navy Relief: 425-5789
Navy Family Services: 444-NAVY (444-6289)
Shore Patrol: 623-2291
Coast Guard Search & Rescue: 483-8567

INSURANCE INFORMATION
National Insurance Consumer Helpline: 1-800-942-4242
Va. State Corporation Commission: 1-800-552-7945
N.C. Department of Insurance: 1-800-546-5664

SALVATION ARMY
Tidewater Area Command (Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach): 461-7646
Hampton / Newport News Corps: 838-4875
Portsmouth Corps: 393-2519
Suffolk Corps: 539-5201
Williamsburg Corps: 757-229-6651

Click here for “Pet Friendly Hotels” in Virginia
Remember, pets are not allowed in public emergency shelters – make your evacuation plans in plenty of time.
Acquire a large carrier and familiarize your pet with the carrier.
Do not leave your pet alone during an emergency – decide where you might take your pet it if becomes necessary to evacuate.
Make a list of emergency numbers. This should include your veterinarian and any other individual you may want to contact in case of an emergency.
Purchase non-spill water and food bowls.
Stock up on pet food and supplies – enough for a week.
For more information, please contact The Humane Society of the United States, Disaster Services, 2100 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20037

Hampton Roads e-Newsletter, Vol. 1, Issue 8

2009-08-15T11:28:00.002-04:00

Hampton Roads e-Newsletter, Vol. 1, Issue 8

Hampton Roads e-Newsletter is now available. Great source of information and good reading. Get to know your neighborhood. I'll bet you can't read the whole thing.

http://smartregion.org/

" ...the answer to the call from Hampton Roads’ citizens for one regional focus, one reliable source of information (think “Wikipedia”), a portal to connect Hampton Roads’ organizations, citizens and civic leaders. "

Busy Weekend

2009-08-12T07:18:00.009-04:00

I've been so busy running, shooting and editing that I'm behind in my blogging and sharing. Most of the new photos are in my Flickr Photostream.

Starboards Coffee Kiosk celebrated the Coast Guard's 219th Birthday. The weeklong event included visits and tours of CG vessels, reenactors and interpreters sharing demonstrations at the Shipyard Museum. Pictured above is the USCGC Beluga, a Coastal Patrol Boat.

Also in town was the "Liberty Belle", a restored WW II vintage B-17 bomber. Tours and flights were available.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldetownephotos
http://www.starboards.biz/

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112400896025

http://www.portsnavalmuseums.com/

http://www.libertyfoundation.org/

National Night Out

2009-08-04T06:44:00.004-04:00

Click on Title above for the website

The Motorcade will assemble at the Cavalier Community Center, travel through the city and terminate at the Cradock High School site. Come out and show your support.

http://www.nationalnightout.org/nno/

Photos on my Flickr site. Email me for an invitation and free pass if you problems accessing the site.

Railroad Museum of Virginia Groundbreaking

2009-07-29T00:29:00.012-04:00

Click on photos to enlarge

After 11 years of preparation, the ceremonial shovels finally turn the sod at the site of a new

Railroad Museum of Virginia in Portsmouth.

History

In early 1988, a group of Portsmouth citizens approached Mayor James W. Holley III about the establishment of a railroad museum for the people of Virginia. Portsmouth was one of the first communities in America to organize a railroad, establishing the Portsmouth and Roanoke Railroad Company in 1832.

A Certificate of Incorporation was issued to the newly chartered Railroad Museum of Virginia on August 25, 1999. In October 2004, the Portsmouth City Council passed a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter a lease agreement with the RRMVA for a portion of the former CSX Railroad right-of-way lying east of PortCentre Parkway.

The RRMVA currently owns four historic rail cars on display at the site. Additional items in the collection include several work cars, one of which is a rare velocipede. Other large artifacts, such as a signal post, crossing gates and numerous books, pictures and other railroad memorabilia round out the collection. A revised lease agreement with the City of Portsmouth has recently been completed. The RRMVA worked for months with representatives - including City Council, the City Manager and City Attorney - to craft an agreement which willl help to expand the use and character of the site. The new lease provides for continued use of the property for the display of the rail cars and other artifacts as well as maintenance of the existing track, site improvements, addition of a locomotive and tender, and placement of additional rail for the display of historic work cars.

Locomotive / Tender

The Railroad Musum of Virginia, Inc. has completed an agreement with the Virginia Museum of Transportation for the acquisition of two rare historic rail units - a circa 1910 M class 4-8-0 steam locomotive and an accompanying tender. The locomotive, # 1134, is one of the "Lost Engines of Roanoke", four steam engines sold for scrap by N&W in 1950 and all but forgotten until recently discovered amidst vines and trees in a Roanoke scrap yard.

The locomotive is one of the last surviving examples of three classes of freight engines built for the N&W between 1901 and 1911; the W2 class 2-8-0 and the M2 and M2A class 4-8-0's. The first fifty engines ( nos. 1100-1149 ) were built by Baldwin, with engine no. 1134 arriving in October, 1910. The locomotive and tender will be restored as a static display this summer and delivered to the site by North Fork, Inc. in late fall of 2009.

Check comments at end of post for updates on the move of the engines.

Site Improvements

HBA Architects of Virginia Beach have been working with the Railroad Museum of Virginia, Inc. for over a year to design improvements. These improvements will enhance the visitor's experience, and improve the safety and security of the site. The focal point will be an elevated platform, running the entire length of the cars, covered by a canopy structure resembling a late 19th century train station. A large brick promenade, perimeter fencing, with a mix of period lighting as well as security lighting fixtures. Completion is slated for the fall of 2009.

Mission of the Railroad Museum of Virginia, Inc.

To act as a repository for the collection, preservation and conservation of railroad memorabilia and artifacts aquired from industry and individuals;

To utilize the museum and its exhibits to educate the visiting public regarding the history of the railroad industry and its impact on the economic, industrial and residential development of the locality, state and nation;

To carry out such other educational and charitable activities in connection with the railroad museum as are deemed appropriate to the mission of the organization as stated herein.

Railroad Museum of Virginia, Inc.

500 Crawford Street - Suite 300
Portsmouth VA 23704

Phone: (757) 393-4093

Click here for > Story by Janie Bryant -- The Virginian-Pilot

Other resources > The Lost Engines of Roanoke

VA Tech Digital Library

Great "before" photos > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lostengines/photos/album/0/list

If you have any photos of or related to the Museum, please submit them to the Flickr Group Pool.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/rrmv/

New Historical Marker for Portsmouth

2009-07-24T03:32:00.006-04:00

Historical Marker Erected to Commemorate the Battle of Craney Island

More photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldetownephotos/sets/72157621695177751/

Picture added to Historical Markers Databse > http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=22154

See previous post for more details > http://oldetownephotos.blogspot.com/2009/06/june-20battle-of-craney-island.html

Parade of Sail / Harborfest 2009

2009-07-12T08:45:00.009-04:00

Finally, after ten thousand interruptions and Fibromyalgia inconveniences, I have posted the photos I made during the Parade of Sail / Harborfest '09 in my Flickr Photostream / Events / Sets / Parade of Sail. I shot all the images in the RAW format, thinking they would be better and easier to edit (?) and had to convert them to Jpeg for posting. Descriptions may be added later.

Thanks to Captain J.C. Waters and the crew of the Spirit of Independence for letting me tag along for this unforgettable experience.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldetownephotos/sets/72157620979662958/

Happy Independence Day

2009-07-04T13:57:00.003-04:00

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 menwho signed the Declaration of Independence? Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags. Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward. Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer,Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton. At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt. Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months. John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid. Remember: freedom is never free! I hope you will show your support by sending this to as many people as you can, please. It's time we get the word out that patriotismis NOT a sin, and the Fourth of July has more to it than beer, picnics, and baseball games.

Have a Great HolidayFrom a Patriot

http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_sign.html

Project ChildSafe

2009-06-25T04:34:00.005-04:00

Children shooting children makes no sense to me, especially when the Portsmouth Police Department is giving away free gun locks.

Project Childsafe – FREE Firearm Locks
May 29, 2009 by Officer S. D. White
Beginning on May 30, 2009, the Portsmouth Police Department will be issuing FREE firearm locks. The locks are provided by a program of the National Shooting Sports Foundation funded by a grant from the Department of Justice.

The locks are free of charge and come in a package that includes a brochure on Firearm Responsibility in the Home and a certificate of agreement between a child and parent. The program is designed to ensure safe and responsible firearm ownership and storage, and teach children about safety with firearms. The Portsmouth Police Department has approximately 500 locks available and will be given out on a first come first serve basis until all the locks have been distributed.
The gunlocks will be given out at the below listed locations, with the times available for distribution below the location.
Portsmouth Police Training Office – 330 County St. Portsmouth – Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Portsmouth Police Operation Support Center – 711 Crawford St. Portsmouth – 24 Hours a Day / 7 Days a Week
Portsmouth Police Recruiter Office – 801 Water St. Suite 30 Portsmouth – Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Portsmouth Police Detective Bureau – 311 County St. Portsmouth – Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Portsmouth Police Chief’s Office – 700 Crawford St. Portsmouth – Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Citizens may call (757) 393 –8088 with any questions.

============================================

Project ChildSafe, The Nation's Largest Firearm Safety Education Program
Project ChildSafe reminds gun owners to:
Properly store firearms in the home
Practice safe firearm storage options in the home
Make certain that firearms in the home are not casually accessible to anyone --- especially a child.
Project ChildSafe provides safety kits that include a cable-style gun locking device, lock installment instructions, safety booklet.
Project ChildSafe encourages gun owners to get a safety kit from participating law enforcement partners in their state.
If your law enforcement agency does not have Project ChildSafe safety kits, gun owners can encourage them to order a supply by contacting us. Only law enforcement agencies are eligible to receive safety kits from Project ChildSafe. Individuals, community groups and businesses interested in promoting the safe and responsible use and storage of firearms are encouraged to partner with a participating law enforcement agency.
Project ChildSafe thanks its partners for building safer communities.
Firearm safety is everyone's responsibility.
Where to get a free safety kit
A firearms safety message from Doug Koenig, World Champion Marksman
A firearms safety message from Travis Tritt, country music celebrity.
Watch a safety video
Access NSSF Safety Materials
Message to Firearms Retailers on"Child Safety Lock Act"

Project ChildSafe National Coordinator • 203-270-2360e-mail: projectchildsafe@nssf.org
National Shooting Sports Foundation, Inc.11 Mile Hill Road Newtown, CT 06470203.426.1320 • FAX 203-426-1245

June 20 ~ Battle of Craney Island Commemoration, Fort Norfolk, Norfolk, Va.

2009-06-17T18:25:00.023-04:00

http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/registers/Cities/Norfolk/122-0007_Fort_Norfolk_1976_Final_Nomination.pdf

http://www.norfolkhistorical.org/fort/index.html

http://www.norfolkhistorical.org/fort/tour.html

http://www.nao.usace.army.mil/

HM Sloop OTTER, Inc.

http://www.hmsotter.org/

A 501.c.3 Educational Organization

A group of dedicated living-historians, who share a love of history and continually strive to educate the general public about the life and times of the common sailor and soldier of several eras in our history as accurately as possible. This organization recreates the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 for members of the public through encampments and battlefield reenactments. We represent a sailor of the Royal Navy and a militiaman from southeastern Virginia during the American Revolution. As for the War of 1812, we portray a militiaman of the 2nd Va. Regiment of militia as well as a soldier in the 20th U.S. Regiment of infantry.

For further information we can be contacted at info@hmsotter.org

One of the more neglected conflicts in American history is the War of 1812. In an attempt to help educate the public about this important era in or nations past, we in the crew of HM Sloop OTTER participate in various War of 1812 events in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, as well as at other sites around the country. We have two primary impressions; The 20th U.S. Regiment, and the 2nd Virginia Regiment of Militia, as the Fort Norfolk Garrison, 1812-1815 A company of the 20th U.S. saw duty at old Fort Norfolk during the Chesapeake campaign. The 20th also saw action in the northern theater. The 2nd Va. Regiment of Militia was formed at Fort Norfolk, and saw action in the Battle of Craney Island. The Fort Norfolk Garrison considers itself a family friendly unit, while at the same time abiding by a set of uniform and conduct standards that will assure a high level of authenticity. Our uniforms are constructed with appropriate period-correct fabrics, by hand when seams are visible. Through research and documentation the accouterments and weapons we use are as close as possible to that actually used during the War of 1812. Our desire to recreate the troops stationed at Fort Norfolk accurately is such that these standards will be upheld. And when you think about it, if this is done to the best of our ability, we can step back and take pride that we are doing our best. Levels of participationThere are two levels of participation in the Fort Norfolk Garrison, 1812-1815. Entry level is that of a Militiaman in the 2nd Virginia Regiment of Militia. The new member will be required to obtain / assemble a basic militia kit based on the regulations set forth by Governor Barber in January 1812 for Virginia Militia forces.The next level of progression in the Fort Norfolk Garrison is that of Regular as a private in the 20th U.S. regular infantry. Our 20th U.S. impression is intended to be much more "progressive" in nature in that we require an elevated level of authenticity in uniforming and equipment. Because of this, unit members are not required to advance to this level to participate in the Fort Norfolk Garrison, it is strictly voluntary, though encouraged.

So, if you are willing to abide by our standards of authenticity and would like join us, welcome! Contact us at info@hmsotter.org for a membership form and a copy of the Soldier's Manual.

In 1776, the Gosport Navy Yard was founded along the western shore of the Elizabeth River. Gosport was a productive naval and merchant facility, first under the British Crown and later under the control of the Commonwealth. The name of the former colonial asset was changed to Norfolk Naval Shipyard in 1863. Still in operation today, Norfolk Naval Shipyard the U.S. Navy’s oldest shipyard –predating the department of the Navy by 31 years. To learn more visit http://www.nnsy1.navy.mil/.

The Battle of Craney Island, fought a year after a young United States declared war on Great Britain in June of 1812, became the battle that would save the cities of Portsmouth and Norfolk, Virginia from British invasion. U.S. forces built defenses around Craney Island and protected from 2,000 invading British soldiers aiming to destroy the port and its surrounding cities by land and sea. The Battle of Craney Island represents one of the few American won battles during the War of 1812. To learn more about the Battle of Craney Island, click here.

=====================================================
The Battle of Craney Island was a victory for the United States during the War of 1812. The battle saved the city of Norfolk, Virginia, from British invasion.

On July 20 at 11:30 a.m., there will be a dedication ceremony for a historical plaque commemorating the Battle of Craney Island. The plaque, to be placed just outside the gates of Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve, is sponsored by the Portsmouth History Commission and the Daughters of the War of 1812. The dedication is open to the public.

http://www.1812va.org/index.php

http://www.usdaughters1812.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Craney_Island

http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=22154

References and further reading :

> Burgess, Dean, The History of Portsmouth http://www.deanburgess.com/

>Flanders, Alan (1995-10-01). "Craney Island Battle Led to Burning of Hampton". The Virginian-Pilot. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/VA-Pilot/issues/1995/vp951001/09290198.htm

>Forester, C. S., The Age of Fighting Sail, New English Library

>Chartrand, R., British Forces in North America, 1793–1815, London: Osprey Publishing, 1998, ISBN 1-85532-741-4

>George, Christopher T., Terror on the Chesapeake: The War of 1812 on the Bay, Shippensburg, Pa., White Mane, 2001, ISBN 1-57249-276-7

>Latimer, Jon, 1812: War with America, Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2007, ISBN 0-67402-584-9

>Pitch, Anthony S.The Burning of Washington, Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, 2000. ISBN 1-55750-425-3

>Roosevelt, Theodore, The Naval War of 1812, Random House, New York, ISBN 0-375-75419-9

>http://www.warof1812.ca

>http://www.warof1812.net

>http://www.historycentral.com/1812

> http://www.historypoint.org/vr/vrpublist.pdf

> http://www.historypoint.org/columns2.asp?column_id=1026&column_type=hpfeature

11th Annual Phelps Brothers Music Festival

2009-06-14T02:16:00.006-04:00

11th Annual Phelps Brothers Music Festival

The 11th Annual Phelps Brothers Music Festival will be held Sunday, June 14 from 1-6pm at the beautiful Lakeside Park located at 1441 Bainbridge Blvd in South Norfolk to celebrate the music careers of the local legends: Norman, Willie and Earl Phelps.
They have starred on stage, screen, radio, television, and recording throughout their careers. Their musical instruments and a pictorial history will be on display for your enjoyment.
Local musicians will perform country, and blue grass music. Be sure to bring a lawn chair. Concessions will be available for purchase. (A rain date is set for June 21).
This event is FREE to the public and sponsored by Beahive Promotions and Chesapeake Park and Recreation.

http://phelpsbrothers.tripod.com/

ps. My brother, the Woodman, will open for Ed & Bobbie Phelps Beard and The Virginia Rounders at this event. He started playing with Willie Phelps in 1968 when he was only 16 years old.

On April 18th, 2007 the Phelps Brothers joined other legendary performers: Pearl Bailey, Bruce Hornsby, Ella Fitzgerald, Gene Vincent, Ruth Brown, Charlie Byrd and others in downtown Norfolk's Legends of Music Walk of Fame. A bronz star was placed in the sidewalk on Granby Street to honor the three brothers from South Norfolk, Virginia and the contributions they made to the local, national, and universal music scene.

This year's inductees ran the gamut of musical types from: Classical, to Beach Music, to Big Band, to Rock, to Countrty & Western. Inducted along with the Phelps Brothers was JoAnn Falletta, General Norman Johnson, Pat Curtis & Clarence Clemons.

The Race to Cock Island

2009-06-13T01:30:00.009-04:00

*Race Results Here > http://portsmouthboatclub.org/2009%20Cock%20Island%20Race%20Results.pdf

The 22nd Annual Race to Cock Island ( and back ) will get underway on Saturday, June 20 at 0900 ( That's 9 AM for you landlubbers ) The harbor will be a forest of masts of more than 300 sailboats. The starting line will be at the Mile Marker Zero of the Intra-Coastal Waterway. View from the Portsmouth Seawall near Tidewater Yacht Marina behind where the Holiday Inn used to be.

More info here >

http://portsmouthboatclub.org/

http://www.tyamarina.com/

On Saturday, June 20 there will be an Olde Towne Lantern Tour beginning at 8:30 pm. The tour will depart from the Governor Dinwiddie Hotel and be guided through much of Olde Towne.

See Olde Towne Portsmouth in a new light…with a guide dressed in period attire leading the way. The Olde Towne Lantern Tour is a walking tour through one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods. On these tours, an informative and knowledgeable guide sheds light on Portsmouth’s history, legends, lore, and its unique architectural styles. Purchase tickets immediately before the tour from the escort in period attire. It is recommended that flat, comfortable shoes be worn, as the walk is approximately one mile. Special tour times can be arranged for groups of 10 or more, with advanced notice.
The walking tours will be given every Saturday night from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. from May 31 through Sept. 30.
The Saturday night tours depart from the lobby of the Hawthorn Hotel & Suites at The Governor Dinwiddie, 506 Dinwiddie St. $5 admission.
Contact Info : Portsmouth Visitors Center 757-393-5111

http://www.oldetowneportsmouth.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=48&Itemid=210

Smart Region.org selected for collaboration with PBS NewsHour

2009-06-11T04:32:00.003-04:00

The Hampton Roads Partnership, in association with WHRO, is joining PBS NewsHour and the Christian Science Monitor's Patchwork Nation project to provide coverage of local economic impact, building a local-national collaboration model that incorporates "citizen journalists," i.e. bloggers.

Click on post title for more information or copy and paste this in browser > http://smartregion.org/2009/06/hampton-roads-blog-smartregionorg-selected-for-local-national-collaboration-with-pbs-newshour/

Anybody Going to Harborfest ?

2009-06-09T11:16:00.005-04:00

This will be an open-ended post for new events and suggestions. I have a chance to be in the Parade of Sail, but then I won't be able to get the pictures I want of the parade from the shore. Decisions, decisions. Here is a link to the Festevents website > http://www.festeventsva.org/mini-site/the-33rd-annual-norfolk-harforfest

42nd Anniversary of the Attack on the USS Liberty

2009-06-08T19:38:00.002-04:00

Full story in my other blog. Whatever Floats Your Boat

June 6, 1944 - D-Day

2009-06-06T07:12:00.004-04:00

D-Day: The Lost Evidence

On June 6, 1944, Allied aerial photo reconnaissance flew 25 sorties along the Normandy beaches to record hour-by-hour progress of D-Day. Recently rediscovered and included in our 2-hour special, the photographs had only been seen by a handful of people. Now, for the first time in 60 years, the images reveal history in the making. Using revolutionary computer software to bring the aerial photos alive, we fly along the D-Day beaches. Features firsthand accounts from US, UK, and German veterans.

Saturday, June 06 08:00 PM on the History Channel

http://www.history.com/shows.do?episodeId=452386&action=detail
====================================================
Experience the Victory
November 6 – 8, 2009 It was the War That Changed The World. Now, three remarkable new venues at The National World War II Museum will forever change the way you understand this pivotal event in modern history.
On the weekend of November 6, The National World War II Museum in New Orleans will host a star-studded grand opening for The Victory Theater, The Stage Door Canteen and The American Sector, a Chef John Besh restaurant.
Come Experience the Victory for yourself. Join us in New Orleans November 6 – 8, 2009.
Click here for more information on these exciting new additions and on the Grand Opening activities.
http://www.ddaymuseum.org/
====================================================
http://www.army.mil/d-day/
====================================================

National DONUT Day

2009-06-05T11:55:00.001-04:00

Did you know...
National Donut Day is celebrated on the first Friday in June? In 1917, Salvation Army female volunteers known as “lassies” prepared thousands of fresh donuts to the homesick soldiers that served in France during World War I. National Donut Day was officially established in 1938 by the Chicago Salvation Army to raise much-needed funds during the Great Depression.

http://www.lamars.com/donutday/index.html

I'm heading to the Olde Towne Bakery and Cafe to celebrate.

Krispy Kreme in Hampton and Virginia Beach have both confirmed that they will support The Salvation Army during National Doughnut Day.
Each location will display a small red kettle near the register as well as offer handouts with information on how to support The Salvation Army and the history of doughnuts as they apply to The Salvation Army.

2009-06-03T02:17:00.002-04:00

Happy 191st Birthday, Mr. Davis

President of the Confederate States of America

http://www.civilwarhome.com/jdavisbio.htm

http://www.jeffersondavis.net/

http://americancivilwar.com/south/jeffdavi.html

Hampton Roads is one Smart Region: It's Officially SmartRegion.org

2009-06-03T00:52:00.006-04:00

It's Officially SmartRegion.org

Posted: 02 Jun 2009 12:13 PM PDT
This blog has moved to http://smartregion.org/.

SmartRegion.org is the answer to the call from Hampton Roads’ citizens for one regional focus, one reliable source of information (think “Wikipedia”), a portal to connect Hampton Roads’ organizations, citizens and civic leaders. SmartRegion.org focuses on all aspects of regional collaboration and action in pursuit of global economic competitiveness, incorporating business, education, defense, technology, government and citizens; it especially highlights the military, research and technology (including modeling and simulation, energy and the environment), infrastructure (including port and maritime logistics), tourism and educational components of Hampton Roads’ economy. And, it links to the major economy- and political-focused bloggers in Hampton Roads.

http://www.hrp.org/links.html

Calling all Hampton Roads Bloggers!
Are you a "citizen journalist"? Are you willing to link your blog with Hampton Roads SmartRegion.org and gain access to a national / global audience? If you write at least one post per week, then send us your "blogger resume" ... which consists of a link to your blog and a 1-2 sentence byline. Not a blogger now, but interested in sharing your local reaction to national news AND local reflections on categories of national interest? Perhaps we can help... read on:

http://hrpartnership.blogspot.com/2009/05/calling-all-hampton-roads-bloggers.html

Memorial Day Parade Photos

2009-06-02T05:20:00.002-04:00

I have posted some of the ( unedited ) photos from the 125th Memorial Day Parade in Portsmouth VA in my Flickr Photostream. Click on link below. Let me know if there is any problem please.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldetownephotos/sets/72157619042871705/

Chesapeake Bay Police Motorcycle Rodeo

2009-05-28T09:40:00.008-04:00

Chesapeake Bay Police Motorcycle Rodeo

On Saturday, May 30th beginning at 8:00 am, the Portsmouth Police Department will be hosting the Police Motorcycle Skills Competition at Wal-Mart located at 1094 Frederick Blvd.

There are several other agencies participating from local jurisdictions, to northern Virginia and even South Carolina.

Competitors will be practicing today and tomorrow if you would like to come out and watch or meet members of outside jurisdictions.

Contact Information:

Sgt Rusty Venters
Strategic Traffic Unit
757-393-8013
ventersr@portsmouthva.gov

HD Police Motor Units

Library of Virginia

2009-05-28T05:01:00.003-04:00

New, updated website. Check it out.

Library of Virginia

Hurricane Season

2009-05-28T04:53:00.005-04:00

http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=48532

As Hurricane Season Nears, States And Local Governments Ramp Up Preparedness Efforts
Release Date: May 27, 2009
Release Number: HQ-09-056

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- With the beginning of the 2009 Atlantic Hurricane Season upon us, hurricane prone states across the country are doing their part to help prepare their citizens and communities. From sales tax holidays on hurricane and emergency preparedness equipment in Virginia and Louisiana, to a major hurricane exercise in Florida, states are taking actions to ensure that citizens and the emergency response community are prepared for the 2009 hurricane season.

"Across the country, we are working and communicating with our state and local partners to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "States are also taking it upon themselves to make sure their citizens and responders are prepared. These efforts will go a long way in determining the outcome of the next hurricane or disaster, and I applaud them."

Virginia:

Virginia is holding a sales tax holiday on hurricane and emergency preparedness equipment from Monday, May 25 through Sunday, May 31. During this seven-day period, purchases of certain supplies and equipment needed for hurricane preparedness will be exempt from sales tax. For more details, please visit FEMA News Release

http://www.readyvirginia.gov/

Memorial Day

2009-05-20T20:01:00.014-04:00

Memorial Day Speech, May 2009

Drafted by LT Sarah Blansett

I am always honored to speak on behalf of the Navy, but it is especially humbling to stand here in uniform today and speak about the many American heroes we honor on this special day.

In our country, we do a wonderful job of creating and building physical memorials. The Vietnam Wall, the WWII Memorial, the Korean Memorial, the 9/11 Memorial recently installed at the Pentagon, and our own Navy Memorial are solid symbols of the nation’s desire to physically commemorate our fallen heroes.

At these hallowed places, we can see and even trace with our fingertips the names of those in uniform who have given their lives in defense of our country.

Memorial Day is a special holiday, a single day during which we honor the spirit of all those who died in service to our nation but whom we continue to remember and honor in our hearts.

Instead of seeing a stone monument, on this special day we see the faces of all those who, over the years, sacrificed their lives in defense of freedom.

We see Petty Officer Michael Monsoor, or Lieutenant Michael Murphy, SEALS who sacrificed their lives in the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East. We see the many young men who perished with their ships in Pearl Harbor. We see the faces of Navy nurses who, through many wars and conflicts, provided care amid chaos; and we see the brave faces of those men and women who died in Vietnam and Korea -- whose sacrifices went unrecognized for years because of the unpopularity of the conflicts they found themselves in.

We also think about their families and friends, perhaps people we know, and we mark this special day by celebrating their legacy while grieving their absence in our lives.

For a long time, Memorial Day seemed at risk of becoming just another day off work.

A reason to have a picnic or barbeque.

The opening of the community pool.

Or, the beginning of summer vacation.

But in recent years a collective shift in thinking has transpired; a new awareness of the sacrifices our military members are making is emerging, becoming an ingrained part of our American experience.

I can’t put my finger on what exactly caused this shift: maybe it was the lessons learned from the Vietnam conflict, or perhaps the shared experience of seeing today’s young men and women fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, or it could even be the many movies and TV shows that suddenly have shed new light on the real sacrifices our service members make.

Regardless of the reason, something has changed about the way Americans now think of their heroes, and that shift transcends politics, cultural differences, and religion.

President Kennedy once said “A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.”

Of course today we equally honor service men and women, but the sentiment remains crystal clear. A key component of our nation’s greatness lies in our ability to honor, appreciate, and cherish, through our actions and our memories, all those who died to ensure our freedom.

We often hear that freedom has a price and that each generation pays its due. Today is our day to say thank you to those who for generations have foot the bill; to those who have paid so dearly—with their lives. And to their families and friends whose lives are forever changed and to whom we owe an enormous debt.

Gathering together on this day is one way to show our appreciation and gratitude. But how do we extend the reverence we feel today through the other days of the year?

And more importantly, how do we instill and deepen the tradition of this special day for the coming generations of Americans? How do we ensure that Memorial Day continues to be observed with profound reverence regardless of whether or not we are a nation at war?

Let me make a few suggestions.

First, we must teach others about the sacrifices that have been made on our behalf so that we might continue to enjoy the liberties and freedoms granted in our Constitution.

We must help future generations understand that, politics aside, the act of committing yourself to your country and being willing to fight for the freedom of others is among the most noble of endeavors.

We can do this by volunteering to help those veterans who are still with us, by assisting a family who is grieving the loss of a service member, by visiting those injured in service to the nation to help them build a new life.

Second, each of us must find ways to ensure the legacy of our heroes endures in what has become a “sound-bite” culture. These dedicated men and women are worth more than that – more than a 20-second sound-bite. Their history deserves telling and re-telling. Find a way in your life – at work or home, at church or a youth group meeting, wherever – to keep their memories alive. Honor their sacrifices, tell their stories, cherish their memories.

And finally, continue to gather together on this special day each year to pay homage to each of them. Make this day an annual reminder of the need to give of yourself in honor of those who have given everything.

Treat Memorial Day with reverence and respect and others will follow your lead.

Our Navy is one of the world’s greatest powers. We also are one of the world’s greatest instruments of peace and humanitarian assistance. Our more than 200-hundred-year history is one of service, pride, and heroism. We serve today in Iraq and Afghanistan; we defend our world’s waterways from piracy, and we provide food, medicine, and comfort when natural disasters strike.

Our Navy executes the same mission whether or not we are at war. We provide protection, deterrence, and assistance -- whenever and wherever needed. And in the course of that duty, we have lost many of our fellow shipmates through the years.

Among those we honor today are our shipmates, shipmates gone but never forgotten. And we assume the unspoken duty to remind our friends, family, neighbors, children, and fellow service members about their actions and their sacrifices. We happily embrace the responsibility of promoting service to one’s country and we do it all in their names.

All of the good we do in the world today is because of the legacy given to us by those who gave their lives in service. Their sacrifices helped make this Navy the great power it is today and with every action undertaken, every conflict resolved, and every life improved by the United States Navy; we pay tribute to these heroes.

Thank you for being here today to help celebrate the lives and legacies of those we have lost, lost but never forgotten and always, always revered.

http://www.navy.mil/navco/speeches/2009/Generic_Memorial_Day_Speech_2009.doc

===============================================================

From the May, 1893 issue of "Confederate Veteran," the Origin of Memorial Day

It is a matter of history that Mrs. Chas. J. Williams, of Columbus, Ga., instituted the custom of decorating soldiers' graves with flowers, a custom which has been adopted throughout the United States. Mrs. Williams was the daughter of Maj. John Howard, of Milledgeville, Ga. She married Maj. C. J. Williams on his return from the Mexican War. As colonel of the First Georgia Regulars, of the Army in Virginia, he contracted disease, from which he died in 1862, and was buried in Columbus, Ga.
Mrs. Williams and her daughter visited his grave every day, and often comforted themselves by wreathing it with flowers. While the mother sat abstractly thinking of the loved and lost one, the little one would pluck the weeds from the unmarked soldiers' graves near her father's and cover them with flowers, calling them her soldiers' graves.
After a short time while the dear little girl was summoned by the angels to join her father. The sorely bereaved mother then took charge of these unknown graves for the child's sake, and as she cared for them thought of the thousands of patriot graves throughout the South, far away from home and kindred, and in this way the plan was suggested to her of setting apart one day in each year, that love might pay tribute to valor throughout the Southern States. In March, 1868, she addressed a communication to the Columbus Times, an extract of which I give:
"We beg the assistance of the press and the ladies throughout the South to aid us in the effort to set apart a certain day to be observed from the Potomac to the Rio Grande, and to be handed down through time as a religious custom of the South, to wreathe the graves of our martyred dead with flowers, and we propose the 26th day of April as the day."
She then wrote to the Soldiers' Aid Societies in every Southern State, and they readily responded and reorganized under the name of Memorial Associations. She lived long enough to see her plan adopted all over the South, and in 1868 throughout the United States. Mrs. Williams died April 15, 1874, and was buried with military honors. On each returning Memorial Day the Columbus military march around her grave, and each deposits a floral offering.
The Legislature of Georgia, in 1874, set apart the 26th day of April as a legal holiday in obedience to her request.

POEM FOR CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL DAY

by Oliver Reeves

How many springs have gone since they

Who wore the uniform of gray

Last looked upon summer snow of dogwood, blooming below

Their southern skies and friendly sun,

Or watched the winding rivers run

Or knew when spring wind's gentle hand

Stretched forth to heal their wounded land.

They sleep where the azaleas spread

Their glorious colors, where the red old hills

And mountain peaks

Stand listening while nature speaks.

And from the woodlands sound the strains

Of memories; where coastal plains

Run down to join the ceaseless tide

Ebbing and flowing as they died.

Let us remember them as time

And tide move on in endless rhyme.

When spring is wearing her bouquet

For the lost legions of the gray.

While bud and blossom, hill and tree

Remember them, so shall we.

http://www.lva.virginia.gov/whatwehave/mil/VMD/

http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Minisite_Generic&content_type_id=757&display_order=3&mini_id=1079

Memorial Day Parade

2009-05-19T11:47:00.006-04:00

The nation's oldest annually held parade turns 125 this year! The City of Portsmouth presents the 125th Annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, beginning at 11 a.m. in downtown Portsmouth.

Annually, the Memorial Day Parade salutes the service and sacrifices of the men and women of the military and celebrates Portsmouth's proud military heritage. This year’s parade will include floats, marching band units, military units, lots of excitement, and much more. Rear Admiral Bob Kiser, Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, will be the Grand Marshal for this historic 125th parade.

The Parade Route: The 1800 block of High Street at I.C. Norcom High School will be the starting point for the parade which will travel east on High Street; turn right on Crawford Street; and end at Columbia Street.

After the parade, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m:

• A United States Coast Guard cutter and The Fireboat will be open to the public at High Street Landing

• "Come Sea History!" - Tidewater Maritime Living History Association will be on site offering living history demonstrations

• The Friends of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum will be distributing free maritime history books.

• Activities inside the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum. All active duty and retired military members’ admission to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum and Courthouse Galleries will be free on Memorial Day with a valid military ID.

• Tour the Schooner Virginia: High Street Landing in Olde Towne Portsmouth. The Schooner Virginia will be open to the general public for guided tours with the Virginia crew.

• Many downtown restaurants will be open!

http://www.portsvaevents.com/may_09.html#memorialday

http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Memorial_Day.shtml

Your Source for Everything HR

2009-05-19T04:18:00.003-04:00

About Hampton Roads Partnership

The Hampton Roads Partnership is a public-private organization that was formed on May 15, 1996. The Partnership represents ten cities, six counties, and one town, equaling nearly 1.6 million citizens of Virginia. Comprised of the chief elected official of all seventeen communities, private sector, education, military, and labor representation from both south Hampton Roads and the Virginia Peninsula, the Hampton Roads Partnership is the only organization in Hampton Roads that focuses on the region's strategic issues for the purpose of enhancing our competitiveness in the global economy with resulting income and job growth for our citizens. The Partnership is governed by two Co-Chairmen, a Board of Directors, which meets quarterly, and an Executive Committee which meets monthly. The Partnership has a permanent staff of six.Roughly seventy-nine percent of the Partnership's operating funds come from annual investments made by member businesses and educational institutions and the remaining twenty-one percent comes from investments made by the localities comprising the Hampton Roads region.

Hampton Roads is one Smart Region ( blog )

PPD Gets NIXLE

2009-05-14T23:28:00.008-04:00

Portsmouth Police Department offering NIXLE - Safe and secure communications.
The Portsmouth Police Department is launching a new Community Information Service designed to deliver important and timely information to residents in our area using the latest technology. Residents of Portsmouth can now take advantage of Nixle, a community information service that alerts you to public safety information and events via web, e-mail, and cell phone. Nixle is completely free, simple, and trusted. You can sign up at www.nixle.com and share this new service with friends and neighbors to spread the word! We are very excited to have you experience it for yourself. Nixle is a new community information service provider built exclusively to provide secure and reliable communications. Its authenticated service connects municipal agencies and community organizations to residents in real time, delivering information to geographically targeted consumers over their cell phones (via text messages), through e-mails and through Web access. Nixle is offered at no cost to all governments, their agencies and organizations, nongovernmental organizations and consumers. For now, Portsmouth residents will be able to receive police-related information via Nixle. Channels providing other kinds of information may be introduced in the future. Craig Mitnick, the founder and CEO of Nixle, said Nixle differs from current services such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, which provide unauthenticated platforms for connections. Nixle solves that problem by providing a single standardized service for consumers to receive immediate and credible neighborhood-level public safety and community information. Mr. Mitnick said, “When it comes to public safety information, you have to trust the source. Residents of Portsmouth can rest easy that the local messages they receive are authentic.” “Nixle is a first-of-its-kind tool for communities that need to provide critical information to their residents,” said Craig Mitnick, founder and CEO.

Contact Information:
Scott White Technical Services Unit

757-393-5004
swhite@portsmouthva.gov

http://nixle.com/

Harborfest 2009

2009-05-09T23:46:00.005-04:00

Reminder: the 33rd Harborfest is gearing up for the weekend of July 3rd > 5th

Norfolk Harborfest® began more than a quarter century ago when the Norwegian Tall Ship Christian Radich came to call on Norfolk, a waterfront community that had no city-owned property on which to dock a ship. The ship was docked three blocks from Town Point at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and 13,000 people crossed her gangway in just one and a half days. Over the next two years, City planners and leaders created berthing to accommodate more ships, and a waterfront public park was planned. Norfolk Harborfest® was born.
Today, tall ships from all over the world frequently call on the City of Norfolk and nearly half a million visitors gather on the downtown waterfront each year for this annual celebration of our region's rich nautical heritage.

http://www.festeventsva.org/mini-site/the-33rd-annual-norfolk-harforfest

Festevents Home Page

Military Spouse Appreciation Day

2009-05-08T12:31:00.003-04:00

101 Ways to Thank a Military Spouse

Great Dismal Swamp Birding Festival

2009-05-08T11:42:00.004-04:00

International Migrating Bird Day May 7 - 9, 2009

Great Dismal Swamp Birding Festival

Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge homepage

The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is located in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. The refuge consists of over 111,000 acres of forested wetlands. Lake Drummond, at 3,100 acres and the largest natural lake in Virginia, is located in the heart of the swamp.

The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge trails are open everyday for hiking and biking from sunrise to sunset unless otherwise posted. The refuge headquarters is located at 3100 Desert Road in Suffolk, Virginia, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. The headquarters is closed on weekends and federal holidays, the hiking and biking trails remain open.

Mailing Address: 3100 Desert Road, Suffolk, Virginia 23434
Phone: (757) 986-3705 Fax: (757) 986-2353

Life Explained

2009-05-07T13:50:00.000-04:00

On the first day, God created the dog and said:

'Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in
or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years.'

The dog said: 'That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten
years and I'll give you back the other ten?'

So God agreed.

On the second day, God created the monkey and said:

'Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give
you a twenty-year life span.'

The monkey said: 'Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long
time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the Dog did?'

And God agreed.

On the third day, God created the cow and said:

'You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer
under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family.
For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years.'

The cow said: 'That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty
years.. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?'

And God agreed again.

On the fourth day, God created humans and said:

'Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you
twenty years.'

But the human said: 'Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my
twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and
the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?'

'Okay,' said God, 'You asked for it.'

So that is why for our first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy
ourselves. For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our
family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the
grandchildren. And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and
bark at everyone.

Life has now been explained to you.

Gosport Arts Festival < click for info

2009-05-07T09:57:00.003-04:00

Gosport Arts Festival Event Information
Festival Hours: 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday / 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday.

Two-day juried art show
More than 130 Artists
Show benefits EDMARC Hospice for Children
38-year-old benefit show donating approximately $400,000 back to the community in the last 38 years
Police estimated attendance last year at 15,000 to 20,000 over the 2 days
Advertising to attract affluent, active, art savvy consumers
Over 1 million impressions
Children’s area
Over $7,000 in artist awards
Local and regional talent providing continuous entertainment

The Portsmouth Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony

2009-05-06T00:21:00.003-04:00

The Portsmouth Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony will be Thursday, May 7th at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Missionary Baptist Church at 2714 Frederick Blvd. It’s an annual event wherein we honor and remember Portsmouth law enforcement officers and employees who have died in the line of duty.

The Most Beautiful Spring-Flowering Shrubs

2009-04-29T17:08:00.003-04:00

Click on the Title above for Better Homes & Gardens article with 19 photos and related links.

Barquentine 'Peacemaker' visiting

2009-04-17T17:48:00.012-04:00

The Flagship of the Twelve Tribes , Barquentine Peacemaker is in port until the 26th. If you are anywhere in the area, take time to visit this unique and beautiful vessel. More information and photos in my Flickr Photostream. Click on the links for more details.

Flickr Photostream

Whatever Floats Your Boat ( my other blog )
www.peacemakermarine.com
www.twelvetribes.org

http://www.twelvetribes.org/peacemaker/peacemaker-ship.pdf

Photo Ops This Month

2009-04-16T03:48:00.008-04:00

These are just a few of the upcoming events. Check the calendar for more.

Virginia International Tattoo Parade Comes to High Street

The beat of the drums, the call of the trumpets, the roar of the crowds - the mighty sounds of the Virginia International Tattoo return to The Virginia Arts Festival and soon to Olde Towne Portsmouth.On April 30, 2009, the more than 200 performers from The Virginia International Tattoo will parade from High Street Landing up High Street to the Courthouse Galleries. Several countries will join forces, including the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Germany and the Czech Republic. The Tattoo thrills with music, majesty, and might. You have to see it to believe it. The parade starts at 6:00 p.m.

www.virginiaartsfest.com/2009/tattoo.php

=========================================================

The Moody Crewe is coming to take over the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum May 2.

PIRATES! Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum, corner of High and Water Streets May 2, 2009, Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Fee: Free Admission Registration: No registration required. Enjoy free admission when you come meet the dreaded Moody Crewe pirates and muster in for the School of the Pyrate. Also, join our scurvy scavenger hunt and build your own pirate ship!

http://www.portsnavalmuseums.com/programs.html

=========================================================

PortsEvents News

2009-04-15T11:15:00.010-04:00

The new Starboards Newsletter is out with boatloads of things that are happnin in Portsmouth. Follow the links to be in the know and see y'all in Olde Towne.

PortsEvents

http://www.portsvaevents.com/

David Cartier to host Olde Towne Blog on HamptonRoads.com "What's new in Olde Towne"

[ http://hamptonroads.com/blogs/new-olde-towne ]

And Another One

2009-04-15T03:01:00.002-04:00

http://clyde-boats.blogspot.com/2009/04/somali-pirates-attack-another-us-ship.html

Navy Rescues Captain, 3 Pirates Killed

2009-04-12T15:07:00.009-04:00

Bravo Zulu USN ~ More info here > http://clyde-boats.blogspot.com/

---------------------------------------------------------------

Maersk-Alabama

2009-04-09T23:44:00.003-04:00

Click HERE to go to my other blog "Whatever Floats Your Boat" for Pirates in Somalia info.

Spirit of Independence - Maiden Charter Cruise

2009-04-05T23:53:00.015-04:00

Thanks for stopping by. Here are a few images I captured while I was fortunate to be a passenger on the Maiden Charter Voyage of the Schooner Spirit of Independence. We couldn't have asked for better weather and from what I saw, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the cruise up and down the Elizabeth River. The Captain, J.C. Waters, and the crew, Joy and Peter, ( with help from volunteers ) took pride in showing off the newest attraction on the Portsmouth waterfront. I am looking forward to taking more photos of her whilst underway under full sail. Check out the website for more information on this exquisite vessel.

For more photos, click here or Copy & paste in browser > http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldetownephotos/

Spirit of Independence ~ Charter Information

J.C. Waters ~ More info on the Schooner and her builder

Refreshments and treats provided by the Sponsors, Betsy and David Cartier of Starboards Coffee Kiosk

Historical color and facts supplied by Portsmouth's Founder, Col. Crawford

If you don't have a free Flickr account or you don't want to log in, email me and I will send you a visitor's pass. :-)

OldeTownePhotos@aol.com

April Fool Prank ?

2009-04-01T13:23:00.003-04:00

This must be a mistake. If it was real, people would be flocking to Portsmouth. I think somebody needs to replace the batteries in their calculator. It should read per hundred, not per thousand.

McAfee Fails the Conficker Test

2009-04-01T10:48:00.002-04:00

This seems to be all over the news today, so I'll post a few links.

http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=778&tag=nl.e539

http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9595_22-283883.html?tag=nl.e539

Trick (?) Photography

2009-04-01T10:08:00.003-04:00

Experiment in perspective. These were taken with a Canon A-1 film camera 25 years ago (before Photoshop). I posted these photos in my Flickr Photostream and didn't get any response. Can you tell me how I shot these?

In the top set, the house appears to be the same size.
In the bottom two images, the fence and kids are the same size but the house seems larger in the last shot.

By the way, Happy April Fool's Day.

Eagle Update

2009-03-22T14:10:00.004-04:00

Proud Parents

All three eaglets have hatched and are very active. Always hungry.
http://www.wvec.com/cams/eagle.html

Beware The Ides Of March !

2009-03-15T21:06:00.003-04:00

from The Life and Death of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

Soothsayer: Caesar!
CAESAR: Ha! who calls?
CASCA: Bid every noise be still: peace yet again!
CAESAR: Who is it in the press that calls on me? I hear a tongue, shriller than all the music, Cry 'Caesar!' Speak; Caesar is turn'd to hear.
Soothsayer: Beware the ides of March.
CAESAR: What man is that?
BRUTUS: A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March.
CAESAR: Set him before me; let me see his face.
CASSIUS: Fellow, come from the throng; look upon Caesar.
CAESAR: What say'st thou to me now? Speak once again.
Soothsayer: Beware the ides of March.
CAESAR: He is a dreamer; let us leave him: pass.
---Julius Caesar, Act I, Scene 2

CAESAR: The ides of March are come.
Soothsayer: Aye, Caesar, but not gone.
—Julius Caesar, Act III, Scene 1

New Sights on the River

2009-03-11T19:02:00.004-04:00

Breaking News

The Spirit of Independence Sailboat Charter Service to start in Portsmouth
Click here for more information and recent events.

* Added March 13 from the Starboards Newsletter
Join Starboards "Sail to the Sea" Sunday, April 5, 2009 1:00 p.m.
To the Friends of Starboards,
We are excited to have the opportunity to offer our first customer event aboard the schooner The Spirit of Independence.
On Sunday April 5, 2009 at 1:00 we will be taking our first Starboards "Sail to the Sea" aboard the schooner The Spirit of Independence. This is a great opportunity to join your friends, family and Starboards customers in welcoming the schooner to Olde Towne Portsmouth. The Spirit of Independence will offer sailings from High Street Landing starting this spring (see related story below).
We will board by 12:30 p.m. at High Street Landing for a hour and a half trip. Due to the nature of this event, you can't come late or leave early.

The cost is only $16 per person. Our Facebook Fans will have an opportunity to win "two tickets" for this event. If you're not a Starboards Fan on Facebook, join today.
Space is limited to 49 people for this inaugural sailing trip from Olde Towne Portsmouth. Don't miss the boat! Advance ticket sales only. Click here to make your reservation today!
Both David and I look forward to welcoming you aboard the schooner The Spirit of Independence.

Sincerely,

Betsy Cartier, Proprietor
Starboards Coffee Kiosk

Meetup Photo Shoot ( SURVOPS ) at the Botanical Garden

2009-03-09T09:46:00.010-04:00

Great weather, good subjects, plenty of places to practice different settings, super companions. Aimelie, Jeff and I headed for the Rose Garden first, hoping to loop back around and regroup with Kelly and the rest of the unit. We bribed a troll and crossed his bridge and sneaked up on a pair of enormous cranes and tried different aperture settings to get different DOFs. Aimelie hypnotized them so they didn't move a muscle the whole time. Then we checked out the Eagles' Nest, The NATO Tower ( where we watched a goose orgy in the nearby creek - no respect for the visitors ! ), then through the Colonial Herb Garden where we shot some selfies whilst watching out for IEDs disguised as duck doo. A detour through the outback off the trail led us to the shore of Lake Whitehurst where we encountered a rare wetlands sea monster sunning on a log. Somebody tried to make it look like an army helment, but we knew better. Jeff used his expert tactics to send him scurrying. After recon in the Statuary Villa and searching, identifying and questioning the usual suspects, we thought about navigating the Coronation Pool until I remembered the double-headed cotton mouth serpents with rattles hiding there. We cut a trail through the brush and encountered nine lions guarding the pond from the other side. They appeared to be non-hostile, so we left the area. Through the Camellia Garden and around the Friendship Pond where we spotted an orange alligator who had sabotaged the fountain. ( Well, it looked like a gator through my lens. ) A short cut through the Sunken and Japanese Gardens finally led us back to Command Post, but it was abandoned. We had left a trail of bread crumbs to mark the trail, but the ducks had eaten them. We kept hearing a lot of aircraft activity within close range, but it appeared to be friendly. Aimelie's cell phone was out of range and it was getting dark and stormy and there were strange noises coming from the trees, and a squirrel ran off with my shoes so we decided to retreat to our vehicles and assess the damages and stow our gear. I think we had a good mission, considering all the unexpected. We never did see the other units. I hope they didn't fall prey to the Pumas or Gazorts that live in the crevices. Bring 'em back alive has always been my motto. I think we may have managed to capture a few good images during all this. If so, they will be posted in the Picture This Photostream on Flickr

M/T Emma Miller - Christening

2009-02-28T04:01:00.008-05:00

Click on the title/link above to go to this photo set on Flickr
or copy and paste the url below into your browser:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldetownephotos/sets/72157614291458122

This is some additional reading on the Christening Ceremonies of the M/T Emma Miller that I had the pleasure of attending and taking photographs.

M/T Emma Miller Vessel Description

Length _____________ 88.6 feet

Beam ______________ 27.0 feet

Cargo Capacity ______ 52,656 US Gallons in 10 segregated tanks

Power Plant_________ 2- 650 HP Cummings QSK Main Engines

__________________2- 35 KW Cummings Generators

Transfer Pumps______ 2- 30 HP Electric Motors

____________________ driving 4 inch Roper Pumps

Navigation__________ 3- Furuno Global Positioning Satellite Systems

____________________Radar and Automatic Identification System

Built_______________C & G Boat Works, Mobile Alabama

Completed__________ February 10, 2009

Construction Time____ 18 months

~ Christening of the M/T Emma Miller ~

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Welcome ~ Rolf Williams, President, Anders Williams Ship Agency

Remarks ~ Burt Miller, President, Marine Oil Service

Prayer and Blessing of the Vessel ~ Rev. Robert A. Davenport,

Church of the Good Shepard, Norfolk, Virginia

Vessel Naming ~ Catherine Miller

Toast ~ Burt Miller

~ Reception ~

~ Emma McCurdy Miller ~

The M/T Emma Miller is the third small double-hulled tank ship

constructed for Marine Oil Service. Built during 2008-2009 at C&G

Boat Works in Mobile, Alabama, it is 89 feet long, 27 feet wide and

has a capacity of 52,626 US gallons of product. It is powered by

twin 600 HP Cummins diesel engines and has state of the art

electronics and safety features. Marine Oil Service operates similar

tankers in Norfolk and New York and provides safe, environmentally

conscious service to all the major oil companies.

Emma McCurdy Miller was born in 1913 in Geneseo, NY. After

spending her childhood and early schooling in Canada, she

graduated from the State University of New York in three years.

She began teaching at the age of 19 and went on to receive her

Masters of Education and spent over 40 years educating young

and old. She served on the county board of the New York State

Department of the Aging and was most proud of her work as

literacy volunteer, teaching adults to read. She was no stranger to

the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Upon retiring, she visited

Hampton Roads every year for 3 months, and decided it should be

her home.

Today's Sponsor is Emmas's Granddaughter, Catherine Miller.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldetownephotos/sets/72157614291458122

AOL & Bebo

2009-02-28T03:23:00.002-05:00

Why would AOL lay off people, then buy Bebo for $850 million?

AOL to lay off 20 percent of workforce News Blog - CNET News

Bebo Webware100 - CNET

Bebo To AOL for $850 Million CenterNetworks

Bebo - Company Information on Bebo

Bebo Co-Founder: AOL Sale Would Be ‘Mildly Disappointing’ paidContent.org

Founder's Day - Feb 27 & 28

2009-02-27T17:21:00.006-05:00

Greetings,
Hope you can make it to one of the tours for Founder's Day this Friday and Saturday. If you think you know someone who might also like to attend and learn a bit about our incredible history, please pass this message along.

Have a great day,
Eric (Ricky) Price
aka - Colonel Wm. Crawford
Portsmouth, Va. Founder - 1752

Starboards Coffee Kiosk
Portsmouth Founder's Day Celebration
February 27 & 28, 2009
PHOTO CREDIT: Special thanks to Starboards customer and local photographer Clyde for the above photo of the statue of Col. William Crawford at TowneBank, located at High and Crawford streets in Olde Towne. Commemorative postcards of the photo are available exclusively at Starboards.
Happy Birthday, Portsmouth!

This Friday, February 27th, Portsmouth turns 257 years old. Founded in 1752 by Col. William Crawford, Portsmouth is rich in history. The Town of Portsmouth established by act of General Assembly and named for Portsmouth, England, by its founder.

Still standing is the original downtown intersection that the Col. William Crawford dedicated to public use -- one corner each for a church, a market, a courthouse, and a jail. In fact, Trinity Episcopal Church on the southwest corner -- founded in 1762 -- still rings its bells across the street from the 1846 Courthouse that now serves as a museum - the Courthouse Galleries. With six districts listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places, it's no wonder Portsmouth played a significant role in our history.
Portsmouth CIty Employees, with a City Photo ID, can purchase a cup of coffee for $0.99 as our way of saying thanks! Now that's a stimulus package! This offer is good either Friday or Saturday.

Starboards is pleased to recognize and celebrate 257 years of Portmouth's maritime history with our own Founder's Day Celebration...

Starboards Introduces Colonial Coffee Drinks
Special Introductory Price $2.57 ea.

As part of our Founder's Day Celebration, Starboards will introduce a new line of Colonial Coffee Drinks. These coffee drinks are only $2.57 ea. to celebrate Portsmouth's 257th birthday.

Here's a tribute to a few of our Portsmouth notables...

Colonel Crawford Cappuccino A blend of Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate and Caramel syrups, double Espresso, foamed milk, whipped cream and dusted with espresso. Colonel William Crawford was the founder of Portsmouth, Virginia's quaint historic seaport. $3.25 Reg. Price.

Marquis de Lafayette LattéCinnamon syrup, double Espresso, steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and dusted with Betsy's original cinnamon topping. Marquis de Lafayette was the Frenchman who led our Colonial troops in the American Revolution. $3.50 Reg. Price.

General Cornwallis Café MochaCaramel syrup, double Espresso, steamed and foamed milk, topped with whipped cream and Dark Chocolate drizzle. General Cornwallis resided in Portsmouth before going to Yorktown. $3.75 Reg. Price.

Click here to see Starboard's Regular Menu. All beverages subject to tax.

Meet Col. William CrawfordWalking Tours - February 27th & 28th
10:00 a.m.

On Friday February 27th and Saturday February 28th, take a walk through the historic district of Olde Towne with Portsmouth's own Col. William Crawford to celebrate the 257th anniversary of the founding of Portsmouth.

The morning walking tours are led by Col. William Crawford (Ricky Price) in period attire. During this hour-long tour, you will get a taste of Portsmouth's history, the legends and folklore of Olde Towne and you'll learn about the district's unique architectural styles, which include Colonial, Federal, Greek Revival, Georgian and Victorian. Walking tours start at 10:00 a.m. and depart from Starboards at High Street Landing. Col. Crawford will be on hand at 9:30 a.m. to meet and greet customers, visitors and locals. Tickets are $10.00 per person or $15.00 for two. Tickets include a Starboards Coffee Coin for a FREE 12 oz. cup of coffee. Purchase tickets in advance or immediately before the tour at Starboards. For more information, call 757.478.0056 or email us. After the tour, you can enjoy lunch on your own at one of the local restaurants on historic High Street. We encourage you to support or restaurants, shops and attractions in Portsmouth.
Walking Tour Tip: It is recommended that flat, comfortable shoes be worn, as the walk is approximately one mile. Dress appropriately for rain or shine since there are no refunds for inclement weather.

Historic Olde Towne Portsmouth DVD
On Sale Now Save $5.00Join Col. William Crawford (Ricky Price) for a virtual walking tour of Olde Towne Portsmouth. This narrated DVD provides an insight into the history of Portsmouth. The DVD's are available for a discounted price at Starboards during our Founder's Day Celebration.

Watch the DVD TrailerSale Price: $14.95. List Price: $19.95.
Win a FREE DVD, if you give the correct answer to our Portsmouth History Trivia Contest. You may find this Portsmouth information helpful. Drawing to be held February 28, 2009. No purchase necessary.

Win "Two Tickets" to The Commodore Theatre
The Commodore Theatre is a true Portsmouth landmark. You can go to the movies or you can go to The Commodore and experience this unique dinner movie theatre. This luxuriously restored 1945 Art Deco-style motion picture theater shows first-run movies while serving light dinners.

Register at Starboards to win "two tickets" to The Commodore Theatre in Olde Towne Portsmouth. Drawing for tickets to be held February 28, 2009. No purchase necessary.

Here's a piece of Portsmouth history. Did you know? The Commodore Theatre is named for Commodore James Barron, veteran of the War of 1812, who is buried in the churchyard next to the theatre.

You Can Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too!
Only at Starboards this Friday
Enjoy our FREE birthday cake on Friday February 27th - while supplies last. While it is Founder's Day for Portsmouth, Starboards proprietor Betsy Cartier celebrates her birthday on February 27th as well.

Starboards Winter Hours
Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
visitstarboards.com
Watch for the March Issue of our CoffeePerks™ Newsletter

Olde Towne Portsmouth

2009-02-25T04:09:00.001-05:00

Click on the TITLE above for some local stories that have been featured in the Virginian-Pilot

The NBG Eagle Cam

2009-02-22T15:22:00.008-05:00

WVEC-TV, Norfolk Botanical Gardens and VA Dept. of Game & Inland Fisheries have partnered to bring you a live streaming view of the Eagles' Nest. Check out this kewl webcam at

http://www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/e-community/eagle-cam

After laying the first egg of the 2009 season on the afternoon of February 10th, the bald eagles at the Norfolk Botanical Garden laid a second egg at about 5:05pm on Friday the 13th. Sometime in the early afternoon of Wednesday, February 18th a 3rd egg was noted in the bald eagle nest at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Sharp-eyed camera viewers captured video that shows the female apparently laying an egg shortly after midnight on February 17th. The first definitive glimpse of the egg wasn't caught until about 1:30 pm on the 18th.

The parents will incubate the eggs, protecting them from the elements while they develop. Bald eagle eggs typically hatch 35 days after being laid, although in the past this pair has generally incubated for 37 days. The first eaglet will be expected to hatch in mid-March. Three eggs is fairly extraordinary as a majority of bald eagles lay two eggs at a time.

Latest Update:
The 2nd egg was laid on February 13
The first egg was laid around 4:10 p.m. on February 10, 2009. A second egg was laid just after 5:00 pm on February 13, 2009. A third egg was laid at at 12:12 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17.

New Bloggers' Photo Challenge

2009-02-20T03:24:00.005-05:00

The subject for this week's Bloggers' Community Photo Challenge is WINTER. Click on the link and play along. We haven't had winter in Virginia yet, but there's still hope for some photo ops.

New Posts in Photostream

2009-02-17T08:25:00.002-05:00

Nothing much to write about, just some new entries in my Photostream

Flight 3407 last audio communication < click

2009-02-13T03:02:00.015-05:00

Photo of N200WQ*

Time posted: approx 10:17 EST. Click above for a recording between the First Officer aboard Continental Flight 3407 and the Buffalo ATC. Various contacts @ 4 minutes into the tape and 8 min 45 secs. There was no contact at about the 17 minute mark as it approached the airport inside the 5 mile marker. Other pilots in the area reported some trace rime icing.

The First Responders report the site of the crash at 6038 Long St.

The parent company for the Continental airplane that crashed into a Clarence Center home Thursday night has released the names of the crew members who perished aboard the flight.
New York State Police say all 48 people on board Continental Airlines flight #3407 that crashed in Clarence Center and one person on the ground were killed.
A mother and daughter, ages 57 and 22, were treated and released for non-life threatning injuries from Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital.
Two volunteer firefighters are also being treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries. They are expected to be released later this morning.
The names of the crew members aboard the flight are identified as:
-Captain Marvin Renslow
-First Officer Rebecca Shaw
-Flight Attendant Matilda Quintero
-Flight Attendant Donna Prisco
-Captain Joseph Zuffoletto, identified as an off-duty crew member aboard the flight.

Google Maps - Street View

Off-Duty Virginia Trooper Saves Girl from Wreck

2009-02-11T05:42:00.000-05:00

2009-02-07T15:06:00.001-05:00

Starboards is Percolating !

2009-02-04T06:25:00.005-05:00

Six-dark-o'clock / High Street Landing / Portsmouth VA

Starboards Coffee Kiosk is up and running. It's so good to be greeted by Betsy's smiling face and a cup of hot coffee to start your day. Flower boxes and other details are on the way, but getting that coffee flowing is priority.

Starboards Coffee Kiosk to Reopen

2009-01-27T20:39:00.004-05:00

Finally! Starboards Coffee Kiosk reopens Monday February 2, 2009 after a fire that occured in 2008. Stop by for your favorite Seattle's Best coffee.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=48766506811

It will be great to see old friends and get a good cuppa Joe.

New Flickr Pix < click

2009-01-25T22:56:00.001-05:00

Bloggers' Community Photo Challenge < click

2009-01-24T10:09:00.004-05:00

Inauguration Pics

2009-01-23T05:51:00.002-05:00

Just thought I'd post this link to some awesome images in case you haven't seen enough. These are from Boston.com and worth viewing.

Click on the Title above or here > http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/01/the_inauguration_of_president.html

New Bloggers' Community Photo Challenge

2009-01-23T00:38:00.006-05:00

Click on Post Title Y

US AIRWAYS 1549 Down in the Hudson

2009-01-15T16:02:00.027-05:00

note: This post will be deleted soon. Save any links that you want.

Here are some of the first photos taken > http://ad.vu/2hrc

http://twitpic.com/135xa - There's a plane in the Hudson. I'm on the ferry going to pick up the people. Crazy.

Lots of stuff on YouTube > ht tp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYBYHkQRBao&feature=related

* Breaking News 1/22/09 Possible cause of engine failure found.
see below

*note > First Post at 4:02 PM January 15, 2009

Photos from: http://www.1001crash.com/index-page-accueil-lg-2.html

Click on link > http://www.flickr.com/photos/runway27r/2579331944/
for Photo of Airbus 320-214 - US Airways N 106 US by Paul Kanagie [ http://phlairline.com/ ]

More of his photos on his Flickr site > http://www.flickr.com/photos/runway27r/

Check out these webcams for live and archived images >
USS Entrepid Cam
Hudson River Park Cam

--

Flight 1549 from La Guardia to Charlotte has landed in the Hudson River with 135 passengers. Updates soon.

Flight Track: USA1549.US Airways flight USA1549 from New York (LGA) to Charlotte, NC (CLT). Aircraft was airborne for less than 6 minutes. Maximum altitude was 3200 feet before beginning descent. Plane appears intact. Helicopters and ferries responding. Early unconfirmed reports are that the aircraft hit a flock of geese. Developing story.

US Airways - Airbus A320-214New York, USA15th January, 2009
The Airbus A320 operated by US Airways jet en route to Charlotte, N.C, USA, from New York City, USA, crashed into the Hudson River off the west side of Manhattan with 148 passengers and five crew members. All of the people on board had managed to escape alive.The plane crashed seconds after take-off from New York La Guardia airport. The plane's pilot reported a bird strike and declared an emergency shortly before the plane went down. The plane lost power and the crew managed to glide up to the Hudson River and attempted a ditching. It was a slow contact with the water, and the plane remained in one part, and rapidly stopped in the water. The A320 was then rapidly submerged in the icy waters up to the windows. Rescue crews pulled passengers in yellow life vests from the plane. Several boats surrounded the scene. Birds can fly into plane engines, damaging them or even shutting them down, or cause pilots to lose control of the plane by damaging the plane’s control surfaces or by penetrating the windshield.

More info at > http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/general_aviation/read.main/4283800/

Bio of Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger III - Pilot > http://safetyreliability.com/about_us

No Comment

2009-01-14T02:58:00.002-05:00

http://blogs.indystar.com/varvelblog/index.html < click here for more

New Photo Community Challenge

2009-01-10T09:56:00.006-05:00

The subject for the Community Photo Challenge this week is "Still Life"

Go HERE for details.