Photos of "Holidays In Olde Towne" posted

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 )

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

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

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

* 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

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

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

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

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

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

39th Annual Seawall Art Show

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

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

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

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

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

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/

*Update 10/09/2012
http://hamptonroads.com/2012/10/portsmouth-railroad-museum-virginia-ready-open

WEBSITE > http://www.railroadmuseumofvirginia.com/index.html

New Historical Marker for Portsmouth

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

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

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

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.

This was posted in 2009. Here is the LINK to the 2013 events.

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

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Norfolk-Historical-Society/116215578428265

 

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

http://historicforrest.com/CraneyIsland1813/


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

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

*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

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 ?

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