Portsmouth Hosts Nation's Oldest Annually Held Memorial Day Parade

The nation’s oldest annually held parade turns 128 this year!  The City of Portsmouth will present the 128th Annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 28th. The parade starts at 11 a.m. (Rain or Shine) in downtown Portsmouth. The first parade started in 1884.

Annually, the Memorial Day Parade salutes the service and sacrifices of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and celebrates Portsmouth’s proud military heritage.

The units in the parade this year will include approximately 10 marching band units consisting of high school and community bands; veterans organizations such as DAV, VFW, Fleet Reserve Associations, and Amrican Legion groups; Boy Scouts of America troops; high school ROTC units; military and antique vehicles; church youth groups; local pagent contestants; City of Portsmouth public safety officers, and more!

Grand Marshal

Vice Admiral Robert C. Parker, Commander U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area will be the Grand Marshal for this historic parade.

Admiral Parker assumed the duties as Commander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area (LANTAREA) in April 2010, where he serves as the operational commander for all U.S. Coast Guard missions from the Rocky Mountains to the Arabian Gulf, spanning across five Coast Guard Districts and 40 states. He concurrently serves as Commander, Defense Force East and provides Coast Guard mission support to the Department of Defense and Combatant Commanders.

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.

For more information, call the Portsmouth City Clerk’s Office at 757.393.8639. Special thanks for Clyde Nordan, Jr. for the photo.

Come Sea History!  - Monday, May 28th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

On May 28th, celebrate Memorial Day with the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum and Lightship Portsmouth with the program, 'Come Sea History', following Portsmouth’s Memorial Day Parade!

Learn about over 250 years of Portsmouth history and its naval history. Join in on Civil War era Revenue Cutter Service and U.S. Navy Demonstrations with the Tidewater Maritime Living History Association. Create shipbuilding and patriotic crafts, play historic games, and go on a scavenger hunt. For more information, call 757.393.8591

 

Would you care to make a 'Comment' or want to 'Reply'? Click the 'Comment' button below. If you're not registered, just e-mail me, at David.Cartier@ANewDayInOldeTowne.com. I would be pleased to post your reply as a 'Comment' without using your name and email-address (your privacy will be maintained).

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David Cartier

757.478.0056 | David.Cartier@ANewDayInOldeTowne.com

 

Are you the next Face of FOX43?

Ever dream of being an on-air personality for a TV station?  FOX43 of Portsmouth can help make that dream come true.  They're giving one lucky person a chance to become the new "Face of FOX43".

The Face of FOX43 is a local contest hosted by the Hampton Roads Fox affiliate which allows for rising talents to compete and win a job at Fox! The first in-person Face of FOX43 auditions are coming up Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Norfolk's MacArthur Center (second level, across from Williams-Sonoma).

If you think you have what it takes to be an on-air representative for FOX43, and have the video and people skills to back it up, come out and audition, or upload your audition video by May 17th.  Just go to www.fox43tv.com for more information.

The current Face of FOX43 Tracie Paige (shown right) will be on hand this Saturday to cheer you on and tell you about the job.

 

So what do you get to do if you win?

You can win a one-year, full-time, contract position with FOX43!

You will appear in person at community events, meet and interview celebrities, appear in promos and commercials for FOX43 and FOX43tv.com, and regularly appear in your own segment on the area’s hottest lifestyle & entertainment show, The Hampton Roads Show on WAVY-TV!

Plus, you’ll shoot your own video and take pictures at events, edit video packages for air and posting online.  And you will facebook, text, tweet, vlog and blog regularly to keep Face of FOX43 fans in the know!.

 

So, here's the process for what it takes to become the next Face of FOX43!

To enter, contestants must submit the entry form – including a brief summary of why they are qualified to be selected as the next Face!   Then, they need to submit a minimum one (1) to two (2) minute video (60-120 seconds) showing FOX43 what they can do shooting with a camera and editing the video. The work needs to be original. Any use of copyrighted material will result in disqualification.

The video submissions must be created by the contestant. There can be only one entry per person. The deadline for entries is Thursday, May 17, 2012.

Once that is complete, the public will vote for their favorites beginning on Monday, May 21, 2012. The highest vote-getter will automatically be a Top Ten Finalist.

A panel of FOX43 judges will select the remaining TEN finalists.  Judges will be looking for enthusiasm, personality and originality and skills.  Top candidates will be energetic, fun-to-watch spokespeople who can represent WVBT FOX43 and FOX43tv.com on-air and on-line.

NEW THIS YEAR!  There will be another round of voting and a TOP FIVE will be selected.  This group of finalists will also compete in additional challenges on the road to winning the title of FACE OF FOX43!

 

The Face of FOX43 contest started five years ago when Kelly (Gaita) Dierberger became the first "Face of FOX43" and did a great job bringing the people and places of Hampton Roads into our living room. 

So, here's my recommendation.  If you truly think you are qualified, run and don't walk to this upcoming audition.  It's a unique opportunity you should not let slip by.   Fox 43 is located at 300 Wavy Street in Portsmouth, Virginia  

 

Would you care to make a 'Comment' or want to 'Reply'? Click the 'Comment' button below. If you're not registered, just e-mail me, at drcartier@msn.com. I would be pleased to post your reply as a 'Comment' without using your name and e-address (your privacy will be maintained).

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David Cartier

The Gosport Arts Festival is a Mother's Day Weekend tradition

Mother's Day Weekend is fast approaching.  That means it must be time for Gosport Arts Festival. This year, it's the 42nd year for the event - the 12th festival held in Olde Towne Portsmouth.  Plan to attend the event on Saturday, May 12 and and Sunday, May 13, 2012. The hours are 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Weekend activities will be held along the High Street corridor from the Elizabeth River to Dinwiddie Street in Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia's quaint historic seaport. Proceeds from the event will benefit Edmarc Hospice for Children.

Traditionally, more than 135 artists have represented a wide variety of mediums, styles, tastes and cultures. Past shows have included artists presenting oil, watercolor, pastels, charcoal, pencil, pen & ink, mixed media, photography, pottery, sculpture, fiber, stained glass, jewelry, metal, wood, clay, clothing, furniture, musical instruments, paper and much more. .

Many Olde Towne galleries, antique and specialty shops, fine dining establishments, and cafés will feature special offerings.

The arts festival has something for everyone from the kids to grandma. Afterwards, the show gives back to the community.   In its 41 years, the juried Gosport Art Show has donated over $400,000 to Hampton Roads communities.

Festival activities are free. Parking is free all weekend in City garages located on County Street, Middle Street, and Water Street; on-street parking is also free.

For information, please contact Shelley Brooks, Executive Director of the Gosport Arts Festival 757.822.1878 or by email at sbrooks@tcc.edu. Visit the Gosport Arts Festival website at www.gosportartsfestival.com

 

About Edmarc Hospice for Children

Established in 1978, Edmarc Hospice for Children was the first hospice in the nation designed specifically for children. Edmarc is the only pediatric hospice organization in Hampton Roads. The mission of Edmarc Hospice for Children is to ease the trauma of a child’s illness or death, and to reduce the disabling effects of pediatric illness, loss and bereavement on families.

Edmarc’s home health, hospice, and bereavement support services are available to children and families 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Edmarc’s program has grown steadily, indicating a need for this unique type of care. Edmarc has served 800 families in Hampton Roads and more than 2,800 family members in the past 29 years. For more information, contact Edmarc Hospice for Children at 757.967.9251.

 

Would you care to make a 'Comment' or want to 'Reply'? Click the 'Comment' button below. If you're not registered, just e-mail me, at drcartier@msn.com. I would be pleased to post your reply as a 'Comment' without using your name and e-address (your privacy will be maintained).

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Olde Towne Farmer's Market season kicks off this Saturday

This weekend, the local farmers return to Olde Towne Portsmouth!    That's right, it's the kickoff weekend for the Olde Towne Farmer's Market.

The market will take place on Saturday, April 21, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. They return to their location near the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center (formerly the Courthouse Galleries) at the corner of Court and High Streets. 

Based on last year's success, you better plan to get there early.  The farmers have been known to sell-out earlier than expected due to the crowds.

Now for the great news!  The Olde Towne Farmer's Market will take place EVERY SATURDAY through December 22, 2012.  The consistent schedule is a welcome addition this year.  Local residents, visitors and boaters alike can now plan to shop weekly.

The market brings the first flavors of spring from several local farms, including Batten Bay Farm with fresh seasonal produce and eggs and Brothers Farm Market with asparagus, swiss chard, sorrel, beets. red russian kale, curly kale, turnips, rutabagas.  West Pierhead Bakery returns with their delicious crusty home-baked breads.  Click here for list of vendors.

Need some tips for the upcoming gardening season? The Portsmouth Virginia Cooperative Extension will be available with plants and tips.

Want to Volunteer? The Olde Towne Farmer's Market is administered by volunteers all of whom are committed to making fresh, locally grown or raised food available to Portsmouth, surrounding communities, and visitors. The group is also looking for volunteers to help on market day. For more information on the Farmer’s Market or to become a vendor, contact Terry Danaher at terryatwinc@aol.com or call 757.397.6395.

Visit the Olde Towne Farmer's Market website at www.portsmoutholdetownefarmersmarket.com.  Click here to go to their Facebook page.

The Olde Towne Farmer's Market is sponsored by PortsEvents with support from TowneBank, the City of Portsmouth.

 

Would you care to make a 'Comment' or want to 'Reply'? Click the 'Comment' button below. If you're not registered, just e-mail me, at David.Cartier@ANewDayInOldeTowne.com. I would be pleased to post your reply as a 'Comment' without using your name and e-address (your privacy will be maintained).

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David Cartier

Rear Adm. Lee departs USCG's Fifth District for Washington, D.C.

Rear Adm. William "Dean" Lee of the United States Coast Guard Fifth District will be leaving Portsmouth next week for a new assignment in Washington, D.C.  A change of command ceremony will be held Wednesday April 25, 2012 at 2 p.m.  The event will be held at nTelos Wireless Pavilion and is open to the public.

The Fifth District includes the navigable waters from the middle of New Jersey to the South Carolina border.

Rear Ad. Lee leaves USCG's 5th District for Washington, DC next week

Rear Adm. Lee reported to the 5th District in June 2010 following a flag assignment as commander of the Deployable Operations Group, headquartered in Arlington, Va.  As the DOG commander, Lee directed 27 deployable, specialized force units and more than 3,000 Coast Guard personnel operating in support of response, recovery and defense operations worldwide.  He assumned command of the DOG in June 2009.

The 5th District was the sixth command assignment for Rear Adm. Lee.

Prior to the DOG, Lee served as chief of staff at the 7th District in Miami, where he was promoted to flag rank in May 2009. A specialist in boat operations and search and rescue, Lee has served in a variety of assignments along the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf Coasts. The Seventh District is responsible for carrying out Coast Guard missions across a 1.8 million square mile maritime area that encompasses South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The DOG was established in July 2007 by then Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen to align all Coast Guard deployable, specialized forces under a single, unified command.  Since its inception, the DOG has coordinated the Coast Guard response to threats and disasters around the globe.

Rear Admiral Lee’s prior operational assignments include: Commander, Sector North Carolina (2005-2007); Commander, Coast Guard Group Fort Macon (2000-2003); Commander, Group Monterey, California (1995-1997); Commanding Officer, Station Atlantic City, New Jersey (1988-1991); and Assistant Operations Officer at Group St. Petersburg, Florida (1981-1984).

Rear Admiral Lee served as the Chief, Office of Boat Forces at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC from 2003 to 2005.  His responsibilities included program management and oversight of the Coast Guard’s 1,800 boats, including the development of operational doctrine, training requirements, and safety parameters related thereto.  His duties also included direct supervision over the National Motor Lifeboat School, the only training facility in the nation specifically dedicated to Heavy Weather boat operations and Surf Training.  

Rear Admiral Lee was not new to Portsmouth and the Fifth Coast Guard District when he arrived almost two years ago.  He served as Chief of Search and Rescue from 1998 to 2000.  Other staff assignments include: Chief of the Atlantic Area Command Center (1997-1998);  Branch Chief, Search and Rescue Division, Coast Guard Headquarters (1991-1995), and Instructor, Officer Candidate School in Yorktown, VA (1984-1988).

A native of Richmond, Virginia, Rear Admiral Lee  holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Alabama, and a Master of Arts from George Washington University.

The command change next week will mark the arrival of Rear Adm.Steven H. Ratti who will assume command of the Fifth Coast Guard District.

Congratulations to Rear Adm. Lee on his new assignment.  We'd like to thank him for his service in Portsmouth.

 

Would you care to make a 'Comment' or want to 'Reply'? Click the 'Comment' button below. If you're not registered, just e-mail me, at drcartier@msn.com. I would be pleased to post your reply as a 'Comment' without using your name and e-address (your privacy will be maintained).

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David Cartier

 

Nautical Flea Market set for May 19th, Vendor opportunities available

 

Here is your opportunity to sell, swap, barter or buy and visit with boating friends.

Ocean Marine Yacht Center will hold its 3rd Annual Elizabeth River Boat & Nautical Yard Sale and Flea Market on Saturday, May 19, 2012. The event will take place in the Ocean Marine parking lot on WAVY Street, south of the nTelos Wireless Pavilion at Harbor Center in downtown Portsmouth. It will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Got Nautical Stuff? Here's a great opportunity to clean out your vessels and make a little money at the same time. Interested vendors should clean out their vessels and/or storage lockers for items like marine equipment, dive gear, marine products, clothing, electronics, antiques, fishing gear, nautical arts and crafts, boats on trailers, etc. In other words, if it's nautical, bring it! Vendors will not be charged a fee; admission is free for all. To sign up, call Ocean Marine Yacht Center at 757-321-7432. Vendors should bring their own tables and/or tents.

If you are attending, my recommendation is to show up early because with most flea markets and yard sales, the best stuff will be leaving early. This is a great opportunity to visit with your boating friends.

 

About Ocean Marine Yacht Center

Ocean Marine's prime location is just one half mile south of Mile Marker Zero on the Intracoastal Waterway, and its unrestricted access from sea. They are located on the southern branch of the Elizabeth River in Portsmouth, Virginia.

The Marina at Ocean Marine Yacht Center consists of 122 all-floating slips accommodating boats to 65' as well as 1500' of alongside dockage for larger (mega) yachts. All slips have water, telephone and cable television, and electricity hook-ups. Wireless Internet ServiceI is also available. Restrooms, showers, laundry room and ships' store are located in the Dockmaster Building.

A certified 'Green Marina', Ocean Marine Yacht Center was built to meet and exceed the stringent requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

Upon check in, you will receive a welcome package containing information about local shops, restaurants, pubs, museums and scheduled events on the downtown waterfront, all within walking distance of Ocean Marine Yacht Center.

Ocean Marine is more than just a marina. It's the most modern, state-of-the-art yacht repair facility on the East Coast of the United States. The facility provides refit and repair, dockage and storage to yachts of all sizes.

"Ocean Marine's biggest business its its megayacht repair facility, which is an environmental caretaker" - Marina Dock Age magazine.

The mega yacht repair facility is second to none, boasting a 1,250-ton Syncrolift capable of hauling yachts to 235' via a ground level rail transfer system to an impressive paint/repair building capable of housing two megayachts simultaneously. Both bays of the indoor paint repair facility offer a cascading water wall washdown system, smooth paneled walls, overhead and recessed surround lighting, pressurized ventilation system, and heated floors for year round operation. In addition, Ocean Marine has unrestricted access from sea and offers 1500' of alongside dockage. The Refit Projects link lists some of the most beautiful privately owned megayachts that have called to Ocean Marine Yacht Center since its inception in April of 2002.

At Ocean Marine, their technicians are qualified to repair engines, transmissions, air conditioning, refrigeration, steering and hydraulic systems. The skilled and well-seasoned yard crew handles fiberglass and gelcoat repair, bottom paint, stabilizer, propeller, shaft and strut repairs. In addition, Ocean Marine features an 80-ton Travelift, a complete parts department and engine showroom.

Ocean Marine Yacht Center, One Crawford Court, Portsmouth, Virginia 23704. 757.321.7432.

 

Thanks, for reading and sharing...'A New Day in Olde Towne'.

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David Cartier

Portsmouth Humane Society sets sights on $100,000 prize

The Portsmouth Humane Society has a good shot at winning a $100,000 prize.  That's right.  $100,000.  If you don't think they can do it, you may just be barking up the wrong tree.  Here's why...

The Portsmouth Humane Society is participanting in the 2012 ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge.  They're only one of four Virginia shelters in the competition!

The 2012 ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge is a nationwide competition for animal shelters (and their communities) aimed at getting more animals adopted or returned to their owners than ever before.

The Qualifying Heat is where registered shelters compete to accumulate the most on-line votes from their supporters. This is where the Portsmouth Humane Society needs your help and, more mportantly, your vote!  The top 50 shelters with the most votes go onto the next round and become the official contestants for the 2012 ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge.

Now through April 16th, you can vote for the Portsmouth Humane Society.  Click here to vote.    You can vote as often as you want - you can only vote once a day from your registered computer.  Voting started April 5, 2012.

Currently, the Portsmouth Humane Society, is in 20th Place in the nationwode voting.  Of the four Virginia shelters, Portsmouth is in first place.

Imagine what the Portsmouth Humane Society can do ith a $100,000.  Dreams can come true.  But, they need your vote for this to become a reality.

 

There are a number of ways you can help the Portsmouth Humane Society during the year: They're always looking donations for supplies. Here is a partial list of items they need:

Purina ONE Dog & Cat Food • Canned Food • Dog & Cat Treats • Comforters, Blankets & Towels • 55 gallon Trash Bags • Pet Combs & Brushes • Toilet Paper • Paper Towels & Facial Tissue • Laundry Soap • Hand Soap & Hand Sanitizer • White Copy Paper • Dawn Dish Detergent • Newspapers.

If there is anyway you can help the group, they'll be most appreciative of anything you can do. The Portsmouth Humane Society performs a great community service.

 

About the Portsmouth Humane Society

The Portsmouth Humane Society (PHS) is one of the longest-serving Humane Societies in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The PHS is dedicated to caring for homeless animals in the community by promoting their adoptions into loving, permanent homes. They provide humane education and community outreach programs so that they may begin to decrease the pet overpopulation.

The mission of the Portsmouth Humane Society is to provide shelter, care and treatment to homeless animals in the City of Portsmouth community through permanent adoptions, spay/neuter programs, and community education.

You can visit the Portsmouth Humane Society at www.portsmouthhumanesociety.org

The Portsmouth Humane Society is located at 4022 Seaboard Ct., Portsmouth, VA 23704. Tel: 757.397.6004, Fax: 757.397.1900. Christie Chipps Peters is the Executive Director..

 

Thanks, for reading and sharing... 'A New Day in Olde Towne'.

Have a great day!

David Cartier

Limited number of tickets available for Steeple to Steeple tour

There's just a limited number of tickets available for the 'Steeple to Steeple' tour. Sales started a few months ago and the interest in the event has been great. If you are interested in participating, you should make that decision now. They limit the number of participants to just 100.

The annual 'Steeple to Steeple' tour takes place on Saturday, May 12, 2012.

The 'Steeple to Steeple' tour is perhaps one of the nicest events that takes place in Olde Towne Portsmouth. You'll get an opportunity to see inside seven of Hampton Roads most interesting and beautiful churches as well as the Chevra T'helim synagogue.

This year's tour will begin with an introduction to Rev. Thomas Brady, Pastor of St. Paul’s Catholic Church from 1870-1907. He supervised the building of this beautiful high Gothic Revival church which towers over High Street and was an inveterate organizer who had hand in the starting of many institutions which survive in Portsmouth today.

You'll see St. Paul’s stunning German glass from the early years of the twentieth century that has just been cleaned as have its many murals and statuary.

At mid-day enjoy an old-fashioned church dinner served by the gracious ladies of Monumental United Methodist Church (included in the tour price). These women do a fantastic job!

Tha Nave at Trinity Episcopal Church includes portions built in the 1760s, and in which the crews of the CSS Virginia (previously the USS Merrimac) worshipped before the ship set out to confront the USS Monitor in the first battle between ironclad ships.

During the day, you'll marvel at the splendid woodwork and stained glass on display at St. Johns Episcopal and Court Street Baptist churches. You'll see the bricks, benches and wooden pillars hand-hewn by slaves and freedmen for their own worship at Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church started in 1856, and one of the oldest AME churches in the nation.

Learn about the Scottish immigrants who moved to Portsmouth when our nation was young at First Presbyterian Church. Marvel at an 18th Century Torah rescued from the holocaust in Czechoslovakia at Chevra T’helim, built by and in the style of many now lost Eastern European Synagogues.

Be escorted from one treasure to another by Col. William Crawford (who conceived of and laid out Portsmouth) and Rev. John Braidfoot, an early Rector of Trinity in a wonderful tour through the history of Portsmouth, one of the most walkable of cities in the region.

Sound interesting? Here is some more of what you can expect on the tour: Trinity Episcopal Church, from 1762, with its six windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany (on his pencil list and so done by him, not Tiffany and Co.), painted windows from the 1850s and Civil War era and rare English White Friars windows. 500 High Street;

Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, perhaps the oldest black congregation in the nations, with handsome ceiling murals, pews hand hewn by slaves, hiding places on the “underground railroad,” and slave made stained glass and ironwork. 637 North Street;

St. John’s Church in high Victorian style with what is thought to be the largest window ever made by Tiffany and Company. 424 Washington Street;

Monumental United Methodist Church which claims to be the oldest continuously operating Methodist congregation in the South and third oldest in the nation. 450 Dinwiddie Street;

Chevra T'helim Synagogue, recently restored as a museum with a Holocaust Torah. 607 Effingham Street;

First Presbyterian with two-hundred year old English pews and rare English stenciled glass windows. 515 Court Street.

Court Street Baptist which is one of only two Baptist churches in the nation in the Romanesque Revival style - inside its dozens of stained glass windows in gold and pink fill the interior with a golden glow. 447 Court Street.

After the tour, you can stay to enjoy the Gosport Arts Festival on High Street and enjoy dinnr at one of the many fine restaurants which enliven the downtown area.

 

If you go on the 'Steeple to Steeple' Walk:

Time: The walk starts at 9:00 am Saturday, May 12th, with lunch (included in the price of the ticket) and ends at 2:30 p.m. The tour starts promptly at 9:00 am.

Starting Location: The walk starts at Saint Paul’s Catholic Church (518 High Street, corner of Washington Street).

Limited Tickets Available: Tickets in advance are $20 and at the door are $25. (limit 100 people). For tickets contact Dean Burgess at 757.393.0973, or at redlion3@juno.com, or send your check to Kiwanis Club of Portsmouth, P. O. Box 126, Portsmouth, VA 23705-0126 (made out to Kiwanis Club of Portsmouth).

Special Needs: All the churches are handicapped accessible, but please note your special needs in advance.

Benefit: All profits go to the H.E.R. Shelter for battered women in Portsmouth and other Kiwanis charities.

Additional Information: Viist their website at www.steepletosteeple.com.

 

About H.E.R. Shelter

On October 1, 1985, the H.E.R. Shelter accepted it's first residents and first emergency hotline calls in a duplex that had been converted into a single dwelling with six bedrooms, two baths, a kitchen, dining room, living room, and admission and administrative office. By 1986, a children's program was developed to address the specific emotional needs and well being of the children and to try to interrupt the cycle of violence. Additional programs were added over time to address the needs of the women and children coming into the shelter. Among them are the Aftercare Program, Court Advocacy Program, and the Volunteer Program.

Help and Emergency Response, Inc. moved into a new building in April of 1995 after securing many donations from the community and after many fundraising opportunities. Today the H.E.R. Shelter can house forty-two women and children at one time.

For more information on H.E.R. Shelter, visit their website at www.hershelter.com. The address is H.E.R., P.O. Box 2187, Portsmouth, VA 23702.

 

Would you care to make a 'Comment' or want to 'Reply'? Click the 'Comment' button below. If you're not registered, just e-mail me, at David.Cartier@ANewDayInOldeTowne.com. I would be pleased to post your reply as a 'Comment' without using your name and e-address (your privacy will be maintained).

Thanks, for reading and sharing...'A New Day in Olde Towne'.

Have a great day!

David Cartier

757.478.0056 | David.Cartier@ANewDayInOldeTowne.com

Colonel Crawford returns to Olde Towne Portsmouth

Colonel Crawford is back where he belongs - in Olde Towne Portsmouth.

Eric Price, who portrays Colonel Crawford, hung up his walking shoes in February 2011 partly due to the economy.  Shortly thereafter, Don Comer, President of Portsmouth Partnership's PortsEvents affiliate, came forward and hired Price to be Colonel Crawford during the Olde Towne Farmer's Market to help promote the event.

"I'm so happy Colonel Crawford s back", stated Kas Lippa, owner of Olde Towne Art on High Street.  "He's such an ambassador for Portsmouth", she said.

It's clear people have missed the Colonal gracing the streets of Olde Towne. It's really that public sentiment that made Price decide to return the tours. Visitors and residents alike will be able to take a walking tour through historic Olde Towne Portsmouth starting May 1, 2012.

The walking tours are more than a walk through the streets of Olde Towne Portsmouth.  When you take one of Colonel Crawford’s acclaimed Olde Towne Lantern Tours, it's a little piece of Portsmouth's history that comes to life.

The Olde Towne Lantern Tour is a 60 to 75 minute stroll through the history, homes and hearts that created the “faire towne” of Portsmouth. The tour covers approximately one mile of the historic district in Olde Towne. Prepare to be educated and delighted with this walking production, which “is never quite the same!”

So, who exactly was Colonel William Crawford? Not much has been written about the Colonel’s personal life, but here is what is known about the founder of Portsmouth. Crawford was a wealthy merchant and ship owner who, at various times, held office as the Norfolk County presiding court judge, high sheriff, militia lieutenant colonel, and representative to the House of Burgesses. Because of his militia service, he was frequently referred to as “Colonel Crawford”.

The Colonel established the City of Portsmouth in 1752 upon 65 acres of land on the Elizabeth River that were a part of his extensive plantation.

Colonel Crawford’s vision for Portsmouth still lives on – 260 years later.

Today, there is a different Colonel Crawford that strolls through Olde Towne Portsmouth. Colonel William Crawford is a character created by Eric Price while under contract with the City of Portsmouth in commemoration of its 250th birthday. Based on Portsmouth’s real-life founder, Price is well versed in all things colonial and, of course, all things Portsmouth. After the celebration, the Colonel stayed to educate and entertain the citizenry of “Faire Portsmouth”, as well as visitors from her neighboring cities and places beyond.

Since 2002, Eric “Ricky” Price (shown right) has portrayed the founder of Portsmouth, Virginia, Colonel William Crawford, and extolled the extensive history of this early colonial port.

The Olde Towne Lantern Tours will be conducted Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday starting at 7:30 p.m. and will depart from the lobby of the Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel & Waterfront Conference Center at 425 Water Street. The tours are limited to 40 guests.

Ticket prices are: $10 each. Military discount 50%. Tickets can be purchased on the evening of the tour from Col. Crawford.

Discounted Tickets can be purchased in advance. They are just $15 for two people. They can be purchased at: Starboards Coffee Kiosk, 101 High Street, 757.478.0056 from Monday thru Friday 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery, One High Street, 757.399.5012 from Monday thru Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m..

No charge for children 8 yrs. old & younger. Parental monitoring required to ensure enjoyment for everyone on the tour.

Spring Tours run May and June and Fall Tours run September, October and November. Summer Tour (July & August) are available with advance reservations for 10 or more. Group tours and private events prevail.

Dress appropriately for the weather. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. Group tours and private events prevail.

Colonel Crawford's Olde Towne Lantern Tours are sponsored by Starboards Coffee Kiosk.

In addition, Colonel Crawford can be seen at the first Olde Towne Farmer's Market of the season on Saturday, April 21, 2012 and every Saturday through December 22, 2012. The Olde Towne Farmer's Market is located at the corners of High and Cout Street.

Meet Portsmouth's Founder Colonel Crawford at Starboards Coffee Kiosk following the Olde Towne Farmer's Market for 'A Taste of the Tour with Colonel Crawford'.  It's fun, entertaining and educational.  Starting Saturday, April 21, 2012.

 

Group 'Walking Tours' Available

To reserve a group tour or inquire about convention services, contact Colonel Crawford (Eric Price) directly at 757.391.0155 (message-quick return) or email at ColCrawfordAndCo@aol.com. For more information, visit Colonel Crawford & Company at www.oldetownetheatricals.com.

 

DVD Video “PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA”- Jewel of the Elizabeth

Enjoy Colonel Crawford’s VIRTUAL Walking Tour of Olde Towne Portsmouth. The 60-minute DVD presentation was created as part of the 400th Anniversary Celebration of the founding of Virginia, in 2007. Follow Portsmouth’s 'Path of History' as you travel through time with Colonel Crawford from 1620 and the beginnings of “the oldest shipyard in America” through the Revolutionary and Civil Wars and beyond. Truly an adventure you will not soon forget.

See the DVD Trailer. You can also purchase the DVD's when you take the walking tour.

So, whether you wander around on your own, or take Colonel Crawford's tour, you’ll see an Olde Towne Portsmouth as a city that has preserved its character through three centuries of change.

Photo credits: Pictures of Colonel Crawford by Clyde Nordan, Jr. and photo courtesy of the City of Portsmouth.

 

Would you care to make a 'Comment' or want to 'Reply'? Click the 'Comment' button below. If you're not registered, just e-mail me, at drcartier@msn.com. I would be pleased to post your reply as a 'Comment' without using your name and e-address (your privacy will be maintained).

Thanks for reading and sharing...'A New Day in Olde Towne'.

Have a great day!

David Cartier

No Tolls Rally Set for Monday April 2

On Monday, April 2, 2012, there's an event you need to attend to help protect your future.  It's a rally and mixer against the impending tolls with local elected officials and concerned community citizens.  The event takes place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Mansion Allure.

The event is hosted by Senator L. Louise Lucas and Charles Greenhood.

It makes sense that Greenhood would be involved.  After all, I remember him speaking up at several local meetings three years ago about the possibility of tolls and their impact on our community.  He said that day would come.  And, it's almost here.  Few people listened to Greenhood then.

Today, it seems like everyone is listening to the great toll debate.  Everyone is interested now becuase they realize it will impact them.  If you use the roads to commute to work or to take a pleasant daytrip, it will cost you.  Even if you don't use those roads, it WILL still cost you.  You WILL pay more because shipping and transportation costs to Hampton Roads will increase - from the food you purchase at the local store to your household supplies.  The cost WILL increase.  It WILL affect you!

The only way to fight this battle is for everyone to get involved.  Take a little time to attend the rally to show a sign of support!   Mansion Allure is located at 463 Court Street in Olde Towne Portsmouth.  The event takes place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

There will be live entertainment and a complimentary buffet.  A $10 minimum donation is requested.  All proceeds will go towards 'Citizns for Accountability in Politics' to assist with the legal efforts.  

 

Want to get involved? 

Visit www.notollshr.org to see how you can volunteer.  You can make a donation by sending a check to CAPPAC, 413 Dinwwiddie Street., Portsmouth, VA 23704.  

Click here, to donate online.

Click here, to find out how to write our elected officials.   

You can also join the petition, 'Tell Virginia State and Local Officials: Block Tolls in Hampton Roads'.  Sign the petition

The time you invest today will be a long term investment in your future.

 

What is CAPPAC?

Citizens for Accountability in Politics (CAPPAC) is a non-partisan, non-profit all volunteer political action committee concerned with actions of state and local governments that negatively impact the citizens of Hampton Roads, particularly those in the City of Portsmouth.  The current focus of CAPPAC is the comprehensive transportation agreement for Hampton Roads recently signed by the Governor, which will impose crushing tolls on our region for almost 60 years, draining our local economies to enrich foreign corporations. (Ultimately the cost is to all Virginians as financial resources are diverted from the Commonwealth–and the U.S. economy - to the private corporate partners in the agreement.)

CAPPAC is challenging the legality of the transportation agreement and is seeking financial support for the legal battle, which has already begun.

 

Thanks for reading and sharing 'A New Day in Olde Towne'.

David Cartier

 

Photo by Clyde Nordan, Jr.