Portsmouth Krispy Kreme Opens Jan. 3rd

If your New Year's resolution is to lose weight, you need to hold that thought.  At least for one more day.  The Portsmouth Krispy Kreme opens Tuesday, January 3, 2012.  At 6 a.m., Krispy Kreme officials will flip the switch on their Hot Doughnuts Now® sign.

Krispy Kreme is inviting residents in Portsmouth and surrounding communities to celebrate the opening of the new Krispy Kreme Neighborhood Shop, 4028 Victory Boulevard, Portsmouth, VA.

Throughout the day, Krispy Kreme Team members will greet guests with samples of its delicious doughnut varieties, and the new Krispy Kreme Signature Coffee Blends, as they hand out Krispy Kreme's familiar chef's hats to doughnut fans.

Michael Oberman of Portsmouth couldn't wait until 6 a.m.  He was the first to arrive for the opening.  Oberman, his wife Victoria and his in-laws, John and Charlotte Hill of Chesapeake all arrived around 5 p.m. Monday night.  They plan to camp out all night.  As the first customer in line, Oberman will receive a free dozen Original Glazed® Doughnuts every week for a year!  The next 99 customers in line will receive a free dozen Original Glazed® Doughnuts every month for one year.  AND, the first 100 customers in line will receive a commemorative Krispy Kreme Portsmouth Grand Opening t-shirt.

Follow Krispy Kreme Portsmouth Grand Opening events on Facebook and Twitter #KrispyKremeLive for updates on the grand opening festivities and chances to win some tasty prizes.

The Portsmouth Neighborhood Shop will include a drive-thru and feature Krispy Kreme's unique product offerings, including its signature hot Original Glazed® doughnuts and other one-of-a-kind doughnut varieties; Krispy Kreme Signature Coffees and espresso drinks; and Krispy Kreme Chillers® and iced beverages.

Family Outing:  From left to right: Charlotte Hill, Victoria Oberman, John Hill and Michael Oberman camp out at the new Portsmouth Krispy Kreme Neighborhood Shop..

 

About Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme is an international retailer of premium-quality sweet treats, including its signature Original Glazed® doughnut. Headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C., the company has offered the highest-quality doughnuts and great-tasting coffee since it was founded in 1937. Today, Krispy Kreme can be found in more than 650 locations around the world. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. (NYSE: KKD) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Kreme Doughnut Corporation, 4028 Victory Boulevard, Portsmouth, VA  23701.  Tel: 757.465.5604  Email kk124@krispykreme.com.  General Managaer: Bobbie Louise Major.

 

Krispy Kreme History

Made from a recipe founder Vernon Rudolph bought from a New Orleans French chef, the doughnuts were first baked in Winston-Salem, NC in 1937 and sold to grocery stores.

But when the delicious smell permeated the streets and passers-by asked to buy hot doughnuts Rudolph decided to cut a hole in an outside wall of the factory and sell hot Original Glazed doughnuts to customers on the street.

For over 70 years, generations have looked for the HOT NOW light in anticipation of thos famous hot doughnuts.  In just a few months, Portsmouth residents will have their eyes on the HOT NOW sign.  In the meantime, you can visit Krispy Kreme at  www.krispykreme.com.

 

Fundraising Opportunities Available

Portsmouth schools, organizations and groups will have a great opportunity to partner swith Krispy Kreme on their fundraising efforts.  They have a long history of working with local organizations to help raise money.  Click here, for more information.

 

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).

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

Have a great day!

David Cartier

757.478.0056 | David.Cartier@ANewDayInOldeTowne.com

Cash Mob Targets Portsmouth Business this Saturday

The Cash Mob is coming to Portsmouth this Saturday.

Flash mobs have been occuring all over the country. Organizers typically use Facebook and Twitter to help promote surprise gatherings in public places, mainly to entertain people.

This holiday season, Corey Schmidt wants to do something similar in Portsmouth.  His group plans to be quite different from a flash mob.  There will no singing and dancing.  Just spending.  Instead of the flash, they'll use cash with the goal of helping one local business.

The Cash Mob is, well, a flash mob with dollar bills.  Plain and simple.  Here's how it works:  Individuals gather as a group and meet at a specific location.  Organizers want each individual to bring $20 to spend.  No one is limited to $20.

A business has been secretly selected in advanced and announced to the group.  The individuals with their money go inside the store and start spending.  Hopefully, this will be an economic windfall with lots of profits for one local business.

Schmidt heard about the idea from a group in Cleveland that started a Cash Mob just recently.  Similar groups are starting to happen all over the country.

Cash mobs target independent small businesses. It's an idea grew from "Small Business Saturday', where shoppers are encouraged to spend money at local stores the day after Black Friday.

After all, these are the businesses that are the heartbeat of our communities and local economies.  By supporting the small businesses in Portsmouth, here are four great benefits that we ALL receive:

OUR COMMUNTY:  For every $100 spent at local small businesses, $68 returns to the community. (Civic Economics)

EMPLOYMENT:  Small businesses employ half of all private sector employees. (Small Business Administration)

THE ECONOMY: Small businesses represent 99.7% of ALL employer firms. (Small Business Administration)

LOCAL JOBS:  For every year over the last decade, 60% to 80% of new jobs were generated by small businesses. (Small Business Administration)

Help preserve our unique, locally-owned businesses amd neighborly small town values by supporting your local merchants.  After all, they have made a significant investment in our community.

Want to Go...

When:  Saturday, December 17, 2011

Time:  4 p.m.

Where:  High Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth.  The group will meet at the corner of High Street and Washington Street.

The group, known as the "757 Ca$hMob” will gather on the sidewalk and then stroll along to one store  with to a store, bills in hand.

Click here to join the 757 Ca$hMob on Facebook

 

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'.

David Cartier

Flagship Restaurant to host Breakfast with Santa this Saturday

We all know Santa is pretty busy this time of year.  However, he is making time for children this Saturday, December 10, 2011 to have 'Breakfast with Santa'.  

Saint Nick will be making an appearance at The Flagship Restaurant in Portsmouth from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

This is a great opportunity to have pictures taken with Santa so don't forget to bring your camera.

The event is sponsored by the Shea Terrace Civic League.

About the Flagship Restaurant

The Flagship Restaurant re-opened on November 10, 2011 by Portsmouth native and owner Jay Skinner. The restaurant currently serves lunch Monday thru Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12 Noon to 5 p.m.   Within the next couple of weeks, they will be open for dinner. 

For more information about the event, you can contact the restaurant directly at 757.391.2822. 

The Flagship Restaurant is located at 103 Constitution Avenue in Portsmouth, VA. 

 

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'.

David Cartier

Olde Towne Santa Arrives by Ferry Saturday Dec. 10th

The Olde Towne Santa will arrive by Elizabeth River Ferry to greet children at the Olde Towne Holiday Music Festival on Saturday, December 10, 2011.  Santa arrives just before 12 Noon (11:55 a.m. Ferry) and will be available for one hour at High Street Landing. 

It's best to get there a little early because Santa's schedule depends on the Elizabeth River Ferry.  This is the eighth year the Olde Towne Santa has arrived for the start of the Olde Towne Holiday Music Festival. 

Be sure to bring your camera.  Don't miss this great photo opportunity to have pictures with Santa for free!  

I'll let you in on a little secret.  This is something that I truly enjoy doing.  It puts a incredible smile on the children's faces.  The part that I treasure the most is listening to what the children want for Christmas.  It is heartwarming and often brings a smile to my face. 

Four years ago, a little 6-year old girl was really sincere and told me all she wanted was 'world peace'.  The wishes from the children have ranged from 'I would like to have a baby brother' to 'I really need to have my own bathroom it's just too crowded'. 

At the end of greeting and talking with each child, the Olde Towne Santa always gives each child a candy cane and reminds them to 'be good to their family and friends'.

So, now you know who the real Olde Towne Santa is.  Yes, it's really me.

"Santa does not enter through the chimney.  He doesn't enter through the front door.  Santa enters through the heart."  - David Cartier

The Olde Towne Santa is presented by Starboards Coffee Kiosk. Call for more information 757.478.0056.  101 High Street, High Street Landing, Olde Towne 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).

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

David Cartier

Courtesy photo of Olde Towne Santa on Ferry by Gary Thomas Byrne

 

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Today is Small Business Saturday

If home is where the heart is, then today is the day to put your money where your heart is.  Today is the second annual 'Small Business Saturday'.  It's a day to come together in support of the small businesses in Portsmouth that you love.  It's a day to patronize the shops and restaurants that employ our neighbors and reinvest our money right here at home.

If Friday was about supporting the major retail outlets, today is a day to support the local mom-and-pops.  That's the goal of "Small Business Saturday," a Black Friday spin-off.  It all happens Saturday, November 26, 2011.

After all, these are the businesses that are the heartbeat of our communities and local economies.

By supporting the small businesses in Portsmouth, here are four great benefits that we ALL receive:

OUR COMMUNTY:  For every $100 spent at local small businesses, $68 returns to the community. (Civic Economics)

EMPLOYMENT:  Small businesses employ half of all private sector employees. (Small Business Administration)

THE ECONOMY: Small businesses represent 99.7% of ALL employer firms. (Small Business Administration)

LOCAL JOBS:  For every year over the last decade, 60% to 80% of new jobs were generated by small businesses. (Small Business Administration)

H preserve our unique, locally-owned businesses amd neighborly small town values by supporting your local merchants.  After all, they have made a significant investment in our community.

Is Small Business Saturday designed to get people to stop shopping at larger businesses or online?  Nope.  Absolutely not. Small Business Saturday recognizes the importance of small businesses to the overall economy and local communities. It’s a day to support the small, independently owned businesses we can’t live without.

Hopefully, today you will remember the one or two businesses that you can't live without.  Even if you can't get out of the house today, maybe you can purchase something online from that local business.  Find a way to support them. 

Think beyond today.  Remember to support our local businesses throughout the year.  These small businesses are the backbone of our community.  You can also get your friends and family involved - purchase them a gift card or gift certificate for them to visit one of our small businesses or restaurants.

For more information on 'Small Business Saturday', click here.   Join the over 2.6 Million people on Facebook that support this effort, click here.  Thanks to you, American Express is donating to Girls, Inc.

One small purchase will make a hugh difference.

 

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

Safety Tips for Olde Towne Safe Trick-or-Treat

Ghouls and goblins will take over the night.  But they need to be safe to do Halloween right.  Halloween's worst threats aren't vampires and villains, but falls, costume mishaps and auto collisions.

Saturday is 'Safe Trick-or-Treat' in Olde Towne Portsmouth!  This is a very successful event that brings thousands of children and families to Olde Towne.  For more information on the event, see RELATED STORY.

I wanted to share some information from The Red Cross.  They have issued some great tips for those going out trick-or-treating.  So we give you these tips, the lucky 13:

1. Map out the route that you plan to roam, so adults are assured you will find your way home!

2. From the bravest of heroes to the noblest of knights, all should remember to bring their flashlights!

3. If you visit a house where a stranger resides, take treats at the door and, please, don't go inside.

4. When you are all set to put on your disguise, use face paint not masks which cover your eyes.

5. Always remember, before you embark, to wear light-colored clothing that shows in the dark! (And remember to use reflective tape, even on bikes, skateboards and brooms!)

6. Whether you walk, slither or sneak, do it on the sidewalks and not in the street.

7. As you roam through the neighborhood gathering treats, please look both ways before crossing the street! (And cross from the corner!)

8. Wigs, capes and costumes are flammable attire — avoid open flames to protect you from fire!

9. Please use a glow stick instead of a candle, so your jack-o-lantern is safe, not a gamble!

10. Fly on a broom or a space ship from Mars, but please be alert for drivers in cars! (And don't hide between parked vehicles).

11. Monsters and zombies should stay off the lawn, and only ring doorbells on a porch with lights on!

12. You may be a werewolf, a cat or a frog, but be careful with animals, especially dogs.

13. Have a grown-up check candy when you're done trick-or-treating, to remove choking hazards before you start eating.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org.

The Portsmouth Chapter of the American Red Cross is located at 700 London Street, Portsmouth.  757.393.1031

 

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

Help the Ghosts

The annual Olde Towne Ghostwalk Ghost is just one week away and the Olde Towne Civic League needs a few more guides. There’s an orientation for new guides, so this is a great way to get to know the Olde Towne neighborhood.  A post-Ghost Walk party for volunteers adds to the fun that evening.

The event takes place Friday, October 28, 2011.  If you want to participate as a guide, contact Keith Byers at 673-4893 or email him at byerskj@cox.net to sign on as a guide.

About the Olde Towne Ghostwalk

Ghosts, goblins and gouls are making their way back to Olde Towne Portsmouth.  If it's October, it must be almost time for the the Olde Towne Ghostwalk.  The 31st annual event takes place on Friday, October 28, 2011 (Rain or Shine).  It is sponsored by the Olde Towne Civic League

The Olde Towne Ghostwalk, based on the famous Jack-the-Ripper Walks in London, takes spectators on a guided walking tour past the haunted houses and mysterious creaking mansions of historic Olde Towne Portsmouth.  At each stop, costumed actors or actresses re-tell the legends of ghostly visitations and things that go bump in the night.  You'll be treated to some of the most haunting stories of Portsmouth’s past.  Your walk will take you through a 20-square block area on the National Register of Historic Places.

Tours begin in the cemetery of Trinity Episcopal Church, located at 500 Court Street (the corner of High and Court streets).

Tickets are $10.00 each.  Children carried or in strollers are free.  Tickets are sold for 3 time slots: 7 p.m., 8 p.m., 9 p.m. 

Cash or checks payable to Olde Towne Civic League, are accepted at all advance ticket locations. Credit cards accepted only at the Portsmouth Visitors Center at North Landing in Portsmouth.

This event will sell-out.  You are advised to purchase tickets in advance.  Advance purchase is recommended. Tickets are available on day of event, but it is generally a sell-out early that day.

Ticket locations include: Portsmouth: The Coffee Shooppe, Norfolk County Feed & Seed, Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel, Portsmouth Visitors Center, Starboards Coffee Kiosk, Way Back Yonder Antiques; Chesapeake: Jems from Jennie; Norfolk: The White Rabbit and Virginia Beach: Hi-Ho Silver.  Click here, for more information on tickets.

Groups will leave at five minute intervals.  The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes, ending at Middle Street Park, where hot cider will be served, there will be entertainment, and several tables with information, books and more.

Free parking in municipal parking garages located on County and High Street and on Middle Street. Limited on-street parking in Olde Towne business district.  Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

Cameras are welcome. Houses are private properties and not open to the public.

For more information, call 757.291.0305.  Click here, for the official website of the OldeTowne Ghostwalk.  Join them on Facebook.

 

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

 

Trinity Church Celebrates 250th Year Today

Trinity Episcopal Church turns 250 years old today and the public is invited to their birthday party!   It takes place on Sunday, October 16 starting at 4:00 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church at High and Court streets in Portsmouth.

Trinity Church is the oldest church in the city and for a time was its only church – Portsmouth Parish.

To celebrate its 250th year, everyone in the city is invited to a parade which will start at High Street landing when the priests and people of Old St. Paul’s church and Christ and St. Luke’s Church in Norfolk will come across on the ferry, as they did when Trinity Church was founded. 

Beginning at 3:00 p.m., all will join the people of Portsmouth to march up High Street to Trinity where there will be a candlelight Choral Evensong.  The program will use the form from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer that would have been used when the church was founded.

The Rt. Rev. Jay Magness, Bishop Suffragan for Federal Ministries and Armed Forces in the Episcopal Church will preach, remembering how Trinity has been the Navy’s church since before there was a United States.  Appropriate music will be provided by Trinity’s retired organist James Derr on the largest pipe organ in a church in Hampton Roads with a specially formed choir. 

Everyone is welcome at this civic ceremony celebrating Portsmouth’s past.  This is not a reenactment, but a celebration of this old church’s ancient role as the center of the Olde Towne.

For questions contact: Dean Burgess at redlion3@juno.com, or call 757/393.0973.

About Trinity Episcopal Church

When William Crawford, founder of Portsmouth, laid out the street plan in 1752, he designated the intersection of High Street and Court Street as the town center and set aside space for a parish church.  In 1761, when the Vestry of Trinity Church was formed with Crawford as a member, the original church building comprised most of what is now the nave.

The first parish priest, the Rev. Charles Smith, was succeeded by a Scotsman, the Rev. John Braidfoot, who became Chaplain of the Second Virginia Infantry Regiment when the American Revolution broke out. Loyalists on the Vestry included Andrew Sprowle, the wealthiest man in the colony and the owner of the Gosport Shipyard.

When the British occupied the town, the church was used by the British garrison.  General Cornwallis left Portsmouth for Yorktown where his army was defeated; Trinity’s old church bell was cracked celebrating his surrender.  The first native-born rector, John Emmerson. Since there was no bishop in Virginia at that time, he had to receive his Certificate of Ordination from the Bishop of London in England and it hangs in the parish hall.

In 1821 the Vestry called the Rev. John H. Wingfield who remained rector for fifty years. During the Civil War the crew of the ironclad C.S.S. Virginia (commonly called the Merrimac) worshipped at Trinity before taking to ship to fight in the first battle of ironclads against the Union ship Monitor.  The Union army then occupied the city and the Rev. Mr. Wingfield’s son having refused to sign the oath of loyalty to the United States, was thrown in jail and sentenced to sweep the streets.

Over these years, the colonial pews and side balconies were removed and several fine Tiffany windows added. In the 1890’s Trinity Church was the founder of the King’s Daughters Hospital, which later became Portsmouth General Hospital. In 1893 the baptismal font in the shape of an angel, fondly called Elizabeth, was dedicated.

Among those resting in Trinity's churchyard is Commodore James Barron, the man who surrendered the Chesapeake to the British without much of a fight and who years later killed Navy hero Stephen Decatur in a duel.  Next door to the cemetery is the Art Deco style Commodore Theater, named for the man who won the duel but lost his honor.

For more information, read: Trinity Graveyard Offers Vibrant History of the City.

Trinity Episcopal Church is located at 500 Court, Street, Portsmouth, VA  Tel: 757.393.0432; Fax: 757.397.1403. 

Click here to visit the website for Trinity Episcopal Church.  Click here, to join them on Facebook.

 

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'.

David Cartier

Courtesy photos of Trinty Episcopal Church provided by local photographer Clyde Nordan, Jr.

Olde Towne Safe Trick-or-Treat Celebrates 10th Year

Sandy Harris had a dream.  She wanted to see kids come to Portsmouth for trick or treating.  After all, she remembers what Halloween was like for her as a kid. 

Harris and LeAnn Amory came up with the idea of creating Halloween memories for the children in Portsmouth.  That's was when the idea of 'Safe Trick-or-Treat' was born.  Over the years, the event has steadily grown.  This year, the event celebrates its; tenth year.

The annual Halloween tradition takes place on Saturday, October 29th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.  High Street will be packed with little ghouls and goblins! 

Every year the little ghosts and goblins come.  Some by foot.  Others by car or van. Some even arrive by ferry. 

They come with fathers, mothers, grandparents, aunts and uncles.  The real small ones come in a stroller or are pulled in a wagon.  Some come with neighbors and others come with friends.

The kids come year-after-year.  They all say the same thing. Trick or Treat. 

This year, over 10,000 'Trick-or-Treaters' are expected to come to Olde Towne Portsmouth for the annual 'Safe Trick-or-Treat', sponsored by the Olde Towne Business Association.

This free Halloween event is attended annually by people from across Hampton Roads.  Local businesses along the High Street corridor, from Effingham Street to the Elizabeth River waterfront, will pass out candy to children up to age 12. 

Ample parking will be available at no cost in the City garages on Middle Street and Court Street.  At both parking garages, donations of blankets, coats and non-perishable food will be collected on behalf of OASIS Commission on Social Ministry.

The success of this event is due in a large part to the Portsmouth Police Department and Sheriff's Department.

Harris, a kid at heart, is the chairperson for the event.  She is co-owner of Amore's Casual Italian on High Street.  “The Olde Towne 'Safe Trick-or-Treat' is for the kids,” says Harris.  “It’s about candy and fun, but most importantly, it’s about community,” she states.  She's right.  It's all about the community.  That's why they come - year-after-year.

 

What to help the Olde Towne Business Association?

Like most organizations, the Olde Towne Business Association strives to raise money for worthwhile events.  In order to serve such a large audience, the Olde Towne Business Association is in need of candy or monetary donations.  The last thing the organization wants to see is a shortfall in the amount of candy needed to take care of all the children.

Both types of donations will be collected at Amore Casual Italian, 606 High Street, Portsmouth from Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Checks can also be mailed to the Olde Towne Business Association at P. O. Box 1400, Portsmouth, VA 23705.

For more information about this event, or to sign up as a volunteer, contact Sandy Harris at 757.718.3755.

 

About the Olde Towne Business Association

The Olde Towne Business Association has over 100 members including hotels, restaurants, shops and service businesses in Portsmouth.  

For more information, contact Judi MacDougall at 757.405.3500.   You can visit the OTBA webaite at www.OldeTownePortsmouth.com

 

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

ODU's Mascot Big Blue in tight race to repeat as national champion

Old Dominion University mascot 'Big Blue' is in a close race for another national championship!  But, time is ticking away for 'Big Blue' to retain his title as "Mascot of the Year'!  The voting ends on Monday at 12 Noon EST.  You can go to www.capitalonebowl.com to vote.

Can 'Monarch Nation' rise to the occasion two years in a row?  The school spirit at Old Dominion University appears to be high!  But, Big Blue is trailing Wolfie Jr. of the University of Nevada by over 30,000 votes.  It is not impossible for the ODU fans to pull off another win. 

Last year, ODU fans demonstrated to the country their enormous amount of school spirit and sense of pride.  More importantly, they did it all with class.

In the nine years of the program, Big Blue's run was one of the most memorable and spirited campaigns for the Capital One Mascot of the Year.  ODU's spirit was enough for 'Big Blue' to beat a talented pool of 15 other Capital One All-America Mascots, bringing fame, glory and $20,000 to Old Dominion University’s mascot program. 

Many ODU alumni from Portsmouth have mentioned this 'furry-head to furry-head' competition to me.  They all say this is great for Old Dominion and Hampton Roads.  They're absolutely right!  If Big Blue can pull off a win this year, he will be the first mascot to win back-to-back championships.  Only one mascot has won the championship twice.

Make no mistake.  This is a different kind of national title.  It's not about athletics or academics!  It's all about school spirit.  Big Blue made other schools around the nation green with envy by the support he received last year.

Any competition can be tough.  But, In the end, it was 'Monarch Nation' that came through last year.  The season long competition ignited a school spirit at Old Dominion University that could not be matched. 

Time will tell if the 'Monarch Nation' gives Big Blue has another chance to become King.

 

About 'Big Blue' - 2010 'Capital One Mascot of the Year'

In January, the Old Dominion University mascot was named the 2010 'Capital One Mascot of the Year'.  Big Blue was crowned champion at halftime during the 2011 Capital One Bowl.  The New Year’s Day classic was televised nationally by ESPNf rom the Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando. 

'Big Blue' joined a prestigious list of winners, including the 2009 winner - a ruggedly handsome Bearcat (University of Cincinnati).  Other winners include: a giant bird from the heartland (Iowa State Univ., 2008), a kangaroo from the Midwest (Univ. of Akron, 2007), a cougar from the Northwest (Washington State's Butch T. Cougar, 2006), a working man (Nebraska's Herbie the Husker, 2005), a grizzly bear (Univ. of Montana's Monte, 2002 and 2004) and a gamecock (Univ. of South Carolina's Cocky, 2003). 

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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