Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau wins 3 DMANC Awards

Congratulations everyone! We received three awards at the recent Destination Marketing Association of North Carolina (formerly North Carolina Association of CVBs) annual meeting held June 1-3, 2008 in Asheville.

We won a Gold Destination Marketing Achievement Award for small bureaus (under $650,000 budget) for the How Do You Wrap Holiday Card project. Halifax County won the Platinum award for this category.

We won two Innovation Awards. The first was for Best Bureau Local Stakeholder Relations for the Ron Paul Blimp PR campaign done in conjunction with the Albemarle Economic Development Commission. The other winners in this category were Asheville and Chapel Hill.

The second Innovation Award was for Best Bureau Community Partnerships for the Net-Work project. This is our use of blogs and social media to reach the visitor and allow feedback on what we promote. The other winners in this category were Asheville, Durham and Fayetteville.

I am proud of all three awards but especially the latter two as there is no restriction for budget size, meaning we were up against all the big boys. As you will notice we are the only "small" bureau in those Innovation Award categories. I am proud of staff, board and to all those who helped make these awards possible.

Have a great afternoon.

Russ Haddad

Carolina Cup Regatta

Carolina Cup Regatta June 6, 7, & 8, 2008 - Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Friday Kick Off Party 5:30 pm until 8:00 pm

Friday Taz-2 Productions - Dance 9:00 pm to Midnight

Saturday Racing all day

Saturday Pit Party 6:30pm to 8:00pm

Saturday Taz-2 Productions - Dance 9:00 pm to Midnight

Sunday Racing all day

Sunday Trophies, Awards, and Prize Money

Hope to see everyone this weekend!

For more information on the boat races please check out www.carolinacupregatta.com.

"Light Refreshing Summer Wines" Wine Tasting Wednesday (June 4th)

"Light Refreshing Summer Wines" Wine Tasting Wednesday (June 4th)
Host: Debbie Malenfant
Location: City Wine Sellar
102 Water Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 US
When: Wednesday, June 4, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Phone: 252-335-1163

For the first time this season, the temps are predicted to reach the 90s this week. What a perfect time for our June wine tasting theme: "Refreshing Summer Wines." Summer is typically a time for sipping fruity whites and lighter reds. Holy smokes (as in barbeques), some of those reds can even be served chilled! At our June 4th tasting, we will pour a Villa Pozzi Pinot Grigio, a Herding Cats Chenin Blanc/Chardonnay blend, and a sparkling Moscato d'Asti (which has been at the top of the list of requests recently). Our selection of reds will include: Bolla Sangiovese, Georges Dubeouf Beajoulais Village, and Barnwood Tempranillo. Don't tell, but we will also have a (non-liquor) Sangria and a Sangria Blanca (sangria made with white wine). Our Guest Pourers this month will be Ray and Maureen Donnelly, the ever-popular proprietors of Elizabeth City Bed and Breakfast. A little inside secret -- the "Guest Pourer" idea was theirs. The tasting will be held from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm. The cost is $10.00 per person, with light appetizers served. RSVP is highly requested so we can plan for enough wine and food. Call 252-335-1163, respond via email to: d_malenfant@yahoo.com.

Check out other upcoming events at www.citywine.blogspot.com. Call 252-335-1163 for more informaton.

FYI - Partnering in Education Session Cancelled

Due to lack of registrations, the last in the series of three Partnering in Education sessions entitled "Easy Online Web Design" scheduled for Thursday evening at COA has been cancelled.

FMI please call the COA's Small Business Center at 252-335-0821 ext 2231.

Fabulous Fossils Featured at Port Discover’s June “Make-It-Take-It”

Contact: LuAnne Pendergraft
Phone: 252-335-3844
Email: lspendergraft@mail.ecsu.edu
Fabulous Fossils Featured at Port Discover’s June “Make-It-Take-It”
Elizabeth City, NC — “Fabulous Fossils” is the focus of Port Discover’s Make-It-Take-It for June. Visit Port Discover and learn all about fossils. What are fossils? How do they get left behind? Children visiting Port Discover can examine fossilized specimens, search for fossils in fossil “dirt,” and make their own fossil imprint. Make-It-Take-Its are available during the hours Port Discover is open and is free, thanks to a grant from the City of Elizabeth City.

Port Discover is located at 613 East Main Street. Port Discover’s hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Programs can be arranged at other times for special groups. For more information call 252-338-6117 or visit www.portdiscover.org.

Port Discover is a community-based, non-profit organization, established to enhance the public’s understanding and enjoyment of science through engaging programs, activities, and exhibits. Elizabeth City State University along with the Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce initiated the project that has attracted broad community support, including Elizabeth City Morning Rotary, College of the Albemarle, Albemarle Hospital, Museum of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools. Port Discover is also a member of the NC Grassroots Science Museum Collaborative.
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NC Aquarium Featured at Port Discover’s Second Saturday Science, June 14

Contact: LuAnne Pendergraft
Phone: 252-335-3844
Email: lspendergraft@mail.ecsu.edu
NC Aquarium Featured at Port Discover’s Second Saturday Science, June 14
Elizabeth City, NC — Port Discover’s Second Saturday Science will feature educators from the North Carolina Aquarium for All About Reptiles, a live animal presentation, on Saturday, June 14 at 9:30 and 11 a.m. The program will focus on the unique qualities of reptiles and where and how they live. A variety of reptiles from the NC Aquarium will be featured.

Second Saturday Science is free, thanks to the program sponsor, Gateway Bank. Reservations are required. Programs are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Second Saturday Science programs are geared toward elementary school aged children. Please call 252-338-6117 for registration.

Port Discover is located at 613 E. Main Street, Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Port Discover’s hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Programs can be arranged at other times for special groups. For more information call 252-338-6117 or visit www.portdiscover.org.

Port Discover is a community-based, non-profit organization, established to enhance the public’s understanding and enjoyment of science through engaging programs, activities, and exhibits. Elizabeth City State University along with the Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce initiated the project that has attracted broad community support, including Elizabeth City Morning Rotary, College of the Albemarle, Albemarle Hospital, Museum of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools. Port Discover is also a member of the NC Grassroots Science Museum Collaborative.
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Taste of the Albemarle

Arts of the Albemarle will present the 3rd Taste of the Albemarle Saturday, June 28 from 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm at the Museum of the Albemarle (porches and green.) AOA is aware of the increased costs of travel and for this year the price has reduced to $15.00 General admission, $10.00 Military with ID, $5.00 Children 12 and under with a paying adult. Featuring over 20 restaurants from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, with DJ Gregg Sampson and The RHONDELS from 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm. Tickets available at AOA Gallery, 609 East Main St. or Call 252-338-6455 or at the door. Bring your lawn chair!

Empty House "Bare Bones" Tour

Empty House "Bare Bones" Tour
Sunday, June 8, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

1598 Weeksville Road
Hollowell Family Home Place
(previously owned by entertainer Wayne Newton)
Tickets are $5.00 and available at the Arts of the Albemarle Gallery, 609 East Main Street or at the door.

Take the special "empty house self guided tour," and see Bayside Manor in its current "bare bones" state. Get a sneak preview before it is totally transformed by 15 decorators and their concepts come to life.

Design boards with photographs, paint and textile swatches, and material samples will be on display in each room which will allow the public to see, step by step, each designer's blueprint of what will become a beautifully finished space.

Food available on site. Pick up a barbeque plate from Bob-B-Que while you are there.

Visit www.artsofthealbemarle.com or www.baysidemanortour.com, or call 252-338-6455 for more information. All proceeds benefit the Arts of the Albemarle.

Herb Study Group to Meet Thurs. June 5, 2008 at 6:30 PM at Pasquotank County Center, NC Cooperative Extension - Subject Calendulas

Calendulas will be the subject at the monthly Herb Study Group at the Pasquotank Center of NC Cooperative Extension on Thursday, June 5 from 6:30 PM to 8 PM in Elizabeth City, NC. The Herb Study Group meets at 6:30 PM the first Thursday of each month. For directions to the Pasquotank Center of NC Cooperative Extension, please call 252-338-3954 during business hours, Monday through Friday.

June - Good Life Getaways!

Are you looking for a weekend away from the daily grind of work? Just want to enjoy the sites while kicking back in a small town? Well Elizabeth City, NC is the place for you .. The city is on the Pasquotank River and is an attractive stop for boaters on the Albemarle Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway. There are great places to eat, wonderful museums, and attractions for the whole family. It is also a wonderful place to stay and relax while seeing the whole region during day trips.

Check out some of our June Getaway Packages you can create to your own schedule:

Power on the Pasquotank (June 2008)
Total cost: Depends on the place you stay and the choice of activities
*Ask your accommodation about the activity options

Two-night stay for two at either Culpepper Inn, Elizabeth City B&B ($180 + tax), Fairfield Inn & Suites ($200 + tax), Grice-Fearing House B&B ($220 + tax), or Pond House Inn ($244 + tax)

Dinner for two at City Wine Sellar featuring live entertainment

Carolina Cup Regatta Powerboat Race (Two-day free admission)

Brunch for two at one of our local restaurants

A Taste for the Arts (June 2008)
Total cost: Depends on the place you stay and the choice of activities
*Ask your accommodation about the activity options

Two-night stay for two at either Culpepper Inn, Elizabeth City B&B ($180 + tax), Fairfield Inn & Suites ($200 + tax), Grice-Fearing House B&B ($220 + tax), or Pond House Inn ($244 + tax)

Haunted Tours of Downtown Elizabeth City (April - June)

1 pair of tickets to the Taste of Elizabeth City ($50)

Brunch for two at one of our local restaurants

For more getaway package ideas please click here. For more info on Elizabeth City please contact the Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 252-335-5330 or check out www.DiscoverElizabethCity.com.

BOCCE BALL ANYONE?

Contact: Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
(252) 335-5330 phone
www.discoverelizabethcity.com
BOCCE BALL ANYONE
New courts, tournament coming to EC waterfront
(Elizabeth City, NC, May 29, 2008) – Let’s play bocce ball.
Following an extended Rose Buddies reception on the Grouper’s Restaurant deck, Mayor Steve Atkinson will throw out the ceremonial first bocce ball at 6 p.m. Friday (May 30, 2008) onto the two new portable bocce ball courts at Mariners’ Wharf Park.

“We are looking forward to another opportunity and purpose for the use of Mariners’ Wharf Park,” Atkinson said. “Tourists, including boaters, and residents alike will enjoy playing this fun game.”

Robert Tadlock Insurance donated the two courts to the city for use at the park. The portable courts will be available to be checked out at Grouper’s in the adjoining Waterworks building.

Additionally, Tadlock Insurance is hosting a Bocce Ball tournament at Waterfront Park on July 19, 2008. Proceeds from the event will benefit Special Olympics.

“We hope our community becomes seasoned experts on bocce ball by then and by taking advantage of this opportunity to join our visitors for fun competition on the new bocce ball courts,” Tadlock said.

For more information regarding Elizabeth City, contact the Elizabeth City Area CVB at 252-335-5330 or info@discoverec.org.
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MUSEUM HONORS NEWSPAPER EDITOR W.O. SAUNDERS

MUSEUM HONORS NEWSPAPER EDITOR W.O. SAUNDERS
(Elizabeth City) The Museum of the Albemarle pays tribute to Newspaper Editor W.O. Saunders with their latest exhibit entitled: The Independent: A Century of Progress. The exhibit celebrates the 100th anniversary of editor W.O. Saunders’s newspaper, The Independent, and features photographs, typesetting “leads,” ink, and a few of Saunders’s publications.

William Oscar Saunders was born in Perquimans County to a poor farm family. Too poor to afford college, W.O. took his first reporting job at age 17 in Norfolk. For a few years, he bounced among newspapers, apparently getting fired more than once because of the hard-nosed reporting and biting commentary that later became his hallmark.

W.O. Saunders founded his newspaper, The Independent in 1908. Saunders was controversial, attacking corrupt politicians and immoral preachers. He championed the rights of blacks, women and the poor.

Saunders was responsible for the idea of the Wright Brothers National Memorial, and was instrumental in making the production of the Lost Colony a reality. He crusaded for the first bridges to the Outer Banks, the creation of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, among others.

The exhibit will be open through July 13, 2008.

The Museum of the Albemarle is located at 501 S. Water Street, Elizabeth City, NC. 252-335-1453. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm, Sunday, 2:00pm-5:00pm.Closed Mondays and State Holidays. Serving Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Hyde, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington counties, the museum is the northeast regional history museum of the North Carolina Division of State History Museums. Department of Cultural Resources, State of North Carolina.“Telling Our Stories”.


Contact: Thomas Spagnol
Communication Specialist
Museum of the Albemarle
501 S. Water Street
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
252-335-1453
"The doorstep to the temple of wisdom is a knowledge of our own ignorance." Ben Franklin

Christopher Palestrant Friday Night at The City Wine Sellar

Christopher Palestrant Friday Night at The City Wine Sellar
Host: Debbie Malenfant
Location: City Wine Sellar
102 Water Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 US
When: Friday, May 30, 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Phone: 252-335-1163

We'll have boogie, ballads, and broadway this Friday, May 30th, at The City Wine Sellar with Christopher Palestrant. Chris will entertain you with a variety of show tunes, along with some Billy Joel, Elton John, the Beatles, as well as some blues and folk music. Begin your weekend with a relaxing evening in the Sellar Wine Bar with friends and fabulous entertainment. www.palestrant.com

Music from 7:00-10:00 pm. Deli fare served until 9:00 pm. Non-smoking inside venue.

Check out other upcoming events at www.citywine.blogspot.com. Call 252-335-1163 for more informaton.