Dismal Swamp Canal Trail Designated as National Recreation Trail

Date: June 11, 2008
Contact: Penny Leary-Smith, Director
Email: dscwelcome@camdencountync.gov
Phone: 252-771-8333 or 877-771-8333

Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center
2356 Highway 17 N
South Mills, NC 27976
www.DismalSwamp.com
Dismal Swamp Canal Trail Designated as National Recreation Trail
On June 4, 2008, in the spirit of the 40th Anniversary of the National Trails System, Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne announced that he has designated the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail in Camden County, one of the 24 trails in 16 states, to be a National Recreation Trail. North Carolina had only two trails receiving this recognition.

“One of my priorities at Interior is to reconnect American families to nature,” said Kempthorne. “The National Trails System, including these additions, provides an excellent link to the outdoors, particularly for children. National Recreation Trails exemplify partnerships and are providing a path to fitness and stewardship for Americans of all ages.”

The announcement coincides with the 16th annual celebration of National Trails day on Saturday, June 7, 2008. The theme for this year, “Join Us on the Trail,” encourages people of all ages to get outside and use trails for exercise and exploration. Thousands of trail enthusiasts will participate in hikes, educational programs, bike rides, volunteer repair projects, festivals, paddle trips, and trail dedications across the country.

National Recreation Trails have been a touchstone of the National Trails System since the first designations in 1971. The National Recreation Trails recognize existing trails that connect people to local resources and improve their quality of life.

In 1998, the concept of a multi-use trail running parallel with US 17 from the village of South Mills, North Carolina to the North Carolina/Virginia border was first discussed. Groundbreaking for the trail was on September 29,2004, with completion of the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail opening to the public in June, 2005, with Enhancement monies from NCDOT. The main trail begins on the southern end of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center off US Highway 17. Asphalt tops the 10-foot wide trail ... making it user-friendly and ideal for families and handicapped individuals. The first three miles meander through a wooded area between the historic waterway and the historic highway, ending at NC Highway 343. A 5-foot wide highway extension provides access for the trail to the Village of South Mills via NC 343 and Mullen Road, ending at the drawbridge over the canal. Two picnic tables, four benches, and several trash receptacles complement this trail overlooking the beauty of the historic Dismal Swamp Canal.

In the midst of the natural, cultural, and historic resources of the historic Dismal Swamp Canal, the trail became part of the NC Birding Trail on December 15, 2005, and part of the East Coast Greenway on November 6, 2006. The trail runs long the Dismal Swamp Canal which is the oldest hand-dug waterway in the United States and is part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program. The canal is still in use today as part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The trail runs close to the highway in one area because this was the location of the old Culpepper Locks (1830-1898), causing the canal to be extra wide at this point, pushing the trail east. The original stone milepost marker # 19 sits along the trail. This trail connects with the Dismal Swamp State Park which only enchances the entire area.

Since it opened the trail has become very popular with both travelers and residents, as it provides wonderful recreational opportunities for bicycle enthusiasts, walkers, runners, birders, and photographers.

For more information please call the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center at 877-771-8333.

ECACVB Wins Three Awards at Destination Marketing Association of North Carolina’s Annual Meeting

Contact: Elizabeth Evans
Public Relations Consultant
Cahoon & Cross Marketing Consultants
Phone: (757) 625-7068 direct line
E-mail: evanspr@cox.net
The Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Wins Three Awards at Destination Marketing Association of North Carolina’s Annual Meeting
(Elizabeth City, N.C., June 10, 2008) – The Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (ECACVB) was recognized for achievements in marketing and innovation by the Destination Marketing Association of North Carolina at its annual meeting this month.

During a special presentation in Asheville, N.C., the ECACVB received a Gold Destination Marketing Achievement Award for a holiday greeting card, and earned two Innovation Awards for creating online social networking visibility for Elizabeth City attractions, event organizers and businesses.

“We are pleased that the Destination Marketing Association recognizes our innovative programs,” said ECACVB Director Russ Haddad. “The Innovation Awards, in particular, are gratifying, as we competed against North Carolina convention and visitor bureaus with much larger budgets.”

One Innovation Award, in the category of “Best Bureau Local Stakeholder Relations,” was shared with the Albemarle Economic Development Commission (AEDC) for a joint public relations campaign promoting Elizabeth City’s headquarters as the launch for the Ron Paul blimp.

When the presidential primaries were heating up in November 2007, a national, grassroots group supporting Republican candidate Ron Paul decided to use blimp advertising to generate publicity. When the ECACVB and AEDC learned that Elizabeth City-based Airship Management Services would launch the blimp – the first ever to carry an advertisement for a presidential candidate – staff filmed the history-making take-off and posted the footage on www.youtube.com.

More than 15,000 people viewed the footage, which was shot and posted by ECACVB Sales and Web Site Coordinator Jessica Faulkingham. CNN and other major media outlets re-broadcast the video clip. Traffic to both the tourism and economic develop Web sites has since tripled.

The other ECACVB Innovation Award was in the category of “Best Bureau Community Partnerships” for its Net-Work project. Beginning in 2007, as a service to Elizabeth City area attractions and event organizers, the tourism office began placing visitor information on www.youtube.com, www.myspace.com and launched a blog, www.harborofhospitality.blogspot.com. An account at www.merchantcircle.com was also created to promote local businesses.

“These are networking outlets that the tourism and business community might not have time to create on their own,” said Faulkingham, who manages the sites on their behalf. “It relieves these organizations of having to manage the sites, while providing free publicity for Elizabeth City.”

The tourism office was awarded the Gold Destination Marketing Award in the category of “Publications” developed by CVBs with an annual budget less than $650,000. In December 2007, the ECACVB and its marketing and public relations firm, Cahoon & Cross, developed and mailed a greeting card that extended the CVB’s branding campaign, “Discover the Good Life Daily.”

Mailed to tourism industry stakeholders, CVB partners, the media and motorcoach operators, the card was both a holiday greeting and a reminder that Elizabeth City is a wonderful place to visit, year-round.

“People appreciated receiving the greeting – and it made them think about Elizabeth City in a very positive manner,” said Haddad.
###

Tarheel Traveler

Good Morning:

Scott Mason of WRAL-TV in Raleigh was in town last week doing some stories about Elizabeth City for its Tarheel Traveler segment. The first segment aired last night featuring Bridge Tender Joe Kramer. You can view it by going on www.wral.com and scrolling down to Tarheel Traveler and clicking on Elizabeth City man captains drawbridge, or you can just click here.

Additional segments will be airing in the future, including the Underground Railroad and Dismal Swamp Canal. Scott also plans another visit to Elizabeth City to do stories on the new arts council building, the first school and the Rose Buddies, among other topics.

Have a great day.

Russ

Harbor Nights on July 4th

July 4th Harbor Nights is one you won’t want to miss! The event moves to Waterfront Park as Arts of the Albemarle is partnering with CapSan Media, (Classic Hits 104.9, 99.1 The Sound, ESPN 92.3 and Country 97.1) Radio Media Promotions and Promoter John Vick and to bring the band Mountain Heart straight from Nashville, Tennessee to perform as the headliner of the night.

Mountain Heart is the band that has been fearlessly revolutionizing the way acoustic music can be presented and played. Widely known throughout the music industry for continually redefining the cutting edge, Mountain Heart has gained legends of fans as a result of their superlative musicianship, and more notably, their incomparably exciting live performances. Mountain Heart’s name has been synonymous with cutting-edge excellence since their creation in 1998. As one of the most highly awarded ensembles ever assembled, Mountain Heart, or members of the band, have won numerous Grammy’s, ACM, CMA, and IBMA Awards. They have appeared on the revered stage of the Grand Ole Opry in excess of 100 times and have shared the stage with everyone from Lynyrd Skynrd, Montgomery Gentry, Merle Haggard, and Brad Paisley, to Alison Krauss, Travis Tritt, Yonder Mountain Stringband, LeAnn Rimes, and Patty Loveless. Now with the introduction of their phenomenally talented young lead singer, the band is poised to take their success to an even higher level. As the group leading the charge in taking acoustic music to the masses, Mountain Heart deftly combines elements of rock, jamband, country, blues, jazz, and bluegrass into a high-energy sound that is at once fresh, accessible, and unmistakable!

Harbor Nights begins at 5 pm as the Embarq Children’s activity tent opens and food vendors begin serving. CapSan media will present three top local bands, chosen by CapSan Media The runner ups will begin at 5:30 pm and the top local band will open for Mountain Heart.

At 9 pm the fireworks begin, bigger and better on a barge moored in the river.


For more information please call 252-338-6455 and/or check out www.artsofthealbemarle.com.

Dr. Tom Vinick Friday night at The City Wine Sellar

Dr. Tom Vinick Friday night at The City Wine Sellar
Host: Debbie Malenfant
Location: City Wine Sellar
102 Water Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 US
When: Friday, June 13, 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Phone: 252-335-1163

Join us Friday night at The Sellar Wine Bar (located inside The City Wine Sellar) for the sounds of the super-entertainer, Dr. Tom Vinick. Dr. Tom hails from the Moyock area and plays "cool baby" 70s cover tunes. Come out for a night of entertainment that will have you singing and shimmying.

Entertainment is from 7-10 pm. Regular deli menu items served from 6-9 pm. The Sellar Wine Bar is Elizabeth City's only non-smoking bar. Enjoy our outside patio seating.

RSVP nice, but not necessary.

It'll be a lucky Friday the 13th with Dr. Tom Vinick.

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

First Great Strides Walk for a Cure in Elizabeth City

Be part of the FIRST Great Strides Walk for a Cure for Cystic Fibrosis in Elizabeth City. Make plans to attend a planning meeting on June 26 at 5:30 pm at the AOA Gallery at 609 East Main St. and sign up to volunteer, create a team or find out more about the walk. Refreshments will be served. Call Lisa Winslow at 252-562-5441 or the Raleigh CF Chapter at 800-822-9941 or visit http://www.cff.org/Chapters/carolinas/.

1st Annual Waterfront Park Bocce Ball Tournament - Part 3

HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE IN THE JULY 19, 2008
1ST ANNUAL BOCCE BASH
FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS
WATERFRONT PARK, ELIZABETH CITY, NC??????
YOU CAN BE A CORPORATE SPONSOR

There are three levels of corporate sponsorship available for this event

GOLD-$1000 DONATION:
-Entitles you to up to FIVE teams to play bocce ball, each of which will be guaranteed at least three matches.
-Up to FIVE courts will have a sign with your company name
-Each of the courts your teams are assigned to will have a sign with your team name
-There will be a VIP tent with free refreshments on site from 11-3pm exclusively for SIX of your named guests who will receive VIP identification for this privilege. Monteros Restaurant will be catering this venue.
-SIX of your named guests will each receive one free pass to the Saturday night dance where the tournament winners will be announced and recognized by the Mayor of Elizabeth City.
-Your company will be recognized by name at our Opening Ceremonies.
-Signage with your company name will be included at all site locations and in all promotional materials. This information will also be provided to media.
-Your teams may bring umbrellas, up to an 8X8 canopy, lawn chairs, etc. for their comfort to place near their playing location at the end of the courts. This may have company logos/names.
-Your teams, by the registration deadline of July 11th, may request to challenge up to three particular teams in the tournament. We encourage this to make your day as much fun for your team as possible!!!
-Your teams may indicate at the time of registration, for an additional fee, whether they want color-coordinated t-shirts for their team members. Each team will have a different color assignment BUT, registration of a team that wants shirts must be done by July 1st.

SILVER-$500 DONATION:
-Entitles you to up to THREE teams to play bocce ball, each of which will be guaranteed at least three matches.
-Up to THREE courts will have a sign with your company name
-Each of the courts your teams are assigned to will have a sign with your team name
-There will be a VIP tent with free refreshments on site from 11-3pm exclusively for FOUR of your named guests who will receive VIP identification for this privilege. Monteros Restaurant will be catering this venue.
-FOUR of your named guests will each receive one free pass to the Saturday night dance where the tournament winners will be announced and recognized by the Mayor of Elizabeth City.
-Your company will be recognized by name at our Opening Ceremonies.
-Signage with your company name will be included at all site locations and in all promotional materials. This information will also be provided to media.
-Your teams may bring umbrellas, up to an 8X8 canopy, lawn chairs, etc. for their comfort to place near their playing location at the end of the courts. This may have company logos/names.
-Your teams, by the registration deadline of July 11th, may request to challenge up to three particular teams in the tournament. We encourage this to make your day as much fun for your team as possible!!!
-Your teams may indicate at the time of registration, for an additional fee, whether they want color-coordinated t-shirts for their team members. Each team will have a different color assignment BUT, registration of a team that wants shirts must be done by July 1st.

BRONZE-$350 DONATION:
-Entitles you to up to TWO teams to play bocce ball, each of which will be guaranteed at least three matches.
-Up to TWO courts will have a sign with your company name
-Each of the courts your teams are assigned to will have a sign with your team name
-There will be a VIP tent with free refreshments on site from 11-3pm exclusively for TWO of your named guests who will receive VIP identification for this privilege. Monteros Restaurant will be catering this venue.
-TWO of your named guests will each receive one free pass to the Saturday night dance where the tournament winners will be announced and recognized by the Mayor of Elizabeth City.
-Your company will be recognized by name at our Opening Ceremonies.
-Signage with your company name will be included at all site locations and in all promotional materials. This information will also be provided to media.
-Your teams may bring umbrellas, up to an 8X8 canopy, lawn chairs, etc. for their comfort to place near their playing location at the end of the courts. This may have company logos/names.
-Your teams, by the registration deadline of July 11th, may request to challenge up to three particular teams in the tournament. We encourage this to make your day as much fun for your team as possible!!!
-Your teams may indicate at the time of registration, for an additional fee, whether they want color-coordinated t-shirts for their team members. Each team will have a different color assignment BUT, registration of a team that wants shirts must be done by July 1st.

YOU CAN SPONSOR AN INDIVIDUAL TEAM:
For $100 you can sponsor one, 4-6 member team.
-Entitles your team to play bocce ball and your team will be guaranteed at least three matches.
-The court your team is assigned to will have a sign with your team name.
-Signage with your team name will be included at site locations and in promotional materials. This information will also be provided to media.
-Your team may bring umbrellas, up to an 8X8 canopy, lawn chairs, etc. for their comfort to place near their playing location at the end of the courts. This may have company logos/names.
-Your team, by the registration deadline of July 11th, may request to challenge up to three particular teams in the tournament. We encourage this to make your day as much fun for your team as possible!!!
-Your team may indicate at the time of registration, for an additional fee, whether they want color-coordinated t-shirts for their team members. Each team will have a different color assignment BUT, registration of a team that wants shirts must be done by July 1st.

For more information please call Robert Tadlock at 252-338-7775.

special news from Stillwaters

Attention to all our loyal clients
We have great news for you
Please read this full notice:
Our new Hours will be as follows, starting with the Month of June
Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday ----- 10-6
Thursday ----- 12-8
Saturday ----- 9-2

Only for the 4th of July Holiday; our hours will be:

Monday June 30th ~ 10-6
Tuesday July 1st ~ 10-8
Wednesday July 2nd ~ 10-6
Thursday July 3rd ~ 10-4 as we will be closing early for the holiday
Friday & Saturday ~ July 4th & 5th we will be closed.

We will resume our normal hours as mentioned above.

Also starting Sunday August 24th thru September 1st we will be closed for Vacation and reopen 10:00 am Tuesday September 2nd.
We hope that this will give you advance notice to book your appointments accordingly.

We would like at this time to mention that we’ve put our building up for sale.
Only the building not the business!!!!

We have decided to down size at this time and stay within the city limits. We have found it very difficult to provide you with all the upscale services we initially intended upon opening the salon.

We will keep you informed of our plight with the hiring of committed N.C. licensed staff and where we will be moving to in town.

We thank you so much for your patronage and support, please stay with us through this transition, it’s because of you that we do this.

Mike & Pat Wanas
Stillwater’s Salon
104 West Main Street
Elizabeth City
252-338-1011

1st Annual Waterfront Park Bocce Ball Tournament - Part 2

July 19th Waterfront Park Bocce Ball Bash Itinerary (Rain date-July 26th)
Pre-events

Friday, May 16, 3pm:
Photo at Mayor’s office w/law enforcement.

Tuesday, May 27, 7pm:
Presentation to the City at City Council meeting by Robert Tadlock Insurance, Inc. of permanent Bocce Courts for Mariner’s Wharf Park, (bocce ball sets to be at Groupers for check-out by tourists and residents).

Friday, May 30, 6pm:
Mayor throws first ball at newly installed Bocce Courts at Mariner’s Wharf Park.

Friday evenings in June 6, 13, 20, 27, 5pm-8pm:
Practice at Bocce Courts at Mariner’s Wharf Park, if no conflict with other scheduled events.

Tournament events

Friday, July 18th:
5pm-10pm: Mariner’s Wharf Park. Bocce Ball practice with teams & judges.
7pm-10pm: Mariner’s Wharf Park. Live band and refreshments with City Wine Cellar.

Saturday, July 19th:
8am-9am: team check-in/practice
9am-9:30am: opening ceremonies
9:30am-6:00pm: tournament
8pm-11pm: Dance at Waterfront Park.

What is Bocce Ball & Why Special Olympics?
History of Bocce Ball:
Bocce Ball has evolved over a very long period of time. The basics of the game however, can be traced back to similar games that were played in Egypt around 5000 BC.
Bocce Ball, best known in Italy, is one of the oldest of all lawn or yard games. It has recently gaining popularity in North America, particularly in East coast waterfront communities since it can be played by people of all ages and on a great variety of surfaces. Bocce is played between two players or two teams of up to four players on a team.

Just what is Bocce Ball?
Today’s version of bocce has elements of bowling, horseshoes, shuffleboard and billiards. The game can be enjoyed by players of all ages and athletic abilities.
To play bocce, a white ball the size of a golf ball called the pallino is rolled onto an 8’x60’ grass court. This ball becomes the target. Players roll larger balls to see who can come closest to the pallino. Players can move the pallino with their balls or knock opposing balls further away.

Why Special Olympics?
This is the 40th Anniversary of Special Olympics. 1300 special needs North Carolinians participate in the Special Olympics games each year. The goal of Special Olympics is for all persons with intellectual disabilities to have the chance to become useful and productive citizens who are accepted and respected in their communities.
NENC has not participated in the Special Olympics torch run for several years and we are excited that there is such a regionally co-operative effort by our area’s law enforcement agencies to participate once again.
All funds raised will be credited to our area law enforcement agencies and passed directly to Special Olympics.
I encourage everyone to get involved in helping our area law enforcement assist those with special needs who face life obstacles that most of us never will.