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You are here: Home / Archives for Top Story

What Will the North End of the Beach Look Like?

October 1, 2023 by Wayne Creed 2 Comments

The approval by the Cape Charles Wetlands and Coastal Sand Dune Board for a riprap revetment, a breakwater, groin wall, a private open-pile pier, and a covered boathouse along the beachfront property at the corner of Washington and Bay avenues (bottle beach) may open the door for wholesale reconstruction of the North end of the beach. This application for the three lots is part of a larger development plan for two homes to be constructed at this location.

This property has been known to locals as bottle beach and had previously been utilized as part of the ferry system that serviced the lower end of the Eastern Shore. Some citizens have concerns, such as lost osprey nesting areas, the obstructed view, losing some of the old ferry dock poles, etc.

The property owner had previously submitted an application to the Town which was approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals at their meeting on September 13, 2022, to grant an exception to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act of the Cape Charles Zoning Ordinance to allow for two residential dwelling units. The one condition is that there be no further development of a family dwelling or residence at this location.

The Schlegel Family sold the property in 1931 and eventually reacquired the lots and utilized the property as a commercial harbor. In the late 1970’s, a portion of the land was sold for the construction of the Seabreeze Apartments which were constructed in 1983. The Schlegel Family continued to own the property until it was recently sold to the Hainsworths once they were able to secure the Exception approval regarding the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (CBPA) from the Town.

It is expected that the VMRC will approve most, if not all of the project. However, Town staff told the Mirror that due to the beachfront master planning effort that is set to begin very soon, applying for that level of infrastructure right now would be premature.


The general application is in order, and the approval by the Wetlands Board was appropriate. That is not to say there are no problems.

One of the biggest concerns is the continued use of breakwaters—not just with this application, but all along the coastline of the Chesapeake Bay. We know the VMRC is addicted to this approach, however, the long-term effectiveness and sustainability are questionable.

One of the significant drawbacks of breakwaters is their impact on natural sediment transport. They can trap sand and other sediments on their upwind side, leading to beach depletion on the downwind side. This can result in the need for costly beach nourishment programs in other areas. If the folks at Butlers Bluff are wondering why their properties are falling into the bay, look no further than the breakwaters that litter the coast to their north.

Breakwaters can disrupt local ecosystems by altering water circulation patterns, affecting habitats, and potentially leading to increased turbidity. This can harm seafloor ecosystems, particularly those that rely on light penetration for photosynthesis.

While breakwaters are effective against moderate wave conditions, they may be less reliable during extreme weather events like hurricanes or tsunamis. In some cases, these structures can even exacerbate damage by deflecting waves onto the shoreline. A case in point is the odd breakwater just north of the Seabreeze Apartments. There are a series of cone-shaped objects meant to protect the property just north of Seabreeze. At low tide, you can see how storms have jostled their positions.

Long-term, Breakwaters require ongoing maintenance and repair due to the wear and tear caused by wave action, storms, and corrosion. These costs can add up over time. Will owners be willing to shell out for continued maintenance?

The reality is that this is now private property, and the owners should be allowed to pursue some form of development. To be sure, the project at hand is not child’s play and walks the razor’s edge in terms of individual property rights and public access. A fair and effective method of erosion control and shoreline stabilization is required, however, is this approach the most appropriate? Whether the application, including the pier, boat house, etc. is simpatico to the Town’s long-term goals for the north end is something that may still need to be negotiated.

Filed Under: News, Top Story

Time to Legalize Ganja on the Beach

July 16, 2023 by Wayne Creed 18 Comments

In last week’s edition of the Mirror, we published an article about smoking marijuana on Cape Charles Beach. The overwhelming number of comments we received were in favor of allowing folks to toke up on the beach. Many of the points citizens made were valid–their arguments proved this writer wrong and completely changed his mind. If others can smoke cigarettes, and cigars, get drunk, be loud, and rowdy, can play loud music, and set up tent cities, why can’t the ordinary people smoke a little bit of ganja?

In general, the Town Council is utterly dubious, and its usefulness is always up for debate. For once, they should take a stand and attempt to transcend their historic mediocrity–legalize the personal use of weed on the beach. Grow a pair and just do it.

But, you say, it’s illegal to do this in the Old Dominion. Is it though? Realize that chronic is also totally illegal at the Federal level. The State of Virginia just ignored that, and did its own thing. Cape Charles would just be following the argument to its logical conclusion: this is a local issue, and we can do whatever we want, no matter what the State says. As a juvenile delinquent friend of mine once said after he was arrested for illegally raising pigs in his backyard, “F@ck the Law”.

If Virginia can ignore the Federal Government, Cape Charles can ignore Virginia.

Currently, you can smoke a blunt (or take a bong hit) privately, but not publically. But, on the beach, what is public and what is private? Private generally refers to areas that are owned and controlled by individuals. Do I not own and control my beach towel or chair? Once you have plopped down in “your’ space, it becomes your own Private Idaho, and you should be able to engage in any form of peaceful, meditative activity that you desire.

Historically, the Town has spent beaucoup bucks using lawyers for all sorts of questionable endeavors–selling the old school for $10, gifting (grifting) the developer class by raping the Annexation Agreement, as well as [insert worthless endeavor here]. Maybe now they can hire a firm that will fight for our right to party, and look into something that may actually be beneficial to Shore locals.

Let’s really look at this. What are the other benefits?

Legalizing marijuana can strengthen the community fabric–it can lead to a reduction in crime rates related to individuals being arrested for smoking weed on the beach. Moreover, legalizing marijuana helps eliminate the criminalization of non-violent offenders and reduces the burden on the criminal justice system, freeing up resources for more pressing matters such as tracking down and harassing idiots on golf carts.

Marijuana has been recognized for its potential therapeutic benefits in managing various medical conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and nausea related to chemotherapy. Legalization can allow folks to benefit from the medicinal properties while also using it next to the water. This rich combination enhances patient care and general quality of life.

The criminalization of smoking weed on the beach has disproportionately affected marginalized communities (stoners). Legalizing weed smoking on the beach would promote equity, equality, and social justice for pot smokers.

The Town is all about Tourism, well it’s time to put their money where their mouth is. By advertising (even by word of mouth) that Cape Charles Beach is 4/20 friendly, you can expect a radical increase in tourism and related businesses. Cannabis tourism has emerged as a significant market, attracting visitors who seek to explore legal cannabis markets and participate in related activities. This influx of tourists can have a positive economic impact on local businesses, including hotels, restaurants (marijuana has been shown to increase appetite), and other tourism-oriented ventures.

It’s time for this town to move forward. Legalize it on the beach.

Filed Under: News, Top Story

Do Drop Inn Harlem Nights Valentine’s Day Dance Feb 11

February 5, 2023 by Wayne Creed 1 Comment

The Legendary Giddons Do Drop Inn is excited to announce its Harlem Nights Valentine’s Day Dance taking place on February 11th. The event is a Jazz-Age Roaring 20s theme, so come out and support this Eastern Shore cultural icon through music, dance, and community.

The Harlem Nights Valentine’s Day Dance will feature live performances by the Down ‘n Outs Band. Guests can also enjoy a great mix of heavy hor d’oeuvres.

$20 admission

Cash Bar

Filed Under: News, Top Story

Education Foundation Needs Community Support To Continue Record Level Of Giving To Northampton County Public Schools

October 16, 2022 by Wayne Creed 3 Comments

The Northampton County Education Foundation contributed a record $56,000 to the Northampton County Public Schools in the2021-22 fiscal year, the highest in the organization’s sixteen-year history.

The organization has just announced a major fundraising campaign that begins October 10, aimed at continuing this high level of support to the schools in the coming year.  The campaign’s goal is to match a $25,000 pledge from Preserve Communities’ James Fisher Memorial Foundation.  Preserve communities is the parent company of Cape Charles’ Bay Creek.

The Foundation is a nonprofit organization established to channel support from the community to the public schools for initiatives that are not included in the annual school budget. 

Foundation initiatives aim to enhance Northampton County Public Schools students’ academic success, broaden their life experiences, and enhance their well-being.  Through direct grants and community crowd funding, the Foundation supports multiple school programs and projects. 

Laren Everage’s science class at Northampton High School was adopted by Peach Street Books in Cape Charles through the Education Foundation’s Adopt A Class program that funneled $3,475 directly to individual classrooms.

This included funding for the annual four-session summer Pre-K Camp program that introduces the school experience to children enrolled in Pre-Kindergarten and their caregivers. The organization also provided scholarships to 20 Northampton High School students to help cover the cost of taking college classes at Eastern Shore Community College.

Foundation funding supported the high school robotics team, tutoring for student athletes, new uniforms for the marching band, Kids Closets that provide clothing and hygiene products for students, and projects aimed at raising teacher morale and rewarding teacher excellence and more.

Linda Schulz, Chair of the Northampton County Education Foundation Board of Directors, stated, “Since our inception, the work of the Foundation would not have been possible without the help of our community – individuals, businesses, non-profits, churches and other entities – who have used the foundation to funnel financial support to our public schools. We are asking the community to step up again and match the generous pledge from Preserve Communities so that we can continue this level of funding for our schools.”

Tax Deductible donations can made through the Foundation website, NCEDUFOUNDATION.COM or sent to NCEF, PO Box 323, Cape Charles, VA 23310.

The 2021-2022 Impact Report of the Northampton County Education Foundation has comprehensive details of Foundation support for the schools. It is available on the organization’s website, NCEDUFOUNDATION.com or via this link https://issuu.com/nocoeducationfoundation/docs/ncef-annual_report-2021-2022.

Filed Under: News, Top Story

CRABBY BLUES FESTIVAL Saturday, September 17th

September 11, 2022 by Wayne Creed 2 Comments

The CRABBY BLUES FESTIVAL in Cape Charles Central Park is on for Saturday, September 17th from 2pm – 7pm.

FREE ADMISSION to celebrate the 10th festival! This is a fundraiser supporting Cape Charles Christian School. For your enjoyment: “Later That Night” and “Heather & Nathan” will be playing music.

There will be a KID ZONE with bouncers from Bay Bounce. Cape Charles Carriage Horses, Party Ponies and Petting Zoo will have their small animals and pony rides. There will be a Silent Auction with many fantastic items.

Local Food and Beverage Vendors will offering a variety of foods and both alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase. Local Art & Craft vendors will be on hand, plus much more.

Come spend the afternoon with the great folks of Cape Charles Christian School.

Please contact Debbie at debbie@cccsesva.org for more information.


Special thanks to the Sponsors : Cherrystone Aqua Farms, Financial Security Advisory, John Burdiss, Esquire, Shore Container, Atlantic Brokerage LLC, Turner & Wiggins Attorneys At Law, Fig Street Inn, Rayfields Pharmacy, Knight MaGee Insurance, Ruby Salts Oyster Company, The Tayloe Family, and Cape Charles Animal Hospital ….. and to the CCCS staff and families!!!

Filed Under: News, Top Story

Auditions: Night of Gothic Horror, Sept. 10th

September 4, 2022 by Wayne Creed 1 Comment

Join our local heroine for a night of Gothic Horror on her journey by night where she will try to escape hungry, graveyard zombies, and is hunted by slasher Michael Myers after he escapes the asylum. Along the way, meet an aging gravedigger who is about to be replaced by a backhoe, dance through a Pet Cemetery and follow a light Over at Frankenstein’s Place, and be trapped in a house full of hungry vampires. This is set to be a fun and horrific Monster Mash at the Historic, and haunted Palace Theatre.

Auditions for the show will be held on Saturday, September 10th at 11:30 at the haunted Palace Theatre in Cape Charles. Be there by 11:00 or so to get signed in.

Check your calendars!!!

Show dates are Friday October 28th, Saturday October 29th, and Sunday October 30th

The show will be directed by Amy Watkins and Wayne Creed. The directors are looking for youth actors ages 11 to 18, but there are also roles for some adults (if you do not frighten easily).

There are speaking, singing, and dancing roles, so don’t be shy, there is a part for everyone.

How we do it: basically, you will have to read a little bit from a script, and if you have a little ditty you can sing for us, that would be great. Miss Amy may have us do little group choreography to get a feel for our dancers.

Our auditions are always light and fun and very stress-free.

Please join us on September 10th at 11:00 at the haunted Palace Theatre in Cape Charles….if you dare.

Filed Under: News, Top Story

Does Cape Charles need a Cart Narc?

May 15, 2022 by Wayne Creed 14 Comments

It seems like a basic courtesy to others: you get a cart at the supermarket, use it to get your groceries and bring them to your vehicle, and return it for others to use. And yet, many people ignore the cart receptacle entirely and leave their carts next to their cars or abandoned haphazardly all over the parking lot. The Cape Charles Food Lion makes it very easy and convenient to return the cart, providing two corrals within easy walking distance from anywhere in the parking lot. Still, people just leave the cart right in the middle of a parking space.

Where does this disregard come from? More than likely, it is the same type of people that just throw trash out of their car windows, somehow unable to make it to a trash receptacle.

The essence of “shopping cart theory” proposes that an individual’s moral character can be determined by whether they choose to return a shopping cart to its designated spot after use or whether they simply leave it wherever it suits them, “The shopping cart is the ultimate litmus test for whether a person is capable of self-governing, the post states. To return the shopping cart is an easy, convenient task and one which we all recognize as the correct, appropriate thing to do. To return the shopping cart is objectively right. There are no situations other than dire emergencies in which a person is not able to return their cart. Simultaneously, it is not illegal to abandon your shopping cart. Therefore the shopping cart presents itself as the apex example of whether a person will do what is right without being forced to do it.”

The author of The Shopping Cart Theory continues, “No one will punish you for not returning the shopping cart, no one will fine you, or kill you for not returning the shopping cart, you gain nothing by returning the shopping cart. You must return the shopping cart out of the goodness of your own heart. You must return the shopping cart because it is the right thing to do. Because it is correct.” The theoretician then goes on to make some rather radical statements about those who do not pass The Shopping Cart test. “A person who is unable to do this is no better than an animal, an absolute savage who can only be made to do what is right by threatening them with a law and the force that stands behind it,” they state.

Does Food Lion need to hire a Cart Narc?

“Americans are facing an epidemic perpetuated by the laziness of their fellow citizens,” Cart Narcs, a segment on the YouTube channel The Woody Show, states in one video. “We’re talking about the dicks who don’t put their carts back into the corral.” They decided to take matters into their own hands by publically shaming people who leave their carts in the parking lot to ding cars and take up precious parking spots.

Just put the cart back where it belongs.

Filed Under: News, Top Story

Mason Ave Parking Proposal: 15mph speed limit, all trucks, and large vehicles banned from parking

February 13, 2022 by Wayne Creed 18 Comments

The Town of Cape Charles continues to move ahead in its effort to change reverse-in parking spaces with head-in parking spaces.

The Town submitted a Design Waiver Request to VDOT last August 2021, however, VDOT responded that they consider head-in angled parking more hazardous and requested that the Town address several safety issues.

As part of the new ‘safety’ plan, the Town proposed reducing the speed limit to 15 mph from Peach Street to Harbor Avenue and prohibiting trucks of all kinds (including vans and SUVs) from the angled parking spaces. VDOT, for ‘safety’ reasons, likes the idea of restricting parking on the north side of Mason Avenue to passenger cars only. According to the VDOT, it would improve visibility and would alleviate safety concerns.

Parking for trucks, SUVs, and minivans will be located on the south side of Mason Avenue, the municipal parking lot south of Mason Avenue, side streets north of Mason Avenue (Peach, Strawberry, Pine, and Harbor), and Randolph Avenue.

Town Council will review the proposal at the next Regular Meeting this Thursday, February 17th.

Filed Under: Artist, Bottom, News, Top Story

Cape Charles Halloween Updates 2021

October 24, 2021 by Wayne Creed 1 Comment

This Halloween in Cape Charles Trick-or-Treating will be permitted on Sunday, October 31 from dusk to 8:00 p.m.

The town asks that trick-or-treaters respect those that do not want to participate…if they don’t have a light on, just go on to a house that does.

The town curfew will be enforced for anyone under 18.

Due to being short-staffed due to turnover, there will be no trunk-or-treat this season.

If you have any suggestions, please contact Julie Pruitt at julie.pruitt@capecharles.org.

Filed Under: News, Top Story

1ST Annual Crab Slam Comes to Cape Charles July 30th

July 25, 2021 by Wayne Creed 11 Comments

We have all missed the old Clam Slam, and then the Shuck-n-Suck, but all of that is changing this season. The first annual Crab Slam is coming to the Cape Charles harbor. It is being billed as a Celebration of Watermen, and will feature fan favorites such as featuring Live Music, Smith Island Speed Skiff Races, and of course, the boat docking contest.

The annual boat docking contest event is hosted by the Shanty and the Cape Charles Harbor & Marina.

The event kicks off Friday night, 7/30 with live music, food & beverages.

The Shanty will be closing down their parking lot on Saturday, 7/31 and Sunday 8/1 to host retail, food, wine, and beer vendors. There will be an outdoor stage for live music the duration of the event.

Sunday, 8/1, is the only day tickets are required! This is one of the biggest days of the year in Cape Charles, the Boat Docking Contest.

Get your tickets here

Filed Under: News, Top Story

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