Tales from Tangier: An Evening of Lively Stories at the Barrier Island Center

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation will host an evening of storytelling about the past, present, and future life on Tangier Island

 Saturday, January 19,

 beginning at 6 p.m.

 Barrier Island Center

 Machipongo, Va.

In this intimate atmosphere, some of Tangier's most colorful characters will share treasured memories and perspectives that exemplify the unique lifestyle that is Tangier.
 
Scheduled speakers include the Mayor of Tangier James “Ooker” Eskridge; Charles and Cindy Parks; Lonnie and Carol Moore, and others. The evening of storytelling will be hosted by Don Baugh, CBF’s Vice President of Education, who will ask speakers to reflect on their childhood, and how life is changing and becoming more challenging on Tangier. All share a love and concern for their unique home in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay. All realize that a healthier Bay is key to maintaining a healthy economy for the future of the island.

“Tales from Tangier” is a free, family-oriented event open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided. At the conclusion of the storytelling, The Chair Place Players, a bluegrass band from Craddockville, Va., will perform.
 
The Barrier Island Center is located on Route 13 between mile markers 90 & 91 at the intersection of Route 13 and Young Street in Machipongo. For more information, contact Tatum Ford, tford@cbf.org or call 757/971-0366.
 
About the speakers

 Mayor James (Ooker) Eskridge A lifelong waterman fishing for crabs and eels, he has been mayor for the last six years. In the last election he received 100 percent of the votes. He was also instrumental in recently getting U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the state of Virginia to commit to building a seawall and jetty to protect the island.
 
Lonnie Moore Prior to coming to CBF’s Education Department 20 years ago, he was Virginia’s top waterman for decades. One of Tangier’s favorite sons; excels at many things from pitching and dancing to winning boat docking competitions.
 
Charles Parks
 A lifelong Tangier waterman, who has worked as captain and educator for CBF for 15 years, he is one of CBF’s best messengers, telling stories to students about life on Tangier and the need for improved water quality. He is also noted for his role in the church choir.