The Stack May Be Saved, But We Still Need Funds.

The scaffolding is down and all the new bricks are blended in perfectly.. Lightning rods up and structural banding all in place.. It''s a magnificent thing to see .. It now stands tall again doing more than welcoming folks to Reedville. It stands tall as a symbol to the people of the Northern Neck.. Who, during one of the worst economic down turns in history, raised the money. We are so close. The work had to move forward after the past two storms as reported. But funds are still needed.. We will be announcing some new efforts soon, so stay tuned.. The work is not over...But the Stack sure looks great...

Heidi Wilkins and the Jetts Hardware Team Know How to Support the Stack !!

If you ask Heidi Wilkins if she wants to see our stack stay around for another 100 years and there is not a pause in her voice when she responds with “you better believe I do !!”. Heidi not only talks the talk, she walks the talk too. Throughout the summer Heidi has featured comments about saving the stack on her roadside marquee in front of Jetts Hardware Store which she owns. She also quickly volunteered to sell Woodstack tickets. She also readily agreed to let us put a business donation display in the front of her store. Heidi did not stop there. For the months of July and August Heidi donated a percentage of her tackle sales to Save the Stack. A few weeks ago Heidi showed up with a check for $2500 !!! All we can say is Thank You, Thank You, Thank You Heidi. You are making a difference in our cause !! This is Heidi Wilkins and this is her Stack Story.

Work Moves Forward To Save The Stack!

Gulp!

If you were out on the water this weekend, you not only had spectacular weather, and post card skies.. But you also noticed that the stack is now covered in scaffolding. This move needed to get done. With bricks falling now at an alarming rate, the Save The Stack Committee voted to move forward. We still need funds. So please. We are close.. But still no cigar.  If you ever wondered what it takes to put scaffolding up a stack like that.. Here are some images.

All the way to the top

"Worlds Best Lemonade" Saves The Stack.

You can say one day.. I was there when it all started. A Lemonade masterpiece is born!

This is a massive lift to the save the stack effort. Lemonade masters Jackson and Walker Barkstrom set out on July 4th to launch their famous secret recipe Lemonade. "World's Best Lemonade" Released to the public for the first time.... Helped along by their grandmother Carol Barkstrom Walker and Jackson raised $84 for the Save the Stack effort. Kudo's to the team and the amazing "World's Best Lemonade"

It's all in the marketing..

Are they off to a celeb appearance to the talk show circuit? Lemonade is big this time of year...

Woodstack Raises $30,000

This years event of the year, the Woodstack Music Fair raised, gross $30,000 and netted $23,0000. With over 1,100 tickets sold. Over 100 boat taxi tours given and over 500 hot dogs sold.. Dang! There were also a lot of donations regarding items sold that helped raise the funds like beer, t shirts, raffles and some of the music played. "But we still have a long way to go. Just not as far as before" according to Blaine Altaffer from the Greater Reedville Association and the Save The Stack Committee.  Things with the stack are not getting better or staying the same. Work needs to start to stop the damage done by the past two storms immediately. To use the word emergency would not be that far off....Meetings are currently underway to make that decision. Stay tuned. And send in what you can...

Woodstack 2010-They Came By Land, Sea... And Yes Air!

Hands down, without a doubt one of the most fun events in Reedville in a loooooooong time. Woodstack went off without a hitch. Perfect weather, Perfect Music, and a perfect group of folks. Over 1000 of them.. The Music was fantastic into the late night. Full moon and some great dancing. For those of you that could not make it.. here are some nice images...

Wasn't kidding.. Air!

The New Woodsatck T shirt.. Its the in look this summer... This one in Event Staff Orange!

Over 500 Tickets Sold To Woodstack. BUT NOT SOLD OUT!

Just like Woodstock.. almost 1/2 of the festival goers showed up at the gates. The pre-sold $10 tickets are gone. Poof...Just like the stack if you don't come...But there are a ton more for sale at the gate. There is room at Buzzards Point for close to 4,000 folks. So Bring the kids, grandma, great grandma.. Heck bring the earn with Uncle Morty in it of the mantle, he's board there anyway...... 15 bucks at the gate. And it all goes to a good cause.. Cause if you don't come you will be missed...

The Stack Takes A Pounding!

Stack image taken this week, Note the new crack and larger hole...

If for some reason you are thinking, hey whats the big hurry to fix the stack? After all it's been there for 100 years.. Well.. Just go out and look up in the sky.. But not to close.. over 60 bricks fell off it this week alone. These past two storms are taking there toll, and in a strange way.. Nature is saying.. HEY, Buddy! Pony up! I am in trouble.. It's the only way the stack can talk to us now.. Oh! you say... The writer here is getting a tad wacky.. Stacks don't talk... Your right.. this one is screaming now... See you at Woodsatck..

Details Of Woodstack Finalized!

August 21, 2010
1 p.m. to 9 p.m. “8 Hours of Great Music and Fun!”

- Featuring Steve Bassett and friends who playing one set of classic Bassett and one set of songs of Woodstock (note: the Woodstock set is the first time Steve has ever done this which is really cool)

- Other featured artists: Velvet Marias from Richmond! R&B artist Terry Pinkard and friends; Calico Jack; the reunion of Nightshift!!

- Venue: Buzzards Point Marina; come by land or sea!! To reserve a boat slip call 804-453-2628

- $10 tickets sold in advance $15 at the gate kids 12 and under get in free!! ). Tickets can be purchased at the following local businesses: Lilian Lumber Home Center, Burgess; Crazy Crab Restaurant, Reedville; Noblett’s Appliance, Kilmarnock; Coldwell Banker Chesapeake Bay Properties, Kilmarnock office; as well as calling the Reedville Fisherman’s Museum at 804-453-6529.

- Volleyball tournament will be played during the fair; $100 donation to enter your team. Call now to enter your team!!

- Food will be available with a local flare

- Beer, wine, water and soft drinks will also be available (must be 21 yrs or older to purchase adult beverages)

- Boat taxis for a tour of The Stack will be available

- Rain or shine!! Bring your beach chair; no coolers

Below is the actual band line up with time slots!!

Main Stage
• 3:00 – 6:00: Steve Bassett (two sets; one classic Bassett & one Woodstock songs)
• 7:00 – 9:00: Nightshift (4pc band; rock; Beatles, CCR, etc)
Second Stage
• 1:00 – 2:30: Velvet Marias: 6 pcs band/female singer; Bonnie Raitt, Springsteen, Little Feat, Johnny Cash
• 2:30 – 3:00: Terry Pinkard & Friends; R&B Soul
• 6:00 – 6:45: Calico Jack

Woodstack Gets Some Press

The big Woodstack event has gotten some great press. Here is the text..

'Woodstack' comes to Reedville
By Jessica Sterrett
Northumberland Echo
8/4/2010 9:03:07 AM

The group behind efforts to save a local picturesque landmark plans to raise the fundraising bar by bringing their own version of 'Woodstock' to Reedville. Titled, "Woodstack," the Summer Music Fair is scheduled for Saturday, August 21 from 1 to 9 p.m. at Buzzard's Point Marina in Reedville. The event is rain or shine.

According to committtee members, the format and venue is designed for spectators to come spend the day listening to great music at a venue on the water. The focus, of course, is to raise money to support the restoration of the old Morris Fisher smoke stack that greets all visitors coming into Cockrell Creek.

"So many people have expressed interest in the Save the Stack effort and have asked how they can help," said Bill Crowther, event chairperson. "We thought providing them an event like this would give them the opportunity to spend the day with friends, listen to incredible music at an exciting venue, and support our effort."

The committee encourages all that plan to attend to bring their own lawn chairs and spend the day listening to various artists from 5 bands and artists including Steve Bassett and Friends Band, which plans to dedicate one complete set to playing song lists from the infamous Woodstock event. Of course, he will be playing the song he co- wrote titled, "Sweet Virginia Breeze."

Guests are welcome to come by land or sea. Boat taxis for a tour of the stack will also be available. Beer, wine and beverages will be available as well as food with a local touch. Additionally, there will be volleyball contests, horseshoe contests and other fun outdoor activities all focused on saving the stack. Any one who wants to enter a volleyball team needs to submit it with a $100 check (per team) by calling the Reedville Fisherman's museum.

"We are extremely excited to provide the area with a unique opportunity to get involved with the Save the Stack effort," said Blaine Altaffer, Save The Stack chairman. "We want to combine a fun entertaining experience for friends and family to spend a day together while becoming more informed and supportive of preserving the historic stack."

According to committee members, the Save the Stack Committee was organized by local residents who are focused on restoring and preserving the historic smoke stack in Reedville. The stack was built in 1902 and has survived over 50 hurricanes and several fires, but time and Mother Nature have taken their toll. Lightening recently struck the stack on July 31, making the focal point too hazardous to even stand under.

The group is on a mission to raise $350,000 over the next several months to restore it so that the next 100 years of residents and visitors can enjoy this piece of history. The "Woodstack" committee members invite those who can, to come out and experience with their own eyes, days of the past being restored.

"What better way to spend one of our final weekends of the summer all in support of a great cause," said Crowther.

Because there is a limit of only 500 tickets to be sold in advance for this event, the committee encourages those interested to buy their ticket as soon as possible. For more details go to www.savethestack.org or call the Reedville Fisherman's Museum at 804-453-6529 to buy tickets or register a team today. To reserve a boat slip for the event contact Buzzards Point Marina at 804-453-2628.

Mother nature says.. SAVE THE STACK! KAPOW!

This past week it happened again.. Lightning struck the stack and took out some more bricks, opening up the gash at the top. At this point the Stack is deemed to dangerous to have anyone under it. So no more repairs will be done to the banner, that from time to time says.. SE SSCK because it's bunched up. So if you are taking the kids out to see the stack in her before look. That jumble of type says.. SAVE THE STACK! Now more than ever... Thanks Mom for the shout out..

Study Finds Stack Can Be Restored With Simple Household Item.

The Save The Stack Committee meeting this weekend on Sunday morning, reviewing the report.

A resent study on the restoration of the stack has found that it can be easily restored using an every day item.  A Pen!  Yes all you have to do is pick up a pen, and now this is the critical part.. Find your check book, and donate some money. The study also points out that the more numbers on the check, the more that can be done. "The cost of ink and check paper over time is insignificant."  Wilton Gotrocks the author of this report. So.. see, you don't need to lift a finger to help the cause.. Just your pen ...

Woodstack! Date Now Official. August 21st 2-9pm.

Things are heating up for the Summer of the stack. Woodstack is now officially on August 21st at Buzzards Point Marina Reedville VA. Steve Bassett will be playing along with 4 other bands, Volleyball, horseshoes Stack Idol Contest...Basically another beautiful day in Stackville. Stay tuned for more updates on bands and activities. Tickets will be just $10.. Come on.. Mark it down on your calender.....Come by Land or Sea... Food, Beer, Wine and soft drinks available .....Boat “Stack Taxi” rides to view the stack up close!!....Bring your lawn chair (no coolers allowed) And.. Kids under 12 are free... Well, no kid is ever free.There's shoes... clothing..food..collage.. ugh... ..  But for just 7 hrs.. They can come in for free

Save The Stack For The 4th Of July!

What a great weekend. This weekend marked the kick off for the Summer of the stack. This weekend alone over $20,000 was raised. Displays and brochures were put in place. And.. drum roll please.. The stack was lit up for the world to see, even at night.

We also did not miss a beat at the big parade. See image here.

A huge standing ovation to all that put in the extra effort. It was worth it.. And to think.. All you need to do is read this with your new Save the Stack coffee cup full of some Joe...and write a check...

Summer Of The Stack Begins Today....Are You Dressed Appropriately?

To Start off The Summer Of The Stack today, we are happy to announce now you can get a shirt, or cap.. stickers. The profit goes to .. you guessed it.. To Save The Stack. Click here or on the banner on the right hand side of the site.. And show your stack pride. And don't get caught in public in that Dale Earnhardt Jr. shirt. That was so last summer.

The Stacks Are Stacking Up To Save The Stack!

The big fourth of July Weekend is upon us. Look for the Save The Stack Counter cards pictured here, the Save The Stack Float, Save The Stack Art, Songs, even a special Drink. The Cull Ring Restaurant in Freeport, VA has a drink called the "Reedville Relaxer" with a portion of the cost of the drink going to the effort... Jett's Hardware will donate 10% of all it's Marine and tackle sales to the effort...  JULY is the start of Save The Stack Summer!! Get ready... Get Working.. Get out your checkbook!!!!!!!!

Geotechnical Inspection on the Stack Provides Us Some Good News !!

We have learned that the stack is only leaning 1 degree.. Woohooo! That is huge news, in a way the Stack is Saving a bit of it's self..Also above is part of the report explaining that the foundation that was installed is doing a good job.. look for m ore good news soon and our big float in the parade.

Successful June 24th Town Hall Meeting in Reedville on Save the Stack!!

In keeping with the commitment that the Save the Stack Committee made to the community to keep everyone very informed and to operate transparently, a second town hall meeting was held on June 24th in Reedville. The agenda was loaded with marketing and funding updates which now includes a July 31st music outdoor festival being held at Buzzards Point Marina in Reedville, a “Summer of the Stack” calendar of events where local businesses participate with themed events and the addition of a Stack Float and net drive scheduled for the July 3rd parade in Reedville. The meeting also included representatives from Industrial Access by Chimney Solutions out of Atlanta who will be the restoration company. They walked attendees thru restoration techniques and fielded questions from the audience. There was also a report out on the geo survey to determine the quality and strength of the earth under the stack. Jim Foote helped interpret key elements from the report and communicated the findings that no work is required to the soil the stack is standing on.

The finale of the event included testimonials from two residents on why the stack is important to them. A guest testimonial from Donald McCann who related a story about Lewes, Delaware which was once a thriving menhaden port like Reedville that ended in the late 60s and now has nothing to show for it as no one took the time or effort to save any of the history.

Spud Parker moderated the meeting and concluded the event !

Save The Stack Town Hall Meeting. Thursday, June 24th.

Get on your fancy go to meet'n cloths. It's town hall meeting time tomorrow night. Come hear all that is going on with the Save the Stack effort live and in person. Ask questions and donate all your money to the cause. Thursday June 24th.. 6 PM Festival hall, Reedville, VA...

Kathryn Humphreys Pen Saves The Day. Your Pen Can Do The Same!

Virginia Artist Kathryn Humphreys pen and talented eye has captured a perfect day in Reedville. Her drawing has captured the complete picture of what it's like to enter the harbor. You can now have this drawing .. or a print of it in your very own home. Or use it as a wonderful mailing card. Look on the right side of this web site for the donation card and start drawing your own drawing, one with nice numbers in it...on check paper...you can even sign that master piece...We will frame it if it's big enough...after we cash it...... See, your pen and talented eye can help too..

The Gift of a Song

Janie Meneely and Paul DeBlasi (AKA “Calico Jack”) received a standing ovation at the opening concert of the 2010 “Summer Sundays Concert Series” on Sunday night at the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum! Reason? They performed Song for the Stack, an original song written by Janie just the night before about our community’s effort to SAVE THE STACK! She tweaked it as they traveled from Annapolis to Reedville, Paul practiced the new lines as he drove, and that was the extent of their rehearsal! No one would ever have known, so good they are at their musical repartee.

Paul’s booming tenor is a strong compliment to Janie’s sweet voice, and their dozens of songs (mostly written by Janie) tell vivid stories of life on and around the Chesapeake Bay. Also performed at Sunday’s concert was Janie’s original Claude Somers song …
a treat to sing, they said, with the Claude Somers herself forming the backdrop for the stage. Janie does her homework; whether the songs are silly, saucy, or serious, they convincingly evoke precious times gone by. In Song for the Stack, we see this, too: she captured the historical significance of the tall stack to the region and the essence of the local sentiment.

Janie is a supporter of all things maritime, lover of the bay, avid sailor, and a talented and prolific singer/song-writer. She has embraced our cause. She has given us its anthem. Maybe one day, Song for the Stack, born only 2 days ago, will be one of her releases. In the meantime, we have this wonderful gift of a song!

Note: You may purchase any of “Calico Jack’s” delightful CD’s at the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum Gift Shop: “Give Me a River,” “The Oyster Wife,” and “You Don’t Know Jack.” Google them to see what fun and interesting things they do, or go to www.calicojackmusic.com.

For more information about upcoming performances in the 2010 “Summer Sundays Concert Series,” please visit rfmuseum.org.

Banner On The Stack Goes Live!

Just in the nick of time, the new banner for the Save the Stack effort went up on the stack. It's was perfect timing since this was the big weekend for the Reedville area with hundreds of fishing boats glugging by loaded with fish and big dreams of winning the derby. To give you an idea of the stacks size... That dinky little banner is 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide..

Stripers, Bluefish Helping Out For "Save The Stack" Effort This Weekend!

In what has to be one of the most courageous gestures ever done for a good cause, hundreds of Stipers and Bluefish this weekend will give there scrumptious tasty lives to Save the Stack. This weekend is The big Reedville Fishing Derby weekend in Reedville brought to us by Buzzards Point Marina and Smith Point Sea Rescue. The Derby starts today through Saturday. Stop by the Save The Stack tent and you too can help... with money... no courageous gestures required...

Fishing Legend from Reedville Reflects on “The Stack !

One of the wonderful things about working on this cause is that we get to meet wonderful folks that are truly the texture of our wonderful community. Icons saving a wonderful Icon...here is a great short reflection of The Stack from John Lowry.

John Lowry was born in 1914 and has lived his entire life in Reedville. He was a menhaden fish boat captain most of his adult life. His father was a pound net fisherman and he remembers his father, Otis Lowry, using the visual of the old brick Morris Fisher stack to set a fix for where he ran his pound net in the bay. Cap’n John supports keeping this treasured landmark in place and restored so the next generations of waterman can enjoy it welcoming them home safely like it has him for most of his 95 years. In fact he once captained the menhaden steamer “Wicomico” which was originally built for the Morris Fisher factory which originally built the stack in 1902.

Reedville Introduces New Logo and Tag Line Using The Stack As It's Icon.

The Greater Reedville Association is proud to announce it has recruited the marketing firm SmithGifford to design a new logo and position for Reedville Va. SmithGifford, is very well known in the Mid Atlantic region for it's creative and branding. With accounts like The National Geographic Museum, The National Archives Experience, The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, are just a few of it's prestigious accounts. Most recently also underwent a branding and logo campaign for The City of Falls Church. Matt Smith, President / Sr Partner and Reedville resident also has experience in positioning for The State of Florida, The State of Maryland, and Carmel California. " I wish I could say this was a tough job and took lots of time to execute, but to be honest it was a no brainer, It took several phone calls and meetings with the GRA ( Greater Reedville Association ) and Blaine Altaffer. I have never seen a more crystal clear position for a town." Said Matt Smith.. The new position -Virginia's Working Fishing Village, claims the position that Reedville well deserves and takes pride in it's heritage. It also reinforces many things already taking place in Reedville. Such as the Reedville Fishermens Museum, The fishing derby's, home of Omega Protein,  not to mention that Reedville is one of the busiest fishing ports in the US. and of course, it's iconic welcome beacon to watermen on the Bay..The Stack. "The Stack is part of us all, it feels appropriate to have it as part of our logo, and now was the time to make it all happen." Matt Smith..

Stay tuned there is more to come.

Big Weekend In Stackville!

There isn't any grass growing under the feet of the Save The Stack group that's for sure. This weekend  started Friday night with a special Cocktails on the creek event at the Reedville Fishermens Museum. There was a display and introductions of the committee that is heading up the effort. Everyone brought food and drink.. and some great stories. What is most heart warming is the effort is really a great mix of folks from Watermen to retired CEO's. It's great to see and be part of such a unified cause... To Save the Stack.  The evening was followed up by a thunderstorm and it seemed like half the crowd wound up at the Crazy Crab. Home of the areas best Crab Cakes.. mmmm Crab Cakes.. 

Saturday was spent by many putting up posters and handing out brochures. The finishing touches are going in place for the street "Thermometer" signs...

Sunday morning at 8AM the committee met at the stack and discussed issues for over an hr. WOW! there is some fun stuff that is going to happen. Shhhhh, don't tell anyone.. But July is going to be Save The Stack Month.. Stay tuned, we will be breaking the news soon.  So its just between us... and the entire www....

Beanie Babies To The Rescue...

Click on the link in the copy below for the complete story

 Just when you thought that those darn Beanie Babies we all horded in the 90's were ready for the yard sale bin.. Ta da! The Beanie Baby Blog comes to the rescue... just click here and read a very nice shout out to the cause. If you have a web site or blog it is great to do a link and story. Awareness is just as good as money... Wait.. No send money, and then tell everyone about it.. Ya.. That's better..

Brick By Brick By Click We Can Save The Stack

Buy a brick and keep the stack standing tall. Above is the official Donation card that will be mailed out in the following weeks. Or you can just click on the image and print it in the privacy of your home and mail it with lets say a $100,000 check. After a week or so you can watch all of Reedville wonder who was that wonderful person that saved the stack..Be the topic of wonderful rumors, pretend it wasn't you.. Ask about the mysterious giver.. And then bask in the glory of knowing it was you.... But...if you want to know a secret... You can send $25 and Reedville will feel the same way... Really.. Hey you get a button....

Wonderful Old Black And White Photo Of Reedville VA

Here is a fun old aerial image of Reedville. Note The Stack and other factories in the background. There is something heart warming about knowing The Stack has and always will be there.

Artists Cranking It Up For The Stack

Kathryn Humphrey's was out this weekend with her sketch pad getting her special drawing ready. Also Scott Sawyer an illustrator with local roots has finished his drawing for our new Reedville logo and other cool stuff like t-shirts, and mugs to come.

Virginia Artist Kathryn Humphreys Donates Original Art To The Cause!

Kathryn Humphreys has agreed to do the official drawing of the Reedville stack to be used for fund raising efforts. Kathryn describes herself as just a simple country girl who is self taught. Well, that's an understatement. Kathryn's art can be found in many of the areas nicest homes. Her pen and ink drawings are in great demand and she even has a web site.

We will be following her progress as it happens. This weekend Kathyrn is going to the stack and starting her drawings. Stay tuned and see how it comes out.

New Save The Stack Poster To Go Live Over The Weekend.

Here is a copy of the new poster set to be printed and put up around the northern Neck for this weekend. If you want one just let us know and one of the Stack savers will gladly come by with a staple gun or roll of tape.