Run to support those who run a small business in

FREE
The Original Downtown Newspaper, 26th Year
Vol. 26, No. 9
26th Year
September, 2014
Run to support those who run a small business in Ghent.
Run! Cheer! Shop the historic streets of Ghent in Norfolk.
10K Run: Saturday, September 20, 2014
Learn more on Page 3.
A l s o I nsi d e : O u r Us u a l Offerin g s an d M u c h , M u c h M o re !
2
The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia
September, 2014
Heart of Ghent 10K And Kids’ Fun Run Scheduled September 20
Community-minded runners, walkers,
and spectators will gather for the third
annual Heart of Ghent 10K and Kids’
Fun Run on Saturday, Sept. 20.
Organizers from the Ghent Business
Association said more than 1,000 runners should participate in this year’s
event, which features music acts at
each mile to help keep even the sleepiest feet motivated.
They also hope runners and loved
ones will stay for festivities that include food from local restaurants, beverages from O’Connor Brewing Co.,
and more live music along Spotswood
Avenue.
The race brings people from around
Hampton Roads together in one of
Norfolk’s most diverse destinations,
but the Heart of Ghent is more than
a scenic race in a historic place. It has
raised thousands of dollars for local
charities.
Beneficiaries this year include five
deserving groups - ACCESS AIDS
Care, the ForKids family shelter, Ghent Area Ministry, the Ronald MacDonald House Charities of Norfolk,
and the Strelitz Diabetes Center at
Eastern Virginia Medical School.
“We’re really all about giving back,”
said Ian Holder, an investment associate at a financial firm who serves as
president of the Ghent Business Association. “The charities selected are all
doing great things in the community.
It would be great to make this race
as big as possible - and raise as much
money as possible.”
Those registering for the event via
heartofghent10k.mettleevents.com
pick a charity. A donation is made to
that group in their name.
“We see the non-profits as an important part of the fabric of the neighborhood, so we want to give back to
them,” race co-chair Jim O’Brien said.
“The goal is to raise money for nonprofits - that’s number one,” added
O’Brien, a financial advisor and an
association board member and past
September, 2014
president. “Number two, the goal is to
make Norfolk a healthier place. Three,
it brings folks who don’t live in Ghent
here to see why we enjoy it so much.”
The neighborhood prides itself for
a unique mix of shops, restaurants, and
professional service businesses amid
strong residential neighborhoods.
“The people in Ghent are special in
that they have a fierce devotion to their
neighborhood,” O’Brien said. “They
try to stay local, if you will. It’s mostly
owner-operated businesses, and that
makes a big difference.”
The race is meant to promote financial health for the city and physical
health for its citizens, said Patrick W.
Moore, race co-chair.
“This is a family event that helps local charities and so many of our loved
ones and friends right here in Norfolk,” he added. Moore is an association board member and past president,
and he’ll also be a runner in the 10K
field on Sept. 20.
Moore said the association could
not pull off the race without its partner, Mettle Events, and its presenting
sponsor, Monarch Bank & Mortgage.
“The race also celebrates our neighborhood and the people and businesses
that are a part of it,” Moore said. “Ghent is fortunate enough to have independent business, but smart independent businesses aren’t isolated ones.
Our businesses have real relationships
with each other, our neighbors, and
Ghent’s customers.”
The 10K kicks off along Spotswood
Avenue near Colley Avenue at James
Blair Middle School and winds around
the neighborhood, the Hague, and the
business district before returning to its
starting point. The Fun Run also starts
and ends at the same location, and its
1-mile course chugs mainly through
the neighborhood. Information about
both courses is available by visiting
www.heartofghent10k.mettleevents.
com.
Continued on page 5.
The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia
3
Off The Beaten Path
Right Trim Landscaping
With Jack Armistead
Maria Chris celebrated her 100th birthday last month.
To help mark the occasion, staffers at
Hair Plus Salon at 2408 E Little Creek
Road along with Maria’s family members
and friends, held a special celebration that
included a beautiful birthday cake and ice
cream. Maria had her hair done by Pat,
who has been her stylist for over 25 years.
Maria was born in Morphou, Cyprus
on Aug. 31, 1914. She and her husband
Costa, along with their children, Gloria
and Ike, came to the United States in
1953. They settled in Norfolk to be close
to her brother, Angelo (Helen) Christie,
and her sisters, Persa ( Jack) Mavromatis
and Helen (Andrew) Neskis. Maria has
four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren who are the joy of her life.
Staying active has been a continuous
trait of Maria. She is very active in her
church and has been a member of the
Hellenic Woman’s Club since 1954. She
baked every Wedneday up until recently
for the annual bake sale put on by the club.
She is a member of the Golden Years Club
where the ladies play cards on Tuesdays at
the Church and she often wins. She is also
- Lawn Service - Landscaping and Trimming
If you want it done right, Call Right Trim
At (757) 337-7200
Happy 100th Birthday
to Maria Chris!
a member of the Cyprus Benevolent Society.
Maria’s friend, Carolyn Papafil (whom
she loves and cares for like a second
daughter) takes her every Saturday morning to have her hair done. Then they go for
a cheeseburger at the Azalea Inn, Maria’s
favorite.
Hair Plus extended family and friends
wished Maria a wonderful 100th Birthday
with much love, happiness and continued
good health.
Dr. and Mrs. Jack Mavromatis hosted
a special party for Maria at their residence.
Thanks to Hair Plus manager Karen
Lindquist for inviting us to the salon party.
Have a great birthday year, Maria!
•••
Founded
May, 1988
A Positive Voice Serving the Greater Norfolk Area and Olde Towne Portsmouth
Publisher & Editor . . . . . . . . . . Jack Armistead
Senior Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judith A. Scharle
Technical Advisors . . . Pete Vester & Susan Platt
Dining Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joyce Newbegin
Sales Associates
Jack Armistead, Joyce Newbegin & Larry Stark
Contributing Writers. . . . . . . . . . Jack Armistead,
Brad Cox, Sean Hillegass,
Peggy Haile McPhillips, Mike Murphy, Joyce
Newbegin, Gary Ruegsegger, Abbott Saks, Holly
Armistead Rose, Judith A. Scharle, Pete Vester
and Susan M. Vertullo
Photographers
Joe George, Ruth Gray,
Carlos Fink and Barbie Peirce
Layout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Catherine Hugo
Website design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arlene Page
Visit our website at www.downtowneronline.com
4
The Downtowner is published once every month,
except January, by Target Advertising Co., Inc. (Established 1981). The mailing address is 1439 Mallory Court, Norfolk, VA. 23507. Editorial contributions are welcomed but may be edited. Opinions
expressed by contributors are not necessarily the
opinion of this publication. Only mailed or e-mailed
contributions accepted. No faxes please.
Mowing - Edging - Hedge & Shrubbery Trimming - Mulching
Leaf Pick Up - Flower Bed Planting & Maintenance
- Gutter Cleaning & Roof Cleanup - Tree Cutting & Removal
with all debris removed.
Licensed/Insured
Seasonal specialist with the quality your lawn deserves.
Summer, Winter, Spring, Fall
Briki Coffee House Serves Up
Authentic Greek Fare
Nestled in the 4100 block of Granby
Street in Norfolk’s Riverview neighborhood is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
The Briki Coffee House opened in
June. Upon entering the tiny shop, customers are greeted by friendly staff and
the aroma of freshly-brewed coffee.
There are a few seats at small tables, as
well as several inviting easy chairs, creating a homey atmosphere. However,
the main draw is the homemade Greek
foods and coffees.
Briki’s best-selling item is the baklava.
This delightful pastry is made with a
mixture of chopped nuts combined with
home-made syrup encased in buttery,
melt-in-your-mouth phyllo dough. The
result is a delectable, not-overly-sweet
treat that is nicely complimented by the
strong Greek coffee.
Greek coffees are specially brewed using
an authentic Greek coffee press, which is
known as a briki. It takes a few minutes
to brew coffee using the briki, affording
customers an opportunity to chat with
the staff about menu items. Each cup
is brewed individually. The coffee is rich,
incredibly smooth, and aromatic. Greek
coffee can be served hot or iced. A selection of traditional American coffees and
other beverages are also available.
Another popular menu item is the mixn’match. Customers can choose from
three varieties of savory, homemade
fillings baked in hand-stretched phyllo
dough. Fillings include spinach and feta
(spanakopita), beef cocktail wieners,
(loukanikopita, or pigs in a blanket), and
feta cheese (tiropita).
Other menu items include Greek cinnamon cookies (koulourakia), scones,
muffins, and sandwiches. Portions are
generous and reasonably priced.
Briki Coffee House is located at 4117
Granby Street Suite C, in Norfolk. It
is open seven days a week - Monday Friday 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 8:30
a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3
p.m.. Internet access is available.
-- Susan M. Vertullo
•••
All rights reserved. The Downtowner is registered.
No part or parts of this publication may be reproduced without written consent from the publisher.
To Advertise, call:
757-627-2216 or 757-625-4952
E-Mail:
Downtowner@aol.com
Place an Ad in The Downtowner.
It’s “the little paper” that locals like to read.
Call Today (757) 627 2216
Member, Ghent Business Association
The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia
September, 2014
Come and have fun!
Live Music
Tuesday thru Saturday Evenings!
Open
Tuesday
thru
Saturday
5pm to 2am
The Downtowner
Mystery Picture
“On Fashionable Granby Row”
131 Granby Street • Norfolk, VA • 623-3466
Have you seen this guy around
town? If so, and you are the first
caller with his correct identity,
you win a free local music CD.
To give your answer, call The
Downtowner recorder at (757)
627-2216. (Last month’s mystery
photo showed local guitar great
Woody Nordan as an infant.)
(Downtowner Photo
By Joe George)
Heart of Ghent
(from page 3)
Holder said there are a number of ways
for people and business to support the
race, even if they cannot run or walk
the race.
The association is still seeking
sponsors for mile signs and volunteers
to pass out water, among other things.
“The Ghent Business Association
cares about where we live, work, and
play,” he said. “We want Ghent and
Norfolk to thrive. We’ll do anything to
help the area.”
O’Brien noted that there is not
only time left to register as a runner or
walker, but there is also plenty of time
left to volunteer to help.
“The charities get their benefits in
direct proportion to the number of
volunteers and runners who link themselves to a charity,” he said. “We need
volunteers, we need runners, and we
need spectators.”
Runners, walkers, and volunteers
can register online at the Heart of GhSeptember, 2014
ent 10K site at Mettle Events’ page
[heartofghent10k.mettleevents.com].
Registration for adult 10K runners and
walkers is $40 until Sept. 19 or $45 on
race day. It includes a race number, the
official race shirt, and the party with
free entertainment, beverages, and
food. For the Kids’ Run, the $10 registration cost includes a souvenir finisher
medal and the race number.
In addition to free music, the party
after the race will include beverages
from O’Connor Brewing Co. and food
from Ynot Pizza & Italian Cuisine,
Moe’s Southwest Grill, and California
Pizza Kitchen.
Top finishers will receive awards for
the 10K run and walk, but there will
also be awards for several age groups in
the race.
More information on the Ghent
Business Association is available online by visiting www.ghentnorfolk.
org. The business association can also
be followed on the social media sites
Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
From
Polka Dots to
leoParD sPots
HOPE HOUSE
FOUNDATION
1800 Monticello Avenue • Norfolk
Open Monday thru Saturday 10am–6pm • 757-625-7493
www.hope-house-thrift-store.com
•••
The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia
5
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God Bless Our Troops!
God Bless America!
Thank you to every man and woman
who is serving our country in the
Armed Forces.
Thank you for keeping
America safe!
Great job!
H
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The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia
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September, 2014
Vince Bulman’s Bought, Seen and Sold It All
By Gary Ruegsegger
Downtowner Contributing Editor
If you like “PawnStars” and “American Pickers” on TV,
you’ll love Vince Bulman in person. Vince is older than
PawnStars’ Old Man and can out-pick both the American Pickers. He’s bought, seen and sold it all.
The 1957 Granby High School graduate’s been
buying and selling collectables his whole life. Since he
stopped selling insurance 50 years ago, he’s run 6 or
7 shops in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Currently, his
business (Collector’s Choice) is booming at the Aragona Shoppes right across from Krispy Kreme on Virginia Beach Blvd.
From the Jolly Green Giant to an Egyptian sarcophagus, you can find just about anything at his store.
Uniforms, swords, antique firearms, coins, medals,
signs, flags and mechanical toys, just to mention a few.
And if it’s not there, Vince knows where he can find it.
No “Ho-Ho-Ho” about it.
Vince runs the shop with his lovely wife Linda and
daughter Krystal. He’s a giant of a man. If you check
the Granby yearbook, he towers over the rest of the
band. And Linda’s as smart as Vince is tall.
“Not only is he a great sales person, he’s also an educator,” smiled Linda. “Vince knows a lot about almost
everything. He’s something special.”
Linda’s the daughter of Norfolk’s golden-throated
announcer Bill Story. He used to spin records in a revolving radio booth above the old Schuh’s Drive-In. A
photo of Story interviewing Eleanor Roosevelt hangs
prominently in the store. Linda’s grandmother owned
the Burroughs Restaurants. Linda has almost as many
stories as Vince and she’s a lot better looking.
“Each time I come in, I’m amazed—if not astounded—by Vince’s knowledge,” added frequent customer
Pat Garrow, owner of J & M Tires and a pretty smart
guy himself. “He’s a walking encyclopedia.”
Vince not only sells unique—often one-of-a-kind—
merchandise, but he usually has some “back story” to go
with each piece. The history lessons are always free and,
if you ask nicely, he might just throw in one of his signature wooden nickels.
Over the years, I’ve picked up my share of memorabilia from Vince’s shelves, including a 1929 Maury
class ring, a 1910 Norfolk (now Maury) High School
yearbook, a 1919 Norfolk Light Artillery Blues commemorative belt buckle and a room full of other priceless stuff which Vince managed to put a price tag on.
And then there are the stories... countless stories.
My favorite centers on a customer who walked in with
a mouthful of gold teeth. He asked Vince what he was
paying for gold. When Vince answered, the man pulled
out his dentures and dropped them on the counter.
“That’s more than I paid for them,” he said. “I’ll just
September, 2014
Vince displays local sports legend Johnny Brown’s
priceless Senators jersey from the 1930s. Television’s
American Pickers have nothing on Vince Bulman.
From a flight-suited mannequin to an Egyptian
sarcophagus, you can find just about anything at Collector’s Choice.
Vince runs the shop with his lovely wife Linda and
daughter Krystal.
The Jolly Green Giant guards the back door of Collector’s Choice.
eat soup for now.”
You won’t see that on Pawnstars! A local television
station filmed the whole thing.
Customers keep lining up to visit with Vince and
Linda. Many of their parents and grandparents walked
through different shop doors to marvel at their merchandise and stories. One thing for sure—if you do
stop by—you’ll be coming back. Make sure to bring
cash—no checks or credit cards accepted.
Over the years, the shop’s location may have
changed, but the friendly atmosphere and unique merchandise remain.
“Whenever I moved, I moved to a better location. I
love it here,” said Vince.
As he flipped a wooden nickel on the counter, Linda
added, “Who wouldn’t want to be across the street from
Krispy Kreme?”
•••
The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia
7
Norfolk neighborhoods celebrate local art at
16th Annual Riverview-Colonial Place ARTWALK, October 12, 2014
In its 16th year, the Colonial Place/
Riverview Front Porch Art Walk is an
annual, walkable art show, where more
than 40 resident Artists of Norfolk’s
historic Colonial Place and Riverview
neighborhoods, exhibit and sell their
work on their front porches and yards.
In addition to traditional fine arts
such as ceramics, painting, photography
and sculpture, the CPRV Art Walk includes fun finds such as fan pulls, glass
mosaics, hoola hoops, hand-made cards,
jewelry, repurposed creations, wreaths,
and accessories of all kinds.
Several hospitality sites will be available for rest and refreshments, as well as
an ‘Art Crawl’ which will award prizes
donated by local businesses to attendees
who visit the most artists! . The event is
on October 12, 2014 from 12 to 5 p.m.,
rain or shine and is open to the public.
Attendees are encouraged to visit
both neighborhoods on foot or on bike.
For event updates including a route map
detailing artists locations, be sure to visit
and “like” the CPRV Art Walk Face-
book page: https://www.facebook.com/
pages/CPRV-Annual-Front-PorchArt-Walk/230363677024680?ref=br_tf
Maps will also be available at the following hospitality sites, starting at noon
on Sunday, October 12: Lydia Roper
Home (127 East 40th Street) which is
the suggested starting point for the Art
Walk, as well as Charlie’s American
Café (1800 Granby Street) and Kennedy
Gallery at One 11 Art (111 Pennsylvania Avenue).
This is a great opportunity to find
that unique, handmade gift or to add
some local art to your current collections. You will also be supporting local artisans and will be able to enjoy the
beautiful Colonial Place and Riverview
neighborhoods. For more information
please visit www.cprv.net.
Call for Resident Artist Registrations is open through Monday, September
1st.
http://cprv.net/index.
php/2014/07/2014-art-walk-registration-form/
Advertise in the October, 2014 Downtowner.
It’s your reasonable alternative to high ad prices. Your ad is more likely to be seen in our
smaller publication. Call Today (757) 627 2216
PROBLEM: CRACKED FOUNDATION
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FREE Inspection & Estimate! 888-482-6604•www.jeswork.com
8
The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia
September, 2014
$7.99 Wine & Sandwich
Special
Get 15% off
your tab with
this ad.
FREEDESSERT
(Monday through Friday, 11 AM - 2 PM)
Choice of sandwich served with a side of
withthepurchaseof
french fries/ side salad and a glass of
house red or white wine
anyfoodmenuitem
Expires Nov. 15, 2014
Sandwich choices:
ExpiresAug.31,2012
BLT or Chicken Salad Sandwich
4201 Granby Street • Norfolk,Va. 23504 • (757) 640-7705
www.mermaidwinery.com
330 W. 22nd ST, #106
Norfolk
757.233.4155
All You CAn EAt
StEAmEd BluE CrABS
and LocaLLy Grown corn
Mon-Fri 12-6 pm. and Sat-Sun 12-4 pm.
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• Award winning She-Crab Soup and Seafood Tacos
• Enjoy your meal on the Crab Pot Patio, inside our
Dining Room or pick up your Live or Steamed
Crabs by the Dozen or Bushel
• All you can eat Blue Crabs (based on availability)
Best Downtown Haircut For Men -- The Downtowner Newspaper
480 E. Main Street
Norfolk, Va. 23510
tel (757) 623-6246
September, 2014
Come and eat fresh!
Two great Downtown
Norfolk locations:
259 Granby Street
Norfolk, Va. 23510
tel (757) 626-1231
LocaLLy owned restaurant - “Fresh From the dock to the dining room”
4201 Indian River Rd., Chesapeake, VA 23325
Call 351-2724 for reservations | www.wickerscrabpot.com
Enthusiasm was in the air a few days ago as Norfolk residents and Downtown employees and many other friends attended a block party to welcome and clap hands
for Stone Brewing Company. The Company is considering a Norfolk location.
Also in contention and courting Stone Brewing to locate in their cities are Richmond, Va. and Columbus, Ohio. It’s a no brainer. Norfolk features two great rivers and the beautiful Chesapeake Bay on its side. A few miles away is the Atlantic
Ocean. Here’s hoping that Stone Brewing decision makers will see the benefits of
opening a brewery in Norfolk. (Downtowner Photo By Joe George)
The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia
9
WELCOME ABOARD
Elizabeth
TwoFeathers
757-334-6683
George
Williams
757-434-8236
Patricia
McInnis
757-729-1419
Charlette
Boone
757-550-8180
Mitch
Burton
757-285-2550
Gwen
Cherry
757-237-6007
Come Join Our Team! Judy Boone Realty is always looking for leaders to become the area’s top real estate agents.
Together, we invest time and energy in serving others to deliver future dreams for ourselves and the neighborhoods in which we live.
For a confidential interview about how you can step out of the shadows and into the spotlight call Judy Boone 757-718-9191
JUDY BOONE REALTY, INC.
809 E Ocean View Ave, Norfolk, VA 23503 • 757-587-2800 JBR@judyboonerealty.com • www.judyboonerealty.com
www.machismoburritobar.com
1/2 OFF Any Burrito with the purchase of a drink at regular price.
We do free delivery at www.orderup.com 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Lottery tickets, Grocery items,
Breakfast, and Tobacco products
Coming Soon!
409 W. York St.
Norfolk, Va. 23510
(757) 624-2424
Start the New Season For Your Business
by placing an ad in The Downtowner’s
October Issue.
The Downtowner is the “little paper”
that locals like to read.
Call today at (757) 627-2216
Let’s Go Fishing!
Welcome to Ocean View Fishing Pier!
Overlooking the scenic Chesapeake Bay, the Ocean View Fishing Pier offers complete facilities and
equipment for everyone who lives - and loves - to fish. Just off interstate 64 in Norfolk, Virginia, the Pier
stretches out 1690 feet into the Chesapeake Bay - one of the East Coast’s most bountiful fishing grounds.
Located on site are a Bait House, a restaurant, a game room and restrooms. It is also equipped for catered
parties, receptions and banquets for groups. So hang up your Gone Fishin’ sign and cruise on over to
Ocean View Fishing Pier for a day’s catch. Watch the dolphins swim and play or relax on our Upper Deck
with music, good company and exquisite panoramas of America’s most beautiful Bay.
You might want to bring your camera!
At Ocean View Fishing Pier the living is easy. And yes, the fish are jumping.
(757) 583-6000 - 400 W. Ocean View Ave. www.oceanviewfishingpier.com
Golf carts available for Seniors or handicapped.
New Menu! New Chef! Daily Specials.
10
The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia
September, 2014
27th Annual Town Point
Virginia Wine Festival Set Oct. 18 & 19
Experience the 27th Annual Town Point
Virginia Wine Festival presented by
AT&T, Hampton Roads’ most anticipated
Wine Festival of the fall season, Saturday
and Sunday October 18 & 19, 2014 from
11 am - 6 pm daily in Town Point Park
along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront.
Tickets are now on sale online, at the
Festevents box office located at 120 West
Main Street, Norfolk, VA or at participating ticket sales outlets across Hampton
Roads.
This fall festival favorite will showcase
more than 30 Virginia wineries and over
200 of Virginia’s finest wines. Enjoy premier wine vintages, gourmet foods and
live music by Lewis McGehee.
New to the Wine Festival, Patrick Evans-Hylton, Culinary Advisor for Festevents, will be hosting daily Sip-N-Learn
seminars. Top sommeliers and other wine
professionals will lead fun, informative,
and interactive seminars giving expert advice on a number of topics, from selecting and enjoying a bottle of wine to pairing well-known varietals with delicious
dishes. Seminars include wine and food at
each seminar.
Saturday, October 18, 2014 at Noon:
A Perfect Pair: Virginia Wine and Oysters- Virginia is for wine and oyster lovers, as October is Virginia Wine Month,
and November is Virginia Oyster Month.
Our panel of experts will look at the various varietals that pair best with some of
the most famous oysters from the seven
distinct growing regions across the state
while we learn green wine tasting tips too.
Wines will be paired with a number of
oysters prepared in a variety of ways, including raw and roasted.
Also new this year is Food Network Celebrity Chef Ben Vaughn, host of Health
Inspectors and an acclaimed Atlanta restaurateur will be hosting daily cooking
demonstrations. Chef Vaughn will prepare several classic American Regional
dishes, and Festevents Culinary Advisor,
Patrick Evans-Hylton, will make suggestions of pairings with Virginia wines that
are being sampled and on sale during the
Wine Festival.
LET US CATER YOUR PARTY
We Do
TAILGATE
PARTIES
Catering & Special Events Fresh Oysters & Seafood
Oyster & Pig Roast
BBQ & Ribs
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ATTENTION
Downtowner-Tailgate-Smalls.indd 1
Come into your local Postnet
today, show us your ID, and receive a
Complimentary Copy Card.
If you don't trust your guys with your
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“No job too big; no call too small”
colleyavenuecopies@gmail.com
(757) 440 - 4000
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Fresh Roasted & Packed By:
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Norfolk, VA 23517
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September, 2014
WORLD FAMOUS
t Doe
stne
gs Po
7/7/14 9:27 AM
When one of our clients was
caught
in a bind, she had to drop her
one year old at the shop.
Unusual? - Not really.
a!
Teachers & Students!
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2700 Hampton Blvd. (Near ODU) • (757) 626-3440 • SmallSODU.cOm
OCEANVIEW SHOPPING CENTER • 175 W. Ocean View Ave
757.271.3892 • va127@postnet.com
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The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia
757.622.3950
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12
The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia
September, 2014
The Blotter
With Sergeant E. Flax, NPD
1. Best Executive Chef of the Month -Danny Lane of the Town Point Club
in Downtown Norfolk. Thanks for the
fabulous food over the years!
measures to take before, during, and after an emergency.
2. Make a Plan - Prepare, plan and stay
informed for emergencies.
3. Build a Kit - Build a Kit to be prepared for disasters (food, water, batteries, radio, etc)
4. Get Involved - Find opportunities to
support community preparedness.
For more information, refer to the
website www.ready.gov. There are publications and brochures that you can
order that are free to the public.
Keep those tips, emails and suggestions coming to eric.flax@norfolk.gov
and I look forward to, “seeing you in the
Green Zone downtown.”
It also measures
intelligence.
This device
measures blood pressure. But it also says
something
about your common sense. Because using it for
regular checkups helps detect high blood pressure before it’s too late, which is
definitely a smart move. To learn more, visit
2. Best Bar Manager of the Month -Thomas Pasko of Mermaid Winery
has a vast knowledge of both wine and
beer. Way to go, Thomas!
3. Best Variety of Beer Downtown - The
Norfolk Tap Room keeps it flowing.
Thanks, Brandon Fitzgerald and staff!
4. Best Fun -- The NFL season has begun. Yay that.
5. Best Tailor Shop -- Ibo’s Tailor Shop at
202 East Plume Street Downtown offers affordable quality service for both
men and women. Visit Ibo today to
support him during construction being done outside of his shop.
7. Best Change -- How about a cool (not
cold) change? Autumn starts Sept. 23.
8. Best Removal Downtown - Take out
those pesky parking meters everywhere and not just the Arts District.
9. Best Steamed Crabs - Wicker’s Crab
Pot wins again. Yum.
10. Best Fruit To Look Forward to -Pomegranates will be coming to a store
near you soon.
Attention Business Owners:
Do You Have A New Business?
Is Your Business Ready
To Celebrate An
Important Anniversary?
If So, Call The Downtowner And Ask About
Our Popular Front Cover Business Profile.
The Next Opening For This Effective
Promotion Is The March, 2015 Issue.
www.americanheart.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Please Reserve Your Space
As Soon As Possible.
Call Us at 627-2216.
This space provided as a public service. © 1998, American Heart Association
September, 2014
YOU’RE
THE
BEST!
6. Best New Girlfriend of the Month -Phoebe Rose. You go girl!
Note: The halftones in these ad slicks are pre-screened. Please do
not increase or decrease the size of the ads as they appear here.
National Preparedness Month
From Isabel in 2003 to Ingrid in 2013,
the East Coast and Hampton Roads
has seen its share of hurricanes.
Anyone who lives or has lived in
downtown Norfolk (or in many other
flood zones in the city) knows that
heavy rain tends to hang around for
some time with streets and intersections staying underwater for hours and
sometimes days.
September is National Preparedness
Month and this year’s theme is, “Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare.”
You’re probably asking yourself, “What is National Preparedness
Month?” If you weren’t aware, it is the
month to prepare yourself and your
family for the possibility of Tornado’s,
Hurricanes, Wildfires, Floods, Earthquakes and Winter Storms. According to www.ready.gov, there are tips to
preparing yourself for the possibility of
these disasters.
1. Be Informed - learn what protective
The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia
13
MMC Benefits specializes in providing small business owners with solutions
to financial planning challenges in a market that often ignores them. Our
mission is to help companies with fewer than 150 employees overcome the
limited options presented to small businesses in a complicated marketplace
that favors large corporations.
We formed our own small business to meet this need. We get it.
Whether you have always had health insurance or if you are one of the unfortunate few that
could not obtain an individual plan, the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act otherwise known
as the ACA Act has made obtaining health coverage extremely confusing and in some cases impossible if you miss certain deadlines. Open enrollment for individual coverage begins again this
year on November 15, 2014 and continues through February 15, 2015 for plans that begin on or
after January 01, 2015. At MMC Benefits, we specialize in both personal and business financial
planning. If you need help with obtaining a program for yourself or your company, please give
us a call and arrange for a personal consultation and discover the options available to you.
MMC Benefits LLC
814 West 45th Street, Suite B
Norfolk, VA 23508
OFC : (757) 423-5005
FAX : (757) 423-5247
14
The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia
September, 2014
Hampton Roads’ Biggest “Born & Raised” Know-It-All!
The Downtowner Answerman
Dear Downtowner Answerman,
I walked into the spider web from hell
recently on the side of my house. It
was the creepiest spider I’ve ever seen
because we both came face to face. For
about three minutes I didn’t even know
he was on me. I frantically brushed off
my face. I went in the house and looked
in the mirror to make sure he was not in
my hair. Then, I looked into the mirror
and noticed that the spider was NOT
in my hair. He was perched on my nose.
I observed quickly that he was a different looking spider. One that I had never
seen. I am pretty sure he bit me. So I
wouldn’t be alarmed, I decided to think
it was most likely my girlfriend in New
Zealand. You know the deal. If your nose
itches that means somebody is thinking
about you. But this was a super spider.
That wasn’t it. Or was it? No. Not a
chance. Not after a little research.
I did find out that these “super spiders”
like to hang out near the Hague. In addition to spinning a web that humans
struggle to get out of, these spiders can
also swim and fly. This is very new and
some say it is because of global warming.
What the hell is going on here? Help
me. -- Bitten/Smitten, Mowbray Arch
Dear Bitten/ Smitten,
Don’t panic. I’m applying for a global
warming grant to study why earthworms
are growing into snakes and biting people in their own back yards. There is absolutely no reason for panic. Relax. I’ve
also applied for a grant to determine why
beer tastes so good as the earth warms.
That will allow me more time to enjoy
the activities over at O’Connor’s Brewery. And I’m just warming up for more.
More, more, more. Thanks for writing.
A Property for Your Consideration...
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Norfolk VA 23509
- Lakewood Reduced to $499,900
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UPDATED 2 ZONE HVAC. HARDWOOD FLOORS AND NEW CARPET.
NEW 30 YEARS ARCHITECTURAL
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Other listings this month:
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Algonquin House - 7320 Glenroie Avenue, #2F - Now $159,000
Bruce Gray
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Phone: 757-623-2500
Fax: 757-623-0711
cbg2@cox.net
•••
52nd Annual Ocean View Art Show
October 11 & 12, 2014 - Ocean View Beach Park
The Chesapeake Bay Art Association is
proud to welcome the Southern Auto
Group as a sponsor of the Ocean View
Art Show this year. This year we are
also receiving support from the city of
Norfolk. The city has made October 11
to October 19 “Visual Arts Week.” The
week will kick off at the Ocean View Art
Show and end with the Stockley Gardens Art Show. During the week there
will be special art related events throughout the city. Check out the lineup of art
events at http://norfolkpublicart.org/
norfolk-visual-arts-week/
The Chesapeake Bay Art Association
(CBAA) is celebrating its 52nd year
of hosting the Ocean View Art Show.
Ocean View Beach Park will be the site,
located at 100 W. Ocean View Ave. ,
Norfolk, Virginia. Enjoy the friendly,
relaxed nature of the show, along the
beautiful Chesapeake Bay beach. Our
show features a high quality of art with
a wide variety of styles and tastes in
oil, watercolor, jewelry, pastel, charcoal,
pencil, pen and ink, photography, glass,
wood, pottery and more. 100 or more
artists will also be competing for over
$2000 in awards.
The show will also feature a Student
Tent, where 2013 saw over 60 local students displaying and selling their work.
The show is free for middle and high
school students, the work is judged, and
awards are given to the students. In
addition an excellent cast of local music acts will fill the stage, and delicious
smells from our local food vendors will
fill the air. The Student Tent is sponsored by Jerry’s Artarama of Virginia
Beach, and Judy Boone Realty.
Music is a big part of the Ocean View
Art Show. Local bands and music
groups will be filling the stage in the
Ocean View Beach Park. Last year 15
acts volunteered their time. Filling the
air with the music will be the delicious
smells from our food vendors. BBQ,
Hot Dogs, Kettle Corn, and much more
will be on sale in the park. Come on out
and bring the family for a fun weekend
along the Chesapeake Bay.
The Ocean View Art Show is one of the
oldest art shows in Virginia and is put on
by the member artists of the Chesapeake
Bay Art Association. The Art Association was formed in the Ocean View Area
in 1961 and has been actively promoting
and helping artists since its inception.
Each year the Ocean View Art Show
directs its proceeds to the John B. Tenney Memorial Scholarship Fund. The
Fund awards scholarships to area high
school art students. Money raised last
year helped 5 students further their art
education.
For more info on the show, check out
the website: http://www.oceanviewartshow.com
See a video shot at the 2013 Ocean
View Art Show: http://youtu.be/tzNZHUgqPT0
Information about CBAA is on the
website: http://chesapeakebayartassociation.com/
•••
Call (757) 627-2216 to advertise in The Downtowner.
September, 2014
The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia
15
Some Notable Events
Around The Town
* Harvest Faire turns 20! Harvest Faire, the
Virginia Peninsula’s oldest Renaissance Festival, will
return to Newport News to celebrate its 20th season
October 10-12, 2014. The Faire is held at Endview
Plantation, 362 Yorktown Rd. Come and enjoy medieval combat and encampments, knights on horseback, live music and dance, merchants, food and period
games. You don’t have to wear a costume and we don’t
mind if you do wear one. Times are Friday 5-9pm, Saturday 9am-9pm, and Sunday 9am-3pm. Tickets are
$20 for an adult weekend pass, $5 Friday, $15 Saturday
and $10 Sunday; $10 for a youth (ages 6-12) weekend
pass or $5 daily for youth. Children 5 and under attend
for free. Discount advance weekend tickets are available
at harvestfaire.org. (Camping is available only through
on-line registration.) Military discounts are available
on-line and at the door with military ID. Harvest Faire
is a non-profit 501c3 charity that raises funds for local
charitable non-profits. This year profits will go to the
Peninsula SPCA. For more information, contact amy@
harvestfaire.org 757-358-5412.
* Cavaliers Claim 2014 Hall of Fame
Achievement Award - PORTSMOUTH, VA –
The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame is pleased to honor
the University of Virginia as the recipient of the 2014
Division I Achievement Award. The Cavaliers have
now won the award ten times in the 19 years of its existence.
Since 1996, the Hall of Fame has presented the
Achievement Award to the University (Division I) and
College Division institutions (Division II and III) that
achieve the highest overall winning percentage in intercollegiate athletics in the Commonwealth.
The University of Virginia won 65.5 percent of its
athletic contests in 2013-14 with an overall record of
297-155-6. The Cavalier baseball team finished second
nationally at the College World Series. Men’s tennis,
women’s lacrosse, and both men’s and women’s soccer
followed closely behind, all making the semifinals of
their respective sports. Women’s tennis reached the
quarterfinals of the NCAA championships and top
performer Danielle Collins capped off her sophomore
season by becoming UVA’s first NCAA women’s singles champion. Also highlighting a successful year for
Cavaliers’ athletics were the Women’s Swimming and
Diving squad, placing 11th nationally, and the Rowing
team, who placed 5th at the NCAA Championships.
Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum President
Eddie Webb and Chairman of the Board Joel Rubin
will present the award to UVA Director of Athletics
16
Craig Littlepage when the Cavaliers host UCLA on
Saturday, August 30. Kick-off is scheduled for 12 noon
at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, VA.
About the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum:
Since 1972, the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum has been proud to honor Virginia’s contributions
to the world of sports. We are the Commonwealth’s official hall of fame, and one of only 16 throughout the
nation. Our mission is to honor athletic excellence and
serve as a nonprofit educational resource centered on
health, math, science and character development programs, while inspiring visitors through sports history
and interactive entertainment. For more information,
go to www.vshfm.com.
* 30th Annual Grand Illumination Parade - November 22, 2014 at 7pm. Free & Open
to the Public Rain Or Shine. There is no better place
to spend the holidays than “In the City”. In Hampton Roads, “the City” is Downtown Norfolk and Olde
Towne Portsmouth.
For the last six weeks, the lights, the sights, and
sounds of the Holidays in the City season provide
unforgettable activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Bursting on the holiday scene will be the 30th Annual Grand Illumination Parade and from that night
on until New Year’s Eve, the lighted skyline provides
a magical backdrop for a calendar filled with holiday
traditions!
* PORTSMOUTH TUNER CAR FEST AT NTELOS
WIRELESS PAVILION Saturday, Oct. 4 - P O R T S MOUTH, Va. – The Portsmouth Tuner Car Fest 2014
takes over the nTelos Wireless Pavilion Plaza from 10
a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4. The pavilion plaza
will be transformed into a start of the art Tuner Car
The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia
show for the very first time. Individuals from throughout the region will be displaying their autos for all to
enjoy. Honda, Subaru, Ford, Toyota, Acura, Scion and
more, will all be displayed along the plaza on Saturday,
Oct 4. Sixty-five different Awards will be given to the
top forty cars as well as twenty-five special awards.
Car registration for the Portsmouth Tuner Car Fest
can be done in advance by logging on to www.PavilionConcerts.com and filling out the online registration
form. Register at the gate on Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. - 12
p.m. There is a $15 advance online registration fee and
a $20 registration fee at the gates from 10 a.m. - 12
p.m. on the day of the event. The festival atmosphere
will be enhanced with vendors and concessions as well
as live music by DJ Joe Fu and a visit from the Portsmouth Tuner Fest Girls. This event is FREE and open
to the public with FREE parking in the Portsmouth
City lots. Judging begins at 12 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
The awards presentations will begin at 3:30 p.m.
The nTelos Wireless Pavilion Portsmouth Tuner Car
Fest is sponsored by nTelos Wireless, Elizabeth River
Tunnels, Integrated Management Group and 757Illest. For more information visit www.PavilionConcerts.
com, or call 757.393.8181.
* Singers Sought for Holiday Chorus Men of all ages who love to sing are invited to be a part
of the “Commodores Holiday Chorus.” The Commodores are a community-wide a capella group. They will
perform traditional Christmas carols and holiday music
arranged in men’s four-part harmony. No experience is
necessary, although church singers interested in a more
informal musical experience are especially encouraged.
For more information call (757) 215-1602.
•••
September, 2014
Carroll Walker’s Old Norfolk
Sound technicians at work in the control room at the radio station studio at 219 West Bute Street.
Broadcasting Live From Norfolk
By Peggy Haile McPhillips
Norfolk City Historian
“Wireless telegraphy,” precursor of the
radio, dates its development to the 1890s
and the work of such pioneers as Nikola
Tesla and Guglielmo Marconi, though
both gentlemen built on the work of their
predecessors in the field of electromagnetism. By 1920, with the introduction of
crystal receiver sets, audio broadcasting
was possible and quickly became popular. Radio broadcasting stations sprang up
around the world.
The Hampton Roads Radio Association
September, 2014
broadcast Norfolk’s first local radio program, a band concert from City Park, on
16 October 1921. There were probably
fewer than a dozen radio sets in Norfolk
at the time. In 1923, Reliance Electric Co.
employee H.B. Bennett, an amateur ham
radio operator, began to build small radio
receiver sets out of spare company equipment. The sets were so popular with customers that Reliance instructed Bennett
to build more sets as quickly as he could,
selling them for around $30.00 each,
exclusive of rechargeable batteries and
headsets. Since few early sets had speakers, groups of listeners had to take turns
passing earphones around in order to hear,
one person at a time. Bennett also experimented with local broadcasting, playing
phonograph records over the air for four
hours a day.
In September 1923, Reliance was awarded a license to operate WTAR, the first
radio station in Virginia. Tests beginning
on 21 September continued throughout October and the official dedicatory
program was aired on 23 October 1923.
WTAR’s infant voice was small. Broadcasting on only 15 watts of power initially,
the signal reached about 10 miles. It could
occasionally be heard as far away as Vir-
The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia
ginia Beach. The first remote broadcasts
in 1924 included local church services, the
state and national Democratic conventions and the World Series when, for the
very first time, Norfolk baseball fans were
able to listen to a play-by-play account of
the national pastime, as the Washington
Senators defeated the New York Giants 4
games to 3. WTAR became a CBS affiliate in 1929.
The above image from 18 September
1930 shows WTAR sound technicians are
at work in the control room at the radio
station studio at 219 West Bute Street.
•••
17
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My New Listings Always SELL Fast
because we really do Love Norfolk!
- Kathy & Mick Shaw 286-0800 •
18
www.MickShaw.com
The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia
September, 2014
Another Great Ghent Mural
Norfolk artist John Hickey stands by the new mural he created that is on the side of the building that houses the Red Dog Saloon and Colley Discount Pharmacy in the
1400 block of Colley Avenue in Ghent.. The mural displays a scene of the Norfolk harbor in the 19th century. Great job, John! (Downtowner Photo By Jack Armistead)
Slover Library Foundation Names Harry Lester President
NORFOLK, Va. – The Slover Library
Foundation has elected Harry Lester
as president to oversee the new Slover
Library slated to open in January 2015.
The Slover Library Foundation is a nonprofit organization formed to manage
the funds raised in support of the library.
“Harry has demonstrated a unique ability to gather a community around a project,” said Norfolk Mayor Paul D. Fraim.
“We have put him to work during the
final months of construction to assist in
bringing the library to life through civic
engagement and world-class offerings.”
The Slover Library, a $65 million project in downtown Norfolk, is the result
of a generous $40 million donation
from the Frank Batten family. Hampton
Roads citizens raised an additional $6
million, exceeding the requirements of
The Batten Challenge. The City of Norfolk contributed more than $22 million.
September, 2014
Fundraising for the Slover Technology
Reserve Fund will ensure the library
provides the high-speed world of information at resident’s fingertips. To participate in the campaign and to learn more,
visit www.sloverlibraryfoundation.org.
Lester was previously the president
of Eastern Virginia Medical School
(EVMS). Under his leadership, EVMS
completed the Education and Research
Building in the fall of 2011, which was
renamed the Harry T. Lester Hall in
2013 for his contributions to the school.
He has also been credited with EVMS’
record levels of enrollment and philanthropic support. He was able to develop strong partnerships with Sentara
Healthcare, Old Dominion University
and Children’s Hospital of the Kings’
Daughters and the Hampton Roads
community.
“This library is our village green,” said
Lester. “The Slover will be an exceptional place. One that encourages community engagement, a place to convene
thoughtful conversations on issues important to Hampton Roads and beyond.
Right now our job is to share ideas on
how to engage the public and welcome
everyone in the region to this amazing,
world-class library.”
Lester will work with library staff as well
as city and community leaders to develop
the educational environment the Batten
family envisions for the Slover Library.
To learn more about Norfolk Public
Libraries activities and programs, visit
www.npl.lib.va.us.
The 115-year old, architecturally significant Seaboard Building and a six-story
futuristic tower designed by Newman
Architects from New Haven, Conn.,
are being combined to create an exciting blend of traditional library functions
The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia
with advanced technology and a variety
of new community meeting spaces.
Slover Library, located at 235 E. Plume
Street, will offer computers, internet access, interactive displays and a digital
media studio. Collections will include
adult popular fiction and non-fiction,
a children’s library and learning center,
and teen services with a casual environment and access to popular teen offerings. Additionally, the community will
be able to access high-tech civic meeting rooms and the important Sargeant
Memorial Local History and Genealogy
Collection. The building will be LEEDcertified (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design) and among the
most technologically advanced libraries.
•••
19
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Your Plumbers in the Bright Yellow Trucks.
Celebrating 10 years of providing residential
and commercial service in Hampton Roads.
20
The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia
September, 2014