Boulevard Magazine August-October Edition

Impact of the Safe House Project Story on p 15

BOULEVARD MAGAZINE

Over the past month or so when I’ve been at the store or gas station, I’ve overheard some pretty interesting comments about the weather. Here are just a few that I think you’ll enjoy.

· "Summer in Virginia is like trying to walk through a hot, wet blanket."

· "You know it's summer in Virginia when you need to shower after stepping outside for two minutes."

· "The mosquitoes in Virginia during the summer are so big they could register as drones."

· "You know it’s summer in Virginia when the ice cream starts to melt before you finish paying for it."

· "We have four seasons: almost summer, summer, still summer, and Christmas." When I was growing up in Tidewater, I remember we had four distinct seasons - spring, summer, fall, and winter. Spring and fall were transitional seasons with mild temperatures, while summers were hot and humid, and winters chilly with some memorable snowfalls. We received a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year. Summers tended to be wetter, with thunderstorms being common. Every so often we were vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms, that brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, storm surges, and flooding. Tornadoes can and do occur in Virginia, although they are generally less common and less intense compared to areas in the central and southern plains of the United States.

Virginia is part of the region known as "Dixie Alley," an area that experiences a secondary tornado peak during the fall months, typically from September to November. I bet the residents up on Great Neck didn’t think about that when they bought their homes. Historically, Virginia has a humid subtropical climate with a typical four-season pattern. The state receives precipitation throughout the year, with slightly wetter summers due to the influence of the Bermuda High, a high-pressure system that can funnel moisture from the Atlantic Ocean into the region. For those of us who are locals or long time residents, the current weather pattern leaves us a bit baffled and makes good conversation for folks when you’re in line at the grocery store or gas pump. What are your thoughts? Has the weather changed since you moved here?

Brunk

In this issue

The 61 Annual Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships is set to return to Virginia Beach on August-20-27th. This event is the longest continuously run surfing championship in the world, and brings in over 25,000 people to the area annually.

THE VILLAGE BLACKSMITH

The Village Blacksmith’s Mission Statement

“It used to be in this country, the product spoke for itself, where quality and durability were the major selling points Today has shifted to price as the main selling point So, manufacturers ask: ‘How can we make this item as cheap as possible with the least amount of materials and lowest overhead?’ Folks! I am so tired of this massproduced, low-quality, cheaply made . . . junk! Yes, at the end of the day, through what I do, I may be incredibly tired, sore and my hands may be blistered and burned, but I do it to pay tribute to those that came before us, that knew the sacrifices that had to be made to build this great nation. I do it for those that will never have the opportunity to do what I do and have done, whether their limiting factors may be social, economic, or physical. I owe it to them to push forward, to carry on to the best of my ability, or I am doing them a disservice.”

George and The Village Blacksmith has received numerous accolades:

In 2016, his business was named best new business by the Chamber of Commerce

In 2018, George was featured as a craftsman on the Discovery Channel Series: “Master of Arms.”

In 2019, in April, he appeared on the talk show “In the Ring with Juan and D’Shawn on Sky 4 to talk about the craft, the business, and his time appearing on The Discovery Channel.

In 2020, in June, George appeared on the National Geographic Channel Show: Drain the Oceans. Here he helped recreate the “hot shot” that sunk the HMS Charon in 1781 during the Revolutionary War.

Currently, he continues his craft of blacksmithing at his forge in Gloucester by producing a wide array of commissioned and production work. George has made props and functional items for the motion picture industry. In the 2019 film Harriet, he worked on the pistols carried by the main character. George is a journeyman welder and has completed two 6,000-hour welding apprenticeships. He is a member of the American Welding Society and is both a Certified Welding Inspector and a Certified Welding Educator. George holds a degree in Applied Marine Engineering and is currently working toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

The Village Blacksmith embodies the philosophy of Made by Hand.

“Our focus is to bring old-world craftsmanship back to the local community, and with it the appreciation of made by hand, made in America, and made with pride!”

These made-by-hand products and services include:

BLACKSMITHING – (TRADITIONAL AND MODERN)

WELDING FABRICATION AND REPAIR

CNC PLASMA CUTTING & CUSTOM METAL SIGNS

TRAINING & CLASSES IN BLACKSMITHING & WELDING

HAND-FORGED ORNAMENTAL IRON: ART, HARDWARE, REPRODUCTIONS & REPAIR

RESTORATION, RE-PURPOSING, UP-CYCLING & SALVAGE PROJECTS

CUSTOM FABRICATED & WELDED ART

RAILINGS AND GATES

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, PROTOTYPING & MERCHANDISING

HOME DÉCOR, FURNITURE, FUNCTIONAL & MULTI-USE PIECES

During the latter part of July, boulevard drove to the home of The Village Blacksmith in Gloucester, VA to tour the facility and speak with George Cramer. George is a most interesting and humble host who was just beginning his work day. He had a young apprentice there and another gentleman – an architect by trade – who spends his Fridays with George producing metal art pieces for the company.

boulevard – Does America still need blacksmiths?

George: Sure, we do! Although blacksmiths traditionally do repair and reproduction, there is a growing market for high art sculpture and furniture. I am currently working on a linkage gear, ornamental lamp table. This is not just for display, but will be functional. There will be a lamp built into the table with a swivel neck of sorts, so that the direction of the light can be adjusted. Many people seek an area of their home where they can sit and read a favorite magazine or a good book and alleviate some stress in their lives

boulevard – How much of your trade is hands-on?

George: You may think it is a higher percentage than what I am going to tell you. For me, I would say it’s 50/50. The production and manufacturing end of the business takes up half of my time and that of my employees, while the other percentage of the business is just that – business. There is designing new pieces, listening to clients who have certain requirements for what they desire, updating my website along with other forms of social media (Facebook, InstaGram, and YouTube), and then there is always the financial end. Payroll, taxes, materials, profit and loss, etc We give brief, 20-minute tours of our facility and offer classes in blacksmithing that can be booked through our website

boulevard – Is there job security and longevity in the career of blacksmithing?

George: There is definitely no shortage of work! We keep busy. I would love to be able to concentrate a little more on functional art and metal furniture I enjoy all aspects of this career, and there is a growing demand for the aforementioned art and furniture

The Village Blacksmith

boulevard – Speaking of careers, are there a lot of young people who are wanting to learn the art of being a blacksmith? What about females working the trade?

George: As my apprentice can attest, the field is available and a lot of younger people are working toward doing what we do here at The Village Blacksmith. There is about a 70/30 ratio of men to women in our industry, maybe even a 60/40 split. There have been several television shows that have sparked interest in blacksmithing: Forged in Fire, Man at Arms, and Master at Arms to name a few.

boulevard – Are there colleges and universities that offer degrees in blacksmithing?

George: Absolutely! Currently, my apprentice is enrolled in the American College of the Building Arts in Charleston, South Carolina He is learning the art of becoming a blacksmith with book study and hands-on experiences.

“Teaching these skills (blacksmithing) the way they have been taught for centuries, as well as having the opportunity to pass on knowledge and set an example for others just getting started in blacksmithing, have been among the many privileges I’ve experienced while teaching at ACBA. Bringing relevance to the traditional crafts and continuing to use them in a modern context is the fundamental goal of all the trades taught here.”

Professor Matt Garton

boulevard – Do you have an affiliation with any of the blacksmiths who ply their art in Colonial Williamsburg?

George: There is actually a lot of cooperation between us from almost two distinct sides of blacksmithing. For me personally, they are a wealth of knowledge especially when it comes to the traditional side of our work. They maintain the colonial hardware, equipment, and products from that era Remember that electricity was not an option for them Here our focus is leaning to what we mentioned before with the production of functional furniture and quality sculpture We often will send work to them for these traditional pieces our clients request

boulevard – Why should a person follow in your footsteps?

George: Earlier we touched on the business component There are those who would love to own their own business and either keep it small or have the freedom to grow as large as they desire I can assist those folks I can also aid in the enhancement of their skills It’s good, and beneficial, to have a mentor or at least someone to bounce ideas off of. In turn, I would love to be a resource and even provide a “gateway to other crafts” for these individuals. Lastly, I find a sense of reverence in doing something that a lot of others do not do.

boulevard – Finally, do you have any future plans for The Village Blacksmith?

George: I am hoping to locate and work with some medium-sized, wholesale vendors across the country. I would love to be able to promote and sell more of my metal art sculptures and higher end furniture. I would also love to get more craftsmen involved in developing the skills necessary to get jobs anywhere in the world that continue to produce and promote metal work.

NEW ENGLAND

By David Polston

For several years there has been a gnawing in that side of me that loves adventure I grew up in South Carolina with promises of unfulfilled rips out west and to New England by a father who dearly loved me. Still, I needed more means to carry out such adventures. So, as I settled for local mountain and beach trips, the years passed until I was alone Where I work, the demands for Christmas projects have inally freed up my fall schedule for travel last year. When I realized the first two weeks of October were possible for vacation, I immediately dusted off that latent dream of spectacular color in Vermont and New Hampshire The tricky part was deciding which week was the optimum peak for all those glorious golds of the sugar maples. Most research had revealed it could be anytime between the last week of September to the middle of October, but last year was complicated by drought factors in certain areas Finally, I launched the second week of October and arrived in Vermont.

My New England tour began in Bennington, Vermont, and from there through the Green Mountains north to Stowe, where I had heard it was a must-see. I was somewhat disappointed because of the bumper-to-bumper traffic, but the quaintness of this small town still draws the crowds every year. From there, I drove north on rural roads over a very hilly landscape awash with the golden color of maples

Vermont is a state that offers an escape from the mundane mix of commercialized chaos. Nature is front and center on interstates and the vast network connecting rural roads Here, one gets a sense of America in its beginning Over one hundred covered bridges throughout this state offer glimpses of a way of life most of us find appealing. In and around Woodstock, I found three still crossable by car and truck.

From Vermont, my journey continued into New Hampshire via the Kancamagus Scenic Highway, extending the state's width. The White Mountain National Forest has plenty of views as it meanders for 34 and a half miles. At one point, you rise to an altitude of almost 3000 feet above sea level with an incredible scenic overlook. The Kancamagus Highway ends in Conway, NH; from there, it's 65 miles to Portland, Maine.

It is almost unforgivable to leave Vermont without visiting a sugar maple farm. Near Woodstock, you can wind up a mountain road to the Sugarbush Farm, and encounter a rustic barn, affectionately called a sugar shack, where the process of making maple syrup is on full display. The original farmhouse next door houses the option of tasting several syrup varieties and purchasing them.

Arriving in Portland, you have a delightful mix of lighthouses and lobsters. I chose Luke's Lobster Portland Pier because of the spectacular dock view and high reviews. The lobster rolls are in a league of their own. But there are many such lobsteries to choose from in this section of waterside eateries. Old Orchard Beach has plenty of affordable hotels just south of Portland.

After a restful night at Old Orchard, I headed south to the fishing village of Kennebunkport, where I could see the summer home of the Bushes Of course, it was offlimits to the public, but quite a view from a nearby road. The surrounding cliffs are perches for some of Maine's wealthiest summer homes. Leaving Maine, my next destination was Cape Cod, where I stopped in Plymouth, Massachusetts, to see some must-see history. The harbor is incredible, with sailboats gleaming against the blue backdrop. Housed in a stately monument is the actual Plymouth Rock, or a section of it, to be exact. Also, an excellent replica of the Mayflower in the harbor with tours available

Leaving Plymouth, I journeyed to Falmouth, Massachusetts, for the night near the ferry at Woods Hole, where you leave for Martha's Vineyard. I boarded the ferry the following day without my vehicle because of the $200 charge to take it over. All of this certainly requires planning, for tour companies will take you around the island to see the sights. Well worth the visit, because there are five separate towns with different charms. I also saw from a distance where Teddy Kennedy drove his car off the Chappaquiddick Bridge that fateful night in 1969.

From the Vineyard, I drove to Provincetown, the toe of the boot that forms this state. There is lots of history here because the Pilgrims first arrived and camped out for six weeks before heading to Plymouth. It was also here that the Mayflower Compact was signed. The most notable sight in Provincetown is the Pilgrim Monument, the tallest all-granite structure in the United States at 252 feet. It was built to commemorate the Pilgrims' landing. A winding staircase inside takes you to the top for a remarkable view of Cape Cod.

My journey continued the next day, skirting the coast of Cape Cod with a stop in Hyannis Port to see the Kennedy Compound. It was off-limits to the public, but that didn't stop me from finding a nearby parking spot and walking on the beach to take pictures. I could see why the Kennedys chose this spot for its view

Leaving Cape Cod, the road led to Rhode Island and its most scenic Newport City. I arrived almost at sundown, so my view of the famous harbor with many sailboats was hindered However, I was able to drive on Bellevue Avenue and see the heralded Gilded Age Mansions, which were built as the summer homes of the ultra-rich, such as the Vanderbilts.

For a moment, I thought I was in Beverly Hills, for nothing I have seen on the East Coast lives up to the sight of such ornate architecture. The smallest state in the nation has plenty to see.

I did not have much time to stay in Rhode Island, so I traveled west into Connecticut to stay for the night. From there, the trip was a blur of striking color and occasional pitstops for fuel into New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland before descending the Eastern Shore of Virginia to cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge towards home.

Would I do it again? Absolutely. We can live our entire lives and only see pictures of places we dream of. Proper planning transforms the right Fall vacation into a colorful and rewarding reality.

Audacious Impact | Changing the Course of History

By Brittany Dunn - COO of Safe House Project

AIn 1963, a mathematician and meteorologist named Edward Lorenz made a presentation to the New York Academy of Sciences. Lorenz presented a theory that he called the "butterfly effect," which states that when a butterfly flaps its wings, it sets air molecules in motion, which move other air molecules. He proposed that this motion pattern could continue until a hurricane was formed on the other side of the world After he finished, the audience laughed him out of the room

For years, this theory remained an interesting myth at best and a scientific joke at worst However, in the mid-1990s, physics professors proved that Lorenz's theory was viable and accurate enough to work in every test. Soon after these discoveries, the butterfly effect was granted the status of a scientific law and is now known as the law of sensitive dependence upon initial conditions The butterfly effect holds in human life, just as in science Our daily actions and interactions often impact just one person at first, growing to influence another and another over time until the course of history changes.

Human trafficking is an issue that touches every age, race, socio-economic class, and gender. Survivors surround us in our schools and our churches They pass us in the grocery store and are our customers in local businesses They are our friends, our neighbors, and our community members

We learned that a family member had victimized forty percent of the thousands of children trafficked in the United States. Someone they trusted to protect them. Then we realized that only one percent of all these survivors are identified. These kids are rarely abducted from their homes, but are actively being trafficked by people they know One percent out of millions of people Our hearts were broken, and we were overwhelmed

This massive problem presented us with the question, "What will you do about this?" We answered, "What can three military spouses with seven children under seven, and three deployed spouses do alone?" We were reminded that we tolerate what we permit to exist In the blink of an eye, we stepped out of corporate America and took up the mission to help eradicate child sex trafficking in the United States. Today, we lead the Safe House Project, a national leader in combating human trafficking. Headquartered in Virginia, we work with an incredible team throughout the United States to increase survivor identification, provide emergency survivor support, and expand safe house capacity We understand that to defeat the enemy, you must know it. Trafficking is an epidemic in our communities right here in Virginia In 2021 alone, approximately 140 survivors were reported in Virginia through the National Human Trafficking Hotline, which leads us to estimate that about 14,000 others are still trafficked in the Commonwealth annually.

According to the Hampton Roads Trafficking Task Force, over ninety percent of the identified individuals in our communities are American citizens, and thirty-four percent of those survivors are children. Hundreds of individuals, minors, and adults are being bought and sold in our neighborhoods. They still go to the grocery store and are still customers in our businesses, but they are being missed. To increase the number of survivors identified, we must focus on educating the people interacting with survivors most frequently. These individuals include healthcare professionals, law enforcement officers, child protective service professionals, educators, military service members, leaders in youth-serving organizations, and more Major Alexander issued a mayoral proclamation for Norfolk City employees to train through the Safe House Project's OnWatch curriculum.

“Human trafficking is an issue that touches every age, race, socio-economic class, and gender.”

Our most creative training effort to date was developed with leaders in the pest management industry During the global COVID-19 pandemic, as children were trapped in unsafe homes, these industry leaders saw a unique opportunity to help identify kids who were being exploited As one of the few groups still allowed into other families' homes, pest management professionals stepped up to identify and report suspected trafficking situations. This instance is just one example of business leaders in our communities asking, "How can we use our resources and skills to help?"

When we support creativity in solutions, miracles happen Last year, an in-home service provider who had participated in the Safe House Project's training was sent on a job to a large home When he arrived, the couple would not allow him upstairs. He calmly explained that if they wanted their security system installed, he needed access to the house's upper floor. After much convincing, the couple asked him to wait downstairs while they prepared the rooms. They came back fifteen minutes later to grant him access to a single upstairs room. To their chagrin, the service provider needed to enter a different room to install the security system Through their resistance and attempts at diversion, the technician began to suspect that he had stumbled on a trafficking ring and reported it to the authorities for investigation Because he was empowered to report as well as identify, this man was an instrumental part in helping survivors to safety and recovery.

Similarly, the Safe House Project worked with the Academy of Forensic Nursing and trafficking survivors to develop and deploy trauma-informed, patient-centered training to equip healthcare professionals to identify, report, and provide resources to trafficking victims in a clinical setting This training course alone has led to a significant increase in the number of survivors identified, primarily since eighty-eight percent of trafficking survivors report interacting with a healthcare provider while being trafficked. Now healthcare workers are being empowered to be part of the solution.

At 56 years old, Summer had only ever known abuse and victimization at the hand of her trafficker Yet one day, she gained the courage to escape. She found her way to the closest hospital in the dark and rain When this older woman stumbled into the emergency department, the staff was unsure what was happening She was agitated and kept saying she needed help to escape her trafficker. Using the hospital WiFi, she could quickly search and call the Safe House Project to advocate for her and help her find a safe house. Our team worked quickly with the hospital to ensure her safety and find an emergency safe house program since the local domestic violence shelters would not accept trafficking survivors Within hours, she was accepted to another state's emergency safe house program. The Safe House Project coordinated with the hospital to facilitate her secret exit and transportation to the airport Summer called our team in tears when she made it onto her final flight. "Thank you for believing me and helping me when everyone else said ‘no’. It's because of you that I am alive. It is because of you that I am free "

Unfortunately, not every survivor's story has a perfect ending Eighty percent of survivors end up being revictimized if they do not have a safe place waiting when they exit a trafficking situation As we refined the Safe House Project's mission, we knew our responsibility included survivor identification, exit assistance, and safe house placement. Every day our emergency response team receives calls from healthcare workers, law enforcement officers, community members, and other nonprofit organizations to place survivors into safe house programs. We often get calls directly from survivors who are still with their trafficker and are hoping to escape. As we respond with equal parts urgency and excellence, survivors flee from dangerous situations and move to a certified safe house program to begin a journey toward healing and restoration.

The first survivor I ever walked alongside was the one who originally inspired me to take up this mission. Every day of the past five years, she has continued to inspire me and the Safe House Project team to strive for more incredible things. Today, she goes by Hope. Her trafficking experience began before she was old enough to spell her name Hope's dad was a firefighter, her mother was on the school board, and her life looked normal on the outside She didn't know yet that what happened out of the public eye wasn't normal, and she didn't think she could ask for help

Hope began to write, and her ability was the gift that would save her. Eventually, she started to share her story, and I came across it through her writing. When I reached out to encourage and thank her for her courage, I didn't realize she was still in the trafficking situation. From that moment of first contact, Hope and I began building friendships As I learned more about her life, I started to suspect that she hadn't escaped her traffickers By this time, she was a young adult and had been abused for almost two decades. I couldn't force her to leave as much as I wanted to. Instead, I learned to listen, to learn, and never to give up, even if she pushed me away. Finally, the night came when Hope's trafficker put her in a lifeor-death situation. The team at Safe House Project rallied around her and helped her escape from the area Because of our relationship, I was the first person she called for help

Hope says now, "The Safe House Project saved my life. Without them, I would still be stuck with my trafficker or in a worse situation. They didn't rescue me. They didn't make me leave. They gave me a choice, and when I was ready, they were there to find me safe housing and a life where I could finally dream I never thought I'd live long enough to have dreams The hope and the power over my life that the Safe House Project gave me was the first step in a journey to finally being free "

But as Hope says, freedom is a journey; it does not happen overnight. Due to the complex trauma trafficking survivors have endured, they need support with their journey. Therefore, the Safe House Project works alongside new and expanding nonprofit organizations nationwide to increase the capacity of long-term therapeutic, safe homes These programs are more than a shelter; they are a supportive living environment where survivors can receive therapy, life skills training, medical attention, education, and more to break the cycle of victimization. To date, the Safe House Project's efforts have increased the national landscape of restorative care and funded 371 new beds in safe homes, providing 135,000 safe nights annually to survivors of sex trafficking. These places of hope and healing show survivors daily that they have dignity, value, and worth as human beings and not as a commodity

The Safe House Project is also the national accreditor of Safe House Programs. Through our safe house certification program, we establish national standards of care, and evaluate safe homes against those standards to elevate the comprehensive quality of care provided across the nation. At the Safe House Project, we are dedicated to building programs that impact combating trafficking. Our training courses have educated over 270,000 people. We partner-launch new safe house programs and mentor existing ones that provide survivors of child sex trafficking with 135,000 safe nights annually Four hundred fifty survivors have reached safety through our emergency response services But to us, these are more than just numbers

Every number has a name. Every name has a story, and every story matters Hope's story didn't end with escaping from her trafficking situation. As painful as her past is, she found the courage to leave and began to find healing and restoration. Today, she is a part of the team at the Safe House Project and directs the development of our training program alongside a group of survivors. She is only one, but her impact has trained hundreds of thousands who have, and will continue to help identify many more survivors.

From the beginning, the Safe House Project has had the vision to see trafficking eradicated in the United States by 2030. We know this is an audacious goal beyond our resources, but we believe that, as Einstein said, problems are not solved on the same level on which they are created. I believe in the butterfly effect. I believe a butterfly flapping its wings can create a hurricane on the other side. I believe in the exponential impact our service can have. I asked Hope what kind of butterfly effect she's working for. She told me that she wants to see the Safe House Project training courses she has developed go on to equip 9 million people in America to identify trafficking victims and to see 16,500 child trafficking victims just like her identified and supported in their healing journey.

Today, I ask each of you to flap your wings to be part of the butterfly effect. Help us create an impact that will change the course of history by eradicating child trafficking in our community and throughout the United States

61 YEARS OF SURF, STOKE, & COMMUNITY

Mark your calendars for a week of high-energy beach activities as the Virginia Beach Oceanfront is set to host the 61st Annual Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships (ECSC) from August 20-27.

Proudly owned and produced by the Virginia Beach Jaycees, this event stands tall as the longest continuously running surf championship across the globe, the largest charitable surf championship, and a pillar of community-focused and environmentally friendly endeavors.

This year, the championship promises to uphold the Jaycees' commitment to community service and leadership development, set against the backdrop of the dynamic Virginia Beach Oceanfront. A fresh wave of excitement awaits participants and spectators alike!

"Steering the Ship Meet the Team Behind The Event"

Tony Pellino, a former professional tandem surfer renowned for his chairing of this event record 3 times, steps in as the new Genera Manager, promising a fresh direction for th year's championship. With a dee understanding of the surf world and years o experience under his belt, Pellino's arrival sure to infuse this year's event with fres energy and a unique perspective.

As the first African American chairs in ECSC history, Jaketa Clark Thompson and Nathan Crosslin bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to this year's event Jaketa, a long-time volunteer for the event, is well-versed in the ins and outs of the championship Both she and Nathan, with their backgrounds in marketing and event management, are ideally positioned to drive the events's vision for the future

For over 60 years, the Virginia Beach Jaycees have been the proud owners and producers of the Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships (ECSC). Founded on principles of leadership development and community service, the Jaycees have managed to transform ECSC from a humble surfing competition into the longest continuously running surf championship in the world.

A testament to the spirit of community involvement and dedication, the ECSC stands out as the world's largest all-volunteer charity surf competition. From the planning stages to the final events, every aspect of the championship is managed by dedicated volunteers from the Virginia Beach Jaycees and the local community.

Their commitment to community service extends beyond the beach as well. The Virginia Beach Jaycees continually serve the local community through various projects and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents and contributing to the overall betterment of the area.

More Than Just Surf!

Beyond The Waves

While the Pro-am surf and WSL 1,000 competitions fuel the adrenaline, a variety of additional activities promise entertainment for everyone. Spikeball, Volleyball games, Cornhole, and a bustling vendor and art market, there's an activity for every interest!

Blending sports with music, the ECSC concert features an outstanding roster of 27 acts, including Buckshot, LittKeys, Jackmove, Traphouse Koda, and more, ensuring a mix of rhythms to match the surfing action There will also be a Sunday beach party with a an actual pool in the sand

The cherry on top? The Mr and Mrs Coastal Edge ECSC Swimsuit Pageant that will add an extra layer of glamour to the already packed program! Beyond all this, there are welcome and afterparties happening nighlty. For more details, visit www surfecsc com

What's Happening...

What's Biting

Most offshore structures produce numbers of black sea bass, tautog, flounder, and triggerfish. The key to success is finding locations other anglers have yet to strike. Reports indicate that the Triangle Wrecks and the windmills specifically yield good numbers of quality fish The deep drop game has been on fire, with many anglers reporting quality catches of both tile and rose fish with grouper action. Catches like these will only improve as we approach fall. When planning your trip, look for several wrecks that are close together so you have options if your first pick is not available Good electronics and versatility are a must. The Chesapeake Light Tower reports great catches of spadefish with amberjack in the area. This fishery's peak is August, which will taper off in September.

The offshore trolling bite is a feast or famine by nature, where you search suspected hotspots for hours with no activity, and then suddenly, you are hooked up to one or more fish of a lifetime! Staying up to date with weather patterns, ocean currents, temperature breaks, and eddies on the fishing grounds can minimize the wait time between bites. Remember to look for any floating structure which can provide the slightest hint of shade or be the start of a small ecosystem Weed lines, boards, boxes, and lobster pot buoys are all prime real estate for offshore species The offshore bite between August and the beginning of fall in September can seem almost magical You have a fantastic transition period where every pelagic species frequents Virginia waters. Fish that have traveled north will begin returning down the coast, following baitfish heading for tropical waters They will hunt in packs and herd bait to the surface, which can be fantastic to witness Anglers trolling ballyhoo with colored skirt combinations and assorted plastics on daisy chains can have banner days on billfish, tuna, wahoo, mahi, king mackerel, and mako shark. A "green machine" on a shotgun rig way back has made a difference for many anglers Give it a try!

Flounder action inshore has been slow but look for fish to stack up in deep water near structure and channel edges as they begin preparing for their southward journey in October Drifting or power trolling cut bait strips or live spot-on "old salt" style rigs with 3-way droppers on the bottom can help locate feeding fish. Jigging bucktails with gulp baits against the pilings can be very productive as the tide breaks down. Tarpons have been seen in their usual haunts already and will be available to Virginia anglers until waters begin to cool in September. Red and black drum, cobia, spadefish, sheepshead,

Spanish mackerel, bluefish, albacore, and ribbonfish have been plentiful and will continue to be available through October. Trout, spot, croaker, roundhead, sea mullet, pufferfish, and pompano are also available Look for large schools of "golden belly" spots to show in September and October as they migrate south. Surf fishermen should experience an excellent fall run on most species this year. Striped bass is found in the bay and rivers near the structure, with night fishing around the James River Bridge being a top producer already. As the waters cool, the fishing will continue to improve. Fall rock season begins October 4th, but the size and creel limits are subject to change The limit is one per person, with the slot size being 20 and 36 inches

While it's often said, "the early bird gets the worm," don't scuff at the chance to fish the second shift With most freshwater anglers targeting their species of choice early before the summer sun gets too high, some anglers find the "evening bite can be quite a delight " As the afternoon sun dips behind the trees, shadows creep across the water's surface, providing much relief from the summer heat During this cool, calm stage of the day, schools of shade often can be found on the surface with predators lurking beneath them. Casting topwater or shallowrunning shad-type crankbaits can provide amazing action. Stripers, bass, crappie, white perch, and most other aggressive feeding fish prefer low-light feeding situations with the prey silhouetted against the lit sky, but the sun's glare diminished

Cloudy, overcast days can sometimes be so productive, especially for bass and stripers. The evening bite can be extremely aggressive as the fish know there is only a minimal window of opportunity before the light completely disappears Panfish can be taken more readily with small poppers and flies under these conditions because they mimic the bugs naturally available and are highly visible

At night, many bodies of water have docks that provide artificial lights that attract fish, so be bold and stay out a little late and see what happens As summer waters begin to cool with fall approaching, fish will naturally start to bulk up in preparation for winter Larger gamefish will become more aggressive, and species will work together to pin their prey against shorelines and points. Find the bait; find your target species. While watching the sun coming up on the water can be almost spiritual, twilight can be just as magical. Don't think someone ruined your trip because you weren't the first boat on the water. You may find that being the last boat off the lake can be just as rewarding.

C O N T I N U E D . . .

Know Your Fish Albacore to Zebra

Speckled trout or spotted sea trout are native to waters all along the east coast of the Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts to Florida and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. In Virginia, many fish winter in the lower tidal rivers, inner coastal waterways, and coastline inlets such as Little Creek, Lynnhaven, and Rudee. In the spring, they venture out, preparing to spawn, with some traveling up the bay and joining other migrating fish from Carolina waters. They breed repeatedly throughout the basin between April and October, usually near grass beds where the hatchlings can seek refuge. All summer, specks are taken in the grassy shallows by casting top water plugs or shallow running baits, flies, or jigs, especially in low light conditions.

As the coastal waters drop the temperature in September, baitfish and shrimp school in large numbers and begin their southward journey. The trout do the same and feed up for the winter. Migratory and resident fish flood the area on both sides of the bay, with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel islands and most bayside creeks and inlets holding quality speckled trout in good numbers. Casting or trolling small lead head jigs with 3-5" swim baits or mirrors of assorted colors are ideal for finding the fish. Don't be afraid to try different colors. Look for clean, shallow water near channel edges and structure which holds baitfish, and try to use colors that look natural in your conditions. Grass beds, oyster bars, and drop-offs are great locations to fish.

Tight lines, friends!

August September October

Offshore: tuna, wahoo, & dolphin

The Bay/Tidal Rivers: cobia, tarpon, & flounder

Freshwater: large and smallmouth bass, stripers, & catfish

Offshore: mako sharks, king mackerel, & tautog

The Bay/Tidal Rivers: drum, spadefish, & bluefish

Freshwater: crappie, gar, & bluegill

OOffshore: grouper, rosefish, & sheepshead

The Bay/Tidal Rivers: trout, Spanish mackerel, & sea bass

Freshwater: perch, sunfish, & bowfin

Events and Happenings

*Now through September 2

Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

Virginia Beach | Virginia Beach Convention Center

Presented in partnership with the Virginia Arts Festival, Beyond Van Gogh is the largest immersive experience in the country, occupying over 30,000 square feet. Through the use of cutting-edge projection technology and an original score, you will feel like you are part of over 300 of Van Gogh’s works. The experience takes about an hour, with the last entry being one hour prior to closing.

TIME: Tues-Thurs 10am-8pm, Fri & Sat 10am – 9pm, Sun 10am-7pm, Closed Mondays.

COST: Child $23.99 Adult pricing ranging from $34.99-$79.99

Beyond Van Gogh Virginia Beach: The Immersive Experience

*Now through November 18

Every Wednesday and Saturday

Chesapeake Farmers’ Market at City Park

Chesapeake | Chesapeake City Park Marketplace Shelter

This open-air market’s mission is to promote and support local farmers by providing an opportunity for citizens to purchase their agricultural goods direct from the source. Items range from fruits and vegetables, fresh honey, plants and flowers, grass fed beef and pork, free range chickens, jams, jellies, pickles and more.

TIME: 8am-12pm

COST: FREE

Chesapeake Farmers' Market at City Park (visitchesapeake.com)

*September 3,10,17,24, October 1,8,15,22,29

Movies in the Plaza

Virginia Beach | Virginia Beach Town Center Plaza

Join us every Saturday evening, after sundown in for our second annual Movies in the Plaza . Catch a free, family friendly outdoor film in the beautiful Town Center Fountain Plaza. Order to-go and enjoy your meal in the plaza or make dinner reservations before the show and treat the family to a true “dinner and a movie” experience. With over 20 restaurants to choose from, there is something for everyone! Visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets, but per law, no alcoholic beverages are permitted in the Fountain Plaza.

TIME: 8:30 p.m.

COST: Free

Movies In The Plaza - Town Center of Virginia Beach (towncentervb.com

*August 10, 17, 24, Sept. 5

Symphony By the Sea Concert Series

Virginia Beach | Neptune’s Park, 3100 Atlantic Ave.

Neptune Festival's Symphony by the Sea Concert Series, presented by The Breeden Company. Arrive early, as the concerts are well-attended and will fill the park. While all concerts are free, a VIP Series Membership, which includes reserved seating and more, is available for purchase.

TIME: 7:30-9 p.m.

COST: Free

Symphony By The Sea Concert Series | Virginia Beach Neptune Festival

*August 12

ODU Big Blue 5k

Norfolk | Old Dominion University, Bluestone Ave.

Go Big Blue! The 9th running of the Big Blue 5K presented by Bon Secours takes participants on a 5K tour of the Old Dominion University campus and finishes on the 50 yard line on Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium. Participants are invited to celebrate their race at the Post Race Tailgate Party! Registration now open.

TIME: 8 a.m.

COST: $50

https://www.bigblue5k.com/

*August 19-October 21

The Sandler Center Miller Jazz Series

Virginia Beach | Sandler Center for the Performing Arts

Purchase tickets now for the Sandler Center Miller Jazz Series at YnotTix.com

August 17 - Lori’s Jazz Lonuge. The series welcomes singer Lori Williams! Lori has traveled for over 30 years singing all over the world. She was nominated for a Helen Hayes Award in 2014 for her depiction as Ella Fitzgerald in “Ladies Sing the Bliues”. She will be accompanied by John Toomy on piano, Jimmy Masters on bass and Chuck Redd on drums.

September 14 – Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. This will feature music from both of these powerhouses in the Jazz world, an iconic writing duo! John Toomy on piano, Jimmy Masters on bass and Tony Martucci on drums

TIME: 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $23

https://ynottixsc.evenue.net/

*August 26

8th Annual Neptune’s Coastal Craft Brew Festival

Virginia Beach | Neptune’s Park, 3001 Atlantic Ave.

Neptune's Coastal Craft Beer Festival will feature local Virginia beers as well as national and regional craft beers. Enjoy over 60 beers from 30 breweries, live music, food trucks and more. Each ticket includes a commemorative beer-tasting glass and unlimited tastings throughout the day. Ages 21+ Only. No Pets. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted. All bags and coolers will be inspected at the gate.

TIME: 1 p.m.-6 p.m.

COST: $45

*August 19-20

35th Annual Nansemond Indian Pow Wow

Suffolk | Pow Wow Grounds, 1001 Pembroke Ln.

All are welcome at this family friendly event featuring Native American song, dance, food and crafts. Grand entry will be at noon on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday.

TIME: Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

COST: Free

*September 3 Symphony Under the Stars

Chesapeake | Chesapeake City Park

Enjoy classic, pop and jazz music live from the Virginia Symphony Orchestra on the Bagley stage. A variety of food trucks will provide options for an evening picnic. Bring your own chairs or blanket (Pop-up tents, oversized umbrellas and feather flags not permitted.)

TIME: Parking and concessions open at 6 p.m.

COST: Free admission and on-site parking; other purchases vary

*September 11

Roar & Pour

Norfolk | Virginia Zoo

This year, the Virginia Zoo and the Coastal Virginia Brewery Alliance are partnering to host an annual gathering of hyper-local brewers for an all-new event – Roar & Pour!

Join us for beer samplings from the finest that Coastal Virginia has to offer, alongside extended exhibit hours, a Food Truck Rodeo, live music, games, a kid’s play area, an expanded VIP section, and much more.

TIME: 5:30p.m.-9:00p.m.

COST: Adults: starting at $22 Youth (ages 2-20) $16, Toddlers (2 and under) Free

*September 16-17

2023 NAS Oceana Air Show

Virginia Beach | Naval Air Station Oceana

This year’s theme, 50 Years of Women in Naval Aviation, pays tribute to all the Navy’s women trailblazers, from “The First Six” to earn their Wings of Gold in 1973, to the brave women who have since chosen to serve their Nation in the skies. Our Nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service. The 2023 NAS Oceana Air Show, will proudly feature the Navy’s premiere flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels; the F-35C II Lightning Demonstration Team; and the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team! The NAS Oceana Air Show is our chance to give back to our military families and our community. This year, we look forward to welcoming visitors from across the country and around the world to come onboard the Navy’s East Coast Master Jet Base, experience the wonder of flight firsthand, and meet the exceptional men and women of naval aviation.. Check the website for more information as it develops.

TIME: Gates open at 8:00 a.m. with the show beginning at 10:00 a.m.

COST: General Admission and Parking is free with Upgrades available between $15-$125

*September 16-17

26th Annual Fall Wine Festival

Virginia Beach | Neptune’s Park at 31st St. and Atlantic Avenue

Join your friends by the oceanfront for an afternoon hosted by Virginia's leading vineyards. Taste from over 60 wines while you meet and greet the fascinating people who forge Virginia's reputation for quality wines. Enjoy delicious food, live entertainment and the opportunity to purchase the wines you like by the bottle and case.

TIME: Noon to 5 p.m. daily

Cost: Advance Tickets: $40 (Until July 15 or allotment has been reached); Tier 2: $45 (Through September 9); Tier 3: $50 (Beginning Sept 10, until Sold Out); Saturday Early Entry Ticket: $60 (advance purchase only, includes exclusive access to the event one hour prior to standard ticket holder access. A limited number of tickets will be sold at this level); Sunday Tasting; TABLES: $430 for Saturday and $380 for Sunday. (Includes eight tickets to the event, a reserved table with chairs, a plant centerpiece to take home, PLUS an ice bucket filled with 1 bottle of wine and 8 bottles of water!)

26th Annual Fall Wine Festival | Virginia Beach Neptune Festival

*September 29th – October 1st

49th Annual Boardwalk Weekend

Virginia Beach | Oceanfront 6th-36th Streets

2023 marks the 49th anniversary for the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival with daily concerts at festival stages, scattered along 30 blocks of the boardwalk, featuring 20+ performances from local, regional and national recording artists. On the boardwalk, you can find over 200 artisans displaying handmade work at an Art & Craft Show that has been ranked No. 5 out of 200 Fine Art and Design Shows across the country. Keep walking to find 22 magnificent sand sculptures created by world-renowned international sculptors at Neptune's International Sandsculpting Championship. Other weekend events include Neptune's 8k Race, Grand Parade, Volleyball Tournament, Atlantic Regatta, Youth Art Show and more. See the website for information on all Boardwalk Weekend events.

TIME: Fri., Sept. 29 noon-11 p.m., Sat., Sept. 30 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun., Oct 1, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

COST: Free to attend

49th Annual Boardwalk Weekend | Virginia Beach Neptune Festival

*October 1

Neptune’s Atlantic Regatta

Virginia Beach | Virginia Beach Oceanfront (Details TBD)

Multiple classes tack and jibe their way from Cape Henry to Rudee Inlet during this great recreational race as Neptune gets a little more nautical with Neptune's Atlantic Regatta. Need a break from the boardwalk action? Check out the boats’ arrival at Rudee Inlet in the afternoon or hang out at 24th Street Park to watch the finish. Neptune's Atlantic Regatta is Broad Bay Sailing Association's last race of the season, and is also a CBYRAsanctioned event. Starting off Little Creek, racers transit the Chesapeake Bay BridgeTunnel, sail down the coast, and finish off 24th street. After a night of fun at the festival, participants leave the event's complimentary Rudee Inlet dockage and return home. This race is part of the Southern Bay Distance Racing Series (SBDRS).

TIME: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

COST: Free

https://virginiabeach.guide/events/neptunes-atlantic-regatta/

*September 29-October 8

International Sand Sculpting Competition

Virginia Beach | Oceanfront 6th-8th Streets

With a world-class venue, talent and prize purse, Neptune's International Sandsculpting Championship has distinguished itself as a premier event unlike any other. This signature event of the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival since its inception has grown to the most prestigious event of its kind in the nation. With an international field of sculptors representing 11 countries from around the world, watch the professionals turn grains of sand into works of art in just three days.

TIME: Friday, 9/24: 9 a.m.-11 p.m.

Saturday, 9/25: 9 a.m.-11 p.m.

Sunday, 9/26: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Monday - Wednesday: 9/27 - 9/29: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Thursday, 9/30: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (City Employee Appreciation Day)

Friday - Sunday, 10/1 - 10/3: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

COST: Admission: $5 per person. 12 and under free while accompanied by adult. https://www.neptunefestival.com/events/international-sand-sculptingchampionship#hours

*Now through December 31

Haunted Williamsburg

Williamsburg | Colonial Williamsburg

From authentic 18th-century colonial ghost stories to creepy modern-day encounters, Haunted Williamsburg is the only tour with exclusive access to historic outdoor spaces, featuring costumed storytellers who share their unnerving tales. This one-hour candlelit walking ghost tour takes you strolling through town, into gardens, and beyond the barriers to our most haunted sites. The tour begins at the Play House Stage on Palace Green and is suitable for ages 8 and older. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Weather permitting: runs rain or shine, except in cases of severe inclement or cold weather. Pets are not permitted. Haunted Williamsburg is the official ghost tour experience of Colonial Williamsburg.

TIME: Daily 7-8 p.m., 8:30-9:30 p.m.

COST: Adult $19; Youth (6-12) $12; Child (Under 6) $12 https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/events/haunted-williamsburg/

*October 7

An Evening with Russle Howard

Norfolk | Attucks Theater

After the global success of his second Netflix special Lubricant, six seasons of The Russell Howard Hourspawning over 500 million views worldwide on social media (airing on Sky in the UK), and his fastest-selling, sold-out UK tour to date with a brand-new show, Russell Howard Live, British stand-up Russell Howard (BBC’s Russell Howard’s Good News) announces his eagerly anticipated return to the USA with an East Coast leg for Autumn 2023, produced by Live Nation.

TIME: 7:30 p.m.

COST: Starting at $42

https://www.sevenvenues.com/events/detail/russell-howard

*October 21 - 22

35th Annual Town Point Virginia Fall Wine Festival

Norfolk | Town Point Park

Experience Hampton Roads’ most anticipated Wine Festival of the fall season along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront. Wine Enthusiast Magazine has named Virginia one of the 10 best wine travel destinations in the world. This year’s fall favorite will showcase more than 30 wineries with over 200 of the Commonwealth’s finest wine varieties. Festival guests can enjoy the company of friends and family along the Elizabeth River for a weekend-long harvest of Virginia wineries in Town Point Park. Budding sommeliers and everyday enthusiasts can sample and purchase premier wine vintages and enjoy live musical performances, along with gourmet foods and specialty wares.

TIME: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

COST: Saturday General Admission Advance: $35 Day of: $40 Sunday General Admission https://festevents.org/events/2023/fallwinefest/

Photo Contest: Enter to Win

DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHERE THIS PHOTO WAS TAKEN?

“Last Call” highlights a location or an artifact in the Tidewater region every issue. Send us your guess via email or on the website as to where you think the photo was taken and identify what it is Those who send correct guesses will have their names placed into a hat, with the winner randomly chosen

Please provide your email address/contact information with your submission in case you ’ re the lucky one

We will award a prize each issue For this contest we will provide a $150 gift certificate at one of The Boulevard Team’s favorite restaurants Of course, we’ll name the winner in the next issue and on social media so you can take advantage of all the appropriate bragging rights with your friends and family Good luck everyone!

blvdmedia io/contact/

hello@blvdmedia io

Christopher Bateman

Last issue’s winner: Virginia Beach, VA

Location: Pit Bull Tabaco and More on Rosemont Road

[ PHOTO by David Polston ]

Virginia Beach | lowenthals.com