Boulevard Spring Edition 2024

The essential source of things to do for locals & visitors

Inside this Edition Watermen and the Daunting Truth of the Bay Unwrapping Retail Trends What’s Biting

SPRING EDITION 2024 EVENTS • FOOD & DRINK • SHOPPING • HEALTH & WELLNESS

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feb-apr 2024 4 Publisher’s Note A message from president/publisher/editor-in-chief Berry Brunk.

6 Exploring the hidden gems of Virginia’s Eastern Shore

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Judy Brunk shares the charming aspects of the region.

10 Watermen and the daunting truth of the bay Discover the critical impact of watermen and supporting the bay.

14 Unwrapping retail trends Explore the comprehensive recap of 2023’s hottest retail trends.

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18 Southeastern schools’ light literacy fires in homes Check out All District Reads Program which promotes family reading in local districts.

26 Revamping the region Dominion Energy commences construction on the biggest offshore wind farm in America.

32 The power of the collective Learn about Safe House Project’s significant impact on eradicating human trafficking.

36 What’s biting?

Billy Sugg highlights offshore deep-dropping action in our quarterly fishing report.

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42 Notable potables Create a concoction and sip a drink while you read.

46 Last call Where was this photo taken?

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Hello readers! I’m writing this on a plane heading to Las Vegas for a pre-Super Bowl series of meetings and networking events. Back in Tidewater, the Boulevard team is feverishly working on what will be the first edition of our fifth year. I have a hard time recognizing this fact. When we started in 2020, our community and the world were experiencing the worst pandemic in over 100 years. As COVID continued the assault on humanity, we watched our vibrant local economy sink deeply into a depression while all activities - indoor and outdoor - were curtailed.

With the approach of spring 2024, we are blessed with a calendar full of events and we can look forward to packed restaurants and shops, in addition to rising employment opportunities and lower inflation. All in all, we are enjoying an increasingly strong economy. Our friends at Retail Alliance provided a summary of the current health of the retail climate and I urge all of you to “buy local” when you have a choice.

As the warmth of spring begins to melt away the chill of winter, it brings with it a sense of renewal and rejuvenation. It’s a time when nature awakens from its slumber, painting the world with bright colors and filling the air with the sweet aroma of blossoms. At Boulevard, we are thrilled to embrace the spirit of this season in our latest edition.

In this issue, we have curated a collection of stories, features and insights that celebrate the essence of our region. From exploring hidden gems nestled within our communities to delving into the rich tapestry of local culture and traditions, each page invites you on a journey of discovery and appreciation.

As we emerge from the cocoon of winter, we find ourselves inspired by the resilience and creativity of those around us. From artisans crafting beautiful works of art to entrepreneurs breathing new life into old traditions, our region is alive with innovation and passion. We are excited to shine a spotlight on these individuals and their endeavors, showcasing the diverse talents that set our community apart from others.

Spring is also a time of growth and transformation, both personally and collectively. In this issue, you’ll find inspiration to nurture your mind, body and spirit as you embark on your journey of self-discovery. Whether it’s through embracing a new hobby, exploring mindful practices or simply connecting with nature, we hope to provide you with the tools and insights to cultivate a sense of fulfillment and wellbeing in your life.

As always, we are grateful for your continued support and readership. It is your enthusiasm and passion for our region that drives us to continually strive for excellence in our content and storytelling. We invite you to immerse yourself in the pages of this issue, and we hope it leaves you feeling inspired, enlightened and eager to embrace the beauty and abundance of the season ahead.

BERRY BRUNK

President | Publisher berry@blvdmedia.io BRENNER VASQUEZ Contributing Graphic Designer bren@8mediagroup.com MOLLY DONALDSON Graphic Designer Mollyd@vt.edu MICHAELA SCOTT Editor and Writer Michaelascott@vt.edu RICK BLANTON Photography Editor rick@blvdmedia.io

CONTRIBUTORS DYLON SHEFFER Multimedia Design dylon@blvdmedia.io SUSIE BRUNK General Manager susie@blvdmedia.io

ADVERTISING

For advertising inquiries. please contact BERRY BRUNK 757.340.3625 berry@blvdmedia.io Visit our website

Berry and Susie Brunk

www.blvdmedia.io © 2024| VoL 5. No. 1 Boulevard is published quarterly (February, May, August, November)

by Blvd. Media, LLC 4001-117 Virginia Beach Blvd., Suite 181 Virginia Beach, VA 23452 All rights reserved @blvdmedia757

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About the Author Judy Brunk

Judy Brunk (the author and crab lady) was born and raised in Indiania.

She joined the U.S. Navy after graduation from high school and became a photographer for the Navy. She married a career navy man and moved from coast to coast. She has lived on Virginia’s eastern shore for 37 years and with her husband, has shed crabs for 27 years.

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game on.

The all-new Virginia Beach Sports Center is in a league of its own

Join the fun and play your favorite sport at the region’s newest and most state-of-the art indoor sports facility!

WAVE Basketball Club

Adult Leagues

Wave Basketball helps boys and girls grades 4-11 build character, learn teamwork and develop a lifelong love for the game of basketball.

Who said games were just for kids?

Join the grown-ups for basketball, volleyball and a full range of social sports like dodgeball and more.

Take a Virtual Tour & More at Vbsportscenter.com

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757-937-4571

@vbsportscenter

Youth Basketball Leagues & Camps Our Youth camps help kids learn, grow and develop both on and off the field.

Open to all ages and experience levels!

1045 19th Street, Virginia Beach 23451

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Billy Sugg is a longstanding member of the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office having served almost three decades.

Thanks to his father’s influence he has been a local angler for even longer than that.

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Previous Photo: No Contest Winner

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