Boulevard Magazine Holiday Edition

THE ESSENTIAL SOURCE OF THINGS TO DO FOR LOCALS AND VISITORS

MAGAZINE Inside This Edition

Road Trip To Australia Frank Sings: Getting To Know The Real Frank What’s Biting

HOLIDAY EDITION 2023

CONTENTS 19 Climate Change and Hampton Roads

22 What's Biting?

26 Local Events Calendar

4 Publisher's Note 6 The Tutorial From Orvis Tying the improved Bumpin Bunny.

10 Road Trip: Australia RIck Blanton‘s first-hand account of a beautiful trip down under.

15 Frank Sings We have the pleasure of getting to know the man behind the voice.

19 Why Climate Change Is Important To Hampton Roads Written by Jeff Lawson 22 What's Biting?

Our quarterly fishing report.

26 Local Event Calendar 41 Last Call

15 Profiling Frank

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The Veteran With The Voice

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From The Publisher

BOULEVARD MAGAZINE The Boulevard staff and all of you readers have sure experienced some amazing developments here in the Tidewater area during the past year. From a super-successful Something in the Water, that Pharrell and his partners pulled off with nary a hitch to a crazy extreme sports event called Jackalope we locals have been treated to fantastic new community entertainment options. Of course, we still had the venerable East Coast Surfing Championship, The Neptune Festival and the MOCA Boardwalk Art Show rounding out the hot summer season of events.

It is also humbling to announce that our publication is now celebrating the end of our fourth year with the 2023 Holiday issue that is in your hands and on your screens. When we started on this venture in January of 2020, we could not have forecasted the twists and turn we would need to take on the road to success. Since the beginning we have chronicled on a quarterly basis our unique small businesses, the performing arts, local sports teams, real estate and remodeling industries, the Port, local media, and most of all -- our way of life.

The region has experienced its share of losses -- the bankruptcy of MacArthur Center, Greenbriar and Patrick Henry Malls, the second sale of the Virginian-Pilot – now in the hands of a hedge fund, and the innumerable closings of favorites in the dining, hospitality, retail, and small business universe. As a backdrop to all this troubling news, we have also seen new energy represented in projects like the WAVE in Virginia Beach, a pending revival of Military Circle in Norfolk, growth in the suburbs of Chesapeake and Suffolk, a new casino in Portsmouth and central business district revitalizations in Newport News and Hampton. The resiliency of our region has shown through.

Our tourism and visitor industry are strong. The trends of buy local and staycations meant many of us enjoyed the riches we have in our own backyard. Road-tripping families within driving distance ended up on our shore, bolstering hotel occupancies and feeding the local economy with the life blood of revenue and tax dollars. It is the diversity of our regional economic engines that is Tidewater’s strength, and one of the key areas of focus we will continue to cover here at Boulevard.

In this issue, we report on the Waterman’s lifestyle on the Eastern Shore, a top-notch cabaret singer who channels Frank Sinatra, the fresh catch in “What’s Biting,” a thoughtful assessment about the ways the local weather is changing, and a variety of other must-read articles. With all this momentum as we enter the Holidays, I think it is safe to say that the wind is blowing our way.

Enjoy this issue of Boulevard and please send us your thoughts, comments, criticism, and suggestions. Remember that as we enter our fifth year that this is your regional magazine. We want and need your feedback to further refine our content and message to address the need more fully for news and information about our vibrant local community.

Peace and Love.

The region has experienced its share of losses -- the bankruptcy of MacArthur Center, Greenbriar and Patrick Henry Malls, the second sale of the Virginian-Pilot – now in the hands of a hedge fund, and the innumerable closings of favorites in the dining, hospitality, retail, and small business universe. As a backdrop to all this troubling news, we have also seen new energy represented in projects like the WAVE in Virginia Beach, a pending revival of Military Circle in Norfolk, growth in the suburbs of Chesapeake and Suffolk, a new casino in Portsmouth and central business district revitalizations in Newport News and Hampton. The resiliency of our region has shown through.

Our tourism and visitor industry are strong. The trends of buy local and staycations meant many of us enjoyed the riches we have in our own backyard. Road-tripping families within driving distance ended up on our shore, bolstering hotel occupancies and feeding the local economy with the life blood of revenue and tax dollars. It is the diversity of our regional economic engines that is Tidewater’s strength, and one of the key areas of focus we will continue to cover here at Boulevard.

In this issue, we report on the Waterman’s lifestyle on the Eastern Shore, a top-notch cabaret singer who channels Frank Sinatra, the fresh catch in “What’s Biting,” a thoughtful assessment about the ways the local weather is changing, and a variety of other must-read articles. With all this momentum as we enter the Holidays, I think it is safe to say that the wind is blowing our way.

Enjoy this issue of Boulevard and please send us your thoughts, comments, criticism, and suggestions. Remember that as we enter our fifth year that this is your regional magazine. We want and need your feedback to further refine our content and message to address the need more fully for news and information about our vibrant local community.

Peace and Love.

Berry Brunk Editor-in-Chief

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MADE BY HAND

TYING THE IMPROVED BUMPIN BUNNY Today, Orvis is the trusted source of discovery and adventure in the natural world. For more than a century and a half, they have loved the wild, explored it, and protected it. At their core, they are a fly-fishing and wingshooting brand, inspired by nature, driven by curiosity, and fulfilled by adventure.

Thread: Vevus 100 Denier G.S.P. Hook: Gamakatsu SL12S in size 2 Body: 65LB monofilament to create anti foul loop White Rabbit Strip for tail and body White Senyo’s Lazer Dub for the head Eyes: Fish Skull Living eyes size 6mm Adhesive: Zap-A-Gap With your hook in the vise, start the thread on the middle of the hook and advance back in touching wraps along the skank till the thread touches the hook point while the bobbin is hanging. Prepare 65lb mono loop. Use 3-5 inches of material allowing for excess tag length to be trimmed off later.

The Bumpin Bunny has become a shop favorite fly at Orvis Virginia Beach. It is a versatile fly pattern that can be used to fish for all the predatory fish that live in our local waters. This fly pattern is originally tied by Brandon Alexander and modified by the staff at Orvis Virginia Beach.

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Start the 65lb monofilament on the closest side of the hook to you by capturing it with 3-5 thread wraps. Bring the line around the opposite side of the hook and capture it again with 3-5 thread wraps. Secure formed loop with 3-5 more thread wraps over both ends of the loop, ensuring that the monofilament will not slip off the hook. Cut the tag ends of the loop and bring thread back along the hook shank until the thread hangs between the barb and the hook point. The rabbit strip that will be added on the next step will sit on top of the loop. The loop will also make it harder for the rabbit strip to wrap around and foul on the bend of the hook while fishing.

Grab a full length of rabbit strip and separate it from the others in the pack. With the fibers facing toward the rear of the hook, measure about 2 shank lengths of the rabbit strip.

Wet the hair and gently pull forward to expose the hide at your measuring point. At the point where the hide is exposed, lay the strip hide side down on the top of the hook immediately above where the thread is hanging. Attach the strip with 1-2 lose wraps followed by 2-3 more tight wraps to ensure the hide is tightly secured and will not spin around the hook shank.

Once the rabbit strip is tightly secured on the hook shank, fold the rabbit strip back towards the bend of the hook and wrap the thread under and in front of the folded strip to allow you to advance the thread up the hook shank. With touching wraps, bring the thread to within 1-2 hook eye lengths away from the eye of the hook. From there, wrap the remaining part of the rabbit strip up to where the thread is hanging. When wrapping the rabbit up the hook shank, remember to wrap it over the top of the hook and away from you in close touching wraps. The idea is to cover the hook shank but not wrap over the rabbit strip as you wrap. Once you have reached where the bobbin and thread are hanging, secure the rabbit strip with 2-5 tight wraps of thread to ensure the rabbit will not slip or fall off the hook. You can cut off any remaining length of the rabbit strip once it is secure.

From the bag of Senyo’s Lazer Dub, pull off a thicker pinch of material. To orient the fibers in a lateral direction, pinch and pull from the sides of the clump of material. The fibers will begin to straighten. Stack the two clumps of material on top of themselves with the fibers sitting laterally and repeat the process. The goal is to ensure all the fibers lay in the same direction. Repeat as needed till this is complete. Once finished, the clump should be about ¾ of a pencil in diameter and about 2 inches long. Place this clump on top of the hook using the hanging thread to divide the clump so 50% sits toward the rear of the thread and 50% sits in front of the thread. Make once loose wrap of the thread to capture the clump and 2-3 more tight wraps to secure it to the hook. This clump will sit on the top of the hook. Repeat the above process to make a second clump of Lazer Dub that will be secured to the bottom of the hook in the same fashion.

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Once the Lazer dub has been secured to the top and bottom of the hook, fold both clumps to the rear of the hook and pull the thread forward so that it sits behind the eye of the hook.

Make 2-3 thread wraps behind the eye to secure everything in place. The Lazer Dub should sit mostly flush to the hook eye. And the final 2-3 thread wraps should push it slightly rearward. Onec that is complete, whip finish 2-3 times and add a dab of Zap-A-Gap to lock the thread in place.

Turn the fly on its side in the vise if you have a rotary vise or remove from vise and set it on a hard surface for the next step. Make sure to have the Zap-A-Gap and Fish Skull living eyes for this next step. With the fly on its side, drop a healthy dab of Zap-A-Gap just behind the eye of the hook onto the Lazer Dub. The adhesive should be applied to the Lazer Dub on the shank line of the hook. This will help keep the eyes in the middle of the body profile. Quickly place a Fish Skull eye where you applied the Zap-A-Gap and hold it tightly for about 30 seconds. Things can easily start sticking together at this point, avoid getting the Zap-A-Gap on your hands or the front of the eye if possible. Once one eye is completed, flip the fly over and repeat the process for the other eye

Once the eyes have been securely adhered to the fly, return it to the vise. With a stiff bristled brush, firmly brush the Lazer Dub to the rear of the fly. The intent of brushing is to remove any lose fibers that were not securely fashioned when tying in the head and also to thin out the head as Lazer dub is a more delicate material. Finally, it is important to get all the fibers oriented in the same direction and unmatted before final trimming. When trimming the fly, brush the material towards the front of the fly, this will help identify longer and shorter fibers than need to be cut from the head of the fly. By using the eye of the fly to rest the scissors on, cut up at a 60-degree angle. The first cut should always be the shallowest as to not remove too much material from the start. Continue to cut at a sharper and sharper angle until the head is formed into the shape you like. When tying to imitate taller profiled fish like menhaden or shad, leave the head taller. When tying to imitate more narrow profiled fish, trim the head down so the length more closely matches the rabbit strip behind it. Once that step is completed, the fly is ready to fish. If it is desired, UV resin can be applied to the head just in front of the eyes to create a more durable pattern.

Completed fly.

If you enjoyed this tying tutorial and want to purchase any of the materials that were discussed, stop in to Orvis Virginia Beach located in the Hill Top shopping center off First Colonial Road. Orvis Virginia Beach has a full-service fly shop to cover all your fly fishing needs, whether that is fishing locally, taking a trip to the mountains, or even traveling internationally, we have what you need. Orvis also offers free Fly Fishing 101 courses for folks that are curious about starting Fly Fishing and free Fly Tying 101 for folks that want to take a go at Fly Tying. In addition to Fly Fishing, Orvis has a full selection of Men’s and Women’s apparel, Upland Hunting Gear, and a full assortment of toys, beds and treats for your Dog! BOULEVARD MAGAZINE | 8

ROAD TRIP

AUSTRALIA AWAITS

By Rick Blanton Australia, a continent-sized playground, promises an adventure that unfolds across a tapestry of contrasting landscapes. Explore the sun-drenched beaches that fringe the continent, such as the world-famous Bondi Beach in Sydney or the pristine Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays. Dive into the kaleidoscopic underwater wonderland of the Great Barrier Reef, where vibrant coral gardens and a dazzling array of marine life await your discovery.

Venture into the heart of the country and witness the rugged beauty of the Outback, with its iconic red deserts and ancient rock formations like Uluru. Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene of cities like Melbourne, where laneways burst with street art, and coffee culture thrives. Australia is not just a destination; it's an immersive experience where the warmth of the people, the richness of Indigenous heritage, and the breathtaking natural wonders create memories that last a lifetime. From the cosmopolitan allure of cities to the untamed wilderness, Australia beckons with a promise of discovery and adventure.

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Decorating Ideas for Your Bedroom

Unlike the animated troublemaker, this Tasmanian devil doesn't need a script to wreak havoc – just a healthy dose of wild instincts!

Sculpted Elegance: Where architectural brilliance meets the Sydney skyline – the iconic Sydney Opera House

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A look inside the iconic opera house,

Sun, Surf, and Serenity: Bondi Beach, where every wave tells a story and the golden sands embrace endless summer dreams.

Cunning in Camouflage: The crocodile, a master of stealth, silently navigating the waters with a toothy grin.

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Did you know that Cairn’s Marina is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef?

The Seas of Australia are full of beautiful natural wonders.

The Seawalker is a great way to explore beneath the water’ surface in eco-diverse Australia.

Australia beckons with its diverse wonders, from the iconic Sydney Opera House and the sun-kissed shores of the Great Barrier Reef to the rugged Outback's vast landscapes. Immerse yourself in a unique blend of vibrant cities, rich indigenous cultures, and unparalleled natural beauty for an unforgettable adventure down under.

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Locals’ Choice, Casual Dining Overlooking Incredible Views of Rudee Inlet

Fresh, Locally Sourced Seafood & Authentic Coastal Cuisine

MEMBER

Certi cate of Excellence – 2019 Winner –

Family Owned and Operated for 31 Years Safety is a priority for our guests and employees

Rockafellers.com 308 Mediterranean Ave. • Rudee Inlet • 757-422-5654

Frank Sings | Profiling Frank Cubillo

By Jasmine Sheng

Jasmine is a senior at Virginia Tech studying digital marketing and multimedia journalism. Her favorite hobbies include baking and trying new recipes. You will most likely find her listening to music or drinking coffee.

From an unconventional military career to a successful transition as a professional entertainer as “Frank sings Frank”, Frank Cubillo has experienced what can only be described as a “Cinderella Career.”

Singing in the choir at church and performing in front of others strengthened Cubillo’s love for music. While others may feel anxious performing in front of crowds, Cubillo is the opposite. He has always been comfortable singing and enjoys performing for others.

Ask any individual and they would most likely be able to recall the song they danced to during the first dance at their wedding, or the first artist they ever heard live in concert. Music can connect people and transport individuals to a specific memory in which they heard a particular tune.

People will always have a special connection to music and Frank Cubillo is no different.

Cubillo was also always interested in the military and attended La Salle Military Academy where he assimilated well into the military lifestyle. Cubillo later informed his father that he would enlist in the military.

He sat down with a Navy recruiter in hopes of being able to do 3 years active duty and 3 years reserve. After being told he would have to do 4 years active duty in the Navy, Cubillo left the conversation knowing that was not what he desired. However, the pieces seemed to fall into place as Cubillo was in the right place at the right time.

Growing up in Long Island, New York, Cubillo has always been exposed to the arts. He was heavily influenced by his parents, Frank and Pat, and their love for the arts. His parents loved to dance, go to the movies and visit the theaters. Music was always playing throughout his house as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Bobby Darin and Louis Armstrong were a few artists that were constantly playing on repeat.

Growing up in Long Island, New York, Cubillo has always been exposed to the arts. He was heavily influenced by his parents, Frank and Pat, and their love for the arts. His parents loved to dance, go to the movies and visit the theaters. Music was always playing throughout his house as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Bobby Darin and Louis Armstrong were a few artists that were constantly playing on repeat.

“I walked outside, literally walked outside of his office and there was a Marine Sergeant who was listening to my conversation with the Navy recruiter,” Cubillo said.

“The recruiter said, ‘Hey, I can get you into the Marine Corps for 3 years active and 3 years reserve.’”

After the conversation with the Marine Sergeant, the rest became history. Cubillo signed a non-guaranteed contract with the Marine Corps. He took full advantage of the opportunities the military had to offer. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of West Florida, and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College at Newport, Rhode Island. With the bonus of being able to put his wife, Cindy, through college.

“I always liked the music that my parents liked and interestingly my sisters did too,” Cubillo said. “We all kind of love that type of music, and so I just listened to it all the time. I collected records and CDs.”

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When Cubillo was in the Marine Corps, he always listened to music of the time. While he loves all music, an artist that he could never stop playing was Frank Sinatra. When Cubillo got stationed in the 1990s to Japan, Korea and Thailand, he found that karaoke was extremely popular in these countries.

One experience in Japan shaped his future without him realizing at the time. When Cubillo began singing Frank Sinatra’s music during karaoke, he realized he was able to sing without having to look at the monitors for the lyrics.

“I would just grab the microphone and go walk out into the middle of the place and start singing without looking, and I remember singing a theme from ‘New York, New York’,” Cubillo said. “After I sang, the place was going crazy, and people were going ‘Frank Sinatra! Frank Sinatra!’ I got emboldened by that experience and thought that maybe I can do this karaoke stuff and maybe parlay that into something.”

Cubillo spent 38 years working active duty for the military which is unconventional. Throughout his career, Cubillo received numerous awards like the Defense Superior Service Medal and three Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medals.

Cubillo had a very accomplished military career, and the way Cubillo went up in the ranks was also unique.

“I started off at the very bottom as a private, and I was enlisted for about seven years. I became a staff sergeant and a warrant officer for three ranks, and then I became a regular commissioned officer as a lieutenant,” Cubillo said. “Then I retired as a full-bird colonel, which is very unusual as a very small percentage of Marines do get to have a career like that.”

Cubillo retired from the military in 2009 at the age of 62.

While many people kick their feet up and relax when they retire, Cubillo decided to take a leap of faith and begin a new career. Inspired by his love for music, Cubillo decided that he was going to try to be a Frank Sinatra singer and entertainer.

“It started off kind of slow, but once I got going and started doing gigs here and there at different places, people started listening to me and saying, ‘Hey man, that guy’s pretty good.

I think I’ll hire him to do this’,” Cubillo said. “Before you know it, I’m singing with a symphony here in Hampton Roads and singing at all kinds of places. Corporate events, private parties, assisted living halls, retirement communities and military reunions.”

What sets Cubillo apart from others is that his entertaining style is completely unique. He is not a Frank Sinatra impersonator. While Cubillo knows over 400 of Sinatra’s hits, he does not just limit himself to singing Frank Sinatra.

When Cubillo is at a gig, he is very interactive with the audience. He does not like to confine himself to just singing on the stage as he steps out to the audience and sings and dances with people in the crowd. This is due to Cubillo knowing how to ballroom dance as he and his wife took lessons when they first got married.

By chance, Cubillo was stationed in Virginia Beach in 1995. He and his family bought a house with the impression that they would not stay in the area for very long. They stayed at Virginia Beach for three years and rented out the house when Cubillo and his family moved to Japan and Rhode Island.

Cubillo was then promoted to colonel and was offered a unique proposition when having to complete his joint assignment.

Most joint assignments take place in a military town, so it was unexpected that Cubillo was offered to come back to Virginia Beach. The pieces once again fell together for Cubillo. To his wife’s excitement, Cubillo and his family moved back to Virginia Beach into the house that he bought in 1995.

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sCubillo has also participated in live online concerts. The most notable one being a Facebook benefit concert for the Southeastern Virginia Alzheimer’s Association. Cubillo believes it’s important to give back as it is part of his faith in Catholicism.

“I believe that I have this talent. This skill because there’s got to be a reason for it. I believe I got this gift from God,” Cubillo said. “We’re told if you have a gift, you should freely give it back and so I take that to heart. I am very blessed because I have this talent and I just keep honing it to share it.”

The most meaningful moments during Cubllio’s career as an entertainer is singing live to older individuals who may have Alzheimer’s or Dementia.

Cubillo will hold their hands and sing Frank Sinatra’s song. The individuals will sing along with him which is especially special as many remember few memories.

“They remember all the music and that really inspires me. The people who work at these places say that ‘I’m reaching these people where other things don’t reach them,” Cubillo said. “Music has an amazing way to pierce through the horrible disease of Alzheimer and Dementia. I feel that I’m doing something good and that really inspires me.

I’ve had a lot of those moments throughout my career at these assisted living retirement communities and rehab centers working with seniors.”

In Aug. 2022, Cubillo had a special opportunity to perform with the Virginia Beach Symphony, a 52-piece symphony.

“I’ve been very fortunate to get asked by symphonies and orchestras here in the area who have hired me to perform here in Virginia Beach,” Cubillo said. “It’s just amazing and puts me in another world.”

With Frank just turning 70, he has questioned how much longer is able to keep up with the busy schedule of being a Frank Sinatra entertainer. Fear not, Cubillo hopes to continue being an entertainer for at least 5 to 10 more years. However, Frank is nothing without his wife, Cindy, as she is also his “hook”.

“In other words when I can’t sing anymore, when I start forgetting lyrics and stuff, and I just start messing things up. She has the ability to give me a hook to take me off,” Cubillo said.

“She’ll say, ‘Hey, it's time to throw in the towel.’”

When Cubillo isn't rehearsing his music; traveling for gigs; being a member of “Fond Memories”; or being “Frank sings Frank', Cubillo leads a life filled with joy.

This includes partaking in fun activities with his wife, being a father to his two adult children, and spending time with his two grandchildren.

Cubillo does not just sing through “Frank sings Frank” as he is a member of a harmonizing vocal group, “Fond Memories”. “Fond Memories” is very similar to a Barbershop Quartet, but instead consists of three male and two female singers.

“You’ll see me singing in a completely different way from Frank Sinatra singing, as we sing Beatles songs and music from the 1950s and 1960s,” Cubillo said. “I am constantly singing through my church choir, ‘Frank sings Frank’ and ‘Fond Memories’. I’m singing all the time, and the voice is a muscle just like any muscle in your body, so I take good care of it.”

Cubillo loves the Hampton Roads area because many people know countless Frank Sinatra songs.

Individuals get very excited to listen to Cubillo perform Sinatra’s songs and he feels very supported by the community. Cubillo also enjoys performing with live background music.

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WHY IS CLIMATE CHANGE IMPORTANT TO HAMPTON ROADS?

By Jeff Lawson

Hampton Roads is a wonderful place to live. Just one example of that is that we get all four seasons, and none of them are too extreme.

Another major drawing card for many people is the abundance of water. You have the Atlantic Ocean, the Chesapeake Bay, numerous rivers, and countless other smaller bays or sounds, like Broad Bay, Linkhorn Bay, Back Bay and the Currituck Sound. And while all that water presents countless opportunities for recreation, commerce, and desirable places to build homes and businesses, it also creates the opportunity for damage, injury and loss of life.

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That is where climate change comes in. I will get to climate change in a minute but many of its effects are made worse by the fact that Hampton Roads in general is sinking. Parts of our area, specifically the Eastern Shore are gradually sinking as massive amounts of ground water are pulled from aquifers for growing agriculture. Over time that causes the entire earth to settle as those underground aquifers become smaller. Another big reason for our ground sinking is the buildup of sediment in the Chesapeake Bay. Gradually that accumulation of material compacts and adds weight that causes the ground to sink slightly. Finally, as the earth plates shift there are places that are forced up, and others where the land is forced down. We are one of the places that is sinking.

On average we lose about 6 millimeters per year according to recent studies, including one from NASA. Now, on to the contentious subject: climate change. Actually, I’m not sure I know of anyone who doesn’t think our climate is changing. It is the cause that some people dispute. Whatever the reason- and I, like most scientists, believe it is mostly caused by man- there is no disputing that the earth is getting hotter, and as a result our oceans are rising. In the last 70 years Hampton Roads has seen water levels increase 14 inches.

One foot is the difference between what would have been moderate flooding but is now major.

That’s why 9 of our 11 highest tides have been in the recent past. And it is only going to get worse.

Every year I notice Nor’easters and other storms with winds speeds that 30+ years ago when I first got to Channel 13 would have brought only minor flooding now bringing moderate flooding. And moderate strength storms now bring major flooding instead of moderate.

So, what can we do about it? Well, the answer involves two distinct approaches. First, we need to stop building in very low-lying areas, and raise the homes that are already there. Hardening our infrastructure and preparing for the inevitable sea rise will be vital to the region’s stability over the coming century.

Finally, we need to get even more serious about doing our best to combat climate change. Without meaningful reductions in greenhouse gasses we will just make an already bad situation untenable for future generations.

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Climate Change

About Jeff Lawson Lawson arrived at WVEC in 1990 after working as a meteorologist at WWBT in Richmond and Fox 5 in D.C. Before that, he worked at private companies doing forecasts for a variety of clients, like ski resorts, radio stations, school systems, Newport News Shipbuilding and even other TV weather forecasters who were not meteorologists.

"My new fiancée, Denise, convinced me we should move back to her hometown of Virginia Beach, and the rest, as they say, is history," he said.

Jeff recently retired from WVEC and is currently the Director at Lawson Weather Research.

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What's Biting OFFSHORE

Many angler’s are making the long runs to the offshore wrecks and canyons off the coast of Virginia to score on Black Sea Bass, Tautog, Flounder, various Grouper and Tile fish which are available during the winter months. Deep dropping crab quarters, fiddlers and strips of squid or cut bait on multi hook rigs with large sinkers is a great way to fill an icebox with fish. With mild winters fairly common here, look for many warm fishable days during the winter months. Just make sure you’re keeping an eye on the weather.

OFFSHORE SPORT FISHING

Trolling has been outstanding with many boats reporting large catches of Blue and White Marlin, Dolphin, Tuna and King Mackerel. Anglers targeting Swordfish have been rewarded regularly as they have had a strong showing this season. As water temperatures cool, look for most billfish to migrate out of our state for more tropical, southern waters.

Bluefin and yellowfin tuna will continue to be found within reach of Virginia ports, but look for the more productive areas to be in or near North Carolina.

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THE BAY/TIDAL RIVERS Spot, croaker, sand perch, roundhead and small sea bass have made a strong showing in the area as they have moved to the mouths of inlets and tidal creeks.

Speckled trout, puppy drum, large bull reds and stripers have dominated the local inlets, rivers and bayside creeks throughout the area this fall and will continue to increase in numbers as the waters cool. While Flounder fishing inshore has been very productive, look for most flatties to head offshore to winter soon.

Ribbonfish, an invasive species which many anglers have begun targeting for both sport and table fare, have arrived in large numbers feeding on the abundant baitfish moving through the rivers.

CONTINUED...

While the redfish and most Stripers will head south once the water temperature drops below 42 degrees, large Stripers will continue to be caught on live eels trolling off Cape Charles and up to Tangier Island Speckled trout will continue to be found all winter by anglers willing to brave the cold and slow their presentation down to a crawl at times to catch these fish which have become lethargic. The big story has been the incredible amount of jumbo shrimp in local rivers. Many anglers report catching buckets full of huge shrimp in cast nets to cook along with their catch of fish, crabs or oysters. This should taper off as the water cools. We are truly blessed to have such an amazing abundance of rich seafood to harvest here in Tidewater.

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FRESHWATER Right now the majority of freshwater species are feeding up and preparing to head deep to avoid harsh winter conditions.

Largemouth bass, stripers, catfish, crappie, white and yellow perch will continue to be found on ledges in deep water near shallow flats which will attract baitfish on warm winter days. Fishing minnows and jigs along these edges can produce large hauls of quality fish all winter if you pick your days.

Look for the crappie to be suspended near structure and the yellow perch to be on the bottom near grass. In January, chain pickerel are heavy with row and normally aggressive feeders, giving you a worthy species to target for a hard fight and your best chance for a trophy pike. Hard to beat minnows under a cork for them.

This report is brought to you in every issue courtesy of Billy Suggs Jr. Have a question for our resident expert? Visit our website to send us a message.

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Know Your Fish Striped Bass

Stripers or Rockfish as they are often called absolutely thrive in the cooler waters of Virginia and can be caught every way imaginable. They are an anadromous species which means they travel from saltwater to freshwater in order to spawn each spring. They make their way up the headwaters of large rivers where the eggs are released by the females and fertilized by the males. The eggs will then tumble in the current until they hatch. The adult Stripers will make their way back down the rivers as the water temperatures rise and frequent the bay waters and river mouths. In the fall they will travel with the large schools of menhaden as they move offshore to winter. Some large fish will remain in deep channels of the bay, far below winters reach. Trolling live eels on plainer boards is an excellent way to catch these giants, but due to regulations, most of these fish are too large to keep. Casting swimming baits, jigs with shad bodies or bucktails with various rubber tails around structures with current is an excellent way to catch slot size rockfish, as well as trolling bucktails or diving plugs. Anchoring with chunked menhaden or mullet on the bottom is a great producer as well. Jigging spoons or grubs of various colors can be just right for hungry Stripers. Surf casters, boaters and pier fishermen alike all have access to these aggressive feeding linesiders in our area so pick what works best for you and take lots of pictures. If you don’t already know, the striped bass is a highly sought after species for its firm white meat and delicious flavor. Here is a recipe to try if you’re looking for a healthy meal. Fillet your fish and soak the meat in saltwater for a few hours. Remove and rinse before cooking. Butter a 9x13 casserole dish. Next pour in some fat free or zesty Italian dressing. Then sprinkle Old Bay seasoning. Place fillets in the dish. Sprinkle Old Bay seasoning, then drizzle Italian dressing, melted butter and lemon juice over the fillets. Broil in the over for approximately 18-20 minutes!!! Let me know how it turns out!!! Tight lines friends.

Tight lines, friends!

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Keeping those in the know since 1955.

We look forward to many more years to come.

Thank you for your patronage.

SINCE 1955 Virginia Beach | lowenthals.com

Events and Happenings BOULEVARD MAGAZINE

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Byrd & Baldwin Bros.

Fine Dining Steak & Chop House 116 Brooke Ave Norfolk VA 23510

Private Dining & Wine Cellars 757-222-9191 byrdbaldwin.com

*Christmas is Here starring Kimberley Locke Dec. 1, 2023 Tennessee native and American Idol runner-up Kimberley Locke has been singing and performing since she was 8 years old, drawing inspiration from Hollywood’s big names, such as Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Patti LaBelle. In 2004, Locke released her debut album “One Love” and her hit single “8th World Wonder” reached the top half of the Billboard Hot 100. In 2011, Kimberley started her own label, I Am Entertainment, and released her first dance-themed album “Four for the Floor” and later that year released a cover of “Silver Bells”.

Breakfast with Santa at the Grey Goose Dec. 2, 9, 16 & 23, 2023 Don’t miss your chance to dine with Santa at The Grey Goose. Tickets must be purchased in advance – and spaces will fill! Tickets include meal, craft, & entertainment.

Holly Days Market and Downtown Block “Lighting” Party Dec. 8 & 9, 2023 The Hampton Holly Days Parade returns in 2023 with the addition of the Holly Days Market! Join us along Settlers Landing and surrounding Downtown streets again as the longest-running illuminated holiday parade on the Peninsula continues.

Hampton Holly Days Parade Dec. 9, 2023 at 5 PM The Hampton Holly Days Parade returns in 2023! Join us along Settlers Landing and surrounding Downtown streets again as the longest-running illuminated holiday parade on the Peninsula continues. Then make plans to stay Downtown all weekend for the NEW Holly Days Market and Downtown Block “Lighting” Party!

Squirrel Nut Zippers Christmas Caravan Dec. 9, 2023 They found success during the swing revival of the late 1990s with their 1996 single hit, “Hell”, written by vocalist and guitarist Tom Maxwell. Their second album, Hot (1996), was certified platinum and was also one of the first enhanced CDs, containing an interactive presentation created by filmmaker Clay Walker. The band has toured with singer Neil Young, performed at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, and at President Clinton’s second inaugural ball. This holiday season, take a musical trip back in time and find out what the Squirrel Nut Zippers are all about!

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The Cellars on Tazewell is the perfect location for your next Business Meeting, Celebratory Event or Social Gathering of any kind.

We offer a fully customized experience, built to suit your needs.

Whether you are looking for a cocktail reception, buffet or a formal plated meal, our event specialists will work with you to design an enjoyable and memorable event.

Email: manager@cellarsontazewell.com 115 W. Tazewell Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 Phone: (757) 937-9520 www.cellarsontazewell.com

*3rd Annual Hampton Holiday Fine Arts Bazaar Dec. 9 & 10, 2023 Join us for the third annual Hampton Holiday Fine Arts Bazaar. The opening of the Small Works Exhibition will be accompanied by this two-day fine arts bazaar featuring original, handmade works from artists around the region. Come meet the artists and shop for extra special holiday gifts!

Hampton Roads Philharmonic Dec. 10, 2023 Come and hear a festive program of winter classics & holiday favorites. This program is a light, bite-sized, family-fun mix of the familiar sounds of the season blended with wintry classical works, tunes from film, guest appearances, and more!

Downtown Hampton Lighted Boat Parade Dec. 16, 2023 The Hampton River will come to life as a fleet of decorated boats parade past the waterfront. Santa will arrive by boat to take pictures with you, and live music, holiday treats and kids’ activities will be available all day long! Free and open to the public.

Holiday Wonder Walk Dec. 16 – 25, 2023 Each December, Hampton’s Water Walk Trail is illuminated for the holidays with a variety of walk-through, family-friendly holiday features with animated displays; largescale, scenic props; video enhancements; lighted bridges and paths; kid’s activities; food; strolling entertainment; and other surprises along the way. Join in the fun — it’s all free!

To enter, park in the main Coliseum parking lot, go to front doors of the Coliseum, then look to your right about 25-30 feet away and you’ll see lighted tents and a path entrance. From there, the path takes you behind the Coliseum, along the water’s edge, and continues to Freeman Drive, crossing over bridges and winding through the woods, all lit for the holidays. There is no admission fee, all activities are free, and parking is free.

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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.

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!

Take a Virtual Tour & More at Vbsportscenter.com 757-937-4571 1045 19th Street, Virginia Beach 23451 @vbsportscenter

ANNUAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE EXHIBIT Nov 25, 2023 - Dec 30, 2023 Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum/de Witt Cottage Entries for the 3rd Annual Virginia Beach Gingerbread House Competition and Exhibit are now being accepted! All ages, backgrounds, and professionals are invited to compete in the competition. No experience is required. Free to participate. All entries will be on display at The Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum located inside the historic de Witt Cottage, 1113 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, throughout the holiday season.

The 3rd Annual Virginia Beach Gingerbread Competition exhibit opens to the public on Saturday, November 25, 2023. It continues through December 30, 2023, at the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum located inside the historic de Witt Cottage, 1113 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach. Free Admission. The museum is open to the public, Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm*. Closed Mondays & Tuesdays. * Exclusion dates include December 24, 25, 26, 31st and January 1st and 2nd

BAYPORT CREDIT UNION HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT THE BEACH...

Nov 17, 2023 - Dec 31, 2023 2ND STREET & THE BOARDWALK The tradition returns to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront with all new displays, two additional blocks of lights, and a new 600 ft. LED tunnel.

Jumping fish, musical crabs, and jolly elves dance in lights against the backdrop of the moonlit Atlantic Ocean. Highlighted by a Surfing Santa, color-changing archways, light fixtures that pay tribute to the region’s Armed Forces community, and a 40-foot dancinglight Christmas tree, the 2023 BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach, presented by Food Lion, offers wondrous fun for the entire family.

The 2023 BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach, presented by Food Lion, will again utilize timed entry to minimize wait times. Guests must purchase tickets in advance for a specific day and time, available at beacheventsvb.com.

COOL YULE HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND Nov 30, 2023 The Shops at Hilltop Thurs-Fri-Sat, Nov. 30, Dec. 1 & 2, 2023 come to the biggest holiday celebration at the beach. Join us for the Cool Yule Open House Weekend. Get a great start on your holiday shopping at over 120 award-winning shops.

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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

Last issue’s winner:

Check Our Instagram on December 1st

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