August–October 2022 Boulevard

The essential source of things to do for locals & visitors

Celebrate the selection of local artisan brews on tap

AUG-OCT

2022

EVENTS • FOOD & DRINK • SHOPPING • RECREATION • HEALTH & WELLNESS • REAL ESTATE

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

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

ANOTHER WAY TO ENJOY

DROP OFF CATERING

* est.1973 *

= = =

THE GOOD L I F E = = =

Please call to order Boxed Lunches & Platters. Our platters and boxed lunches are prepared in our stores and generally can be made the same day, although 72 hours notice is appreciated.

Call TASTE Hilltop or any of our 8 locations throughout Coastal Virginia to place an order.

HILLTOP

1554 Laskin R d # 110 Virginia Beach, V A 23451 757-425-1858

GHENT

407 West 21st Street Norfolk, VA 23517 757-416-6020

OCEANFRONT

3603 Pacific Ave Virginia Beach, VA 23451 757-422-3399

GREENBRIER

717 Eden Way # 600 Chesapeake, VA 23320 757-424-4583

BAYVILLE FARMS

4097 Shore Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23455 757-464-1566

HARBOUR VIEW

5911 Harbour View Blvd # 100 Suffolk, VA 23435 757-967-0895

TOWN CENTER

4513 Commerce Street Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-828-2672

CITY CENTER

702 Mariner's Row# 104 Newport News, V A 23606 757-596-8651

WWW. TASTE UNLIMITED.COM

HOSPITABLE TEAM PLAYERS.

Earn up to $20/hr plus benefits. Full time team members needed.

Lunch & dinner shifts available.

WWW.TASTEVA.COM/APPLY

contents

aug–oct 2022

10

All Hail the Ale. And Lager.

And Porter. And Dunkel.

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Fall is the season for beer, worts and all

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OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY

FEATURES:

Boosted By the Breeze Portsmouth is becoming a national hub for offshore wind energy development

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Rivalry in the Making The season opener between Old Dominion University’s Monarchs and Virginia Tech’s Hokies should prove to be one to watch

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Farmers Markets Exploring local harvests and creations at the Suffolk Farmers Market

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DEPARTMENTS:

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From the Publisher Summer wanes as autumn is awakened

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What’s Biting Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament highlights plus fish to reel in this season

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Viewpoint Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck speaks out: The surge in violence affects us all

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22 CITY OF HAMPTON, VIRGINIA DAVID POLSTON

Calendar of Events What’s happening locally in August, September and October

Profile: Richard Parison A Q&A with the artistic director of Hampton Arts, which includes The American Theatre and The Charles Taylor Visual Arts Center

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Day Trip Destination: Portsmouth, Virginia

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Boulevard’s Last Call

JAN KOPRIVA

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42 ON THE COVER As we move into the autumn months, tailgating, Oktoberfest and beer festivals have us thirsting for the high-caliber brews being produced locally. [ PHOTO by David Polston ]

Where was this photo taken? [Contest]

boulevard | aug-oct 2022

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from the publisher Summer Wanes as Autumn Is Awakened This morning the Boulevard team rose up singing because we are ready to deliver the latest issue to our select group of 95,000 households in Tidewater and to the visitors who will grace our shores and fill our hotel rooms and restaurant seats for the next three months. Producing this magazine on a quarterly basis is a labor of love and we hope that the stories we share and the images we feature continue to be of interest to our readers.

Since day one back in January 2020, we conceived and created Boulevard to address your interests and concerns about our rich coastal community.

Now in our third year, we continue to refine and report on news about the arts, business, and economic development. We’re also keeping an eye on the trends in fashion, our foodie scene and those must-have shiny objects that our readers covet from time to time.

Today’s magazine industry is adapting rapidly to incorporate new technologies, changes in readers’ habits, and opportunities newly available due to cross-channel marketing. City magazines face serious competition from digital media—often based on user-generated content—that now supplant magazines’ traditional local features. However, city magazines also have new possibilities for public service journalism due to rapid changes in other local news outlets, particularly the decline of newspapers and the loss of much of the “watchdog” function within their communities.

Many of us lament the Batten family’s decision to sell the Virginian-Pilot to the Tribune company, which in turn—after a brief period—sold everything to a universally disliked hedge fund. City magazines may, in fact, be developing into local news sources that can challenge the dominance of newspapers as providers of in-depth local journalism. Editors of these magazines express a blend of fear and excitement brought about both by this change and by the shifts in power among local information providers and audiences.

This issue of Boulevard spans the waning days of sun and fun as they drift into our glorious Indian summer before the first crisp winds blow and the proverbial frost is on the pumpkin.

In this issue we celebrate the robust craft beer industry in the region that

BERRY BRUNK

President | Publisher berry@blvdmedia.io

JULIE FANNING Chief Creative Officer julie@blvdmedia.io

RICK BLANTON Photography Editor rick@blvdmedia.io

DAVID POLSTON Chief Photographer david@blvdmedia.io

RICK POLSTON Copy Editor

CHRISTY JOINER Events Editor

CONTRIBUTORS JOHN CADELL Photographer

JESSIE GALLENSTEIN Writer

GRACE HOBSON Writer

ALEX MARJANOVIC Writer

SUSIE BRUNK General Manager susie@blvdmedia.io

ADVERTISING Berry Brunk 757.340.3625 berry@blvdmedia.io

Visit our website

blvdmedia.io

AARON BURDEN

© 2022 | Vol 3, No. 3 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 blvdmedia757 @blvdmedia757

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aug-oct 2022 | boulevard

MORE THAN 14,000 JOBS AVAILABLE IN THE LOCAL HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

Go to the Virginia Beach Hotel Association website for a listing of vacancies: virginiabeachhotelassociation.com/find-avirginia-beach-hotel-job

FROM THE PUBLISHER provides a wide array of offerings to please discerning palates—highlighted by the 10th Annual 757 Battle of the Beers Festival in Virginia Beach, with competitions amongst breweries and brewers raising cash for charities. We also include the history of Oktoberfest with suggestions on places you can enjoy a frosty pint or two of your favorite pilsner, bock or dunkel—which seems like a good way to bridge the seasons.

Portsmouth is our chosen destination for families looking for kid-friendly activities—detailed in the Day Trip—and a photo essay from a recent Saturday morning at the Suffolk Farmer’s Market celebrates the harvest season and the wares handcrafted from local businesses.

We also report on various events that have become community favorites like the 18th annual Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament. Of course, we continue with our regular departments, with news on business and a profile of a notable Tidewater resident.

It’s easy to get caught up in summertime oceanfront festivities, lose track of the days and suddenly realize the

kids have headed back to school. As Labor Day comes and goes many of the visitors vacate the beaches and parks and eating establishments, leaving them all the more accessible for us local folks.

Thanks for sticking around as we watch the magazine, website and social platforms continue to grow and mature: @BLVDMEDIA757 and #BLVDMEDIA757

BERRY BRUNK

SUSIE BRUNK

President/Publisher

General Manager

757.340.3625 berry@blvdmedia.io

360.333.7162 susie@blvdmedia.io

boulevard | aug-oct 2022

5

RESULTS: Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament June 22–25, 2022 The 18th Annual Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament (VBTT) resulted in another record-breaking year. It was the second year at Southside Marina at Rudee Inlet, with 107 boats participating and a total prize payout of $290,950.

Marlin Maniac took home a check for $56,315 and first place with the largest Big Eye in the history of the tournament—weighing in at 258.3 pounds. LuLu took second place with a 222.4 pound Big Eye, taking home the largest check ever written in the history of the VBTT for $104,675.

Rounding out the top three was Lorie V with three Yellowfin weighing in at 173.0 pounds and earning them a $61,355 check. The prize for largest Dolphin went to Wave Runner. Saving Grace had the largest Wahoo. Both took home checks for $15,015.

Make plans for the 19th Annual Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament June 21–24, 2023. More info: vbtuna.com

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aug-oct 2022 | boulevard

PHOTOS: ©MELISSA DAWN PHOTOGRAPHY

The fishing season on the rivers and on the bay has been hot, hot, hot the past few weeks.

And so is the weather, so stay hydrated (adult beverages do not count). River fishing for sheepshead, puppy drum, flounder, spot and croaker is a blast on a kayak. Plus you can burn a few calories. From Spanish mackeral to cobia— lots of tasty meals just waiting. Trolling for Spanish mackerel is a blast and there are plenty at Cape Henry and around the islands. Get out there and chase some dinner. Until next time, tight lines. ~Jeff Moore

During August, September and October you’ll typically reel in these catches:

AUGUST Offshore Swordfish, tilefish, big eye tuna, yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, mako shark, sea bass, mahi/dolphin, Spanish mackerel, ribbonfish, bluefish, white marlin, blue marlin, wahoo, cobia Chesapeake Bay Red drum, black drum, flounder, croaker, spot, striper, Spanish mackerel, spadefish, ribbonfish, cobia, sheepshead, speckled trout Tidal Rivers Spot, croaker, puppy drum, trout, flounder, striper

SEPTEMBER Offshore Swordfish, tilefish, big eye tuna, yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, mako shark, sea bass, mahi/dolphin, black sea bass, trigger fish, spadefish, amberjacks, flounder, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, white marlin, blue marlin ABOVE: Greg Lieurance holds a nice puppy drum caught using voodoo mullet on a line line.

LEFT: Jeff Moore with a big Red Drum caught near the bridge tunnel using cut bait.

Chesapeake Bay Red drum, black drum, flounder, croaker, spot, striper, Spanish mackerel, spadefish, cobia Tidal Rivers Spot, croaker, puppy drum, trout, flounder, striper, speckled trout

OCTOBER Offshore White marlin, bigeye tuna, mahi/ dolphin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, tuna, sea bass, flounder, trigger fish, black drum, red drum, bluefish, blue marlin, tilefish (blue & gold), king mackerel, swordfish RIGHT: Ken Howard holds some tasty fllounders caught in the bay using small spot.

PHOTOS: JEFF MOORE

We would like to publish your photos, information, prize catches and catches of note in our What’s Biting segment. Send us your favorite amateur photos with a description and the photographer’s name.

Chesapeake Bay Bluefish, red drum, flounder, Spanish mackerel, spadefish, cobia, sheepshead, ribbon fish, striper, tautog, speckled trout, puppy drum, striper Tidal Rivers Bluefish, flounder, speckled trout, spot, croaker, puppy drum, ribbonfish, striper

boulevard | aug-oct 2022

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WE ARE

OPEN!

Come see our newly renovated space.

Seasonal, local, fresh cuisine.

Extensive wine list and creative libations.

960 LASKIN RD VIRGINIA BEACH (757) 422-0184

eurasiavb.com

JON TYSON

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DANIEL LEE

aug-oct 2022 | boulevard

Fall is the season for beer, worts and all.

By Julie Fanning

boulevard | aug-oct 2022

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ADAM WILSON

Beer. It’s pretty amazing there can be such a huge variety of tastes and smells produced with essentially water, grains and yeast. And I’m talking so completely different and richer than my dad’s staple when I was growing up: PBR. Yes, I am a beer snob. I know what I like and I know what I should…. pass on to someone else. But the creativity of artisan brewers is remarkable and the sheer number of high-caliber breweries in Tidewater is respectable.

Fall tends to be the time of year that folks start to pivot from the refreshing summer Hefeweizens, pils and witbiers consumed to quench their thirst at the beach or backyard barbecue. We are rolling into the time of year for rich brown ales and stouts and those pack-a-punch IPAs. And of course we can’t forget the horde of pumpkin ale options.

The season brings with it football tailgating and, of course, Oktoberfest (more on that later)— which are all celebrated with pints of beer. So why not have a pint of something special.

“This is grain, which any fool can eat, but for which the lord has intended a more divine form of consumption. Let us give praise to our maker and glory to His bounty by learning about beer.”

FRIAR TUCK – ROBIN HOOD

Artisan Beer Hub

The Virginia craft beer scene has been exploding. Since the passing of Senate Bill 604 (SB 604) in 2012— which allowed breweries to sell beer by the glass directly to customers at their production facilities and established the taprooms that we know today—the number of breweries has grown 500%. In fact, according to the Governor’s office, “Virginia’s craft beer industry ranks #1 in the South for breweries per capita and ranks #17 in the United States.”

The Commonwealth has more than 250 breweries as of today. In early August of this year, Governor Glenn Youngkin formally recognized August as Virginia Craft Beer Month. Before the passage of SB 604, there were only four craft breweries in Hampton Roads. By the summer of 2022

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aug-oct 2022 | boulevard

the number of craft breweries has jumped to approximately 33. But the density of the region’s population— coupled with the number of tourists and military coming in—means each brewery should be able to find their ideal demographic and experiment with other things to bring in customers: seltzers and ciders, contests, games and live music.

It hasn’t all been happy bubbles and brews, though. Many people I spoke with as well as news outlets have cited an oversaturation of the beer market as the sheer

number of taprooms that opened may have caused a few to suffer.

And the lockdowns of COVID were tough on everyone in hospitality.

But quick-thinking brewery owners and entrepreneurs persevered with standout concoctions to woo new consumers, outdoor/tented tasting rooms—even during the colder months—and promoted growler and crowler fills for take-home consumption as the thing to do while we were still social distancing.

Creative marketing is the key.

But the industry still grows here.

BRITTANI BURNS

Life is too short for bad beer.

and descendents. But like St. Patrick’s Day and Cinco de Mayo: Everyone likes a celebration no matter their heritage, and the gesture is in the spirit of Bavarian gemütlichkeit (or cordiality).

Oktoberfest PROST!*

Oktoberfest is celebrated worldwide. Sure, by beer enthusiasts with no German DNA in their veins, as well as those having German ancestry. But eating Bavarian food, playing games, dancing and consuming massive amounts of beer while dressed in lederhosen has become a fall tradition. It all began in Munich, Germany; the event was held October 12, 1810, as the marriage celebration of Prince Ludwig (of Bavaria, who would become King Louis I) to Princess Therese von SachsenHildburghausen. The festival lasted five days. The following year the event was incorporated into the state fair and by the late 20th century it had grown into a huge celebration in beer halls with live music and food.

In contemporary times it is celebrated at the end of September and ends on the first Sunday of October (this year it begins in Munich on September 17 and ends October 3). In America there are usually celebrations in cities with large populations of German immigrants

* CHEERS!

Cause for Celebration This year marks the 10th anniversary of the 757 Battle of the Beers, a full day beer festival with more than 40 regional brewers vying for attendees’ votes in three different categories.

This is pretty exciting, considering the caliber of beer being produced across the region. How so?

On August 8, the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild (VCBG) announced the 2022 Virginia Craft Beer Cup Winners.

According to the VCBG press release, head judge Charlie Harr stated, “Wow,

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aug-oct 2022 | boulevard

Local Oktoberfest Celebrations The earliest celebration in our region happens at Busch Gardens Bier Fest; while technically not Oktoberfest (this runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from August 12–September 5), there is a variety of food options as well as 125 craft brews from 69 breweries—33 of which are Virginia-made. buschgardens.com/ williamsburg/events/beer-festival Wasserhund Oktoberfest, hosted by Wasserhund Brewing Company at Summit Pointe in Chesapeake, is slated for September 17. This is the 5th Annual Hampton Roads Oktoberfest, with beers available from up to 20 local breweries, food trucks, vendors and live music. wasserhundbrewing.com/events Oktoberfest at Elation Brewing, in Norfolk, is set from September 17 through October 1. Touted as the biggest Oktoberfest in NoCo, multiple German-style beers will be released, there will be an authentic Bavarian food menu, live music and games. elation.beer/events/ elations-4th-annual-oktoberfest The Bier Garden, located in Olde Towne Portsmouth, will host its Oktoberfest 2022 on October 8. The celebration is promoted as a “volksfest” like no other, with traditional Bavarian food, beers and live German music. The event covers an entire city block and includes a children’s play area and covered festhaus. www.virginia.org/event/oktoberfest-2022/2585/

what a great competition! It was clearly evident in the tight race that every brewery is extremely dedicated to the craft and their dedication is inspiring. This year’s competition proves Virginia has some of the best craft brewers in the nation.”

The full list of winners is posted on the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild website (www.virginiacraftbrewers. org/vcbg-cup-awards-pressrelease/), but there are so many local breweries who placed in the top three in many categories of this competition. A few include

Tradition Brewing Company, located in Newport News, who earned first place in the Brown Ale category with their “Honey Brown.” Three Notch’d Brewing Company, in Virginia Beach, won the Hazy IPA category with their “King of Clouds Juicy IPA.” Two Williamsburg breweries brought home first place awards: Alewerks Brewing Company’s “Chesapeake Pale Ale” won the Pale Ale category and Precarious Beer Project’s “Chug Rug” garnered the winning West Coast style IPA. The 757 Battle of the Beers

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festival is September 24 in Virginia Beach (757battleofthebeers.com).

Get your tickets, have some fun, drink some [really good] beer and help raise funds for charity.

Julie Fanning, Boulevard’s chief creative officer, is a professional designer by trade, writer by occasion and a fan of handcrafted beers—especially the bold and hearty ones.

––– Boulevard photographer David Polston was out and about in the area recently and visited a few of the local breweries. Some highlights (nowhere near the comprehensive list of excellent options available) are described here in no particular order.

PHOTOS BY DAVID POLSTON

––– Back Bay Brewing Co.’s Farmhouse [1] is located in a renovated farmhouse in Virginia Beach originally built in 1912.

Opened in 2018, they are dedicated to using the highest quality ingredients to produce the freshest beers and ciders.

The original Back Bay Brewing Co. was founded in 2011 and also is located in Virginia Beach. farmhousebrewingva.com Smartmouth Brewing Company [2] was founded in 2012 in Norfolk (one of the pioneers in the Hampton Roads craft beer scene) and by 2018 opened a second location in Virginia Beach.

They pride themselves on unique styles, quality ingredients and overall well-crafted beers. smartmouthbrewing.com Makers Craft Brewery [3] offers a spacious taproom located in the Historic Norfolk & Western Railroad District housed in an old burlap bag manufacturing plant. The brewery was open for business in 2018, is dog friendly and offers a rotating calendar of food trucks, event space rental, a cigar bar and brewery tours. www.makers.beer O’Connor Brewing Co. [4] is serious about having fun, building a strong community, and handcrafting unique,

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aug-oct 2022 | boulevard

1 innovative beers. O’Connor Brewing Co. brewed its first batch on St. Patrick’s Day 2010, becoming one of Coastal Virginia’s very first craft breweries. They are award-winning, offering dozens of styles to a growing fanbase who appreciate their quality and consistency. oconnorbrewing.com Bold Mariner Brewing Company [5] originally opened in the Lambert’s Point section of Norfolk in 2015. They quickly produced award-winning beers and gained in popularity with local residents, active duty military and veterans. And then a former Bank of the Commonwealth building just steps away from the Ocean View Beach became available; they bought it and moved once renovations were complete. It’s a large two-story beach house with wraparound porches where you can take in the scenery and enjoy one of their brews. You can also order a smoked barbecue sandwich and side from the onsite “Bar-Q” eatery. theboldmariner.com The Garage Brewery [6] is a 7-barrel, woman-owned microbrewery located in the heart of the Greenbriar area in Chesapeake. Sixteen taps rotate a variety of “well built beers.” The industrial theme of the taproom is inviting,

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comfortable and spacious—and dogfriendly. It was designed and built with reclaimed and repurposed materials.

The outdoor patio extends past the overhead door and the bar features blueprints of the building and brewing equipment. www.garage-brewery.com

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6

4

5

“Fermentation may have been a greater discovery than fire.”

FDAVID RAINS WALLACE

boulevard | aug-oct 2022

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Boosted By the

Breeze

Portsmouth is becoming a national hub for offshore wind energy development

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aug-oct 2022 | boulevard

DOMINION ENERGY

By Joel Rubin

t’s unlikely the 45 high school welders who boarded luxury coaches on April 20 for a field trip to a future manufacturing site knew exactly where they were headed. boulevard | aug-oct 2022

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If you live in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and even Portsmouth, the homes of those trades people in training, taking a spin around an 80-acre site at the Portsmouth Marine Terminal (PMT), where Siemens Gamesa will construct a $200-million offshore wind blade finishing plant, was more than a magical mystery tour. Unless you drive west through the Midtown Tunnel and look over to your right, you probably have not seen the future of America’s newest industry, either.

Today that full 287-acre parcel, owned by the Virginia Port Authority VPA), is mostly vacant because another VPA terminal in Portsmouth, Virginia International Gateway (VIG), is much larger, more modern, and efficient. The big container vessels go to VIG, so VPA is leasing out PMT to support Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, to rise 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach, and others coming along the coast. Dominion itself is renting 72 acres at PMT. Denmark-based Orsted, which built Dominion’s two existing pilot turbines, is taking another two with an option for 40 more.

PMT may have little value for international shippers today, but for the offshore wind industry, the site is “second to none,” according to Dominion Energy’s Chairman and CEO Bob Blue. “It has deep water access, no overhead restrictions, and sufficient space for these large wind infrastructure components. It is perfectly situated to serve the Virginia offshore wind project and grow the domestic supply chain needed to complete other offshore wind projects in the United States.”

“Offshore wind for Portsmouth is going to be a game changer,” said Mayor Shannon Glover at the Siemens Gamesa announcement last October. When it’s completed in 2023, the factory should have 260 jobs available with potentially many more on the way, accordant to Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy president

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aug-oct 2022 | boulevard

WINDSdays, along with area partners, took 45 high school welders (above) from three area cities to the Portsmouth Marine Terminal to see the site of a future offshore wind blade finishing plant. They gathered (pictured opposite) for a group photo in the lobby of the TCC Portsmouth student center after the tour.

Steve Slaney. “We hope to actually produce blades for up and down the east coast here in the future.”

That makes sense to U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm. “If they’re going to be finishing and assembling the blades here,” said the former Michigan Governor when she was in Portsmouth in October, “the next step would be getting the full blade manufacturing here and then the full tower and nacelle manufacturing too because they will be adjacent to the ship that will install them at sea.”

That’s the key. Each blade will be the size of a football field plus the end zone so after they arrive in Portsmouth from Europe to receive their coat of gel, they must be loaded back on Dominion’s massive 472-foot Charybdis for conveyance

to the wind farm without ever touching a roadway. Charybdis will be homeported here as will other boats to serve the industry. That’s why local shipyards are excited. “There’s going to be a lot of support vessels needed for this,” says Don Everton of Lyon Shipyard in Norfolk. “That’s going to take ship repair companies to maintain them.”

Dominion Senior Vice President Bill Murray calls the Siemens Gamesa plant, “the anchor tenant in the mall,” because it will likely attract supply chain vendors to the region and state. “We could not be happier to bring a significant economic development opportunity here, and this is the leading tip of what will be a transformational industry for Hampton Roads and for here in Portsmouth.”

Mayor Glover spoke to those

DOMINION ENERGY

The Portsmouth wind blade finishing plant should have 260 jobs available with potentially many more on the way.

45 welders when they visited PMT and then TCC in Portsmouth to learn how and why they should consider pursuing a career in the skilled trades.

“These jobs will pay a true living wage,” he told them. The tour and event on April 20 were coordinated by the Hampton Roads Workforce Council and the WINDSdays campaign with assistance from Accelerate Apprenticeships and

Junior Achievement Hampton Roads.

The partners will replicate it in the fall for senior high school welders in Suffolk, Norfolk, Hampton, and Newport News. “Seeing the future up close and hearing about the career opportunities from industry and education leaders is eye opening,” says the HRWC’s Shawn Avery.

“Offshore wind will not only generate enough electricity to power 660,000

households in Virginia, but thousands of jobs too, starting in Portsmouth.”

So the mayor is right. It’s a game changer.

Joel Rubin, a former network affiliate TV reporter and anchor in Hampton Roads, is president of Rubin Communications Group and a freelance writer. He is also director of the WINDSdays campaign to promote clean energy.

viewpoint The Surge in Violence Affects Us All “There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.” ~Desmond Tutu

KENNY ELIASON

Between March 2020 and April 2021, the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, every city in Hampton Roads experienced an uptick in violent crime. According to a January 4, 2021, 13Newsnow report: “Hampton Roads had alarming homicide numbers in 2020. The year proved to be a deadly one with most cities in the area seeing an increase in murders, some cities even doubled their numbers from 2019. Portsmouth Police said they investigated 34 murders in the city, which is more than a 50% increase from 2019. Norfolk had 48 murders in 2020 compared to 37 in 2019. The largest city in the state, Virginia Beach, recorded 17 homicides in 2020, while Chesapeake Police said 16 murders happened there. On the Peninsula, Newport News Police investigated 25 murders in 2020 and in 2019.

A spokesman for Hampton Police Division said they had 20 murders in 2020.”

Sadly, the majority of the victims of the homicides were black males between the ages of 15 and 34. A 2019 Centers for Disease and Prevention report found that although black men and boys ages 15 to 34 make up just 2% of the nation’s population, they were among 37% of gun homicides that year.

The perpetrators were also black males, predominantly within the same age group.

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aug-oct 2022 | boulevard

[ by donnie tuck ]

Just because you are not directly affected by gun violence does not mean you should dismiss or ignore those who are the most affected.

TENNIS, ANYONE? Ace your game: more than 35 tennis courts available.

Tennis, fitness, dining and drinks—our world-class facility is here for you.

Also available: 25 outdoor clay courts, pickleball, tennis lessons and clinics, and pro shop.

1950 Thomas Bishop Lane, Virginia Beach (757) 481-7545 www.facebook.com/VBTCC

Thank You

for your continued support!

You want to connect and celebrate – to see long-missed friends, celebrate a milestone with colleagues, or have a full-blown birthday celebration. There’s no better place to do that than over a shared meal at a local restaurant. We’re ready.

For the latest restaurant and safety updates, visit our website at www.dineinvb.com boulevard | aug-oct 2022

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VIEWPOINT

PHOTOS COURTESY CITY OF HAMPTON, VIRGINIA

In early 2021, there was a fourday period in the City of Hampton that saw three shootings, two stabbings and two homicides. A resident emailed me and asked if Hampton was a safe city for his young family.

I responded that while the violent incidences were both alarming and disturbing, they were also an aberration.

The fact is most shootings in our cities are not random but involve individuals who are known to each other and have victims who do not cooperate with the police in helping to solve the crime.

For almost 30 years, I have attempted to call attention to the violence in Hampton and the region: • In 1991, I organized a city-wide prayer vigil in hopes that “inspired by prayer, church members may be moved to take a more active role in the fight against drug abuse and random violence through evangelism and volunteer work.” (Lisa Daniels, Daily Press, November 9, 1991) • In a 1993 letter to the editor, I asked “where are the public outrage and protests over the murder of the 18-year-old on the basketball court in Newport News and the rape and stabbing death of a woman in her home in the East End? Or with regard to any of the other murders and maimings of African-Americans by other African-Americans in this area or across the country?” (Daily Press, April 12, 1993) • Between 1996 and 2007, I served as a mentor to two fifth-grade boys and was a foster parent on two different occasions to three boys aged 2 1/2 to 4 1/2 years old when they came to live with us.

• At a men’s breakfast in the early 2000s, then-Hampton Circuit Court Judge Wil Taylor told those gathered, “You can go into any middle school in the City and there are those who can tell you the students who are most likely to end up in the criminal justice system. If

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you want to make a difference in a young person’s life, middle school is probably your last opportunity.”

Following that breakfast, I recruited 25 men from the church to serve as mentors to five boys identified by the assistant principal at a local middle school. Unfortunately, before we implemented the program, many of the men found reasons not to participate.

• In early 2018, Hampton’s former Police Chief informed the City Council that “we cannot arrest our way” out of the problem of gun violence. As a result, in May 2018, as Mayor of the City of Hampton, I invited the pastors of 46 Hampton congregations to a meeting called “Macedonian Call.” The purpose of the meeting was to partner with local churches in a “local missions” focus to combat the violence in our City. Only 12–15 pastors responded and regularly attended the monthly meetings pre-Covid.

• On July 29, 2019, Hampton Vice Mayor Jimmy Gray and I held the first of several “Mayor’s Gun Violence Prevention Roundtables” with youths, non-profits, and “Returning Citizens.” The topics for that first meeting were: 1. Why are our young people carrying guns?

2. What are the most important

gaps in services for young people in our communities?

3. In the wake of a traumatic event (when our young people may be experiencing trauma, feeling rage, and/or want to seek revenge), how do we design and introduce services in a way that the young person is likely to receive and take advantage of the services?

• On April 12, 2021, I hosted a Facebook Live town hall that featured a discussion among Hampton Roads mayors about the level of gun violence we were experiencing in our respective cities, its causes, and how we could address it. While Hampton has hosted annual regional

VIEWPOINT

symposiums on youth and young adult violence prevention since 2016, the town hall marked the first time in the region’s history that mayors from the area’s seven largest cities met to discuss this critical topic.

• On April 1, 2022, following a request by Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer and myself, the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) convened a roundtable of mayors and city and county administrators to discuss the region’s continued increase in shootings and homicides. While one size will not fit all, it is hopeful this regional collaboration will result in a set of violence reduction best practices that can be compiled and implemented in each locality.

“The cycle of violence is brutal,

self-reinforcing and yet another perpetuator of poverty in our most disadvantaged communities. When violence is commonplace, schools cannot properly educate children who are in fear; parents keep their children inside out of fear for their safety; medical professionals cannot fully address the direct and indirect consequences of violence; enrichment activities suffer; and businesses and those residents who can leave flee.” (Essay by Nick Cotter, Public Source, July 27, 2019) In closing, I noted earlier that Hampton is a very safe city for the vast majority of residents.

However, just because they are not directly affected by gun violence does not mean people should dismiss or ignore those who are the most affected. Black lives are not

expendable. Yet, too many people who could help create safer, more hopeful outcomes for young black males have chosen to sit on the sidelines. As mayors, we need to help our residents understand that, while gun violence does not affect city residents equally, it carries heavy emotional, social and economic costs that do affect all of us.

Donnie Tuck has served as a member of the City Council for 12 years, the last six as mayor. He earned his bachelor’s degree in public policy studies from Duke University and master’s degree in public administration from Old Dominion University. He has worked for the thenWashington Redskins, Howard University, Duke University, the City of Norfolk, and was most recently working as a technical writer.

boulevard | aug-oct 2022

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Now through September 30 Downtown Hampton Live Hampton | Mill Point Park Experience live music every Friday evening in downtown Hampton throughout the summer. Hosted by the Downtown Hampton Development Partnership, the series offers an opportunity to listen to bands spanning the jazz, pop, reggae, soul and soft rock genres....and more TIME: Varies (evening) COST: Free

August 13

www.downtownhampton.com/ downtown-hampton-live-2022

2nd Annual Hampton Roads Kidpreneur Expo Chesapeake | Chesapeake Conference Center

Now through October 15

The Hampton Roads Select are an elite group of young entrepreneurs, aged 5–17, who have been mentored and guided to develop and brand their business concepts, with the opportunity to sell their products at the Expo. The event is free to attend and includes backpack giveaways, youth speakers, yoouth performers and a special Kid Zone. Sponsored by The Bennett Center, a 501 c3 charity, they have partnered with local and national organizations to provide financial support to each participating young entrepreneur with $1,000 each to launch their businesses.

TIME: Vary by day; see website for details COST: Free

COVA Moves: Goat Yoga Norfolk | COVA Brewing Company What could be more entertaining than your perfect plank pose and a baby goat jumping on your back? Goat Yoga by FunWithGoats is sure to bring tons of smiles, laughs, relaxation and fun. All ages are welcome.

Classes are taught in a way that is perfect for everyone—from the beginner to the advanced yogi.

TIME: Saturdays—2 class times: 10 a.m. & 11 a.m.

COST: $35

covabrewco.com/event/copy-covamoves-goat-yoga-2022-08-20/

thekidexpo.com BROOKE CAGLE

AUGUTS—OCTOBER

events

Now through October 29 Buckroe Beach Farmers Market Hampton | Buckroe Beach Shop local on Saturday mornings. Vendors will be located on the grassy area surrounding the Buckroe Beach gazebo (First Street near East Pembroke Avenue) and will sell local produce, baked goods, sausage, seafood, jarred food items and more.

TIME: Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Sept. 17 Pet Day Theme: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. *There is no market on Aug. 20 and Sept. 10.

COST: Free

August 26–27 Funk Fest Beach Party Virginia Beach | 24th Street Park For 12 years the Virginia Beach Funk Fest Beach Party has brought the funk to the oceanfront for two days of electrifying music, great food, and unique vendors.

Music is the heart and soul of the festival— which is held rain or shine. General admission to the Funk Fest Beach Party is free, but capacity is limited. For a closer, more comfortable viewing experience, there is a ticketed Preferred Viewing section.

Beach chairs, towels, small coolers (food and non-alcoholic drinks) allowed.

TIME: Friday 6:30 p.m. (gates open 4:30 p.m.)

Saturday 6 p.m. (gates open 4 p.m.)

COST: Free–$60

beacheventsvb.com/events/virginiabeach-funk-fest-beach-party

September 2022 through June 2023 Broadway In Norfolk Norfolk | Chrysler Hall The 2022–2023 Broadway in Norfolk season kicks off in September with WICKED, the untold true story of the Witches of Oz. In November see the Tony award-winning musical DEAR EVAN HANSEN. In February the all-new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking spectacular CATS comes to town. Based on the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small Newfoundland town that welcomed them, COME FROM AWAY makes its Norfolk debut in late February. In March, don’t miss the return of megahit musical HAMILTON, back by popular demand. And the season concludes with iconic musical phenomenon JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, celebrating its 50th anniversary. It’s a record-breaking season you won’t want to miss.

TIME: Vary; see website for details COST: Vary; see website for details

broadwayinnorfolk.com/shows

September 2–4 Labor Day Oceanfront Concert Series Virginia Beach | 17th, 24th & 31st Street Parks Celebrate the long weekend with this series of free concerts at the oceanfront park stages by nationally recognized artists including Smash Mouth, Ricky Skaggs, Chester Benton’s Motown Review, Coolio and Ben Folds.

TIME: 7:30 p.m.

COST: Free

beacheventsvb.com/events/laborday-oceanfront-concert-seriesseptember/

hampton.gov/3477/Buckroe-BeachFarmers-Market

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!! Details as of press time; confirm information with venue before you attend events. !!

events September 17–18

September 24

Community Play-in & Sing Along

Naval Air Station Oceana Air Show

Light Up the Night Gala

Norfolk | Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center

Virginia Beach | Naval Air Station Oceana

Virginia Beach | Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Let’s unite our commUNITY through music.

Pick up your instrument, bring your voice and join the Virginia Symphony Orchestra in a celebration of peace and inclusion.

This inspiring annual event embraces our community’s cultural richness and diversity, uniting people of all ages, faiths and backgrounds through participation in music, dance and spoken word. Music will be available for any instrument and voice at any level. Or just come as you are and enjoy the musical talents of your neighbors.

TIME: 4:30 p.m.

COST: Free

This exciting showcase of military and civilian aviation performances is back.

This year’s theme, Back to the Beach, is a tribute to the Hampton Roads area and community.

The Navy’s largest open house in North America, the NAS Oceana Air Show, is a way for us to give back to the community.

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, see high-performance aircraft, and meet the exceptional men and women of naval aviation.

TIME: N/A COST: General admission: Free Upgraded seats: $10–$20 online

The 4th annual fundraising event is sponsored by The Safe House Project, whose work brings hope, freedom and a future to trafficking survivors. The event’s purpose is to raise funds and awareness to provide training, emergency services and safe housing to survivors to have successful outcomes. Cocktails, silent and live auctions, dinner and dancing are highlights of the gala. Formal attire.

TIME: 6–10 p.m.

COST: $150–$1,400

virginiasymphony.org/communityplay-in-sing-along-9-11/

www.oceanaairshow.com

September 24 757 Battle of the Beers Virginia Beach | State Military Reservation

September 15–18

The battle is back and better than ever for the 10th year of amazing regional brews, with all proceeds benefiting local charities.

Sponsored by Beach Ambassadors, Virginia Craft Beer Magazine, and Veer Magazine, this is the longest-running and largest “locals-only” beer festival. Tastings from 40+ local breweries, live music, on-site games, silent auction and food trucks.

TIME: 1–6 p.m.

COST: $60–90 $20 for non-drinking ticket

757battleofthebeers.com

Isle of White County Fair

www.safehouseproject.org/757gala

September 28 Skip Marley Virginia Beach | Elevation 27 Two-time Grammy-nominated singersongwirter Skip Marley—grandson of reggae legend Bob Marley—makes his debut appearance to the area. Already making a name for himself, he garnered a number one spot on the R&B chart with “Slow Down”—which is a first for a Jamaican-born artist—and has several other collaborations and award nominations under his belt.

TIME: 8 p.m. (doors open) COST: $20–$35

www.songkick.com/concerts/ 40372716-skip-marley-at-elevation-27

Check blvdmedia.io and social media for even more events

Windsor | 21311 Courthouse Hwy The fair showcases a variety of local food, agriculture, competitions and entertainment. And be sure to check out the Agriculture Education Center, which is used to educate young people and adults about the importance of farming, crop growing, gardening and raising livestock through games and presentations. Entertainment includes a 3-day rodeo, carnival rides and games, petting zoo, pony & camel rides, car show, monster truck rides, tractor pulls...and so much more.

TIME: Varies each day; check website COST: Ages 13 and up—$10 online, $15 at the gate Ages 6–12—$8 online, $10 at the gate Ages 5 and under—FREE

www.thefairiscoming.com

COURTESY 757 BATTLE OF THE BEERS

!! Details as of press time; confirm information with venue before you attend events. !!

boulevard | aug-oct 2022

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AUGUTS—OCTOBER

September 11

AUGUTS—OCTOBER

events September 30–October 9

October 7–9

International Sandsculpting Championship

Jurassic Quest

Virginia Beach | Neptune Park The Sandsculpting Championship has been the signature event of the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival since its inception— and now it expands to ten days. With a field of sculptors representing countries from around the world, the expansion of the competition puts this as one of the most distinctive events of its kind.

Sculptors will compete for the largest prize purse awarded in the country. Live music, entertainment, meet-and-greet opportunities with the talented pool of sculptors and free sand sculpture clinics.

TIME: Friday–Saturday: 9 a.m.–11 p.m.

Sunday: 9 a.m.–9 p.m.

Monday–Sunday (Oct. 9): 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

COST: $7 adults; 12 and under free

www.vabeach.com/virginia-beachevents/fairs-festivals/internationalsandsculpting-championship/

October 6–9 Suffolk Peanut Festival Suffolk | Suffolk Executive Airport Known for its fun family activities, the 44th Annual Suffolk Peanut Festival offers concerts, amusement rides, contests and competitions, a demolition derby, peanut cup race, motorcycle rally, fireworks and much more. Free parking.

TIME: Thursday: 4–10pm Friday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

COST: $10; Children 10 & under: free Oct. 6 Carload night: $50 for up to eight wristbands Oct. 9 Military/First Responders: $5

www.suffolkpeanutfest.com

Hampton | Hampton Roads Convention Center Jurassic Quest is the world’s largest, most popular dino event with unique and exciting experiences for the whole family. Observe our herd of life size animatronic dinosaurs including Apatosaurus, Spinosaurus, T-Rex and an incredible 50-foot-long Megalodon.

TIME: Friday–Saturday: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.

Sunday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

COST: $19–$36

Daisy suffers torment from the other girls.

Undaunted, she unravels a mystery, tracks down a treasure, and wins their admiration by the end of the day. Sound like a dream?

Yes. Unbelievable? Maybe. Hilarious?

Definitely.

TIME: Thursday–Friday: 7:30 p.m.

Saturday–Sunday: 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

COST: $11–$20.75

app.arts-people.com/index. php?actions=4&p=7

tickets.jurassicquest.com/ hamptonva2022

October 21–23

October 8

Virginia Beach | Boardwalk

Norfolk Mac & Cheese Festival Norfolk | Waterside District The event is filled with mac & cheesethemed activities and contests for the whole family. More than 15 of the area’s best restaurants, food trucks & chefs will dish out a variety of gourmet macaroni/cheesy visions. No matter how you like it—peppery, with ketchup, crispy with breadcrumbs or creamy like butter, you’ll find the mac and cheese of your dreams. Full bars, nonalcoholic refreshments and desserts will also be available. Event is rain or shine.

TIME: 2–8 p.m.

COST: $9.99–$59.99

www.macandcheesefestivals.com/ norfolk

October 13–16 Daisy Pulls It Off Virginia Beach | Dede Robertson Theatre For more than 30 years, Regent University Theatre has produced shows of the highest caliber. Daisy Pulls It Off is a spoof on an English girls’ school whodunit. As the first scholarship student at Grangewood,

Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show The Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show is one of the only outdoor art shows produced by an accredited museum and strives to have the highest caliber fine art in the relaxing setting of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Ranked as a top 15 Fine Art Show of the Decade by Sunshine Artist magazine, this three-day festival welcomes nearly 200 artists from around the country featuring fine art across several mediums.

TIME: Friday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

COST: Free

virginiamoca.org/boardwalk-artshow/

October 28 Old Towne Portsmouth Ghost Walk Portsmouth | Trinity Church graveyard Based on the Jack-the-Ripper Walks in London, the Ghosts of Olde Towne Portsmouth will tell their tales of love, loss, murder and mayhem on the Friday before Halloween. Guides take spectators on a walk past haunted houses and mansions of Olde Towne, a 20-square-block area on the National Register of Historic Places. At each house on the tour, costumed actors will retell the legends of ghostly visitations and things that go bump in the night. Cameras are welcome. Houses are private properties and not open to the public. The 60-minute tour ends at Middle Street Park, with entertainment and hot cider.

TIME: 6:15–9:30 p.m.

COST: $15 (Must pre-purchase online)

otpcl.org/oldetowneghostwalk/

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!! Details as of press time; confirm information with venue before you attend events. !!

October 28–29 Ballet Virginia Season Opening Virginia Beach | Zeiders American Dream Theater Ballet Virginia’s season kicks off with a mix of contemporary and classical works. These performances will feature choreography by Lydia Roberts Coco, BV’s Artistic Director, as well as Dwight Rhoden, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Rhoden was hailed as “one of the most soughtafter choreographers” by the New York Times. His work, “Evermore”, and Coco’s work, “Bolero,” are sure to delight. These wonderful and diverse artists will leave a lasting impression on the audience with their passion and artistry.

TIME: Friday: 7:30 p.m.

Saturday: 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

COST: $15–$30

October 29 YSC Fall Beer & Wine Bash Virginia Beach | Camp Pendleton The Youth Service Club, a Virginia Beach nonprofit, is hosting the 10th Annual Fall Beer and Wine Bash. All you can eat and drink beer, wine, barbeque, chicken, Brunswick stew, gumbo and she crab soup is available with ticket purchase. Live entertainment by Can U Dig It and The River Boyz. All proceeds go to fund children’s charities in Hampton Roads. You must be 21 to enter the party and there will be a 100% ID check to enter Camp Pendleton. No animals or small children permitted at the event.

TIME: 12–5 p.m.

COST: $60

vbysc.org/fall-beer

thez.org/event/balletva

Check out our website and social media for even more events happening—blvdmedia.io

Airport Travel Limo Service Special Event Corporate Transportation

Trained & uniformed chauffeurs Free consultations Military discount Multi-vehicle discount (for one event)

757-857-4500 GoldstarrLimo.com Transporation service that you can rely on boulevard | aug-oct 2022

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AUGUTS—OCTOBER

COURTESY BALLET VIRGINIA

events

profile Richard Parison Boulevard recently sat down with Richard Parison to discuss the impact of theater and visual arts to our region in an understated but impactful way.

Richard Parison is the artistic director of Hampton Arts, which includes The American Theatre and The Charles Taylor Visual Arts Center. Richard has been a professional theater director and producer for more than 25 years. He began his theatrical career as artistic associate to the Obie-Award-winning Gerald Freedman at The Great Lakes Theater Festival in Cleveland, Ohio. He later spent more than a decade in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as associate producing artistic director at the internationally recognized Walnut Street Theatre and then later as artistic director for the Prince Music Theater. As a director, he’s been nominated multiple times for the Philadelphia Barrymore Award for Best Director, the Richmond Critics Circle Award for the Best Director and the Sarasota Live Award for Best Production of a Play. For several years before coming to Hampton, Richard was the executive director of Richmond Center Stage, now the Dominion Arts Center. Nationally and regionally, Parison has served on several peer panels for the Theater Communications Group, National Alliance for Musical Theater, the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, and the Virginia Commission for the Arts. He holds a BFA from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio—with an emphasis in Directing and Arts Administration—and is a fellow of LEADERSHIP Philadelphia and a graduate of the PEW Charitable Trusts Emerging Arts Leadership Program.

Boulevard: I’d like to just dig in and ask a series of pre-working age questions. What is your backstory? What was the early home life like? Were you a performer as a child, musical family? Were you a late bloomer or did you or your family always know you’d be in performance arts?

Parison: I was always drawn to theatrical stories as a child and teenager.

Whether it was a local traveling children’s theater that came to my elementary school, watching reruns of classic TV shows like Gilligan’s Island or Leave It to Beaver, or whether it was watching the PBS Great Performance of Sweeney Todd. Theatricality came in all types of media for me. My parents were not theatrical people and did not gravitate to the arts and culture—so I was the outlier growing up. But I knew from my pre-teens that this was something that gave me the power of self-expression—and that is a powerful thing for a child to realize.

When you were in school, what were you and your peers doing for fun? What was your first job?

I was dramatic. Prone to hyperbole and exaggeration. Looking back now, as an adult, there probably isn’t much difference! My first job was working as a stock boy at a small local beverage store in my hometown. It was not the outlet for creative expression that I dreamed up, but I loved that it provided pocket money.

Did you have a mentor that pushed you towards the performing arts as a profession?

My high school drama teacher, Myrna Rutkowski, was the first director I really saw at work in the theater. She cast me in my first high school production of “You Can’t Take It with You.” She didn’t push me, but she certainly gave me the outlet that allowed my passion to flourish. Later in college, a new

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aug-oct 2022 | boulevard

[ by david polston ]

“Acting was not to be my destiny, but my skills were going to be laid out in a different creative direction.”

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PROFILE HISTORIC IMAGES COURTESY OF PHOEBUSMEMORIES.ORG

professor, Janice Dean, was the first to recognize that I was going to work in professional theater as producer and director. Acting was not to be my destiny, but my skills were going to be laid out in a different creative direction.

American Theatre 1931

Were you on another career path before this and if so, what was it and when did it change?

No. This was really always my journey. I was fortunate in my life to be able to make a living doing what I loved doing. Not everyone is that lucky. I recognize that.

What was your first production as a performer and then director?

As an actor it was in fourth grade, I played Sasha in our class production of “Stone Soup.” And then in college, my first production as a director was “Bearclaw” by Timothy Mason. That was the production that launched my directing career.

Post graduate? What were the circumstances that led to professional administrative theater work?

In summers between college years, I worked as a leasing agent at a large townhouse/apartment community in the area of my hometown. The owner’s wife was on the board of trustees at The Great Lakes Theater Festival in Cleveland.

She facilitated an interview with Gerald Freedman, the artistic director [at the time], who was a Tonynominated director and a leader in the national field. I went on to work with him for several years as assistant director and this was the beginning of my life and career in regional professional theater.

What were the circumstances that led you to this area? Is it a big change to what you were used to at your former position?

I was taking time off after the death of my mother. I had worked

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aug-oct 2022 | boulevard

in Richmond at the Richmond CenterStage (now Dominion Arts Center) for several years. As I was home in Cleveland, settling my mother’s estate, this position came open and it felt like a tremendous opportunity to return to Virginia, which had come to feel like my second home.

Small, but mighty. When you travel, you have the opportunity to stay at a quaint, intimate bed and breakfast— or you can stay at the large corporate chain hotel. I like to think of The American Theatre and the Visual Arts Center as two lovely bed and breakfasts in a sea of corporate chain hotels.

What are some current struggles and pleasant achievements with the American Theatre and Visual Arts Center? Dispel some misconceptions if you know of any.

I am fortunate to lead a team of dedicated and passionate people who are committed to presenting artists on stage and in the galleries from around the world and around the corner. The American Theatre is an intimate 388-seat venue. The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center is a small, regional visual arts center.

What could we expect happening in the future with the theater and arts in Pheobus over the next year or five-plus years from now?

My goal as artistic director is to continue making the arts and culture (performing and visual) an integral part of the community. I want the arts and arts education to be accessible to everyone in Hampton and [throughout] the region. Additionally, representation and inclusion matters to me. I want the arts on stage and in the galleries to represent and include

PROFILE

DAVID POLSTON

The American Theatre approx. 2016

the wide diversity that is Hampton and our region. In my role as artistic director there is nothing more important to me—it is a privilege to serve the citizens and our vast community through professional theater, music, dance, education and visual arts.

David Polston is the scenic designs, carpentry and production supervisor for CBN (The Christian Broadcasting Network). He is also an internationally published freelance photographer, blogger and writer, and the resident professional photographer for Seven Venues, LiveNation, Virginia Beach, Regent University Theater, Hampton Coliseum, The VaArts Festival and the Virginia Symphony, among others.

The American Theatre has evolved through the many decades in operation (as shown in the photos opposite and at the top left of this page). TOP RIGHT: An ad for a show which appeared in the July 10, 1919 edition of The Daily Press, starring Charles Chaplin. ABOVE: H. Duncan Barnett (left) and Richard Parison at the American Theatre’s 2020 season announcement event. Barnett is on the board of directors for the Hampton Arts Foundation and is the upcoming recipient of the Coastal Virginia Renaissance Award.

boulevard | aug-oct 2022

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By Rick Polston PHOTOS COURTESY OF OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY

The season opener between Old Dominion University’s Monarchs and Virginia Tech’s Hokies should prove to be one to watch

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aug-oct 2022 | boulevard

The stage is set: Old Dominion University hosts Virginia Tech for the 2022 season opener. The Monarchs haven’t played the Hokies since 2019, resulting in a loss. However the last time the Hokies played the Monarchs in Hampton Roads—in 2018— they went home with the sting of a loss.

Let’s see what happens this time.

boulevard | aug-oct 2022

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Many people, especially sports enthusiasts, love a good rivalry. Most of us who follow sports currently have favorite teams or individuals that compete in recreational leagues, secondary and intercollegiate levels, and certainly at the professional level. Rivalries begin early and many become very intense. We all tend to have our favorite players or teams which we support with the very fiber of our beings. Who doesn’t like a good rivalry?

The Dallas Cowboys vs. the Washington Commanders in the NFL; Michigan vs. Ohio State in college football; the Lakers vs. the Celtics or Duke against North Carolina in basketball. On the golf links of yesteryear, you would find the great Arnold Palmer trying to match or exceed par with Jack Nicklaus. If you

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are a little older you may remember the classic battles between boxers Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.

So, what about the Virginia Tech Hokies vs. the Monarchs of Old Dominion University on the gridiron?

Tech against ODU? Is there really a rivalry there?

The backstory Old Dominion football made its return to the game in 2009. In 2017, they began a series of contests with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University—the Hokies—out of Blacksburg through the 2031 season.

Over the years there have been many people, including some longtime ODU fans, who thought there would never be a rivalry with Tech.

Playing Tech would not be a good idea. They are too powerful and too

experienced. After the first meeting against the Hokies these naysayers had a great argument proving their point. The first contest was in 2017 at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg.

Even with slow beginnings for the Tech squad, ODU found themselves overmatched with a heartbreaking 38–0 loss at the hands of the host Hokies. There was no talk of a rivalry at this point. The game was just too easy for their Power 5 football team.

In 2018, the residents of Hampton Roads—who are sports junkies and traditional fanatics of the ODU “Big Blue”—were more thrilled knowing that Virginia Tech was coming to their house than they were with being concerned about a rivalry. The hype around the region was at the highest levels with talks of revenge in the air. In the weeks before

the game both fan groups were busy making their predictions. Some within Hokie Nation had already chalked up another victory for Tech: While maybe not a cakewalk, a victory was almost guaranteed. Some Hokies may have overlooked this game as the following week Tech would be competing against powerhouse Clemson University.

Aside from the revenge factor, Big Blue loyalists felt that their homefield advantage and strong local support would keep them in the game. Did many actually believe that Old Dominion could win against the #10 team in the country? Believe it: Final score was ODU: 49, Virginia Tech: 35.

When they met again in 2019 Virginia Tech claimed the advantage over Old Dominion with a home win of

31–17. No rivalry yet. Or is there?

Some consider a rivalry cannot actually be defined as such until both of the teams in question have won a game. The victory by the Monarchs at home in 2018 evened the series at one win each. After that victory, (now former) ODU coach Bobby Wilder said that win was “one of the biggest moments in Hampton Roads sports history.” He further stated, “I’m really hoping that a friendly rivalry will evolve between our schools.”

“When you think that we’re two very large in-state schools, and think of the number of ODU and Virginia Tech graduates in Hampton Roads, this should be a very popular rivalry,” said Wilder. In all likelihood there is a friendly rivalry brewing between the two schools, their fans, and their communities. But what about a rivalry

between the two head coaches of the respective schools?

The men leading the teams Virginia Tech’s Brent Pry is its firstyear head coach while Ricky Rahne (pronounced as in “Ronnie”) is in his second season as ODU’s head coach (3rd season overall). They have never coached against one another.

Interestingly enough, however, is that they are probably very familiar with one another and are probably great friends. While researching their respective coaching histories, several interesting items emerged.

Coach Pry had a previous coaching stint with the Hokies as he trained the defensive line from 1995–1998 as a graduate assistant.

In 2011 (through 2013), he joined the coaching staff at Vanderbilt University boulevard | aug-oct 2022

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in Nashville, Tennessee, under the leadership of Coach James Franklin.

Also serving as a Vanderbilt coach during the same time period: Ricky Rahne. When Franklin was hired as the new Pennsylvania State University (PSU) coach in 2014, both Pry and Rahne moved along with him. Pry remained with the PSU program until his hiring at Tech in 2021, and Rahne left for ODU for the 2019 season.

James Franklin on both former coaches “Brent Pry was with me for 12 years, every single year of my head coaching career,” Franklin said. “His dad was my offensive coordinator in college; we go back 30 years. To lose a guy like that, that hurts. You struggle. But I’m super happy for him, and Virginia Tech made a great hire.

He’s going to do an awesome job.”

“Ricky (Rahne) is a rising star

Catch the Monarchs at their home field: S.B. Ballard Stadium (season tickets only), on ESPNU, via the ODU Sports Radio Network or through a variety of streaming options.

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in the industry and is built for this opportunity,” Franklin said. “He is a smart, open-minded and talented coach. His humble leadership style will resonate well with Old Dominion’s leadership and players. I look forward to following his program at Old Dominion.”

Can two former coaching colleagues establish an in-state rivalry? Sure, they can. A coach’s job is to prepare his team for a win notwithstanding the opponent. Their teams will give their very best for the coach, the school, and the community where they play. There will be some time, perhaps before and after each upcoming game, for these friends to reacquaint and to discuss matters at hand. For now, there is a new rivalry on the horizon for Old Dominion and Virginia Tech, and these coaches and their teams play the pivotal roles. One

thing will be for certain: If you are a fan of collegiate football in the state of Virginia, attend this series and may your team come out with a victory.

Season tickets for Old Dominion games are currently on sale; the only way to see the Virginia Tech game in person is by purchasing season tickets. ODU’s 2022 home games are as follows: Virginia Tech Hokies (Sept. 2); Arkansas State Red Wolves (Sept. 24); Liberty Flames (Oct. 1); Georgia Southern Eagles (Oct. 22); Marshall Thundering Herd (Nov. 5); and James Madison Dukes (Nov. 12).

Rivalries or not, come support the Big Blue for the 2022 Gridiron Season.

Rick Polston is a teacher of students with disAbilities for Suffolk Public Schools.

English and Language Arts is his chosen content to teach. His favorite pastime is journaling about travel adventures and singing.

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What is it that draws folks to outdoor markets...especially farmers markets?

More than likely it’s the appeal of fresh produce or handcrafted local items.

It’s that direct link with the farmer who grew the product, harvested it and handdelivered it to a table for our choosing.

Or selecting something special that an artisan or baker created by hand. There is the colorful display of watermelons, cantaloupes, collards, beets and broccoli.

And let’s not forget the jars of honey, fruit jams and jellies. It’s a special kind of social experience, this bonding between shopper and farmer, knowing you have in some surreal way contributed to the great cycle of earth’s bounty and the kitchen transformation of healthy meals.

Hampton Roads certainly has its share of farmers markets—an American tradition that is surely in no danger of wilting in apathy.

On a recent trip to the Suffolk Farmers Market, held on the grounds of the Suffolk Visitors Center during the summer months, we had the opportunity to speak with a variety of vendors there. This was a pleasant blend of crafters and food trucks and tables filled with jellies, cookies, small wood crafts, jewelry and, of course, fresh veggies.

TOLGA AHMETLER

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DAVID POLSTON

FARMERS MARKETS

Then we got to thinking: How is it going for these local farmers? Has the economy hurt these families of growers? It’s tougher on all of us as inflation rises more and more. And it’s the same with the artisans who more than likely are experiencing higher supply costs and supply chain issues.

As we started asking questions to people in their booths, we kept getting the answer we more or less expected: “We are surviving just fine,” said one of the men. “There have been rises and falls of the prices to do business for as long as I can remember. This isn’t new.” These words in some way or another were echoed by most we talked to that day.

More than likely those of us who shop markets like this all over the country are looking for something that the supermarkets might miss. And a bonus is finding the person behind the bins—meeting the hardworking person that simply grows food or handcrafts items for honest wages and delivers quality products.

Sure, we may give up some conveniences—and frankly sometimes some cost-savings—by seeking out items at a local market. But you probably appreciate it more after having met the person who sold you that fresh garden item (I know that you’ll taste the difference) or the unique item made locally. ~Stewart Funderburk and David Polston

DAVID POLSTON

More markets: blvdmedia.io/farmers-markets

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day trip Destination: Portsmouth—with Toddlers Getting out of the house is imperative when you’re a stay-at-home mom with two kiddos; everyone needs to get out of the house when they get a chance, to help boost serotonin levels and get some fresh air. We recently set our sights on the downtown area of Portsmouth, Virginia, along with a ferry ride to Norfolk and back. It was a lot of running around, but the kids had so much fun and I love watching them play.

First, we drove over to Portsmouth from Norfolk and were able to park outside on the street. Portsmouth has free two-hour parking on High Street or you can pay to park in the garage if you know you’ll be there longer. I have an almost three-year-old and a one-year-old, so I knew we would only be there for a couple of hours before we would have to regroup.

The Children’s Museum [1] offers a lot of activities for kids of all ages and sizes and allows parents to be fully involved in play as well [2]. On the first floor, they have a train exhibit, bubbles, a Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) bus, and many more hands-on activities. My three year old loves to go fishing on the boat or pretend to be a veterinarian and help the puppies and kittens, and my younger one loves to get down on the ground and climb on the bird’s nest that they have set up in the three-and-under area.

Having grown up with a musical theater background, I love the room where you can learn to play music on different types of instruments. They have a “fence” set up that you can play like a xylophone, there are trash can lids and PVC pipes that you can hit with flip flops—providing Stomp and Blue Man

[ by jessie gallenstein ]

The memories you make with your kids and grandkids last forever. Take the time to live in the moment with what our area has to offer.

[ PHOTOS by David Polston ]

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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

DAY TRIP

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Group vibes. Every time we go, I try to play Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” with the flip flops, but I’m not very good at percussion so I’ll just stick to stand-up bass.

Upstairs, they have an area that teaches about recycling, a circusthemed area that teaches about static electricity, weight distribution, and sound travel, and a rotating exhibit.

During the winter the museum did sock skating which was so clever and the kids had a great time slipping and sliding around. Currently, they have a “Splash and Bubbles” traveling exhibit that teaches kids about the sea. For those who are into technology, the “Dr. Forces Traveling Energy Extravaganza” is a 360-degree virtual tour, which is an exploration of energy and physical sciences through the lens of a carnival sideshow.

The first floor of the building is mostly play-based and the second floor focuses Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) activities in the STEM Studio.

The CreARTivity spaces focus on art experiences such as drawing, painting, sculpture and architecture.

The Made-N-Take room has themed crafts you can create and bring home.

Times for those activities are listed on their website.

After the museum, we took the Elizabeth River Ferry [3] over to the Waterside District in Norfolk; we were going to get a cupcake at Carolina Cupcakes or some fudge from the Fudgery, but both venues didn’t open until noon (check their schedules before you go).

Even though we weren’t able to eat at Waterside, we were able to get some cute photos next to Blue Moon Tap House [4]. Once back on the ferry, my older daughter loved seeing the water, waving at the other boats and the breeze from the ferry was greatly appreciated in the July heat.

Back in Portsmouth, we treated ourselves to ice cream at Scoops, just outside of the museum. I got the cappuccino ice cream and man, it

DAY TRIP

4 was so good.

Next on our adventure, we drove over to Portsmouth City Park and were able to get some sunshine. The park has been recently updated and is fun and engaging for the kids. It has plenty of swings and is very inclusive.

They have swings for babies, bigger kids [5] and adults, swings that you can sit on with your baby and swing—

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DAY TRIP

The Pokey Smokey

By David Polston As a Portsmouth, Virginia, native my parents would take me to City Park when I was a child. The more we’d visit, the more I wanted to go. As I grew older, my friends and I would ride our bikes there to play on the attractions.

They have a nine-hole golf course, boat ramps, walkways, duck-feeding pond, tennis courts, playgrounds and shelters to have picnics. But there is a unique attraction that dates back to 1964. It is a scaled-down, workingreplica steam train called the Pokey Smokey.

As a kid I didn’t care a lot about golf or tennis, I wanted to see the Pokey Smokey. It was red and shiny and I could ride it because it was my size. It blew smoke from the stack, the whistle was loud and bright and it was...fantastic! Each time I rode this around the track my imagination would fill with stories that I could replay in my head during the days or weeks I had to wait until my parents brought me back to fill my head with more stories.

However, in 2005 the Pokey Smokey started having mechanical problems and the costs were stacking up to keep it running. Since this was a working replica of a steam engine, the safety concerns were outweighing the operating costs and it was decided to auction off the train to help raise money for a new one.

In March 2011 a new train arrived to replace the original one that had served City Park for over 40 years. The Pokey Smokey II is a gas-powered, scale replica of an 1863 Huntington Steam Engine and pulls a seven-bench coach car around the three quarter of a mile track. The Pokey Smokey II runs on the weekends only from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (last ride is at 2:45 p.m.) with a cost of only $2.00 for ages three and up (infants are free of charge).

You can now experience this ride for yourself if you’re feeling nostalgic, or bring your children or grandchildren. It is truly fun for all ages. Shiny red with a new whistle and all.

If you are wondering what happened to the original Pokey Smokey, there is good news. Ken Eder from Carthage, North Carolina, bought the train, restored it and it still runs one weekend a year. Ken was an enthusiast and collector of vintage tractors and trains. He launched a weekend festival dedicated to “100+ Years of Progress” with the Ederville Train and Tractor Show, held in North Carolina (edervillenc.com).

Ken was killed in a work accident in 2018 and left a saddened community to grieve the loss of this charismatic visionary. The festival continues in his honor on the first full weekend of November in Carthage, where general admission tickets will get you a free ride on the original Pokey Smokey from Portsmouth, Virginia.

David Polston is the scenic designs, carpentry and production supervisor for CBN. He is also an internationally published freelance photographer, blogger and writer, and the resident professional photographer for Seven Venues, LiveNation, Virginia Beach, Regent University Theater, Hampton Coliseum, The VaArts Festival and the Virginia Symphony, among others.

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which I thought was great. I have a one year old, so I normally have to push her. But to be able to sit and swing with her was so convenient.

They also had swings for wheelchairs and swings for physically challenged persons to sit and swing and be safe and secure. I really love how a lot of the parks in our area are thriving in their inclusivity.

City Park also has the “Pokey Smokey II” (see sidebar at left for details), which is a little train that kids three and older can ride. This miniature steam engine replica runs on Saturdays and Sundays through the end of October. My kids are currently too young, but I remember riding it when I was little and it was such a cool thing to do.

On the way home, we stopped

by Starbucks to grab a cake pop for my daughter and a coffee for me; shortly after, both kids fell asleep in the car. If you have children or are around them often, you know that an afternoon nap after a long day is such a blessing.

Spending a day doing all of the things I used to do when I was a child and passing on the traditions, as small as they may be, was really special.

DAY TRIP

The Children’s Museum and City Park are still the way they used to be for me, just updated. But Waterside is completely different. When I was a young child it still had little shops, a Hooters, and a Chinese restaurant that was absolutely phenomenal if I remember correctly. Point being: Change inevitably happens, but those memories you make with your kids and grandkids last forever. So take the time to go and make the memories and live in the moment with them—it’s so precious.

Children’s Museum of Virginia, Portsmouth 221 High Street Portsmouth, VA 23704 childrensmuseumvirginia.com

Norfolk native Jessie Gallenstein, a wife and a mother of two little girls, is studying to be an esthetician and licensed skin care professional. She loves to eat local and find new and exciting things to do with her family.

Portsmouth City Park 5 Cpl J M Williams Avenue Portsmouth, VA 23701 parks.portsmouthva.gov/169/ Portsmouth-City-Park

Elizabeth River Ferry (via Hampton Roads Transit—service between Portsmouth and Norfolk) gohrt.com/routes/ferry Waterside District 333 Waterside Drive Norfolk, VA 23510 watersidedistrict.com

Planning to take a road trip somewhere within a day’s drive? How about an overnight somewhere?

Tell us about the experience. Send in your piece (and any photos you take) for us to consider publishing in a future issue of Boulevard.

Email: julie@blvdmedia.io

Upscale, authentic Italian dining on the Virginia Beach oceanfront

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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!

[ PHOTO by David Polston ]

blvdmedia.io/contact/ hello@blvdmedia.io

Last issue’s winner:

Christine Gerald Pocomoke, MD Location: Granby Sreet intersection in the NEON District, Norfolk

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