Nov. 2022–Jan. 2023 Boulevard

from the publisher

Post Pandemic, Labor Shortages Continue to Linger

Where did all our workers go? Once upon a time not too many years ago— when you went to a store or a restaurant or the airport or just about anywhere, actually—there were all sorts of people to help you with your selection, to take your order, to bring you your meal or register your name for an appointment; service was a completely staffed industry.

Working in hospitality, healthcare, or other areas of the service industry was a career path for many that led to higher-paying managerial or upper management types of jobs.

At the onset of the pandemic in the United States, many employers were forced to close their businesses because of government regulations. This led to widespread layoffs and put hundreds of thousands of service workers on unemployment for a short period of time. As the pandemic progressed over the course of the following 12 months, many of these employees were not invited to resume their previous positions. Why? Partly because the amount of customers that businesses had previously served were no longer able to be customers. Also, as reported by various news outlets, older workers accelerated their retirement dates (according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, it’s referred to as “the COVID Retirement Boom”).

Here in Tidewater—an area many classify as a vacation community—we saw restaurants close then re-open with limited outdoor seating then open indoor seating at 25% capacity, but no seating at the bar. And then seven or eight months later they were able to return to some level of normal capacity. Unfortunately with autumn’s approach, we experienced a resurgence with the virus and restrictions were put back in place again.

For some workers it has been impossible to make a living given the current cutbacks. So many people took advantage of the newly found free time to go back to school and finish their degrees or take up another course of study.

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

© 2022 | Vol 3, No. 4 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

ANDREW SEAMAN

What we have now learned is that what was initially called “the great resignation” was really the “great escape from low-paid service industry jobs” as waiters, bus boys, bartenders, caregivers, nurses aids, grocery store clerks, fast food workers, etc. discovered other ways to make a living that was safer and more lucrative. The assumption that unemployment checks kept people home was wrong.

Instead, during the pandemic, many people started rethinking career versus life goals. A lot of people just left the workforce to become stay-at-home parents— particularly with their children adjusting to remote and hybrid learning.

If you think that the the workforce is returning to normal, consider that staffing shortages have forced the cancellation of lunch service at institutions like Aldo‘s and Le Yaca; Il Giardino has been closing on Mondays because of the lack of servers and cooks; at the local hospitals, patients are put in the hallways for hours at a time because rooms aren’t available due to the shortage of staff.

Yet wages for housekeepers at Gold Key properties

during the summer were as high as $20 per hour at the oceanfront. And there were still staff vacancies.

There are more than 7,000 living-wage jobs available immediately in Tidewater, but not enough candidates to fill them. How can we expect to have a world class tourism destination hosting events like Something in the Water if we can’t find waiters, service people, airline pilots, flight attendants or Uber drivers to handle even modestly large crowds?

These are some things to consider as we wrap up this year of transition and “new normalcy.” I hope you enjoy the holidays as well as this issue of Boulevard magazine.

BERRY BRUNK

President/Publisher 757.340.3625 berry@blvdmedia.io

SUSIE BRUNK General Manager 360.333.7162 susie@blvdmedia.io

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-a-virginia-beachhotel-job

The cobia season ended mid-September and was replaced by schools of new catches—if you could endure the sweltering temperatures during the day. The trout are now making an appearance in the river, along with big puppy drum. I lost one of my favorite Paul Brown lures when a mean old puppy broke my line after dragging it under a pier. You will find a lot of piers in Lynnhaven holding a lot of drum and trout. Did I mention how delicious fat puppy drum bites are when you cook them up with Franks hot sauce? You’ve got to try it. Get out there and chase your dinner. Until next time, tight lines. ~Jeff Moore

During November, December and January you’ll typically reel in these catches:

NOVEMBER

Offshore

White marlin, bigeye tuna, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, blackfin tuna, bluefin tuna, swordfish, black sea bass, tilefish, flounder, black drum, triggerfish, wahoo, snowy grouper, bluefish, tautog

Chesapeake Bay

Bluefish, red drum, flounder, Spanish mackerel, spadefish, cobia, sheepshead, ribbon fish, striped bass, tautog, sheepshead

Tidal Rivers

Bluefish, flounder, speckled trout, spot, croaker, puppy drum, ribbon fish, striped bass

DECEMBER

Offshore

Swordfish, bluefin tuna, bigeye tuna, black sea bass, tilefish, bluefish, triggerfish, sheepshead, flounder

Chesapeake Bay Bluefish, striped bass, flounder, tautog

Tidal Rivers

Speckled trout, striped bass

JANUARY

Offshore

Tilefish, sea bass, flounder, grouper, tuna, tautog

Chesapeake Bay Striped bass, tautog

Tidal Rivers

Speckled trout, puppy drum, striped bass

What have you reeled in?

@yakbrozfishing

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.

SHAWN SAWYER

TOP AND ABOVE: Shawn Sawyer with a nice trout (top) and a sheepshead (above). Shawn and his brother, Terrance, make up Yakbroz Fishing— Check them out on Facebook and Instagram:

RIGHT: Jeff Moore reeled in a 50” cobia.

SHAWN

SAWYER

KEN HOWARD

By Yiorgo

Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks Showdown

Captain Bobby Earl, of Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks Showdown, talks fishing for giant bluefin in Outer Banks, North Carolina, and fishing for life lessons

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PFTV

he exciting, nail-biting, dangerous and treacherous ninth-season finale of Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks Showdown on the National Geographic channel is now history.

Throughout the season (the first as Showdown), top captains from Gloucester, Massachusetts, and the best bluefin tuna fishermen in the South battled it out off the shores of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The twist this year was that every boat had won a previous season, so that made this season’s winner the champion among champions. That champion of champions this season was Captain Bobby Earl of the Reel E’ Bugging—who was the sixth-season winner and known for his brash style and very competitive nature. Captain Bobby succeeded in not only competing against a very brutal, unforgiving Mother Nature and a tight quota, but also the other captains—including captain Greg Mayer of the Fishin’ Frenzy, who had won the title in the South four times previously. Captain Bobby sat down with us for a very extensive talk.

YIORGO: Super congratulations, Champ. How does it feel to be the winner of Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks Showdown?

BOBBY EARL: Thank you, Yiorgo. I like the sound of that. You know, when we won season six—and that was the first time we entered—that was exciting. To put it in perspective, the reason we got on season six was because the four previous boats held out for more money and they fired them all. So when I won, they said I won against the replacements and that there was no way I could win. Fishin’ Frenzy was one of the boats that was fired and brought back, as well as several others. So winning this was the sweetest one, because they can’t call us a fluke anymore. I told my girlfriend that I may have to sink my boat, but I’m not losing this one. It’s not going to be because of lack of effort. I can assure you of that.

For those not familiar with the show, can you describe the concept and why should people watch? (Ed. Note: All the exciting episodes can be seen at this link: www.nationalgeographic.com/tv/shows/wicked-tuna-outer-banks-showdown)

For this ninth season, the producers picked only six boats: three from the North and three from the South. They stick a cameraman in your boat and you want to out-produce the other five [teams]. I’m just lucky I made the cut. The show’s concept: Giant bluefin season in the Outer Banks has a very short window and we get a very limited amount of quota caught between four to six weeks. The weather is during the dead of winter and where the fish are—the Oregon Inlet—is one of the deadliest areas in the country. So you put it all together and trying to catch 700-pound fish is quite exciting. They are calling this show a Showdown, but it always has been the best bluefin fishermen vs. the best bluefin fishermen from up North, from Gloucester, Massachusetts.

You had some hairy adventures in season 8. Can you tell us about some of it?

The competition in the eighth season was fierce. One personal example: They told us Valentine’s Day weekend was expected to have 10-feet-tall waves. The others said ‘we’re not fishing in that.’ They stayed home and took their wives to dinner. I canceled dinner with my girlfriend and told her to stay home. I went fishing three days in a row and caught fish every day, when no one else left the dock. I don’t believe there was a single day after Valentine’s Day that every boat did not leave the dock because they were not going to be embarrassed. So it will literally be some of the most fierce competition ever filmed. That’s a fact.

What else can you tell us about season eight?

As I mentioned, the competition was a very, very fierce battle by all involved. A couple of the guys who were on the other seasons, but not recent ones, were brought back, so they had something to prove. Then there were some new boats and they were trying to prove themselves, too. As for me, we had a bad year the year before. This was not publicized, but we got Covid and missed a few weeks of fishing and we finished last in season seven—so we had something to prove that our win in season six was not a fluke.

Photographically this was the most epic season to date. In the eighth season, the producers decided to add a chase boat. They hired a guy and put a million dollar camera on his boat, very similar to the camera they fly in a news helicopter. That boat would follow us around for six weeks. The TV viewer got a bird’s eye view. For example, there can be a 10-foottall wave that your boat is battling, but if the camera angle is from your boat the viewer does not see the outside perspective of how tall that wave actually is right next to your

boat. Here is a personal example: When I had my first fish [on the line], we radioed it in. The chase boat came out, they were 15 feet away from us with that camera as we were fighting the fish. They launched an underwater drone, a regular drone. It was incredible. I’ve seen some of the footage and it is breathtaking.

Also the fish that year were not your average 80 inches in length. They were 100 inches and over. These were some of the biggest, ferocious fish with six and eight hour battles before we would reel them in. Really big fish, tremendous photography, fierce competition; it really was an amazing season.

Your boat actually caught fire in season eight. Can you tell us about it?

We had a lot of mechanical issues and I spent around $60,000–$70,000 on renovations. I borrowed money to make sure the engine was good and we could compete. On November 5th I was going south to get there early. I was about 10 hours into the journey, it was sunrise, my friend Danny was downstairs sleeping and I heard an explosion. I was pretty far out, about 15 miles from the beach. I went down and I could see flames from the engine room. My friend Danny was unconscious from smoke inhalation. It was terrifying. I was punching him in the face to wake him up. He started coughing and I was able to get his survival suit on him. I fired off a mayday and put my survival suit on. I threw a life raft in the water, we jumped in and for about an hour and a half we watched my life savings burn. The water was 54 degrees and from the explosion until we jumped into the water, it was probably 12 minutes. We’re speculating that a turbo exploded. We don’t know. The boat sank in water about 250-feet deep, so we could not bring it up.

In five years, I had sunk about $400,000 in that boat, but it was

only insured for about $150,000 because it was over 50 years old and you can only insure it for what they call “agreed upon value.” I had about $100,000 in fishing equipment, all my clothes, ID, credit cards…gone. I was financially devastated and bankrupt and because of Covid, my bed bug business was bankrupt.

It was a real struggle to find the will to do this again and at one point I was so emotionally beat up that I was not going to do it again. But I went on a road trip for 10 days and we found a boat in our price range in Florida. I got in the hole again for $64,000 and borrowed money to get fuel to bring it to the Outer Banks. We had no equipment, I borrowed rods and reels and made it within five days of Wicked Tuna filming. A lot of blessings and a gift from God, we pulled it off.

I’ll tell you something no one knows: They were not sure what direction they were going to go and I got a call saying I was off the show. They wanted real southern boys and my New York accent really stands out. So that’s when I said “I’m not buying a boat, I’m not doing this again.” But I made the decision to buy that boat anyway. I was in the rental car on my way to Florida with my son when I got the call, ‘Hey, we changed our minds, you’re back on the show.’ God works in mysterious ways. Had I told the guy in Florida to sell the boat to someone else, I would not have had a boat. So we ended up buying a 1983, 60-foot Hatteras. It’s the baddest boat in the ocean and like the other one, it’s old and requires a lot of work.

Any crazy adventures this time in season nine for you or your competition?

This season was probably the most challenging. The weather was not cooperating, not even for one day. This season, everyone had issues. I think in the third episode, we almost flipped our boat in the sandbar. It smashed the back door, ripped

my tuna door off, we lost all of our tools and buckets, everything went overboard. It was quite the event. Tyler, on the Pinwheel boat, blew out his window, lost all electronics, and he broke his green stick on the bridge. The Fishin’ Frenzy boat, running 20 miles an hour, snapped a propeller. The boat Little Shell had a gyro on their boat that came loose, trying to blast through the bottom of the boat. It was just a wild, wild season of stuff you couldn’t plan for. It was a very, very dangerous season. That Oregon Inlet is just so dangerous.

The arguments and fights you see in the episodes are all real. We may respect each other because we fish together, but ego is ego because we are competing within eight weeks of bad weather with no sleep and tempers flare. We are allowed to let it rip and we do. I’ve always fished with Drew and Brian, and Drew—who is like my mechanic—had to have

knee surgery. So I had to borrow guys from other boats and that changed the dynamic of the boat. That and the weather was unrelenting. Then to make things worse, usually we get to fish the whole month of February and this time the Department of Fisheries closed the season unexpectedly on February 11th. We report our blue fin daily. It’s probably the most regulated commercial fishing industry in the world. We are allowed to catch one a day and a certain amount of quota. We are only allowed to catch 74 tons in the winter. Up North, in the summer, they are allowed to catch 700 tons. We have a very small window to make a living. We filmed from January through February 11th.

Where were you born and did you like fishing as a kid?

I was born in Queens, New York, and some people think you’re from New York City, so you don’t fish. But you know what? Some of the best

saltwater fishing happens off Brooklyn and Manhattan. Queens is part of Long Island and Long Island is an island on the Atlantic Ocean. So I was always fishing growing up and I would catch blue fish or flounder typically from a pier or if you were lucky someone had a row boat.

Before Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks, you made quite a name for yourself in the world of finance.

After high school, I joined the United States Navy for four years and then got into finance—eventually I ended up in the bank brokerage arena working for Citibank. At the time it was called Citicorp Investments and I was a financial planner. I did that forever and at the height of my career I was a regional sales manager on the finance side. I had about 100 financial planners reporting to me. I did this up until 2007, then the financial markets collapsed. All of my stock options were worthless and we

The arguments and fights you see in the episodes are all real. We may respect each other, but ego is ego—we are competing for weeks in bad weather with no sleep and tempers flare.

all got laid off. I went back to Citibank as a broker with no clients because I was a regional manager for so long. That’s when John Furman, a good friend of mine to this day, invited me to join his bed bug business. I opened my own business in my son’s name in 2008 and we did very well. As a side note, my son Bobby J Earl—who is now 27—was 12 weeks old when his mother left due to drugs, alcohol, etc. and we have not seen her since. I did all that work in finance while raising my son by myself.

So how did you get into fishing, especially on a big level?

My escape was to go fishing, first with little 17- to 22-footer boats and then I bought a 38-footer and called it Reel E’ Bugging. We put a big dead bug on the back of it because we felt that dead bugs bought that boat. And that’s where the name of the boat came from. We would wait for December to get here because that’s when the giant bluefin tuna would pass New York on the way to Gloucester. Well around November they canceled the season. A friend tells me that in the Outer Banks of North Carolina they are reopening the season on January 1st and it’s cheaper to winterize the boat there than in Long Island, so that’s what we did. And by chance the marina that I picked had the Wicked Tuna boats there like Doghouse and Pinwheel, and all the tuna guys. I fished beside them for about five years. The funny thing is that we would always catch more fish then they did. That’s a true story.

How did you go from fishing alongside them to joining the cast and becoming part of the show?

About two years in, I realized that my 38-foot boat was not big enough and we bought a 53-foot boat. It was a strange deal because I had no money. I Googled “Fishin’ Frenzy” and I found a 53-foot, 1972 custom boat. It was falling apart but

it was all we could afford and it was seaworthy. Literally two years after that, we saw an ad on Facebook that Wicked Tuna was taking applications. I said, “We are better than these guys and we only fish part time.” We actually were invited to come on board for the sixth season and I made the decision that we were going to win that thing if it killed me. And it almost did, but we won it. My son now runs the bug business and I can run this. But to put things in perspective, Covid killed the bug business. Since people were not going out, they were not bringing bugs home. Our business went down 90% during Covid. Simultaneously, my boat blew up and I lost $300,000 in that, so last year was one of the toughest years we ever had financially.

What do you do when you are not competing on Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks Showdown?

We run offshore blue water charter trips every day out of Beaufort, North Carolina. I also make appearances at various events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival that happened in mid-October.

How has being on the show changed your life?

It humbles you when you walk down the street and people are excited to see you or you hear that little kids ask their parents to drive a couple of hours just so they can meet me. That part is life changing. Being on the show has allowed me to have my son take over our business in New York and allow me to fish full time. I never had that option before. I owe all that to the show.

What is a favorite moment or two that you experienced because of this show?

I love showing up every year in the Outer Banks. It’s like showing up for spring training. I haven’t seen the guys in months. It’s like a little fraternity. Everyone is at the dock,

telling war stories. It’s a brotherhood and that’s the part of doing this every winter that is exciting for me. And it’s not just those of us on the Wicked Tuna show. There are 30–40 boats that do this in the same inlet every year. They come from Virginia, New Jersey…they come from all over the place. We sit on the dock and talk about the weather, where you think the fish are. It’s very similar to a sports club. It’s very dangerous what we do and even those guys you don’t get along with, they have your back. It’s a good feeling to know you have those brothers.

A great moment happened a few weeks ago at the local hardware store. An old gentleman wearing a Vietnam veteran hat is staring at me. He approaches me with his grandson and says, “You’re Bobby from Wicked Tuna? My grandson, who has extreme autism, keeps saying Reelebugging, Reelebugging.” He asks if I can take a picture with his grandson. I actually gave him my phone number and he has called me twice to thank me. But when the episode aired when my boat almost flipped over, that night that same grandfather called me to say that his grandson was very upset and had asked him to call to make sure we were ok. That’s special stuff right there. When a kid gets excited, you know that’s pure, real emotion. That, to me, is the best part.

Yiorgo is an arts, entertainment and sports writer. A stage, TV and movie actor, he is also an educator, motivational speaker, writer, storyteller and columnist.

To book charters on Reel E’ Bugging, call (252) 528-8679. You can also follow Captain Bobby Earl on Facebook at Reelebugging Sportfishing Charters and on Instagram: @reelebugging.

Coming in the next issue: Feb-Mar-Apr 2023

Photo

essay

highlighting the centuries-old tradition of Tattoo: a parade of military marching bands and display teams

The 2023 Virginia International Tattoo—the largest Tattoo in America— will take place Apr. 20–23 in Norfolk.

Habitat SHR Takes Smart Steps to Secure its Financial Future

Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads (Habitat SHR) has a 34-year track record of building homes alongside low-income families who must qualify for mortgages based on 30% of their income. That’s a challenge, but so is finding scarce land and having the resources to buy it when there’s a short window of availability.

That’s why Habitat SHR, armed with seed money from a Bank of America grant, has established a Land Bank to acquire property. Once a home is sold, the fund is replenished creating a “cycle of prosperity,” according to Executive Director Frank Hruska. “We are also starting a Construction Fund so we can pre-buy building materials we need for the 16 weeks it typically takes us to erect a house.” In addition, Habitat SHR, through a newly established complimentary mission, is making essential home repairs and providing ADA accessibility for income-constrained senior, disabled, and Veteran homeowners to ensure they are warm, safe, and dry in their homes. “This is a critical service,” says Hruska, “because with housing so expensive and in such short supply, it’s important that individuals have the option to stay where they are, safely and comfortably.”

Hruska and other Habitat leadership outlined the non-profit’s expanding mission during a recent gathering of community and local business leaders at the Town Center City Club in Virginia Beach. It also includes a “Go Greener” initiative to reduce operating costs at the agency’s headquarters on Tidewater Drive. That is well underway with LED lighting and insulation already installed as well as a new white roof that reflects heat away from the building. Also

[ by joel rubin ]

[ PHOTOS courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads ]

Habitat SHR is also making essential home repairs and providing ADA accessibility for income-constrained senior, disabled, and Veteran homeowners to ensure they are warm, safe, and dry in their homes.

in place are solar panels that will generate 100% of the building’s annual electricity. “The more we can save on energy, the more families that we can help in South Hampton Roads,” says Hruska.

The Town Center event drew around 75 people, including Mayor Bob Dyer from Virginia Beach. There were also representatives from Merrill Lynch, TowneBank, Stihl, Sentara Healthcare, Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce and more, including Lawson, which owns some 20 affordable apartment communities in Hampton Roads and Richmond. “We really admire what Habitat does across the country and certainly here in our region,” says Lawson President and CEO Carl Hardee. “It’s so good that Habitat works with qualified, local families to create affordable housing solutions.”

Ensuring Habitat SHR is sustainable into the future is critical to that mission. That’s why Frank Hruska announced the Habitat SHR Fund, a reserve of dollars to create a sufficient principle in a conservatively invested account that will grow and produce an investment return to cover a third of the organization’s administrative needs. No withdrawals will be taken from the fund, which the Board approved in February, until sufficient principle is raised to meet the goal. It will be managed by Merrill Lynch.

Mayor Rick West of Chesapeake was pleased to hear that Habitat SHR is taking such aggressive steps to remain viable. “Habitat has built a number of houses in my city, and that really has gone a long way to sustain neighborhoods and improve our tax base,” says West. “I am pleased that they are instituting this investment fund.”

Also at the City Club event, which was sponsored by Stihl, Merrill Lynch, Hackworth, Rubin Communications Group, Corbin & Company, and South Bay Communications & Security, was

There is such a great feeling of accomplishment once you close on your own home and are handed the keys.

Angel Barnhill, a Habitat homeowner in Norfolk since 2012. She spoke about how owning an affordable Habitat home has positively impacted her life and that of her son Zevon. “Zevon has flourished and become more independent since we moved into our new home,” said Angel, who works for Sentara Healthcare in Community Engagement and Impact. “I tell everyone how much I appreciate what Habitat has done for me and other families.”

Additionally, one lucky participant won a door prize drawing generously provided by The Historic Cavalier Hotel.

“This has been a tough last few years for a lot of people and organizations,” said Cathy Harris, President of the Habitat SHR Board

of Directors. “We must ensure that Habitat can weather any storm including pandemics, an aging donor base, giving pattern shifts, economic slowdowns, or a critical need elsewhere in the community like support after a natural disaster.”

To learn more about the Habitat SHR Fund and how you can help, visit shrhabitat.org/habitatshrfund

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.

NOTE: Boulevard published a Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads piece in our spring 2022 issue and promoted the Women Build Week program. Initially scheduled to run in May of this year, the Third Annual Women Build Week has been postponed until spring 2023. Make sure to check their web site for continued updates: shrhabitat.org/habitatshrwomen-build-week

NORFOLK: The Puck Drops Here

By Jimmy Hunt PHOTOS BY DAVID POLSTON

THE ADMIRALS DIG DEEP WITH A MOTIVATED LEADER AT THE HELM

The Norfolk Admirals—the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes and the Chicago Wolves—opened their 2022-23 schedule at Norfolk Scope Arena on October 21st against the South Carolina Stingrays with a disappointing loss. But leading the charge is the dynamic Norfolk Admirals’ President Billy Johnson, who is about to complete his first year in charge of the organization.

amed President and Chief Operating Officer by Admirals owner Patrick Cavanaugh in November of 2021, Johnson describes his first year as “terrific, busy, and terrifically busy!” The bright and enthusiastic leader clearly lives to challenge himself and his team and praises his front office staff as young and hungry as well as eager to learn and collaborate. He loves to ask his team, “What if…?”

Johnson has received multiple honors as a professional sports executive, and when asked about his vision for Admirals hockey, he says, “I’m a lucky lad. It’s about problem solving and knocking down walls for talent and drive. Early on, I see a real opportunity to re-connect the team to the entire Hampton Roads market. A consumer universe is often generational, so getting back to basics of who the Admirals are, why they exist, and what’s in it for the community is a vital square-one approach.”

“My overall drivers,” says Johnson, “all support being a champion for the communities that give a professional sports team permission to represent them. I view my position as a caretaker of the community asset. It’s an asset that does not work unless it supports businesses, quality of life, the arts, and so forth.”

He goes on to say, “Yes, the Admirals play professional hockey. But as an organization, our real job is to be a community asset; a meeting place. A place where memories are made and all who gather share the truth of who the good guys are. And the good guys are the ones who represent Hampton Roads.

Johnson has a reputation for outside-the-boxpromotions, and fans both new and old will enjoy exciting new promotions coming this season to Scope Arena when the Admirals take the ice. The centerpiece promotion is called the City Series. One weekend a month the Admirals are representing a Hampton Roads city on the ice in the uniform specific to that city—the Hampton Admirals, Chesapeake Admirals, Virginia Beach Admirals, and so on. Langley Federal

ADMIRALS PRESIDENT & CEO Billy Johnson

Credit Union and WAVY TV saw in that idea the long-term vision and jumped right on board to support it, looking toward multi-year traditions.

Also, on January 16, the ECHL Warrior All-Star Game presented by Optima Health, Sentara, and 13 NEWS NOW brings a national television audience to Hampton Roads.

Additionally—for the first time in a few seasons—the Admirals will have a proper promotional giveaway calendar. Johnson states, “We’ll see what people like this year and go from there. And of course—for a select crowd—we are excited to get behind $2 beer nights at every Wednesday home game.”

Creative Force in Sports Johnson is no stranger to success. A proven leader in professional sports management, he led the startup of the ECHL’s Las Vegas Wranglers and navigated the organization as President and Chief Operating Officer from 2003 through 2014. Under Johnson, the Wranglers became the most prominent professional resident team-sports organization in Las Vegas’s history. Johnson was nominated four times for the ECHL’s Executive of the Year Award.

Johnson sees the rare longevity of the Admirals and the historic Norfolk Scope Arena as two key factors that make Norfolk’s hockey team special.

“It’s rare for any team to be around since 1989. A large part of that credit goes to the city of Norfolk. The city values the team, and values that the team plays downtown at Scope. The feeling is mutual. Getting to know the players in the city and at Scope has been a wonderfully unexpected joy. They are fans as much as they are hosts. And they are honoring us by sharing their excitement for our next three seasons.”

Johnson’s message to the Hampton Roads community is that gathering at Scope to experience professional ice hockey has great

potential to create memories and build relationships. He states, “I have a comedian friend in Las Vegas who says he once got a compliment from a woman, ‘Your show was the best show I never wanted to come to,’ and I think that sums it up. As a society we identify reasons to not do things. We negative scout. Norfolk Admirals hockey isn’t 100% about the game. It’s a rare place where everyone shares a truth. We see our kids laughing, cheering, and smiling. And everyone is doing those things for the same reasons: the shared truth. Our relationships get better. For a couple hours we forget the coworker that rubs us the wrong way, or the D-minus little Johnny got in math, or that hassle we may be having with an insurance adjuster. It all just goes away and is replaced with a sense of community. We are left with great memories of each other.”

The Admirals are led on the ice

by head coach and general manager Rod Taylor, who Johnson describes as, “determined, tireless, and loyal.” Taylor is a former Admirals player and a 2009 inductee into the ECHL Hall of Fame. Jeff Carr, who in his own right has been a successful head coach, joined the staff as assistant coach last August, but anything can happen once the puck drops.

After a few weeks on the road, the Admirals return to Norfolk to take on the Worcester Railers on November 23.

Says Johnson, “There is nothing like professional hockey live and in person. Fans will be screaming and out of their seats at the end of nearly every game.”

Jimmy Hunt is an avid sports fan who recently retired from Virginia Beach City Public Schools after 32 years as a health and physical education teacher and baseball coach. He now teaches at StoneBridge School in Chesapeake.

meet & mingle

Movers, shakers and community members seen at local events

September 22 | Retailer of the Year Awards

Since 2008, Retail Alliance has held the Retailer of the Year (ROTY) awards for Hampton Roads’ retailers, restaurants, and other small businesses. The ROTY awards is a signature event to recognize excellence in retail while honoring Retail Alliance members who demonstrate the very best in customer service, reputability, store aesthetics, and community involvement. This year’s event was held at the Virginia Air and Space Science Center in Hampton.

There were peer-voted awards as well as Excellence in Retail, Restaurant and Service awards. A full list of winners can be found at retailalliance.com/ events/retailer-of-the-year-2022

PHOTOS BY DEBBIE LEANNE PORTRAITS

Robby Willey, co-owner Virginia Beer Company, with his wife Lindsay Kersh

Emmanuel Adams, Commercial Sales Manager, Ace Peninsula Hardware, and guest

The Whitakers family, owners of Nothing Bundt Cakes, with Ray Mattes (far left) and Jenny Crittenden (far right)

Virginia Beach mayor Robert “Bobby” M. Dyer (left) with Zevon Barnhill, a Habitat SHR home recipient

October 24 | Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads (SHR)

Local business leaders, elected officials, foundations and an assortment of other business types filled the Town Center City Club in Virginia Beach. Habitat is a popular non-profit that provides team “building” opportunities for companies and a hand-up, not a hand-out, to its partner families. This event was an opportunity to share the vision for the future of Habitat SHR to sustain operations for the long-term future of the organization. For info. or to volunteer: www.shrhabitat.org

PHOTOS BY DAVID POLSTON

Habitat for Humanity SHR executive director Frank Hruska

The Habitat for Humanity SHR team (L-R): Kelley Hohorst, Frank Hruska, Katie Dininny, Dan Lear and Maya Billins

events

NOVEMBER—JANUARY

November 18

Hampton Roads Met Gala Slover Library | Norfolk

This runway event celebrates the global collective of cultures birthed from the migration and scattering of Africans all over the world. Immerse yourself in the fashions of homeland Africa, Afro-Caribbean, AfroLatin America and beyond. A portion of proceeds from the gala will contribute to scholarships for black youth in the Hampton roads metro area who have committed to attend an historically black college or university and are majoring in a STEM program.

TIME: 9:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m. COST: $45–$5,000 www.eventbrite.com/e/ hampton-roads-met-gala-tickets403503388497?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

November 18–January 01

Holiday Lights on the Beach

Virginia Beach Boardwalk

Drive through a festive, nautical-themed, holiday lights experience while you listen to a soundtrack of music on the Virginia Beach boardwalk. This is sure to captivate children and adults as you pass under the displays by the moonlight. There are two Bike Nights where you can see these sites for free (November 17 & January 1—until 7:30 p.m.).

TIME: Sun. thru Thurs. 5:30 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Fri. and Sat. 5:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m. COST: $20–$75 www.universe.com/events/bayportcredit-union-holiday-lights-at-thebeach-presented-by-food-liontickets-MXY8KB?fbclid=IwAR2hm8G_ hF2vGTXwI09umEMFPyGblD6C6xC8VUYRkMe3hFcoRgRPsMOT6k

November 19

Grand Illumination Parade

Downtown Norfolk

The 36th Annual Grand Illumination Parade takes place the week before Thanksgiving each year. After a 2 year hiatus, downtown Norfolk is excited to welcome the thousands of guests, participants, volunteers and corporate sponsors back to the streets of downtown Norfolk. This year’s theme is Holiday Magic.

NOTE: An oral history of the parade can be found in this issue on p. 34.

TIME: 7:00 p.m.

COST: Free www.downtownnorfolk.org/explore/ grand-illumination-parade

November 19

Winter Formal Gala for Latisha’s House Foundation Williamsburg Winery | Williamsburg

This spectacular evening spent with family and friends will benefit the transformation of lives of adults, female survivors of human trafficking and their families through your donations and attendance. You will meet these incredible guests during what will be a memorable evening.

TIME: 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. COST: $200 (individual)–$10,000 (table sponsorships) latishashouse.weebly.com/virginia2022-winter-formal-gala.html

November 26–January 8

Holiday High Tea in the Raleigh Room

Cavalier Resort | Virginia Beach

Afternoon Tea in The Raleigh Room is getting a festive upgrade with a reimagined holiday menu of decadent petit fours, bites, and tea all season long. Add a glass of champagne for extra sparkle.

TIME: Saturdays & Sundays, 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

COST: $38 (includes glass of champagne or sparkling apple cider) cavalierresortvb.com/event/ afternoon-tea/

November 29

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Chrysler Hall | Norfolk

The distinctive sound of Mannheim Steamroller by Chip Davis has entertained us for more than 35 years. The Mannheim sound is a holiday staple in homes all across the planet since its first album release. The Chrysler Hall will be filled with the sound and sight of the holiday season and you can experience this live.

TIME: 7:30 p.m. COST: Tickets start at $40 www.sevenvenues.com/events/ detail/mannheim-steamroller

December 3, 10 & 17

Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination

Various locations around Colonial Williamsburg

The winter festivities kick off with music, fireworks displays and activities all around the Colonial Williamsburg site over the course of three weekends. Yuletide entertainment will include favorite holiday traditions as well as heartwarming new additions to the festivities. In the 18th century, the firing of guns and lighting of fireworks celebrated major events. Make sure to come during daylight to check out the unique decorations throughout the historic area. Then enjoy musical performances on multiple stages throughout our streets and fireworks displays from the Capitol and the palace. Dates and Times are subject to change so please check ahead online before attending.

TIME: 5:00 p.m. (fireworks begin around 7:00 p.m.)

COST: NA www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/ explore/special-event/grandillumination

COURTESY OF SEVEN VENUES

COURTESY OF CAVALIER RESORT

December 3

Holiday Yule Log Bonfire & Holiday Marketplace

Norfolk | Town Point Park

This is the perfect way to welcome the holiday spirit into the city. The open-air marketplace is the ideal place to do a little holiday shopping, have some hot chocolate or a whiskey tasting all the while enjoying the sounds of Christmas caroling, the smells and warmth of the yule log bonfire and a visit from Santa himself.

TIME: 12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. COST: Free festevents.org/events/2022/holidayyule-log-bonfire/

December 8, 9 & 11

The Virginia Symphony presents Holiday Pops

Ferguson Center | Newport News (12/8)

Chrysler Hall | Norfolk (12/9)

The Sandler Center | Virginia Beach (12/11)

The Virginia Symphony and Special Guests continue the Holiday tradition with their annual Holiday Pops spectacular. No Holiday Season is complete until you join in this magical evening listening to familiar carols and warm moments of nostalgia with a few surprises thrown in!

TIME: Ferguson Center: 7:30 p.m.

Chrysler Hall: 7:30 p.m.

The Sandler Center: 7:00 p.m. COST: $25–$114 virginiasymphony.org/holiday-pops

December 10

SPARK! The Inspirational Ball Hilton “The Main” | Norfolk “Igniting the Power of Music”—An evening celebrating with friends and supporters of the Virginia Symphony, with a special appearance by the world-class musicians of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.

TIME: TBA COST: $250 virginiasymphony.org/gala

events

December 31

Cheers to 2023

Waterside District | Norfolk

NYE LIVE! Multiple packages available. Features premium food stations, live entertainers, and champagne toast + balloon drop at midnight! Ages 21 and over.

TIME: Doors open 8:00 p.m. COST: $65 and up watersidedistrict.com/nye

The Founder’s Inn & Spa | Virginia Beach MARDI GRAS-THEMED GALA. Package includes an elegant dinner, drink tickets, champagne toast at midnight, live performance by Astro Entertainment, overnight accommodations [with 2:00 p.m. late check-out] and New Year’s Day champagne brunch. Book directly via The Founder’s Inn & Spa at 757-366-5723.

TIME: Doors open 7:00 p.m. COST: Packages start at $395 per couple allevents.in/virginia%20beach/ mardi-gras-new-years-evegala/200023459096135

Cavalier Resort | Virginia Beach Ring in 2023 at the Cavalier Resort, with resort-wide hotel stay and dining packages, and a grand Studio54-themed party complete with two live entertainment areas, photo ops, resort-wide bars and MORE. Tickets and packages go on sale at the end of November.

TIME: TBA COST: TBA cavalierresortvb.com/event/newyears-eve/

Monroe Rooftop | Hampton

Celebrate NYE at Monroe—in the ballroom. A premium experience, in the heart of Hampton. Details still to come.

TIME: 7:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m. COST: $30–$200 www.eventbrite.com/e/monroepresents-new-years-eve-in-theballroom-tickets-444224666937?aff= odcleoeventsincollection

The Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery | Hampton

Catch the unique sounds of Take the Cake—a four-piece indi band out of Newport News. With special guest Oakpine Circus (aka Nicky Lee), alt/indi/ folk musician from Richmond. Details still to come.

TIME: 8:00 p.m.–? COST: $10–$50 allevents.in/hampton/nye-withtake-the-cake-and-oakpinecircus/10000444208488547

Holiday Inn | Newport News

HOLLYWOOD NIGHT. Dress to impress. Catered food, cocktails, live music as well as multiple DJs spinning classic R&B, hip hop, reggae, neo soul all night long.

TIME: 7:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m. COST: $20–$1,600 (VVIP) www.eventbrite.com/e/monroepresents-new-years-eve-in-theballroom-tickets-444224666937?aff= odcleoeventsincollection

COURTESY OF VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

events

December 15

The Hip Hop Nutcracker

Chrysler Hall | Norfolk

A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker is celebrating its 10th anniversary this season as it returns for a one-night performance. Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic—smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. The Hip Hop Nutcracker is brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen allstar dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set.

TIME: 7:30 p.m. COST: $45–$65 www.sevenvenues.com/events/ detail/hip-hop-nutcracker-1

BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY

December 16 & 17

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

The American Theater | Pheobus Together for over 28 years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy—famously named after an autograph by blues legend Albert Collins—has appeared in concert venues across the world, sold millions of records, and had their music appear in hundreds of movies and television shows. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy continues its decades-long mission to celebrate and revitalize jazz and swing music—America’s original musical art form—and bring joy to audiences around the world.

TIME: 8:00 p.m. COST: $35–$55

www.hamptonarts.org/events/detail/ big-bad-voodoo-daddy

December 16 & 18

The Nutcracker Sandler Center | Virginia Beach

Ballet Virginia performs the traditional holiday classic. Professional company members will dance lead roles alongside our region’s finest young dancers in this dreamy production. Tchaikovsky’s score will be performed live by Symphonicity, the symphony orchestra of Virginia Beach.

TIME: 8:00 p.m. COST: $35–$55 www.sandlercenter.org/events/ detail/ballet-virginias-the-nutcracker

December 17

A Jazzy Christmas Attucks Theatre | Norfolk

Grammy-nominated pianist and #1 Billboard recording artist Marcus Johnson is bringing in the holiday groove where it all began at home, with family and friends. Alongside him will be #1 Billboard charting saxophonist—and Tidewater native— Jackiem Joyner. Come ready to jam to MJ’s & Jackiem’s classics and crank up the holiday season.

TIME: 8:00 p.m. COST: $25 (children); $45–$65 www.sevenvenues.com/events/ detail/a-jazzy-christmas

January 7–8

Hampton Roads Home Show

Hampton Roads Convention

Center

| Hampton

The peninsula’s largest Home Show in Hampton, Virginia, this show features landscaping companies, remodeling contractors, interior decorating companies, and more.

TIME: Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. COST: $5–$7 (Under 18 free)

hamptonvahomeshow.com/ show-details

January 13–15

Hampton Roads International Auto Show

Virginia Beach Convention Center | Virginia Beach

Check out the latest in auto technologies with new and upcoming models and see where the industry is headed. While you can’t purchase a vehicle on site, you can speak with reps from various dealerships to set up appointments if you’re ready to buy.

events

The 2023 contest theme is “Ultimate Beach Cruiser,” so if your ride cruises the strip or goes over the sand, enter it for a chance to win $1,000.

TIME: Friday & Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. COST: $9–$12 (Under 12 free) hamptonroadsautoshow.com

January 19

Jim Gaffigan Scope Arena | Norfolk

Dark Pale Tour—Jim Gaffigan is a six-time Grammy nominated comedian, actor, writer, producer, two-time New York Times bestselling author, three-time Emmy winning top touring performer, and multi-platinumselling recording artist. He is known around the world for his unique brand of humor, which largely revolves around his observations on life.

TIME: 7:00 p.m. COST: $37.75–$107.75 www.sevenvenues.com/events/ detail/jim-gaffigan-1

January 26–29

Cirque Du Soleil Corteo Scope Arena | Norfolk

The clown Mauro has passed, but his spirit is still with us. Instead of mourning, the funeral cortege celebrates the here and hereafter with laughter and exuberance Rich, extravagant memories frolic with the senses. The sound of laughter peals around the stage, visions of joyous tumblers and players fascinate the eyes. Regret and melancholy retreat in the face of a cavalcade of lively recollections of a life gloriously lived. A festive parade that entertains; the perfect accolade for an artist whose life was dedicated to revelry and making merry.

TIME: Thursday & Friday: 7:30 p.m. Saturday: 3:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Sunday: 1:00 p.m. COST: $49–$125 www.sevenvenues.com/events/ detail/cirque-corteo

Kurtis Blow

SevenVenues announced that “The Hip Hop Nutcracker”—scheduled last Christmas season, but canceled due to cast illness—is on the calendar for an exciting one-night-only performance, December 15th.

Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber and celebrating its 10th-year anniversary this season, the contemporary dance spectacle is a high-energy, reimagined version of the classic by mixing hip hop dance and Tchaikovksy’s timeless music together.

“The Hip Hop Nutcracker’s” incredible cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist and legendary hip hop founding father Kurtis Blow are energized to be performing at Chrysler Hall. This is an amazing opportunity to experience “The Nutcracker” as never before.

I recently chatted with the show’s special guest, MC Kurtis Blow.

YIORGO: Why should people come and see “The Hip Hop Nutcracker?” What will they experience, what will they get out of it?

KURTIS BLOW: “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” is a modernized version of the classic “Nutcracker.” It’s a story about two young people who are in love and their love creates a special magic that can defeat evil. We need that now more than ever. We have a lot of the same elements like Clara/Marie, “The Nutcracker,” drosselmeyer and so on. It’s what we call a hip hop, holiday season extravaganza for the whole family to come together, show each other love, in the spirit and the theme of love conquers all. It’s a modernized version where instead of regular dancing we have b-boys and b-girls doing pop locking, electric boogie, ticking. All the footwork and power moves and head spins and windmills, backspins and air twists. It’s incredible to see these young dancers, I call them the B-Boy Dream Team.

We have assembled this action-packed show with these amazing dancers from all around the world. They have their own styles and they are dancing to classical music that is incredible to hear along with the fusion of funk. Funky hip hop beats are something to witness and check out.

We also have our own violinist. He is a hip hop musician, blending the styles of classical music along with hip hop on his violin. His name is Jarvis L. Benson, he is classically trained and he is incredible.

You of course started with The Hip-Hop Nutcracker as a guest MC and it has blossomed into this beautiful love affair. Can you share how that process started and how it has evolved for you?

“The Hip Hop Nutcracker” and I have mutual friends and one of my buddies came to one of my shows in the Bronx. He came backstage and he said, “Man. you would be incredible and wonderful for this new idea for this new play called ‘The Hip Hop Nutcracker.’” I was amazed right then and there with just the concept of a hip hop “Nutcracker.” I went to their rehearsal where they were performing. I checked out these young dancers, B Boys and B Girls doing their thing to classical music and a DJ playing those funky beats up on their classical music. I was floored and I knew I had to be a part of this. I said, ‘count me in, sign me up.’

You wound up having trouble with your heart and thank God, you had a very successful heart transplant and you are now a living testament. How are you feeling today and can you talk about it?

[ by yiorgo ]

One on one with hip hop founding father Kurtis Blow and special guest MC for “The Hip Hop Nutcracker”

[ PHOTOS by Cheryl Mann ]

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.

My transplant was a miracle. I am a walking, living, breathing testimony of the reality that God is still in the miracle business. When something like this happens to you, it changes you. I was and am an ordained minister since 2007, but do you think I love me some God now? Everything is enhanced and I am so grateful and overjoyed with just the fact that I can wake up. I used to say that any day above ground is a good day, but I’ve been having some great days lately and I thank God every morning that I woke up.

Can you talk a little bit about growing up in Harlem and what influenced you in the creation of hip hop?

I was born in Harlem in 1959 and the ‘60’s were a very special time. It was the civil rights movement, with community organizers, government officials having debates about equal rights for our people. It was a lot of chaos, a lot of murders like President John Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcom X and Robert Kennedy. They were troublesome times. The music that happened right after that was disco, the love movement, the hippie movement, and just loving each other. Everyone was trying to come together, unite and have a good time when they went out. Music became our escapism—especially for people in Harlem and the South

TOP LEFT and RIGHT: The ensemble cast is a collection of supercharged, all-star dancers

RIGHT:

“JK-47”

Bronx. Because during that time, New York City was [financially] broke in the ‘70’s. You had landlord owners up in the Bronx and in Harlem burning down the buildings on purpose so they could collect the insurance money. It became a scam all over the city. There was a community organizer who said, ‘The buildings are burning down on one side of the block but the kids on the other side are trying to put something together.’

That was the parable of hip hop and how it first started because we were just trying to forget our troubles, forget about the oppression, forget about all the dirt, the rubble, the fires and the abandoned buildings. We said, ‘we are living in all this dirt but

we are not dirt. Take a look at us.’ That was the expression.

It started with the graffiti, trying to paint up the buildings and make them look better. You had these artists come out and paint these enormous murals on the dilapidated train system. You can see these big, big, colorful murals miles away because the trains in New York, in the Bronx and Harlem, are elevated. You can stand on one corner on the grand concourse and look all the way down the block by Yankee Stadium and you can see the number four train go by and it has this enormous, vibrant and colorful mural that is a piece by a graffiti artist that made you feel good inside. That was the beginning of hip hop. “My name is John, I leave my

Jackie

Agudo, Randi “Rascal” Freitas, Seth “REAKTION” Hilliard, and Anthony “OMEN” Cabrera

name to carry on. Those who knew me, knew me well. Those that didn’t can go to h***.”

Tell us about your incredible homage to Dr. Martin Luther King with your song, “King’s Holiday.”

That song to me was the most meaningful production. I had the pleasure and honor of recording Whitney Houston, Tina Marie, Stephanie Mills, Menudo. Incredible to have Ricky Martin in the studio when he was 16. All the artists, Stacy Latishow, Run DMC, Fat Boys, Melly Mel.... Man it was incredible to have

been a part of that. And do you know that Prince paid $90,000 for the video so we could shoot it?

You are the driving force behind the creation of the Universal Hip Hop Museum. Can you tell us about it?

Great project, thank you for asking me about it. The Universal Hip Hop Museum is just that: a brick and mortar location that everyone around the world can come and see the legacies, the pictures, the artifacts, the stories, all the memorabilia that is a part of the embryo, the history of hip hop. It is such an important

project to document and preserve our history and have it in one place for the world to see. We plan to open up in 2024 and you can go and learn more about it at uhhm.org.

Yiorgo is an arts, entertainment and sports writer. A stage, TV and movie actor, he is also a sports entertainer, educator, motivational speaker, writer, storyteller and columnist.

“The Hip Hop Nutcracker” tickets: www.sevenvenues.com/events/ detail/hip-hop-nutcracker-1

ABOVE: Gabriel Emphasis, Anthony “OMEN” Cabrera, Jon “gifted” Jimenez, Seth “REAKTION” Hilliard and Lily Frias

ABOVE: Bryan Longchamp, Dustin Payne, Lisa “LBOOGIE” Bauford, Lily Frias and Jon “gifted” Jimenez

An Oral History of Norfolk’s Grand Illumination Parade

By Jim Roberts

Cathy Coleman, who served as president and CEO of the Downtown Norfolk Council from 1983 to 2013, says she got the idea while attending a conference in Fort Worth, Texas.

Cathy Coleman: “It was right around this time of the year, and everyone was talking about, ‘What are you going to do for the holidays in your respective downtown?’ Somebody at my table actually was from Fort Worth. He said, ‘We light the outline of all of our buildings with lights.’ I had never heard of such a thing. He ended up giving me a magazine that showed their skyline just being absolutely beautiful with all the lights that outlined the tall buildings. At that point in time, in 1985, Waterside had been there for two years, and they were doing really well in the summertime, but during the winter, the tourists weren’t there, and it wasn’t seen as a place to go. I had been with my team, trying to think: ‘How do we bring people downtown during the holidays? We’ve got to do something that’s extra special.’ So when I came home from the conference, I had this magazine with the pictures in it. And I went to my board, and I said: ‘You know, I think maybe we can start something like this.’ And they said: ‘Go for it!’”

Coleman recruited some architecture students to build a scale model of downtown Norfolk. The model was put into a three-foot long shadow box and illuminated with a black light to preview what the first “Grand Illumination” might look like.

Cathy Coleman: “I took the box around to a number of different owners and said, ‘Would you be willing to pay to have lights put on your building?’ The first one who said yes was Bob Stanton with the World Trade Center. We ended up with, I think, five or six buildings that year. Once we had the commitment, then I had to go find somebody to hang the lights, and hanging lights off of tall buildings is not an easy thing!”

Jimmy Schools, who worked as a special events manager for Goodman Segar Hogan, was tasked with hanging the lights on the Bank of America building (now ICON Norfolk).

Jimmy Schools: “My boss had a meeting with Cathy Coleman after she came back from Dallas and had seen an amazing display of buildings being lit up and thought, ‘Why can’t we do that here?’ So she met with the building manager at the time and asked him if it was possible. He didn’t really know if it was, but when he came back to our building and met with us, he just said, ‘We need to light the building up.’ We didn’t know we had the choice of saying whether it was possible or not! But we had a ‘can do’ team. We rose to challenges like that. We put our heads together and came up with a way to use some stainless steel wire and conventional old lighting.

It was a pretty massive system that we went with at the time. Once we figured it out for our building, then other buildings started calling, ‘OK, so how did you do it?’ So we had the opportunity to go around and meet with other buildings downtown. Every building was a little unique. It was a fun time to try to think of different systems that we could use to get that going. And we did it all with in-house labor.”

The idea for the parade came second.

Cathy Coleman: “We needed to find a way to really celebrate the fact that we had this beautiful skyline. So I thought, ‘You know, everybody loves a parade. That’s a great way to bring kids downtown with their parents to see this wonderful backdrop.’ Channel 3 said they would televise the parade. We ended up with a lot of Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops. I went to the school board, and they jumped on board and said that all of the school bands in Norfolk had to participate in the parade. So we had lots of bands. And, of course, Santa Claus was the float in the parade, and the rest is history.”

On November 23, 1985—the Saturday before Thanksgiving—two holiday traditions began in Norfolk: The outlines of the largest buildings in the city’s downtown skyline were illuminated with white lights, and a night-time parade was held to entice people downtown.

Photos courtesy of Downtown Norfolk Council

Coleman says the Downtown Norfolk Council (DNC) was committed to improving the event every year.

Cathy Coleman: “We ended up eventually putting a sound system in so people all over downtown were counting down, and the lights would come on. So that was a great participatory feeling. And the parade itself—we had judges, and people would win prizes for doing a great job with their float. So every year there was competition.

It just got better and better as we learned more. We would get together after the parade and talk about what worked and what didn’t work and how we could improve it. So it was a constant reinvigorating—and, to a degree, reinventing—of what we were doing. To me, that was just really critical to making it continue. Every year there is a theme. That’s the other thing that I think has helped: It’s not the same every year. As the themes change, the floats change. People feel like they’re coming to something that is a great tradition, but it’s different than it was a year before.”

Noel Gramlich started working as parade volunteer in the 1990s. She was hired by the DNC in 2005 and has managed the parade ever since. She’s seen a lot of changes over the years— most driven by the growth of downtown.

Noel Gramlich: “The parade route has route changed a couple of times. When I first started, it ended on Granby Street, right down around the Freemason area, but the crowds became so large that we needed to extend the route. So we ended up extending it across Brambleton, ending at the Harrison Opera House to give more space along the route for people to view it. Then when light rail started, we had to change the route again because we cannot take the units over the tracks or under the catenary wires.

Now it starts and ends in Harbor Park, which makes it much easier for the participants.”

One of Gramlich’s biggest tasks is recruiting more than 300 volunteers to work before, during and after the parade. George and Helen Cox have answered the call for more than 20 years. In addition to serving on the volunteer planning committee, they lead the line-up of parade units at Harbor Park.

George Cox: “I spent 33 years with the Department of Defense and have almost circumnavigated the Earth. I’ve been to some interesting places at interesting times. Really, I think I’ve benefited by all the people that I’ve dealt with—language barriers, customs, all sorts of different things. But there’s nothing like putting that parade together.”

Helen Cox: “He’s tearing up. He’s like a little boy at Christmas when he hears Noel say, ‘Let’s get started for this year’s parade.’ It’s something he enjoys.”

For the record: Helen is equally committed—so much so that she has postponed a planned hip surgery until after this year’s parade.

Helen Cox: “It’s a lot of work, and the next day you might be suffering a little bit with your muscles, with all the walking and the cold, but it definitely is a rewarding feeling to see the people, the participants—their excitement being in the parade—and

then the spectators and the cheers. It’s happiness, and we don’t have a lot of that sometimes. It’s a way for people to come out and embrace our community and enjoy the fact that they live in the area and have these opportunities.”

Noel Gramlich: “I’ve built a lot of relationships with volunteers. The parade committee that we have now comes back year after year. A few people have moved, but the majority of them, when I send an email out asking if they’ll participate, they say yes right away.”

Mary Miller also worked as a volunteer for the parade in the 1990s before joining the DNC in 2004. She has the added distinction of succeeding Coleman as president and CEO in 2013. Her parade responsibilities range from leading the DNC staff, to securing sponsors for the event, to meeting with the city on logistics, including street closures to trash collection.

Mary Miller: “We’re very fortunate that we have Noel, who’s been doing the event for a long time. So I’ve been able to step back from all of the details that I used to be involved in. Several years ago, we also started hiring a consultant to help with some aspects of the parade.

Obviously, it’s a huge event that would consume the entire staff.

I mean, literally from Labor Day through to the parade, we would not have much capacity to work on other projects, and there was interest—certainly amongst the DNC board—that we’d be able to keep other projects moving forward at the same time we were working on the parade. The only way to be able to do that was for us to parcel out some elements of the event.”

One of the tasks that is outsourced is the lighting the buildings, but Jimmy Schools, who now works for Hertz Investment Group in the Dominion Tower, has stayed involved in a consulting role.

Jimmy Schools: “Next couple of weeks, you’ll start seeing window companies and installers starting to come down and hit all the buildings. Usually, we’ll get it done the first of November, and then the window company will come and do another check a couple of days before to make sure every light’s working. We’re sticklers. We like to see every light lit.

It’s gotten to the point now, we’ve done it so many years, each building has sort of learned on its own. That’s been the beauty of this going on so long—the legacy of it. We’ve all learned that now, and the owners of each building have also agreed to the benefit of doing this, so

they’ve committed the funds that we all need for each building. So it goes well beyond just the people here. It’s all the owners of these buildings that are sometimes nationwide that are also committed. So it’s been a great program.”

Marathon Development Group owns 12 residential buildings downtown, including ICON Norfolk, the former Bank of America building. Raffaele Allen is Marathon’s chief operating officer.

Raffaele Allen: “We have quite a few buildings up and down Granby Street. In 2013, we started with the Wainwright. Now, anytime we do a development in downtown, we make sure that the buildings have holiday lights incorporated into the crown of the building at the very top—and then obviously the drops. We work closely with DNC all the way up to the event with regard to ensuring that we have our lights lit at the appropriate time. We turn it into a big event for our residents, and we have a large holiday parade watch event.”

After more than three decades—and despite the different themes—individual parades have blurred into one another, but there are a few memories that stand out.

Cathy Coleman: “The one thing

that stands out to me—almost more than anything—is 1992. I remember that year very well. It was the year that the Marriott opened. They called me in the summertime and said they were going to work toward having lights on the building and use the beginning of ‘Holidays in the City’ as the time that they would have their official grand opening. So that year we changed the parade route.

The long and short of it is: At the end of the parade, Santa Claus’ float was going to stop, the TV cameras were going to be on, and Santa was going to actually lower a scepter so the lights would come on the Marriott hotel for the first time. Getting that to be exactly at the right time—with the TV cameras rolling—that’s hard to even do on a newscast, let alone having a float that’s gone through a parade route. But we pulled it off! And not even 10 minutes later, the sky opened up. I mean, the parade was over, but at that point, the sky opened up, and it poured down rain. And that’s pretty much the only time it’s rained.

I retired with a clean record. No rain on my parade!”

Helen Cox: “My biggest memory is Booker T. Washington [High School]. They were in the middle of the parade that year. They hadn’t arrived, and I’m like, ‘They’re only a couple of blocks away. What is going on?’ But something was going on at Booker T. that day, and they had a hard time getting their buses out. When they got in the bus, the bus wouldn’t start. Finally, the band director told the kids: ‘We’re walking over there.’ They ran! They got to Waterside right when they should be stepping off. So they were already exhausted. I felt so sorry for them all. I hurt for them because they wanted to be in it, and they had really already sacrificed a lot to make it happen.”

Mary Miller: “A couple of years ago, we were right on the edge of having to call whether or not we could carry our big balloons down the

parade route because the wind kept picking up. If you know downtown, when you hit the cross streets going up Granby—like once the balloons got to the intersection of Granby and City Hall—the wind gusts were just crazy. But we all did OK, and it was just so great to see all the volunteers and everybody just pitch in and help hold the balloons. So maybe there were eight people carrying a balloon, but you really needed 16 to be able to manage it. Everyone just pitched in together to continue those balloons down the route, which was just phenomenal.”

Noel Gramlich: “I hate to even mention it because I might jinx us. The only time it ever rained was in 2019. The parade still went off, but it had rained, and then it stopped right at 7 o’clock when we stepped off, but, you know, some of the units canceled. Some of the bands that can’t march with their instruments out in the rain—some of the high school bands, some of the floats and all. But we still had a parade.”

While Norfolk’s skyline was illuminated in 2020 and 2021, the parade was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The call to revive the parade this year was just made in August.

Noel Gramlich: “We didn’t think we were going to be able to have the parade this year, but we found out in early August that we could, so that’s when we started planning. Normally we would start in January/ February with the sponsors and all, but we’re making it happen. People are excited.”

Mary Miller: “It takes time. It’s a lot of communication and proposals that you’re putting together for different people to get their interest in supporting the event. Typically, June/ July is when the announcement would be made that applications are open for the parade.

Noel has done an amazing job. I think we have 67 units in this year’s

parade, and considering we started all of this at the end of August—I mean, she just has a lot of connections and just really aggressively went after contacting units and getting people to participate.”

Helen Cox: “Noel is one of the most organized people with whom I’ve ever worked. I mean, she is on top of things and outstanding. So much of the credit for the parade—I would say 98% of the credit for the parade— rests on her shoulders. She’s just a remarkable person.”

George Cox foresees a new challenge this year: A significant portion of the Harbor Park parking lot, which is used for the parade units to line up, is not available because of the casino construction project.

George Cox: “We’ve lost at least a third—if not more—of the Harbor Park lots. This year is going to present challenges that we’re going to have to overcome to be successful and get everything moving the way we have in the past. But I’ll tell you what: Every challenge that we’ve had over the years, we have surpassed with our critical thinking and fixes, so I’m not worried at all this year. I know we will excel again with our brainstorming and our fixes.”

Marathon Development Group, along with S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co., is this year’s presenting sponsor.

Raffaele Allen: “We’re really excited to be able to assist. We know that this is the first year that it’s back since the pandemic, and we’re excited to see it back. It brings so many people to downtown Norfolk. It really kicks off the holiday season in spectacular fashion. Our residents each year have asked us when the parade is coming back, so we were thrilled for S.L. Nusbaum to notify all the residents that this year we’d be ushering back in the parade with the DNC and hosting our annual event. So we’re excited. is a great time of year to get everybody together.”

Jimmy Schools: “You know, what we’ve been through as a country during the pandemic—I think it’s probably even more precious to us that there’s things like this that we can get back to. We lost it for a couple of years. Now it’s back. It’s great seeing people come out. We have a renewed appreciation for the little, simple things in life, like getting together for Christmas parades and things like lighting buildings. Maybe we didn’t have the appreciation that we should have.”

Downtown continues to change, but the legacy of the Grand Illumination

Parade has remained constant: Year after year, it attracts as many as 100,000 people to Norfolk to kick off the holidays.

Mary Miller: “I think for downtown in general, it’s just a huge opportunity for visibility. When you have those kinds of crowds, it’s an image-builder for downtown. They have a great experience with the parade, and they see other things to do. They say, ‘Oh, there’s a restaurant I’d like to try out.’ Or ‘Oh, there’s a store I’d like to go to.’ Or someone’s new to the area, and they come and attend the parade, but then they see, ‘I can come back and go to WinterFest on the Wisconsin.’ Or ‘Oh, there’s an ice rink downtown.’ I mean, for us, it’s just building that opportunity to get them to come back. And obviously, the day of the event, our hope is they’re extending their stay there on the front end or the back end of the event in that they are going to our restaurants and enjoying more time in downtown.”

Raffaele Allen: “I can’t emphasize it enough: Mary Miller and her team are incredible—all the things they do for downtown. They do so much, and the holiday parade is, to me, kind of like the cherry on top. It’s just such a special event. Mary Miller and her team do a phenomenal job.”

While the parade began as a way to showcase downtown Norfolk, it has grown into a cherished holiday tradition. Everyone associated with the event says it’s all about the joy it brings to children and their families.

Noel Gramlich: “It’s a cherished holiday tradition. I mean, for 36 years, it’s been happening. We have people that were children that are grown up, bringing their children to it. We hear that all the time. We have bands that come from all the cities around. We’ve had bands that have come from out of state before to participate. So I think it’s important. It’s a way to bring the community together. It’s a way to showcase Norfolk during the holidays.”

Raffaele Allen: “I would say the most exciting part of it is just kind of seeing the excitement that everybody gets. It just ushers in a different attitude that time of year, where everyone is reminded how precious it is to spend time with friends and family and appreciate each other. It’s not just the retail side of it; it’s the excitement that it brings in and reminds everyone how special it is to be able to spend time with your close friends and family.”

Mary Miller: “I think it’s just seeing the children, the smiling faces, the kids. I mean, they just love it. They’re so excited to see Santa. The

look on their faces is just amazing. It’s so nice to see families where it’s been a tradition. The parents used to come to the parade with their parents, and now they’re bringing their children. That’s the best part of it. But there’s a lot of adults who love it too. But I just say seeing the excitement of the children is just absolutely phenomenal.”

Cathy Coleman: “I remember the first year, standing in front of the TV cameras, and they were asking me, ‘What do you think the future is? You know, when you close your eyes and think ahead, how do you think people are going to view this event?’ And I said, ‘Well, what I’m hopeful of is that people will bring their children 20 years down the road. I hope that their children are bringing their kids. To me, that would be the great sign of success.’ Many times, I have had people say to me, ‘You know, the first time I ever went to the parade, I was 3 years old, and I was sitting on my daddy’s shoulders, and now I’m here with my grandchildren.’ So that’s a really nice feeling.”

The Downtown Norfolk Council will host the 36th Grand Illumination Parade at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19. For more information, including a map of the parade route and nearby parking locations, visit: www. downtownnorfolk.org. The parade will be livestreamed on the Downtown Norfolk Council’s Facebook page.

Jim Roberts started his career as a features writer and editor at two daily newspapers. He now works full time in the world of corporate communications but continues to freelance as a writer and bagpiper. This is his first story for Boulevard.

notable potables

Drinks to enjoy as you gather with family and friends

Whether you’re hosting or attending a get-together over the next several weeks, a signature cocktail can kickstart the holidays with something a bit different from your normal libations.

THE DRINK Thanks Given

If you ask anyone in my family, they will tell you that my favorite holiday of the year is Thanksgiving. I can’t think of anything better than being with your family and friends celebrating all that is good in your lives. Few libations pair with the traditional turkey and sides as well as the appropriately named Thanks Given. Its fruity effervescence is a great way to toast in the beginning of the holiday season.

THE DETAILS

Cocktail

Ingredients

• 1 oz vodka

• 0.5 oz Cointreau*

•0.5 oz fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon jellied cranberry sauce

• Prosecco sparkling wine

THE METHOD

Make the cocktail.

Put all ingredients except the prosecco into a shaker and add ice.

Shake, then strain into glass and finish filling the glass with prosecco. If desired, garnish with a sage leaf and an orange slice.

* Don’t have Cointreau? Other orange liqueurs can be substituted such as Grand Marnier, Triple Sec or Orange Curaçao.

[ by rick blanton ]

PHOTOS BY RICK BLANTON

THE DRINK Tarnished Truth Bourbon Cream Coffee

First of all, let me confess that I drink coffee in the morning, coffee in the evening, coffee all day long. So it shouldn’t surprise anyone that on Christmas Eve—after everyone has gone to bed—is a great time to sit down in front of the fireplace and enjoy one of these bourbon cream coffees and maybe sneak a cookie or two. And I do make extra just in case the big guy in red shows up early.

THE DETAILS Ingredients

• 6 ½ oz hot coffee (I prefer dark roast)

• 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ oz Tarnished Truth Bourbon Cream

THE METHOD

Brew fresh coffee. While your coffee is brewing, combine the heavy cream and vanilla extract and froth to a medium consistency.

Pour coffee and bourbon cream into a mug and stir gently. Top with whipped cream and then if desired dust with cocoa powder and chocolate curls.

BOURBON CREAM: WHERE TO GET IT

I love to be able to shop local: Tarnished Truth is a distillery in the Cavalier Hotel in Virginia Beach, and it happens to be the first—and only—distillery in a hotel in the United States.

In my opinion they have one of the best Bourbon Creams on the market. I typically enjoy it on the rocks.

THE DRINK Harvest Moon

I’m sad to report my days of ‘partying like it’s 1999’ on New Year’s Eve are long gone. It’s more like the ball drops, we may hum a quick verse of “Auld Lang Syne,” then off to bed I go. But in the morning, it’s a different story. We have a big breakfast and start our pre-game ritual to get ready for the college football bowl games. This is when I toast in the new year with a refreshing Harvest Moon.

THE DETAILS

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ oz Wheyward Spirit

• ½ oz Applejack [apple brandy]

• ½ oz Cointreau

• ½ oz fresh orange juice

• ¾ oz lemon juice

• ¼ oz honey*

• 4 sage leaves

THE METHOD

Put all ingredients into a shaker. Add ice and shake. Double strain into a martini glass.

Garnish with a slice of lemon and a floating sage leaf.

This is a great and refreshing replacement for a mimosa on New Year’s

morning for those of us who are not into sparkling wine.

*To cut the sweetness, make a honey simple syrup by reducing 1/2 cup honey with 1/2 cup water; simmer until honey is dissolved.

WHEYWARD SPIRIT: WHAT IS IT

This is an American-made, specialty spirit made with whey—the liquid byproduct of cheese and other dairy products. The result is a smooth, crisp distilled product that can be sipped staight as well as incorporated into artisan cocktails. It’s not gin, whiskey, vodka or rum, but can be incorporated into cocktails made with those spirits.

road trip

Destination: Homestead Resort: Hot Springs, Virginia

My family was introduced to the Homestead Resort in the late 1990’s—before it became part of the Omni Hotels group, and now named The Omni Homestead Resort. When I was working with a local family theater group as their scenic and production director, the founder of the company had planned for us to provide entertainment to the resort guests during the holiday season. The Homestead Theater was an intimate space with a small stage and limited room backstage. Hugh Copeland, founder and director of the Hurrah Players, and I thought it wise to take a trip to scout out the logistics of bringing a production to the mountains. My wife and I, Hugh and his companion planned to meet at the resort one weekend.

Prior to this road trip, we mapped out our route not quite knowing what to expect or see. As with any typical trip, getting out of the city is usually the worst part. Traffic through the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel often slows down for no apparent reason. Williamsburg traffic was par for the course. In spite of it all, our maiden voyage to Hot Springs surpassed our expectations. The more we drove, the more excited we became. This would be a welcomed working vacation (although just an overnighter), with relaxation and adventure as our chief reward.

Our planned route north led us past Richmond, Charlottesville, Natural Bridge, down I-81 to I-64 until we headed to our final destination. Driving through our home state of Virginia offers such picturesque scenery. Ribbons of long winding roads, rolling hills, and rural vistas dotted with sprawling

[ by david polston ]

Admit it, you could use a getaway. And what better place than visiting an historic resort and spa with so much to offer in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains?

[ PHOTOS courtesy of The Omni Homestead Resort ]

farmlands. The higher the elevation, the more majestic the views.

As we closed in on Covington, we followed the Jackson River to the heart of mill town. The WestVaCo Pulp Mill is quite a sight to behold. Personally I find these treasures quite fascinating. The engineering that drives this mill is simple, and this alone is what intrigues me. In recent years the pulp mill has invested a quarter of a billion dollars in its operations. Impressive.

Leaving the town of Covington, you find yourself driving up beautiful, winding two-lane roads that can leave some people clutching their armrests a little tighter as cliffs appear to plunge hundreds of feet straight down to the valley below. This sense of “danger” is the best part of the drive. Again, the two-lane roads, centuries-old majestic trees, and the awe of the mountains teeming with wildlife and waterfalls is quite a sight to behold.

As one approaches The Omni Homestead, it becomes very clear as to its attraction. You start driving past farmlands and open fields. What a peaceful place. After passing an area hospital, you can follow a wellmarked set of signs toward your final destination. Welcome to The Omni Homestead: an iconic seven-story tower and hotel that first opened its doors more than two and a half centuries ago.

Guests are welcomed by friendly, accommodating bellmen as they usher you toward a vast, open lobby. Here you will find two-storied columns, fireplaces and plenty of seating throughout. Feel free to mingle and talk with other guests. They are probably as shy as you are. Depending on the time of day and season, there is a pianist in the lobby as you enjoy tea, coffee or my family’s personal favorite: hot chocolate. What better reason is there to visit The Omni Homestead! Honestly, the hot chocolate is heavenly.

The grounds offer a wide

variety of seasonally appropropriate activities spanning 2,300 acres of land. Among the amenities are two 18-hole golf courses, tennis courts, a world-renowned day spa, pools, a water park, equestrian grounds, walking and riding trails, a shooting center, hiking and biking trails, skiing, snowboarding, tubing, fly fishing, zip lining, kids club and falconry. Whew! No wonder my family loves it here. There are other local attractions and educational resources available as well.

Our first trip was quick. Since that initial visit, we have traveled to

The Omni Homestead many times. My wife and daughters always pamper themselves with a visit to the Spa at The Omni Homestead, which offers services like facial and body treatments, hair and nail salon services, the adults-only Serenity Garden and even a teen and youth spa that caters to their specific needs.

I can be found in one of the indoor or outdoor pools while the rest of my family enjoys the spa. The indoor pool was built in 1904 and its naturally hot spring waters make the area famous with yearround accessibility. There is an adult

option offered to guests 18 and older.

The Serenity Garden Pool is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily and is included if you are participating in any of the other spa services, 60 minutes or longer. Otherwise, you must purchase a guest pass for $75.

Well worth whatever you pay for this self-indulgent service.

The Allegheny Springs Water Park sadly is closed for the fall and winter seasons. The park has daily hours (in season) and boasts 2 slides over 100 feet and a 400-foot lazy

river. The large pool has an adjacent whirlpool for family relaxation whereas the kids love the water play zone and sandy beaches.

Golfing on the two world-class golf courses is a time-honored tradition at The Omni Homestead. Former U.S. Presidents William Howard Taft, Dwight D. Eisenhower and George H.W. Bush have all shared some fairway time on the manicured golf courses. The resort even claims to have the nation’s oldest first tee in America still in use.

There are professional services and rentals as well as lessons available to all. Please visit the resort’s website for details. As you plan your trip to the links, familiarize yourself with the dress code and rules before you head out. This will guarantee a pleasant time as you play one or both of the courses, 9 holes or if you are seeking private lessons.

The resort also offers plenty of family-friendly winter activities, from skiing and snowmobiling to ice skating and a tubing park. Incidentally, they were recognized in 2017-18 as one of the best Beginner Friendly and Family Friendly ski resorts in the Southest Best in Snow Awards, powered by Liftopia.

Additional local attractions are within comfortable driving distances. Gear up for kayaking the Jackson River, or visit Douthat State Park. Here you can engage in boating, swimming, hiking nature trails, rent a cabin, or simply spend a relaxing day fishing to your heart’s content.

Roughly an hour away from The Homestead—in neighboring West Virginia—you will find Smooth Ambler Spirits, a local grain-to-glass craft distillery where you can tour the facility and shop for gifts and spirits to remind you of this luxurious experience. Smooth Ambler prides themselves on making award-winning

whiskies and bourbons.

Once you have enjoyed some of the sights and activities offered, retreat to your cozy room to freshen up. Enjoy a delightful meal or an intimate dining and dancing experience at one of nine on-site restaurants, all of which are simply delightful and exquisite. Meals are all prepared for you by world-class chefs and food artisans that will satisfy the most peculiar palate. Reservations are required for more formal dining and dress codes apply.

Speaking on the topic of meals, I cannot emphasize enough how incredible the breakfast buffet is. Most of us race from the house with a cup of coffee in one hand and a cold danish in the other. Never at The Homestead! Their meals make memories, with hot and cold entrees served to you by an eager staff offering to feed you incredibly tasty cuisine.

There is no way possible that I can put into words all of the things that you can do there. Please take the time to explore the possibilities. If you do, making the reservation will come naturally—no regrets.

We have to admit that we all have the need to get away and forget the stresses of life. You must visit Omni’s Homestead Resort. If you love the idea of a spa weekend with your

friends, or that long-overdue golf trip, there is but one place to be: The Omni Homestead Resort.

One final gem for you: on Sam Snead Highway, a couple of miles down from The Omni Homestead Resort, is the Country Cafe. The name says it all. Homecooked, simple meals served in a quaint atmosphere. Take my advice on this one: Pull up a chair, enjoy your meal and then save a little room for a delicious slice of pie. They are also known for their incredible breakfasts.

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.

The Omni Homestead Resort

7696 Sam Snead Highway Hot Springs, VA 24445 www.omnihotels.com/hotels/ homestead-virginia

Douthat State Park

14239 Douthat State Park Rd. Millboro, VA 24460 www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/ douthat#general_information

Smooth Ambler Spirits

745 Industrial Park Rd. Maxwelton, WV 24957 smoothambler.com

Country Cafe

6156 Sam Snead Hwy Hot Springs, VA 24445 www.facebook.com/ countrycaferestaurant1994

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

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: Dan Bowden Virginia Beach, VA

Location:

[ PHOTO by David Polston

Statue of Portsmouth founder Colonel William Crawford at the corner of High Street and Crawford in downtown Portsmouth.