“They can see (the buses) pass right by all their duty stations, so it’s not that hard of a sell.”
The stops and routes were planned in collaboration with the Navy to pinpoint highest traffic areas, Smith said.
The service’s rapid growth came following pandemic restrictions, when public transit ridership was at an all-time low nationally, and about 15 years after the base discontinued its previous shuttle service and HRT bus routes. Offering HRT service on the base presented a challenge partly due to the impact on the already dense traffic but also because each bus operator needed base access, which became increasingly difficult to obtain, according to Becher.
Robert Dwyer, a machinist mate taking a three-month course on base, said he arrived in February and found out about the Base Express by looking for a way to avoid walking in the cold. Though he had never used public transit, he uses it every day to commute to his classes and to do grocery shopping and to access other amenities on-base.
Living off-base and having left his personal vehicle in Florida, he said it would take him about an hour to walk to his classes without the Express.
The Express consists of two routes, Blue and Gold, using repurposed Paratransit buses from HRT. Its drivers are contractors with Easton Coach, which specializes in staffing operators for handicap accessible buses. Easton Coach works with the Navy to get all their operators access to the base, which requires them to pass the Navy’s background check, according to Smith.
The routes are limited to the west side of the base, with its western-most stop being at Gilbert Street and 1st Avenue.
The Blue Route’s two buses are confined to the base itself, with stops every 15 minutes from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, while the Gold Route’s one bus stops every 30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. The Gold Route connects to the HRT stop outside the base by the Navy Exchange and serves key internal points such as the Joint Enabling Capabilities Command, while the Blue Route takes a more circuitous route around the outer points of the base including the piers where the majority of people work.
BROADWAY
from Page A1
mance approaches. Group sales opportunities are available for select shows.
The season kicks off in October with SPAMALOT. Lovingly ripped off from the film classic, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this musical has everything you need for a great knight at the theatre—from flying cows to killer rabbits, British royalty to French taunters, dancing girls, rubbery shrubbery, and of course, the Lady of the Lake. THE BODYGUARD makes its Norfolk debut in November. Based on the 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, THE BODYGUARD is a thrilling, romantic musical that combines high-stakes suspense with unforgettable music. THE BODYGUARD features a host of unforgettable classics, including “Queen of the Night,” “So Emotional,” “I Will Always Love You,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” “Saving All My Love,” and “One Moment in Time.” Back by popular demand, WAITRESS rings in the new year in January. Inspired by the beloved film and featuring music by Grammy® Award winner Sara Bareilles, WAITRESS tells the story of Jenna, an expert pie maker who dreams of a way out of her small town. The fabulously fun and internationally award-winning LEGALLY BLONDE closes out the 2026-2027 season in March. The story follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, sexism, snobbery, and scandal in pursuit of her dreams, and proves that you can be both legally blonde AND the smartest person in the room. Based on the iconic movie, LEGALLY BLONDE will take you from the sorority house to the halls of justice with Broadway’s brightest heroine and, of course, her Chihuahua, Bruiser.
Other key stops for the Blue Route include Devary Court, which houses a laundromat, food court, movie room, mini mart, post office, barber shop and pool hall.
After being discussed for many years, Base Express came together during the pandemic through a collaboration between Naval Station Norfolk, HRT, the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission and other regional stakeholders, a partnership unique among military installations which largely rely on their own shuttles rather than their respective region’s
Tickets
Packages start at $222 for four shows. For additional package information, visit BroadwayinNorfolk.com. Patrons can contact the Broadway in Norfolk Season Ticket Office at seasontickets@broadwayinnorfolk.com or by phone at 877-703-8144 (Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday, 12 p.m. — 6 p.m. EST). The Harrison Opera House is located at 160 West Virginia Beach Boulevard in downtown Norfolk. Visit SevenVenues.com for more information.
Show Descriptions
SPAMALOT: OCTOBER 13 - 18, 2026
The quest for the Holy Grail begins in Norfolk!
Hot off a critically acclaimed Broadway revival in 2023, Monty Python’s SPAMALOT, the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, comes to Norfolk October 13-18, 2026.
Lovingly ripped off from the film classic, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, SPAMALOT features a book & lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle. SPAMALOT has everything you need for a great knight at the theatre—from flying cows to killer rabbits, British royalty to French taunters, dancing girls, rubbery shrubbery, and of course, the Lady of the Lake. SPAMALOT features songs that will leave you humming including “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” “The Song That Goes Like This,” “Find Your Grail” and more that have become beloved classics in musical theatre.
Don’t miss it—get your tickets today for “the funniest musical on Broadway!” (Washington Post)
THE BODYGUARD: NOVEMBER 10 - 15, 2026
Based on the 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, THE BODYGUARD is a thrilling, romantic musical that combines high-stakes suspense with unforgettable music. Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Both expect to be in charge of their situation - what they don’t expect is to fall in love.
A “BRILLIANT” (The Times), breathtak-
The Base Express bus on Naval Station Norfolk has out preformed its anticipated ridership over the past three years. As seen Thursday, July 9, 2026. LEFT: Driver Dana White watches as a passenger takes his seat in the Base Express on Thursday, July 9, 2026. (PHOTOS BY STEPHEN M. KATZ / THE VIRGINIANPILOT)
public transit system, according to Wirfel. “Exceeding the original ridership goal by such a significant margin demonstrates there was a greater demand than initially anticipated,” Wirfel said. She added that while there are no current plans to expand the service, the Navy is “committed to identifying opportunities to improve mobility across the installation.”
ingly romantic thriller, THE BODYGUARD features a whole host of unforgettable classics including “Queen of the Night,” “So Emotional,” “I Will Always Love You,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” “Saving All My Love,” and “One Moment in Time”, alongside thrilling plot twists and emotional drama. THE BODYGUARD is an electrifying combination of romance, suspense and chart-topping music that will captivate audiences from start to finish.
WAITRESS: JANUARY 5 - 10, 2027
Inspired by the beloved film and featuring music by Grammy® Award winner Sara Bareilles, WAITRESS tells the story of Jenna, an expert pie maker who dreams of a way out of her small town. A baking contest and the town’s new doctor may offer her a fresh start, but Jenna must summon the strength to rebuild her own life. Don’t miss this uplifting celebration of friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie.
LEGALLY BLONDE: MARCH 16 - 21, 2027
Fabulously fun and international award-winning LEGALLY BLONDE — THE MUSICAL is the ultimate Broadway tribute to Girl Power! The story follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, sexism, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams, and proves that you can be both legally blonde AND the smartest person in the room. This contemporary, topical story touches on many current hot-button issues while delighting audiences with memorable songs and explosive dances. LEGALLY BLONDE warms the heart by proving that self-discovery never goes out of style!
Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside down, however, when her boyfriend dumps her so he can start getting more serious about his life and attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle uses her brain and ingenuity to get into Harvard too. School begins with endless struggles, but with the help of her new friends, Elle quickly realizes her potential, and her true assets, as she sets out to prove herself to the world and make everyone a believer.
Based on the iconic movie, LEGALLY BLONDE will take you from the sorority house to the halls of justice with Broadway’s brightest heroine and, of course, her Chihuahua, Bruiser.
Supercharge summer grilling with tender pork chops
By Feature Impact
SOURCE: COLEMAN NATURAL FOODS
If you’re planning on firing up the grill for an upcoming summer gathering, you might be trying to brainstorm options beyond the traditional burgers and dogs. Luckily, there are recipes that let you keep things interesting without becoming too complicated.
These Super Moist Boneless Pork Chops might just make you the favorite grill master in the neighborhood. Salt, sugar and aromatic ingredients like juniper berries and bay leaves give the meat a rich, complex flavor, and the combination of brining and grilling helps you achieve a tender but juicy finished product.
Since the recipe features Coleman Boneless Pork Chops, which deliver exceptional flavor from pork raised with no antibiotics ever and no added hormones, it’s easy to elevate your cookout with high-quality protein that you can feel good about serving to family and friends. Make it an extra memorable occasion with family-favorite sides like grilled asparagus, a light summer salad, diced potatoes and dinner rolls then round out your flavor-infused evening with an all-American tradition such as apple pie.
If your grilling plans get rain-checked, you can easily sear the pork chops in a skillet or bake them in the oven to take the party indoors.
Find more summer recipe ideas by visiting ColemanNatural.com.
Super Moist Boneless Pork Chops
Prep time: 7 hours Cook time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
1 bay leaf
12 juniper berries
6 cups ice
4 Coleman Boneless or Bone-In Pork Chops
(1 1/2 inches thick)
1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish
In large pot, heat water, brown sugar, kosher salt, bay leaf and juniper berries over high heat until sugar and salt are dissolved.
Remove from stove and add ice. Liquid should be cool to touch. Add pork chops to liquid, cover and refrigerate 4-6 hours, or overnight. Approximately 10-15 minutes before grilling, heat grill to medium heat, remove chops from brine and pat dry with paper towels. Season with freshly ground black pepper and sea salt.
Grill until desired doneness, or until internal temperature reaches at least 145 F for medium finish. Garnish with scallions. Serve with side dishes of choice.
A bold, flavorful spin on an al fresco favorite
By Feature Impact
SOURCE: NORTH CAROLINA SWEETPOTATO
COMMISSION
Warm breezes that linger longer into the evening, wafting appetizing aromas through the air can only mean one thing: it’s patio season. From casual porch gatherings to full-fledged backyard dinners, dining al fresco calls for vibrant dishes packed with flavor.
Inspired by the bold flavors of Mexican street corn, or elotes, these Street Corn-Inspired Stuffed Sweetpotatoes can serve as a hearty vegetarian entree, a colorful side dish to pair with grilled fare or the centerpiece of a casual buildyour-own dinner spread alongside chilled drinks and easy conversation with loved ones. Providing a naturally creamy base, sweetpotatoes serve as the open-faced vessel for fresh (or frozen) roasted corn, lime juice, mayo, Greek yogurt, cilantro, jalapeno and Parmesan or cotija cheese.
Different from other potatoes using adjectives like white, red or russet to describe an entirely different vegetable, sweetpotatoes — one word as adopted by the National Sweetpotato Collaborators in 1989 to avoid confusion and make it part of the actual nomenclature rather than an adjective — are rich in vitamins A and C, minerals, antioxidants, fiber and potassium, all of which are good for overall health.
Find more recipes to elevate outdoor dining season at ncsweetpotatoes.com.
Street Corn-Inspired Stuffed Sweetpotatoes
Recipe courtesy of Crissy Caroll of Snacking in Sneakers on behalf of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission Servings: 2
4 medium sweetpotatoes
2 tablespoons light or regular mayonnaise
2 tablespoons plain, nonfat Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise
1 lime, juice only
2 green onions, sliced 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
1/3 cup fresh shredded Parmesan or cotija cheese
1 tablespoon butter
2 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked, corn removed from stalk or about 1 1/2 cups frozen or canned corn
1 jalapeno, seeds and pith discarded, minced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
To cook sweetpotatoes: Use fork to poke holes and place on microwave-safe plate. Microwave potatoes 6-9 minutes, depending on size, until tender. Set aside. In medium mixing bowl, mix mayonnaise, Greek yogurt and lime juice until well combined. Add green onions, cilantro and Parmesan; set aside.
Heat large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and melt. Add corn then cook 2 minutes. Add jalapeno to skillet with corn, stir and cook 2 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika and salt. Stir and cook 1-2 minutes, until corn starts to lightly brown. Remove from heat. Add skillet ingredients to bowl with mayo-yogurt mixture. Stir until well combined. Slice cooked sweetpotatoes open and stuff with corn filling.
Moving with TRICARE: A game plan for success
By TRICARE Communications
FALLS CHURCH, Va. — When you move, keeping organized is key. Between the boxes and bubble wrap, take time to make sure your TRICARE benefits are ready to come along.
“TRICARE is available worldwide, but you’ll probably have new medical providers, and depending on where you’re going, your plan options may change,” said Kathryn McGuire, Managed Care Support Program Branch, TRICARE Health Plan, at the Defense Health Agency. “You’ll need to do a few things to make sure your care needs are met in your new location.”
When it comes to moving, no matter which TRICARE plan you have:
Don’t disenroll from any plan before you move. Your current plan will cover you on your way to your new home.
Update your address and contact information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System after you move.
You have 90 days from the date of your address change in DEERS to change your health plan.
Here are a few steps you can follow on your journey from getting ready to arriving at your new location.
Getting ready to move
1. CHECK OUT TRICARE’S MOVING PAGE
Moving has a wealth of information to help you during your move. The page has unique guides for each TRICARE health plan covering action steps and possible eligibility changes. Depending on where you’re going, the moving page has steps to take if you’re moving:
Within the same TRICARE region
To a different TRICARE region
To or from the U.S.
2. EXPLORE YOUR HEALTH PLAN OPTIONS
Unless you have a TRICARE Qualifying Life Event, you’re only allowed to change health plans during TRICARE Open Season. Moving is a QLE if you’re going to a new country, city, region, or ZIP+4 code.
If your move is a QLE, the TRICARE health plans available to you may be different. For example, your eligibility for TRICARE Prime can change based on your status and where you are moving.
If you need help, the Plan Finder (online at https://tricare.mil/PlanFinder) will show you which plans may be available in your new location. If you don’t know which plan is right for you, use the Compare Plans Tool (https:// tricare.mil/ComparePlans) to compare the features of different plans side by side.
3. GET CARE Before you move, catch up on any routine care and specialty care you need. As always, discuss any ongoing health issues and prescriptions with your current primary care manager, primary care provider, or specialist, and let them know where you’re going so they can help.
4. CHECK YOUR REFERRALS
Active referrals are still valid after you move, but you’ll need to call your current location’s regional contractor to request a transfer of your referrals to the regional contractor for your new location. Referrals won’t transfer unless you or your provider make the request.
5. ASK FOR YOUR HEALTH RECORDS AND OUT-PROCESS IF YOU’RE A SERVICE MEMBER
If you see any civilian medical or dental
providers, ask for copies of your records to take with you, or request a records transfer to a new provider, if known. Talk to your provider for more information on requesting and transferring records.
If you’re a service member under permanent change of station orders, make sure that you out-process at your military hospital or clinic. You can also request to transfer your family members’ health records to the military hospital or clinic at your new duty station.
6. FILL PRESCRIPTIONS BEFORE YOU GO
Make sure you have enough of your medication to last during and immediately after your move. Learn more about filling prescriptions.
After you move
1. UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION
Update your address and contact information in DEERS right after you move. Up-todate DEERS records are vital to accessing your TRICARE benefits. An old address can cause issues with eligibility, claims, billing, authorization letters for referrals, and filling prescriptions. Learn how to update your DEERS record. For many TRICARE plans, you’ll also need to update your contact information with the regional contractor for your new location if the contractor is different there. Regardless of whether you’re changing TRICARE regions, if you pay enrollment fees or premi-
ums, check with your regional contractor if you need to update your payment method. Go to Moving and click on the TRICARE plan you had in your old location to learn what to do. Note: You don’t need to do this if you have TRICARE For Life, as described in the TRICARE For Life Handbook. Are you enrolled in the TRICARE Dental Program? You should contact the TDP contractor, United Concordia, to update your contact information. Retired service members and their families should contact Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program Dental, who administers their dental benefit.
2. CHANGE YOUR HEALTH PLAN WITHIN 90 DAYS
Are you no longer eligible for the same TRICARE health plan you had before you moved? If so, you must enroll in a new health plan within 90 days of updating your address in DEERS. After 90 days, you can only enroll in a plan after another TRICARE QLE or during TRICARE Open Season. If you miss this deadline, your options are limited until next open season. You’ll only be eligible for care at a military hospital or clinic, if space is available.
3. CHOOSE A NEW PRIMARY CARE MANAGER OR FIND A PROVIDER
If you have a TRICARE Prime plan, you may need to choose a new primary care manager. Once you set up your enrollment with your new regional contractor, you can ask the contractor to help you find a provider. The contractor may also be able to help make your first appointment with a new specialist.
If you have a different TRICARE plan, you can also use the Find a Doctor Tool (online at https://tricare.mil/GettingCare/FindDoctor) to search for a new provider. If you’re looking for providers in the U.S., be sure to enter the ZIP code for your new location to access the right provider directory.
4. UPDATE YOUR TRICARE PHARMACY HOME DELIVERY MAILING ADDRESS Do you get prescriptions through TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery? Be sure to update your mailing address with the TRICARE Pharmacy Program contractor, Express Scripts. Keep in mind that there are different rules for using home delivery outside the U.S. and U.S. territories. Are you displaced back to the U.S.?
If you were recently displaced from an overseas duty station or your home abroad, you’re still covered by TRICARE. Learn more about getting care if you’ve been displaced back to the U.S. If you’re permanently relocating, be sure to update your address and other personal information in DEERS after you move. Moving is a big job. Updating your TRICARE coverage information after the move will help you and your family have a smooth transition to your new home. Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions to get benefit updates, news, and more.
Moving is a big job. Updating your TRICARE coverage information after the move will help you and your family have a smooth transition to your new home.
