VIRGINIA CONNECTION - NOV 2022 - NORTH END

(757) 567-9354

Michelle@ConnectorMagazines.com

Hello Fellow Virginians!

What a great time of year it is here in Virginia. The leaves are changing, the traffic is minimal and the events are still going strong! In the last few months, we've been able to experience some major, successful charity events, such as the VBFH Freedom Fest, Causeway Academy Shoe Drive, R4L (Recovery for Life) Gala, ECSC (East Coast Surf Club), Ynot Wednesdays and so much more!

Special thanks to all of those amazing organizers who bring these events to our attention, as that's what the Virginia Connector is all about bringing attention to LOCAL that gives back!

Here in Virginia, the residents give back so much all year round, but November is special. We have Veterans Day, Support Small Business Day and Thanksgiving! We hope everyone gets to spend special time with their loved ones, and time to reflect on those we've lost. This is the time of year that our hearts seem to overflow with the desire to give back and nobody does that better than Virginians.

A special thanks to our Artist of the Month, Tonya Hopson, for the beautiful covers! If you aren't familiar with Tonya's work, be sure to visit the Artists Gallery in the ViBe District. She is one of many talents from right here in Virginia!

PET COMPANIONSHIP

Last but not least, remember to set your clocks back before you go to bed on Saturday, Nov. 5th (yea! it's the last year for falling back!). You'll want to remember to do that so you make it on time to some of the fun events brought to you inside this issue. With the holidays right around the corner, its time to shop and eat and drink and socialize (rinse and repeat!) and even treat ourselves a little after a hard year's work!

connecting communities, one neighborhood at a time

connecting communities one neighborhood at a time

HEALING POWER

Stay Cool. Stay Humble. Stay VB Strong!

OWNER/PUBLISHER Michelle Westberry EDITOR IN CHIEF GRAPHIC DESIGN COORDINATOR Dana Grizzél

Connector Magazines is published by Inspired Media LLC. Reproduction or dupli cation of any part herein requires written permission from publisher. All information included herein is correct to the best of Publisher's knowledge as of publication date. Corrections should be forwarded to Publisher at Office@ConnectorMagazines. com for consideration. Paid advertisements

herein are not en dorsed

and do

recommended by

or politi cal

views; therefore, Publisher shall not be held liable for business prac tices of advertisers.

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in good faith.

Michelle Westberry

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Your local real estate experts

Hi North End Neighbors!

Welcome to the season of giving thanks!!!

Just like you, we have so many things to be thankful for!

Meredith & Amy real estate agents& real people, too!

In this edition I am delighted to connect you all with our friends at Vaughan and I went to Longwood University (back when it was "Longwood College") and were sisters in the Zeta Tau Alpha fraternity, where we made many fond memories! I am in awe of the amazing legacy she and her family are continuing on their farm and with Coastal Cattle. I hope you'll take the time to check out their farm-to-table offerings and the Meat Shack! See the article on pages 12-13.

As we enter into the official holiday season, we're thankful for this amazing community we are lucky enough to call home, for our loving families and friends, and for a job we are excited to do. We're thankful and grateful for all of our fantastic clients, business partners and supporters. THANK YOU!!!

Being REALTORS, we see daily stunning each of our streets and cultural shift, design ideas, and homes. In our newsletters, we we say, our “adventures in real

The real estate information provided today, however, there are many any speciÞc questions or are considering invest in real estate in the Hampton us a call for a conÞdential consultation.

We are definitely approaching that time of year when things seem to move at an even faster pace. Who’s ready for the holiday season??? Luckily we still have plenty of time to enjoy all the fall season has to offer, including football, pumpkin everything, and perhaps even a few more beach days!

If you are considering a change this year, now is the time! It’s still a great time to list your home for sale, as inventory remains low. And on the buying side, compe tition has lessened a bit so that opens up some good opportunities.

Give us a call to discuss the best strategy for your goals!

Oh, and thanks for supporting Cheers to summer, we hope to Amy Metzger

MEREDITH EMERSON

MEREDITH

AMY METZGER

Hi Neighbors!

We hope the season is treating thank goodness because if you in the North End of Virginia Beach on our respective beach paths

Meredith Emerson

Insurance rates are impacted by several factors, not just your claims history, and the insurance industry is experiencing higher than normal increases in premiums for both home and auto insurance. The jump in homeowners insurance rates is primarily due to increased cost of building materials, construction labor shortages and supply chain issues. These rising costs are driving increases in the replacement cost of homes, which is a major factor in homeowners insurance. Rate increases vary by insurance carrier, but according to USA Today, analysts estimate the average increase will range between high single digits to low double digits, potentially increasing each year for the next few years. Coastal regions like ours can expect even higher increases due to unusually high tropical storm activity in 2021 and 2022.

Auto insurance rates are also on the rise due to the increased cost and shortage of cars. Not only have we seen a huge increase in the cost of used cars, but that combined with limited production of new cars has contributed to increased premiums.

Bundling home and auto insurance is still one of the best ways to save money but there are several other discounts available. Insurance companies consider the age, shape and material of the roof when determining your rate so let your insurance agent know if you’ve replaced the roof since your homeowners policy was originally put in place. Adding protec tive devices like a centrally monitored fire and burglary alarms, water shutoff devices, and/ or water sensors can also help lower your premium.

With a significant number of the workforce continuing to work from home, auto insurers are still providing discounts for less commuting so make sure your auto carrier knows the num ber of days you commute and your annual mileage. Most insurers offer telematics discounts of 10-30% for downloading a mobile app to track things like the time of day you drive, phone usage, mileage. Safe driving can score you additional discounts on auto insurance.

Shopping For Safe Pet Toys This Holiday Season

If your pet is on your holiday shopping list this year, you’re not alone. Pet products are incredibly popular, and there are plenty of options out there. While it can be fun to pick the cutest or silliest toy you can find, it is important to consider your pet’s safety when you are buying toys. Here are some things to keep in mind as you shop this holiday season.

SIZE Pick a toy that is appropriately sized for your furry friend. Small toys can be a choking hazard for larger pets, and large toys may be hard for a smaller pet to carry around.

POTENTIAL HAZARDS Even appropriately sized pet toys can be hazardous because of the way they are made. Things to look out for include “eyes” on soft toys, strings, ribbons, or any part of a toy that can easily be chewed o and ingested.

CHOOSING CHEWS Dogs naturally like to chew, but edible chews can be extremely dangerous. As your pup chews o pieces of the treat, it can get lodged in their throat or digestive tract. Carefully choose the size and shape of any edible chew, and only let your pet have it when you can watch them. If you’re looking for something you can leave

with your pets when you are not home, treat-dispensing toys can be a great option. You may also want to consider chew toys made of hard rubber, which are much less likely to become a choking hazard.

Once your pet has received their holiday gift, be sure to supervise them with their new toy. You’ll quickly realize whether your dog has a tendency to tear the stu ng out of soft toys and eat it or your cat often gets string or feathers stuck in their mouth. You may find that you have two categories of toys in your home: ones that can be left for your pet to play with at any time, and others that are put away and only used when under your close supervision to prevent any safety issues.

By thinking through your pet’s play behaviors and closely looking at the toys you buy, you’ll be able to enjoy playtime and worry less about unexpected trips to the veterinarian.

The VBSPCA Retail Center has a variety of pet safe products to choose from and the proceeds from your purchase will help provide a second chance to a homeless animal.

SUSTAINABLE FARMING is a tradition

IN THE VAUGHAN FAMILY

The Vaughan family has been farming and living on the same land since the early 1700s. For them, sustainable farming is not just a phrase, it is a way of life passed down from generation to now the 8th gen eration. Coastal Cattle has been named a Century Farm in Virginia, and now also a Bicentennial Farm and the Vaughan family is proud to still be actively farming.

The farm is located in the southern rural area of Virginia Beach, referred to as Pungo. This property is a land grant farm, granted to their family nine generations ago (in 1720) by the King of England, and is approximately 250 acres of pasture and hay ground used for the herd. They rotate graze on the pastures and have approximately 180 head of cattle raising 100% Hereford beef. The calves are on pasture 100% of their lives, and also fed grain for added marbling and finish. The grains fed to the cattle are a combination of spent grains from local breweries, distilleries and a home feed mix they produce on the farm.

Sustainable farming is a way of ensuring that the land, and all its resources, are maintained for future generations. Promoting soil health, managing water runoff and using natural fertilizing techniques are all ways that Coastal Cattle is being good stewards of their land. It protects and provides for their land and in turn provides for all of us.

This has always been a way of life for the Vaughans, but the business of Coastal Cattle began in 2014 the brainchild of their then-12-year-old daughter. She wanted to use her knowledge of cattle, gained through the local 4-H Livestock Club and start a herd. Her very first project steer, at the age of 10, was a Hereford and she instantly fell in love with the breed. They are docile, easy to work with, great for children to be around and of course beautiful!

She and her sister helped choose the first bred heifers and cows that started Coastal Cattle. The original idea was to start raising pure-bred show cattle to be used for the local area 4-H livestock shows, as well as other regional livestock competitions. Showing cattle is a lot of work and

Billy & Bernadette Vaughan understand the community's desire to know where their food is coming from

a lot of fun, but it wasn't long before the Vaughans started thinking bigger.

By this time, they had about 30 cows and calves and needed to find an alternative. They were hearing the desires of so many people wanting to know where their food is coming from.

Expanding into the direct marketing of the beef produced by the ever- expanding herd was the natural progression of the farm.

Being in a mainly metropolitan area of Virginia Beach, it was a very closed market no one within 60 miles of the

To learn more about the farm or get information on Coastal Cattle's offerings & farm events visit: coastalcattle.com

their land was oper ating a farm-to-table meat option, so the Vaughans saw an opportunity and ran with it. In June 2018, they processed their first retail cuts, then opened their retail store on the farm, The Meat Shack, in February 2019.

Crops and livestock go hand in hand. Incorporating rotation al grazing and the herd into their other farming practices has proven beneficial for the land and their farm.

Not only is Coastal Cattle producing a quality product for consumers, it protects our natural resources and fills a void within our community a savvy business choice and a sustainable-conscious model a win-win for everyone.

2337 Vaughan Rd Virginia Beach VA (757) 532-2455

the Vaughan family

People want to be in control of what they put into their bodies, and we quickly saw and understood the need for a good product.

SERVICE with a personal touch

David Nygaard's new business model means clients get added personal attention, one-of-a-kind pieces and save money on finely crafted custom jewelry. surprisingly affordable custom jewelry

meet David Nygaard

When we say "Meet David Nygaard," we're being quite literal David wants to personally meet with you in a oneon-one consultation that will result in an exquisite, unique design you'll love, using gems and gold you might already have. David offers both custom design and cus tom RE design, which is nearly unheard of locally.

Carrying the distinctions of being a mas ter gemologist and diamond expert (as well as CAD and 3D printer master), David Nygaard is well-known for his award-win ning jewelry designs, his philanthropic efforts and his particular passion for working with couples in love to find that perfect wedding ring.

It gives me such pleasure to work with couples during such a magical time in their lives. There are few things I find more rewarding than the joy it brings to them as well.

At one time, David Nygaard operated seven different locations. His new busi ness model of focusing on custom jew elry affords him the time and ability to devote his complete attention to each piece to make it unique and special.

With this new business model, custom jewelry becomes more affordable than you might think. Our custom piec es start at around $500.

Even though this talented jeweler pretty much has the only custom jew elry game in town, David makes sure everyone in town can afford his custom services.

Like most people, the past few years have been challenging for me, both personally and professionally. At this point in my career, I wanted to slow down, focus on one piece at a time, and allow the creative process to drive my business. I want to focus on what's important I knew that if I was going to keep doing what I loved...I needed to tailor my business

to fit my lifestyle, while still being able to care for my family and spend quality time with friends, yet continue to serve clients with the utmost integrity.

Within minutes of meeting David, it's clear that his passion for family, com munity and all things jewelry define him. Being a jeweler isn't just a job it's a chosen path, and one he feels privileged to be on.

With the holidays right around the corner, lots of couples will be getting engaged and I just want them to know that their neighborhood jeweler is still here and still excited about making their official engagement an even more beautiful memory with custom rings. Every time a couple chooses David Nygaard Fine Jewelers to design a beautiful piece that's as unique as their relationship (and one they will wear for years to come), I'm truly honored.

Fine Jewelers difference David Nygaard experience the

She said "Yes!" and now 'tis the season to start thinking about that perfect ring.

If you don't already know it, she's been thinking about this moment since she was five...that's a lot of pressure.

Oh, and she's going to want something that's unique and not only reflects her exquisite taste, but yoaur undy ing love for her.

Lucky for you, David Nygaard specializes in affordable custom jewelry.

at ABBEY ANIMAL HOSPITAL your pet is family

We believe in treating every patient as if they were our own pet, and giving them the same loving attention and care. We are a group of highly trained, experienced animal lovers who are devoted to giving our patients the best care possible.

Dr. knopp loves working with animals and helping them stay healthy and pain free, but what he loves just as much is the response he gets from helping a fellow human being.

"One always has to be aware that there is a human attached to the other end of that leash," he says. "If when I get to the end of my life and people grieve my passing as much as the passing of their pets…I will feel like my life was a success!"

He had always had a desire to own a veterinary clinic. In 1995, several clinics in the area went out of business, and Dr. Knopp and his wife happened to meet the widow of one of them and decided to purchase the clinic from her. It was a tough yet exciting time for the couple, but passion drove them and it wasn't long before they had things running smoother.

"The first year was quite the ride," he recalls. "It was like holding onto a tiger’s tail. You really did not know what was coming around the corner. We started with 400 8x10 cards as our 'client base.' This was back in the '90s and that was how records were kept prior to that. The business exploded and back then we opened up at 7:00 a.m. and many nights we were still there at 10:30 p.m. We didn’t know a lot of things about business so we figured we would work as hard as we could and let the numbers fall where they might! Lots of adrenalin was involved."

Abbey Animal Hospital's mission statement alone will tell you a lot about the owners and the hospital staff:

Our goal and policy is to treat our patients as we would treat our families, and to treat our clients’ pets as though they were our very own. We strive to lengthen and enrich the relation ship between owners and their pets, as they are the heart of our practice and the reason we are here. At all times, we promise both our clients and their pets will be treated with respect, dignity and compassion. Being of service to our community and its’ pets is an honor and the mission of our practice.

That's a lot to live up to, but by the looks of things they're not only backing their commitment but determined to operate with this same level of integrity.

Dr. Robin A. Knopp DVM Head Veterinarian & Owner

Their dedication to providing the highest level of veterinary medicine, along with providing friendly, compassionate service shows at every turn.

Abbey Animal Hospital is a team of highly trained profes sionals using state-of-the-art equipment and technology. With a genuine concern for their patients' health and well-being, they understand that they've set a precendent one that's worth upholding.

Their ideal client (a pet) can't really "refer them" to others, but their owners can, and Dr. Knopp understands that treating his clients' owners well is just as important as the care he gives their pets pets that are often considered to be chil dren to their loving owners.

"We rely upon word-of-mouth referrals more than anything else," Dr. Knopp says. "If pet owners are highly satisfied with the personalized care of their pets they will continue on as a part of Abbey's practice family and enjoy the lasting health and comfort of their pets. Then, what happens organically, is that they refer friends and family members to the practice."

MORE ABOUT DR. KNOPP

A native of Virginia, Dr. Knopp completed his undergrad uate education at Virginia Tech and received his Doctor ate of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tennes see. His immediate family includes his wife Kathy, his three grown children: Allison, Christopher, Mark, and three granddaughters, Lia, Sophia and Gemma, as well as a house full of pets (not surprising, right?). Dr. Knopp never stops learning. He makes a point of regularly at tending continuing education courses to bring his clients and patients the most up-to-date medicine available. Their pet children are, specifically: a Molaccan Cock atoo, three dogs, three cats and many exotic pets. Dr. Knopp & Kathy have also participated in the YFU foreign exchange student program for many years so they also have lots of 'other children' in Europe.

Kathy married Dr. Knopp in 1983 and has been with Abbey Animal Hospital since its inception. Their three grown children followed in their footsteps: Alli (works at Abbey Animal Hospi tal), Chris (a veterinarian in California), and Mark (a veterinary technician in New York). Their three beautiful granddaughters are the light of her life! Kathy loves being part of AAH and plans on being there as long as she is able.

Kathy graduated from University of Maryland with a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science. She always wanted to be a veteri narian so being here at Abbey Animal Hospital is the next best thing. Kathy also attended NVCC to obtain her veterinary tech nician's degree.

When asked about their favorite things to do when they're not working, Dr. Knopp replies, "In the immediate area, we enjoy visiting the beaches. Exploring the water on a boat is always great fun, and the summer concerts are also something we like attending. Taking in a Tides baseball game or an Admiral hock ey game with the family is always a good time. We are also avid RVers and campers."

We also discovered that Dr. Knopp is a bit of a daredevil!!

When time allows, he enjoys spending time in the clouds (quite literally). He also enjoys riding his motorcycle. He explains that having his own plane helps shorten the miles for mission work throughout the country, under Dr. Knopp’s very own program, Wing and a Prayer.

Talulah, the loudest member of their pet family, enjoys attention and bask ing in the warm summer sun. She is also the biggest sucker for children!

Dr. Robin A. Knopp DVM & wife Kathy Knopp, LVT

tips

WHEN DEALING WITH FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS

TRAVELING

BE DIFFICULT ENOUGH

TIPS FOR NAVIGATING TRAVEL PLAN INTERRUPTIONS WITOUT LOSING YOUR MIND!

1 PLAN AHEAD!

Take advantage of the tools out there to help you know as quickly as possible if a flight is cancelled. Flightaware.com is a great way to quickly check if your flight is cancelled or delayed. You can also use FlightRadar24.com, or the Flighty app.

2 BE CHOOSY ABOUT YOUR AIRLINE

Every airline is different, and depending on which one you choose, some may have more alternative flight opportunities in case of a cancellation. Typically, the more flights an airline has, the more likely they will be able to book you a new flight with the same or similar flight path. This might mean foregoing the cheaper option, however, so weigh your options.

3 UTILIZE GOOGLE FLIGHTS TO FIND

RE-BOOKING OPTIONS

Being notified of a cancellation can be discouraging, but you can immediately take action to see if there are other op tions available to you. Google Flights has an excellent search tool in place to help you find exactly what you are looking for with their wide database of available flights.

4 ELIGIBLE COMPENSATION

Contact your airline to see what they offer in these scenar ios. Depending on the situation, you may be able to receive compensation such as a refund, coverage for a hotel stay, or a voucher for future flights, so be persistent in finding out exactly what they offer. It could save you a lot of money!

5

USE A TRAVEL CREDIT CARD

Finding the right travel card could be an excellent way to acquire travel protection and earn a few points along the way. These cards can provide coverage in cases of flight and hotel costs, and even missing baggage. For example, the Chase Sap phire Preferred Card offers up to $500 in reimbursements for expenses like airfare, hotels, meals, etc. in the event of a delay of 12 or more hours.

Unfortunately, flight cancellations are unavoidable for many of us, but with these tips you can be more prepared to manage them and less stressed while you do.

Article reference: thriftytraveler.com/guides/what-todo-when-an-airline-cancels-your-flight/

M A G A Z I N

IT

WHEN FLIGHTS

AFFECTED,

PUT A DAMPER ON PLANS LET THE HEADACHES BEGIN!

family friendly

Good food, good fellowship, and plenty of fun is always in store for us over the Thanksgiving holiday. Why not shake things up a little this year by introducing some themed games. This year try some of these:

GAMES to liven up your Thanksgiving holiday

CONVERSATION STARTERS There are plenty of resources online for Thanksgiving, autumn, or general conversation prompts, with questions like “Name a teacher you are grateful for and why?” or “What was your favorite childhood book?” (and so on).

THANKSGIVING BINGO Everybody likes bingo! You can find down loadable Thanskgiving bingo cards at Crazylittleprojects.com. Print them out, use candy corn or other fall-themed candy to make fun markers for the bingo sheets. First one to win is the first one allowed to eat the candy they used as their bingo placemarkers!

THE "WHO DID IT" GAME — As guests arrive, have them write a paragraph with a funny or embarrassing story about themselves. Choose someone to read each paragraph aloud as everyone tries to guess which person the story is about. This is bound to bring laughter and make memories for years to come!

Article reference: thespruce.com/thanksgiving-games-for-kids-andfamilies-1356366

OUR MISSION:

To observe patriotic holidays, ceremonies, celebrations, and programs, through coordination with member organizations in the Hampton Roads area.

To support commemorations and memorials honoring veterans who have honorably served the nation.

To promote love of country and the nation’s flag.

To focus on imbuing patriotism in youth in the Hampton Roads area and beyond.

NOVEMBER 11,

TIDEWATER VETERANS DAY PARADE & CEREMONY

Beginning at 16th St and Atlantic Ave, heading north on Atlantic for one block, turning west on to Virginia Beach Blvd, north onto Baltic Ave, west on 19th St, passing the Tidewater Veteran’s Memorial and ending at Pavilion Dr.

NOVEMBER 11, 2022

- 11 AM

THINGS WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT VETERANS DAY:

VETERANS DAY does NOT have the same meaning as MEMORIAL DAY

VETERANS DAY honors those who served our country dead or alive though largely honors living veterans, whereas MEMORIAL DAY is a time to remember those who gave their lives defending our country.

VETERANS DAY DOES have the same meaning as ARMISTICE DAY

It was originally considered the commemoration of the end of World War I. After World War II and the Korean War, it became an official holiday, set aside to honor all American veterans.

SWING BY

FIRST WEDNESDAY of every month at a different bar/restaurant in the area

The biggest & best Networking Happy Hour in the 757!

Each month, professionals of all ages and walks of life come together to eat, drink & mingle!

Networking Happy Hours are a low-key, no agenda, meet new people/catch up with old friends type of event.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

THIS HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON

In 2010, small businesses around the nation began coming together on this day to encourage communities to “shop small” for the holidays.

Many of these small businesses offer special dis counts, open houses and other events on Small Business Saturday.

The ViBe Creative District is preparing for their 7th Annual Celebration. Updates are posted on their website at vibecre ativedistrict.org as available. Last year's event featured pop-up markets, specials and a $1,000 scavenger hunt prize. Event organizers say that ViBe's celebration is the largest in Hampton Roads, with over 50 businesses located within 1.5 miles in The District. More than 20 vendors sold fine art, ornaments, vintage clothing, handmade soaps and scrubs, kid's items and other crafts and apparel. Live music and a community mural painting were also part of the event.

“Small businesses are the heartbeat of the ViBe Creative District and events like this foster relationships amongst neighboring businesses and loyal customers,” said Kate Pittman, executive director of the ViBe Creative District.

To stay up-to-date, visit their website at vibecreativedistrict.org

Artist Aimee Bruce autographing the Uncle Sam flyer for VBFH FreedomFest

Thanks for all you do, Aimee!

Randy, Rick & Diane at Ynot Wednesdays featuring The Deloreans

Beverly Griffin & Jodie Lynn (Bryte Eye Productions)

Holding down the fort for our sponsorship table VBFH FreedomFest

Mila, Jamie & Amy Friday Night Happy Hour on AOP

Amy, Jamie & Michelle Recovery for Life Gala (R4L) Thanks for the invite, Amy!

sponsored by Atlantic Bay Mtg

Christmas is around the corner!

We

Why Boutique-Boutique?

We are a working manufacturing studio

BUDGET-MINDED fall fashion

Fall is such an awesome season to get really creative with your wardrobe, and it's natural that we might even have the urge to update our wardrobe with some new pieces (or even 'gently used' pieces).

Before you go on a shopping binge (right before the holidays when you need money more than ever take a tour through your closet and see how you can possibly reinvent your wardrobe a little.

The holiday season will offer up lots of occasions to dress up a little or a lot! Long (elbow length) opera gloves are a fun way to give a chic, sleeveless dress a classy boost. Say yes to sequins! Get your black tie on with your jeans, sweat pants or under a classic blazer. And then there's the one that never goes out of style The Little Black Dress. If you don't have one, get one!

Do you have a headband with sequins or a bow on it? Bows are big this season. Wear them with everything tied at the waist, on your shoes, get creative!

Purple is the color for fall this year, so find that purple top, scarf or hat you already own and keep it close at hand. Graphic tees are the thing under a classic blazer. Where are those concert tees you bought?

classes

workshops as well as a women’s boutique, featuring trendy, fun-to-wear and relaxed fashions ranging from junior to missy sizes.

We carry unique designs including clothes, handbags, hats, belts, jewelry and other

Visit our satellite location inside the Painted

at

where you'll find

Got an oversized handbag buried somewhere? Add that to your daily look (and it's practical, too!). Dress up your legs and feet with bold boots in orange, red or leggings in fun prints and bold colors.

A hoodie under a classic blazer is in style. Athleisure wear is always en vogue. Still in is Bohemian florals, bright colorful classic styles and even tractor boots. Those same boots or chunky-soled shoes paired with slouchy sweatpants, leggings or wide leg pants are all the rave this fall.

This is a fun project to do with a girlfriend (or boy friend!). You might even considwer trading some clothes for the season. And layers! Shed them and add them as needed. Start with a sleeveless, or shortsleeved tee shirt, add a vest, sweater, cardigan or a fleece piece and finish with a jacket, kimono, ruana or poncho. So many fun options! Play with your clothes!

Robin Brickell

Robin Boutique-Boutique

SYMPHONY enjoy

HOLIDAY SEASON

by EMILY MCCREA

Adding a cultural event to the holiday schedule is as easy as persuing the Virginia Symphony online re sources. And what a great use for those fancy holiday dresses you'll otherwise only wear once this season!

Symphonicity is a 40-year-old Virginia Beach orchestra consisting of over 200 members coming from a variety of backgrounds, including school teachers, high school students, and business professionals who have gen erously offered their talents to bring music to the local community. You can learn more about Symphonicity and their upcoming events at symphonicity.org

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra is a must-see/hear. Preparing to celebrate its 100th year anniversary this upcoming fall, and considered the largest performing arts organization in southeastern Virginia, this orchestra has a full calendar of festive concerts to fit every occasion. For more information, visit virginiasymphony.org.

Bay Youth Orchestras of Virginia consists of over 350 student musicians from Hampton Roads, and has been in operation for over 50 years. The program gives students the opportunity to develop and demonstrate their skills in front of a live audience. To stay updated on upcoming performances, go to bayyouth.org.

SAMPLING OF

Orchestras have been around for hundreds of years and they have remained timeless for a reason. There are few things more mag nificent than dozens of musicians playing in synchronous harmony as they each give their unique voice to music, inviting you to be a part of the experience. Take some time to appreciate our orchestras here in Virginia and Virginia Beach!

Never been to the symphony?

HERE ARE SOME TIPS:

►No need to study! The music will speak for itself.

►Dress up! You can really go all out and feel right at home.

QUESTIONS?

►

to arrive at least 30 min utes before the music begins

►

are 90 min to two hours with one intermission

►

video,

TURNER

August

1831,

STEPHEN TOWNS

“THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WISE, AND THEIR WORKS ARE IN THE HAND OF GOD”

ballance

Owner and operator Sharon Ballance is a Virginia Beach native and is passionate about all things Virgin ia Beach, especially when it comes to carrying on the legacy of founder Gail Arnold.

Since I was a child, I have always wanted to have my own business. I was born into retail! At the ten der age of three I was fronting shelves at my dad’s A & P on Laskin Road. Dad, known as “Hutch,” was the A & P manager for 32 years before purchas ing his own store on Ocracoke Island. I worked in our family business for 25 years at The Ocracoke Variety Store on Ocracoke Island, NC. I did the buying for The Christmas Room greeting cards, tee shirts, bathing suits, beach towels, shoes and souvenirs. I love the excitement of being busy and helping people they leave feeling happy and in spired! I worked for Topiaries for four years before purchasing the business in 2018. I love our clients and enjoy working with each person.

The Topiaries shop itself is warm and welcoming and invites visitors to browse for decor inspiration. There's nothing that replaces the feel of a local shop the personal touch, seeing, feeling (and even smelling!) the actual products.

Shop local this holiday season

on

tradition

Christmas Open House

Owner Sharon Ballance is honored to continue serving local patrons who have been inspired since 1992 by the creative ideas & treasures of founder Gail Arnold. DROP IN & SAY HELLO TO SHARON!

Tart

CRUST

1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts

1 tbsp sugar

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 cup firm butter cut into pieces

2 - 3 tbsp cold water

FILLING

3/4 cup hazelnut spread (Nutella®)

2 eggs

1 (15-oz) canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup evaporated milk

GARNISH

1/2 cup whipped cream or whipped topping

1/2 oz semisweet baking chocolate, grated

2 tbsp chopped hazelnuts

INSTRUCTIONS

HEAT oven to 400 degrees

GRIND together 1/4 cup hazelnuts and 1 table spoon sugar

ADD flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt

ADD butter and pulse together until mixture looks like coarse crumbs

ADD water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing on and off until mixture starts to hold together

PRESS dough in bottom and 1 1/2 inch up the side of a 10-inch springform pan or tart pan

SPREAD hazelnut spread over the dough

IN A BOWL beat

pumpkin, 3/4 cup

& vanilla and beat well

over the hazel nut

STIR in evaporated

BAKE

COOL

METZGER & MEREDITH EMERSON