VIRGINIA CONNECTOR - DEC 2022 - SALEM LAKES/ROCK CREEK

Your local neighborhood realtor

The holiday season, especially Christmas-time, is my absolute favorite time of year!

I love the lights and sparkles more than anything!

I love the trees, the ornaments, the cold, crisp air of winter (nothing like my home town of Rochester NY kind of cold, thank goodness!), and especially the joy that most people share.

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

KELLY KLAERS RE/MAX Alliance REALTOR®

DO YOU HAVE ANY?

I didn’t grow up with any traditions, so when I had my own family I started our own family traditions.

When Olivia and Aiden were about 8 and 5, respec tively, I started a treasure hunt around the house.

I did this with the last three gifts they opened; two small gifts and, of course, the best one for last!

I made up silly little rhymes which sent them to each clue. They loved it! I must tell you that I selfishly made this tradition for me so I could draw out the present-ripping time as long as possible.

I still do this (Olivia and Aiden are now 28 and 25), and they still love it. I think this year I’m going to

step up my game and have them drive around town for some clues. I’ll let you know how that goes.

One year I made a cappuccino trifle, and it became a favorite and a Christmas morning must-have.

Do you have any family traditions of your own? Any that you still do that you might have grown up with, or ones you started for your own family? I would love it if you would share them with me! I’ll put them in next month’s January magazine (especially since January is such a gray and boring month –unless you have a birthday in January!)

Although we have Thanksgiving, Hannukah, Christ mas and other holidays one may celebrate during these next few months just around the corner, not everyone is equally blessed. There are so many or ganizations in need of donations, but not everyone is in a position to help. I do hope we'll all remember

that even donating our time can be such a bless ing. Salvation Army is always looking for the “bell ringers.”

As a child, my Girl Scout Troop went to nursing homes and sang holiday songs for the folks, and I still remember the joy that brought them (and us!).

Of course, baking for friends, neighbors, or some one who just needs a good cookie can be nice. Just holding someone’s hand or giving a hug can mean the world to someone who might be lonely.

FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS, Mike and I wish you the most blessed holiday season, and pray that you are all healthy and joyful!

Mike & Kelly

MichelleOwner/PublisherWestberry

(757) 567-9354

Michelle@ConnectorMagazines.com

Hello Fellow Virginians!

With a new year right around the corner I normally look back and wonder, where did the time go? But not this year. When I look back, I know exactly where it went. Since living in Virginia Beach, my year has been filled with events big and small concerts (both relaxing and loud!), and many other days filled with entertainment through local charities, golfing, dining shopping and more. I have been doing what some would call “living the dream.” Virginia is a great place to live, visit and talk about!

As we look forward to the new year, let's not forget about today. Be sure to tell someone you love them. Make amends with a lost friend. Visit a lonely neighbor. We are all we have. Let us embrace our humanity.

As always, and especially this time of year, thank you to our Sponsors, Experts, Contributors and local Charity Organizations for helping allow the Virginia Connector to give back so much to our communities!

And last (but certainly not least!), we want to thank all of the amazing artists, who have selflessly donated their time and talent to our covers this past year. You are all amazing!: Rick Romano, Sam Welty, Clayton Singleton, Todd & Eric Lindbaugh, Aimee Bruce, William Campbell & Tonya Hopson.

connecting communities, one neighborhood at a time

connecting communities one neighborhood at a time

Happy Holidays to All from the Connector Family!

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 or advertorials contained herein are not en dorsed or recommended by Publisher and do not reflect Publisher's opinion or politi cal or religious views; therefore, Publisher shall not be held liable for business prac tices of advertisers. Publisher not liable for images or content accepted in good faith.

Michelle Westberry

vbspca.com

New Year’s Resolutions For Pet Parents

As the year comes to a close, many of us are thinking about New Year’s resolutions. Some of the most common goals center around your health. While you’re thinking about your own health habits, remember that it’s equally important to stay on top of your pet’s needs! From their physical health to their mental and emotional health, here are some things to consider as you look ahead to 2023.

Annual Exam Just like humans, pets need their yearly checkup. An annual visit to your veterinarian can help detect health issues early on - especially since animals can be very good at hiding symptoms of illness.

Vaccinations Be sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date to protect them and other animals around them. Vaccinations are also more cost e ective than treating the diseases they prevent. Your veterinarian can talk you through any shots your furry friend may need.

Quality Time Pets need play and mental stimulation to be happy and healthy. Proper exercise of the body and mind is also essential to keeping your furry friends out of trouble since a bored pet is more likely to be destructive. Commit to daily walks with your dog or more feather wand sessions with your cat - it will do both of you good and create a closer bond between you and your pet.

Did Y Kn ?

The Virginia Beach SPCA has an online library of articles with helpful tips to combat common issues and ensure pets are happy and healthy.

Visit the Pet Care Resources Library at vbspca.com/pet-care-resources.

Connector Artists year in review

I would like to personally thank ALL of our local artists for their contribu tions in helping make the Virginia Connector's front covers shout “Every thing Local.” Connector Magazine's concept behind using a local artist, rather than a picture, turned out to be everything we dreamed it would be! We're so grateful to all of the artists who participated in 2022 and so excited about the lineup forming for 2023 we know you will be, too.

With our very first cover, back in April, Rick Romano lent his seascape artwork. In May, we were graced with the art of Sam Welty; in June it was Clayton Singleton; in July, Todd and Eric Lindbergh; followed by Aimee Bruce, William Campbell and Tonya Hopson on our fall season covers. As you've all seen, these are some very talented locals and we are proud to be able to showcase their artwork.

Here in our final issue of 2022, we wanted to give back by re-promoting their works, in hopes of bringing even more awareness to the many talented artists located right here in Virginia! Contact your favorite artist and let them know how much we have all enjoyed them sharing their works with the community. Here's wishing our artists and all of you the most

Michelle Westberry

Rick Romano

Rick Romano's list of commissioned works is practically endless. He has been one of the most sought-after local artists in the Hampton Roads area for such commissions, including large-scale murals, artwork outfitting for corporate buildings, residential artwork layouts and consultations. Rick first gained national recognition in 1980 when he was commissioned by the Worrell 1000 Coast wise Catamaran Race Team to create its first official race poster. Several of his works were selected by Surfing Artists International and distributed by Bruce McGaw Graphics, Inc. He was voted Best Local Artist in 1996 by Hampton Roads residents. Rick often gives of his time and talents to his community. He spent many years as Artist in Resident at a number of local elementary schools and has donated his art works to charities since the 1980s.

As a lifetime admirer of lighthouses, sea life, everything centering around fish ing piers, surf artist Rick Romano was inspired to create this collage of light houses, grouping together some of the most famous lighthouses in the country.

Sam

Welty

Sam Welty began drawing when he was five years old. Creating art developed into a passion that persisted through his childhood near Dallas, TX. Following high school graduation, Sam continued studying art seriously and began asking his professors, “How can I make a career out of doing what I love?” He was repeatedly told that artists don’t make a career out of what they love to do and that the best thing was to get a day job to pay the bills and try to squeeze in time for his art after work and on weekends. In an effort to perfect his craft after leaving school, Sam found work in various art-related trades; a series of opportunities and connec tions in the commercial art business led him to Hampton Roads nearly 20 years ago. In 2003 he took the leap into starting his own mural business, and has created custom wall murals and art pieces in almost every venue imaginable ever since. Sam’s largest work to date is Great America 1, A Celebration of American Heroes. This project, commissioned to honor military veterans, was painted over a one-month period on the rear wall of the Flagship Motel.

“I enjoy the journey that painting takes me on. From the first spark of an idea, a message my client wants to convey or an emotion they want to feel when they look at the art, there is something they can’t put into words. Then the reward at the end of the journey, when I get to see their reaction to the final product — and I know that we understood each other.”

Clayton Singleton

Clayton Singleton is a multi-faceted human being who bravely shares his view on race, love and the human condition.

"I'm drawn to the narratives of the people in the photos because their captured experiences parallel my own.

I create “blended” narratives developed from various contexts that shape and shift iden tity. The repetition of Adinkra symbols, fragments of wall paper, flowers and text create a density reflective of circumstances. Defining Beauty is a term I use identifying abstract roles used to actively describe and forge 'selves.' These paintings on seemingly decorative backgrounds leave spaces to be filled in by the addition, subtraction, leaving and re trieving necessary to define an 'individual-self.' Revealing the emotion al process choreographed by contemporary society, my work echoes opportunities and moments in life that urge us forward and continue to inspire each of us to define our own beauty through living."

In the streets of Old San Juan there’s a musician whose music dances in the streets. This piece captures the intensity and joy when making music. The yellow Adinkra symbol Sankofa reminds to “re turn and get it.” Keep our histories with us. They are the notes we play when singing our lives.

T.A.L.ENT.

(acronym for Todd Alan Lindbergh Enterprises)

Brothers with unique artistic styles and abilities, Todd and Eric Lindbergh are a force in the mural industry. With over 30 years of experience conceiving, designing and executing 3,000+ murals, they continue to surprise their clients with exciting and innovative ideas. Creating murals for both public and private enterprises, Todd and Eric pride themselves most on their tribute murals painted for the military, police and firefight ers. T.A.L.ENT.'s international fame arose from being commissioned by a company in China to create 3D black light murals for an indoor miniature golf course. Within the United States, T.A.L.ENT. is best know for its tribute murals, including the "Loss of a Friend" series (featuring man's best friends with their lost loved ones' uniforms). Other works of art include murals for local businesses and residents.

Todd and Eric enjoy working together and operate under a work mantra of "Have Brush Will Travel."

Bruce

Aimee Bruce is a versatile artist whose work ranges from colorfully cute to magically morbid. Her vibrant energy has been described as infectious by her colleagues and peers. She received her BFA with a concentration in drawing and design at Old Dominion University in 2016. Bruce currently works throughout Hampton Roads VA painting murals and other art commissions for her clients. Aimee Bruce's hard-earned reputation for producing beautiful, unique art that makes a statement — sometimes subtle, sometimes not-so-subtle — sets her apart and makes her one of the area's most sought-after artists. Her murals and personal art will move you and make you think. Her diverse perspec tive makes her art appealing to a wide demographic. Look around for Aimee's work on display in Virginia.

Original mural created for Vanguard Indistries in Norfolk, Virginia

This patriotic piece was created by AIMEE BRUCE exclusively for our cover

William Campbell

William Campbell is a retired advertising creative director with a passion for creating art that heightens the beauty and wonder found in the world around us. A studio art major at the University of North Carolina, he took a number of classes and workshops, including those taught by Wolf Kahn, Philip Pearlstein, Tom Jones, Frank Francese and others.

William is foremost a painter in pastels, perhaps his favorite medium, but he also brings his sense of color and intensity to oils and watercol ors, especially in landscapes. Each medium has its own challenges and he welcomes the opportunities they offer.

"My first love in painting is to capture the essence of the world around us -- its natural beauty; the impact, yet impermanence, of the works of man. Painting means drinking deeply of the scene before me. An exhilarating elixir."

"Opening Night"

Pastel piece painted by award-winning local artist WILLIAM CAMPBELL

Tonya Hopson

Tonya Hopson is an award-win ning artist originally from Grand Haven MI. Growing up on a farm, she had little ac cess to real art supplies until Middle School. Once exposed to the many possibilities, her tal ent and passion flourished. Nature, people, and animals are her favorite subjects to paint. Her early career choice was art ther apy. She joined the U. S. Marine Corps, and active duty brought her to the Tidewater area. She currently resides in Norfolk VA, where she is active in the local art commu nity participating in several art shows, exhibits, and com munity events. As a resident artist in-studio at The Artists Gallery in Virginia Beach (VBAC) and an associate artist at the d’Art Center in Norfolk, her art is often featured, and Tonya has art for sale at both locations.

Award-winning local artist TONYA HOPSON & digital design assistant Matt Weimer (Barnyard Boards Coastal) created this piece exclusively for our Abbey Animal Hospital cover.

Did

know that

can get the two-page center spread in the Virginia Connector Magazine for about the same cost per home as a first-class stamp?! Unlike direct-mail postcards and flyers, our maga zines get opened and are read all month long, cover-to-cover, over and over, by lo cal residents and homeowners, rather than landing in the trash. Perfect for local busi nesses that want to establish themselves as THE GO-TO EXPERT within their industry.

Did you know that you can anchor your own Connector Magazine and get exclu sivity and premium placements to pro mote your local business? Ask us for details. Did you know that Connector Mag azines is passionate about featuring lo cal artists front-and-center on our covers?

Space and areas are limited and premi um areas fill up quickly, so why not con tact us today and get more information? We're your Virginia Connector con necting and promoting all things local!

PiN Ministry exists to connect people experi encing homelessness to a loving God who will heal and restore hope. PiN values prayer and creative approaches to help serve people experiencing home lessness in Coastal Virginia. Veronica

NETWORKING with CONNECTOR

Veronica Brown, Health Care Coordinator

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: FRONT ROW left to right: Vince Medina, Kim Painter, Juan Montero II, Tedi Kiser, Shane Roddy BACK ROW left to right: Reid Barber, Louis Costa, Kevin Hubbard, Jason Lawrence

Each month, professionals of all ages and walks of life come togeth er to eat, drink & mingle! Events take place every 1st Wednesday at a different bar or restaurant in the area.

Networking Happy Hours are a lowkey, no agenda, meet new people/ catch up with old friends-type of event. Swing by anytime between 5 & 8 p.m. for a few minutes or the whole time!

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads. And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap. When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer. With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name! "Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky. So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too. And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.

A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack. His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow. The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath. He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly! He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk. And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

The End by Clement Clarke Moore

& EVENT

SHOPPING GUIDE

VIRGINIA SYMPHONY

Jingle Bell Jam

SUN, DEC 11, 2022 - 3p (pre-concert activities began at 2p)

SYMPHONICITY

Lollipop Concert

SUN, JAN 8, 2023 - 7:30p

SANDLER CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS ♦ 201 Market St, Virginia Beach

TO SEE MORE EVENTS

Scheduled throughout the Holiday Season visit VirginiaSymphony.org

VIRGINIA SYMPHONY

Handel's Messiah

THU, DEC 15, 2022 - 7:30p

REGENT UNIVERSITY VIRGINIA BEACH

Other Holiday Happenings

DECEMBER 2

6:00 pm - 11:00 pm

MINGLE + JINGLE ON THE BAY Delta Hotels by Marriott Virginia Beach Bayfront Suites 2800 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

SESAME STREET LIVE

Chartway Arena 4320 Hampton Blvd Norfolk

DECEMBER 3

5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

HOLIDAY PARADE AT THE BEACH

1500 Atlantic Ave Virginia Beach - bttwn 15th & 25th Streets

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

THE HOLIDAY ROYAL BALL

4453 Bonney Rd Virginia Beach

DECEMBER 3 - 4

SANTA'S WORKSHOP

VB Farmer's Market 3640 Dam Neck Rd, Virginia Beach

DECEMBER 11 - JANUARY 1

DOMINION ENERGY GARDEN OF LIGHTS 2022 @ NORFOLK BOTANICAL GARDEN 6700 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk

DECEMBER 13

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

PAW PATROL LIVE Chrysler Hall 215 St Pauls Blvd, Norfolk

DECEMBER 14 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

HOMEMADE FOR THE HOLIDAYS: CANDLE MAKING

Van Wyck Branch Library 1368 De Bree Ave, Norfolk

DECEMBER 17

9:00 am – 11:00 am

DECEMBER BEACH CLEANUP

The Narrows, boat ramp parking lot Virginia Beach

DECEMBER 18

7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

BALLET VIRGINIA

THE NUTCRACKER

Sandler Center for the Performing Arts 201 Market St, Virginia Beach

DECEMBER 31

2:00 pm – 1:00 am, January 1st

LAST NIGHT ON THE TOWN Town Center and Pembroke Mall

7:00 pm – 7:00 am, JANUARY 1

MARDI GRAS NEW YEAR'S

EVE GALA: DEC 31 - JAN 1

The Founders Inn and Spa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton 5641 Indian River Rd Virginia Beach

Locals Lesley and Deryn Shook opened Purple Bug Creations with a clear mission: To provide creative edible options for consumers.

"We provide unique spice blends, recipes to go with the spices, old-fashioned preserves, jams, butters, baked goods, and drink bombs we currently offer cocoa bombs, spiced ap ple cider, chai tea, butter beer, and white chocolate. We also do special orders. Our baked goods range from cookies to pies and cakes and breads and muffins. Butters can be fruit or nut. All of our jams, fruit butters and preserves are made fresh with in-season fruit. We even

handpick our own fruit and can it immediately (within 8 hours) after picking."

Did you know that con suming locally sourced foods boosts your immune system?

Purple Bug Creations uses local honey in its butters, jams and preserves, exposing your body to the same allergens you are already breathing in. It’s a deli cious way to help bolster your body against colds and other ailments.

Shop local this holiday season and support the wonderful, unique businesses within our community

Where did the orphaned toys go in Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer? The Island of Misfit Toys!

That is what I think of when I happen upon vintage handknits or holiday sweaters. I say quietly to myself, “Now look at you! Filthy, worn to abuse and in dire need of a makeover.” Feeling certain I can resurrect and re home them, they are tossed into my car and taken to the studio. Much like when The Grinch told Cindy Lou Who: “Why, there’s a light that won’t light on one side, so I’m taking it back to my workshop, my dear; I’ll fix it up there and bring it back here.”

At my studio the sweaters are evaluated for clean ing, fixing, reweaving, patching in, replacing pieces, resewing of beads, sequins and buttons, de-pilling and then hopefully off to find a new home. The ones beyond repair are used in other repurposed projects.

These are the various steps of restoration the vintage pieces go thru (complete instructions: relovedfabrics. com/blogs/the-nest):

1. Cleaning

2. Blocking

3. Repairs

Next: Crochet hook in loose threads. Replace worn out yarns, zippers and buttons. Resew beads, sequins, and adornments. Fix buttonholes and add snaps if needed. Remove pilling. Nail brush fuzzy fibers.

4. Final Step: Iron/press

many of which have landed on Oprah’s famous "O" list, such as Votivo & much more.

floral, table decor, gifts & so much more.

TIPS staging

FOR SELLING YOUR HOME

DURING THE HOLIDAYS

It’s the time of year when calendars are packed with holiday parties, budgets are strained by gift-giving and our roads are occasionally covered in freshly fallen snow. Alas, 'tis not the season for real estate. But the good news is that the few brave house-hunters who do venture out are serious about buying a house, and stylish trimmings will make them want to ring in the new year in your home.

“Holidays can be personal on a lot of levels, but you want to make sure your decor is neutral,” advises Amy Powers, owner of Accent Home Staging & Interiors of Atlanta. “You want to romance your buyer, not invite them to your Christmas party.”

TRY THESE TIPS TO GET BUYERS IN THE RIGHT SPIRIT:

CLEAN AND STAGE Before you decorate, your house needs to be staged. If your living room is already piled high with clutter and knickknacks, your ceramic reindeer collection is only going to add an overcrowded feel.

CREATE A COZY VIBE The less-is-more mantra of home staging may tempt you to forgo holiday cheer this year. But a few subtle touches like a bowl of pinecones, an evergreen wreath, or a pot of cider simmering on the stove can create a warm and festive feeling in your home.

COMPLEMENT YOUR PALETTE Make sure your holiday collection matches your current decor. If your living room is painted a soothing ocean-blue hue, skip the clashing red gar land and opt for white snowflakes or a silver glass-ball wreath. If you’ve got an earthy color scheme, accent with rich tones like cranber ries, forest greens and gold.

ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE Too many trim mings may distract buyers, but the right acces sories can draw attention to your home’s best features. Dangle mistletoe in an arched doorway, or display your menorah on the ledge of a bay window; just don’t block a beautiful view with stick-on snowflake decals or clutter an otherwise elegant fireplace with personalized stockings.

BE AN EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY DECORATOR

Leave the life-sized nativity scene in storage this year, because overtly religious flourishes may be off-putting to some buyers. Keep neutrality throughout, so you can attract any type of buyer. Not sure what qualifies? Err on the side of a holi day theme (12 Days of Christmas theme, etc.).

MIND THE TREE A tall Christmas tree can help show off your two-story great room, but make sure the wide base won’t overwhelm the floor space. If your living area is on the small side, save space with a skinny tree. Swap the gaudy heirloom ornaments and trim your tree in a cohe sive theme such as icicle lights and silver tinsel, for example, or blue and gold glass balls.

CLEAR THE CLUTTER A few decorations can stir the holiday spirit, but don’t feel obliged to hang every last ornament. You want each space to look as spacious as possible. Limit yourself to a few hints of holiday flair, but stash the rest in the basement or attic for now. If you start to miss your Santa figurines, just remember that with a little luck, you’ll be celebrating next year’s holidays in a new home. And you can decorate that place any way you please.

GO LIGHT ON LIGHTS I, Kelly-your-neigh bor, not Kelly-your-REALTOR®, absolutely LOVE all the lights the holidays bring; however, as Kelly-your neighborhood REALTOR®, I say to please step away from the inflatable snowman. One person’s “merry” is another person’s “tacky,” so tone down any garish light displays while your home is on the market. Instead, use simple string lighting to play up your home’s architecture or draw attention to the gorgeous fir tree in your front yard.

SELLING YOUR HOME DURING THE HOLIDAYS CAN BE TRICKY

As an experienced REALTOR® and longtime local resident, I'd be happy to offer advice on how to best present your home during the holidays, or anytime.

Happy Holidays from my home to yours.

Brought to you by KELLY KLAERS RE/MAX Alliance REALTOR®

(757) 572-9537

KellySellz@remaxvb.com