VB Connector Great Neck Dec 2023

Virginia virginia beach edition

CONNECTOR

A RT I ST S I N R E V I E W L I N E U P YEAR IN REVIEW: C H A R I T I E S & N O N P RO F I T S V I R G I N I A B E AC H E AT S & D R I N KS

HOW WE MOXY

THE MOXY VIRGINIA BEACH OCEANFRONT HOTEL A STYLISH, CHIC, EXTRAORDINARY HOTEL FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART.

VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 12

Why Rent Your Electricity When You Can Own It? By powering your home with solar, you can reduce your energy expenditure while simultaneously converting it into an appreciating asset with future returns.

John Marshall (540) 654-0793 john@xploresolar.com

Professional Solar Consultant

Get Your Free Estimate and Professional Consultation

Powered by

Editor’s Note

O

ur second year of doing business has come to an end. I am so excited to have exceeded growth expectations, thanks to so many new partners.

A few 2023 highlights include launching our Aging Well edition and forming a partnership with the ViBe District to promote local events and artists.

I’ve learned a lot of lessons since I started this magazine. To be a successful woman-owned business, you must build relationships that help you share authentic content. The people and businesses on our pages and in our ads aren’t clients but partners that help each other. Knowing 360 about someone instead of just 180 allows us to really know what our partners need and have more in-depth stories.

Another lesson learned is that “backyard networking” works! Every expert must come with at least one strong referral. Our experts are more concerned about doing a good job than being on page 1 of Google. Frankly, they don’t need a lot of money for marketing because they just do a great job and get a ton of referrals.

As I look to 2024, I am excited to be launching into a few new markets, doubling our growth and continuing to bring our community together. Our forward progress convinces me that print is not dead. At Virginia Connector, we take the time to research, write, and explain. We like to have fun with stories, but also dig into them like the recent ones on the Moxy Hotel, the Tommy V Band, Gym and Juice, and our charities and artists. I’d like to think we have a little more depth and intellect than a 30 second TikTok video!

Thanks to all our readers who have made us who we are today. We will continue to work hard to be worthy of your time each month.

PUBLISHER Brad Weber Local Umbrella, Inc FOUNDER/CO-PUBLISHER/EDITOR Michelle Westberry michelle@connectormagazines.com FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES CONTACT Michelle Westberry michelle@connectormagazines.com (757) 567-9354 CUSTOMER SERVICE office@connectormagazines.com STAFF SUPPORT Paw-ssistants to Michelle Westberry CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Thomas Marshall CONTRIBUTORS Moxy Hotel, Patrick Evans-Hlyton, Stephie Jones, ViBe District, Visit Virginia Beach.

CM

PHOTOGRAPHY

Happy Ne

Can you b short time streets at temps! Vi get all fou where yo round! Sim

This new bring the participan industry e events an we need see more someone

Alex Hopper Michelle Westberry In this iss

Owner/Publisher

(757) 567-9354 © 2023 Connector Magazines is published by Michelle@ConnectorMagazines.com Inspired Media LLC. Reproduction or duplication of any part herein requires written permission from publisher. All information included herien 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 connecting communities, one neighborhood at a time connecting communities advertisements or advertorials contained herein are one neighborhood at a do time not endorsed or recommended

by Publisher and not reflect publisher’s opinion of political or religious views; therefore, publisher shall not be held liable for business practices of advertisers. Publisher is not liable for images or content accepted in good faith.

Connector

designing deserving continues Aid partic artist, Sam the ViBe

Lastly, wit

go MAGAZINES health Aaron ha

PET COMP

— Michelle Westberry

for the dr inches! C (before hi

Happy N

who are affected by depression and healing powers ofGRth

paw-ssistants

. Cersei ♦ . Macie TUCKER MACIE Tucker ♦ CERSEI DISTRIBUTION

Please recycleBrad thisWeber issue of Virginia InspiredConnector Media, Inc. TO ADVERTISE CONTACT Michelle Westberry

(757) 567-9354

4 | CO N N ECTO R M AGA Z I N E S.CO M

Michelle@ConnectorMagazines.com

Em Pa

CONTENTS 7

OUR EXPERTS Look For Our Local Experts and Shop Local

8 CONNECTOR ARTISTS: YEAR IN REVIEW Looking back at the work of this year’s featured artists 16 COVER STORY 22 LOCAL MARKETPLACE, NETWORKING & EVENTS 25 NON PROFITS Giving Back to those that Give

5 | DECE M B E R 2 0 2 3

December

Virginia

CONNECTOR MAGAZINE

Attention Virginia Beach Business Owners

Our Readers are Looking for Experts!

What makes you unique?

Why should our readers choose you instead of your competitors?

Share your story on the front cover of Virginia Connector magazine!

Become The Local Expert In Your Community With Virginia Connector’s LOCAL EXPERT MARKETING PROGRAM your small business becomes the talk of the town!

Virginia Connector helps you become the most well-known, trusted, respected and referred business/professional in your specialty in your neighborhood… and we do it fast.

• We combine our print with targeted digital ads on FaceBook, Instagram and Google!

• We do it all for a fraction of the cost of the other guys!

• We share your success stories with the right targeted audiences to ensure results!

It’s powerful marketing for local residents to read an article from a local EXPERT in your industry If you truly consider yourself a neighborhood expert, and you are looking to attract new local customers - DO CALL US! You’ll be glad you did!

NOTE: We accept only ONE BUSINESS PER SPECIALTY, you may want to call before your competitor does!

Interested in becoming a local expert?

Call Michelle @ 757-567-9354 6 | CON N ECTO R M AGA Z I N E S.CO M

VIRGINIA BEACH EXPERTS

CALL THEM TODAY AND ASK FOR THEIR ADVICE AND EXPERTISE SO THAT YOU CAN MAKE BETTER CHOICES ON HOME SERVICES! LEARN MORE ABOUT BECOMING A RECOGNIZED EXPERT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD! MICHELLE WESTBERRY (757) 567-9354 ART AND CUSTOM FRAMING Jaqui Lilly BEACH GALLERY (757) 428-3726 • beachgallery.com jaqui@beachgallery.com

IRRIGATION James Reeves HYDRA IRRIGATION (757) 917-5652 • hydrairrigation.com info@hydrairrigation.com

CBD Nicholas Antonio Rocha QUEENS GREEN APOTHECARY (757) 486-0941 • QueensGreenVB.com QueensGreenRX@gmail.com

KITCHEN & BATH Robert Stahl NEPTUNE KITCHEN & BATH (757) 222-3181 NeptuneKitchenandBath.com

GROW EXPERT Adam Dobbins GROW DEPOT (757) 560-0355 • growdepot757.com adam@growdepot757.com

LANDSCAPING & ARBORISTS Michael Campbell ART-IS-TREE LLC (757) 319-5131 • artistreeva.com artistreeofvirginia@gmail.com

GYM Bernie Neighbor GYM AND JUICE TOWN CENTER (757) 969-8844 • gymandjuicetowncenter.com admin@gymandjuicetowncenter.com

NETWORKING Jake Maines 757 NETWORKING HH (864) 567-4124 • networkinghh.com jake@jakemaines.com

HOME DECOR & GIFTS Sharon Ballance TOPIARIES (757) 437-1183 • topiariesva.com info@topiariesva.com

ORGANIZATIONAL/BUSINESS CONSULTING Sue Lebrato YOU’RE AMAZING! (757) 472-9164 slebrato@icloud.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT — FLOORING Pete Yates YATES FLOORING (757) 717-9955 • yatesflooringva.com sales@yatesflooringva.com

PERSONAL CHEF James Francis CHEF FRANCIS III (757) 359-2816 • ChefFrancisiii.com cheffrancisiiillc@gmail.com

HVAC & RESTORATION Marjorie Spring & Megan Edwards HIGH TIDE CONTRACTING (757) 910-6677 hightidecontracting.com

SOLAR ENERGY John Marshall XPLORE SOLAR (540) 654-0793 • xploresolar.com john@xploresolar.com

INSURANCE — HOME & AUTO Monica Savino SAVINO AGENCY (757) 435-4291 • goosehead.com Monica.Savino@goosehead.com

TAX ACCOUNTING Cindy Stover BAY TAX ACCOUNTING (757) 427-4424 • baytaxaccounting.com cinzia@baytaxllc.com

INSURANCE — MEDICARE Dale S. White INTEGRITY INSURANCE (757) 650-2500 • integritymedicareva.com daleswhite@integritymedicareva.com

TRANSPORTATION — COMMERCIAL Melissa Hedayatpoor MTM INTERNATIONAL (407) 914-4866 • shipMTM.com operations@shipMTM.com

7 | DECE M B E R 2 0 2 3

Connector

s t s i t r A YEAR IN REVIEW

8 | CO N N ECTO R M AGA Z I N E S.CO M

C L AY T O N

Singleton

Clayton’s blend of verbal and visual art inspires, motivates, and educates. His use of realist-expressionism is realized through a style that is both academic and freestyle. Clayton has created public art, won numerous awards, and produced several solo and group shows including Walking on Paper at ArtWorks gallery, Recent Works: Art Installation Performance at SONO gallery and Look Beyond at d’ART Center @The Selden, which benefited The Autism Society of Tidewater. The Virginia Opera commissioned Clayton to design sets for Porgy and Bess and Freedom’s Journey. Clayton has served as a member of Norfolk’s AllCity Teaching Team, The d’ART Center Board of Directors and Norfolk Arts Commission.

His inspiration comes from everyday living and the lives of everyday people. He says,

“the juxtaposition of images and words provides metaphor for the reality of our lives, branching to the possibilities of our dreams.”

L

ooking back at the work of this year’s featured artists, I saw pieces that were so different. Each artist has such an individual style. They all communicate something beautiful but different and reach out and speak to me in a unique way.

I’m not an art critic, but I think art should communicate a message or thought that is worth exploring. I love this year’s artists because they have an ability to evoke emotions and convey messages that may be difficult to express in words. To me, art has always been a way to escape a rough day, explore new ideas, and find beauty in the world around me. Sometimes art challenges the status quote or provokes discussion. Whatever we see in it, art is an important part of our coastal community. That’s

why we feature a different artist every month in Virginia Connector.

Here in our final issue of 2023, we wanted to again promote the unique local artists that make it happen, in the hope of bringing even more attention to their many talents. If you are interested in purchasing original art at an affordable price, please visit our artist’s websites or Facebook pages. I invite you to look at all their artwork or visit places like the Beach Gallery to see it in person. You might find a unique piece that you want to display in your home.

Here’s wishing our artists and all of you a joyous holiday season.

—Michelle Westberry

TESSA HALL

Duquette

Tessa is electrifying the Virginia Beach community one mural at a time. Her background includes a natural artistic ability, an art degree from the University of Vermont, and a love of creativity. From coastal flowers to seashells to oceanfront wildlife, she loves to capture the essence of beach living in order to make her Virginia Beach community that much brighter. When she’s not hard at work painting a new mural, you can find Tessa riding her beach cruiser barefoot down the boardwalk, hosting a neighborhood porch party with her husband, or tie-dyeing with her three sons.

“As a Shadowlawn resident and creative working in the heart of Virginia Beach’s ViBe Creative District, I often dreamed of painting the blank walls I passed on my daily bike commute. I’ve been overjoyed to watch this little beach town transform over the years and now it’s my absolute pleasure to be a part of the magic.”

9 | DECE M B E R 2 0 2 3

Connector

Artists YEAR IN REVIEW POETRY

Jackson

Poetry Jackson is a visionary visual artist and poet whose creations captivate the senses and ignite the imagination. With a profound love for the arts and a deep commitment to community engagement, she has emerged as a dynamic force in the art world.

Poetry Jackson brings together a kaleidoscope of colors, symbols, and intricate details to craft works of art that delve into the realms of identity, philosophy, and spirituality. Her pieces are masterfully crafted, inviting viewers to explore the nuances of social, racial, and cultural issues through a visual language that speaks directly to the heart.

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Poetry Jackson actively contributes to the local arts community through her involvement in nonprofit organizations and public art committees. By serving on the boards of these esteemed institutions,

Poetry Jackson plays a pivotal role in advocating for the arts and fostering an environment that nurtures creativity and cultural growth.

ABBY

Pawley

Abby is a full-time artist and muralist. She is a locally recognized and selftaught artist. She started her artistic journey at only five years old. Growing up she excelled at drawing but found her true expertise with oil & acrylic painting when she turned 18.

She is well known for her large-scale vibrant murals. She took part in the 2021 ViBe Creative District Mural Festival and has done a multitude of murals ever since. She has sold many commission pieces such as canvases and surf boards that now hang in many establishments across the country. She went outside of her realm and won the 2019 beer label contest at Back Bay Brewing Company and now creates beer labels for Wasserhund Brewing Company on a regular basis. She discovered a burning passion creating realistic oil paintings of the female figure. She wants to make a statement

with her provocative oil paintings, that women’s bodies are temples that should be hung on walls to be admired and not objectified.

10 | CON N ECTO R M AGA Z I N E S.CO M

Connector

Artists YEAR IN REVIEW KENDALL

Synder

Kendall Snyder, ‘KendiiArt’, is a local Vibe District artist known for her bright, bold and colorful works of art. It wasn’t until Kendall moved to VA Beach that she truly found her own unique style and love of painting. The subjects of her work range from sea life to space astronauts, but has become a ‘go-to’ for creating custom pet portraits. You can

find her dog portraits everywhere from the VIBE district community fence mural, on the back of tee shirts to the side of beer cans at your local brewery. She was a curator of “Aunt Flo’s Art Show” for a number of years as well as a featured artist in “Art of the Vibe 3” exhibit through the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. She has been involved in local pop-up shows such as Vibrant Shore Brewing “Dog Days of Summer’, Back Bay Brewery’s “Artist Block” and a featured artist at Zeke’s Beans & Bowls. She is always available for commissioned requests, and can be contacted through her social pages on Facebook & Instagram @KendiiArt

MIA

Guile Mia was an intercontinental citizen before moving to Virginia.

Her global trekking has influenced all aspects of her life.

STEPHIE

Jones

Stephie is a coastal artist based in Virginia Beach who is well known for her range of captivating interpretations of oysters. She experiments with her subjects in all forms, sometimes focusing on realism, other times mood, and often experimenting with color and abstracted shapes or layering texture and pattern.

She is inspired by the colors and textures of the coastal life around her. Beyond oysters, she also enjoys painting oceans, waves, and beach scenes. Her favored mediums are acrylics and watercolor because they are so versatile and really allow for color play. Stephie was honored to be

Her academic background includes the study of visual arts, post graduate education in social work, and training in expressive art therapies. Mia is a mother to 2 grown children, was a social worker, and university educator.

Currently, Mia works as an abstract expressionist style painter.

As a community member, she’s active in several roles. She’s a Commissioner for the Arts and Humanities Commission, Treasurer of the Vibe Creative District Friends Board, and a member of the Public Art Committee for Cultural Affairs. She has been a docent for MOCA, and a judge for several juried shows, including the national Scholastic Awards.

asked to be the 2019 Virginia Beach Neptune Festival Poster artist and learned it was a top seller once sales were tallied.

11 | DECE M B E R 2 0 2 3

Neptune Kitchen and Bath is proud to be Hampton Roads authorized dealer for Stiltz Homelifts

neptunekitchenandbath.com 757-222-3181

• age in place • affordable • attractive

stairs got you down?

for 8 years

We are here to help guide you along the way!

Holiday Decor Custom and Readily available Wreath’s, Trees and Tabletop arrangements D E C O R AT I N G N E E D S , WA L L PA P E R , F U R N I T U R E , A C C E S S O R I E S , H O M E D É C O R , W I N D O W T R E AT M E N T S

Call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation!

Holiday Style

Let Topiaries be your one-stop-shop for all things floral, table decor, gifts & so much more.

TopiariesVA.com | (757) 437-1183

(804) 919-1488

301 - 25TH St, Ste 9, Virginia Beach VA HOURS: Mon-Sat 10-5 / CLOSED SUNDAYS

321 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach 12 | CO N N ECTO R M AGA Z I N E S.CO M

MEDICARE

MEDICARE EXPLAINED IN CLEAR TERMS to help you undertand ALL coverage available to meet your unique healthcare needs

EDICARE EXPLAINED IN CLEAR TERMS MEDICARE EXPLAINED IN CLEAR TERMS

Medicare approved grocery benefits under certain available conditions for 2022.

MEDICARE EXPLAINED IN CLEAR TERMS to help you undertand ALL coverage to to help you undertand ALLhelped coverage available tobeneficiaries IN CLEAR TERMS I amMEDICARE very grateful toEXPLAINED have hundreds ofavailable Medicare to meet help you undertand ALL coverage to yourhealthcare unique healthcare needsto meet unique needs to help you ALLhealthcare coverage available meet your unique needs obtainyour thousands ofundertand dollars worth of groceries this year. Please

meet your needs contact meunique to seehealthcare if I can help you.

Medicare approved grocery under certain conditions Medicare approved grocerybenefits benefits under certain conditions for 2022.for 2022. approved grocery benefits under certain conditions for 2022.

Medicare approved grocery benefits under certain conditions 2022.

Integrity Insurance Services is credentialed with the top Medicare carriers in our for market.

I am very grateful to have helped hundreds of Medicare beneficiaries I am very grateful to have helped hundreds of Medicare beneficiaries CMS requires us to let you know.

“We do not offer every plan available in your area.

Any I am very grateful to have helped hundreds of Medicare beneficiaries thousands of dollars worth ofof groceries this year.beneficiaries Please y grateful toobtain have helped hundreds Medicare obtain thousands worth of groceries this year. information we provide isof limited to thoseworth offer in yourthis area.

PleasePlease contact Please obtain thousands ofdollars dollars ofI do groceries year. contact me totoplans see ifwe can help you.

Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE get information on all of your options. n thousands of dollars worth ofsee groceries thisyou. year. Please contact me to see I can contact me to if Iifcan helphelp you.

contact me to see if I can help you.

Integrity Insurance Services is credentialed with the top Medicare carriers in our market.

MEDICARE EXPLAINED IN CLEAR TERMS YOU RInsurance HOMETOWN CMS requires us Services to let you isknow.

“We do notwith offer plan available in your area.

Any credentialed theevery top Medicare carriers in our market.

IntegrityIntegrity Insurance Services islimited credentialed with the top Medicare in our market. to help you undertand ALL coverage available tocarriers information we provide is to those plans we do offer in your area.

Please contact NO COMMITMENT CMS requires us to let you know.

“We do not offer every plan available in your area.

Any INSURANCE GROUP— CMS requires us to let youorisknow. do not offer every plan available incontact your area. Any meet “We your unique healthcare needs Medicare.gov 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. information we provide limited to those plans we do offer in your area.

Please urance Services isprovide credentialed the top Medicare carriers in our market.

SPECIALIZING INlimited with information we is to thoseto plans we do offer in your youroptions. area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE get information on all of Medicare approved grocery benefits under certain conditions 2022. es us to letMedicare.gov you know.

“We do not offer every plan available in your area.

Any FREE MEDICARE COVERAGE Y O U R HOMETOWN or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of yourfor options. very grateful have helped hundreds of Medicare beneficiaries we provideYFOR isINIUam to those Please contact NOhealthcare COMMITMENT O RUOUR H ME TOGROUP— WN to plans NEIGHBORS IN & we do offer in your area.

Slimited RO ANCE

obtain thousands of dollars worth of groceries NO year. Please assessment COMMITMENT care.gov 1-800-MEDICARE to getme information on all of this your options.

UERCND AN CHAMPTON E WN G R OINU P— ROADS SSPOMETO IALIZING Y OUor RINAROU H contact to see if I can help you.

FREE

I CARE COVERAGE NO COMMITMENT INSU R Integrity AMNE DCE G RO UP— Insurance Services is credentialed with the top Medicare carriers in our market.

S P E C IALIZ IN G IN

healthcare FREE M EF D E C O V E R A G E IN & O IC R AR OUR NEIGHBORS H O ME TOWN CMS requires us to let you know. “We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any S P E CFIA L I ZIN Gwe IN assessment healthcare OAinformation RR OOU RANL EE IG HS. B Ois R Slimited W HINI T&toEthose plans we do offer in your area.

UDND HAMPTON ROADS provide Please contact N C EM GR OU Medicare.gov to get information on all of your options. assessment E D IC RP— END C HOAVERAG EO A DS A RAOU MP TOorN1-800-MEDICARE R

( 7 57) 6 50- 250 0

We’ll Knock Out Your Project Your home deserves beautiful flooring, expertly installed!

Request FREE Quote

Click Lock Vinyl Flooring isn’t ‘ALSO’ what we do — It’s ALL we do!

CLICK LOCK VINYL FLOORING is a durable, long-lasting, and sustainable product that will do wonders for your home.

Why not have it installed today?

NO COMMITMENT FREE

healthcare L I Z ING F O R IN O UYRO UNEIG HBO R S IN & R HOMETOWN D A L E GROUP— S. W H I T E FREE Consultation NO COMMITMENT assessment IN S U RANCE FREE O U N DAGE H AM PTO N R O AD S A R E ACROVER D(757) A Ldaleswhite@integritymedicareva.com E S. S P ECIALIZING INW H I T E 650-2500 healthcare FREE U R NE IG HBORS IN COVERAGE & M E D ICARE (757) 650- 250 0

assessment OUR NEIGHBORS IN & D H A M PTO FNO RROADS daleswhite@integritymedicareva.comassessment FREE Consultation healthcare FREE Consultation DAAR OUND L E HAMPTON S. W HROADS ITE daleswhite@integritymedicareva.com

(757) 650-250 0

3309 Peronne Ave, Norfolk, VA | Mon — Sat 9am - 5pm

(757) 717-9955 | yatesflooringva.com

D A L E S. W H I T E

D A L E S. W H ITE (757) 650-2 500

FREE Consultation daleswhite@integritymedicareva.com

Chef Francis III

757) 65 0 - 2 5 0 0

FREE Consultation daleswhite@integritymedicareva.com

FREE Consultation From appetizers Impress your daleswhite@integritymedicareva.com to full meals Chef Francis will take the stress out of your holidays this year!

guests & enjoy your event when you book your own private chef

Transportation Simplified Transportation You Can Trust Enjoy a chef-inspired experience for your next event

(757) 359-2816

Domestic & International Service RGN/Lowboys 5 to 7 Axles / Heavy Haul 8 to 9 Axles Flatbeds & Step Decks Machine Tear Down & Storage

(407) 914-4866

14 | CON N ECTO R M AGA Z I N E S.CO M

shipMTM.com

REINVENTING CHRISTMAS

By Richard Lederer

IN 1822, THE REVEREND CLEMENT CLARKE MOORE, a literature professor at a theological seminary in New York City, wrote for his children what many believe is the best-known poem in the English language, “A Visit from Saint Nicholas.”

Usually titled “The Night Before Christmas” Moore’s Claus, his plump and jolly white-bearded look, his means of transportation, the names of his reindeer, and the tradition of his delivering toys to boys and girls on Christmas Eve. On the night before Christmas, many parents read this poem to their children.

Later in the nineteenth century, another New Yorker, Thomas Nast, enlarged the image of Santa Claus with his artist’s pen and brush. Known as the Father of the American Cartoon, Nast remembered that when he was a little boy in southern Germany, every Christmas a fat old man gave toys and cakes to children. So, when he sketched and painted Santa, his portraits looked like the kindly old man of his childhood.

Santa Claus had been represented in various ways, , , the course of thirty years of drawing for Harper’s Weekly magazine, he baked into our culture his image of Santa Claus, his jolly girth, his white beard and moustache, his bright red-and-white-trimmed coat, trousers, and hat, his black belt and boots, and his sack of toys. He also drew Mrs. Claus and set the Clauses’ workshop at the North Pole.

Across the sea in England, Charles Dickens was born into an impoverished family. His father served a term in debtors’ prison, and Charles worked as a child laborer in a London boot-blacking factory. From such unpromising origins, he rose to become the best-selling writer of his time and one of the most enduring and quotable writers of all time. The rags-to-riches life of Charles Dickens became more fantastic than any of his stories.

In 1843, within the brief compass of six weeks, Dickens gave the world A Christmas Carol Christmas present is towering. The story’s glowing message, the importance of charity and good will toward all humankind, struck a resonant chord in England and the United States and deepened the celebration of the holiday.

Although Christmases in eastern England were rarely snowy, Dickens’s backdrop of a blizzardy London in his Carol stuck with readers and helped create our expectations of a “White Christmas.”

Today, we’re likely to call anyone who is not in the Christmas spirit a Scrooge and give them a sarcastic “Bah! Humbug!” Most of us know that we owe this phrase to Charles Dickens, but hardly anyone realizes that he also popularized the greeting “Merry Christmas.” Ebenezer Scrooge’s visiting nephew greets his uncle with it in , , Christmas’ on his lips should be boiled with his own pudding and buried with a stake of holly through his , readers’ minds and hearts.

Without Charles Dickens’s slim stack of messy manuscript pages that came to be known as A Christmas Carol, Christmas today might still be a relatively minor holiday with no carolers and no large family gatherings for turkey dinners.

15 | 15 DECE M B E RB2ER 023 | D ECEM 2023

BY THOMAS MARSHALL

SEVEN-STAR CHIC HOTELS ARE OVERRATED Why leave all the fun on the sand?

When you wash the sand off your feet, and come back to your hotel, do you feel like you also wash off all the joy and play of a great beach day?

It’s also easy to get into a routine of doing the same thing in the same place when you visit the oceanfront. If you want to give yourself a welcome boost, and keep the fun going all evening, why not try something fresh and different? The Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel at 12th and Atlantic Avenue is that place.

From the moment you check in at the bar, the Moxy is different and invigorating, no matter your age. We read the sign at the bar, “Come play with us,” at the same time that we heard people gleefully sliding down a slide. We then witnessed impromptu victory dances when someone won giant Jenga.

There was the clinking of glasses, kids laughing all around the large first floor, and people having their complimentary drink sitting on the pool couch.

The Moxy Hotel initially comes across as something for Millennials only, but when you relax into it, you realize the

hotel isn’t a generational thing. The Moxy hits the universal inner child in all of us. There was the younger crowd, but also parents getting a staycation from the kids, others who brought their dogs, middle-aged couples like us with low thresholds of amusement, and military families. Frankly, the lobby was a cross section of our community.

The décor was a warm trendy design that you can connect to.

It was avant garde for sure, but it was also inclusive and playful.

They had quippy pillows that made us laugh, clear plastic mod armchairs, and a two-person passenger rickshaw where we sat and watched an entertaining band.

The Moxy is a place where you can just be yourself and sip your morning coffee in an inflatable chair. It was such a comfortable atmosphere that it was easy to connect with other guests by the coffee pot at the bar. We may never see them again, but we had great conversations and laughs.

“A lot of people have heard about us on Instagram and want to find out what we are about,” says Katie Castano, Director of Sales. “The Moxy is for the young at heart.”

We felt like we were visiting family and friends in a large

16 | CON N ECTO R M AGA Z I N E S.CO M 16 | CON N ECTO R M AGA Z I N E S.CO M

DOES VIRGINIA BEACH HAVE A NEW “IT” DRINK? The Moxy has the classic Virginia Beach Orange Crush, which is a mix of vodka, orange liqueur, a splash of lemon-lime soda, and of course, freshly squeezed orange juice. But like the hotel experience, the Moxy is also challenging the same old Virginia Beach drink list.

And boy did they get it right!

The new Moxy Lowball is the quintessential drink that captures the essence of a day at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. What could have been a gimmicky drink was delicious and refreshing. The strawberry vanilla essence is made fresh and specific for this drink. It is topped with a maraschino cherry and a piece of saltwater taffy. It is a nod to all the things that make us think of Virginia Beach and proud to live in our wonderful beach community. We love strawberries from Pungo, saltwater taffy from our souvenir shops, and our fun summers at the beach. When you think of oranges, you think of Florida!

There is a new Sheriff in town, and his name is Ken Howe, the Bar Manager and all-around mixologist at the Moxy. Almost everyone appreciates the power of creativity. Ken has created something new that will catch your eye and brighten your day. Move over Orange Crush. There is a new best drink in Virginia Beach.

You heard it here first.

vacation home. Remember when your family rented a house in the Outer Banks when you were a kid? You can remember feeling at peace and having all the hallmarks of the perfect family vacation. Mom and dad with a drink in their hand, cousins whooping it up, and you and the other kids playing games.

Guest Amanda Morris felt the same vibe. “I never stayed at such a trendy hotel that feels like a beach house in the lobby.”

So many times, I was pulled into other people’s space in a fun, human way. The six Royal Navy guys were so engaged in the band that the performers thanked them. It was a beautiful

exchange of emotion.

The rooms can be oceanfront, partial ocean views and city views. Our room was super cozy and there was no need for the standard dresser and nightstand. The Moxy is not a place to hang out, order room service, and binge watch Netflix. We put our suitcases down, walked down the boardwalk hand in hand, and enjoyed an amazing dinner at Chix on the Beach. There were pads of artwork on the walls of our room, and when we asked, they encouraged us to just take one off if we liked it. We took home a super artsy octopus as a memento.

In the middle of the chic and quirky stood something that went back in time: The Belvedere South. The Belvedere South is modeled after the original Belvedere that stood for 50 years in Virginia Beach before closing in 2019. When my sister was in town, we always made sure to have breakfast there. The hash browns are as wonderful as I remember.

“The stars in reviews hardly do justice to the remarkable value of this vibrant and energetic hotel, said guest ouheir Salha. “It is a place that truly stands out and deserves accolades far beyond what mere stars can convey.”

17 | DECE M B E R 2 0 2 3

MENTIO NTTHIS HISAAD D& MENTION &

SAVE

5%

Specializing in All Styles of Custom Window Treatments

Making the Vision for Your Home a Reality

TO SCHEDULE AN IN-HOME CONSULTATION

Call Us or Visit Our Local Showroom!

757.842.3766

CATERING TO THE OCEAN FRONT, GREAT NECK & SHORE DR COMMUNITIES

LOCALLY

2973 Shore Dr. Suite 103,V irginia Beach, VA

www.coastalelitewc.com

We can't control everything, but we can control the temperature inside.

From start to finish, we’ll be there alongside you.

HVAC | Fire & Water Restoration | Asbestos Abatement Repair & Restoration

hightidecontracting.com FAMILY

Operated Owned

EXCEPTIONAL HIGHEST

Values

Quality

PATIOS | WALKWAYS | POOL DECKS | PORCHES | CUSTOM DESIGNS

Come Visit Us! Open Hours: Mon-Sat: 10am – 7pm Sun: 11am – 5pm GIVE US A CALL (757) 937-1504 2404 Virginia Beach Blvd.

Virginia Beach, VA

SPECIALIZE IN RETAINER WALLS, LANDSCAPING WALLS, PAVER INSTALLATION, CONCRETE OF ALL SORTS.

RELATIONS WITH RELIABLE AND OUTSTANDING CONTRACTORS OF NEARLY ALL TRADES TO ASSIST IN OTHER PROJECTS.

Marty’s Hardscapes Pavers & Concrete

(757) 770-0007 18 | CON N ECTO R M AGA Z I N E S.CO M

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

@757ConcreteAndPavers

THE VIRGINIA FLOORS FAMILY B I G I N V E N TO R Y, LOW, P RI CES, A ND GREAT CUSTOM ER SERV I CE

FLOOR TRADER

floortraderofvirginia.com Floor Trader is your flooring supplier for installers and DIY homeowners and home flippers. Although installation services are not employed here, resources for contractors can be provided for you to book yourself. Floor Trader is a large warehouse with millions of square feet of flooring that’s readily available to you at the time of purchase.

Floor Trader of Chesapeake, 1725 S Military Hwy, Chesapeake, VA Floor Trader of Virginia Beach 1104 Lynnhaven Pkwy A, Virginia Beach, VA

CARPET WORLD CARPET ONE

carpetworldofva.com Carpet World Carpet One is a full-service flooring retailer for the everyday customer that will walk you through each step to fulfilling your flooring needs. They handle your project from start to finish, beginning with the design and ending with the installation.

Carpet World Carpet One of Chesapeake 669 Cedar Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322 Carpet World Carpet One of Norfolk 3431 N Military Hwy, Norfolk, VA 23518

PROSOURCE WHOLESALE

prosourcewholesale.com Prosource Wholesale is a one-stop wholesale distributor for all types of flooring materials, as well as everything needed for kitchens and bathrooms. These stores are for trade professionals, so you must be a contractor, designer, installer, or other trade professional to shop here.

Prosource of Hampton Roads 1738 Lambert Ct, Chesapeake, VA Prosource of Newport News 301 Village Ave, Yorktown, VA

Locally owned & operated tree service offering the best pricing for your needs.

Large & small projects done with precision, safety & efficiency.

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

Tree Cutting & Elevation

Tree & Stump Tree Pruning Removal

Residential & Commercial

Installations & Service Landscape Lighting Drainage & Winterizations Class A Licensed & Insured

Trees that are properly taken care of are more resilient to a range of potential problems, are infinitely more attractive, and can add substantial value to your property.

F R E E I N S TA L L AT I O N E S T I M AT E S !

Call today for an estimate on your unique tree service needs

(757) 917-5652 | www.hydrairrigation.com

HOURS: Mon - Sat 7AM — 7PM

(757) 319-5131 ♦ artistreva.com ♦ artistreeofvirginia@gmail.com 19 | DECE M B E R 2 0 2 3

Personalized Insurance Solutions with 40+ Carriers (757) 581-6472

Monica.Savino@goosehead.com

SCAN to run quotes ONLINE

HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS? CALL MONICA!

SAVINO AGENCY MONICA

SAVINO

RIDESHARE INSURANCE — Did you know?

In our sharing economy, Uber, Lyft, Grubhub and Door Dash are becoming extremely common. Due to increased risk, many personal auto policies won’t cover losses that occur while using your vehicle to drive for a fee. Limited insurance coverage may be offered by these companies, but this does not protect you in certain scenarios and your personal auto insurance may not either.

Talk to your agent about adding “rideshare” and/or “business use” endorsements to your policy to properly protect you in all scenarios.

Join us monthly for a little food & wine, financial education & a whole lotta networking.

When GREAT women come together to Support & Encourage one another, AMAZING things can happen!

Since 2011, we’ve been serving ladies of Hampton Roads.

Grab a girlfriend and join us for this complimentary event.

Space is limited, register now to save your seat and learn more at InspireYouAgency.eventbrite.com.

Your Host: Angie Utter Gauthier, EVP

Angie@InspireYouAgency.com (757) 618-0055

A home inspection is a small investment that can save you money. Let us help you avoid costly surprises down the road.

Lind’s Property Inspections • 757-270-1817 | 757-575-5923 • lindspropertyinspections@gmail.com • www.lindspropertyinspections.com 20 | CON N ECTO R M AGA Z I N E S.CO M

Eat Well

V I RGI N I A B E AC H E AT S & D R I N K S

I

Good Eats, Drinks, And Dos Across The City And Beyond

By Patrick Evans-Hylton

enjoyed hundreds over the years, including at the famed Buena Vista in San Francisco. But rum is such a favored flavor during the holidays, that I developed my Caribbean Coffee. Here’s how I make it:

t’s a big city out there, with all sorts of good eats, drinks, and dos.

I’ve covered the cuisine scene in the region for going on three decades, using my training as a chef, mixologist, and wine expert to give folks all the delish details they need to live a good life.

Look for this column monthly in the pages of Virginia Connector.

EAT DRINK

Since 1988 Aldo’s Ristorante has been one of the region’s top Italian restaurants, with an approachable cuisine and style.

I’m in love with Aldo’s Linguine with Fresh Clam Sauce. Here, a large bowl is filled with a half-dozen local littleneck clams resting on a bed of linguine.

You get an option of red or white sauce; I usually pick red.

This dish is filled with authentic flavors.

The pasta is tender, and the long strands the perfect platform for the remaining ingredients. The impeccably fresh baby clams throughout compliment the locally-caught shellfish atop, all with a delicious brininess to them. That flavor compliments the decadent, rich sauce, which had just enough heat to it. The nice drizzle of oil and the addition of the Italian classic seasonings - garlic and parsley, was the perfect addition.

Aldo’s Ristorante is at 1860 Laskin Rd., Virginia Beach. Call 757-491-1111 or visit www.AldosVB.com

Whiskey sours have long been a favorite cocktail of mine. I love the way the whiskey is brighter up with a fresh pop of citrus, making it one refreshing imbibe.

From all the creative cocktails at Eurasia, the Lillet in the Rye caught my attention. Here is a delicious rendition of the classic whiskey sour, with a wonderful blend of Knob Creek Rye, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, simple syrup, and lemon juice.

The grassy heat of the rye was a beautiful platform for the drink, lifted with the sweetness of the Lillet, a lovely aperitif wine, and the orangey profile of the Cointreau. The simple syrup sweetened things up, and the lemon juice brought a delicious sourness to the party.

Eurasia Cafe is at 960 Laskin Rd., Virginia Beach. Call 757-422-0184 or visit www.EurasiaVB.com

DO Welcome guests in from the cold with our Caribbean Coffee, a fun twist on the classic Irish coffee.

I consider myself a bit of an Irish coffee connoisseur, having

21 | DECE M B E R 2 0 2 3

Preheat a glass mug by filling with hot water, letting sit a moment, then emptying it.

Pour hot coffee in the mug about 3/4 full, and add 1 tablespoon Demerara sugar, a quality raw sugar, and stir until sugar is dissolved.

Add and stir in a dash of orange liqueur and 2 ounces premium spiced rum; we prefer Four Farthing Spiced Rum from Virginia Beach’s Chesapeake Bay Distillery (www.ChesapeakeBayDistillery.com).

This is a historically-based, artisan rum that I developed in partnership with the distillery. Top with freshly whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg.

Patrick Evans-Hylton is a Johnson & Wales-trained chef and Virginiabased award-winning food journalist, covering tasty culinary trends in print, radio, television, and online since 1995. Read him at VirginiaEatsAndDrinks.com

Patrick EvansHylton is a Johnson & Wales-trained chef and Virginiabased awardwinning food journalist, covering tasty culinary trends in print, radio, television, and online since 1995. Read him at VirginiaEatsAndDrinks.com

NETWORKING IN THE 757 WITH JAKE MAINES H a p p y hou r e x p ert s erv e s u p networking with a smile.

By Thomas Marshall

Novembers event @ Wasserhund Brewing Company

Jake Maines has put his marketing knowledge into action for the benefit of local businesses. Every month, he hosts a “Networking Happy Hour” at a different bar or restaurant in Virginia Beach. What started as a networking event for 40 of his friends has now become the largest monthly networking event in Hampton Roads.

“It has taken on a life of its own,” said Jake. “People were tired of zoom meetings at the end of pandemic, so I decided to invite friends out for happy hour.”

Jake recently celebrated the two-year anniversary of “Networking Happy Hour” at Fisher’s Neighborhood Kitchen.

“I couldn’t believe that 120 people showed up to our anniversary,” said Jake. “So many people have done business together from our events.”

One person who started with Jake and doesn’t miss the monthly event is Jordan Washnieski. A mechanic by trade, he is the owner of SolOrphanage, which specializes in fixing lost or broken solar equipment and helping forgotten about solar customers. Most of his customers purchased solar but lost their service plans when their solar company went out of business.

“If you need something that person is probably coming to Jake’s event,” says Jordan. “I recently met a guy who does account processing and another decal and marketing person.”

Another person who has consistently attended since May has been Ray Fadness,

owner of Bridge Apparel Company, which specializes in custom apparel, screen printing, and promotional products. Ray is just 21 years old but has created a thriving business thanks in part to the Networking Happy Hour. About 20% of his business comes from the connections he makes at the event.

“I met a new marketing company that has sent me three leads already,” said Ray. “They were for a Mexican restaurant, construction company, and a junk removal company.”

“We are always looking for ways to help you set yourself apart from the crowd.” says Jake. “I take pride in being genuine and wanting to help people connect.”

Networking Happy Hour: The Networking Happy Hour is always on the first Wednesday of the month. Go to networkinghh.com to get on the invite list, or by scanning the QR code below.

Cheers, Jake Maines

REGISTER FOR NETWORKING HAPPY HOUR!

22 | CO N N ECTO R M AGA Z I N E S.CO M

Navigating towards a better financial future

TAX PLANNING TAX RESOLUTION SMALL BUSINESS ACCOUNTING

Let’s resolve those tax issues!

(757) 427-4424 baytaxaccounting.com 23 | DECE M B E R 2 0 2 3

G L A S S | C B D | VA P E | G U M M I E S | T I N C T U R E S

custom framing · fine art · reproductions Friday Block Party ( first Friday of each month) Come meet your neighbors and join us for food, drinks, art, music and fun!

We have the very best Broad and Full Spectrum CBD to provide alternative solutions to your muscle & joint pain, anxiety and depression, and sleep aid. If it's Legal we Got it!

Veteran & Hispanic Owned.

313 Laskin Rd., Suite 104 | 757-428-3726 | www.beachgallery.com Free Parking off 30th St.

2 6 9 4 V I RG I N I A B E A C H B LV D V I RG I N I A B E A C H VA 2 3 4 5 2 757.486.0941

24 | CON N ECTO R M AGA Z I N E S.CO M

YEAR IN REVIEW Are

s e i t i Char Moving the Needle?

By Michelle Westberry, Publisher

I

like leaving the writing up to the writers. But when it comes to charitable causes I care about, I can’t help but insert myself. Each month, Virginia Connector features a different charity in the hope of raising awareness for a different cause or community service.

When I founded Virginia Connector in November 2021, I made a pledge to donate at least a page of free advertising to at least one charity a month. As a youth raised by someone other than my parents, I hold a lot of these charities to heart. By bringing happiness to children and others, and attention to causes that don’t have big marketing dollars, I can give them the attention that they need and deserve.

The magazine’s charitable work has given me incredible joys that have stuck with me. Seeing first-hand what people have had to endure and are able to overcome has made me a better person. But if I’m being totally honest, I have also given to charity out of “enlightened self-interest.” If our community is in decline, if we have higher unemployment and homelessness, and higher youth disconnection, for example, those problems will negatively impact our readers, our economy, and thus our ability as a magazine to survive and thrive.

I am proud to have raised awareness of so many charities in 2023.

But as a whole, are we moving the needle on the societal issues that we have written so much about? Are our readers’ checks and fundraisers and volunteer hours really making a difference?

Based on reports produced by the Social Science Research Council, Hampton Roads has dropped from 35,200 disconnected youth in 2015 to 19,800 in 2023. It has taken hundreds of charities and thousands of caring people to accomplish this amazing change. I can say with confidence that your investments are making life better. It all adds up.

In 2023, Virginia Connector featured several charities focused on disconnected youth and women and families in need. One was StandUp for Kids that helps homeless and disconnected youth ages 12-24. Their mission is to end the cycle of youth homelessness by any means necessary. Each year they serve about 1,600 youth with more than 6,000 meals.

Another group was Samaritan House which helps individuals and families free themselves from domestic violence, human trafficking, 25 | DECE M B E R 2 0 2 3

sexual assault, and homelessness by providing emergency and permanent affordable housing, holistic support services, and community education. Another group, EnJewel, provides equality and justice for women and works to eradicate human trafficking.

The Judeo-Christian Outreach Center, whose October gala I was privileged to attend, is working to eliminate homelessness in Virginia Beach; tackle recidivism; and ensure homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring. Todd Walker, the Executive Director of the JCOC, has implemented evidence-based practices to attain this goal by eliminating barriers to housing.

We as a community need the safety net services that these organizations provide – they catch youth and families when they are down - but we also need services that PREVENT problems like homelessness and unemployment in the first place. Together We Can Foundation’s Smart Transitions program provides disconnected youth the life skills and career skills they need to transition to adult independence and the workforce. When someone has meaningful employment they earn a living wage, get private health insurance so they are connected to the health care system, stay connected to the workforce and community, and gain a sense of pride.

Some charities highlighted in 2023 give us the art, beauty, and community connections that make coastal Virginia so special. Each time I visit Virginia MOCA at the oceanfront, I am reminded that there are some things in life that are so beautiful they are simply too difficult to put into words. MOCA collects, preserves, and interprets the art of our time. The Phillipine Cultural Center of Virginia preserves and perpetuates their beautiful culture and traditions and connects Filipino youth, seniors and families to each other.

Last but certainly not least are charities such as The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society which is dedicated to creating a world without blood cancers. Cancer has touched us all in one way or another.

Cancer patients need help, hope and support – and you. We again featured Juneteenth to bring attention to the official date when slavery was abolished throughout the country. We also announced a series of arts and cultural events to celebrate Juneteenth.

We hope you will visit the websites of these charities and consider a gift that is generous for yourself because I know that you want disconnected youth and our community to succeed. Please give online to the charity that most touches your heart.

You’d be surprised how far $50 goes.

Standup For Kids, Hampton Roads https://www.standupforkids.org/donate/ MOCA https://virginiamoca.org/ ADR https://alldistrictreads.org/donate/ Leukemia https://donate.lls.org/voy/donate PCCOV (Philippine Cultural Center of Virginia) philippineculturalcenter.com JCOC https://jcoc.org/#donate TWC www.twcfoundation.org EnJewel https://enjewel.org/donate/ Samaritan House www.samaritanhouseva.org

26 | CO N N ECTO R M AGA Z I N E S.CO M

MARKETPLACE ONGOING: December 17; 11am to 2pm Peabody’s Comedy Brunch www.VBhotdeals.com Tickets $2.50 only on VBhotdeals.com Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday Live Music at Old Beach Tavern Bands such as: The Janitors, Hotcakes, Intangible Cats and more 3020 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Game nights at Warriors Taphouse - Free Get discounted food and drink vouchers on VBhotdeals.com Dec 13, 20 & 27 and every Wednesday in January, 7 to 10pm Karl’s Open Mic Beach Barracuda’s 1479 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach October 21 & 22, 11am to 6pm

EVENTS

Virginia Beach boardwalk beacheventsvb.com $30 per car

December 16, 9am to 12pm Old Beach Farmer’s Market 620 19th Street, Virginia Beach oldbeachfarmersmarket.com Sundays from 9am to 7pm Sunday Dog Days at Norfolk Botanical Gardens Explore the Gardens with your Canine Best Friend norfolkbotanicalgarden.org November and December, dates vary Norfolk Admirals Hockey Norfolk Scope Cost: $22 to $56 For more information: norfolkadmirals.com Ongoing Sports at Old Dominion University ODU Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium Football and more.

Ticket prices vary odusports.com

November 24 to December 23 Snowglobe Spectacular Virginia Beach Town Center towncentervb.com Free December 1-23, 5 to 8pm (days vary) Santa and Mrs. Clause in Holiday Globe & Live entertainment Virginia Beach Town Center towncentervb.com Free Ongoing thru December 31; 5 to 9pm Garden of Lights Norfolk Botanical Gardens $12 to $20 norfolkbotanicalgarden.org

November 17 - December 31, 5:30 to 10pm Holiday Lights at the Beach

SELF-EFFICACY

BY S U E L E B R ATO

What is the difference between someone who is successful and someone who is not? Certainly the skills necessary to do the work are required. Noted psychologist Albert Bandura, defined “Self-Efficacy”, as the belief in oneself to succeed. This characteristic is critical in one’s motivation and resilience. Successful people believe their efforts will be successful and that catalyzes their perseverance.

&Z Wh >/ t ></E' dKhZ^ s Zz DKEd, ϭƐƚ &ƌŝĚĂLJƐ Ăƚ ϲƉŵ Θ ϮŶĚ ^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJƐ Ăƚ ϭϬĂŵ

Some strategies to improve self-efficacy include: 1. Focus on increasing experience in the area of interest to improve competence.

2. Observe positive role models and learn from their experiences.

3. Engage in positive affirmation, and accept positive feedback from others.

4. Manage and mitigate self-doubt through mindfulness, or meditation practices.

Encouraging children, teens, and adults to develop self-efficacy through supporting their goals and achievements will enable belief in themselves.

Coaching can support a focus on self-efficacy. If someone in your life could use this coaching, what a wonderful holiday gift that would make!

Reach out to You’re Amazing! at slebrato@me.com for an appointment. Happy Holidays!

Organizational/Business Consulting

DĞĞƚ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ >Ks ƐŝŐŶ Ăƚ ϭϴƚŚ ^ƚ ĂŶĚ LJƉƌĞƐƐ ǀĞ͘ &ƌĞĞ ƉĂƌŬŝŶŐ ŽŶ ϭϴƚŚ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ͘ KƉĞŶ ƚŽ Ăůů͘

E /', KZ,KK D Z< d^ ϯƌĚ ^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJ͗ KůĚ ĞĂĐŚ &ĂƌŵĞƌƐ DĂƌŬĞƚ KůĚ ĞĂĐŚ ƌƚ Θ ĐŽ DĂƌŬĞƚ dŚĞ s &ůĞĂ DĂƌŬĞƚ ^ŝŶŐĞƌ ^ŽŶŐǁƌŝƚĞƌ ^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJ >/s Dh^/ ǁǁǁ͘sŝ Ğ ƌĞĂƚŝǀĞ ŝƐƚƌŝĐƚ͘ŽƌŐ

27 | DECE M B E R 2 0 2 3

MARKETPLACE ONGOING: Ongoing thru December 24; times vary A Merry Little Christmas Carol Wells Theatre $15 to $80 vastage.org December 2, 12 to 8pm Holiday Yule Log Bonfire and Christmas Market Town Point Park festevents.org Free December 2, 7:30pm Holiday Pops! Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chrysler Hall virginiasymphony.org $25 - $119 December 3, 8pm Josh Gates Chrysler Hall sevenvenues.com $36 to $56h

EVENTS

December 3, 7pm Kat Timpf - You can’t Joke About That Live Attucks Theatre sevenvenues.com $39 to $65

December 12 - 17; times vary Beetlejuice Chrysler Hall sevenvenues.com/events $40 to $80

December 4, 7:30pm The 2023 Tidewater Winds Annual Holiday Concert: Winter Winds Sandler Center for the Performing Arts sandlercenter.org $25

December 15, 7pm Mark Normand - Ya Don’t Say Tour Harrison Opera House sevenvenues.com/events $32 to $57

December 8, 7pm; December 9, 2pm Elf in Concert Chrysler Hall sevenvenues.com/events $52 to $77 December 9, 6 to 10pm A Classy Western Soiree - 8th Annual Heart’s and Hoofbeats Fundraiser for Vanguard Landing The Venue at Denali Jean Ranch VanguardLanding.org $125 single / $225 couple

Nicole Nicole Nicole Nicole Nicole Nicole Nicole Nicole Maxino Maxino Maxino Maxino Maxino Maxino Maxino Maxino (757) (757) (757) (757) (757) (757) (757) 652-0808 (757) 652-0808 652-0808 652-0808 652-0808 652-0808 652-0808 652-0808 28 | CO N N ECTO R M AGA Z I N E S.CO M

December 15-17, times vary Ballet Virginia’s The Nutcracker Sandler Center for the Performing Arts sandlercenter.org $25 - $65 December 19, 7:30pm Vienna Boys Choir - Christmas in Vienna Sandler Center for the Performing Arts sandlercenter.org $37 to $87

Eat Well

Fa n ta s t i c W h i t e Bean Chicken Chili

By Linda Gann Stiles (This recipe is slightly adapted by Kelley Drake.)

Servings: 10 2 Tbsp. olive oil 8- chicken breast halves, skin on, bone-in, makes chicken more flavorful & moist Kosher salt & ground black pepper 2- medium onions, chopped 2 1/2 cups chicken broth 1 tsp. dried oregano 1 tsp. dried cilantro 2 tsps. All-purpose seasoning (I recommend Everglades Seasoning ‘Monkey Dust’) 1- jalapeno pepper, diced, with stems & seeds removed 6- cans of Great Northern beans, drained (you can use any white bean) 5- green onions, chopped OR 2 Tbsp. dried chives (I used the chives) 2- pkgs. McCormick white chili mix 2 Tbsp. minced garlic, fresh or jarred

Season chicken breast liberally with kosher salt & pepper then bake @ 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Add any juices from the baked chicken into the pot along with chicken stock.

While chicken is baking, add olive oil to stock pot & sautee chopped onions, till translucent. Add chicken stock & remaining ingredients, UNLESS you are using the green or scallions, if so add when serving. Bring to a slight boil, then reduce heat to a low to medium heat.

Remove chicken skin and bones, dice chicken into bite size pieces, taking care to remove all small bones & add to pot. Simmer 10-15 mins and serve.

29 | DECE M B E R 2 0 2 3

MARKETPLACE EVENTS ViBe EVENTS (through December) HAVE YOU ASKED YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS WHEN THINKING ABOUT RETIREMENT? Have I saved enough?

What if there’s another stock market downturn?

Could changes in politics and policies affect me?

Could increased tax rates

take a toll on my monthly income?

What if I need to go into a nursing home?

Wouldn’t it be nice to retire with confidence?

Contact our office today to take the first step in measuring your retirement readiness and ensure you are prepared for the retirement you’ve always imagined!

Asset Protection • Retirement Planning Lifetime Income • LTC Solutions Life insurance • Legacy Planning Medicare Solutions

Contact us today to schedule a complimentary retirement review!

December 31, 6pm Last Night on the Town - New Year’s Eve Event The Movement with Special Guests The Collection and Ries Brothers Virginia Beach Town Center lastnightonthetown.com Free with VIP Tickets Available December 31, 9pm New Year’s Eve Party Cavalier Hotel, Virginia Beach cavalierresortvb.com Cost TBA December 31 2023 New Year’s Eve Party Hilton The Main, Norfolk themainnorfolk.com $50 www.vibecreativedistrict.org

ACTON ACADEMY Hampton Roads

Children’s Business Fair Saturday December 9th 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM

HR RETIRE, INC. 4445 Corporation Lane Suite 276 Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462

Selden Market 208 E Main St, Norfolk, VA 23510

(757) 807-9505 www.hrretire.com

Ready for a day of high-energy fun and entrepreneurship?

Danielle & Jeff Randolph

Come check out the unique creations made by young masterminds, and help support the next generation of entrepreneurs!

We welcome sponsors and volunteers to join us in making this event a wild success.

We are an independent financial services firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of insurance products to custom suit their needs and objectives

Contact Megan for more information: 757-981-6641 or Megan@ActonAcademyHR.com

30 | CON N ECTO R M AGA Z I N E S.CO M

PLAN YOUR STAYCATION

WHEN THE TOURISTS GO AWAY THE LOC ALS COME OUT TO PLAY! * King City View Room $79 King Partial Oceanview Room $89 King Oceanfront Room $104 Double Queen Oceanfront Room $119 CALL 757.452.4515 TO BOOK TODAY! *Must have ID with Hampton Roads address to get special rate. Subject to black out dates and availability. Offer ends Feb. 29, 2024.