May 1961
Wild West Theme Park in Virginia Beach
By Al Chewning Author/ Historian/ Storyteller
Back in March, I wrote about The Confederacy, an outdoor drama written by Paul Green. It was performed in a 1700 seat amphitheater near the intersection of 24th Street and Birdneck Road. The Production closed after only two years.
On that site, a new, $250,000, Old West theme park, Frontier City, a stockade town, was constructed and opened for business in May 1961. The 26-acre lot still had the amphitheater, now used for educational programs, but also a general store, a bank, the
calico creamery, a newspaper office, a livery stable, the marshal’s office, a jail, a church, a school, a saloon, a “pitchur gallery”, the dodge house, the train station, the stagecoach depot, and a riverboat wharf.
A $1 admission fee allowed access to almost everything. The rides were 25 cents per ride. The Longhorn Saloon served hamburgers and sodas and was also where the public restrooms were located. There was also the Little Marshal’s Saloon that sold sarsaparillas and root beer. Ice cream cones were available at the Calico Creamery.
By showing a toy gun at the Marshal’s office, kids would receive a deputy marshal’s tin badge for free.
At the newspaper office, a visitor could have his/her name put into the headlines of the
Al Chewning
Images courtesy of Al Chewning
Frontier City - Main Street Postcard, Opened
“Oh, those summer nights -- and days.”
By Karen Beardslee Kwasny Columnist
Karen Kwasny
I like to take a walk after dinner each evening. The world quiets and slows at twilight, making walking more enjoyable. Ellie, my dog, is typically with me, and my husband or mother occasionally joins us. This nightly ritual can be hard in the cold winter, but it serves us well in the summer when the heat can stifle a walk earlier. I’ve always been partial to summer days and nights. I only wish they could be with us longer. When I was a young girl growing up in rural Pennsylvania, the end of the school year signaled the start of seemingly endless outdoor play. My cohorts and I would be out and about, on foot or on our bikes, from the time we’d get up in the morning until well after dinner. Our meet-up location was determined the night before, or one of us would show up at the others’ doors just as the cereal bowls were emptied.
We’d traipse through the cemeteries, telling ghost stories and scaring each other with local legends about eccentric townsfolk occupying the burial grounds. The overgrown back hedge, shaped like a tunnel, became a hideout for our missions impossible. We played
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tennis against the elementary school walls and rigged tarps for a slip-n-slide on the neighbor’s small, hilled yard. We raced homemade go carts through the middle of town and lip-synched our way through The Beatles albums on a makeshift patio stage.
We knew the hour by the sun’s rays and would land at someone’s house for lunch around midday. I can’t imagine what summers were like for the stay-at-home parents – typically moms back then – who found themselves with a bunch of stray kids at the table for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches a few times a week. Each parent took their turn, so the chaos and expense may have evened out.
Afternoons found us road-weary but not exhausted as we headed down to the creek to kick off our sneakers and wade in the cool water, searching for tadpoles, frogs, and other slimy things that slithered. Or we’d sneak into an old farmer’s barn where the horses we loved stood swishing their tails and twitching the flies away in the hazy mid-afternoon light.
We were great explorers wandering far. In truth, we were within earshot of a call from Mom or the cowbell when it was time for dinner, a hurried affair. We couldn’t wait to get on with the fun of summer, which was even more exciting after dusk when we’d run down the alley for
Local Sun Magazine 1724 Virginia Beach Blvd Ste 102 Virginia Beach, VA 23454 757-425-4828 thelocalsun.com editor@thelocalsun.com
Contributors
Al Chewning Karen Kwasney
Dr. Adelia Gregoire Nylia Laney
Shawn Tasch Gregory Angilly
Kim Reed Michael K. Williams
Anthony Papa Theresa Earles
Tom & Beth McPherson
flashlight tag or ghost hunting or lightening bug catching in someone’s back yard.
In the blue-black of what felt like midnight (but was only about 9 p.m.), we’d trudge back home, our energy spent, our zest for another day welling up inside us. I recall the light of my father’s cigarette as he waited for us at the picnic table. We’d regale him with tales of our day as he ushered us inside for baths and bedtime.
We didn’t have air-conditioning in our home back then, so we’d crack our upstairs windows to let the little breeze blow through our room. My sister and I would whisper about our day or read by flashlight under crisp white sheets, our ears piqued by the sound of crickets.
Local Sun Magazine (LSM) is published monthly by National Brochure Distributors Inc. for Virginia Beach residents at no charge. All content is copyrighted by LSM. Contents may not be reproduced without written consent from the publisher. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily the opinions of the publisher or its employees and does not establish an endorsement of products or services. Readers are advised to verify any statements. Advertisers accept full liability and
We were teenagers by the time our summer days and nights changed with sports and jobs and adolescent romances. We hardly noticed their passing as we moved on with other things. Still, I like to think we knew what we were doing when we used up every drop of those fleeting summer months. Not a longer day – or shorter night – went by without us fully in it. We were present in ways we weren’t in the winter. I realize now that summer, in all its momentary glory, begs us not to miss a moment. It’s a valuable lesson to live by.
Karen Beardslee Kwasny is a former Virginia Beach Planning Commissioner and college professor. leejogger@gmail.com
accountability for all content of advertisements published and for any claims arising from such advertising. LSM does not validate for licenses, endorse nor warrant any advertised businesses or services. Publisher reserves the right to revise or reject any material, including advertisements. The opinions conveyed in the editorials and contributed articles are not necessarily those of the editor and publisher.
Now Open! Owls Creek Landing
Check out the first spiral tower with the longest steel slide in the US, along with a treetop trail canopy walk and children’s treehouse playground. With 38 acres of beautiful forested terrain, it ensures an extraordinary experience for visitors of all ages and abilities!
•Open Daily 10 am to 4 pm
New Hours Effective July 11
Sunday - Thursday 10 am - 4 pm
Friday - Saturday 10 am to 8 pm
•See website for admission fee info
•801 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach
•owlcreeklanding.com
Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Symphony By The Sea Concert Series
Presented by the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival. Returning for its 14th season of performances! Held at 31st Street Park along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, these concerts are provided at no cost to both locals and visitors. Attendees are advised to arrive early since the concerts draw large crowds and the park can quickly become crowded.
•Thu 7/10 7:30 pm - 9 pm
•Free & Open to the Public
•31st Street Park
Virginia Beach Oceanfront
• neptunefestival.com
All events are subject to change. For the most current info please check event website.
Local Events
South Pacific Luau & Hangar Dance
2025 at Military Aviation Museum
Travel back in time and enjoy the charming atmosphere of our South Pacific-themed Hangar Dance! With the stunning backdrop of our historic aircraft collection and hangar, this event guarantees an extraordinary evening that harkens back to a 1940s island base.
• Sat 7/12 6 pm - 10 pm
•See website for event pricing
•1341 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach
• www.militaryaviationmuseum.org
Norfolk Taco Festival - 7th Annual
More than 30 of Virginia’s top restaurants, food trucks, and carts will offer an amazing selection of tacos and similar dishes for only $4 each. Savor margaritas, partake in games, and enjoy taco-themed excitement while being entertained by live music, DJs, and traditional mariachi acts!
•Sat 7/12 & Sun 7/13
12 pm - 2 pm (VIP Only)
2 pm - 8 pm (Gen Adm, VIP)
•See website for admission pricing
•Waterside District
333 Waterside Drive, Norfolk
• tacofestival.com/event/norfolk-copy/
July
7/4 US Independence Day
7/67/13 Shark Week
7/15MLB All-Star Game
7/17Disneyland Opens, 1955
7/20Moon Landing Anniv., 1969
7/20National Ice Cream Day
7/26US Postal Service Est., 1775
7/31 Jimmy Hoffa goes missing, 1975
Water Lantern Festival
This event is filled with joy, hope, fun, and wonderful memories that you will always treasure. Everyone can participate in this family-friendly event. A tranquil, unforgettable event can be created by bringing together friends, families and neighbors.
•Sat 8/2 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
• See website: admission/lantern kit pricing
•Mount Trashmore
310 Edwin Drive, Virginia Beach
• waterlanternfestival.com
Pickleball Festival Weekend at Pickleball Virginia Beach
Play free pickleball. Play each day from 9 am to 9 pm. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, all skill levels are welcome.
Featuring food trucks & beverage stands, artists & craft vendors and music.
Fun for all ages. Bring your family!
•Fri 8/8 - Sun 8/10, 9 am to 9 pm
•Free & Open to the Public
•928 S Birdneck Road, Virginia Beach
•pickleballvb.com
August
8/4 Coast Guard Birthday, 1790
8/6Hiroshima, 1945
8/9Full Moon - Sturgeon Moon
8/9Nagasaki, 1945
8/18 Roanoke Colony found deserted, 1590
8/24US Open starts (thru 9/7)
8/25VBCPS - 1st Day of Classes
8/26 19th Amendment was adopted, granting voting rights to women, 1920 8/29VBCPS - No Classes
Virginia Beach Hot Dog Spots
Beach Dogs 1000 Atlantic Avenue, VB
Boujiee Dogs & Cocktails 2951 Shore Drive, VB
Famous Uncle Al’s Hotdogs & Fries2828 Virginia Beach Blvd, VB
757-957-1672facebook.com
757-486-5727famousunclealshotdog.com
Famous Uncle Al’s Hotdogs & Fries3045 Shore Drive, VB 757-481-2718famousunclealsshoredrive.com
Famous Uncle Al’s Hotdogs & Fries3972 Holland Road Suite 120, VB757-965-9173famousunclealsdoghouse.com
Famous Uncle Al’s Hotdogs & Fries5394 Kemps River Drive Suite 108, VB757-420-7366facebook.com
Footers Sports Pub 4676 Princess Anne Road, VB 757-467-6427fspvb.com
Frank and Patty’s 510 17th 1/2 Street, VB 757-904-5045frankandpattysva.com
Hot Diggity Dogs BBQ 412 Newton Road Suite D, VB 757-230-6297facebook.com
J&K Style Grill 1650 General Booth Blvd Suite 104, VB757-965-4783jandkstylegrill.com
Kevin’s Dog House 1933 Virginia Beach Blvd, VB 757-961-1689facebook.com
Seaside Dogs and Grill 2137 Upton Drive Suite 324, VB757-453-6479facebook.com
Origin Debate: The hot dog’s origin is debated, with claims from Frankfurt, Germany (for frankfurters) and Vienna, Austria (for wieners). It’s a modern adaptation of the sausage, with ancient roots, as mentioned in Homer’s The Odyssey.
The Name “Hot Dog”: The name “hot dog” is credited to cartoonist Tad Dorgan, although unverified. He saw a vendor selling “hot dachshund sausage dogs” at a baseball game. Unable to spell “dachshund”, he wrote “hot dog” in a cartoon.
Mustard is the most popular hot dog topping in the United States according to a 2021 survey by the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council.
Bun vs. Hot Dog Quantity: The difference between the usual packaging of hot dogs (often 10) and buns (often 8) comes from the fact that buns are typically baked in clusters of four in pans designed to produce eight rolls.
Sources: Google AI, USDA, National Hot Dog and Sausage Council.
Hot Dogs and Baseball: Hot dogs became popular at baseball games in 1893.
Not Just “Mystery Meat”: Most hot dogs sold in grocery stores are made from recognizable meats such as pork, beef, chicken, and/or turkey.
A Presidential Meal: President Franklin D. Roosevelt served hot dogs to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth at a 1936 lawn party. The King reportedly enjoyed them so much he asked for seconds.
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
By Nylia Laney Contributor
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is one of my favorite places to go to see some wildlife that you normally don’t see in our area. I have been going to the refuge for about three years, and
I am never disappointed. The refuge is a little over a two-anda-half-hour drive from Virginia Beach. It is located on the Albemarle Peninsula in eastern North Carolina. You can go for the day or spend a few days and see so much nature and wildlife.
On a recent four-day trip, I saw between four and eight bears every day. This was the first time I had seen alligators but to my surprise I saw alligators four times on my recent visit. I saw a beaver for the first time as well. I was able to see barred
owls, great horned owls, turtles, frogs, butterflies, snakes, deer and so much more. The refuge is a paradise for birders with over 250 species according to the refuge.
Alligator River National Refuge is known for having one of the
All Images courtesy of Nylia Laney
American Alligator
largest populations of black bears in the eastern United States. The best time to spot bears is in the early morning and around dusk when they are more active. I do see them during the day but mostly in the mornings and evenings. As you drive slowly
around the refuge you look for signs of bear activity, in the grassy areas, on the side of the road and up in the trees. On this visit I saw movement in a grassy area and out came an adult bear with three cubs, and they moved to the open field to look for food. Another morning as I turned the corner a bear scurried up a tree. Some of the bears I can tell are
used to people and others are extremely shy, but you always want to give them their space. As I sat in my car on day three a bear exited from a grassy area, walked past the car, and went over to a tree branch and started scratching its neck to try and get rid of the horseflies flying around his face. The bear then went into
the canal and took a dip in the water to try and get rid of the horseflies. The bear was quite big, and I wondered if it was the bear they call “The Big One” at the refuge. This was all so exciting and magical to me, and I felt so blessed to have witnessed this encounter.
Continued on Page 12
Bear resting in tree.
Plain-bellied Water Snake missing part of it’s tail.
Snapping Turtle Beaver
Blue Grosbeak
Great Crested Flycatcher
Kingbird
Prothonotary Warbler w/ Spider
Cedar Waxwing
Continued from Page 11
The Alligator River National Refuge is also home to the last remaining wild populations of red wolves. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, “the red wolf is the worlds most endangered wolf. When the red wolf was first designated as a species that was threatened with extinction under the Endangered Species Preservation Act in 1967, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service initiated efforts to conserve and recover the species. Today, about 15 to 17 red wolves roam their native habitats in eastern North Carolina as a nonessential experimental population, and approximately 241 red wolves are maintained in 45 captive breeding facilities throughout the United States.” Vehicle collisions on U.S. Highway 64 is a significant threat to the endangered red wolf so please drive with caution as you travel to the refuge. In a future visit I hope to see one of the few
remaining red wolves. There is so much to see at the refuge so be patient and drive or walk slowly through the refuge. Respect wildlife and keep safe distances. You can enjoy all the wildlife and birds from the comfort of your vehicle, or you may enjoy hiking, canoeing,
and fishing as well. I personally like the Sandy Ridge wildlife trail for a short hike. There are prothonotary breeding boxes along the trail if you want to see these beautiful yellow warblers. And you may see a bear as well. As I always say, stop, look, and listen.
OUR ADVERTISERS HAD A
FEW CHOICE WORDS FOR US.
“I am very satisfied... I received several calls my first month, resulting in two sales.”
- Don Pipkin
Owner, Pipkin
Home Improvements
- Chuck Snellinger
Owner, 757 Fence and Deck
- Christian Davis
Owner, Beach Tree Care
- Patty Scherer
Owner, John’s Barber
Shop at London Bridge
Shopping Cener
Whitetail Deer
Black Bear
All Images courtesy of Nylia Laney
Check the refuges website at fws.gov/refuge/alligator-river for more information. They also have a bird list of different species. Don’t forget your camera, binoculars, and most of all your BUG SPRAY.
Nylia Laney is a native of Virginia Beach and enjoys nature photography.
Black Bear Cub
Swallowtail Butterfly on Iris
Viceroy Butterfly
Eastern Mud Turtle
Continued from page 1
Frontier City newspaper. A souvenir to take home.
Saddle horses could be rented, and pony rides were available for kids. There was Frontier City Express, a small gauge train, led by a The park had a General Sherman-model, steam locomotive, a real stagecoach pulled by two horses, and a small paddle-wheel boat. In addition, there were kid sized go-carts designed to look like old Model T cars, and a circular dirt track to drive on.
Every day, there were bank hold-ups, Indian raids, train and stagecoach robberies, and shoot-outs, all staged by local thespians. All adults, of course. However, the park offered great summer jobs for high schoolers. About 60 teens worked at Frontier City each year. They were paid $1 an hour. A local
Continues on page 17
Front and back covers of Frontier City brochure. Enlargement of inside contents on next page.
Deputy Badge Wooden Nickle
Continues on page 17 Frontier City brochure inside content. All images courtesy of Al Chewning
Clockwise from top left: Postcards - Stagecoach, River Boat, Frontier Express and outer panels of a tri-fold brochure.
Continued from page 1
boy scout troop, dressed as American Indians, manned the Indian village.
Frontier City was closed on Mondays, but Tuesday to Friday it opened at 1 P.M. and closed at 10 P.M. On the weekends it opened at 10 A.M. and closed at 10 P.M. Business was so
good the first year that the park remained open beyond Memorial Day weekend.
In 1965 the property owner decided the land was too valuable to leave as an amusement park. The entire lot sold for $100,000 at auction. The paddleboat had already sunk. The train and most of the track were sold to an outfit
in Ohio. Frontier City, now a ghost town, was demolished and the Birdneck Village apartment complex was built in it’s place.
A proposals to move the theme park to a 50-acre tract near Camp Pendleton, and a 66-acre tract west of Rudee inlet, but neither panned out.
The Indian village was relocated to a wooded lot across from Pembroke Mall on Virginia Beach Boulevard. The Skicoak Living Museum of the American Indian was open for tours from 1962 to 1971, when he owners move everything to Roanoke Island, N.C. and operated there until 1978.
Al Chewning has lived in Virginia Beach his entire life. He is a retired firefighter, historian, author and storyteller. 757-469-7978 haunts@mindspring.com historiesandhaunts.com
Suspending Judgment of Self and Others
By Adelia Gregoire, Psy.D. Contributor
As a practicing clinical psychologist for over 25 years, I can share with you the one behavior that is certain
to sabotage self-confidence, relationships and a sense of well-being. Judgment.
The act of judging is something that we all do, whether judging ourselves or others. Arguably, judgment is unavoidable. It is integral to teaching right from wrong. Toddlers need to learn that hitting and yelling are bad and that gentle touches and kind words are good. Schoolaged children need to learn that
cheating is bad and hard work is good. However, judgment quickly becomes problematic when it involves judgment of the actor instead of that of the behavior. This is a fine line that most of us cross without awareness. When we do cross it, judgment mutates from a useful moral and ethical compass to a catalyst of disdain towards self and others. It disrupts relationships and precipitates shame. I have found both personally and professionally that this type of shame impedes personal growth.
I will share a personal vignette to illustrate what can be an unexpected and detrimental byproduct of judgment. It occurred with my now adult son. At the time he was a young toddler with all of the rambunctious, boundarytesting energy befitting of his
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age. One December day, as he was sitting at our breakfast room table coloring with his crayons, I asked him what sorts of things he was hoping to get for Christmas. Without any emotion, he told me that he would not be getting any gifts for Christmas. When I asked him why not, he responded in a matter of fact tone that he was bad and that bad children don’t receive gifts. I was caught off guard by how resigned he was to this view himself as “bad”. It occurred to me that I had not differentiated for him the difference between judgment of his behavior and judgment of himself. This exchange taught me to talk to him (and his future sisters) about bad behavior as a departure from who they are as people. Left unchecked, my son could have easily internalized a sense of himself as bad which would have changed the trajectory of his life. Once we see ourselves
as bad, we are not as motivated to follow rules or to cooperate with others or to be attuned to other’s emotions. I have woven this distinction into my therapy sessions, particularly with those who struggle with shame or with understanding and forgiving the mistakes of others. I have come to believe that judgment of self leads to shame, which erodes self-confidence and impedes our ability to get back on track and do better. Similarly, judgment of others creates disconnection and barriers to loving and mutually respectful relationships. In order to promote a mentally healthy, high functioning lifestyle with satisfying relationships, recognize the difference between judgment of behavior and judgment of person and work to suspend judgment towards self and others.
Adelia Gregoire, Psy.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with Community Psychological Resources in Norfolk Virginia.
Adelia Gregoire
4 Tips for the class of 2025 - And maybe parents too
By Anthony Papa Contributor
Anthony Papa
On a recent Saturday afternoon, I packed three of my kids into our mid-sized SUV and traveled 300 miles for a 3-hour college graduation party. Returning on the same day. Why might you ask? Simply put it was an opportunity for my kids to interact with young adults and learn more about their goals and aspirations. I’m not sure how much my kids retained but it was worth a shot. It did get me thinking about what kind of advice I’d give my graduating cousin. I had no shortage of ideas but I wanted to whittle it down to a handful of key concepts.
Don’t wait for the perfect job For one thing, it probably doesn’t exist. Keep in mind, your first job is not your last job. You’ll likely work for multiple companies in numerous roles. If you have to settle for something less than what you are expecting, here are a couple tips to get the most out of your first gig. Don’t take umbrage if you’re assigned menial tasks. Volunteer to help with projects to gain experience working with other teams, enhance your skill set and increase your value.
Figure out what you like and what you’re good at. This will help you fine tune your career path and make for more engaging work. Perhaps most importantly, take an active interest in your peers, interns and bosses. Some may reciprocate. It’ll make for a more meaningful experience and potentially open up other opportunities down the road.
Live below your means
When you’re starting out on your own, develop good financial habits. Chief among them is spending less than you earn. This is a key step in establishing financial independence and freedom. Having a financial cushion reduces stress and better positions you to handle nonrecurring expenses like car repairs or medical bills. It also allows you to save and invest more of your hard-earned dollars facilitating a faster accumulation of wealth. A budget is critical to this endeavor. Group your expenses into two buckets – discretionary and nondiscretionary. Non-discretionary expenses would be rent, utilities, insurance, food and clothing. Discretionary is most everything else. Compare your net take home pay to your expenses. If your expenses are equal to or greater than your net take home pay, examine your budget for areas to cut back on spending.
Pay yourself first
This is another key financial habit that grads should practice. Budget monthly contributions to saving and investing. Establish a savings account for emergencies. Also, having readily available cash will provide more career freedom if you want take a new job, switch fields or take a chance starting a new business. Concurrently, contribute to your company’s retirement plan. At a minimum, consider contributing enough to receive the maximum company match. For instance, if your company matches dollar for dollar up to 6%, consider contributing 6% to get the full match. If your company does not offer a retirement plan consider opening an individual retirement account (IRA) to start investing for your future. The earlier you start investing the more time your money has to compound. You have one key advantage that your parents are short on – time. Use it to your advantage.
Avoid Bad Debt
First let me define good debt. It’s an investment in yourself that furthers your professional and/or personal development. Think grad school, professional certifications
or technical school. Or it could be a unique, once in a lifetime experience like an international trip with your closest friends or family. This is a memory that will only increase in value as you get older. Bad debt isn’t typically associated with positive memories or professional advancement. It’s normally used to facilitate consumption. Some examples would be credit card debt, car loans or high interest personal loans. As an aside, do not beat yourself up if you can’t afford a down payment on a house in your twenties or thirties. In some cases, it’s best to avoid mortgage debt and the additional expenses and upkeep that comes with homeownership. It could give you more professional freedom to pursue interesting career opportunities and free up capital to invest. Trust me, it’s not the end of the world if you don’t own a home by thirty.
Anthony Papa is a Financial Advisor with Davenport & Company. Anthony can be reached at 757-306-4817 or apapa@ investdavenport.com.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors with Sisters Of The Tent
By Shawn Tasch Contributor
Have you ever wanted to try camping but weren’t sure where to start? From choosing the right gear to finding safe and scenic locations, the journey into the great outdoors can feel overwhelming. That’s where our group Sisters of the Tent comes in.
SOTT is a community of female tent campers dedicated to helping you embrace nature with confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned camper looking for companionship or a beginner seeking guidance on equipment and first steps, we’re here to support you. With encouragement, shared experiences, and sensible advice, SOTT makes outdoor adventures more accessible and a lot more fun with a “sister”.
What began as a group of women coming together to enjoy a few
weekends away from home has grown into a group of over 500 women who come together for fun camping weekends up and down the east coast and into West Virginia. Destinations may be as
close as First Landing State Park, or further north to Cordorus State Park in Pennsylvania, or up the Eastern Shore at a favorite campground, Janes Island State Park just outside of Crisfield in
Maryland. The goal is to have fun while discovering things to do at the campgrounds and exploring nearby localities.
As the group has grown (and goodness it has grown!), the rela-
tionships among the sister campers have shaped the group’s focus and have provided the guiding principle to “Empower Women Through Camping Adventures”. Through mutual support and learning, the sister campers build skills that serve them on a solo or a group camping trip and across destinations. Sister campers find their power and autonomy through the confidence building experiences of managing the set up of camping equipment and the details involved in creating a safe and enjoyable experience in the great outdoors.
The group provides a safe environment for women to share outdoor interests, including bird tours, bike rides, sunset kayaking tours, hiking and more. Within our group we have a broad set of skills that we are eager to share with new sister members. We operate in a judgement-free space
and always say, “What is said around the campfire stays there and dies with the flame.”
We are a fun and diverse bunch of sister campers, representing a wide range of ages, nationalities, lifestyles and lived experiences. The sisters genuinely enjoy each other’s company and have built friendships that go way beyond group campouts. If someone is
looking to try camping and loves the great outdoors, we encourage you to join us for an upcoming trip this season. For more information about the group please email us: sistersofthetent@gmail. com or follow us on Instagram, Sisters of the Tent.
Shawn Tasch is the founder of Sisters Of The Tent and lives in Virginia Beach.
Images courtesy of Shawn Tasch
Six Tasty Tips to Eat Smart This Summer
By Tom & Beth McPherson Contributors
Let’s be honest—summer’s here, and so is the pressure to look “pool-party perfect.” But here’s a better idea: what if we stopped stressing over six-pack abs and focused on feeling strong, energized, and good in our own skin? Exercise is a powerful tool, and there’s nothing wrong with wanting to look our bikini best, but all the crunches in the world won’t help if the body isn’t fueled right. Smart eating isn’t about suffering through kale salads and saying
“no” to fun—it’s about giving your body the “yes” it needs to thrive all season long. Here are some tips to get you started:
WHOLE FOODS
= WHOLE VIBES
Chasing the kids leaving you drained? Whole foods to the rescue! Skip the plastic-wrapped mystery meals and opt for foods that look like they came from a garden, not a factory. Load up on “the rainbow “of fruits and veggies, and munch on some crunchy nuts and seeds for a kick of fiber, healthy fats, and mood-boosting vitamins. It’s the kind of fuel that keeps you feeling strong, energized, and totally ready for playtime, anytime.
DO THE MOST WITH MEALTIME
Whole foods pack a punch by themselves, but combining them into full meals? *Chef’s kiss.* Try overnight oats with berries and
chia seeds for a fiber-filled breakfast, grilled salmon with quinoa and summer veggies for dinner, or whip up a smoothie with spinach, frozen fruit and almond butter for a to-go snack that beats the heat. It’s all about making each meal count, so you can make each day count.
SNACK SMARTER
We all love a good snack sesh, but many pre-packaged treats get sneaky with sugar and empty calories. To snack well, all you need are a few simple swaps. Got a sweet tooth? Trade candy bars for a handful of dark chocolate and almonds. Want something savory? Swap out chips and dip for cucumbers and tzatziki, or carrots and hummus. That way, you can satisfy your snack attack without the guilt (or sugar crash).
DON’T FORGET YOUR WATER
Water isn’t just for swimming! It boosts digestion, clears out toxins, sharpens focus, and keeps your joints feeling great. But heads up: if you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated—hello, headaches and fatigue (especially in the summer heat). Stay quenched by keeping a large water bottle nearby and set a few phone reminders to sip throughout the day. Bored of plain water? Toss in some fresh fruit like lemon, kiwi, or strawberries for a tasty twist!
POWER UP WITH PROTEIN
Protein = your body’s BFF. It helps build muscles, strengthen bones, balance hormones, and keeps your immune system strong. The best
part? You can sneak it into almost every meal with a little creativity. Stir cottage cheese into your scrambled eggs or drop some protein powder into your morning coffee for a breakfast boost. Come lunchtime, add a hardboiled egg into a fresh salad. For a crunchy snack, grab some roasted chickpeas. The summer sky is the limit!
READ BEFORE YOU BITE
Don’t let labels fool you with buzzwords like “natural” or “low-fat.” Next time you shop, flip that box around and check the label and nutrition list. Look for high protein and fiber, and keep added sugars and saturated fats to a minimum. Pro tip: 4 grams of sugar = 1 teaspoon. And if the first few ingredients include things like high fructose corn syrup or palm oil? Might be time to grab a better option. Not sure if a food is considered high-protein? Take the protein content (in grams) and multiply it by 10. If it’s equal to or greater than the total calories per serving, it’s a rich source of protein.
A summer body isn’t just about how it looks in a swimsuit—it’s about how it feels. When you fuel your body with the good stuff, you boost your mood and feel strong from the inside out, making the most out of every sunny memory.
Tom & Beth McPherson are the owners of Fitness 24/7 in Virginia Beach and can be reached at 757-216-5636. fitness247vb.com
Tom & Beth McPherson
Let Kids Be Kids: Rediscovering Balance in Summer and Beyond
By Gregory Angilly Contributor
Each June, as students race out of classrooms and into the summer sun, parents across the country are handed packets, book lists, and well-intentioned checklists from schools designed to maintain academic sharpness. While reinforcing core skills over the summer has its place, we should pause and ask: What is summer really for?
Too often, we view childhood through a lens of performance and outcomes - reading levels, standardized scores, travel team rankings, scholarship pathways. But if we want emotionally balanced, intellectually curious, and resilient young people, we must recognize that growth doesn’t only happen in classrooms or during structured activities. It also happens during bike rides to nowhere, while getting lost in a book that wasn’t assigned, or sitting on the beach with a sketchpad and no real plan.
Balanced education doesn’t take a break in June - it just changes form. Summer should be a time when kids stretch both mind and body. Let them calculate how much gas is needed to reach a family vacation spot. Encourage them to order dinner in Spanish.
Inspire creativity through drawing, journaling, or building a fort in the backyard. Give them the chance to fail, adapt, and try again without fear of a grade.
A growing body of research supports this. A 2018 study published in Thinking Skills and Creativity found that children’s creative thinking significantly increased when they were given unstructured time to explore and create, free from rigid constraints or high-stakes expectations. In essence, when we give kids room to breathe, their imaginations flourish.
And this message doesn’t stop at academics. The same pressure we see in schools has made its way into youth sports. Tryouts at younger ages. Private coaches. Tournaments that span every weekend of the summer. The joy of the game is often replaced with the fear of falling behind. We need to hit pause. We need to allow our kids to make mistakes and learn from themnot remove every possibility of failure before it happens. So, if your child strikes out with the bases loaded or misses a wideopen shot, take them to get ice cream. Celebrate the fact that they’re playing, growing, and learning. The real lesson isn’t in the result - it’s in the experience.
Robert Hastings captured this beautifully in his poem The Station, reminding us that “sooner or later we must realize there is no station, no one place to arrive at once and for all. The true joy of life is the trip.”
We know this as adults. Let’s impart it on our children. Not everything needs to be preparation for something else. Sometimes, being present in the moment is the lesson.
I say this not just as an educator, but as a parent. Raising kids has taught me that life is wonderfully unpredictable - and our job isn’t to eliminate the surprises, but to
help our kids navigate them. This summer, let’s offer our children the gift of balance. Encourage them to think and explore, yes - but also to laugh, rest, get dirty, and just be kids. If we can loosen our grip on outcomes, we may just find that the journey - messy and magical - is the best kind of education there is.
Greg Angilly is the current Head of School at Virginia Beach Friends School. Prior to that Greg was the Dean of Students at Cape Henry for a decade and a very successful lacrosse coach in San Francisco.
Four Decades of Musical Excellence: Tidewater Winds Celebrates 40th Anniversary
By Michael Kerry Williams Contributor
This summer, Tidewater Winds Concert Band celebrates our 40th anniversary!
Since 1985, this remarkably talented ensemble has brought free professional concerts and educational programs to the community, preserving the cherished tradition of American concert bands.
A Vision Realized
Our mission is to provide Hampton Roads residents access to free professional concerts in the classic “Sousa Band” tradition. Founded by then Norfolk Public Schools Music Director C. Sydney Berg, our inaugural concert took place
July 7, 1985, at Norfolk’s Town Point Park. Berg, a University of Michigan graduate, led the ensemble with dedication until his passing in 2000 at age 81.
Maestro Alberto Asercion followed as Music Director, bringing extensive experience from the University of the
Philippines and U.S. Navy service. He served until he passed away in 2006.
Musical Excellence Continues Today’s Tidewater Winds comprises 55 talented musicians from across Hampton Roads. Under John Brewington’s direction since 2006, the
ensemble blends diverse backgrounds—military members, professional musicians, and college band alumni- that contribute to our exceptional sound and versatility.
Brewington brings nearly 40 years of music education experience from Virginia Beach Public Schools, having served
Maestro John Brewington
Image courtesy of the city of Virginia Beach
20th anniversary of 9/11 remembrance event at Mount Trashmore Park
WOOD FIRED PIZZA
WINE CIDER
as Chairman of the Virginia Coalition of Fine Arts Education and President of the Virginia Music Educators Association. He is moving us forward with energy and vision.
Community Impact and Education
Tidewater Winds remains committed to accessibility, offering free concerts that remove financial barriers to experiencing live music. We rely on community support through
local and state grants, as well as contributions from businesses and individuals.
The band serves as an important educational resource through its Student Intern Program, allowing selected high school students to perform alongside professionals. Scholarship funds support students pursuing music degrees and serves as an investment in classical music’s future.
Our innovative Reading in Music
Education (RiME) program uses the Pinocchio story with theatrical support from Rainbow Puppets, complete with classroom lesson plans and student books. This powerful literacy tool is now implemented in several stages to thousands of students in seven school districts.
Ruby Anniversary Celebration
Our 40th anniversary symbolizes romance, devotion, and passion—qualities perfectly
capturing Tidewater Winds’ relationship with music and community. The anniversary season opens July 6, 2025, at Norfolk Collegiate’s Hackney Theatre. Our “Sustain the Winds” campaign emphasizes community support in maintaining this cultural resource.
Looking Forward
As Tidewater Winds enters its fifth decade, the organization continues to evolve while staying true to C. Sidney Berg’s original vision. From that first Town Point Park concert to today’s sophisticated programs, the band connects each generation to American concert band heritage.
Whether you come to see us perform outdoors at the Oceanfront to the sound of waves lapping on the shoreline, in a historic cobblestone courtyard as a nearby bell tower chimes, or indoors in a performance hall with perfect acoustics, you will be entertained. Our first-class musicians will treat you to a musical combination of classics and contemporary selections that soar through the air and into your heart.
That’s our plan for the next fabulous forty years.
Michael Kerry Williams is the Executive Director of Tidewater Winds. tidewaterwinds.org
Tidewater Winds Spring Concert at Norfolk Collegiate 2022.
Images are courtesy of Tidewater Winds unless otherwise noted.
Nearby Places to Explore: Suffolk Choose your own Adventure in Suffolk, Virginia!
By Theresa Earles Contributor
With 430 square miles of dynamic Suffolk experiences, adventure awaits around every corner. Immerse yourself in the outdoors, whether by leisurely strolling through nature or by exploring forested trails on horseback. Craving an adrenaline rush? Try skydiving or join a ghost tour for a spine-tingling excursion. Indulge your palate with locally-curated craft brews and farmto-table delicacies. Maybe you’d prefer early morning kayaking or a concert beneath the stars? Whatever experience you are seeking, you’ll soon learn that Suffolk is like no other.
Unplug & Unwind in Suffolk’s Great Outdoors
Outdoor enthusiasts quickly become enthralled with Suffolk’s plentiful parks, lakes, rivers, beautiful golf courses and most certainly, the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Despite the unfortunate name, the Great Dismal Swamp is a vibrant and diverse ecosystem and one of few remaining American wildernesses. The 112,000 acre expanse, situated in Suffolk, Chesapeake and North Carolina, is home to black bears, bobcats, river otters, snakes, salamanders, over 200 different species of birds and many others that flourish across its wild terrain. Kayak the pristine round Lake Drummond, stroll the Washington Ditch Boardwalk or hike
through forested trails.
Lone Star Lakes, Bennett’s Creek Park, Lake Meade Trails, Seaboard Coastline Trail (perfect for walking, running or cycling), etc. Suffolk also boasts several equestrian attractions. For example, Kay’s Acres is an award-winning equestrian destination complete with horseback riding trails, a replica western frontier town, and a petting zoo! All ages and experience levels welcome.
Thrill-seekers elevate their Suffolk experience at Skydive Suffolk!
Coastal Virginia’s premier skydiving destination, Skydive Suffolk will have you soaring to 13,500 feet and feel the exhilarating rush of 120mph freefall and breathtaking views of Coastal Virginia.
Immerse Yourself in Suffolk’s Art & History
Suffolk’s arts and culture scene has evolved into the perfect blend of local, regional and national artisans through visual art, theatre, dance, music and more. Whether it’s the spoken word, an expression captured
in a photograph or the timeless grace of a ballet dancer – Suffolk opens a gateway for artists and those who appreciate their craft. Discover the beautiful, unique arts and entertainment venue that is the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts. The 1922 Suffolk High School has been transformed into a state-of-the-art multifunctional facility. The Suffolk Center is an impressive 68,000-square-foot hub of creativity, featuring a 500-seat
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Guided Nature Walk at Great Dismal Swamp. All images courtesy of Suffolk Tourism Office.
Upcoming Events
Saturdays thru Nov. 22
Suffolk Visitor Ctr. Pavilion
Suffolk Farmers Market
Fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables, baked goods, meats and eggs, jams and jellies, honey, pickles, and handmade artisan crafts. Live music, food trucks, & more. SuffolkVaFarmersMarket.com
9am-1pm | Free, Open to Public
Sept. 13 19th Annual Taste of Suffolk Downtown Street Festival
Historic Downtown District
Oct. 9-12
Suffolk Executive Airport
Discover signature flavors from Suffolk’s independent eateries, live music, family fun zone, children’s area, classic car show, craft beer garden, merchants and more.
11am-5pm | After party 5-8pm | Free, Open to Public
47th Annual Suffolk Peanut Fest
Known for its fun family activities, offering concerts, amusement rides, contests competitions, a demolition derby, peanut cup race, motorcycle rally, fireworks, peanut butter sculpting & more. SuffolkPeanutFest.com
$10 per person | Kids under 12 Free
Lodging
The Pinner House Bed & Breakfast | 757-539-8969
Built in the 1890s by John B. Pinner, this intimate event venue with a Boutique Bed & Breakfast is centrally located in Downtown Suffolk.
Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront | 757-925-1300 Riverfront hotel in Downtown Suffolk. Home to Crust & Cork Gourmet Pizza & Wine. Situated on Constant’s Wharf Park & Marina.
Hampton Inn by Hilton 757-935-5880
Holiday Inn Express & Suites | 57-923-1010
Hamton Inn by Hilton and Holiday Inn Express & Suites are both located off US 58, three miles from historic Downtown Suffolk.
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theater, multiple galleries, a grand ballroom, dance and pottery studios, and much more offering year-round programs, performances, and artistic experiences.
Nestled among Victorian and Colonial architecture, the Suffolk Art Gallery occupies a former library built in the early 1960s and repurposed in the mid- 1980s. In partnership with the Suffolk Art League and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the gallery offers rotating exhibits and yearround programming. Art classes and workshops—ranging from painting and pastels to weaving and quilting—are available for all skill levels.
Suffolk’s roots run deep, and it’s easy to immerse yourself in its rich history. Explore the centuriesold Cedar Hill Cemetery, visit the Underground Railroad Pavilion at the Great Dismal Swamp, or take a guided tour of the Riddick’s Folly House Museum. Built in 1837 and once mocked by contemporaries, Mills Riddick’s Greek Revival home now stands as a striking symbol of the past. The museum features four publicly accessible floors, including 21 rooms and 16 fireplaces. Visitors can admire double parlors, a gentlemen’s library, adult and children’s bedrooms, a dining room, laundry, and the recently restored kitchen. Listed on both the Virginia Historic Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places, Riddick’s Folly also served as Union
Theresa Earles is the Tourism Development Manager for Suffolk. tearles@suffolkva.us
Visitor Center
524 N. Main Street
Suffolk, VA 23434
Phone: 757-514-4130 visitsuffolkva.com
Suffolk Town Center
Drive Time from Town Center Virginia Beach 38 min.
Clockwise from top left: Skydive Suffolk, Legends of Main Street: A Suffolk Ghost Walk, Riddick’s Folly House Museum, Kayaking at Lake Drummond, Kay’s Acres - Trail Riding.
Do You Know: The American Flag
The flag of the United States is a symbol of freedom before which Americans recite the pledge of allegiance.
The flag’s 13 red & white stripes represent the 13 original colonies. Its 50 white stars on a blue background represent the 50 states.
Each of the colors on the flag has a meaning:
• Red: valor and bravery
• White: purity and innocence
• Blue: vigilance, perseverance, and justice
A star is added to the flag when a new state joins the United States. The flag was last modified on July 4, 1960, when Hawaii was incorporated as a state.
The American flag flies at half-staff or at half-mast when the country or a state is in mourning. The president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff.
In most cases, the flag flying at half-staff marks one of three observances:
• The death of a government official, military member, or emergency first responder
• A national tragedy
• Memorial Day or another national day of remembrance
CABINETS WITH FLAIR
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