Norfolk Quarterly Magazine Dec. 2008

Spring 2009: An Official Publication of the City of Norfolk

All About The Tide Neighbors Reclaim wetlands From Glass, to Art, to Playgrounds and Fields - Norfolk Has a Lot to Offer

What ingredients make a triple-

It’s one part Norfolk’s municipal government…

One part Neighborhoods moving forward and looking back…

One part local television Network…

Mixed and served 24/7 on Cox Cable TV-48, streamed live at www.norfolk.gov, and over-the-air on WHRO world Channel 15.2.

Short stories from around Norfolk now on www.youtube.com/norfolk

N?

ABOUT OUR

COVER

Norfolk Public Library is the 5th tenant to occupy the handsome limestone and brick-clad building on our cover.

Located at the corner of Plume and Atlantic Streets in downtown, the building was placed on the Virginia and National Registers of Historic Places in 1981.

Built at the turn of the 20th century to house the U.S. Courts and Post Office, the building was designed by Baltimore architects James Wyatt and William G. Nolting, who also designed the Virginia Bank & Trust Building at 101 Granby Street.

The building was sold to the City of Norfolk for the first time in 1934 when the federal government opened a new post office and courthouse. For the next 30 years the building operated as Norfolk’s City Hall and, from 1965 to 1977, the Department of Social Services.

Henderson & Phillips Insurance purchased the building in 1984 and undertook restoration to bring the building back to some of its original glory. The building became known as the Seaboard Building.

The conservative Beaux Arts exterior gives no clue to the architectural surprises inside - a fine example of NeoPalladian style architecture, complete with pediments and medallions, Ionic columns and other Greek and Roman ornamentation.

The City Council again purchased the building to serve as a temporary home for the downtown library prior to the demolition of Kirn Memorial Library for the MacArthur Square light rail station and public square. But thanks to the building’s charms and a $20 million contribution from Frank Batten, Sr., chairman of Landmark

continued on page 25

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THE TIDE

What is light rail? Where is it going? When will it be here?

All about the route, the construction schedule and stations.

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5

Lafayette Wetlands A neighborhood is turning an eyesore into a resource. You can do the same.

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Norfolk YOUTUBE Short features on all about Norfolk draw thousands of viewers.

Public Art a group of student interns and the City’s parking garages create lasting public art.

7. It takes a lot of work to create a Playful City

11. Reality Store - teens gain financial tools

13. Norfolk Police Officer serves in Afghanistan

14. NFR fireboat is a step back in time

15. Using Hip Hop to reach youth in Norfolk

17. Virgina Arts Festival is Back for 2009

Art of Glass 2 ” exhibit shines in Norfolk 18. Amazing “A

21. Norfolk partners with VDOT on roads

23. A hidden gem - Norfolk History Museum

26. Lights, grass, action - Scope’ s new scoreboard is just the beginning

Director of Communications: Terry Bishirjian, Editor: Sandra Hemingway, Graphic Designer, Avery Easter. Contributing writers: Stephen Baker, Mary Keough, Sharon Bivens, Lauren Fraces, Giovonni Taylor, Peggy Haile McPhillips Contributing photographers: Ronald Atkinson, Wes Cheney, Cathy Dixson

what is it, where is it going, when will it be here?

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With something approaching delicacy, the operator of a yellow excavator picks up a section of pipe the color of bright blue water and places in the trench.

Again and again, the machine lines up pipe that will eventually carry water along the opposite side of the street from existing water lines. The afternoon’s work is a small piece of the complex production know as light rail.

In this case, the goal is to repave a section of road to keep the street open as work progresses.

Between now and late 2010, HRT and the City will coordinate thousands of moving pieces - equipment and workers from contractors ranging from Skanska USA Southeast (one of world’s largest construction companies) to independent phone companies _ the needs of neighborhoods, businesses and one university to keep traffic, commerce and pedestrians flowing during the largest infrastructure project in the City’s history.

The Tide will stretch from Eastern Virginia Medical School and Norfolk's hospital complex to Newtown Road on the border with Virginia Beach. It will wind through downtown Norfolk, past Norfolk State University and behind Military Highway, one of the city's major office and retail areas.

The project consists of 12 individual contracts to cover construction and purchase of light rail vehicles and buses to support the 11 new rail stations. Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) was designated by the federal government to manage construction of what is planned to be a regional system.

The overarching goal is to maintain accessibility - to driveways, businesses and the interstate, among other locations. Consulting maps of utilities some decades old, event calendars, neighborhood shortcuts, school schedules and a host of other variables, the City and HRT attempt to minimize the impact of construction.

The Downtown Norfolk Council has partnered with HRT and the City to host Monday afternoon information meetings for businesses and residents, gets the word out about daily construction schedule, develops wayfinding signs, and is instrumental in bringing concerns to HRT and the City. The Council has also created an interactive map to track road detours downtown (in The Tide box on norfolk.gov).

But, the very convenience of a route that puts light rail within walking distance of virtually all downtown locations, and links surrounding neighborhoods, adds to the complexity and

potential disruption of its construction.

And unlike many cities, Norfolk is still the location of many other constructin projects - some attracted to the light rail route.

City water, sewer and IT workers, Dominion Power, Virginia Natural Gas, phone companies and cable companies are all coordinating their efforts to accomplish four goals: _relocate any utility component that could interfere with the light rail route; _replace, repair or upgrade utilities that will not meet known development needs (fiber optics, electrical or cable, water/sewer systems); _address capacity issues where feasible (installing new duct banks) for future power, fiber optics and other needs; _coordinate work to keep access open to businesses and residences - limiting closures to a minimum.

Even with its complexity, the cost per mile of Norfolk light rail is the lowest in the country, in part because Norfolk - as the smallest city in the country to win federal support for light rail - crafted its route along existing right of way and settled for a 7.4 mile route to jump-start what light rail champion and Norfolk City Councilman Randy Wright pledges will be a regional system.

“So many impossible hurdles were jumped,” said Wright of a proposal that appeared dead many times over the last 10 years.

“We never envisioned that it would not go to other places . . . the Naval Base, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth,” Wright told NNN’s Norfolk Perspectives.

Indeed, since Norfolk started construction, Virginia Beach and Norfolk Southern reached agreement on purchase of abandoned rail to extend the track, and Portsmouth has expressed interest in incorporating light rail into an expansion of downtown tunnel.

Because, after years of delay, the City had to move quickly when the opportunity came to secure federal and state funding that pays for nearly 80 percent of the construction costs, the early months of construction saw a few missteps and an increase in the budget. See page 19 “Light Rail in Brief ” for funding and other information.

HRT and the City believe those problems have been ironed out and Norfolk will have a better system for the changes.

“The light rail team is working hard to keep the project costs in line,” says Paul Filion, the light rail liaison and the transportation construction project

manager for the City of Norfolk.

Th e T ide Oper at i n g F A CTS From Harbor Park to Newtown Road, and in the historic Ft. Norfolk area, the Tide will operate on double tracks, much of it off the streets. In much of downtown and the Freemason area, light rail will share the road (with its double track and overhead wire system). A visual and physical “bump” system will identify the on-road track area. Traffic signals will be installed to direct auto and light rail traffic.

When the light rail opens for service, The Tide fleet is projected to carry 6,000 - 12,000 riders per day.

HRT has set the hours of operation: 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. (Monday Thursday) 6:00 a.m. - midnight (Friday - Saturday) 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

(Sunday). The vehicles will run about every 7.5 minutes during peak morning and afternoon rush hour.

HRT will operate The Tide and feeder buses using money collected by fares, and operating funds supplied by the City.

Each train will be driven by an onboard rail operator and powered by the Overhead Catenary System (OCS).

“This makes the system safer because there is no power in the rail continued on next page

Construction of elevated track near Norfolk State University (above) required steel girders half the length of a football field.

Restoration of wetlands (below) impacted by light rail construction, regradings and open space along rail lines will create opportunities for green space and public areas open space along the route.

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tracks,” Filion said. The City will receive nine rail cars total, eight cars for use and one spare. A maintenance yard for the line will be located by Norfolk State University.

The rail cars can reach speeds up to 50 miles an hour when operating on tracks off-street. The Tide will travel at posted speed limits in city streets and will follow the same traffic signals as cars. In the downtown area, The Tide will receive signal priority, so when there is a green light, a signal may be held longer than usual to allow the train to pass.

The Tide will operate a two car train which will hold approximately 180 riders (seated and standing). The length of the train will be no longer than a city block so that trains stopped at stations or traffic lights will not block intersections nor cause traffic delays. The trains will be accessible for persons with disabilities and will accommodate bicycles.

Public art will play a significant role in Norfolk’s light rail system as well.

Some of the stations may feature custom tile work, etched glass and other artistic work. Artists for the various projects will be selected through a public bid process.

The Stations

The Tide system will feature 11 stations and three park and ride lots.

The stations will feature safety rail-

The pride of Lancaster Comes Home to Norfolk

There are some really big jobs in constructing The Tide. A 100 ton derrick named Sampson plucks smaller cranes and shuffles them from site to site, giant augers straddle streets, and, in early January, a parade of steel girders - some half as long as the nearby football field at Norfolk State University (and weighing as much as 27 compact cars) arrived on Brambleton Avenue after a two-day, four state journey from High Steel Structures in Lancaster, PA. continued on page 19

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ings, ticket vending and validating machines, maps and information cases, lighting, benches, wind screens and trash cans. Stations will be landscaped as appropriate and HRT is evaluating a number of security features, such as cameras.

The Medical Center Station • the south side of Brambleton Avenue just west of Colley Avenue.

The Station will be served by HRT bus routes along Colley Avenue, Olney Road, and from Old Dominion University.

York Street Station • York Street, between Dunmore Street and Yarmouth Street, adjacent to the existing YMCA. The York Street Station will be a walk-on station.

Monticello Avenue Station • A walk-on station in the center of Monticello Avenue between Charlotte Street and Freemason Street in front of the proposed Wachovia Center development.

MacArthur Station • A walk-on station adjacent to MacArthur Memorial and MacArthur Center at the corner of City Hall Avenue and Plume Street on the site of the former Kirn Library. Will feature public landscaped areas.

Government Center Station • located within the plaza between City Hall, the Circuit Courts, and the Civic Center. It will feature public

Donald J. Reed (Far Right) and Steve Bussarmas talk with Norfolk Perspectives’ s John Linka at High Steel Structures in Lancaster, where girders were made.

areas and a memorial celebrating the end of Massive Resistance. A combined courts facility is also planned.

Harbor Park Station • located at the east end of Harbor Park, just west of an access driveway for Harbor Park. Includes 1,100 space park-and-ride lot. Harbor Park is also Norfolk State University Station • located on an elevated platform above Brambleton Ave. Access to the station will be from an elevator and a set of staircases on the east side of Brambleton Avenue.

Ballentine Station • will be located approximately 50 feet west of Ballentine Boulevard.

Includes a 97 space parking lot.

Ingleside Station • a walk-on station on the western side of Ingleside Road, between Mississippi Avenue and I-264. No bus service and no parking.

Military Highway Station • west of Military Highway just south of Curlew Drive. Includes a bus drop-off area and 232 parking spaces.

Newtown Road Station • located along the Norfolk Southern Railroad right-of-way, just west of Newtown Road. Includes bus dropoff area and a 266 parking lot.

HRT has established an office at 403-A Granby Street, in downtown.

For more information, visit the Web site at www.Ridethetide.com or call 1-877-456-TIDE(8433).

Construction underway all along The Tide’s 7.4 mile route

I -64 at Broadcreek

Brambleton Ave.

Charlotte St.

Smith Creek

Harbor Park

MacArthur Station

Duke-York St.

East Main St.

Curlew and Jerry Rd.

EVMS

Monticello Station-Wachovia

City Hall Civic Plaza

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Lafayette Wetlands

Tucked away along upper Colley Avenue is a 1,500 square foot wetland along Knitting Mill Creek. It is still an area more of promise than beauty, but thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers, business owners, non-profits and City employees, it could be the start of something really big.

"There are many areas like this in Norfolk, I call them pocket wetlands," says John Stewart, head of the Lafayette Wetlands Partnership, a volunteer group dedicated to cleaning up, restoring and replanting the small area on property owned by Adams Outdoor Advertising (which has partnered with the group) and the City of Norfolk.

The partnership enlisted the help of organizations involved in wetlands restoration, such as the Hermitage Museum and the Virginia Zoo, which is embarking on a major project. And, the group has many other helpers.

"There is no way for volunteers to do this without professional guidance," said Stewart. Among those helping have been Friends of Norfolk Environment, Kevin DuBois (environmental engineer with the City), the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund (money for wetland soil restoration and planting), the Virginia Environmental Endowment (money for concrete removal and regrading, soil restoration and Spartina planting). Also helping with

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A Neighborhood Stewardship of its Wetland

financial support, the Colonial Place/Riverview and Larchmont civic leagues, Fellini's Restaurant on Colley Avenue, Adams, Colley Avenue Copies and Graphics and several individual donors.

The first step was to clean up litter. "Like so many areas like this, it was a dumping ground," said Stewart.

I n late summer, the partnership used grant money to contract for the removal of concrete debris, re-grading and restoration of the slope and replenishment of 1,500 square feet of wetland soil. In September, volunteers planted the slope with high marsh plants and installed 1,000 sprigs of Spartina alterniflora in the wetland. In a small measure, the group hopes to give back to the waters that are so much a part of Norfolk.

“There are many very important results - wonderful teamwork, lasting relationships and personal satisfaction,” said Charlie Brown, who lives on a boat on the creek, works for the City, and, as a volunteer, brought his organizational skills to the group.

“But the greatest is that in the end, our lessons learned, points of contact and examples will become documentation that is available for any and all to use for future efforts along the waterfront,” said Brown.

David Block first noticed the wetlands area while meet-

PHOTO ABOVE LEFT (l to r) Brad Morgan (kneeling), Steve Earnhart (front), Sarin Philip, Bobbie williams, Alan Rogers and John Stewart planting high marsh plants; ABOVE RIGHT (l to r) Kevin DuBois (City Environmental Engineer), David Block (kneeling), Walter Priest (NOAA Community-based Restoration Program), Bobbie Williams, Sarin Philip, Ray Jennings, Andy Wallach planted 1,000 sprigs of new grass.

ABOVE. Martha Stewart and John Stewart prepare sprigs of alterniflora for planting. LEFT. Goose fencing protects the grass until it is established.

ing with businesses for the Colonial Place/Riverview civic league.

“Having grown up in East Ocean View, fished and crabbed in area waters all my life, and now living in a neighborhood surrounded by the Lafayette River, I understand the importance of good stewardship of our wetlands,” said Block. “They are the primary filters of our waterways and are nurseries for the wildlife that inhabit our rivers, bays and ocean.”

As the partnership watches over its small patch of wetland, and dreams of the day when a string of “pocket wetlands” - and perhaps a trail - help restore the Lafayette’s tributaries, they know the harder work is ahead. The City has installed a sidewalk between 46th and 47th streets and the partnership and Norfolk Botanical Garden are designing a planting on the corner of 46th street and a sign to explain the project.

"Where we will succeed in the longer term is in the

maintenance," said Stewart, who hopes "this will serve as a model for neighborhoods to take ownership."

To help other groups, the partnership stands ready to provide expertise and, where needed, labor for other groups interested in a wetlands project. Neighborhood University has already tapped Stewart to teach a wetlands restoration class and he invites other civic leagues and property owners to take greater responsibility for the wetlands in their areas. The scope can be as narrow or as broad as the neighborhood can handle - from regular trash pickup to full restoration because every initiative adds to the health and beauty of our rivers.

If you are interested in learning more about the Lafayette Wetlands Partnership and what it can do for your effort to maintain a wetland, contact John Stewart (757 623-8127; jdstewart1@cox.net). The Partnership stands ready to help spread wetlands stewardship all along the Lafayette and Elizabeth Rivers.

LEFT AND FAR RIGHT. Workers with Eco Systems, Inc. install sand to replenish the eroded wetland soil and coir (composed of coconut fibers) logs to retain it until plants establish roots. CENTER. John Arthur, of the City’ s Keep Norfolk Beautiful office and John Stewart discuss the project before beginning work.

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P

L

U L F C Y IT A

It takes a lot of work to make a "playful" city.

Norfolk was recently tapped as a “Playful City USA” community by KaBOOM!, a non-profit organization promoting play.

According to KaBOOM! representatives, Norfolk has created initiatives to increase both the quantity and quality of play and playgrounds, as well as increasing access to existing opportunities to play despite mounting budget concerns.

It is fitting that the honor resulted in a new playground funded by the organization and constructed by City workers and volunteers.

Norfolk’s 136 playgrounds and other parks scattered through the city, definitely contributed to the honor - keeping the lots and play areas safe and inviting for all takes a lot of work.

Norfolk’s parks range from “pocket parks” -

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green spaces for neighborhood enjoyment that may or may not have playground equipment- up to the largest parks with extensive playground equipment, sports fields, picnic areas and walking trails.

Increasing the quality of play and playgrounds in Norfolk is a job that Ron Gallihugh takes very seriously.

He is a Maintenance Supervisor and his team is responsible for maintaining the equipment at all playgrounds. Though it is only part of their job, it is one that Gallihugh finds very important.

Gallihugh’s team not only inspects every single piece of playground equipment at our parks, they also inspect the benches, bleachers, fences, and other areas of the playground and pick up litter.

If they see something that needs to be done and Facility Maintenance has the ability to do it, they will. They strive to make the playgrounds not only safe, but also clean and inviting for all.

While inspecting playgrounds is just one of the responsibilities of the Facilities Maintenance Team, they make sure to include inspections on a routine basis.

The City has about 136 parks that Facility Maintenance is responsible for inspecting. In the first eight months of this year, the team completed a total of nearly 4,000 inspec-

ABOVE, Facility Maintenance worker Richard Harvey prepares Shoop Park.

tions and follow-up inspections.

Playgrounds in Norfolk are broken up into five routes, which are manned by the Facility Maintenance team.

Each member is responsible for certain parks, which they check on a regular basis. Not to say that they don’t work together- Gallihugh is a firm believer in cross-training his team. “If someone is on vacation or out, there will be no stoppage of work in his assigned area.”

Work orders are often completed before they are even formally written up. If it becomes apparent that a work order is needed, the team often takes it upon themselves to complete the work and it will be written up later. They understand that there is a process, but

the top priority is maintaining safe parks. Also, if Gallihugh hears of a park needing work, he communicates with his team by radio to get the work done promptly.

Gallihugh states that parks often are plagued with recurring problems.

For instance, certain parks always need fence repairs. While the team says that it can be discouraging at times to repair something just so it can be broken again, Gallihugh assures them that it’s job security.

The Facility Maintenance team takes great pride in making sure the playgrounds in Norfolk are safe and in top-notch condition.

While some of Norfolk’s playgrounds may have older equipment,

ABOVE, children at Lafayette Park. LEFT , children at Lakewood Park. BELOW LEFT, Facility Maintenance worker Walter Simmons tends to a “ school bus” at Denby Park.

BELOW CENTER , the City of Norfolk took on WVEC-TVs softball team to open the new tournament field at Northside Park. BELOW RIGHT, community activist Alton Robins on practices free throws at the Lafayette Park basketball courts.

the Department of Recreation, Parks and Open Space is working to upgrade them. Because it is impossible to upgrade all of the playgrounds at once, they are working to create the most user-friendly, current play areas possible. This past summer, Shoop Park was renovated with new amenities and two basketball courts were added to Lafayette Park.

Recreation, Parks and Open Space also worked with KaBOOM!, the Chrysler Foundation, local Chrysler dealerships and the entire community this summer to create and build the Denby Park Playground. First came the planning with the community to find out what they wanted in a playground. Then, more than 300 volunteers helped build in just one day. The playground serves the community of Denby Park and brought together hundreds of volunteers from through-

Continued on page 11

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In its fourth year, the City’s Earn and Learn summer internship program is growing – over 300 participated in the last year. Norfolk Quarterly asked its own intern, Lauren Frances, a rising-Senior at Norview High School to investigate one Earn and Learn assignment that will leave a lasting impression on parkers.

Signs of the past -Most of the young students working with artist Larry Bage on his vision of the “Signs of the Times” have no memory of the businesses that were once so much a fabric of Norfolk. But that doesn’t dampen their enthusiasm for the City’s newest public art project and their role in it.

Lekenya Ballance and Chelsea Parker were elated when they learned that their stint in the City’s Earn and Learn summer program would involve working with their hands – work that involved different materials, paint, power tools and a chance to recreate a part of Norfolk’s history. “I want people to have the reaction when they go to the garage of ‘Oh, I remember that place. These places were a part of growing up in Norfolk,” said Bage.

Using recycled materials, Bage and the students recreated the old signs from Ocean View Amusement Park, the Plaza Hotel, Kiptopeke Ferry, Shorty Jordan’s Taxi Cab service, Midway Tavern, Harrison’s Pier, and others. Their work now adorns the Main Street Parking Garage.

Crabs, sea grass and jellyfish - At Booker T. Washington High School, a second group of Earn and Learn students are having a blast doing a whimsy nautical design envisioned by artist Diane Husson.

“This experience has been pretty cool, because I

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Wh er e ca n yo u s ee th e gar age ar t ? (far left) Signs of the times- 230 E. Main St. garage. (upper right) Maritime mosaic - outside corner of Boush St. City Hall Ave. garage. (right) Good Fortune - Freemason and Boush St. garage.

PUBLIC ART

had not been familiar with working with clay,” said student L’Tasha Shield. The ceramic mural will feature blue crabs, sea grass, fish, jellyfish, and other sea life. “Norfolk contains 400 years of nautical heritage and we wanted to capture that in this mural,” said Husson. “This is definitely going to bring our nautical heritage to life.” The clay tile mural adorns the outside of the Boush Street/City Hall Ave. Garage (view from Boush Street).

Good fortune and inspiration - Standing on the outside of the Freemason parking garage you wouldn’t think there was anything special going on inside, but on your path to finding the right parking space you’ll see something very different on the walls and on the spaces themselves.

Thanks to artist Cassandra Akers and students from the Earn and Learn program, the garage is also known as the “Good Fortune” parking garage.

Each space features quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Mark Twain, Mahatma Gandhi and many others whose words have inspired millions.

The garage itself has an Asian theme and features wayfinding signs in the form of Chinese characters. “The quotes are fun and designed to make one think,” says Akers. So far, reactions to the quotes have been positive.

Akers describes one parker who has cancer and finds inspiration when she parks in the parking space each day. The quote on the space reads, “Fortune Favors the Brave.”

The arts projects are all part of the City Manager's Earn and Learn Program. A two-pronged approach to introduce students to public sector employment and provide meaningful summer internships and life/job skills education (see details next column).

Karen Rudd, the City’s Manager of Cultural Affairs, Arts and Entertainment, proposed the arts plan to Human Resources Director Nancy Olivo and both decided that the program would target kids that had an interest in arts, help them to develop team work skills, and help guide them on the right path.

The $45,000 cost of the artists (who competed for the job) and supplies were paid by the Parking Division (which is funded by parking fees and fines). The interns were paid through the Earn and Learn Program. The program gave students a close look at how art is created.

“I hope that the kids realize that an artist’s job is hot, dirty, hard work. Its labor and it’s a business,” says Rudd.

SUMMER EARN AND LEARN

More than 300 students participated last summer. The program is divided into two segments, pre-employment and paid employment. Plans call for the program to expand each year, with 500 youth involved by the Summer of 2011.

Pre-employment program - The pre-employment program offers students who are too young to work the opportunity to volunteer with the City, the Environmental Commission, Botanical Gardens, and local community centers. The Arts program participants were part of this program.

Young people are taught teamwork, strong work ethics, leadership, discipline, and time management.

These youth also experience a total of four hours of “Life Skills” training that address drug and substance abuse, anger management, physical abuse, personal accountability, and provide tours of local colleges and Earn and Learn students are introduced to front technical line employees (above) and attend four hours of schools.

Students receive life skills training a week (below).

a stipend upon successful completion of the program.

Employment program - The City of Norfolk FY2009 Budget contains $500,000 for this year’s Earn and Learn Continued on page 24

Reality Store

making financial mistakes before it matters with the “cards”of life

When Norfolk Quarterly intern Giovonni Taylor, a student at Maury High School, was asked to observe a financial education workshop for teens called The Reality Store, she didn’t know she would be asked to fill in as a transportation consultant at the table. Here are her observations.

“I had the privilege to go over to the Norfolk YMCA and get a small taste of reality in the Norfolk Reality Store. I was expecting to just sit and observe the event but instead I was asked to sit at one of the department booths. This gave me a one-on-one exposure to what the Reality Store was really about.

During this event, children ranging from ages 11 to 16 (from the Boys and Girls Club) were brought into the YMCA’s auditorium. The children looked excited and couldn’t wait for the event to start.

Each child was told to close their eyes and imagine that they were no longer their current age, in fact they all instantly became the age of 25.

“Twenty- five!” the kids repeated.

“I’m going to the club,”said one.

Others wondered what their husband or wife would look like.

But they didn’t realize they now had the responsibilities of a 25-yearold. They found out by drawing a

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card from a hat. The card listed an occupation and salary (annual and monthly). The career or job was based on a level of education or training. Armed with knowledge of how much they had to spend, the participants entered the reality store.

Next, participants were given family scenarios, including marriage and number of children. All were were heads of households.

Participants also visited a crystal ball to pull out a “chance” card representing those unexpected things that affect daily life, according to organizer Betty Temple.

Representatives from Uncle Sam (first stop, taxes), housing, utilities, grocery stores, financial institutions, medical professions, child care center, enter-

tainment industries and others lent their expertise.

“I worked at the Transportation table. At this booth I instructed the children to select a vehicle that fit their family’s needs, as well as fit their budget. They also had the option of taking the bus of a taxi."

None of the children chose to catch a taxi or the bus so when they came to my table to purchase a vehicle, the majority of them asked for the latest models, but when they saw the average price of the vehicles, they instantly changed their minds and requested the cheapest automobile available.

There were about 10 other booths; for example, if a person was in debt and couldn’t afford a vehicle I directed them to the SOS table (where students could explore 2nd jobs and other options for

EXAMPLES OF OCCUPATION CARDS

earning more money).

There was also a grocery store, utility department, and cable booth.

The kids seemed very interested in the Reality Store but the majority of them spent the money they received on themselves- they forgot that they had children to care for.

The young participants faced many of the decisions their parents face when confronted with competing interests. In one case, a participant with children chose to pay groceries and transportation and other basic necessities, but opted out of paying rent or mortgage.

"We asked, where are you going to cook the food? Where are you going to sleep," said organizer Betty Temple, NRHA's youth program coordinator.

After “shopping” in the Reality Store, the children were asked to sit down and listen to a discussion on what the adults observed.

Most of the adults stated that the children that came to their booth were in debt or low on money. As a result, they gave the kids a few pointers on saving and managing their paycheck. For example, one of the older ladies suggested that “When you receive a check you should put at least twenty five percent of it into a saving

account.

When it was my turn to report, I explained that almost all the kids requested the cheapest cars that fit their budget, and that was good, but the vehicles they purchased did not accommodate their families. For example, the majority purchased the 2000 Ford Mustang that seated four people, while the average participant had

Occupation Annual pay Monthly pay Education

welder $30,430 $ 2,535 technical school

Occupation Annual pay Monthly pay Education

government inspector $27,524 $ 2,293 college graduate

Occupation Annual pay Monthly pay Education

waiter $14,600 $ 1,216 dropped out of H.S.

five children.

ABOUT THE REALITY STORE

The Reality Store is a program of the Virginia Extension Services, according to Karen Munden, who is responsible for working with private and public groups to put on programs throughout the year. In Norfolk, the program is run through the 4-H program.

The two-hour Reality Stores have been offered at schools, Continued on 27

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From Serving

Our Community to Serving

Our Country IN

W

Norfolk Police Lt. Tim Evans presents a ball to a child during a humanitarian aid mission in Afghanistan

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hile we often times don’t think about how much we ask of our first responders, the fact that they put themselves in danger on a daily basis is pretty remarkable. What’s even more remarkable is that many of them have spent a significant amount of time putting their lives on the line overseas, as part of the military reserves.

Today, 15 firefighters are in the reserves and three are currently deployed. Since October 2006, nine members of the Fire Department have served overseas. Many of our police officers are also serving in the military reserves. Currently, five police officers are deployed. One who just returned and received the NPD's Bronze Star Medal for his service and leadership, is Lt. Timothy “Scott” Evans.

A 20-year veteran with the NPD and Navy reservist for longer than that, Evans was deployed to the Middle East in January 2007. Evans said that his family was in a state of shock that he would be deployed

and it took several weeks for the news to truly sink in. Evans told the Navy official that called to give him his official orders, “You understand that I’m an old man with 20 years service in the Reserve. What am I going to do,” asked the Ocean View native.

The Navy knew precisely what Evans would do – serve as the senior mentor to the Afghanistan National Army colonel in Herat, and later, to the national army general in Darulaman. Evans also served as the U.S. garrison commander.

In addition to his leadership duties, Evans fostered goodwill with the Afghan people by delivering dozens of care packages filled with clothes, shoes, and other everyday necessities donated by friends and his parishioners at Miles Memorial Church.

He also worked through the Norfolk Fire Department, where his brother is an assistant chief, to get used fire equipment donated to the newly formed Afghanistan Fire Department. According to Evans, the level of poverty in Afghanistan is absoluteContinued on 25

Continued from 8

PLAYFUL CITY

out the City to make this playground a reality.

The Department of Recreation Parks and Open Space also has two new recreation centers currently under construction. The Norview Community Center is scheduled to open in January and the Lambert’s Point Community Center will open in 2010.

So what exactly makes Norfolk a “playful city?” It seems clear that there are a number of contributing factors. It’s not only a City that cares about creating new and exciting, as well as safe, recreation opportunities for the community, but that the community thrives on these opportunities. While City employees take great pride in providing safe and innovative play areas for residents, it is those citizens who use the play areas that create the playful atmosphere.

Maybe that’s why, when Norfolk’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Open Space hosted a “Day of Play” on a hot July day - complete with games, pony rides, kickball, shooting hoops, face painting, hot dogs and other picnic fare, hundreds turned out at Tarrallton Park just to enjoy the day.

Working together, the City and its citizens have found a way to make play a priority and to use the many green and public areas to do it. Norfolk takes pride in its playgrounds. If you have a concern about one of our playgrounds, please call the Norfolk Cares Center, 664-6510 or healthyneighborhoods@norfolk.gov

NORFOLK FIRE-RESCUE DEPARTMENT’S

NEW FIREBOAT

Stepping Back in Time

Originally, the City of Norfolk’s vast waterfront property was protected by privately owned fireboats. In 1922 for $12,000, the fire department purchased a vessel used by the Navy as a minesweeper called the Harvey Brown. An additional $40,000 was spent to convert the vessel into a fireboat. The water-based engine company was numerically designated number 14 and called the Vulcan.

On July 7, 1929 the Vulcan was located in the harbor between the east ends of Freemason and York Street. During the 1930’s the vessel was relocated to the foot of Chestnut Street in Berkley. The Vulcan was often unable to navigate on its own power and would have to be towed to the scene if needed. The vessel remained inservice for another ten years. On January 24, 1941 the vessel was sold to O.L. Powell and W.D. Moore of Mathews City. The fireboat was converted into a river tanker, renamed the Vivian Powell and sailed on the James River.

In late 1942 after the Navy Department allocated funds, fire protection for the waterfront returned. Eight fireboats were strategically located along the harbor and staffed by firefighters from the U.S. Coast Guard. Their alarm signal was tied into the City of Norfolk’s fire alarm system sending the nearest fireboat to the scene.

Fast Forward

Norfolk Fire-Rescue’s newest tool in waterborne protection is the Vulcan II, a 30-foot Argus class boat. The aluminum hull was laid in March of 2008, by Northwind Marine of Seattle, Washington. The boat has an overall length of thirty-five feet and is ten feet wide at her beam. The 11,000 pound Vulcan II carries two-hundred gallons of fuel, which power the two Mercury Optimax engines. She has a top in speed of forty-two mph, and a draft of 24 inches.

Vulcan II is equipped with an in-board engine, which powers the fire pump and a jet drive. The jet-drive provides power options for firefighting crews, providing them with pump-and-run capabilities. The combination outboard motors and jetdrive provide Vulcan II with a 2500 gallons per minute fire-flow while running 30 miles per hour. The top-end speed with the jet drive is fifteen miles per hour, and provides rescue swimmers with a prop-free incident while in the water.

Vulcan II is equipped with two Elkhart Stingrays: one on her bow and one aft; both flowing 1,250 gallons per minute.

There are two additional discharges located on the Continued on page 24

Above, Norfolk firefighter Mike Weyrauch testing new stingray nozzle. Below, (top) Anthony Giagnacovo, Mark McMullen (center row) Officer Myers, Captain Lawrence Marsala (bottom) Demetrio Alvidrez, John Culpepper and Robert Jones.

14

H i Using Ho p t o R e a c h t h e Yo u p th in N o r fo

lk

Tammy Taylor uses Hip Hop dance moves and an inspirational lecture to connect with teens at a Jordan-Newby public library program that brought dozens of teens into the library for the first time.

Cities around the country, including Norfolk, are using Hip Hop music as a way to reach out and connect with urban youth. Recently, the genre’s history, culture and lessons were showcased in an unlikely place – the Jordan-Newby Branch of the Norfolk Public Library. Hip Hop music has its detractors, but in Norfolk, people are using the music and the culture to connect with youth in a positive way.

Sylvia Archibald, branch head of the Jordan-Newby Branch Library in the Brambleton section of Norfolk, was looking for a genuine and practical way to connect the community that surrounds the library she heads.

The library is located on the corner of Virginia Beach Blvd. and Park

15

Ave. and is sandwiched between Booker T. Washington High School to the north, and the sprawling campus of Norfolk State University to the south.

“I was looking for a creative way to connect with the youth in the community, and I heard about Tammy Taylor, a dancer and a motivator who uses Hip Hop music and culture to inspire and motivate youth. So I contacted her to conduct a dance workshop at the library,” Archibald said. “This was part of the library’s programming to help encourage people to come to the library.”

Hip Hop music is more than just a musical genre; it’s a way of life with its beginnings stretching back to the 1970’s. The music is wildly popular among today’s teens, to the chagrin of parents, just as Jazz was

popular in the 1920’s and Rock and Roll sparked the admiration, and a cultural movement, of a whole generation of baby boomers in the 1950’s.

When Tammy Taylor was asked to do a Hip Hop workshop at the library, she jumped (literally) at the chance. Taylor, owner and creator of Steps by T.A.M.M.Y. (Training Adolescents, Motivating and Mentoring Youth), is a dance program she designed for the inexperienced dancer as well as the experienced dancer to have the opportunity

to showcase their talent, demonstrate commitment, and learn team work through dance.

“Music draws all people,” said Taylor. She earned a bachelor’s in sociology/criminal justice from Norfolk State University, and has studied dance at various dance institutions throughout the Hampton Roads region, including the Evelyn Ott School of Dance in Norfolk.

When not dancing, Taylor is a juvenile probation officer at a school in Northern Virginia.

“I would see a lot of the teenagers hanging around outside of the library, but they wouldn’t come inside,” Archibald said. “Nothing seemed to make them want to come inside. We put out a sign up sheet for the workshop and apparently, the word spread about the class.

dancing instead of fighting.

“The sign up sheet for the class was She also lectured them about some two pages long.” of the pioneers, like the Sugar Hill Archibald’s instincts about the Gang in the 80’s on up to the popuclass would prove correct. “We were larity of Portsmouth- bred Missy absolutely thrilled with the turnout of Elliot. the class,” she said. “Outside of the By the end class, I could hear of the two hour actual laughter com“It was truly magical. I had workshop, the paring from those never seen the community so ticipants have teenagers.” The learned the history workshop turned involved,” Archibald said. of Hip Hop, some out to be more than Although the workshop was basic dance moves, learning how to open to all ages, the majority of and a whole roudance in the Hip tine. “I focused on Hop style. the participants were teens. self respect “It was truly “Tammy was able to connect through the music magical. I had never with them, and they were not and they moved seen the community so involved,” just young teens, but a real different body Archibald said. teen audience, between the ages parts that they didn’t know they Although the workof 15 and 17,” with a total of had!” Taylor said. shop was open to 36 participants.

“They all ages, the majority learned overall the of the participants value of working were teens. together and teamwork.”

“Tammy was able to connect with “She really had them moving, them, and they were not just young learning and connecting,” Archibald teens, but a real teen audience, said.” A lot of the teens thanked me between the ages of 15, 16 and 17,” for the class. They see me now and with a total of 36 participants. speak to me and ask me when the Taylor wasn’t sure who was going next class will be.” to come to the workshop, whether And because of this class, accordthe participants would be younger ing to Archibald, the youth and the kids, or adults, but she knew the mescommunity know that the library has sage she wanted to get across, so she something to offer them. “They know tweaks her workshops according to that we exist.” the ages of the participants.

For information about NPL “I didn’t know who was going programs go to npl.lib.va.us and show up, but I wanted to teach the click on My Teen Space history of Hip Hop, not the media’s For information on the Jordanportrayal of it – I also wanted to Newby Branch Library, call at explore the culture because it is a way 441-2843. of life. And I wanted them to leave the workshop having a new appreciation for the music and culture.”

During the class, Taylor took the participants through the history of Hip Hop, where it came from, to the origins of musical battling, which is how some youths would settle their problems through

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Mark Morris Dance Group

Virginia International Tattoo

T

he Virginia Arts Festival’s 13th season brings the world’s great artists to performance venues throughout Hampton Roads, making this beautiful region a cultural destination for travelers from around the world. This year features nearly 1,000 performers - who need hotel accommodations, transportation to and around town, and meals during their engagement at the festival.

It takes the cooperation of hundreds of people to bring the world to Hampton Roads each year. For example, this year’s Virginia international Tattoo brings military bands and performer to Norfolk’s Scope Arena. To prepare for the onslaught of performers, more than 25 staff members from across the U.S., the Czech Republic, Germany, Norway, Canada and New Zealand arrange for 4,000 room nights for members of participating acts, coordinate 96 hours of rehearsals, more than 100 volunteers, keep track of 450 lights, and-to make sure everyone is feed for the ten days Tattoo participants are in tow - arrange for more than 10,000 meals.

The tattoo (May 1-3) is the Festival’s

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most popular event and will be seen by more than 25,000 people.

The Mark Morris Dance Group will arrive in Norfolk with 47 dancers, creative and technical staff to perform a stunning new work co-commissioned by seven arts organizations to bring Prokofiev‘s authentic score to life.

This time Romeo and Juliet will see a happy ending in Chrysler Hall (May 810).

This year, the Virginia Arts Festival joins the International Azalea Festival to welcome the Czech Republican as the Most Honored Nation. Since 2009 is also the year the Czech people mark their 20th anniversary as an independent sovereign nation, they chose this opportunity to celebrate in Norfolk.

The country’s National Defense Band is featured in the Tattoo, the Czech National Theatre Ballet is dancing across the Harrison Opera House stage (May 2 and 3), and Art of Glass 2 will highlight glass works from Prague. Together, the ballerinas and band members will be flying here on a military transport plane and the Festival will provide housing, local transportation and hospitality for these honored guests.

Thanks to corporate sponsors and grant organizations, the Festival provides reduced price performances, workshops and master classes for stu-

Anoushka Shankar joins her famous father, Ravi

Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys

dents throughout the region and throughout the year. In 2008, 24,143 students attended matinees and 13,395 participated in school events.

The Arts Festival is funded through ticket sales, grants from individuals, corporations and foundations, and the participating cities. Norfolk’s FY2009 budget contains $648,900 in general operating support for the Virginia Arts Festival.

The Festival also works with Arts Within Reach to bring free performances to churches and other venues throughout the city. For a calender of free Arts Within Reach events, call 664-4321 and ask to be put on the mailing list for the calendar of events.

Truly, the Virginia Arts Festival brings the world to Norfolk. With six countries represented in the Tattoo, Ravi Shankar from India, Brasil Guitar Duo from Brazil, the Jerusalem Quartet and Tokyo String Quartet, performers from five continents will be presented during this year’s season, along with world class artists from across the U.S. - all without having to pack a bag or bring your passport. In 2008, Festival attendance numbers more than 82,000 with audience members coming from 43 states and six countries.

For details on the Virginia Arts Festival, go to virginiaartsfest.com or call 282-2822 for tickets.

Imani Winds

Art of Glass 2

A Regional Celebration of the World’s Best Glass Art & Artists, Will Transform Hampton Roads In Spring 2009 Ten years ago, Hampton Roads’ arts institutions joined to form an extraordinarily successful regional partnership, Art of Glass.

The event attracted more than 150,000 visitors and gained international attention.

This spring, the collaboration continues as the Chrysler, the Comtemporary Art Center of Virginia, the Virginia Arts Festival, and nearly 20 other affiliates present Art of Glass 2 , bringing the best in glass art from around the world to Hampton Roads and once again showcasing Hampton Roads as the center for glass art on the East Coast.

The exhibition demonstrates what can be accomplished when cultural organizations from across the region join together. At the core of Art of Glass 2 is a series of major exhibitions and glass-themed performances presented under the auspices of the Virginia Arts Festival. Art of Glass 2 will feature some of the most spectacular and beautiful works of glass art being produced in the world today, along with events and educational programs. Exhibits in Norfolk include:

- home of one of the world’s great glass collections - presents:

Chrysler Museum of Art

Lino Tagliapietra in Retrospect: A Modern Renaissance in Italian Glass. April 8 – July 19. More than 150 works from the career of the maestro who linked the glassblowing centers of Venice and the United States, changing the course of contemporary studio glass.

Contemporary Glass Among the Classics. April 26 – July 19. New works by Katherine Gray, Stephen Knapp, Karen LaMonte and Beth Lipman

Green Eye of the Pyramid. April 26 – July 19. A massive, masterful glass casting by the influential Czech artists, Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtová.

Virginia Arts Festival will feature a stained-glass concert series in venues throughout the region that have stained glass windows with historic or artistic significance, as well as a dance performance specifically commissioned to reflect the theme of glass-inspired art. The festival will also feature a mobile glass blowing studio at venues throughout the region as part of its annual showcase of performing arts.

In addition, there will be more than 20 Regional Affiliate exhibitions of glass art presented by various institutions throughout the area. Some of the smaller venues, such as the d’Art Center in Norfolk, will focus on the work of one artist, Stephen Powell. His work is whimsical, colorful and exciting. April 25 to June 28

The complete exhibition schedule, calendar, events and artist information are available at artofglass2.com.

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Continued from page 3

Light Rail in Brief

Pride of Lancaster... more “Everything is great about this,” said Jeff Wendler, a continuous improvement technician with the company, speaking loudly to be heard above the sounds of hammering, grinding and welding inside the large plant where more girders were being manufactured.

“When I drive to Hampton down in Virginia to visit my brother – he’s stationed there in the Air Force – I tend to get distracted by the bridges, because I know exactly how much work went into them.”

Wendler estimated that around 100 workers were directly involved in the manufacturing process of this particular girder. Most of those people are like him, he said, and probably not much different from many in Norfolk – blue-collar workers who like watching football and baseball, and perhaps hunting and fishing every now and then.

“Everything that goes into this is American made,” he yelled, just feet away from where two plant workers were taking a torch to a piece of steel, causing hot sparks to shoot up brightly around them. “It’s great to know that it’s all going to stay right here in the United States.”

“Infrastructure, as you’re hearing a lot in the news these days, is very important to our country’s economy,” said Steven Bussanmas, a senior vice-president at High Steel Structures, Inc., referring to President Barack Obama’s focus on rebuilding infrastructure as a means toward economic recovery.

“Almost 100 percent of our work is done for the east coast, right here in the United States, building bridges. We’re Americans building for America’s infrastructure.”

“You’re getting a light rail system bridge that’s going to last ...” said Bussanmas, also mentioning that the company has been building girders and more since 1931. “Once it’s there, it’s going to serve the people of Norfolk for many, many years.” America’s infrastructure is at “a critical juncture,” said Bussanmas. “We need to invest more and get it rebuilt.”

Bob Morgan, president of the chamber of commerce in Charlotte, N.C. – a city that has had light rail for a little more than a year – told Norfolk officials and The Virginian-Pilot, about another plus - light rail ridership far above projections and more than $1.8 billion of new development in his city.

“The face of Charlotte,” said Mr. Morgan, “will be totally different years from now because of our investment in transit.”

Cost per Mile Comparison of Light Rail Systems in US

Project Name

19

Project Status

Most Recent Project Cost $288 M Norfolk TIDE Construction (2009) $462.7 M Charlotte Revenue (2007) LYNX Blue Line Service Denver $707 M Construction West Corridor (2008) Line Los Angeles Expo Line Construction Phase 1

Phoenix Central/East Valley

Revenue Service

Length of Cost per Project Mile

7.4 Miles

$38,918,918

9.6 Miles

$48,197,916

12.1 Miles

$58,429,752

$868 M (2007)

8.6 Miles

$100,930,232

$1.4 B (2005)

20.3 Miles

$68,965,517

Why? •Clean, efficient transportation for future prosperity and quality of life.

•Roads are far more expensive per mile and never keep up with demand.

•Typically spurs private residential and business development of $5 return for every $1 invested (Norfolk can expect a $1.4 billion return on its $55 million share of this $288 million investment).

•Light rail is environmentally friendly, frees up parking.

•Light rail national on-time efficiency rate is over 90%. Integrated with buses, it offers more transportation options, lessens dependence on cars.

Why Now? •Light rail will not get cheaper. Federal and State funds are available now.

•Light rail corridor (Norfolk Southern track) is available.

•More cities nationwide will be competing for federal $$ in future.

What Will it Cost and Who Pays?

•$288 million to construct light rail.

•Norfolk share is 19 percent, less than the 25 percent originally forecast, and State and Federal sources provide 81 percent.

What about “cost overruns”?

•The $288 million cost is far less than other cities (SEE CHART ON BACK).

•Original $246 million budget was developed over span of 15 years.

•After Norfolk won approval, federal and state partners requested improvements, such as adoption of crossing equipment that could meet required standards anywhere in the region.

•Neighborhoods hosting light rail stations requested modifications.

•Inflation.

•Actual bids higher (some were lower) than estimated.

•Infrastructure improvements.

What is the Route?

•Newtown Road along the former Norfolk Southern freight line through downtown to the Medical Center near Brambleton and Colley Avenue.

The 7.4-mile-line will have 11 stations and 4 park and ride lots.

•Powered by overhead wires.

Who is in Charge?

•Federal government required HRT (Hampton Roads Transit) be the agency to build what is intended eventually to be a regional light rail system.

•HRT will operate.

When will it open?

•Latter half of 2010.

Norfolk's TIDE is the first step toward a regional light rail envisioned to link to rail and high-speed rail along the East Coast and beyond.

Norfolk is our nation’s 36th city to embark on light rail -America’s smallest city to take this large step for its region.

Project Name

Pittsburgh North Shore Line (includes tunnel)

Portland Interstate Avenue-MAX Yellow Line

Portland South Corridor Line

Project Status

Most Recent Length of Cost per Mile Project Cost Project

Construction

$435 M (2006)

1.2 Miles

$362,500,000

Revenue Service

$320 M (2004)

5.8 Miles

$55,172,413

Construction

$575.7 M (2007)

8.3 Miles

$69,361,445

NORFOLK

You Tube

The mermaid city is making a splash on the Internet’s most popular video sharing site, YouTube.com, where it hopes to inform and entertain viewers from Norfolk and the world.

Videos that cover topics ranging from light rail construction to the arts and education in Norfolk have been viewed in total more than 200,000 times on the city’s channel at www.youtube.com/norfolktv since its inception in 2007.

According to Bret Hillard with Norfolk’s Neighborhood Network TV-48, that figure translates into approximately 2.2 video plays for each household in the city, meaning citizens are increasingly turning to the online channel to see and hear stories from across their communities on demand.

Hillard says the channel includes “most all of the feature stories found on the award winning city newscast, ‘Norfolk News Now’,” which has received both a Telly Award and City-

County Communications & Marketing Award.

The most popular such clip on the channel is “America’s Tallest Man – Norfolk, Virginia”, a NNN story on George Bell of the city’s sheriff department, named by the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest man in the country.

Among the many advantages of reaching out to communities through YouTube – TIME Magazine’s 2006 “Invention of the Year” – 1) it incurs no additional cost to taxpayers, 2) makes content available to users worldwide, and 3) popular search engines such as Google, offer City content.

Internet users familiar with surfing YouTube videos know another perk is that sidebars next to their active video will list others available on Norfolk’s channel, plus even more clips that the site’s complex search algorithms deem to be of a related nature.

Because Norfolk is using the free portion of YouTube, it has no con-

trol over YouTube deems as “related” content. However, the user can opt to remain in the City of Norfolk site and not select any other offered videos.

The short features on YouTube give other departments and program operators in Norfolk an opportunity to expand their reach at no additional cost. They can include the videos on their website, or send links to clients or potential participants. With the videos produced and edited in-house, the storage capability of YouTube gives departments and agencies access to a promotional tool that, if developed outside, could cost several thousands of dollars.

What’s on YouTube? Some of the popular features on Norfolk’s YouTube site:

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VDOT C I T Y O F N O R F O L K -V D OT PA RT N E R S H I P : TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS IN MOTION The City of Norfolk and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) have an ongoing partnership to complete several key transportation projects throughout the City. The goal of this partnership is two-fold – improve safety conditions and ease traffic congestion on our local roadways. The City’s Department of Public Works Division of Transportation manages this partnership. Norfolk receives the funding for these transportation projects from both the state and federal government.

Currently, the City is working with VDOT on 33 transportation improvement projects that will cost approximately $380 million to complete. “The construction projects underway throughout the city are critical to the safety and well being of our citizens as well as the thousands of people who visit Norfolk each day”, said Mayor Paul Fraim. “I am proud of the dedicated employees of the Public Works department who strive each day to insure that these projects are completed in a timely, cost effective and efficient manner.”

Detailed below are some of the key transportation projects that are currently under construction.

Virginia Beach Boulevard – Jett Street to Briar Hill Road Improvement Project

This road improvement project on Virginia Beach Boulevard extends from Jett Street to Briar Hill Road near the Military Highway interchange. The four-lane roadway is being widened to six-lanes with turn lanes, a raised median, sidewalk, curb and gutter, modified signals, and lighting. Upgrades to the City water, sewer and storm water infrastructure are also included in this project. Median landscaping will be done by the City following the completion of the roadway construction. Lane closures and a reduced speed limit within the work zone will be in place during construction. The project is expected to be completed in Spring 2010 and will cost approximately $18 million.

Princess Anne Road/Kilmer Lane Improvement Project

This project involves roadway and signal improvements and associated utility work at the intersection of Princess Anne

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Road and Kilmer Lane. New left turn movements on Princess Anne Rd. will be created at the intersection of Kilmer Lane and this intersection will be widened to accommodate future improvements and growth within the City. The proposed widening for the left turn lanes will also improve traffic operations and safety at this intersection. The project improvements will include landscaping, street lighting, new traffic signals, and sidewalks. Private utility companies relocated their facilities in 2008 in anticipation of this project. Lane closures, traffic pattern changes, detours, and night work are planned to reduce construction time, increase motorist safety, and avoid heavy congestion during peak hours. The VDOT contractor recently started construction and is expected to be completed in late 2010. The cost for this project is approximately $6 million.

(See Figure Two)

Chesapeake Boulevard/Five Points Intersection Project

This project will improve signage and pavement markings for the intersection comprised of Sewell’s Point Road, Chesapeake Boulevard, and Norview Avenue. Construction of these improvements, which includes off-site sign fabrication, started in October 2008. Street-level sign installation was completed in late 2008 while the pavement markings and the installation of the overhead sign structure will continue through Spring 2009.

The overhead signage installation included under this contract will require some lane closures and nighttime work. Pedestrian and vehicular access to parcels and businesses will be provided throughout construction. The cost for this project is approximately $200,000.

Thole Street Traffic Calming Improvements Project

Medians located in the roadway will be raised to calm traffic and improve safety in the 300 and 600 blocks of Thole Street, near the intersections of Thole Street at Galveston Boulevard and Thole Street at Virginian Drive. Project workers will pay particular attention to the safety of the children attending nearby schools along Thole Street during the construction phase. The project is expected to be completed in October 2008. The cost for this project is approximately $125,000. (See Figure Three)

Princess Anne Road/Kilmer Lane Improvement Project plans.

I-64 Sound Wall Project (Phase II)

To reduce highway noise in nearby neighborhoods, a sound wall is being installed on the west-bound lane of I-64 between 1st View St. and 4th View St. The project included bridge demolition work over Mason Creek Road, which was completed in 2008. The contractor will continue to work on the installation of the soundwall support beams and structures this Winter and Spring. Some night work may be anticipated on westbound I-64 with associated lane closures through the project completion. This construction project is scheduled to be completed in Summer 2009. The estimated cost for this project is approximately $5 million.

Hampton Boulevard Grade Separation Project

The Hampton Boulevard Grade Separation project will be starting construction late Spring 2009, pending a successful bidding process by VDOT. This $102 Million VDOT-administered project will remove the existing at-grade conflict with the Norfolk Southern/Norfolk Portsmouth Beltline railroad.

The project limits will begin at Maple Shade Avenue and terminate at “B” Avenue. This seven-tenth of a mile improvement project will provide six lanes for through traffic and a 13foot median for left turn lanes as needed. The proposed roadway improvements will include roadway lighting, signals, drainage, landscaping, bike lanes, curb and gutter and sidewalks.

Two new bridges will also be constructed with this project: The first bridge will provide a railroad crossing; the second bridge will provide vehicle access into Norfolk International Terminal (NIT) and the U.S. Navy’s Gate 6.

A 6-lane detour roadway with adequate median for turn lanes will be provided during construction. This detour roadway will provide access into the NIT facility and U.S. Navy facilities

while maintaining the same capacity as the existing Hampton Boulevard. Other improvements will include access into U.S. Navy Fleet Recreational Park, Pier 3 Access, and improvements to the Maple Shade and Greenbrier side-streets. The estimated completion date for this project is Summer 2012.

Norfolk-VDOT Partnership – Improving Transportation While Minimizing Impacts

Each of these projects affects a vast number of residents, businesses, motorists, and pedestrians who travel the roadways throughout our City. The City, VDOT, contractors and utility companies are working closely together to ensure that these transportation projects are conducted safely and efficiently and that the projects are completed on schedule, pending weather or unforeseen conditions. Unfortunately, road improvements projects can sometimes create inconveniences. Therefore, a vital component of the Norfolk-VDOT partnership is to ensure that neighborhoods and businesses are minimally impacted during construction. Because safety is a top priority, we will ensure that access to properties for emergency vehicles will be maintained during construction. Also, because protecting our environment is essential, every reasonable effort will be made to control dust and erosion. While the construction projects are progressing, we will work hard to keep you informed; city and state inspectors for the construction projects will contact those directly affected to provide updates when necessary.

We appreciate your patience during our construction efforts so that we can continue to improve our transportation network in our City of Norfolk.

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NORFOLK HISTORY MUSEUM

A Hidden Gem in Downtown Norfolk The Willoughby-Baylor House at 601 E. Freemason Street in downtown Norfolk offers a portal into Norfolk history that is older than the house itself. Built in 1794 by Norfolk merchant Capt. William Willoughby, the house is among the oldest structures in Norfolk.

Yet thanks to the creative energy of Chrysler Museum Curator of Glass and Decorative Arts, Gary Baker and the late Norfolk City Councilman and former Mayor, Dr. Mason C. Andrews, it is also home to the diminutive Norfolk History Museum. And Norfolk's history goes back to the early 1600s.

Baker and Andrews headed the initiative that proposed exhibits devoted to Norfolk history be developed for Willoughby-Baylor.

Bill Hennessey, director of the Chrysler Museum of Art, championed the idea and pushed it forward. After more than two years of planning, the Norfolk History Museum at the Willoughby-Baylor House opened its doors in September 2005. It is the only museum specifically dedicated to telling the history of Norfolk.

Galleries in the museum are not spacious and exhibits have been developed with economy of space in mind.

Much of the first floor is devoted to Norfolk’s maritime history and the importance of her port. A large wooden ship’s wheel in the center of the first gallery draws the visitor inside. A changing gallery at the rear of the first floor is currently devoted to Crossroads, a history of transportation in Norfolk. A working model railroad, assembled by the Tidewater Division of the National Model Railroad Association, runs around a raised platform in the center of the gallery and captivates visitors of all ages. Crossroads

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runs through December 2008.

Images of late 19th and early 20th century Norfolk businesses line the walls of the stairway to the second floor, where the visitor is greeted by a large wooden figure of “Punch,” which once stood in front of Isaac Moritz’ Plume Street cigar store. The jolly figure holds cigars in one outstretched fist while pointing over his shoulder with the other hand as if to entice the buyer inside the store for more selections.

The smallest gallery in the house is devoted to a brief but cataclysmic chapter in Norfolk’s history – the yellow fever epidemic of 1855. The room is dominated by an elaborate iron gate adorned with the faces of cherubs from the Howard Association plot for victims of the epidemic at Elmwood Cemetery. Victims are personalized by a continuous loop of images of hundreds of their gravestones from local cemeteries, a somber reminder of that tragic summer.

The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

Admission is free.

Willoughby-Baylor House

The building housing the Norfolk History Museum stands on the original site of the City's first Masonic Hall, believed to be the first of its kind in America. It is from this Freemasons’ Hall that the street takes its name. The hall, along with the rest of Norfolk Borough, was destroyed in early 1776 by a combination of bombardment

by British ships, a mob of zealous locals and finally an order from Continental Congress that Norfolk be completely destroyed so that the British could gain no foothold here during those early days of the American Revolutionary War. The Willoughby-Baylor House, one of the first important houses built in Norfolk after the Revolution, very nearly met the same fate as its Masonic predecessor – not from bombardment but from neglect.

Less fortunate than its famed neighbor the Moses Myers House, the Willoughby-Baylor House passed out of Willoughby descendants by 1890 and a series of careless tenants brought the once-handsome Federal structure close to the point of no return. Depression-era occupants even burned the wooden shutters to keep warm when firewood became unaffordable.

Norfolk attorney Barron F. Black saved Willoughby-

Baylor from the bulldozer in the mid-1960s when East Freemason Street slums were targeted for demolition under Phase I of Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority’s plan to revitalize downtown Norfolk.

Black organized the Norfolk Historic Foundation for the sole purpose of purchasing the house from the City of Norfolk and restoring it. After restoration was completed in 1969, the Foundation turned the house over to the City for interpretation as a historic house under the management of the Norfolk Museum of Arts & Sciences (now Chrysler Museum of Art).

PUBLIC ART- EARN & LEARN

Continued from page 9

program. Young people age 16 to 19 spend 36 hours a week working diligently within the 20 departments of the City of Norfolk in the Summer Earn and Learn program.

This allows the youth to gain meaningful work experience while earning money. “Life Skills” training teaches them job readiness skills, conflict mediation techniques, and workplace technology.

In addition to bringing a lot of enthusiastic young people into the departments for the summer, City officials hope it will also spark an interest in some of them to return to City government when they complete their studies. Applications are accepted through April 17.

For more information on the Summer Earn and Learn Program, visit http://www.norfolk.gov/Human_Resources/

FIREBOAT Continued from page 12

rear deck water-way. Vulcan II can pump directly to an engine through a five inch discharge. The additional inch and a half discharge provides additional flexibility in deploying an offensive attack on another vessel.

Vulcan II is capable of transporting patients. The floating backboard, casualty bench and medical equipment provide a safe working environment for paramedics and firefighters while transporting critically injured patients.

The advanced life support capabilities are comparable to Norfolk’s advanced life support ambulances.

Vulcan II is equipped with the latest in marine electronics, which include side scan sonar and forward looking infrared abilities. These electronics enable crews to search for victims in the water or below the surface.

Before its official launch, Vulcan II participated in a drill at Naval Base Norfolk - where the Norfolk’s fire-

boats could respond quickly if called.

Norfolk FireRescue operates two marine firefighting and rescue vessels; one at Station 1, which is a 22-foot center console, aluminum hull boat that is capable of flowing 500 gallons per minute. It provides protection for the downtown waterfront.

The second vessel at Station 13 is a 30-foot enclosed cabin, aluminum hull boat that is capable of flowing 3,000 gallons per minute. It provides response coverage for the West Ocean View section of Norfolk.

Norfolk Fire-Rescue is also equipped with two Zodiac inflatable boats, which are used for shallow water rescues and urban flooding.

Norfolk Fire-Rescue continues to be pro-active in water rescue. Several department personnel have just completed their advanced technician swimmer certification, and will be following up with a “train the trainer” course later this year.

Norfolk, in keeping with the regional concept, hosted a regional water rescue drill on the Southern Chesapeake Bay this fall.

Fire-rescue teams from around the Hampton Roads area will work together along with U.S. Coast Guard Hampton Roads Sector to fine tune their skills.

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Continued from page 11 ly devastating.

“In our country, the homeless live dayto-day." Said Evans. In Afganistan, "people live hour-to-hour.” Evans knew that he was bringing hope to the Afghan people in the way of building schools and roads, digging wells and other infrastructure work.

“Also most rewarding was the fact that I know that my family and I did our small part in defense of our great nation. We are very proud of that.” Evans credits his family with sacrificing just as much, if not more, than he did.

Evans started a newsletter to keep everyone back home connected, which he says, “took a life of its own.”

Following is a sampling of Lt. Evans’ newsletters:

David Chereskin “Unfortunately, we had to travel A decorated Sergeant through Shewyan, where many Major with the Marine IED’s (Improvised Explosive Corps Reserve, David Device) have been detonated. It is Chereskin is another of one thing to hear about it, but it is Norfolk’s finest serving another to actually see the craters both the City and their left in the road. That was a long country. A fire apparatus two hours because reality set in. operator for Norfolk Fire Clearly, we all made it back safely, Rescue (NFR), Chereskin which is always a good thing!” 6 served in this country’s last 1 5-0 7 New sle tt er two wars.

He joined the Marine “… we were mortared! That’s Corps Reserve in 1979 and right…mortared. At approximately 2330 hours (11:30 pm), Sergeant Major with the NFR in 1986. He served in we got hammered. From the moun- Marine Corps Reserve, the 1991 Gulf War, and was re-activated in January 2003 to tains outside the camp, members of David Chereskin serve with the Third the Taliban sent rounds that landBattalion, First Marines, 1 Marine ed in Camp Zafar… Fortunately, nobody was Expeditionary Force during the march to injured. But, it was a reminder that this is a war Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi zone. Hopefully the fighting will stop or at least Freedom. slow down in November when the winter starts.”

9 -15 -0 7 N ews let t er

Continued from table of contents

Restoration and addition to the Historic Seaboard Building

Communications, another idea gained currency: pairing Seaboard with a new building connected by a glass-enclosed atrium and courtyard (drawing below) to create a 92,000 square foot, 21st century destination library in the heart of downtown.

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far left - drawing of Slover Main Library, incorporating Seaboard building (above photos).

Lights, Grass, Action

Updates on Scope, Harbor Par k and little Lea gue

Norfolk Spruces Up Sports Facilities Basketballs are bouncing on newly paved courts and cleat-clad feet run towards home plate on newly renovated softball fields as many sports facilities have gotten or are on their way to getting a face lift or a serious upgrade.

New Score Board at the Norfolk Scope It’s sophisticated. It’s new. It keeps score and it shows movies too! Something new is lighting up the atmosphere in the Norfolk Scope – a $2.1 million scoreboard features a center-hung main screen system and multiple video screens throughout the arena.

“We at Norfolk Scope are excited about the new possibilities this technology offers to us, our fans, our teams, and our advertisers, we believe we have significantly enhanced the patron experience at Scope with the installation of this new scoreboard and video system,” said John Rhamstine, director of the city of Norfolk’s Seven Venues (Civic facilities). Next year, fans of high school basketball may get a chance to experience the changes first hand.

Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim has offered host regional games next year for free because the event has outgrown other sites.

Basketball Courts Basketball is extremely popular in Norfolk and the City provides 300 courts for resident use. New courts have recently been completed at Lafayette Park and

Ingleside Recreation Center. These projects are another example of Facility Maintenance, Recreation, Parks & Open Spaces, and Public Works together meeting the recreational needs of our citizens.

Softball Field - Cross Country Trail This recently completed softball field at Northside Park gives us a 3 field complex suitable for extensive play and for tournaments. The field features computer controlled lights for energy efficiency. The joint efforts of Facility Maintenance and Parks & Urban Forestry will ensure that this complex is in excellent condition for the many teams using it. A new cross-country trail was also developed at the park. The scenic course, designed as either a 5k or 3.1 mile run, is available for school and recreational competition. Because the trail was also created for public use, walkers, joggers and bicyclists are welcome to share it.

Tennis Courts Norfolk residents enjoy the free use of the 142 public tennis courts scattered throughout the City. Five of these are clay courts requiring full attention and 30 courts have been restored over the summer. Fences, nets, windscreens and other amenities receive constant attention also. For information on these and other facilities, go to http://www.norfolk.gov/r pos/

One of the city’ s newest parks is in the Broad Creek neighborhood.

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Continued from page 14

Reality Store churches, youth groups and other organizations. Munden provides the expertise and materials, the partnering organizations provide the facility, logistics and some of the volunteers.

Munden tries to get volunteers who can bring real world experience to the table, although she does have materials for volunteers – such as PTA members or teachers – to use.

"The Reality Store helps young individuals get a glimpse of adulthood, said Munden. "they have to set up a household budget with how much they make. It lets them make mistakes now" when there is still time to adjust education, career and family plans. "Over the years, the kits have been updated" to keep them realistic,

particularly as to salaries and expenses, said Munden.

• The store is divided into three sections – an orientation that explains the ground rules and gives each participant a job/salary card and marital and family status.

• The Reality Store (first stop Uncle Sam to pay taxes) • The de-briefing, which gives youth a chance to discuss the exercise and adults an opportunity to discuss their observations and offer additional life skills tips.

Sometimes, the impact is immediate. "I've had parents call me to say their child just came in to apologize because now they understand the difficulties" of balancing budgetary

needs, said Munden.

Munden needs 2 to 3 months to set up a Reality Store, a facility, volunteers, and 15 – 20 youth close in age (for instance, ideally middle school students and High School students would not participate in the same program because they bring very different perspectives to the table).

Munden said she would also like to reach College freshmen, but has not done any programs for them yet. For more information, call 757-385-4769 or email kmunden@vt.edu

Get your copy of Community Connection, A Guide to Citizen Services 2008.

Recognized by the national City-County Communications and Marketing Association for excellence in citizen communications, the guide provides a one-stop shop for residents wanting to know how to access and participate in City services and programs.

The guide is available at all Norfolk Public Library branches, the information desk in City Hall or by calling 664-4266.

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$U U L YL QJ

THANKS

f o r t h e BOTANICAL

GARDEN

In 1938, the dream of Norfolk City Manager Thomas Thompson and Parks Director Fred Huette to turn root infested swampland into a public garden was just a welcome – but hot, snake infested job for a young mother named Mary Elizabeth Ferguson. As perhaps the only surviving member of the 200 African American women and 20 men who at one time worked on the WPA (Works Progress Administration) project during the Great Depression, Ferguson said she didn't expect much to come of her work. "I was just trying to help my husband and children." When her husband lost his job, Ferguson took whatever job she could get. She worked the City Farm, the municipal hospital, and, for several months, the WPA project in what was then Princess Anne County. It was scary," she says in an interview with Norfolk Perspectives. She carried water in buckets, dug up plants and trees, and other work. But when the 110 pound Ferguson was ordered to grab an axe and chop down trees, she refused and was sent home for the day. Soon after, her husband joined the service and she returned to raising children. The 89-year-old's philosophy?

"You make your days what you want. You make them good. You make them bad." To see the entire interview, go N o r f o l k . g o v TV48.

If you want to advertise in Norfolk Quarterly Call 664-4266 DISCLAIMER

NORFOLK QUARTERLY is an official publication of the City of Norfolk.

City Council Paul D. Fraim Mayor

Anthony L. Burfoot Vice Mayor Daun Sessoms Hester Paul R. Riddick Dr. Theresa Whibley Donald L. Williams Barclay C. Winn W. Randy Wright

City Manager

Regina V.K. Williams Norfolk Quarterly is published four times a year by the City of Norfolk Communications Bureau and a number of other city departments.

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Phone: 664-4266 Fax: 664-4006 Web: www.norfolk.gov

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