Virginia Beach Connector: Aging Well - September 2023

With perfect weather, stunning views, and rocking events all month long, September is one of the best months to visit Virginia Beach. From wine tasting to marathons, parades and more, there are so many lively and entertaining events happening this month. Mark your calendar now for an escape filled with good times and autumn vibes.

Each month in the Virginia Connector Magazine, we get to highlight some of Virginia’s Best of the Best! In this month’s issue we are spotlighting the JCOC (Judeo Christian Outreach Center) and the Oyster Crush as cover stories. Local artist; Kendall Synder, Local Business; Artist Gallery, Local Food Enthusiast; Patrick Evans-Hlyton and more!

Upcoming exciting events are the Virginia Beach Fallen Heroes (VBFH) Freedom Festival on Sept 9th, Free Care Fun Festival for CHKD on Sept 23rd, the JCOC Gala on October 6th and the Oyster Crush on October 8th! Be sure to buy your tickets for a fun time while showing your love and support for our non-profits! Special thanks to all our experts and contributors. We couldn’t do what we do best without all the support from our local businesses, organizations and residents! Please keep sending in all your suggestions and recommendations for future issues-we love sharing all the great suggestions and ideas!

— Michelle Westberry

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© 2023 Connector Magazines is published by Inspired Media LLC. Reproduction or duplication of any part herein requires written permission from publisher. All information included herien is correct to the best of Publisher’s knowledge as of publication date. Corrections should be forwarded to Publisher at office@connectormagazines.com for consideration. Paid advertisements or advertorials contained herein are not endorsed or recommended by Publisher and do not reflect publisher’s opinion of political or religious views; therefore, publisher shall not be held liable for business practices of advertisers. Publisher is not liable for images or content accepted in good faith.

connecting communities, one neighborhood at a time

Happy New Can you short time streets at temps! Virginia get all four where you round! Simply, This new bring the participants, industry experts, events and we need see more someone In this issue, designing deserving continues Aid participated artist, Sam the ViBe Lastly, with health goals!), Aaron has for the drastic inches! Check (before his Happy New

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Attention Virgina Beach Business Owners

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MEET COnSTAnCE FAHEY: QUEEN OF THE ARTISTS GALLERY

This year, The Artists Gallery celebrates its 34th anniversary as Virginia Beach’s first and only artists’ cooperative. And the artist who most helped found it is still its director and a practicing member.

Constance Fahey was four years old when she first fell in love with art. It was during World War II and she wanted a wagon. So she took scissors, cut paper and glued it together to make one. From then on, give her a pencil and paper and she was a happy child.

At 13, she got her first set of oils and began the discovery of painting that she now practices so masterfully. Her acrylic paintings grace the walls of collectors from all over the country and the world. Few others so compellingly capture the essence of the sea and its breaking waves.

The reason? Like so many others in Hampton Roads, Constance was a service brat, following her father’s Coast Guard postings all over the country and beyond. “All my life, I have lived by the sea and many of its shores,” she says.

Born in New London, Connecticut, during the Great Hurricane of 1938, she figures she has attended 22 different schools, including colleges. Relocations included here, Florida, Bermuda and around the Great Lakes. “I became a Greenbay Packers

cheesehead,” she laughs. While in Bermuda, her parents paid for her to study with a nun, Sister Regina Delores, who had studied in Italy, and who taught her much about painting fine art.

After college, she moved from Hampton Roads. Happily, she met and married a man in the insurance business. However, soon he was drafted, decided to take a Navy commission… and loved it. She was back on shore duty again.

During a stay in Washington, D.C., she noticed the Torpedo Factory, the storied artists’ cooperative in downtown Alexandria. There she got the idea that artists could work together – a concept that took form here in 1987 when she and seven others joined forces to found what was first called “Artists At Work.”

They established space for studios in a decrepit building, above a Chinese take-out restaurant at 2407 Pacific Avenue, one block from the beach. She says, “there you could buy art and get an eggroll.”

Soon they cleared space downstairs for a gallery, and Constance served as its first president when they formally organized as a not-for-profit corporation called “The Artists Gallery” The idea, she says, was to be a gallery “for the artists” – sharing expenses and taking less of a commission. Exhibiting artists and volunteers manned the desk and helped put on monthly exhibitions. She is quick to point out much of its success is due to others.

Many artists have been attracted to its strong sense of cooperation and a unique atmosphere of friendship and good humor. In fact,

The first gallery even before the name changed; An early days’ group photo. Along with Constance, some of these artists are still part of the Gallery.

Constance often found Post-It notes on her canvas saying “It’s finished”, “Use a bigger brush”, “Don’t touch it” or best of all, “Take up golf!”

Seventeen years later, the gallery moved to a space on Norfolk Avenue where it stayed for years. Then in 2018, a new opportunity evolved. The gallery, with the guidance of the late Jean Rawls, was able to help create a non-profit organization taking on responsibilities for education, exhibitions and public outreach. Combining with the city’s former ceramics operation, the Virginia Beach Art Center was formed with a greater role, to be “for the community.”

Today, both the Art Center and the Gallery successfully operate out of the purple building in the heart of the ViBe, at 532 Virginia Beach Boulevard. Constance is proud of her association with the creation of both, while she continues to paint in her studio regularly.

At the Gallery, you can find some of the best of local art for sale, along with an opportunity to meet with artists and watch as they create; in the Art Center, classes are filled, programs bring the public and art together, and monthly exhibitions explore a wide variety of themes.

Visitors are always welcome during operating hours, 10–5 Tuesdays –Fridays, 10–4 Saturdays, 12–4 Sundays. You can also see the work of many participating artists on the website www.theartistsgallery.org. Virginia Beach Art Center programs can be found at www.artcentervb.org. Or go to either to reach the other.

All thanks to the early efforts of Constance Fahey and friends.

(Top to Bottom): Today’s gallery features 50 artists of many types – painting, sculpture, photography and more; Sunset Symphony; Constance with another prize-winning painting; The Artists Gallery and VB Art Center today.

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Kendall Snyder Art Connecting with Community

Kendall Snyder, otherwise known as “KendiiArt”, is a locally recognized artist in Virginia Beach. She has been involved in the arts since a child, having won numerous awards from elementary all the way up to highschool. She pursued art through college at George Mason University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Information Design in 2010. It wasn’t until she made the impulsive move to live by the beach in 2015 that she found her love of the ocean, reconnected with painting and truly created her own style.

She has sold many commissioned pieces of all subjects ranging from sea life to astronauts, but her pet portraits have become a staple in the area. Her dog portraits created a wave and landed her a number of opportunities. She currently creates dog inspired beer labels for Wasserhund Brewery on a regular basis and has painted a dog mural in their Chesapeake location. Vibrant Shore Brewing Company has used her dog paintings and designs for their apparel, as well as local crossfit gym Kaizen Athletics, to name a few. She designed the cover for Virginia Craft Beer Magazine Aug/Sept issue last year and was the featured artist for the 10th Anniversary 757 Battle of the Beers. She participated in the Art of the Vibe 3 exhibit with the Virginia Museum of Modern Art and is a curator of Aunt Flo’s Art Show, an all female artist event held in the VIBE district. She is one of the 14 artists featured in this year’s 6th annual mural festival, and looks forward to experiencing all that the event has to offer.

Kendall uses her passion for painting as a means of relaxation and connecting to Virginia Beach’s community. “There is something special about this area and living by the ocean. It immediately felt like home to me. I love being able to be recognized for my own unique style and most of all have FUN with it! There is nothing like doing what you love and being rewarded for being yourself.” What’s her next move? She will be hosting painting workshops beginning this fall for kids to help guide their creativity and teach them the basics of painting. You can find Kendall’s work and follow along her artistic journey on her social media pages- Facebook and Instagram @KendiiArt.

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

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

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

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

Medicare approved grocery benefits under certain conditions for 2022. I am very grateful to have helped hundreds of Medicare beneficiaries obtain thousands of dollars worth of groceries this year. Please contact me to see if I can help you.

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

Medicare approved grocery benefits under certain conditions for 2022. I am very grateful to have helped hundreds of Medicare beneficiaries obtain thousands of dollars worth of groceries this year. Please contact me to see if I can help you.

Medicare approved grocery benefits under certain conditions for 2022. I am very grateful to have helped hundreds of Medicare beneficiaries obtain thousands of dollars worth of groceries this year. Please contact me to see if I can help you.

Medicare approved grocery benefits under certain conditions for 2022. I am very grateful to have helped hundreds of Medicare beneficiaries obtain thousands of dollars worth of groceries this year. Please contact me to see if I can help you.

Medicare approved grocery benefits under certain conditions for 2022. very grateful to have helped hundreds of Medicare beneficiaries obtain thousands of dollars worth of groceries this year. Please contact me to see if I can help you.

Integrity Insurance Services is credentialed with the top Medicare carriers in our market. CMS requires us to let you know. “We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Integrity Insurance Services is credentialed with the top Medicare carriers in our market. CMS requires us to let you know. “We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

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

Integrity Insurance Services is credentialed with the top Medicare carriers in our market. CMS requires us to let you know. “We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Integrity Insurance Services is credentialed with the top Medicare carriers in our market. CMS requires us to let you know. “We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

YOUR HOMETOWN INSURANCE GROUP SPECIALIZING IN MEDICARE COVERAGE FOR OUR NEIGHBORS IN & AROUND HAMPTON ROADS

Insurance Services is credentialed with the top Medicare carriers in our market. requires us to let you know. “We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

YOUR HOMETOWN INSURANCE GROUP SPECIALIZING IN MEDICARE COVERAGE FOR OUR NEIGHBORS IN & AROUND HAMPTON ROADS

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Medicare approved grocery benefits under certain conditions for 2022. I am very grateful to have helped hundreds of Medicare beneficiaries obtain thousands of dollars worth of groceries this year. Please contact me to see if I can help you.

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YOUR HOMETOWN INSURANCE GROUP SPECIALIZING IN MEDICARE COVERAGE FOR OUR NEIGHBORS IN & AROUND HAMPTON ROADS

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NO COMMITMENT FREE healthcare assessment

Integrity Insurance Services is credentialed with the top Medicare carriers in our market. CMS requires us to let you know. “We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

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HOPE THIS IS HELPFUL ALTERNATIVE FINANCING, IN THE BABY BOOMER PURCHASE MARKET

By Mike Stanley

Good day Hampton Roads Realtors Association, it is an honor to be a part of this amazing Group of Caring Professionals! I am Mike Stanley, Branch Manager and Regional Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) Sales Manager for Thrive Mortgage out of the Virginia Beach, VA Location.

In 2008 I was introduced to the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, an FHA insured Loan, passed by congress, and signed into Law by Ronald Regan, in 1988. The HECM was originally designed to allow Baby Boomers 62 and over to refinance to tap into a portion of their home equity to supplement their retirement, and health care needs as they enter their Retirement years. With the HECM refinance the Boomers could use a portion of the Equity, and not be required to pay any Principal or Interest Payments for as long as they live in the home as their primary residence. In 2009 FHA restructured the HECM program to allow Boomers to be able to purchase a home that better meets their needs, so they could sell their current home. This home may have been a 2 story, bedrooms upstairs, on a large lot, lots of upkeep, where they raised their children, but no longer met their empty nester housing needs.

Baby Boomer demographics:

• Currently there are 79 million Baby Boomers in the US.

• Baby Boomers are turning 65 at a rate of 10,000 per day for the next 15 to 18 years

• Baby Boomers currently have $10.19 Trillion in home Equity

• 60% of Boomers 65+ have their homes paid for

• 27% will downsize, Right Size During their retirement years, to be closer to Family and Friends and to reduce housing expenses

With the original HECM Refinance the Boomers had to leave a percentage of their equity to absorb the deferred interest charges so the lender could recoup the deferred interest when the last borrower no longer lives in the property. They can use the cash out for any reason they wish, and not be required to make any Monthly Principal or Interest payment until they

leave the property. The HECM purchase works along the same principal, but with the HECM purchase the borrowers are required to put a down payment equal to the amount of equity left in the refinance. The amount of the down payment is determined by the purchase price of the property, the current interest rate at the time of the purchase, and the age of the youngest borrower. The youngest age for a HECM borrower must be 62 for the HECM purchase loan. Let’s use this scenario.

• A Boomer has a home valued at $300,000 (free and clear) and wants to sell the property to purchase a $250,000 Condo that meets the current needs and lifestyle. Normally they list and sale the current property, use $250,000 from the proceeds of their current home and has $50,000, a straightforward cash purchase

• With the HECM purchase in the same scenario, at 74 years of age they would only be required to have an estimated down payment of $125,000, we do the HECM purchase on the additional $125,000 and they have $175,000 of the original proceeds to supplement retirement or health care needs. They are not required to pay Principal or Interest as long as they live in the property.

• Second option for this same 74-year-old client. They allow you to list and sell the property, and (hypothetically) they have $300,000 cash in hand. With the HECM for Purchase option at 74 years of age, they can use the full $300,000 as a down payment to purchase a $600,000 home. Your commission just doubled, and the client spent the same amount in cash, WIN, WIN, WIN! With All HECM loans, Refinance or Purchase the borrowers are required to meet FHA guidelines and pay property taxes, Homeowners Insurance, and keep property in livable condition!

You may be thinking this sounds too good to be true, well it’s not!!! By the way, prior to 1988 before becoming the FHA insured HECM loan it was referred to as a REVERSE MORTGAGE and may still be referred to as this!!! How times have changed!

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

Doctor & hospital choice

Original Medicare Medicare Advantage (Part C)

You can go to any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare, anywhere in the U.S.

In most cases, you don’t need a referral to see a specialist.

Cost

In many cases, you can only use doctors and other providers who are in the plan’s network and service area (for non-emergency care). Some plans offer non-emergency coverage out of network, but typically at a higher cost.

You may need to get a referral to see a specialist.

Original Medicare Medicare Advantage (Part C)

For Part B-covered services, you usually pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after you meet your deductible. This amount is called your coinsurance

You pay a premium (monthly payment) for Part B . If you choose to join a Medicare drug plan, you’ll pay a separate premium for your Medicare drug coverage (Part D).

Out-of-pocket costs vary—plans may have lower or higher out-of-pocket costs for certain services.

You pay the monthly Part B premium and may also have to pay the plan’s premium . Some plans may have a $0 premium and may help pay all or part of your Part B premium. Most plans include Medicare drug coverage (Part D).

There’s no yearly limit on what you pay out of pocket, unless you have supplemental coverage—like Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap).

Plans have a yearly limit on what you pay out of pocket for services

Medicare Part A and Part B cover. Once you reach your plan’s limit, you’ll pay nothing for services Part A and Part B cover for the rest of the year.

You can get Medigap to help pay your remaining out-of-pocket costs (like your 20% coinsurance). Or, you can use coverage from a former employer or union, or Medicaid .

You can’t buy and don’t need Medigap.

What are the parts of Medicare?

Coverage

Original Medicare Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Helps cover:

• Inpatient care in hospitals

• Skilled nursing facility care

• Hospice care

• Home health care

Original Medicare covers most medically necessary services and supplies in hospitals, doctors’ offices, and other health care facilities. Original Medicare doesn’t cover some benefits like eye exams, most dental care, and routine exams. See page 55 .

See pages 25–29.

You can join a separate Medicare drug plan to get Medicare drug coverage (Part D).

Plans must cover all medically necessary services that Original Medicare covers. Plans may also offer some extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover—like vision, hearing, and dental services.

Part B (Medical Insurance)

Helps cover:

• Services from doctors and other health care providers

Medicare drug coverage (Part D) is included in most plans. In most types of Medicare Advantage Plans, you can’t join a separate Medicare drug plan.

• Outpatient care

• Home health care

In most cases, you don’t have to get a service or supply approved ahead of time for Original Medicare to cover it.

• Durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and other equipment)

In many cases, you have to get a service or supply approved ahead of time for the plan to cover it.

Foreign travel

• Many preventive services (like screenings, shots or vaccines, and yearly “Wellness” visits)

See pages 29–54.

Original Medicare Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover medical care outside the U.S. You may be able to buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy that covers emergency care outside the U.S.

Part D (Drug coverage)

Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs (including many recommended shots or vaccines).

Plans generally don’t cover medical care outside the U.S. Some plans may offer a supplemental benefit that covers emergency and urgently needed services when traveling outside the U.S.

Plans that offer Medicare drug coverage (Part D) are run by private insurance companies that follow rules set by Medicare.

See pages 79–90.

This handbook explains these topics in more detail:

• Original Medicare: See Section 3 (starting on page 57 ).

Replace your Medicare card

• Medicare Advantage: See Section 4 (starting on page 61).

• Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap): See Section 5 (starting on page 75).

• Medicare drug coverage (Part D): See Section 6 (starting on page 79).

Need to replace a damaged or lost Medicare card? Log into (or create) your secure Medicare account at Medicare.gov to print or order an official copy of your Medicare card. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and ask for a replacement card to be sent in the mail. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

If you get Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits, you can call 1-877-722-5772 to get a replacement card. TTY users can call 1-312-751-4701.

VIRGINIA BEACH EATS & DRINKS

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

By Patrick Evans-Hylton

It’s a big city out there, with all sorts of good eats, drinks, and dos.

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

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

EAT

I typically like to keep my omelet additions simple, so all the flavors shine. That’s what I found in the Dr. White’s Virginian Omelet at the charming beach cottage-cum-eatery, Doc Taylor’s.

mixture of vodka and Crabby Mary’s Bloody Mary Mix.

Crabby Mary is a locally-made bloody mary mix from Ashburn Sauce Co., and gets its signature flavor from the addition of seafood, fresh crushed garlic, hot sauce, sea salt, and Worcestershire.

The cocktail is balanced and well crafted. It comes in a salt and pepper-rimmed glass and garnished with a celery stalk. Ezma’s Bread Box Cafe is in the Rose Hall Shoppes at 3157 Virginia Beach Blvd. Call 757-463-5500 or visit www.EatAtBreadBox.com

DO

Make the most of late summer’s bounty by cooking up one of Virginia Beach’s favorite breakfast side dishes: parmesan tomatoes. They are quick and easy to make, and great alongside an omelet or other egg dish at breakfast or brunch. At lunch or dinner, top a salad, serve alongside a bowl of soup, as an addition to a favorite sandwich, or with grilled chicken, seafood, or steak. Here’s how I make them:

Here, a deliciously prepared omelet, golden yellow from the rich egg yolks, is enhanced with the addition of country ham, tomatoes, and cheese, and nothing else. Hollandaise sauce comes on the side. I picked raisin toast as my bread.

The omelet was perfect: the rich eggs was complimented by the salty ham and the sweetness from the tomatoes. Cheese married all the flavors, as did a judicious drizzle of decadent hollandaise. I added a side of creamy grits and addictive parmesan tomatoes. Doc Taylor’s Restaurant is at 207 23rd St., Virginia Beach. Call 757-425-1960 or visit www.DocTaylors.com

DRINK

We love a good bloody mary, and the Seafood Bloody at the adorable and homey Ezma’s Bread Box Cafe is a delicious take on the classic. A tall glass filled with ice is the vessel for a heady

Cut 4 medium washed and patted-dry tomatoes in half and brush olive oil on each cut side. Sprinkle with a pinch or two of garlic powder, coarse salt, and fresh ground pepper. On a platter, add a generous amount of finely grated parmesan cheese evenly distributed across the dish

Place the cut side of the tomatoes on the medium-high grill and grill until tomato begins to soften and starts to char, about 4-6 minutes. Flip and grill an additional 3-4 minutes. Remove and immediately press each tomato cut-side-down into the parmesan. Serve immediately.

Patrick Evans-Hylton is a Johnson & Walestrained chef and Virginia-based awardwinning food journalist, covering tasty culinary trends in print, radio, television, and online since 1995. Read him at VirginiaEatsAndDrinks.com

THE VIRGINIA FLOORS FAMILY BIG

FLOOR TRADER

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

Floor Trader of Chesapeake, 1725 S Military Hwy, Chesapeake, VA

Floor Trader of Virginia Beach

1104 Lynnhaven Pkwy A, Virginia Beach, VA

CARPET WORLD CARPET ONE

carpetworldofva.com

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

Carpet World Carpet One of Chesapeake

669 Cedar Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322

Carpet World Carpet One of Norfolk 3431 N Military Hwy, Norfolk, VA 23518

PROSOURCE WHOLESALE

prosourcewholesale.com

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

Prosource of Hampton Roads

1738 Lambert Ct, Chesapeake, VA

Prosource of Newport News 301 Village Ave, Yorktown, VA

Locally owned & operated tree service offering the best pricing for your needs. Large & small projects done with precision, safety & efficiency.

Around Town

By Joel Rubin

Plan a Pottery Party at Enchanted Studios in Virginia Beach

“Bring the littles, bring your friends, bring your boo, bring your bff.”

So it says on the website of new WINDSday Partner Enchanted Pottery Studios in the Brenneman Farm Shopping Center in Virginia Beach. We get the “littles, friends and bff.” But you will have to ask owner Tersha Lambert, who gave up a 20-year career doing estimating for a homebuilding company to start this highly interactive small business a year ago April.

“My grandmother had a pottery studio back in Iowa where I grew up,” she says. “That’s where I learned the craft.” Today the wheels are spinning at EPS. You can “throw a lamp” or other creation during classes for young and old, schedule a birthday party, enroll your teen in a “summer clay club” or just paint for an hour yourself.

“I love the sense of community we have developed here,” says Tersha. Learn more at www.enchantedpotterystudios.com or call (757) 971-9601. Tell her you’re coming with your boo.

The Saadys are the First Family of Mediterranean Meals

You might look at the very modest building on Prescott Avenue off Bonney Road in Virginia Beach and say, “there is no way a restaurant can succeed in this place.”

Well you would be wrong because for going on three decades, Azar’s Mediterranean Cuisine (www.azarfoods.com), has been the gold standard for middle east fare, and not just for the kebabs, gyros, tawooks, shawarma, moussaka, lentil soup, baklava and other affordably priced treats and entrees that the lively native Lebanese owners, Lina and Tony Saady, purvey in both this restaurant and their second location at Hilltop.

Lunch and dinner diners in the Pembroke store may not know it, but there is an industrial kitchen off the main floor, where staff churns out gallons and gallons of hummus, stuffed grape leaves

and other delicacies that are sold (through Sysco) to other stores and restaurants, here and outside the region.

“I was an Azar,” says Lina, whose father George, who died in 2004, partnered with the Saady clan to start the business in 1988, at first peddling pita bread. “We lived in Boston and got tired of the cold weather,” she recalls. “Dad decided to drive the VW to Florida but only got as far as Virginia Beach when the car died. He never left.”

Lucky for us. We get first crack at the spanakopita, tabouli, falafel, tzatziki, Baba Ghanouj, the first in the area olive bar, and Greek salad, whether for pickup or at the two restaurants, which now have WINDSday stickers, thanks to Tony and Lina Saady, married for 33 years both to each other and Hampton Roads.

A former TV journalist in Hampton Roads, Joel Rubin is President of Rubin Communications Group and director of the WINDSday campaign to raise awareness of the offshore wind industry that is coming to Hampton Roads

(757)

SAVINO AGENCY MONICA SAVINO

RIDESHARE

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

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

SCAN to run quotes ONLINE

OYSTER CRUSH 2023 EAT, DRINK, DANCE + HAVE FUN!

Virginia Beach’s best party is back, and local charities are once again the beneficiaries! The 39th annual Oyster Crush Fundraiser, hosted by the Cape Henry Rotary Foundation, will occur on Sunday, October 8, 2023 from 1pm-6pm at Ballyhoos Restaurant in Virginia Beach.

Brian McCullough, Chairman of this year’s event stated, “The Rotary Club is continuing our tradition of hosting a massive oyster roast and party for a cause, and since 2015 the event has raised over $307,000 for local charities, scholarships and youth programs in the Hampton Roads area.” McCullough continued, “As we look to make this event even better every year, we continue to pay close attention to feedback from our guests. We continue to work on improved food service, oyster quality and even the little things like restroom facilities-all designed to ensure a first-class experience.”

All-you-can-eat oysters, raw or roasted over a wood fire, and steamed clams will be served, along with a full meal including BBQ and fried chicken and drinks. You can dance all day to the music of Tidewater Drive and DJ ShyDot who are returning this year by popular demand.

“The Oyster Crush is a wonderful event!” said Joanie Needham, Vice President, Private Banking with Dollar Bank, who has attended many times over the years. “It’s a good feeling knowing that my donation stays local and enables nonprofits to provide essential programs for the homeless, pediatric cancer patients, women in crisis, and so many others who need assistance.”

Thirty-nine years equals a lot of oysters. The Cape Henry Rotary Club was founded in 1984, when to raise monies for local charities they began the oyster roast tradition. Club volunteers have always run this event. In the early years, the event was

held outdoors at Fort Story. Bill Deal and the Rhondels, often referred to as a “beach music tradition”, provided the tunes for shag dancing all day long.

In 2010, a major rainstorm on the day of the event caused the Club to re-think the venue to allow either rain or shine. In 2011, the event moved to Marina Shores.

When Marina Shores closed for redevelopment, Oyster Crush moved across the road to Ballyhoos Restaurant. Ballyhoos is an excellent location! It provides plenty of room for eating, dancing and socializing. The club also has a shuttle system to provide rides to/from designated off-site parking locations.

The fundraising efforts support local Hampton Roads charities “We know these organizations are making a difference here in our local area on a day-to-day basis, says Cindy Stover, President of the Cape Henry Rotary Club. “Last year’s Oyster Crush awarded grants to 22 local charities!”

One such charity benefiting from a grant is FACT (Families of Autistic Children in Tidewater). For 27 years, FACT has been offering social and recreational programs that motivate children and young adults with autism (ages 6-40) to engage

with peers and the Hampton Roads community. FACT programs enhance social and communication skills by utilizing similar-aged non-disabled peer volunteers and employing highly trained staff. Several of their programs involve field trips throughout Hampton Roads and their focus on social integration helps to foster awareness and acceptance of individuals with autism throughout the community.

“We have enjoyed a great relationship with Cape Henry Rotary for many years and truly appreciate their support of our programs and participants. This year’s grant is being used to fund FACT’s end of week parties during summer camp including cupcakes, balloons, and an indoor putt putt course for the campers with autism!” stated Tyler Williamson, Chief Executive Officer of FACT.

Another goal of Oyster Crush is to introduce guests to these local charities. The charities are invited to participate in a “charity row” at Oyster Crush that allows them to meet

with guests to share information about their charity and make some connections.

SAVE THE DATE! Please join Virginia Connector staff for one of Virginia Beach’s best traditions on Sunday, October 8, 2023 from 1PM-6PM at Ballyhoos Restaurant. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online at www.oystercrush.com . This is a 21+ over event.

Are you looking for opportunities to get involved in the community? We invite you to check out Cape Henry Rotary Club at www.capehenryrotaryvb.org.

MARKETPLACE EVENTS Join the Marketplace

Contact: Michelle Westberry | (757) 567-9354 | michelle@connectormagazines.com

ONGOING:

1st and 3rd Thursdays thru September, 4 to 7pm

Kings Grant Farmers Market

King’s Grant Baptist Church

Live music most nights

873 Little Neck Rd, Virginia Beach

September 17, October 15, November 19, December 17; 11am to 2pm

Peabody’s Comedy Brunch

September 6 & 13, 5 to 9pm Ynot Wednesday - Free outdoor concert series sandlercenter.org/ ynotwednesdays

201 Market St, Virginia Beach Sandler Center Outdoor Plaza

Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Live Music at Old Beach Tavern

Bands such as: The Janitors, Hotcakes, Intangible Cats and more 3020 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach

Did

someone say Wine Night? Randy enjoying a nice dinner with friends Jay, Tim, Abby, Katie and Betty.

Every Friday thru October 27, 7 to 10pm

Friday Night HoeDown at the Virginia Beach Farmer’s Market

Virginia Beach Farmer’s Market

3640 Dam Neck Rd

Bands such as: Dallas Band, The Country Rockers Raw BeeT’s

Every Saturday thru October; November 4 & 18, & December 16, 9am to 12pm

Old Beach Farmer’s Market

620 19th Street, Virginia Beach oldbeachfarmersmarket.com

Sundays from 9am to 7pm

Sunday Dog Days at Norfolk Botanical Gardens   Explore the Gardens with your Canine Best Friend norfolkbotanicalgarden.org

Several dates in September

Norfolk Tides Baseball at Harbor Park norfolktides.com

Cost: $15 to $35

September Concerts at The Norva Angelmaker, Bastille, Alkaline Trio and more Norfolk, VA thenorva.com

September 1 to 3, 7:30pm

Labor Day Weekend Oceanfront Concert Series 17th, 24th & 31st Street Parks (Free)

Thru September 2

Van Gogh - Immersive Experience vangoghvirginiabeach.com Virginia Beach Convention Center

September 3

BBOB – Big Bands on the Bay Concert Series Ocean View Beach Park oceanviewbeachpark.org (Free)

September 7, 8pm

Black Jacket Symphony Presents “Saturday Night Fever”

Harrison Opera House, Norfolk sevenvenues.com/events ($35 to $40 )

September 11, 7:30 to 11:30

WWE Monday Night RAW sevenvenues.com/events $24 to $124

GLASS | CBD | VAPE | GUMMIES | TINCTURES

John, Rachel and Nick at Backdeck enjoying the sunset happy hour.

MARKETPLACE EVENTS

Sept 13 & 27, Oct 11 & 25, Nov 8 & 22, Dec 6 & 20, 7 to 10pm

Karl’s Open Mic Beach Barracuda’s

1479 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach

September 15, 8pm

Australian Pink Floyd Show: Dark Side of the Moon Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion pavilionconcerts.com/events

$28.50+

September 16, 12 to 10pm

Nash Fest 757

Town Point Park festevents.org

Free and open to the public

September 16 - 17, 11am to 5pm

Neptune Wine Festival

Neptune Park neptunefestival.com

$35 - $50

Atlantic on Pacific Happy Hour with Slem! Love those $1 oysters!

NETWORKING IN THE 757 WITH JAKE MAINES

On the surface, having a successful trip to your local networking event would be to simply show up. Frankly, that’s not enough. To just show up once and expect the calls to start pouring in, you must be on the good stuff. To better improve your chances of the phone to ring (or notify you) you need to stay top of mind! This means choosing a few ways to promote

yourself and staying consistent. Doing one thing is a great start, one has to do much more to be seen. Studies show that on a daily basis we consume over 5,000 different advertisements. To put that into easier to grip terms, it means you are competing against a whole heck of a lot more than your competitor across the street. To combat this, attend a handful of networking events each month, host an event of your own, distribute an email list to frequently share helpful information, and try to take on as many speaking engagements, podcast

interviews, and magazine features as possible. Your go-to might be cold calling or door knocking, and I commend you for the hustle because that grind isn’t for the faint of heart. Whatever your cup of tea is, it requires consistency! A business built on referrals is the name of the game. Being known far and wide, where people seek you out. The way to make it happen is to position yourself as an expert, add value, and consistently stay top of mind! The results aren’t going to come immediately, but they will come, and the ride to get there isn’t so bad.

Pro Tip: If you feel like you’re seeing the same handful of people over and over again at the same events, consider skipping a month. If they miss you, you’re still top of mind! This isn’t an excuse to get inconsistent, so be strategic.

Check out some of my favorite networking events: Networking At The Narrows: Network in a relaxed outdoor, meaningful environment while bonding with like-minded business professionals. Events take place at The Narrows in First Landing State Park. Email gina@socialsipper.com to register.

Hampton Roads Networking Group: HRNG meets monthly on Thursdays for either a morning event or Happy Hour! The emphasis is on fun and relaxation, so the locations are chosen carefully and there’s usually something fun to do to break the ice. Email MarkellaMitcheison@gmail.com to register.

#DowntownNFKLadies: A meetup for professional ladies from different industries looking to engage, connect, and build relationships. Email hmorgan@ gotechark.com to register.

Networking Happy Hour: A low-key, no agenda, meet new people/catch up with old friends-type of event. Occurs the first Wednesday of every month. Register at networkinghh.com or by scanning the QR code below.

Cheers, Jake Maines

REGISTER FOR NETWORKING HAPPY

HOUR!

MARKETPLACE EVENTS

September 17, 1pm

Norfolk Tides Baseball - Bark in the Park (bring your dog)

Harbor Park, Norfolk norfolktides.com (Cost: $15 to $35)

September 19, 7:30pm

Foo Fighters

Veterans United Home Loan Amphitheater

September 22 to 24

SonRise Music Festival 24th Street Park

sonrisemin.org ($15+)

September 23, 10 am – 2:30pm

Revving Up with Vanguard Landing

Custom Car Show

Landstown Commons Shopping Center

Join 757 Auto Events and ClearShine - VA as we host a Car Show and Fund Raiser! Proceeds benefit Vanguard Landing (Free)

THE HARMONY OF WORK-LIFE BALANCE

BY SUE LEBRATO

Admittedly, I am still a work in progress on this subject. Yet this balance is a matter close to my heart, and I encourage my team to prioritize this.

Pointers on creating this harmony:

1. Prioritize self-care - Identify activities you find nourishing and healthy.

2. Set boundaries - Identify where you will and won’t check emails and take calls.

3. Seek assistance - When needed, ask for it at home and work.

4. Be present - There’s nothing worse than a conversation with someone who is texting or checking emails. It visibly deprioritizes the other person.

5. Set up - Date nights or family time. Those most important to you will know that your attention will be undivided.

Compartmentalizing work, from home, goes a long way to support both sets of relationships. Your well-being and ability to “sharpen the saw”, while disengaged from the workplace, creates a healthier and higher performing you.

Reach out to me at slebrato@icloud.com for a consultation.

You’re Amazing!

Organizational/Business Consulting

Caroline, Sharon, Sherry, Joann and Kevin enjoying a nice evening out!

September 27, 8pm Goo Goo Dolls

Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion Portsmouth pavilionconcerts.com ($44.75+)

September 30, 7:30pm

Patti LaBelle in Concert

Chrysler Hall, Norfolk sevenvenues.com/events

September 29 to October 1

Neptune Festival’s Boardwalk Weekend

Virginia Beach Boardwalk neptunefestival.com

October 14, 9am to 5pm; October 15, 10am to 4pm

Virginia Beach Gun Show

Virginia Beach Convention Center SGKShows.com

October 28, 12 to 5pm

VBYSC’s Fall Beer & Wine Bash - Fundraiser

Live music with Ready, Steady, Go! and Vinyl Headlights Camp Pendleton vbysc.org

temperature inside.

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MARKETPLACE EVENTS

ViBe EVENTS (through November)

Singer Songwriter Saturdays - every Saturday from 9am to noon during in ViBe Park and on 19th Street come hear local musicians aing a mix of original songs and old favorites.

First Friday Mural Walking Tour 6-7:30pm #FirstFriday No RSVP required. Meet up at the LOVE sign on Cypress Ave at 18th Street to join the guided 1.5 miles walking tour around the arts district.

First Sunday Public Art Bike Tours 9-11am.

Ride at your own pace on your own bike as a guide leads your around the arts district sharing stories behind the murals and other public art works.

Second Saturday Mural Walking Tour 10am-11:30am No RSVP required. Meet up at the LOVE sign on Cypress Ave at 18th Street to join the guided 1.5 miles walking tour around the arts district.

Second Saturday South Bath Experience 10am and 10:45am Bring a yoga mat or borrow a complimentary hammock to enjoy two 30 minute sound art sessions in 18th St Parklet.

Vibrant Drumming Circle- Last Sunday Monthly - 6-7:30pm, in ViBe Park. Bring a chair and a drum or borrow one on site in ViBe Park at 18th St and Cypress Ave. This causal meet up group practices both guided and free from drumming. Golf Cart Tours for persons with disabilities - please call to schedule at least 1 week in advance 757-202-9533.

www.vibecreativedistrict.org

Artist Nico Cathcart at Ambassadors Inn.

Artist Eric Jones at WRV.