Virginia Connector - Salem Lakes/Rock Creek - FEB 2023

Hello neighbor!

My name is John Marshall. and I'm a Virginia native from Fredericksburg. I have lived in Virginia Beach with my wife Rocío and my son John V for almost two years. My wife and I believe strongly in the power of community. We spent several years in southern Mexico helping to build homes for those affected by the earthquake of 2017. We look forward to growing roots here in the years to come.

We are all experiencing unprecedented increases in the cost of living, especially when it comes to energy.

By powering your home with solar, you can reduce your energy expenditure while simultaneously converting it into an appreciating asset with future returns.

As an experienced installer, I can guide you through the process. You'll be surprised at how easy it is and how much money you'll save. And with a free consultation and estimate, you've got nothing to lose.

I look forward to exceeding your expectations in 2023!

connecting

BOOST MOOD

Winter is here!

While the winter temperatures may not shout “beach time” here in Virginia Beach, this state offers many other coastal community explorations from whale watching, camping and museums to horseback riding and more.

This month, we want to pay tribute to our ancestors, from U.S. Presidents to history founders and leaders, all from the best state in the U.S. you guessed it...Virginia.

Virginia has been home to eight of our U.S. Presidents, including our very first one, George Washington. Be sure to check out some fun facts we included on these presidents from Virginia on Page 12.

Michelle Westberry

February is a special month and celebrated nationwide for several reasons. From President's Day and Valentine’s Day to Black History Month. Check out a couple of our local blacked-owned entrepreneurs; Clayton Singleton, artist and Chef Francis III, personal chef, on Pages 10-11.

Be sure to show your loved ones some extra attention for Valentine's Day and show some love to your neighbors. Our goal here at Virginia Connector is to create backyard networking. Everything we need is more than likely right in our own backyards (neighborhoods).

We hope you'll enjoy our educational articles, local spotlights, event listings and more as we continue to bring it all home for you!

We'd also like to call attention to our new "gold ribbons" (with an "E" for Expert) that help you easily spot our carefully vetted “Experts.” We hope you'll try their services and goods and we'd love to hear about your experience with them. If you have any questions for our experts, submit it to us and we'll get an answer for you. Email your inquiries to office@connectormagazines.com.

Last but not least...check out the local Dancing with Stars registration information on Page 28! I am proud to announce that I will be one of the 2023 contestants! We're looking for 21 others to join the fun. The winner gets to choose their local nonprofit of choice to donate to! We're talking fun, dancing and giving back to our communities! Does it get better than that?

Hope to see you around!

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

CRAWL SPACES & BASEMENTS

Tom Jackson CRAWLSPACE MEDIC (757) 500-9045 ♦ crawlspacemedic.com

MARKETING — DIGITAL

David Stinson DIGITAL NATION USA (304) 282-5509 ♦ david@digitalnationusa.com digitalnationusa.com

Jonathan Haug Senior Mortgage Consultant NMLS#: 246016 Office: 757-374-1541 Cell: 757-374-1541 jonathan.haug@phmloans.com jonathanhaug.phmloans.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Steven Griffin MILO TREES, INC. LANDSCAPING & ARBORIST (757) 381-3313

SOLAR ENERGY

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

Melissa Hedayatpoor MTM INTERNAT'L (407) 914-4866 ♦ shipMTM.com operations@shipMTM.com

IRRIGATION

James Reeves HYDRA IRRIGATION (757) 917-5652 ♦ hydrairrigation.com office@hydrairrigation.com

TOM BELL

Can you cut trees in February?

Many summer-flowering deciduous shrubs can be pruned between February and March; that flower on the current year's growth. Shrubs that need regular pruning include Buddleja davidii, Ceratostigma, Hydrangea paniculata, Lavatera, Leycesteria, Perovskia, hardy fuchsias, and deciduous Ceanothus.

Pruning while a plant is dormant makes it easier for the plant to recover which is important for next year's flowers

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.

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.

I would love the opportunity to help you prepare for your future and retirement. As a Financial Consultant,I promise to always put your best interest rst and work together with you to cra a plan that will help you achieve your nancial goals. Please call me to learn more about how these ideas can bene t you and your family.

PET-FRIENDLY DAY TRIPS

ENJOY Virginia with your pet

UNIQUE IDEAS

You've heard that "Virginia is for lovers" but you may not realize that Virginia is also a great place for pet lovers! In Virginia there is a wide variety of pet-friendly activities to choose from, including pet-friendly wineries, cruises, historical landmarks, and shopping malls. Whatever interests you and your furry best friend have, Virginia’s diverse attractions, rich history, beautiful landscapes, and varied culture contain attractions for everyone.

More and more places accommodate animals today — hotels and campgrounds, state parks and outdoor shopping centers, tourist attractions and outdoor events — so our four-legged friends can feel part of the fun.

ALEXANDRIA'S FOOTSTEPS OF THE PAST WALKING TOURS

Alexandria See Alexandria by foot with your pup by taking a walking tour with Alexandria’s Footsteps of the Past. You and your leashed pooch will listen to great storytellers and learn about more than two hundred years of town history and its many historical figures.

DAISEY'S ISLAND CRUISES

Chincoteague Island Daisey's Island Cruises offer a great alternative way to view Chincoteague and Assateague Islands with your four-legged furry friend. Dogs are more than welcome on this charter cruise, where you will see the famous Chincoteague ponies, dolphins, and copious bird population, and picturesque sunsets from comfortable pontoon boats.

FRONT ROYAL CANOE COMPANY

Front Royal Experience the great Shenandoah River with your pup and go canoeing and kayaking with Front Royal Canoe

Company in Front Royal. Located on the South Fork of the beautiful Shenandoah River, the river trips flow north between the Shenandoah National Park and the George Washington National Forest and will allow you and your four-legged family member to enjoy novice to intermediate class waters.

BARREL OAK WINERY

Delaplane Barrel Oak Winery welcomes you to enjoy country views, spend time in the great outdoors, and sip Virginia wine with your furry best friend in Delaplane. The owners of Barrel Oak Winery love their dogs so much they name their wines after their dogs. You can also schedule a personal tour of the winery with your pup.

SANDY BOTTOM NATURE PARK

Alexandria Spend time in the great outdoors with your pup at Sandy Bottom Nature Park in Hampton. This lovely nature park accommodates your leashed furry friends and includes a fenced off-leash area. Other activities you can partake with your pooch include fishing, boating, camping and hiking the parks extensive nature trail system. The park has picnic areas for you and your pup if you want to enjoy a meal in nature.

MORE TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH PETS: Double-check to be sure your travel destination allows pets. If you have the space, it's a good idea to travel with a kennel, crate or pet carrier. If traveling by air or train, consult the carrier for specific requirements.

CLAYTON SINGLETON

ARTIST

& prolific storyteller

intentional

ABOUT CLAYTON

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

He serves as chair of the Fine Arts Department at Lake Taylor High School and has been honored four times as Teacher of the Year at Norfolk Public Schools, where he has taught since 1994. Clayton is also a sought-after artist, whose beautiful manipulation of layering and juxtaposition are central to his treatment of vintage photos, wallpapers and texts.

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

About the Artist

You sense what people call passion when you are around Clayton Singleton. This Virginia resident’s blend of verbal and visual art inspires, motivates and educates. His use of realist-expressionism is realized through a style that is both academic and freestyle.

HIS MEDIUM

"I use many different mediums acrylics, ink, graphite, paper, and found objects. I believe that working in a single medium is restrictive to my artistic process. Each idea manifests in its own individual message, and thus has its own material needs."

HIS INSPIRATION

"My inspiration comes from everyday living and the lives of everyday people. Additionally, the juxtaposition of images and words provides metaphor for the reality of our lives, branching to the possibilities of our dreams."

chef James Francis III meet

Chef Francis is a private chef who specializes in customized menu planning for everything from birthday parties to an intimate Valentine’s Day dinner with your sweetheart. Meals are prepared in your home and served to you and your party as plated meals with lots of style. And the best part? (besides the food, of course!)…is that you don’t have to clean up the cooking mess!

His passion for food began in New York City as a young child in the kitchen with his mother.

“When I think back I can remember being in the kitchen, cooking breakfast, baking cakes, biscuits and rolls. Memories of preparing holiday meals are moments I treasure. My passion for food continued to grow and I worked in many restaurants, cafeterias, resorts and amusement parks — and even went on to own a gourmet hot dog food truck.”

Chef Francis graduated from the Culinary Institute of Virginia with an Associates in Culinary Arts in 2013 and a Bachelors in Business Management in 2014. Today he follows his insatiable desire to serve his community through cooking, taking pride in making each event unforgettable.

It may surprise you to know that Chef Francis is a picky eater and does not eat some of his clients’ favorite meals because the dishes contain ingredients he does not personally care for but it’s not about him his focus is on exceeding the expectations of his clients, every time. It may also surprise you to know that Chef Francis is a minister!

When asked what he loves about Virginia Beach and his neighbors, he says, “I love that our area is filled with amazing people from all walks of life who also have a passion for good food. I love our local farmers and source some of my products from them when I can. Every neighborhood I have worked in has a personality of its own and I’m grateful to be able to express myself through my food and be embraced by this amazing community we call home.”

CHEFS & WHAT INSPIRES THEM

From appetizers to full meals, let Chef Francis take the stress out of your next special occasion

FOLLOW Chef Francis on Social @cheffrancisiii enjoy

VIRGINIA: BIRTHPLACE OF PRESIDENTS

BY RICHARD LEDERER

Presidents’ Day is the official designation of a federal holiday that is now celebrated on the third Monday of February. The original celebration was in honor of George Washington, whose actual birthday was February 22. Abraham Lincoln, who was born February 12, was added to the mix, and in the late1980s, Presidents’ Day (note the apostrophe after the s to indicate that more than one president is being celebrated) became the official name of the holiday.

Virginia is the birth state the greatest number of our presidents, including seven of the first twelve — George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, and Zachary Taylor, as well as Woodrow Wilson. Jefferson, Monroe, and Tyler were governors of Virginia.

More than half of all U.S. presidents come from just four states: Virginia, Ohio, New York, and Massachusetts account for 25 of the 45 men who have served in the role. (Trust me: 45 is the correct number; President Grover Cleveland, who served two nonsequential terms, was counted twice.) There is a definite East Coast tilt to the numbers. Just eight presidents were born west of the Mississippi River and only two — Richard Nixon in California and Barack Obama in Hawaii — entered the earthly stage west of the Rocky Mountains.

Our third, fourth, and fifth presidents, were all Virginians. Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe each consecutively served two full terms as president for a total of 24 years. CHALLENGE: Name three other presidents who consecutively served two full terms. The answer reposes at the bottom of this column.

Here’s the opposite pattern: Between Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln, eight successive presidents served a single term or less — Martin Van Buren (1837-1841), William Henry Harrison (1841), John Tyler (1841-1845), James Polk (1845-1849), Zachary Taylor (1849-1850), Millard Fillmore (1850-1853), Franklin Pierce (1853-1857), and James Buchanan (1857-1861). Elected to a second term in 1864, Abraham Lincoln ended that streak.

In 1819, Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia. He left specific instructions for the message to be carved on his tombstone:

Here was buried Thomas Jefferson, Author of the Declaration of American Independence Of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom And Father of the University of Virginia

Do you see what’s missing? Apparently, Jefferson didn’t think it important enough to include his two terms as President of the United States.

In 1962 John F. Kennedy entertained a group of Nobel Prize winners at the White House. Chalice in hand, Kennedy rose to toast the luminaries in the room. He heralded the event as “the most distinguished gathering of intellectual talent ever brought together in the Executive Mansion — except for when Thomas Jefferson alone.” In addition to Jefferson’s political contributions, our third president designed many of the first buildings of the University of Virginia and two of his other architectural designs — Monticello and Bremo Plantation — are still among the most exquisite country houses in America. He had much to do with the planning of Washington, D.C., and invented early versions of the swivel chair, collapsible writing table, and the pedometer, to measure his walks. Perhaps America’s first foodie, Jefferson introduced the French fry to America.

John Tyler was born in the same county as his president, William Henry Harrison —Charles City County, Virginia. He joined the Confederacy 20 years after he was in office and became the only president named a sworn enemy of the United States. He was also the only president who was not a U.S. citizen when he died, in Virginia, as a citizen of the Confederate States of America. At his request, his coffin was draped with a confederate flag.

Almost half our presidents (22) have served as governors, the first being Thomas Jefferson; and more than a third of our presidents (17) have been U. S. senators, the first being James Monroe.

ANSWER TO THE CHALLENGE:

Richard Lederer is the author of 60 books about language, history, and humor, including his best-selling Anguished English series and his current title, Lederer's Language & Laughter

He is a founding co-host of “A Way With Words,” broadcast on Public Radio.

Dr. Lederer’s syndicated column “Lederer on Language” appears in newspapers and magazines throughout the United States. He has been named International Punster of the Year and Toastmasters International’s Golden Gavel winner.

They’re our recent presidents — Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. verbivore.com

HISTORY

CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF, JOHN SMITH WAS NOT AMONG THE MEMBERS OF THE FIRST LANDING PARTY IN THE NEW WORLD. WHEN ADMIRAL CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT ORGANIZED THE 30 OR SO MEN WHO WERE TO GO ASHORE, SMITH WAS UNDER ARREST AND IN CHAINS FOR TAKING PART IN MUTINOUS DISTURBANCES EN ROUTE TO THE NEW WORLD.

HISTORY OF CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH

The landing party came ashore in the present city of Virginia Beach on the morning of April 26th, 1607. It was springtime and as the adventurers climbed the huge sand dunes their view of the dogwood trees in full bloom, and the climbing yellow jasmines intermingled with the deep green recesses on the woodland moved 26 year old Master George Percy to write that, “Heaven and Earth never agreed better to frame a place for man’s habitations than Virginia.”

On April 29th, the voyagers returned to the entrance of the great body of water they officially named The Chesapeake Bay, using the same name the Indians used. There they erected a cross and named the spot Cape Henry, after the popular Prince of Wales, who was only 13 at the time. They claimed all the land in the name of God and England and on the sand of Virginia Beach conducted the first religious ceremony of the Church of England in America.

STAY TUNED for more slices of history in upcoming issues...

THE FIRST LANDING & THE BIRTH OF AN HISTORIC INLET

CAPTAIN NEWPORT, fearing the landing site too vulnerable to Spanish and Indian colonists, moved the party further inland. On May 13, 1607, a small island on the James River was chosen to establish the first permanent English Colony in the new world. King James had ordered that the capital city be named in his honor, hence Jamestown was born. It was not until 14 years after the first landing at Cape Henry that colonists settled in the area now known as Virginia Beach. Besides being relatively free of Indians and the supposed threat they posed, there was an unlimited supply of wildlife, the most fertile soil in the entire colony, deep rivers ideal for transportation and excellent accessibility to the resources of the sea. One of the earliest residents of Virginia Beach was Adam Thoroughgood. At age 18, young Adam left the home of his prominent family in England to seek adventure and fortune in the colony of Virginia. The topography reminded him so much of his homeland that he named the river and her shores the Lynnhaven. Thoroughgood soon became the leading citizen in Lynnhaven Parish and was an elected member of the House of Burgess, the Governors Council, and a Justice of the Court. In 1635, Captain Thoroughgood earned a land grant of 5,350 acres in colonial Virginia Beach for persuading 105 people to settle in Virginia. The house that Thoroughgood built for his family is still standing and fully restored. It is believed to be the oldest surviving brick home in America. After Thoroughgood's death, the Lynnhaven area flourished under the leadership of prominent families. Fish was abundant in the Chesapeake Bay area, thus seine hauling was one of the earliest profitable vocations. At this time, the only entrance into Lynnhaven River from the Chesapeake Bay was by way of Little Creek and was a tedious three-mile journey. A shorter, faster route to the bay would greatly enhance fishing industry profits. Adam Keeling, whose plantation, “Ye Dudlies,” was situated at the mouth of the Lynnhaven River, worked out a solution. There was a huge sandbar about a half-mile wide, separating the River and Bay. Keeling’s group dug a trench across the sandbar wide enough to permit the passage of a canoe. Almost immediately after this was accomplished, a severe storm caused unusually high tides in the Chesapeake to rush through the ditch into the Lynnhaven River. The force of the tides enlarged the ditch to the size of an inlet, and today this inlet is known as the famous Lynnhaven Inlet.

the FORMAL DINING ROOM

is making a comeback!

For many of us eager to embrace wide, free spaces and opportunities for family time, the dining room fell victim to open floor plans. During the recent pandemic, living rooms became offices and so on. Dining rooms disappeared before our very eyes.

In 2023, some are reclaiming their dining room.

For a while now, we’ve seen a lot of big, open floor plans where the kitchen, dining, and living fits in one big box, but we're beginning to see the return of more traditional, separate spaces.

Are you excited about this shift? It seems we're tired of eating in the kitchen, which is also the living room, and also the family room. And while the open floor concept had the best intentions of bringing family together, an open floor plan gets lost in the hubbub of every day. A dining room, on the other hand, is a place of coming together with loved ones, intentionally, and focusing on nothing more than a good meal and each other.

It's about connecting (and REconnecting). We're becoming acutely aware of the precious time that electronics steal from us and our loved ones. A formal dining area demands that we come to the

table for sharing food and conversation rather than videos from our phone.

This feels like a trend we might all get behind (except maybe teenagers, but they have their own agenda and it doesn't usually fall in line with the views of the adults in charge). If this trend sounds worthwhile to you, here are some tips for you!

DESIGNING A DINING ROOM

In a formal dining room, you can really take things to the next level and bring in rich hues, wallpaper, or creative picture frame molding, as opposed to limiting yourself to one color palette like you would if you have an open floor concept. You can do so much more to make a space pop.

Separate rooms allow you to personalize your home more and be adventurous in your design. You don’t have to worry about rooms clashing with each other like in an open concept space. You can even go all out with bold paint choices, textures, wall moldings, and high contrast elements that suit your personal style, no matter what the room next to it looks like.

CREATING THAT SPECIAL SPACE

Focus on making the space feel special. You want a space you and your family and friends will look forward to gathering in rather than just a functional space. Add a unique light fixture or furniture piece that adds a special feeling to your new (intentional) dining space.

Do LOTS of looking at different types of layouts and design ideas (see...this is where it's acceptable to have your phone out in the dining room!).

Involve the family. Have fun with it. Make it your own.

Catch up with Kelly Klaers HELLO NEIGHBORS!

It’s February 2023. Before I get into some business, I thought I’d share a short trip my husband, Mike and I made last month to Rochester, NY, my hometown. He’s from Minneapolis, so he’s a huge MN sports fan! He loves the Wild play (hockey) and took our nephews to the Sabres game on Saturday, January 7th Then he went to the Bills game on Sunday with my sister, Kerry and her daughter, Kayleigh and her boyfriend Sean My pastry chef sister, Lisa, made the cookies.

I’m sure you can imagine how emotional that game was for the entire country. We thank God that Damar Hamlin was discharged (today actually, as I’m writing this on 1/9!) and looks like he’ll make a complete recovery What a wonderful sight it is and was to see all the players and fans across the country send their love and prayers to him and his family, AND to our Bills team! I stayed on a couple couches visiting my other relatives where it was warm with libations! (if you can recall my first issue last year had pictures of Mike and I at the Bills game in Thanksgiving 2021 with miserable weather. So, I been there, done that. Enjoy it on TV. :)

By the way, if you didn’t already know, our neighborhood local bar, Mike's Break Room on Tiffany Lane, has a backroom for Bills fans when they’re playing. It’s super loud, but super fun!

Klaers

4701 Columbus St , Suite 200 Virginia Beach, VA 23462 Office: 757-456-2345 Cell: 757-572-9537

Kelly Klaers

Kelly

HOMEBUYING COSTS AREN'T COMING DOWN

2023 Housing Market Forecast and Predictions

After being overwhelmed in the housing frenzy of the recent past, homeowners, sellers, buyers, and renters may be underwhelmed in 2023.

The slowdown in home sales transactions that began as mortgage rates surged in 2022 is expected to continue, leading to a moderation in home price growth and tipping housing market balance away from sellers But with mortgage rates continuing to climb as the Fed navigates the economy to a soft-ish landing, a moderation in home price growth will not be enough for the housing market to be a buyer’s bonanza

Instead, home shoppers will enjoy advantages such as a growing number of homes for sale, but costs will remain high, challenging affordability at a time when overall budgets continue to be squeezed. If home shoppers and sellers have unrealistic expectations, they could find themselves in a stale mate in the year ahead

Consumers who are ready for the challenge will need up-to-date information on market conditions, creativity and flexibility to adjust, and a healthy dose of patience in order to create success

The 2023 housing market could become a “nobody’s-market,” not friendly to buyers nor to sellers.

HOUSING FORECAST 2023

The typical mortgage payment will be higher (up 28% to $2,430), pricing many buyers out of the market.

Average

higher than 2021's historic lows (3.0%), with early 2023 hikes followed by a slight retreat to 7.1% by year-end.

What's coming?

The coming year could be tough for buyers and sellers. See Realtor.com's predictions and make a plan.

Inventory will still lag 2019 pre-pandemic level, but will be up from 2022, giving buyers more homes to choose from

17 tips for surviving Valentine's Day

The best tip is to AVOID SOCIAL MEDIA! Let's face it you do not want to be deluged with images of happy couples who may also announce their engagement on Valentine's Day (as cliché as it gets but...).

Something else to keep in mind is that Valentine's Day is little more than a marketing gimmick and a lot of couples don't make a big deal out of Valentine's Day (and most men dread it and would rather ignore it if they could get by with that, that is).

HERE ARE SOME MORE TIPS TO KEEP IN YOUR ARSENAL:

1. BUY YOURSELF A NICE BOTTLE OF WINE

Who says you’re not worth a $20 bottle of wine every now and again? Because you are.

2. ORDER A PIZZA

Think about it...alone with pizza...no sharing the garlic sauce or being judged for how much pizza you wolf down. Just the carbs and you...it's a dream come true.

3. BINGE ON MOVIES

Not just any movies. You'll of course want to stay away from "The Notebook" and the like. Watch movies you know a significant other would probably roll their eyes at. Cheesy '90s teen flicks good choice.

4. BUY YOURSELF FLOWERS

Probably not roses, but what's your favorite flower? Or maybe a bouquet of wild flowers. Fresh flowers always brighten up a room. This is an exercise in being kind to yourself.

5. BATH + WINE COMBO

Of COURSE use good judgment when combining water with alcohol, but why not take a relaxing bath and sip some good wine? Seriously, ask yourself how long it has been since you pampered yourself by taking a bath, let alone bath + wine.

6. MAKE YOUR BARISTA'S DAY

You'll be surprised at how good it will make YOU feel to do something nice for someone else. Throw a bigger tip than usual into the tip jar at your local coffee shop or wherever you might get the opportunity to make someone's day in this way.

7. GIVE YOUR GYM SOME LOVE

Why not give your body some extra love at the gym? If you're afraid you'll sit home and binge eat or even if you just want to take a positive step on Valentine's Day who has ever left the gym after a workout and wished they hadn't? Maybe you can even be proactive and sign up for a class at the gym one you've always wanted to try but it was a little out of your comfort zone. Hit the steam room. Endorphins work wonders.

8. THROW A PARTY

What? Yes, throw a party. Not a "Single's Valentine's Day Party," necessarily, but a party just the same. Single friends will definitely love this idea.

9. KIDS NEED LOVE, TOO!

And kids don't care about Valentine's Day and they won't talk about it the entire time! Volunteer to babysit for family or friends and unleash the kid in you. Kids always remind of innocence and honesty and, frankly, pure love. And their parents will be SO grateful to have a night out it's a win-win.

10. ADOPT A PET

How long have you been putting THAT off? What better way to remember Valentine's Day next year than to celebrate the one year anniversary of meeting the love of your life (your new baby, of course).

11. FIND A NEW SHOW TO BINGE ON

It might seem obvious, but please don't binge on a show about falling in love, or any flick that's gonna make you feel lonely or unloved. Sometimes even comedies are peppered with romance, so choose something you can get wrapped up in but won't make your night end in tears.

12. RETAIL THERAPY

Buy yourself something new (or gently used!). Be careful with this tip because you don't want to be stressed out after shopping because you spent too much money. Thrift shops are a great way to spend an afternoon! Invite another single friend to go along.

13.

DO A LITTLE (EARLY) SPRING ORGANIZING

Sometimes there's nothing better for clearing your mind and giving yourself a boost than organizing your space. There's a sense of accomplishment and even renewal that comes with it. Just tell yourself you're only going to spend an hour or so doing it, and what you'll most likely find is that once you dive in — you're all in! And all the better for it!

14. DIVE INTO A GOOD BOOK

Again, choose wisely. Romantic novels, not such a good idea. Self-help? Maybe not self-help either. A mystery novel? Sure! A memoir on a favorite famous person? Sure!

15. PAMPER YOURSELF AT A SPA OR SALON

A new haircut, a manicure and/or pedicure, skincare, a massage are all good choices. You'll come away feeling relaxed and with a slight self-esteem boost.

16. GET OUT & TAKE OUT

Get out of the house, even if it's just for the afternoon. On the way back home, stop and get your favorite foods to take home. Haven't treated yourself to sushi in a while? Is

it cold outside and you're craving Mexican food? No one wants to eat at a restaurant alone on Valentine's Day, but there's no reason you can't still have a meal prepared for you. Head home, kick off your shoes, put on a good movie and enjoy your alone time.

17.

MUSIC!

Make an upbeat playlist BEFORE Valentine's Day and crank it up while using some of the tips here. Music can be so uplifting! If you have a playlist, none of those "danger zone" songs will randomly pop on and swing your mood in another direction.

In closing, figure out in advance what you're going to do on Valentine's Day. Who knows? Maybe before Valentine's Day these plans you've made will get spoiled by meeting someone who wants to be your Valentine...if that happens, it's unlikely you'll be upset about your plans changing.

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

VALENTINE'S DAY IS HERE! Let Topiaries be your one-stopshopping for all things floral, table decor, gifts & so much more. Shop early for best selection!

THINGS TO DO in the Winter in VIRGINIA BEACH

Virginia Beach is much more than a beach destination, and there’s much more to explore than the summer months. Ask any local and they’ll tell you that the winter months paint our coastal city in a new light that emphasizes some of the area’s most beloved and quintessential offerings – all made that much more enjoyable thanks to milder weather and fewer crowds.

Trade in your snow shovel for a Virginia Beach winter getaway and find yourself riding horses on the beach, taking in countless trails and sights, slurping down local oysters and seeing our largest annual guests: humpback whales!

When you have our coastal city at your fingertips, the possibilities for winter fun are endless!

Adventure down the beach with us from 26th Street under and through the Virginia Beach Pier all the way down to 10th and 9th streets and then back along the beach and through the surf as we experience nature at its best. This is an amazing Virginia Beach experience and perfect for first-time riders, experienced riders, family, couples, and everyone in between! Available from September to May!

HIKING CAMPING

With over 4,000 acres of city and state parks, and a 9,000-acre national refuge, Virginia Beach’s parklands offer something for everyone. From untouched natural habitats to pristine city parks in every far reaching corner of our city, there’s no shortage of places to hike and camp in Virginia Beach.

Whale Watching

We like to think that whales enjoy hanging out in our waters during the cooler seasons because it’s their home away from home. When the chill of the polar regions, where they spend a majority of their time during the remaining months of the year, gets to be too much to bear, they come visit us - and who can blame them? You can join in on the fun on one of the many whale-watching cruises offering opportunities to see these magnificent creatures first-hand. You never know what you might see, so make sure that your camera is always ready!

Because whales migrate based on water and air temperatures, it’s difficult to determine the best time for whale-watching. While the prime months for sightings are typically January and February, whales have been spotted in large numbers as early as December. Give the Virginia Aquarium or Rudee Tours a call to see if they’ve spotted any whales yet. It’s true that if they’ve already been spotted for the season, you’re more likely to see them on an excursion – they like to hang around with each other!

THINGS TO DO indoors this WINTER

People are always looking to get out and enjoy the beauty of our natural surroundings, and there is an abundance of adventures to be had even away from the sun and sand. For the days when the weather just isn’t cooperating, here are a few indoor activities that are as great as being outside.

aquarium & MARINE SCIENCE CENTER

Whether you’re an avid marine lover or just enjoy exploring, there’s something for everyone at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Come by and explore over 800,000 gallons of one of the best aquariums in the country. From hundreds of hands-on exhibits to their National Geographic 3D Theater, it’s hard to fit all that the Virginia Aquarium has to offer into just one trip.

museums & HISTORY

Since the first American settlers stepped foot on our hallowed shores, Virginia Beach has been a historic meeting place for remarkable events. Look up to the celebrated lighthouses at Cape Henry, retrace the footsteps of our forefathers at First Landing State Park, or call the notable Adam Thoroughgood House home for the day, it’s all here and historic, in Virginia Beach.

MUSEUMS OF VIRGINIA BEACH

As the landing site for our country’s first settlers, and only about an hour away from the Historic Triangle of Yorktown, Jamestown and Williamsburg, the foundations of our country began right here. Virginia Beach History Museums represents

the diversity of Virginia’s heritage in its historic homes and museums spread throughout our coastal city. Visit one or all of them, and discover the hidden histories of our region, and their place in the rich history of the United States.

LOCAL HAPPENINGS

Annual Events

february

Polar Plunge

Polarplunge.com 757-962-1575

Virginia Beach Restaurant Week Dineinvb.com 757-422-4420

march

Shamrock Marathon Weekend Shamrockmarathon.com 757-412-1056

april

Virginia Arts Festival Vafest.org 757-282-2800

Historic Garden Week Tour Vagardenweek.org

East Coast She Crab

Soup Classic

LIVEonAtlantic.com 757-385-7873

may

Atlantic Coast Kite Festival

LIVEonAtlantic.com 757-385-7873

Beach Music Cruise In

LIVEonAtlantic.com 757-385-7873

Virginia International Pan Festival

LIVEonAtlantic.com 757-385-7873

Salute to Summer

LIVEonAtlantic.com 757-385-7873

Monsters on the Beach LIVEonAtlantic.com 757-385-7873

Coastal Edge Steel Pier Classic 3-Day Surf, Art, Music Festival 757-491-9011

Richman Navy Week Virginia War Memorial 804-786-2060

Virginia Beach Spring Craft Market Emgshows.com

contact MICHELLE WESTBERRY michelle@connectormagazines.com

Local Artist Tonya Hopson presents Dale White of Integrity Insurance his autographed original art piece from our Nov 2022 issue.

Here, Tonya Hopson presents Kathy & Justin of Abbey Animal Hospital autographed original art piece from our Nov 2022 issue.

Looking for Celebrity Dancers! Based on the hit TV show, 22 local contestants, made up of business leaders, media celebs, civic and political leaders and other professionals participate. NO DANCE EXPERIENCE NEEDED!

free lessons with professional ballroom dancer. Past celeb dancers include TV and radio personalities, local business owners, the Mayor of Virginia Beach & people just like you!

Participants required to gain sponsorships of $2500. This can be done by you, by companies and/or multiple donations. Each contestant also required to sell minimum of 20 tickets. Free dance lessons are for the contest participation.

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

Did you know that you can anchor your own Connector Magazine and get exclusivity and premium placements to promote your local business? Ask us for details. Did you know that Connector Magazines is passionate about featuring local artists front-and-center on our covers?

Space and areas are limited and premium areas fill up quickly, so why not contact us today and get more information? We're your Virginia Connector connecting and promoting all things local!

learn more how you can have your artwork featured on future editions of Connector Magazines