Virginia Beach Connector: Cypress - October 2023

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BEHNJI DANCER: THE THRILLER OF HAMPTON ROADS A

VIRGINIA BEACH EATS & DRINKS

MIA GUILE: ART CONNECTING WITH COMMUNITY

STEP AHEAD IN FLOORING

How Yates Flooring in Virginia Beach takes flooring services to the next level.

CYPRESS POINT EXPERT

BRINDA GRIFFIN

Broker/Owner of Griffin Realty LLC

GRIFFINREALTY.US

Have you ever had a person in your life help you take the next step in your business or profession? My greatest joy as owner of Virginia Connector magazine is hearing the stories from our readers, people featured in our pages, and so many charities who were connected to a meaningful opportunity that changed their life or business, or helped someone important to them.

October marks the height of Autumn. There are events spanning the entire month, from fall celebrations to Halloween fun. This month has so many fun vibes, cooler weather festivals, and of course, lots of pumpkin carving. I’ve already stopped by the farmer’s market and grabbed mine! Don’t be afraid of jack-o-lanterns. They have no guts.

We will continue to work tirelessly to gather and highlight local community experts within their fields. From finance to home improvement to local charities and travel. We do all this in hopes that making better choices can build a stronger community. Why go on Google to search for your next service? We have the experts you need right here in your own backyard.

Tourist season is behind us now. We can slow down just a bit, watch a little football, and enjoy the cool breezes and fall foliage. Cool walks on the beach, kayaking in the bay, or making a connection with a friendly neighbor remind us why we love our hometown.

Thank you for reading this month’s edition of the Virginia Connector Magazine. — Michelle Westberry

PUBLISHER

Brad Weber Local Umbrella, Inc

FOUNDER/CO-PUBLISHER/EDITOR

Michelle Westberry michelle@connectormagazines.com

FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES CONTACT

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

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STAFF SUPPORT

Paw-ssistants to Michelle Westberry

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Thomas Marshall

CONTRIBUTORS

Joel Rubin, Patrick Evans-Hlyton, Melanie Northam, Mia Guile, ViBe District ,Visit Virginia Beach.

PHOTOGRAPHY

MichelleOwner/PublisherWestberry

Melanie Kim, Oana Crisp

Happy New Year

Can you believe short time we went streets at the Oceanfront temps! Virginia get all four seasons where you can round! Simply, a This new year the bring the upmost participants, including industry experts, events and residents. we need it to bring see more of in someone who

(757) 567-9354

Michelle@ConnectorMagazines.com

Connector

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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 o ce@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.

In this issue, we'd designing the front deserving of thanks continues to connect Aid participated artist, Sam Welty. the ViBe District!

Lastly, with the health goals!), I'd Aaron has been for the drastic changes inches! Check out (before his schedule Happy New Year

DISTRIBUTION

Please recycle this issue of Virginia Connector

Brad Weber Inspired Media, Inc.

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT

Michelle Westberry (757) 567-9354

Michelle@ConnectorMagazines.com

VIRGINIA BEACH EXPERTS

CALL THEM TODAY AND ASK FOR THEIR ADVICE AND EXPERTISE SO THAT YOU CAN MAKE BETTER CHOICES ON HOME SERVICES!

LEARN MORE ABOUT BECOMING A RECOGNIZED EXPERT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD! MICHELLE WESTBERRY (757) 567-9354

ART AND CUSTOM FRAMING

Jaqui Lilly

BEACH GALLERY

(757) 428-3726 • beachgallery.com

jaqui@beachgallery.com

CBD

Nicholas Antonio Rocha

QUEENS GREEN APOTHECARY

(757) 486-0941 • QueensGreenVB.com

QueensGreenRX@gmail.com

GROW EXPERT

Adam Dobbins

GROW DEPOT

(757) 560-0355 • growdepot757.com adam@growdepot757.com

HOME DECOR & GIFTS

Sharon Ballance

TOPIARIES (757) 437-1183 • topiariesva.com info@topiariesva.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT — FLOORING

Pete Yates

YATES FLOORING (757) 717-9955 • yatesflooringva.com sales@yatesflooringva.com

HVAC & RESTORATION

Marjorie Spring & Megan Edwards

HIGH TIDE CONTRACTING (757) 910-6677 hightidecontracting.com

INSURANCE — HOME & AUTO

Monica Savino

SAVINO AGENCY

(757) 435-4291 • goosehead.com

Monica.Savino@goosehead.com

INSURANCE — MEDICARE

Dale S. White INTEGRITY INSURANCE

(757) 650-2500 • integritymedicareva.com

daleswhite@integritymedicareva.com

IRRIGATION

James Reeves

HYDRA IRRIGATION

(757) 917-5652 • hydrairrigation.com info@hydrairrigation.com

KITCHEN & BATH

Robert Stahl

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

LANDSCAPING & ARBORISTS

Michael Campbell

ART-IS-TREE LLC (757) 319-5131 • artistreeva.com artistreeofvirginia@gmail.com

NETWORKING

Jake Maines

757 NETWORKING HH

(864) 567-4124 • networkinghh.com

jake@jakemaines.com

ORGANIZATIONAL/BUSINESS CONSULTING

Sue Lebrato

YOU’RE AMAZING!

(757) 472-9164 slebrato@icloud.com

PERSONAL CHEF

James Francis

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

SOLAR ENERGY

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

TRANSPORTATION — COMMERCIAL

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

WANTED: Local Experts to join our Expert Team!

A STEP AHEAD IN FLOORING

BY MELANIE NORTHAM

and purpose in working with homeowners to improve their residences. “Putting down flooring in a store is not the same as putting down floors in someone’s house that was built in the 1960s, or even the early 1900s,” says Van. “If you’re paying thousands of dollars to do your floors, you want to hire someone who you know is going to pay attention to it and make it look the way you wanted yourself. That’s what’s gotten us so much referral business and 5-star reviews. We put a lot of care into it and give our clients the peace of mind of a job done right.”

was 17. Van introduced Pete to flooring, and they eventually decided to team up and join forces to create a create a powerful company together.

Yates Flooring holds a very high standard of promptness, perfection, and professionalism. “We treat every house like it’s our own, like we’re going to live in it. That’s how we ensure our high quality of work,” says Van. “We take pride in what we do.”

Although the team sometimes books commercial flooring and LVP (luxury vinyl plank) glue down jobs for locations like offices and big retail stores like Wal-Marts, they find more gratification

To Pete and Van, a core part of their success stems from their experience and years of laying floors. “For older homes, usually their structures sink a lot. So you’ve got to be aware of what you’re working with and how to level it and which products can or can’t go on it after that. It takes experience,” says Van.

“We are very good at making sure the floors are very flat. A lot of people don’t do what we do, and we have our own techniques to ensure that. We take pride in our level of care, both in our leveling services and flooring services,” says Pete.

Their specialty is in installing LVP, which is the most popular

reflooring product in Hampton Roads for a variety of reasons. In such a humid and fluctuating climate as ours, LVP won’t expand or contract due to moisture. Unlike wood floors, the floors are waterproof and fireproof, and homeowners and lease owners like it because they don’t have to worry about cleaning after pets. Though plastic LVP is common, many LVP options now are even made of green materials.

Best of all, LVP isn’t just the more practical option, it’s also the less expensive and quicker option. While traditional hardwood takes about a week to install 1,000 feet, LVP only takes the team about 1-2 days to install that same 1,000 feet and doesn’t require any cutting time, meaning it also helps homeowners save on labor costs. LVP allows homeowners to achieve a nice, clean updated look for about half the price. Similarly, many customers consider LVT (luxury vinyl tile) when reflooring bathrooms, wet areas, and entryways for these reasons. Both LVP and LVT can float over existing flooring or tile, provides high endurance and durability, and can cost a fraction of what ceramic tiles or traditional hardwood might cost.

Pete and Van help their customers find the right material for their home’s wants and needs at Floor Trader, which has locations in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. Yates Flooring is one of Floor Trader’s third party floor installation vendors, which is a mutually beneficial partnership. Floor Trader can send Pete and Van out to a job knowing it will be done right, and Pete and Van know that they’re getting the best deal in the area on a wide range of popular, high quality materials, especially compared to

certain bigger brand flooring stores.

A quick, well-communicated job done properly the first time is always the goal at Yates Flooring. They go to lengths to make sure they are accessible to their clients via phone and are clearly communicating each next step and option in order to make the process as easy as possible for their customers. They don’t take any days off (except for Sundays every now and then.)

“Van wakes up before the good Lord Himself in the mornings, and is always half an hour early,” says Pete.

“And that goes a long way too, because people don’t like to wait. You tell them 8:00, and it’s 8:10, and they’re going okay, what’s going on? So I’m always there and prompt, even if the whole crew is not there either,” says Van.

“We’re allergic to handcuffs and callbacks,” says Pete. “We don’t want callbacks due to mistakes! We want referrals and calls to do your next room.”

The Yates Flooring team can put down any kind of floors and will travel as far north as D.C., as far south as Carrollton, and everywhere in between. They are based in Virginia Beach, but have customers all up and down the coast. With their experience and professionalism, you can trust Pete and Van to do the job well whether it’s a room or a whole level of your home.

If you’re ready to take the next step into having the floors of your dreams, give them a call.

(757) 717-9955 · sales@yatesflooringva.com · yatesflooringva. com.

Since 1984, Samaritan House has helped individuals and families free themselves from domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, and homelessness by providing emergency and permanent housing, holistic support services, and community outreach and education. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Samaritan House actively seeks to raise awareness of this issue in the community with several programs and initiatives held during the month.

On October 2, Samaritan House and other agencies plan two candlelight vigils to commemorate the “National Day of Unity Night of Remembrance” where the community is invited to come together to memorialize those lost to domestic violence; lend support to families, friends, and survivors; raise awareness of shelters and other resources; and actively work toward safer relationships and communities.

On Friday, October 6, Samaritan House’s Women Against Violence (WAV) group will host the Ninth Annual Women

Against Violence (WAV) Luncheon at the Westin Town Center in Virginia Beach. This premier event will feature a keynote address from Jazmine Smith, who will share her compelling story of teen dating violence and how she came out on the other side of trauma. In addition, the WAV luncheon gives Samaritan House the opportunity to highlight individuals and companies that have generously donated time and resources supportive of our mission with the Brook Briggs Community Impact Award. And on October 19, make plans to wear purple as we “Paint 757 Purple” with area businesses for National Wear Purple Day. For the seventh year, businesses throughout Hampton Roads are partnering with Samaritan House during October to raise awareness of the issue of domestic violence and funding. More than 40 area restaurants, breweries, gyms, and salons partner with Samaritan House to creatively raise muchneeded funds by offering purple-themed products, services, food and drink specials, hosting special events, ‘rounding up purchases’ or by simply asking patrons to make donations of any size. We encourage everyone in the community to wear purple and patronize our partners on Thursday, October 19 for National Wear Purple Day.

If you are interested in participating in any of Samaritan House’s events this October, please visit our website at: www.samaritanhouseva.org.

Mia Guile

Art Connecting with Community

Mia Guile jumped off a cliff during the pandemic. She quit her job teaching at old dominion university to solidify her dream of being an artist -- it was the best decision she ever made. Although early on in her academic years she studied studio art at the university of New Mexico, she ended up pursuing degrees including doctoral candidacy and a career in social work, which included teaching. Her two children and teaching career required her full attention, leaving little time for creativity and expression. Mia described an underlying gnawing for a creative life, and made infrequent attempts to paint. Mia honored her vision in 2021 during a personally challenging time, and she painted to express her inner life through abstract pieces. She started selling work online, and showing her work through solo and group exhibits. It has been a profound experience to have people connect with her work.

“Through color and form, I use oil on large canvases to help me represent what lies in the unconscious. My work explores the relationship between color and form, observing the spontaneity of emotions/thoughts that appear. Through the compositions of these elements, my paintings construct meaning for me.”

In addition to her exhibits, Mia had the privilege of painting a mural during the 5th ViBe mural festival, and at the VB Housing Resource Center. Her last exhibit was with MOCA “In the Abstract” which was a group show. Excited for more, stay tuned!

When she’s not painting, she attends ViBe board meetings, Chairs the Public Art committee for Cultural Affairs, and sits as commissioner for the Arts and Humanities Commission. - IG: mia_katrina_guile

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. 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

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.

NO COMMITMENT FREE healthcare assessment

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.

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

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

IN

COVERAGE FOR OUR NEIGHBORS IN & AROUND HAMPTON ROADS

NO COMMITMENT FREE healthcare assessment

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

DALE S. WHITE

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.

NO COMMITMENT

(757) 650-2500

DALE S. WHITE

DALE S. WHITE

FREE Consultation

daleswhite@integritymedicareva.com

(757) 650-2500

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

FREE Consultation

FREE healthcare assessment

daleswhite@integritymedicareva.com

NO COMMITMENT FREE healthcare assessment

(757) 650-2500

DALE S. WHITE

DALE S. WHITE

(757) 650-2500

daleswhite@integritymedicareva.com

(757) 650-2500

FREE Consultation

daleswhite@integritymedicareva.com

FREE Consultation

daleswhite@integritymedicareva.com

DALE S. WHITE

Celebrity dancers dazzle Hampton Roads audience

Local professionals stepped into the spotlight for the 8th annual Dancing With The Hampton Roads Celebrity Stars event

Virginia Beach celebrated the stars and talent among us through dance and music at the Sandler Center on the evening of August 19th. “Dancing with the Hampton Roads Celebrity Stars” was complete with dazzling dance outfits, disco balls and mirror ball trophies. Hundreds of spectators dressed in their finest evening wear to attend the 8th annual benefit for local charities.

Just like the hit TV show, local “celebrities” paired up with professional dancers to compete in a series of ballroom dances. In the live competition, inexperienced but eager locals teamed up with rising stars and real dancing professionals. The locals ranged from corporate professionals to real estate agents and retired veterans.

Twenty-one pairs participated before a live audience and professional judges. In preparation, they learned everything about ballroom dancing, from steps and turns to choreography over a 10-week period. The dancers had some nerves and a little stage fright, but did their best to perform with charisma and

a smile. Dressed in colorful, sparkly, sequined ballroom dancing outfits that highlighted every shake of the hips and twirl, each pair was cheered by a thrilled audience.

Ultimately, the combined votes of the audience and judges gave the first-place giant mirror ball trophy to fitness entrepreneur Antwain Britt and his partner Wendy Denysenko. They performed a highenergy Michael Jackson themed medley. Also receiving top honors was fine arts and finance professional Joy Naik and her partner Zhenya Klyukin, who performed an elegant and moving Viennese waltz to Memory from the musical Cats.

All of the contestants walked away from the Sandler Center with new adoring fans. The dancers were relieved that their performances went better than expected, and proud of themselves for meeting a challenge outside their comfort zones. The audience lit up Town Center with awe and energy, perhaps even inspiring others to step into their own dancing shoes for next year’s competition. Who’s with me?

Todd with daughters Journey (pictured left) and Andréa (right).

SCAN TO FOLLOW BEHNJI

Behnji Dancer

IS THE THRILLER OF HAMPTON ROADS AS

The King of Pop

14 YEAR OLD VIRGINIA BEACH ENTERTAINER WOWS AS MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE DANCER

“SMOOTH CRIMINAL,” “DANGEROUS,” AND “BEAT IT” – these iconic songs resonate deeply with Michael Jackson’s dedicated fans. Among them is fourteen-year-old prodigy Behnji Wright, a resident of Virginia Beach, whose affinity for Jackson’s music transcends mere appreciation. From mastering the melodies to embodying the choreography, Behnji has embarked on a captivating journey of dance expression since the tender age of eight. His boundless enthusiasm has graced numerous stages across Hampton Roads, captivating audiences at festivals and dance competitions alike.

Behnji’s debut performance took place at his elementary school’s talent showcase, where he astounded the crowd with his rendition of Jackson’s classic hit, “Smooth Criminal.” Guided by his unwavering passion, his mother, Free, has been his unwavering supporter, fostering his love for the limelight by standing beside him during every mesmerizing performance. Recently, Behnji wowed spectators at a festival in Petersburg, yet his most remarkable moment unfolded on the illustrious 17th Street Oceanfront stage. Here, he shared the spotlight with tribute bands honoring music legends like Nirvana, Fleetwood Mac, and Guns N’ Roses. Despite his youth, Behnji commanded the stage with a masterful choreography that reverberated through the crowd, electrifying their spirits.

The genesis of Behnji’s admiration for the King of Pop traces back to his mother, whose own fondness for Michael Jackson’s artistry began during her childhood. Fond memories of attending both Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson concerts linger in her recollections. Remarkably, Behnji’s musical journey unfolded independently, taking his parents by surprise when they discovered that he had delved deep into Jackson’s extensive discography. What they initially perceived as mere frequent listening transformed into an exploration of the music’s intricate nuances and choreographic nuances. Beyond Jackson, Behnji derives creative inspiration from the likes of Bobby Brown, New Edition and James Brown , envisioning a future where he crafts original artistry through dance, acting, and whatever other creative avenues unfold.

Currently, Behnji is primed to grace the stage alongside The Shark Drum Band in a forthcoming Attucks Theater production scheduled for December. His aspirations extend to embracing opportunities for both live performances and screen appearances, his versatility making him an exciting prospect for various artistic endeavors. Notably, Behnji will soon enchant audiences at the Ronald McDonald House, sharing his gift to bring joy and uplift spirits. Among the extensive catalog of Michael Jackson’s hits, “Man in the Mirror” holds a special place in Behnji’s heart as his personal favorite, encapsulating his own journey of self-expression and growth.

Behnji is constantly looking for volunteer opportunities, he loves his community.

THE VIRGINIA FLOORS FAMILY

FLOOR TRADER

floortraderofvirginia.com

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

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

Floor Trader of Virginia Beach

1104 Lynnhaven Pkwy A, Virginia Beach, VA

CARPET WORLD CARPET ONE

carpetworldofva.com

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

Carpet World Carpet One of Chesapeake 669 Cedar Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322

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

PROSOURCE WHOLESALE

prosourcewholesale.com

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

Prosource of Hampton Roads

1738 Lambert Ct, Chesapeake, VA

Prosource of Newport News 301 Village Ave, Yorktown, VA

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

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

Call today for an estimate on your unique tree service needs

HOURS: Mon - Sat 7AM 7PM

Around Town

By Joel Rubin

Famous Uncle Al is Retired, but the Fanshaws are Keeping his Hot Dog Establishment Going on Shore Drive

Most days Walt Fanshaw is standing still, as the somber suited manager at funeral services for employer H.D. Oliver, helping mourning families through tough days.

When he’s off, he’s in a t-shirt and never stops moving. That’s because Walt is taking orders, busing tables or doing whatever his wife Amber (and his step-daughter Jordan, a former ODU volleyball star) needs at Famous Uncle Al’s Hot Dogs on Shore Drive, one of seven today in the area (each individually owned). This store though was the original that Al Stein kept until he retired in 2020, selling out to Amber, a loyal employee who started here while earning degrees at TCC and ODU 18 years ago. “Al was pretty demanding but a friend to everybody,” she says. The Brooklyn born Stein adored his Mets and was known to put down a bet or two on games.

At 86, Al is still around but not in his former store, yet the pictures of athletes he admired and newspaper articles lauding his business still cover the walls, sharing space with his famous clock and banner claiming over a “gazillion sold.” Says Amber, “this place is pretty much frozen in time.” Still at the grill or behind the register for 21 years is Linda Barnett, the longest serving member of an all-female staff (except when Walt, a Kempsville High grad, is on the floor). “Every morning we chop the onions, cook the chili, and wait for the crowds to come in.”

Regulars like attorney Brent Bassknight and his wife Ivana are

here 2-3 days a week. “We like the hot dogs (Boars Head brand) but also the barbecued chicken.”

Walt, who says he enjoys both consoling the bereaved and feeding the famished, is with his wife at Uncle Al’s when he’s off from Oliver’s.

Beck Installs a 4th Vegetated Roof at Stihl

At WINDSdays, we’re into all things green, so when Norfolk native and Hokie Dan Beck asked if we might be interested in witnessing the installation of hundreds of pallets of Sedums onto 25,000 square feet of roof at STIHL Inc.’s Guide Bar plant off London Bridge Road, we said, “we’re in.”

So to the roof we went, joining a dozen or so of Dan’s crew from Beck Roofing, which he founded in 1988, to receive 15 truckloads of material from a nursery near Blacksburg. It took more than a week to install the vegetation, which will help keep the roof cool, save energy and reduce pollution runoff. “This is the fourth green roof we have done on STIHL’s 150-acre campus,” says Beck, “and we hope to do more, for them and others.”

For STIHL Inc., which manufactures outdoor handheld power equipment and employs nearly 3,000 people in Virginia Beach, there are other intrinsic benefits that make these systems so valuable. “The green roof also dampens the outside noise volume from NAS Oceana next door,” says Mike Weber, Stihl’s Director of Environmental Health & Safety, “and it provides an opportunity with pollinator plants to improve the ecosystem in the area.”

Beck (www.beckroofing.com) specializes in commercial work, whether your roof needs repair, replacement or, if you want WINDSday’s attention, a green top.

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 o shore wind industry that is coming to Hampton Roads

(757)

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

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 Beach Coonector.

EAT

The Meatloaf Sandwich at Hair of the Dog Eatery is a fine homage to one of the most homespun eats.

Here tender meatloaf, accented with a good balance of seasonings, is enhanced by wrapping in bacon. Yes, bacon. Smoky, savory bacon. The loaf is cut into thick slices, ready for the sandwich.

DRINK

After a tasting of a trio of tequilasQuemark showcases around 100 tequilas and mezcals - I enjoyed the Puesta Del Sol.

Literally translated as “sunset,” the cocktail is a beautiful drink with tequila reposado as the base. There are various grades of tequila based on age, and reposado sits between the least aged, tequila blanco, and the longer aged, tequila anejo. Reposado has been aged at least two months and has a balanced sweetness.

In the Puesta Del Sol drink, the tequila is mixed with Cointreau, the French orange liqueur and muddled strawberries and jalapeño resulting in a lovely sweet-ish drink with subtle fruit and heat accents.

Quemar is at 1201 Laskin Rd., Virginia Beach. Call 757-9652066 or visit www.QuemarCocina.com

DO

Scores of wines from across the Commonwealth will be celebrated Oct. 21 and 22 at the 35th Annual Town Point Virginia Fall Wine Festival in downtown Norfolk.

The good folks at Norfolk Festevents are hosting this special two-day showcasing of Virginia vino at Town Point Park along the downtown Norfolk waterfront.

Look for more than two dozen top Virginia wineries, pouring more than 200 fine wines. Look for local favorites like Mermaid Winery, which has locations in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg Winery.

Stuffed between two crisp slices of toasted sourdough bread, the dish is enhanced with a schmear of rich, creamy mashed potatoes and spicy tomato chutney. The chutney really elevates the sandwich, and is a nice nod to one of the classic meatloaf toppings: a tomato-based glaze.

All elements worked in tandem to produce a delicious sandwich, rich in tastes and textures.

Handhelds like this are served with a choice of fries, sweet potato fries, or mac-and-cheese. I picked the latter, and the rich and creamy classic was wonderful.

Hair of the Dog Eatery, 4000 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach. Call 757-321-2200 or visit www.

HairOfTheDogVA.com

A number of tickets are offered, including tasting tickets, reserved table seatings and private chalets.

Make each sip super: email us for wine tasting tips and tricks to make the most of your wine tasting adventures, whether at home, a wine festival, or winery. Send a note to PatrickEvansHylton@ gmail.com with “wine tasting tips” as the subject.

For more information and tickets, visit www.Festevents.org

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

NETWORKING IN THE 757 WITH JAKE MAINES

Heading out to a networking event where you don’t know anyone on the guest list can be scary. Not the ghosts and goblins type of scary, but definitely a bit nerve racking. The best way to make it a little less daunting is to bring a friend along! It’s so much easier to go out and meet new people when there is already someone there that you know. It’s a win-win-win! You’re winning because you’re getting all the value of going to a networking event and you have a friend that’s there to support you. They’re winning because they get all the same benefits you do. And you’re winning again because when they start drumming up business from all the new connections they made at the networking event, they’ll think of you as the one who made it possible and they may end up referring you even more business! You’re also likely to not back out of attending, similarly to a trip to the gym. You don’t want to inconvenience the other person!

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

Jen Kiggins showing her support for the Navy SEALS and for the Virginia Connector Magazine!

National Anthem at VBFH Freedom Festival

Dan Johnson of the local band Buckshot signing autographs at Freedom Festival 2023

From the Navy SEALS demonstration of a Taliban kidnapping with assistance from the Frog Dogs to live entertainment with lots of dancing- the VBFH Freedom Festival knows how to put on a show!

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

GLASS | CBD | VAPE | GUMMIES | TINCTURES

Randy and Sharon displaying their cover stories! Thank you both for sharing!

“Mpenzi the Bernedoodle” enjoying socializing at the Backdeck. Follow him on IG @MPENZI. THE.BERNEDOODLE

MARKETPLACE EVENTS

CURRENTLY SHOWING:

Every day see artists at work and happy to talk about their creations.

Also see over 50 regional artists on display in Virginia Beach’s only artists’ cooperative.

It’s the ViBe’s best place to take home a memory of your visit!

USA!

Navy SEAL demoed a kidnapping rescue. So amazing!

MARKETPLACE EVENTS

ONGOING:

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

Peabody’s Comedy Brunch www.VBhotdeals.com

Tickets $2.50

Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday Live Music at Old Beach Tavern Bands such as: The Janitors, Hotcakes, Intangible Cats and more 3020 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Game nights at Warriors Taphouse - Free   Get discounted food and drink vouchers on VBhotdeals.com

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/

Every Saturday Movies in the Plaza Town Center Virginia Beach Details on events.VBnightlife.com (Free)

Sundays from 9am to 7pm   Sunday Dog Days at Norfolk Botanical Gardens Explore the Gardens with your Canine Best Friend norfolkbotanicalgarden.org

Ongoing

October Concerts at The Norva Macy Gray, Common Kings, Violent Femmes, Thrice and more. Norfolk, VA thenorva.com

Ongoing in October & November   Sports at Old Dominion University  Football, field hockey, men’s and women’s soccer

UNDERSTANDING PERSONALITY DIFFERENCES

BY SUE LEBRATO

The value in understanding our personality preferences and their resultant behaviors, is that they may differ significantly from other people’s. One’s preferences are not better than another’s, they are simply different. Knowing about and learning to work through these differences will enhance relationships at work and home.

One well-known personality preference model is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), which has four scales each on a continuum punctuated on each end with a label (e.g., Introvert-Extrovert).

1. Generally speaking, Introverts derive energy from within, while Extroverts gain energy drawn from others. A cocktail party may sound exciting to an extrovert but to an introvert, an energy drain.

2. Another preference is related to one’s approach to challenges and tasks. One may derive understanding via the big picture/context (Intuitive), the opposite type focuses on task at hand (Sensor).

3. The third continuum is labelled, Thinker/Feeler. A Thinker is characterized as first taking an analytical approach, while a Feeler, will first view a situation through the lens of people’s feelings.

4. The last continuum’s labels are, Perceiver/Judger and is tied to decisionmaking. The Perceiver will consider as many options as possible. The Judger, prefers closure on decisions.

Do you recognize these types in yourself? In others? If you are experiencing these differences as challenges and would like a better understanding, reach out to Sue Lebrato at You’re Amazing! slebrato@me.com

You’re Amazing!

and more. Ticket prices vary  odusports.com

Ongoing until October 31 (times vary)

A Haunting at Greenbrier Farms

Greenbrier Farms

historicgreenbrierfarms.com

$25

October 4 to 29, times vary

Fiddler on the Roof

Wells Theater

sevenvenues.com/events $15 to $40

October 6, 7 to 11pm

Ping Pong For Charity’s Celebrity SlamFest

Jt’s Camp Grom

pingpong.gives

55% off tickets on VBhotdeals.com

October 7, 10am to 3pm

Virginia Children’s Festival Town Point Park, Norfolk Waterfront festevents.org

$5 Admission

MARKETPLACE EVENTS

October 14, 7pm

Comedy Night Fundraiser

Courtyard Horizons, Virginia Beach

More info and $10 Discount tickets on VBhotdeals.com

October 17, 7:30pm

The Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes

The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts sevenvenues.com/events ($50 to $87)

Oct 11 & 25, Nove 8 & 22, Dec 6 & 20, 7 to 10pm

Karl’s Open Mic Beach Barracuda’s 1479 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach

October 21 & 22, 11am to 6pm TOWN POINT WINE FESTIVAL Town Point Park, Norfolk festevents.org ($25 - $40 }

October 14, 12 to 6pm

Chesapeake Virginia Wine Festival Chesapeake City Park

cheswine.com with discount tickets on VBhotdeals.com ($35)

October 14, 9am to 5pm; October 15, 10am to 4pm Virginia Beach Gun Show Virginia Beach Convention Center SGKShows.com

October 25, 7 to 11

Sandler Center for the Performing Arts Lake Street Dive sandlercenter.org

October 25 - 29, times vary Disney’s Aladdin Chrysler Hall sevenvenues.com/events ($34 to $80)

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

November 4, 1 to 6pm

7th Annual Wings Over Leukemia and Lymphoma Music & Wingfest Ballyhoos

2 awesome bands!

wingsoverll.com with discount tickets on vbhotdeals.com ($30 to $60)

December 9, 6 to 10pm

A Classy Western Soiree - 8th Annual Heart’s and Hoofbeats Fundraiser for Vanguard Landing

The Venue at Denali Jean Ranch VanguardLanding.org ($125 single / $225 couple)

For more awesome money saving deals visit www.VBhotdeals.com

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 playing 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.