VB Connector Essex Dec. 2023

Virginia chesapeake edition

CONNECTOR

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A RT I ST S IN REVIEW LINEUP YEAR IN REVIEW: CHARITIES & N O N P RO F I T S VIRGINIA B E AC H E AT S & D R I N KS

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Editor’s Note

O

ur second year of doing business has come to an end. I am so excited to have exceeded growth expectations, thanks to so many new partners.

A few 2023 highlights include launching our Aging Well edition and forming a partnership with the ViBe District to promote local events and artists.

I’ve learned a lot of lessons since I started this magazine. To be a successful woman-owned business, you must build relationships that help you share authentic content. The people and businesses on our pages and in our ads aren’t clients but partners that help each other. Knowing 360 about someone instead of just 180 allows us to really know what our partners need and have more in-depth stories.

Another lesson learned is that “backyard networking” works! Every expert must come with at least one strong referral. Our experts are more concerned about doing a good job than being on page 1 of Google. Frankly, they don’t need a lot of money for marketing because they just do a great job and get a ton of referrals.

As I look to 2024, I am excited to be launching into a few new markets, doubling our growth and continuing to bring our community together. Our forward progress convinces me that print is not dead. At Virginia Connector, we take the time to research, write, and explain. We like to have fun with stories, but also dig into them like the recent ones on the Moxy Hotel, the Tommy V Band, Gym and Juice, and our charities and artists. I’d like to think we have a little more depth and intellect than a 30 second TikTok video!

Thanks to all our readers who have made us who we are today. We will continue to work hard to be worthy of your time each month.

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 CUSTOMER SERVICE office@connectormagazines.com STAFF SUPPORT Paw-ssistants to Michelle Westberry CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Thomas Marshall CONTRIBUTORS Moxy Hotel, Patrick Evans-Hlyton, Stephie Jones, ViBe District, Visit Virginia Beach.

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(757) 567-9354 © 2023 Connector Magazines is published by Michelle@ConnectorMagazines.com 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 connecting communities, one neighborhood at a time connecting communities advertisements or advertorials contained herein are one neighborhood at a do time not endorsed or recommended

by Publisher and 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.

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4 | CO N N ECTO R M AGA Z I N E S.CO M

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CONTENTS 7

OUR EXPERTS Look For Our Local Experts and Shop Local

8 CONNECTOR ARTISTS: YEAR IN REVIEW Looking back at the work of this year’s featured artists 16 COVER STORY 22 LOCAL MARKETPLACE, NETWORKING & EVENTS 25 NON PROFITS Giving Back to those that Give

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December

Virginia

CONNECTOR MAGAZINE

Attention Virginia Beach Business Owners

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VIRGINIA BEACH EXPERTS

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Connector

s t s i t r A YEAR IN REVIEW

8 | CO N N ECTO R M AGA Z I N E S.CO M

C L AY T O N

Singleton

Clayton’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. Clayton has created public art, won numerous awards, and produced several solo and group shows including Walking on Paper at ArtWorks gallery, Recent Works: Art Installation Performance at SONO gallery and Look Beyond at d’ART Center @The Selden, which benefited The Autism Society of Tidewater. The Virginia Opera commissioned Clayton to design sets for Porgy and Bess and Freedom’s Journey. Clayton has served as a member of Norfolk’s AllCity Teaching Team, The d’ART Center Board of Directors and Norfolk Arts Commission.

His inspiration comes from everyday living and the lives of everyday people. He says,

“the juxtaposition of images and words provides metaphor for the reality of our lives, branching to the possibilities of our dreams.”

L

ooking back at the work of this year’s featured artists, I saw pieces that were so different. Each artist has such an individual style. They all communicate something beautiful but different and reach out and speak to me in a unique way.

I’m not an art critic, but I think art should communicate a message or thought that is worth exploring. I love this year’s artists because they have an ability to evoke emotions and convey messages that may be difficult to express in words. To me, art has always been a way to escape a rough day, explore new ideas, and find beauty in the world around me. Sometimes art challenges the status quote or provokes discussion. Whatever we see in it, art is an important part of our coastal community. That’s

why we feature a different artist every month in Virginia Connector.

Here in our final issue of 2023, we wanted to again promote the unique local artists that make it happen, in the hope of bringing even more attention to their many talents. If you are interested in purchasing original art at an affordable price, please visit our artist’s websites or Facebook pages. I invite you to look at all their artwork or visit places like the Beach Gallery to see it in person. You might find a unique piece that you want to display in your home.

Here’s wishing our artists and all of you a joyous holiday season.

—Michelle Westberry

TESSA HALL

Duquette

Tessa is electrifying the Virginia Beach community one mural at a time. Her background includes a natural artistic ability, an art degree from the University of Vermont, and a love of creativity. From coastal flowers to seashells to oceanfront wildlife, she loves to capture the essence of beach living in order to make her Virginia Beach community that much brighter. When she’s not hard at work painting a new mural, you can find Tessa riding her beach cruiser barefoot down the boardwalk, hosting a neighborhood porch party with her husband, or tie-dyeing with her three sons.

“As a Shadowlawn resident and creative working in the heart of Virginia Beach’s ViBe Creative District, I often dreamed of painting the blank walls I passed on my daily bike commute. I’ve been overjoyed to watch this little beach town transform over the years and now it’s my absolute pleasure to be a part of the magic.”

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Connector

Artists YEAR IN REVIEW POETRY

Jackson

Poetry Jackson is a visionary visual artist and poet whose creations captivate the senses and ignite the imagination. With a profound love for the arts and a deep commitment to community engagement, she has emerged as a dynamic force in the art world.

Poetry Jackson brings together a kaleidoscope of colors, symbols, and intricate details to craft works of art that delve into the realms of identity, philosophy, and spirituality. Her pieces are masterfully crafted, inviting viewers to explore the nuances of social, racial, and cultural issues through a visual language that speaks directly to the heart.

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Poetry Jackson actively contributes to the local arts community through her involvement in nonprofit organizations and public art committees. By serving on the boards of these esteemed institutions,

Poetry Jackson plays a pivotal role in advocating for the arts and fostering an environment that nurtures creativity and cultural growth.

ABBY

Pawley

Abby is a full-time artist and muralist. She is a locally recognized and selftaught artist. She started her artistic journey at only five years old. Growing up she excelled at drawing but found her true expertise with oil & acrylic painting when she turned 18.

She is well known for her large-scale vibrant murals. She took part in the 2021 ViBe Creative District Mural Festival and has done a multitude of murals ever since. She has sold many commission pieces such as canvases and surf boards that now hang in many establishments across the country. She went outside of her realm and won the 2019 beer label contest at Back Bay Brewing Company and now creates beer labels for Wasserhund Brewing Company on a regular basis. She discovered a burning passion creating realistic oil paintings of the female figure. She wants to make a statement

with her provocative oil paintings, that women’s bodies are temples that should be hung on walls to be admired and not objectified.

10 | CON N ECTO R M AGA Z I N E S.CO M

Connector

Artists YEAR IN REVIEW KENDALL

Synder

Kendall Snyder, ‘KendiiArt’, is a local Vibe District artist known for her bright, bold and colorful works of art. It wasn’t until Kendall moved to VA Beach that she truly found her own unique style and love of painting. The subjects of her work range from sea life to space astronauts, but has become a ‘go-to’ for creating custom pet portraits. You can

find her dog portraits everywhere from the VIBE district community fence mural, on the back of tee shirts to the side of beer cans at your local brewery. She was a curator of “Aunt Flo’s Art Show” for a number of years as well as a featured artist in “Art of the Vibe 3” exhibit through the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. She has been involved in local pop-up shows such as Vibrant Shore Brewing “Dog Days of Summer’, Back Bay Brewery’s “Artist Block” and a featured artist at Zeke’s Beans & Bowls. She is always available for commissioned requests, and can be contacted through her social pages on Facebook & Instagram @KendiiArt

MIA

Guile Mia was an intercontinental citizen before moving to Virginia.

Her global trekking has influenced all aspects of her life.

STEPHIE

Jones

Stephie is a coastal artist based in Virginia Beach who is well known for her range of captivating interpretations of oysters. She experiments with her subjects in all forms, sometimes focusing on realism, other times mood, and often experimenting with color and abstracted shapes or layering texture and pattern.

She is inspired by the colors and textures of the coastal life around her. Beyond oysters, she also enjoys painting oceans, waves, and beach scenes. Her favored mediums are acrylics and watercolor because they are so versatile and really allow for color play. Stephie was honored to be

Her academic background includes the study of visual arts, post graduate education in social work, and training in expressive art therapies. Mia is a mother to 2 grown children, was a social worker, and university educator.

Currently, Mia works as an abstract expressionist style painter.

As a community member, she’s active in several roles. She’s a Commissioner for the Arts and Humanities Commission, Treasurer of the Vibe Creative District Friends Board, and a member of the Public Art Committee for Cultural Affairs. She has been a docent for MOCA, and a judge for several juried shows, including the national Scholastic Awards.

asked to be the 2019 Virginia Beach Neptune Festival Poster artist and learned it was a top seller once sales were tallied.

11 | DECE M B E R 2 0 2 3

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MEET YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD REALTOR FAMILY

+fv,ryir,

I want to start by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a very Happy Holiday Season. It’s almost hard to believe another year has come and gone so quickly. I hope that you get some rest after the hustle and bustle is passed and get to reflect on the past year and look forward to the next.

This is usually the time of year where many recipes are shared and so I will share one that has become tradition in my house. Several years ago, I tried the Paleo diet. If you don’t know what that diet entails (or more accurately excludes), it basically excludes all process foods and especially gluten and focuses on eating meat and vegetables with some fruits. The year I tried this diet, I made an entire Thanksgiving gluten-free. This recipe came out of my search for gluten-free items and though we no longer follow the Paleo diet, this recipe is still requested to this day by my mother, who is a gluten-lover. My mother will still make traditional stuffing stuffed in a turkey and also have this on the table, for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you try it and love it, let me know!

The recipe is very detailed and too long for a page here, so please visit https://againstallgrain.com/2011/11/21/grain-free-thanksgiving-stuffing. The first part involves making your own bread (don’t worry, if I can do it then you certainly can). I will add that I have always done with Greek yogurt instead of goat cheese and it has always come out delicious.

NEIGHBORHOOD MEET YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD TOR FAMILY REALTOR FAMILY

+fv,ryir,

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Another tradition we have adopted is getting a live Christmas tree, even though we have several pets that make it their mission to destroy it every year. The kids LOVE going shopping for a tree every year and also a way we like to support local businesses. If you are also a live/real Christmas tree lover and wonder what to do with It afterwards, the city will pick up with on regular trash days in the following weeks after Christmas. The Virginia Zoo might also take it as a donation for enrichment for the animals that can tolerate the trees. When I was a zookeeper (many years ago), we loved watching the animals go wild with the Christmas trees.

Same goes for boxes too. Just make sure the staples are taken out and tape removed.

As this is the last issue for the year, I look forward to welcoming everyone into the new year. Have a blessed Holiday Season and a truly joyful New Year!

Reminders for all school families: 10 Veterans Day - Holiday Observed-No school 22-24 Thanksgiving Holiday

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CANNABIS HAS GONE

MAINSTREAM

16 | CON N ECTO R M AGA Z I N E S.CO M

BY THOMAS MARSHALL CANNABIS HAS GONE MAINSTREAM. IT IS BECOMING MORE PREVALENT AS A TREATMENT FOR MANY HEALTH ISSUES. The anti-anxiety effects of CBD help people have calm and relaxed feelings. CBD has also been used to treat seizures, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, depression, pain inflammation, and other conditions.

Although CBD is a hot commodity today, it took decades to capture the attention of clinical scientists for the treatment of various health issues. In fact, some might say it took millennia to make CBD a mainstream medication, because there are anecdotal reports dating back to 2000 B.C. regarding the use of Cannabis sativa to treat seizures.

The public continues to seek natural alternatives to supplement and maintain their health, but of course, they want to do so responsibly. They want to get the full benefits of CBD products without over or under medicating. They have lots of questions. ueens Green Dispensary, the CBD store at 2694 Virginia Beach Boulevard, has a great reputation for taking the time to answer those questions and educate its customers. They have become the experts on the safest and best quality products, so the customer doesn’t have to worry about what they are consuming.

Nick Rocha, the owner of ueens Green, said he first looked into CBD products after traditional treatments failed to improve his older daughter’s severe anxiety and depression. Her doctor gave her a myriad of pharmaceuticals over two years. But her condition worsened with each new pill, and it impacted her grades.

“As parents, we were wondering why the medical system was not working in our favor,” said Nick. “I was a Navy SEAL getting the best medical care that our nation could provide, yet I couldn’t even solve a problem like anxiety and depression in my child.”

Eventually, his daughter developed Tourette’s Syndrome with annoying verbal and motor ticks which the doctors said was a possible side effect of all the pharmaceutical drugs. At his wits end, Nick and his wife Angela, a registered nurse, listened to a psychiatrist friend who said that there was a lot of good research being done with medical cannabis that had worked wonders with other patients with similar conditions. As a military Senior Enlisted leader, Nick’s first response was no, but as a parent his wife and him were desperate to try anything.

When Nick’s daughter finally tried CBD, within three minutes she was pain and anxiety free for up to six hours and her motor ticks went away almost immediately. She was able to think and function clearly and focus on her schoolwork, and not hit herself uncontrollably like before.

“It was a miracle medicine for us,” said Nick. “We had become hopeless because we had run out of options.”

Nick was a Navy Seal for 26 years, including 9 combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. The demands and stress of his service took a toll on his body and family. When Nick retired from the Navy, he had two hip surgeries and a shoulder surgery.

For pain management, he wanted an alternative to opioids because they had severe side effects. He took CBD and within two to three days after each surgery he was walking again.

“CBD is designed to heal,” says Nick. “It is all a mindset. The American Nursing Association just recognized that CBD is so powerful and amazing that they need to dedicate an entire subspecialty of nursing to it. Clearly the mainstream medical world sees the benefits.”

17 | D EC EMB E R 2 0 2 3

ueen’s Green Dispensary was opened to help serve the local community, especially fellow veterans. They sell products like CBD oils and tinctures, gummies, salves, lotions, cream and more.

Nick said he is often approached by other Navy SEALS and veterans. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, 8 of veterans have PTSD. For those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, that number jumps up to 11 or higher. According to the National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Legislation NORML over 6 of Veterans are in favor of changing the law in favor of allowing medical cannabis as a treatment for their PTSD. “CBD works in the hardware of your body while a small portion of THC less than .03 works in the brains pain receptors or ‘software’ to help relieve PTSD and a number of other ailments,” he says. “Full Spectrum CBD is just medicine and has no psychoactive properties.”

A recently retired Navy Captain friend of his had just had back surgery and had tried other pharmaceutical options without any relief. He was reluctant to try anything with the name “cannabis” associated with it, but with only 2 hours of sleep a night, he was desperate for relief and reached out to Nick. Luckily Nick was able to offer a stronger CBD option through a newly created, state approved, gummy and received a text message the next day stating, “Nick, Home Run! I was able to get 8.5 hours sleep last night and I feel absolutely amazing.

“While no one is in business to grow smaller, I’m not motivated solely by profits,” says Nick. “I’m doing this because CBD helped my daughter and my PTSD issues and I just want to help education others on the alternatives available.”

CBD companies like ueens Green currently offer a wide variety of products. Nevertheless, this diversity will surely increase as other compounds are developed for specific issues.

As CBD has gone mainstream, so has public education about the uses and positive effects. Stop by ueens Green on the Boulevard where you will be able to feel more confident and safer when purchasing CBD products.

December 9, 2023 December 16, 2023 FA LA LA LAND AT CHESAPEAKE CITY HALL Chesapeake City Hall

December 14, 7PM VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HOLIDAY BRASS CONCERT Chesapeake Conference Center, Doors Open at 06:00 PM

Walk around this interactive outdoor wonderland while enjoying baby goats in holiday sweaters, carolers, face painting, holiday-themed food trucks, and more! View our life size snow globe featuring a live performer and get pictures with our roaming holiday characters, glass man, stilt walker, and Santa. Free parking around City Hall municipal center. Free family outdoor event.

The bold sounds of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra brass section will help you ring in the holidays in a bright new way! With a variety of styles from classical to contemporary, you’ll delight in the sounds of the season.

January. 6 - January 7 Saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Sunday 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM THE HOME OWNERS EXPO Chesapeake Conference Center Your Local Festival for Home Owners.

Find it all under one roof. One stop shopping for your home owner’s needs.

Get ideas and get inspired. Special Guest MATT BLASHAW, HGTV HOST will be here Saturday, 12:00 PM (noon) and 3:00 PM. $6.00 Adults; $5.00 Active and Retired Military; Kids 17 and under Free; Advance Discounts available December 1

January 13 BRICKUNIVERSE CHESAPEAKE, VA LEGO® FAN EXPO 2024 Chesapeake conference center VIP Admission: 9 AM - 12 PM General Admission: 10 AM - 12 PM, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM, 3 PM - 5 PM or 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Visit us at www.brickuniverseusa.com BrickUniverse 2024 Build it! The tour will present a major exhibition of works by celebrated artists from around the country.

Check out www.visitchesapeake.com events for more added throughout the month!

JM.VADREAMHOMES@GMAIL.COM | (717) 917-4832 | (717) 844-1425 200 BENDIX RD SUITE 270, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23454 18 | CON N ECTO R M AGA Z I N E S.CO M

THE VIRGINIA FLOORS FAMILY B I G I N V E N TO R Y, LOW, P RI CES, A ND GREAT CUSTOM ER SERV I CE

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Floor Trader of Chesapeake, 1725 S Military Hwy, Chesapeake, VA Floor Trader of Virginia Beach 1104 Lynnhaven Pkwy A, Virginia Beach, VA

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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.

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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.

Join us monthly for a little food & wine, financial education & a whole lotta networking.

When GREAT women come together to Support & Encourage one another, AMAZING things can happen!

Since 2011, we’ve been serving ladies of Hampton Roads.

Grab a girlfriend and join us for this complimentary event.

Space is limited, register now to save your seat and learn more at InspireYouAgency.eventbrite.com.

Your Host: Angie Utter Gauthier, EVP

Angie@InspireYouAgency.com (757) 618-0055

A home inspection is a small investment that can save you money. Let us help you avoid costly surprises down the road.

Lind’s Property Inspections • 757-270-1817 | 757-575-5923 • lindspropertyinspections@gmail.com • www.lindspropertyinspections.com 20 | CON N ECTO R M AGA Z I N E S.CO M

Eat Well

V I RGI N I A B E AC H E AT S & D R I N K S

I

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

By Patrick Evans-Hylton

enjoyed hundreds over the years, including at the famed Buena Vista in San Francisco. But rum is such a favored flavor during the holidays, that I developed my Caribbean Coffee. Here’s how I make it:

t’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 DRINK

Since 1988 Aldo’s Ristorante has been one of the region’s top Italian restaurants, with an approachable cuisine and style.

I’m in love with Aldo’s Linguine with Fresh Clam Sauce. Here, a large bowl is filled with a half-dozen local littleneck clams resting on a bed of linguine.

You get an option of red or white sauce; I usually pick red.

This dish is filled with authentic flavors.

The pasta is tender, and the long strands the perfect platform for the remaining ingredients. The impeccably fresh baby clams throughout compliment the locally-caught shellfish atop, all with a delicious brininess to them. That flavor compliments the decadent, rich sauce, which had just enough heat to it. The nice drizzle of oil and the addition of the Italian classic seasonings - garlic and parsley, was the perfect addition.

Aldo’s Ristorante is at 1860 Laskin Rd., Virginia Beach. Call 757-491-1111 or visit www.AldosVB.com

Whiskey sours have long been a favorite cocktail of mine. I love the way the whiskey is brighter up with a fresh pop of citrus, making it one refreshing imbibe.

From all the creative cocktails at Eurasia, the Lillet in the Rye caught my attention. Here is a delicious rendition of the classic whiskey sour, with a wonderful blend of Knob Creek Rye, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, simple syrup, and lemon juice.

The grassy heat of the rye was a beautiful platform for the drink, lifted with the sweetness of the Lillet, a lovely aperitif wine, and the orangey profile of the Cointreau. The simple syrup sweetened things up, and the lemon juice brought a delicious sourness to the party.

Eurasia Cafe is at 960 Laskin Rd., Virginia Beach. Call 757-422-0184 or visit www.EurasiaVB.com

DO Welcome guests in from the cold with our Caribbean Coffee, a fun twist on the classic Irish coffee.

I consider myself a bit of an Irish coffee connoisseur, having

21 | DECE M B E R 2 0 2 3

Preheat a glass mug by filling with hot water, letting sit a moment, then emptying it.

Pour hot coffee in the mug about 3/4 full, and add 1 tablespoon Demerara sugar, a quality raw sugar, and stir until sugar is dissolved.

Add and stir in a dash of orange liqueur and 2 ounces premium spiced rum; we prefer Four Farthing Spiced Rum from Virginia Beach’s Chesapeake Bay Distillery (www.ChesapeakeBayDistillery.com).

This is a historically-based, artisan rum that I developed in partnership with the distillery. Top with freshly whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg.

Patrick Evans-Hylton is a Johnson & Wales-trained chef and Virginiabased award-winning food journalist, covering tasty culinary trends in print, radio, television, and online since 1995. Read him at VirginiaEatsAndDrinks.com

Patrick EvansHylton is a Johnson & Wales-trained chef and Virginiabased 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 H a p p y hou r e x p ert s erv e s u p networking with a smile.

By Thomas Marshall

Novembers event @ Wasserhund Brewing Company

Jake Maines has put his marketing knowledge into action for the benefit of local businesses. Every month, he hosts a “Networking Happy Hour” at a different bar or restaurant in Virginia Beach. What started as a networking event for 40 of his friends has now become the largest monthly networking event in Hampton Roads.

“It has taken on a life of its own,” said Jake. “People were tired of zoom meetings at the end of pandemic, so I decided to invite friends out for happy hour.”

Jake recently celebrated the two-year anniversary of “Networking Happy Hour” at Fisher’s Neighborhood Kitchen.

“I couldn’t believe that 120 people showed up to our anniversary,” said Jake. “So many people have done business together from our events.”

One person who started with Jake and doesn’t miss the monthly event is Jordan Washnieski. A mechanic by trade, he is the owner of SolOrphanage, which specializes in fixing lost or broken solar equipment and helping forgotten about solar customers. Most of his customers purchased solar but lost their service plans when their solar company went out of business.

“If you need something that person is probably coming to Jake’s event,” says Jordan. “I recently met a guy who does account processing and another decal and marketing person.”

Another person who has consistently attended since May has been Ray Fadness,

owner of Bridge Apparel Company, which specializes in custom apparel, screen printing, and promotional products. Ray is just 21 years old but has created a thriving business thanks in part to the Networking Happy Hour. About 20% of his business comes from the connections he makes at the event.

“I met a new marketing company that has sent me three leads already,” said Ray. “They were for a Mexican restaurant, construction company, and a junk removal company.”

“We are always looking for ways to help you set yourself apart from the crowd.” says Jake. “I take pride in being genuine and wanting to help people connect.”

Networking Happy Hour: The Networking Happy Hour is always on the first Wednesday of the month. Go to networkinghh.com to get on the invite list, or by scanning the QR code below.

Cheers, Jake Maines

REGISTER FOR NETWORKING HAPPY HOUR!

22 | CO N N ECTO R M AGA Z I N E S.CO M

Navigating towards a better financial future

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24 | CON N ECTO R M AGA Z I N E S.CO M

YEAR IN REVIEW Are

s e i t i Char Moving the Needle?

By Michelle Westberry, Publisher

I

like leaving the writing up to the writers. But when it comes to charitable causes I care about, I can’t help but insert myself. Each month, Virginia Connector features a different charity in the hope of raising awareness for a different cause or community service.

When I founded Virginia Connector in November 2021, I made a pledge to donate at least a page of free advertising to at least one charity a month. As a youth raised by someone other than my parents, I hold a lot of these charities to heart. By bringing happiness to children and others, and attention to causes that don’t have big marketing dollars, I can give them the attention that they need and deserve.

The magazine’s charitable work has given me incredible joys that have stuck with me. Seeing first-hand what people have had to endure and are able to overcome has made me a better person. But if I’m being totally honest, I have also given to charity out of “enlightened self-interest.” If our community is in decline, if we have higher unemployment and homelessness, and higher youth disconnection, for example, those problems will negatively impact our readers, our economy, and thus our ability as a magazine to survive and thrive.

I am proud to have raised awareness of so many charities in 2023.

But as a whole, are we moving the needle on the societal issues that we have written so much about? Are our readers’ checks and fundraisers and volunteer hours really making a difference?

Based on reports produced by the Social Science Research Council, Hampton Roads has dropped from 35,200 disconnected youth in 2015 to 19,800 in 2023. It has taken hundreds of charities and thousands of caring people to accomplish this amazing change. I can say with confidence that your investments are making life better. It all adds up.

In 2023, Virginia Connector featured several charities focused on disconnected youth and women and families in need. One was StandUp for Kids that helps homeless and disconnected youth ages 12-24. Their mission is to end the cycle of youth homelessness by any means necessary. Each year they serve about 1,600 youth with more than 6,000 meals.

Another group was Samaritan House which helps individuals and families free themselves from domestic violence, human trafficking, 25 | DECE M B E R 2 0 2 3

sexual assault, and homelessness by providing emergency and permanent affordable housing, holistic support services, and community education. Another group, EnJewel, provides equality and justice for women and works to eradicate human trafficking.

The Judeo-Christian Outreach Center, whose October gala I was privileged to attend, is working to eliminate homelessness in Virginia Beach; tackle recidivism; and ensure homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring. Todd Walker, the Executive Director of the JCOC, has implemented evidence-based practices to attain this goal by eliminating barriers to housing.

We as a community need the safety net services that these organizations provide – they catch youth and families when they are down - but we also need services that PREVENT problems like homelessness and unemployment in the first place. Together We Can Foundation’s Smart Transitions program provides disconnected youth the life skills and career skills they need to transition to adult independence and the workforce. When someone has meaningful employment they earn a living wage, get private health insurance so they are connected to the health care system, stay connected to the workforce and community, and gain a sense of pride.

Some charities highlighted in 2023 give us the art, beauty, and community connections that make coastal Virginia so special. Each time I visit Virginia MOCA at the oceanfront, I am reminded that there are some things in life that are so beautiful they are simply too difficult to put into words. MOCA collects, preserves, and interprets the art of our time. The Phillipine Cultural Center of Virginia preserves and perpetuates their beautiful culture and traditions and connects Filipino youth, seniors and families to each other.

Last but certainly not least are charities such as The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society which is dedicated to creating a world without blood cancers. Cancer has touched us all in one way or another.

Cancer patients need help, hope and support – and you. We again featured Juneteenth to bring attention to the official date when slavery was abolished throughout the country. We also announced a series of arts and cultural events to celebrate Juneteenth.

We hope you will visit the websites of these charities and consider a gift that is generous for yourself because I know that you want disconnected youth and our community to succeed. Please give online to the charity that most touches your heart.

You’d be surprised how far $50 goes.

Standup For Kids, Hampton Roads https://www.standupforkids.org/donate/ MOCA https://virginiamoca.org/ ADR https://alldistrictreads.org/donate/ Leukemia https://donate.lls.org/voy/donate PCCOV (Philippine Cultural Center of Virginia) philippineculturalcenter.com JCOC https://jcoc.org/#donate TWC www.twcfoundation.org EnJewel https://enjewel.org/donate/ Samaritan House www.samaritanhouseva.org

26 | CO N N ECTO R M AGA Z I N E S.CO M

MARKETPLACE ONGOING: December 17; 11am to 2pm Peabody’s Comedy Brunch www.VBhotdeals.com Tickets $2.50 only on VBhotdeals.com 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 Dec 13, 20 & 27 and every Wednesday in January, 7 to 10pm Karl’s Open Mic Beach Barracuda’s 1479 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach October 21 & 22, 11am to 6pm

EVENTS

Virginia Beach boardwalk beacheventsvb.com $30 per car

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 November and December, dates vary Norfolk Admirals Hockey Norfolk Scope Cost: $22 to $56 For more information: norfolkadmirals.com Ongoing Sports at Old Dominion University ODU Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium Football and more.

Ticket prices vary odusports.com

November 24 to December 23 Snowglobe Spectacular Virginia Beach Town Center towncentervb.com Free December 1-23, 5 to 8pm (days vary) Santa and Mrs. Clause in Holiday Globe & Live entertainment Virginia Beach Town Center towncentervb.com Free Ongoing thru December 31; 5 to 9pm Garden of Lights Norfolk Botanical Gardens $12 to $20 norfolkbotanicalgarden.org

November 17 - December 31, 5:30 to 10pm Holiday Lights at the Beach

SELF-EFFICACY

BY S U E L E B R ATO

What is the difference between someone who is successful and someone who is not? Certainly the skills necessary to do the work are required. Noted psychologist Albert Bandura, defined “Self-Efficacy”, as the belief in oneself to succeed. This characteristic is critical in one’s motivation and resilience. Successful people believe their efforts will be successful and that catalyzes their perseverance.

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Some strategies to improve self-efficacy include: 1. Focus on increasing experience in the area of interest to improve competence.

2. Observe positive role models and learn from their experiences.

3. Engage in positive affirmation, and accept positive feedback from others.

4. Manage and mitigate self-doubt through mindfulness, or meditation practices.

Encouraging children, teens, and adults to develop self-efficacy through supporting their goals and achievements will enable belief in themselves.

Coaching can support a focus on self-efficacy. If someone in your life could use this coaching, what a wonderful holiday gift that would make!

Reach out to You’re Amazing! at slebrato@me.com for an appointment. Happy Holidays!

Organizational/Business Consulting

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27 | DECE M B E R 2 0 2 3

MARKETPLACE ONGOING: Ongoing thru December 24; times vary A Merry Little Christmas Carol Wells Theatre $15 to $80 vastage.org December 2, 12 to 8pm Holiday Yule Log Bonfire and Christmas Market Town Point Park festevents.org Free December 2, 7:30pm Holiday Pops! Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chrysler Hall virginiasymphony.org $25 - $119 December 3, 8pm Josh Gates Chrysler Hall sevenvenues.com $36 to $56h

EVENTS

December 3, 7pm Kat Timpf - You can’t Joke About That Live Attucks Theatre sevenvenues.com $39 to $65

December 12 - 17; times vary Beetlejuice Chrysler Hall sevenvenues.com/events $40 to $80

December 4, 7:30pm The 2023 Tidewater Winds Annual Holiday Concert: Winter Winds Sandler Center for the Performing Arts sandlercenter.org $25

December 15, 7pm Mark Normand - Ya Don’t Say Tour Harrison Opera House sevenvenues.com/events $32 to $57

December 8, 7pm; December 9, 2pm Elf in Concert Chrysler Hall sevenvenues.com/events $52 to $77 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

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December 15-17, times vary Ballet Virginia’s The Nutcracker Sandler Center for the Performing Arts sandlercenter.org $25 - $65 December 19, 7:30pm Vienna Boys Choir - Christmas in Vienna Sandler Center for the Performing Arts sandlercenter.org $37 to $87

Eat Well

Fa n ta s t i c W h i t e Bean Chicken Chili

By Linda Gann Stiles (This recipe is slightly adapted by Kelley Drake.)

Servings: 10 2 Tbsp. olive oil 8- chicken breast halves, skin on, bone-in, makes chicken more flavorful & moist Kosher salt & ground black pepper 2- medium onions, chopped 2 1/2 cups chicken broth 1 tsp. dried oregano 1 tsp. dried cilantro 2 tsps. All-purpose seasoning (I recommend Everglades Seasoning ‘Monkey Dust’) 1- jalapeno pepper, diced, with stems & seeds removed 6- cans of Great Northern beans, drained (you can use any white bean) 5- green onions, chopped OR 2 Tbsp. dried chives (I used the chives) 2- pkgs. McCormick white chili mix 2 Tbsp. minced garlic, fresh or jarred

Season chicken breast liberally with kosher salt & pepper then bake @ 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Add any juices from the baked chicken into the pot along with chicken stock.

While chicken is baking, add olive oil to stock pot & sautee chopped onions, till translucent. Add chicken stock & remaining ingredients, UNLESS you are using the green or scallions, if so add when serving. Bring to a slight boil, then reduce heat to a low to medium heat.

Remove chicken skin and bones, dice chicken into bite size pieces, taking care to remove all small bones & add to pot. Simmer 10-15 mins and serve.

29 | DECE M B E R 2 0 2 3

MARKETPLACE EVENTS ViBe EVENTS (through December) HAVE YOU ASKED YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS WHEN THINKING ABOUT RETIREMENT? Have I saved enough?

What if there’s another stock market downturn?

Could changes in politics and policies affect me?

Could increased tax rates

take a toll on my monthly income?

What if I need to go into a nursing home?

Wouldn’t it be nice to retire with confidence?

Contact our office today to take the first step in measuring your retirement readiness and ensure you are prepared for the retirement you’ve always imagined!

Asset Protection • Retirement Planning Lifetime Income • LTC Solutions Life insurance • Legacy Planning Medicare Solutions

Contact us today to schedule a complimentary retirement review!

December 31, 6pm Last Night on the Town - New Year’s Eve Event The Movement with Special Guests The Collection and Ries Brothers Virginia Beach Town Center lastnightonthetown.com Free with VIP Tickets Available December 31, 9pm New Year’s Eve Party Cavalier Hotel, Virginia Beach cavalierresortvb.com Cost TBA December 31 2023 New Year’s Eve Party Hilton The Main, Norfolk themainnorfolk.com $50 www.vibecreativedistrict.org

ACTON ACADEMY Hampton Roads

Children’s Business Fair Saturday December 9th 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM

HR RETIRE, INC. 4445 Corporation Lane Suite 276 Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462

Selden Market 208 E Main St, Norfolk, VA 23510

(757) 807-9505 www.hrretire.com

Ready for a day of high-energy fun and entrepreneurship?

Danielle & Jeff Randolph

Come check out the unique creations made by young masterminds, and help support the next generation of entrepreneurs!

We welcome sponsors and volunteers to join us in making this event a wild success.

We are an independent financial services firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of insurance products to custom suit their needs and objectives

Contact Megan for more information: 757-981-6641 or Megan@ActonAcademyHR.com

30 | CON N ECTO R M AGA Z I N E S.CO M

ESSEX MEADOWS HOMES SOLD SINCE AUGUST

1132 CHESSLAWN CIRCLE $380,000 3 BEDS 2 BATHS 1554 SQ FT

228 ESSEX DRIVE $409,000 5 BEDS 3.5 BATHS 2224 SQ FT

217 ESSEX DR $425,000 4 BEDS 2 BATHS 2142 SQ FT

213 ESSEX DR $375,000 3 BEDS 2.5 BATHS 1851 SQ FT

READY TO GET YOUR FREE HOME VALUATION? SCAN HERE AND GET AN IMMEDIATE VALUE FOR YOUR HOUSE! JM.VADREAMHOMES@GMAIL.COM | (717) 917-4832 | (717) 844-1425 200 BENDIX RD SUITE 270, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23454

JULLAN & MELINDA HERNANDEZ

JM.VADREAMHOMES@GMAIL.COM | (717) 917-4832 | (717) 844-1425 200 BENDIX RD SUITE 270, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23454