FYI 2016

CMYK

f.y.i.

CMYK

Suffolk

Your city,

your information

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016

Suffolk Sheet Metal.com CMYK

Heating

Air Conditioning

Electrical

Generators

Water Heaters

Gas

“We Take Pride In Your Family’s Comfort” 309 Granby St, Suffolk, VA

757-539-7484

2 | FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016

FYI

SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD

The future of peanuts

BY HENRY LUZZATTO CORRESPONDENT

S

CMYK

uffolk has been known as “The Peanut Capital of the World” for 75 years. For years after Amedeo Obici opened his Planters Nut and Chocolate Co. plant in Suffolk, Planters was the largest employer in the city.

However, in a world where factories are moving toward fully-automated production lines, could the influence of the world’s most popular nut fade in Suffolk?

Though Planters Peanuts and Birdsong Peanuts still employ a total of more than 450 people in Suffolk, improved technology has decreased the number of factory workers needed.

Darden Langston, the corporate coordinator for safety, sanitation and security has worked at Birdsong Peanuts for 38 years. Over that time, he has seen some major advancements in the technology of shelling and preparing peanuts. However, he said the process has remained largely the same since he started working there.

“We’ve had improvements in the machinery, but the major process has stayed the same for decades,” Langston said.

Unlike Planters, which turns

peanuts from raw legumes into the snack we buy off the shelves, Birdsong Peanuts takes peanuts from the fields and prepares them to be used in food.

Langston said the company purchases the peanuts from farms, then shells them, cleans them and packages them to be sent to finishing companies like Planters.

Though the process may have been done by hand many years ago, it’s almost entirely mechanized now.

“There’s very little done by hand,” Langston said. “The processing is done by machine.”

While sorting was previously done by workers, it is now done by “electric eye” sorters, which divide the peanuts by size and quality, Langston said.

However, despite the mechanized nature of modern peanut processing, Langston said it still requires plenty of human work to adjust the machines and make sure things run smoothly. Because of the highly variable nature of working with an agricultural product, Langston said the chances of a fully-automated processing plant are slim.

“I think as technology improves, we’ll continue to change, but I could never see us as totally automated,” he said. “The difference in

• Same Day Crowns • Dental Implants • Gentle, Painless Dentistry

Dr. Steve A. Gwaltney

Birdsong Peanuts has been centered in Suffolk for more than 70 years. Unlike its Suffolk neighbor, Planters, Birdsong Peanuts shells the raw nuts and ships them away to be turned into the snacks we see on shelves.

qualities between the different crops of peanuts demands we have people making the decisions.”

Though the processing of the peanut has changed over the years, the biggest change in Suffolk’s formerly peanutcentric economy was the decrease in peanut production.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, peanut farms cover fewer than 2,000 acres in Suffolk, as opposed to 14,000 acres in 1994.

Dr. Maria Balota at the Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center said the main cause for this decrease was the elimination of gov-

ernment subsidies for peanut farmers.

Additionally, she said, peanuts are expensive to grow compared to other crops because of their vulnerability to disease.

“They are so expensive because of the diseases,” Balota said. “The farmer needs to plan for diseases from summer until harvest, then spray every week with expensive fungicides.”

Though the expensive preventions for disease can stop peanuts from being a profitable crop, Balota and her colleagues are researching ways to improve the peanut

varieties to make them less susceptible to disease.

“This is absolutely a big issue,” she said. “They are at a very expensive cost. The best way to reduce it is by developing disease-resistant varieties.”

So with the new disease-resistant peanuts that Balota and her colleagues are working on, will we see the return of the peanut as Suffolk’s dominant crop? Balota says it’s unlikely.

“The driving force is the price,” she said. “Even if we reduce other costs, other crops may be less expensive to produce.”

• Comprehensive Dental Care • Compassionate Experienced Staff • Nitrous Oxide Sedation for Apprehensive Patients • Digital Imaging and Photography

Dr. J. Ryland Gwaltney

CMYK SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD

FYI

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 | 3

The future of public transportation

BY HENRY LUZZATTO CORRESPONDENT

W

hen people think of the future of transportation, they often conjure images of flying cars, chrome monorails and jetpacks. Though Suffolk Transit’s plan for the future may seem pedestrian in comparison, it is no less practical.

Suffolk Transit has offered a bus system for the city since 2012. Over time, it has expanded from two routes to six, with plans to possibly expand its reach more, uniting Suffolk and moving it into a modern world of transportation.

“We’re listening to the public and seeing what we can do to improve Suffolk Transit,” said L.J. Hansen, the director of Suffolk Transit.

In the four years since Suffolk split from Hampton Roads Transit and began running an independent operation, the bus system has improved greatly.

When Suffolk split from HRT in 2012, they reduced the number of bus routes in the city from four to two. Hansen said the shift was necessary but problematic for some citizens.

“Some passengers were disappointed with the reduction in service,” he said.

But over the years, Suffolk Transit has grown to incorporate six bus routes, which

cover areas in downtown and North Suffolk.

“We served about 103,000 passengers in 2015-16,” Hansen said.

Suffolk Transit has grown as it began to receive public funding and grants from the state. In 2014, Suffolk Transit hired a consulting group to create a transit development plan, figuring out the future of the system by comparing it to similar transit systems across the country. There are several hopes to improve the system in the future, but Hansen said exactly what can be executed is severely limited by the budget.

“Since Suffolk Transit does not receive federal funding, we may be looking at other avenues to improve the system,” he said.

Hansen said one of the main goals for the future is to extend the hours that the buses run. Currently, the buses run from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday. Passengers want to see the buses run later at night and possibly on the weekends, too.

The second major goal is to have the buses come more frequently.

“Currently, we operate onehour headways,” Hansen said.

This means that it takes one hour for a bus to return to the stop at which it started. “Passengers would like to see the buses run more frequently.”

Riders exit the buses at the Suffolk Bus Plaza. The red, green, yellow and orange lines all meet at the plaza to take riders to different parts of the city.

Hansen said Suffolk Transit is looking into ways to make the desires of the populace a reality in the near future. However, the future of the system depends mainly on budget constraints, which leaves the bus system in a state of flux.

“It could mean that we grow or shrink, depending on the budget.”

Suffolk Transit has recently been delivering on the wishes of its passengers, opening up travel in North Suffolk and a connector to HRT in 2014. In the future, Hansen said, the organization may look into creating a connector to Suffolk’s

more rural areas, allowing easier transportation to other parts of the city. This idea is one for the future, however, and people should not be looking forward to seeing it for a long while.

“We would like to make a rural connector to Whaleyville or Holland, but we don’t have enough knowledge about it right now,” Hansen said.

“There’s potential for it, but only in the long term.”

While the only type of public transit in Suffolk is the bus system, Norfolk residents and visitors have enjoyed Hampton Roads Transit’s Tide light

rail. As Suffolk — especially in the north — becomes more developed, could we see a public rail system like the one in Norfolk?

Hansen says the possibility is unlikely.

“I can’t imagine there would be rail-based transportation in Suffolk,” he said. “We could see a bus express route or bus rapid transit in the future, but development costs would be too high for light rail to work.”

However, he said, in the future, anything could be possible.

“I don’t know. I could be wrong.”

A permanently installed automatic standby Generac® generator protects your family and home from damaging, dangerous outages.

Your Home Generator Specialist® Class A Electrical Contractor CMYK

CMYK

4 | FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016

FYI

The future of logistics

BY HENRY LUZZATTO CORRESPONDENT

CMYK

Though Suffolk may be known as the peanut city, a $50 million expansion of the Target distribution center on Manning Bridge Road may be changing Suffolk into the logistics city.

The expansion to the facility added more than 600 jobs to the industry. Kevin Hughes, the city’s economic development director, said the changes represent positive change for Suffolk.

“The obvious benefit is creating full-time employment opportunities,” he said. “It also continues to increase the profile of the logistics industry here.”

The expansion at the facility, which opened in 2003, was announced in February. Afterwards, Target hired the necessary new employees over a three-month period while working on the improvements

to the building. The footprint of the building did not change, as all the construction happened on the interior.

Hughes said the investment will increase employment opportunities in the logistics industry in both the short term and the long term. He said the city has sought to improve training with a logistics program at Paul D. Camp Community College.

“One of the great things is that there is a lot of entrylevel possibility at the center,” Hughes said.

The logistics, warehousing and distribution industry employed more than 2,000 people in Suffolk as of 2014.

Hughes said the industry is on the rise.

“I think we would continue to see growth regardless of the expansion, but the Target project represents a diversification of responsibilities,” Hughes said.

He said the changes trans-

Susan L. Draper, Commissioner Proud to serve the citizens of Suffolk 757-514-4260

Visit www.spsk12.net to find resources to help your child shine!

Hughes said the investment is representative of Target’s larger involvement in Suffolk as a community.

“Target has been a great corporate partner,” he said.

“They’ve made strong investments in the workforce, and they’re participants in National Night Out and work with the schools.”

So with the expanse in distribution through Suffolk, could we see a Target store open in the city any time soon?

Hughes says it is a possibility.

“A Target store is on the radar,” he said. “Even though retail is different from distribution, we’re always trying to make it happen.”

formed the center from an import center into one that transports goods straight to Target stores across the East Coast.

“When Target first came here, the building Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center was an import center,” Hughes "Dedication to Service Above Self" said. “Goods 934-2363 2580 Pruden Blvd., were put on www.autumncorp.com Suffolk, VA

CITY OF SUFFOLK OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF THE REVENUE

Back to School & Ready to Learn!

a truck, broken down and organized and then brought to another center for distribution to stores.” Now, Hughes said, the building will be used to transport goods straight from Suffolk to more than 600 Target stores.

“We were primarily known as an import center hub instead of distribution because of our distance to I-95,” Hughes said. “This new project represents a new responsibility in upstream distribution to stores.”

Additionally, the change in the distribution center’s job means products from more than 20 import centers will be coming to the Suffolk location for distribution.

SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD

Autumn Care of Suffolk

AUTUMN REHAB

CMYK SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD

FYI

f yi

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 | 5

Churches

. . .

Suffolk has a strong and diverse faith community. Below is a listing of some of Suffolk’s many churches. Every effort was made to include everyone. If your church was left out, make sure to let us know at 539-3437 so we can include it next year.

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL Macedonia AME Church 127 Pine St. 539-4502

East End Baptist Church 523 E. Washington St. 539-3324 First Baptist Church — Holland 6508 Cumberland Lane 562-0595 First Baptist Church — Mahan Street 112 Mahan St. 539-6623

Saint Mark’s AME Zion Church 817 McKinley Ave. 539-5560

First Baptist Church — Suffolk 237 N. Main St. 539-4152

APOSTOLIC Faith Temple Apostolic Church 476 Wellons St. 934-2735

Gethsemane Baptist Church 1656 Copeland Road 539-5894

ASSEMBLY OF GOD Bethel Assembly of God Church 8904 S. Quay Road 657-6188 BAPTIST Balm of Gilead Missionary Baptist Church 3731 White Marsh Road 934-1700

Great Fork Baptist Church 180 Great Fork Road 986-4185 Greater First Baptist Church Orlando 600 Factory St. 539-0032 Healing Chapel Baptist Church 2375 Godwin Blvd.

934-0527

Canaan Baptist Church 2064 Nansemond Parkway 538-1841

Hillcrest Baptist Church 1637 Holland Road 539-8801

Crosspointe Freewill Baptist Church 2460 Pruden Blvd.

923-9059

Holland Baptist Church 6519 Holland Road 657-2424

Diamond Grove Baptist Church 6890 Crittenden Road 255-4770

Lakeview Missionary Baptist Church 635 Brook Ave. 934-1047

CMYK

48

WILROY RD., SUFFOLK Just off Rt. 58 Bypass

538-2325

Chavis Collision Repair Center

Excellence and Quality Assured On Time!

3730 Pruden Blvd.

Suffolk, VA www.chaviscrc.com

(757) 539-4926 Larry Chavis, Owner email: shop@chaviscrc.com

"Service With Integrity"

SAME DAY EMERGENCY SERVICE

Medicare Coverage Options???

Just Turned 65?

Just Became Disabled?

Medicare Part D - Medicare Part C Medicare Supplements

Life Insurance Also Available Regardless of Health

Phone: 757-539-4111

Fax: 757-539-3098

Chip’s Repair & Towing Service

Chip Joyner, ‘‘Large or Small We Can Do It All” Owner 1137 Myrtle Street, Suffolk, VA Serving The Area For 36 Years CMYK

FRANKLIN S. College Dr. Reduced to Sell! $85,000

Nice property for a good price. 3 bedrooms, 1 bath brick ranch, attached & detached garages.

Gene Harrell 757-334-1075 .

An Independently Owned and Operated Franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC.

6 | FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016

FYI

SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD

Churches continued Liberty Baptist Church 116 Romans Road 539-3511

4260 Pughsville Road 484-8939 New First Baptist Church 1105 Hosier Road 934-0833

Liberty Harbour View 7025 Harbour View Blvd.

826-2110

New Olive Branch Baptist Church 9364 Gates Road 562-0107

Little Bethel Baptist Church 6533 Everets Road 255-4945

Oak Grove Baptist Church 2635 E. Washington St. 539-8012

Little Grove Baptist Church 6320 Old Town Point Road 484-4496 Little Mount Zion Baptist Church 3288 Pruden Blvd.

539-1991 Macedonia Baptist Church 8300 Crittenden Road 238-2562

Palm Tree Baptist Church 8165 Whaleyville Blvd.

986-4303 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 4481 Butler Drive 986-3648

Metropolitan Baptist Church 125 County St. 539-2696 Mineral Spring Baptist Church 4849 Mineral Spring Road 986-3994 Missouri Baptist Church 2020 Lake Cohoon Road 934-1176

Pleasant Union Baptist Church 215 Webb St. 539-0367 Saint Paul Baptist Church 806 Lincoln Ave. 539-9692 Sixth Street Baptist Church 324 Goodman St. 539-6629

Mount Sinai Baptist Church 6100 Holy Neck Road 657-6212

CMYK

Olive Branch Baptist Church 5200 Milners Road 255-7348

Nansemond River Baptist Church 2896 Bridge Road 484-3423 New Hope Baptist Church

Southside Baptist Church 917 Carolina Road 539-6629 West End Baptist Church 105 Saint James Ave.

539-8771 West Suffolk Baptist Church 1001 Kenyon Court 705-5431 Western Branch Baptist Church 6952 Old Myrtle Road 539-6854 Wilroy Baptist Church 306 Williams Road 539-5658 CATHOLIC St. Mary of the Presentation Catholic Church 202 S. Broad St. 539-5732 CHRISTIAN Berea Christian Church 4109 Driver Lane 538-8872 Bethlehem Christian Church 1549 Holland Road 539-4274 Bethlehem Christian Church 312 Bute St. 539-1167 Cypress Chapel Christian Church 1891 Cypress Chapel Road 986-4096 Faith House of Refuge 461 E. Washington St. 538-0808 Greater Sweet Beulah Holiness Church 137 Maple St. 539-9535

www.facebook.com/eCopico

•Custom Design •Printing •Communications

www.ecopico.com 757.934.2113

10% Off

Crown of Glory

Open Tuesday to Saturday

2815 Godwin Blvd. Suite F, Suffolk, VA

53 C 9- al 71 l 24

Dazzle your day with Highlights • Colors • Perms • Waxing • Nails Pedicures Ask for Emma Walk-Ins Always Welcome!

FLYING HIGH FOR 44 YEARS Call

255-4040

Lee Middletown & Heritage Dolls Now Stocking Plastic Models

CMYK SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD

FYI

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 | 7

Churches continued Holy Neck Christian Church 4400 Holy Neck Road 986-4731

Trinity Christian Church 128 Franklin St. 539-7275

Liberty Spring Christian Church 4213 Whaleyville Blvd.

986-4403

True Gospel Christian Church 1226 White Marsh Road 539-4458

Mount Zion Christian Church 9061 Eclipse Drive 238-2477

Word and Spirit Worship Center 1607 Bridge Road 729-9712

New Life Suffolk 540 E. Constance Road 539-7001

CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST Gates of Heaven COGIC 112 Beech St. 539-3856

New Mount Joy Food for Living Ministries 307 County St. 539-2931 New Paul’s Temple Holiness Church of Deliverance 720 Hosier Road 539-0498

Saint Mary’s COGIC 3636 Nansemond Parkway 538-0155 EPISCOPAL Glebe Episcopal Church 4400 Nansemond Parkway 538-8842

Oakland Christian Church 5641 Godwin Blvd.

255-4353

Saint John’s Episcopal Church 828 Kings Highway 255-4168

Open Door Church 816 Kings Fork Road 934-2671

Saint Mark Episcopal Church 140 Tynes St. 934-0830

Open Hands Christian Fellowship 239 Holladay St. 692-9740

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 213 N. Main St. 539-2478

Saint John Christian Church 1226 White Marsh Road 925-4885

FRIENDS (QUAKER) Somerton Friends Meeting 5239 Quaker Drive 539-6574

Suffolk Christian Church 216 N. Main St. 539-9182

CMYK

LATTER-DAY SAINTS The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day

Is a stock you own in the news? Let’s talk.

Financial Advisor

3300 Tyre Neck Rd Suite L Portsmouth, VA 23703 757-483-3204 www.edwardjones.com

CMYK

Member SIPC

Van Haislip

We Empty your Tank not the Bank

Goodman’s Septic Tank Service 757-504-5261 U Dump It We Pump It

William E. Goodman, Pres. Suffolk, VA 23434

Cell: 757-377-7673 Low Rates, Fast Service

8 | FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016

FYI

SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD

Churches continued Saints 4759 Bennetts Pasture Road 538-9218 LUTHERAN Faith Lutheran Church 2730 Bridge Road 686-0468 METHODIST Beech Grove United Methodist Church 4245 Driver Lane 538-8353 Ebenezer United Methodist Church 1589 Steeple Drive 238-2359 Magnolia United Methodist Church 1764 Wilroy Road 538-8552 Main Street United Methodist Church 202 N. Main St. 539-8751 Oxford Methodist Church 601 W. Washington St. 539-8253 Providence United Methodist Church 3105 Providence Road 539-9582

CMYK

Somerton United Methodist Church 8610 Whaleyville Blvd.

810-9397 Virginia Korean United Methodist Church 5701 Lee Farm Lane 484-5988 Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church 220 Kings Highway

255-2259 Whaleyville United Methodist Church 6312 Whaleyville Blvd.

986-4587 NON-DENOMINATIONAL 3n1 Church Meets at Harbour View Grande 16 Theater 5860 Harbour View Boulevard www.3n1church.com Divine Church of Deliverance and Transformation 6315 Whaleyville Blvd.

986-5115 New Vision Ministries 4165 Pruden Blvd.

809-3135

PENTECOSTAL Greater Sweet Beulah Pentecostal Holiness Church 137 Maple St. 539-9535 Pentecostals of Suffolk 641 Carolina Road 539-4848 Rising Saint James Pentecostal Holiness Church 201 N. Sixth St. 539-7026

PRESBYTERIAN

Suffolk Presbyterian Church 410 N. Broad St. 539-3213 Westminster Reformed Presbyterian Church 3488 Godwin Blvd.

539-0540 REFORMED ZION UNION APOSTOLIC Saint Paul RZUA Church 615 Spruce St. 539-2742 SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST Capernaum Seventh-Day Adventist Church 314 York St. 934-3518

R.A.W. Ministries 810 E. Washington St. 338-4897

Suffolk Pentecostal Church 100 Kilby Shores Drive 539-1096

Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church 1885 Bridge Road 238-3550

Synagogue Temple Beth El 3927 Bridge Road 484-3926 UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Antioch United Church of Christ 900 Hull Ave. 539-0667 Corinth Chapel United Church of Christ 7945 Corinth Chapel Road 569-9367 Galatians United Church of Christ 2320 Manning Road 934-0897 Holland United Church of Christ 6733 S. Quay Road 657-6681

Laurel Hill United Church of Christ 8001 S. Quay Road 657-6234

Zion United Church of Christ 5200 Quaker Road 934-0223

Mount Ararat Christian United Church of Christ 1860 Airport Road 934-0986

• RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • All Sizes Available • Flat Rate Pricing • Home Clean-Outs • Remodeling & Demolition • New Construction

“YOUR DISASTER DISPOSAL FACILITY”

Locally Owned & Operated

HAMPTON ROADS DISPOSAL

NO CREDIT CHECK

4801 Nansemond Parkway, Suffolk, VA 15-20-30-40 YARD WASTE BOXES FOR RENT

www.hamptonroadsdisposal.com Call us for prompt service RELIABLE SERVICE GUARANTEED

757-488-8180

Quality at the Best Prices!

CMYK SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD

f yi

. . .

FYI

City Services

GENERAL SERVICES Animal Control 124 Forest Glen Drive 514-7855 Hours of operation: Monday to Friday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Closed Sundays and holidays The Suffolk Animal Control Bureau is responsible for the investigation of all incidents and the enforcement of laws regarding domestic animals within the city. The bureau maintains a shelter, and conducts adoptions and redemption of stray animals. Lost and found pet files also are handled through the facility. Adoptions are $75 for cats and $90 for dogs. Animals are spayed/neutered and vaccinated prior to adoption.

Auto decals Department of Motor Vehicles 268 Holladay St. (804) 497-7100 Hours of operation: Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m. to noon

emergency transportation as well as a children’s program that offers after-school tutoring, a weekly children’s support group, and recreational activities.

Employment Suffolk Human Resources Office 442 W. Washington St. 514-4120 hr@suffolkva.us Extension Service Virginia Cooperative Extension Office 440 Market St. 514-4330 Hours of operation: Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

GED/ABE/ESL classes The Pruden Center for Industry and Technology 4169 Pruden Blvd.

925-5651 www.prudencenter.net Health Department The Suffolk Health Department 135 Hall Ave. 514-4700

City Treasurer’s Office 442 W. Washington St. 514-4275 North Suffolk Treasurer’s Office 2000 Bennetts Creek Park Road 514-7175 Hours of operation: Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

City decals for vehicles are no longer mandated in the city of Suffolk, but the Vehicle License Fee will be included as a separate item on the annual personal property tax bills sent by the city treasurer.

Anyone moving to Virginia must title their vehicle within 30 days of moving to Virginia. Additionally, before operating a vehicle in Virginia, it must pass an annual safety inspection and display a valid safety inspection sticker.

Domestic Violence Genieve Shelter 157 N. Main St. 1-800-969-HOPE (4673) 925-4365 The Genieve Shelter provides a 24hour crisis hotline, individual and group counseling; court accompaniment, emergency shelter, food, clothing and

The Suffolk Health Department offers a variety of health services, including health screenings, immunizations, prenatal and pediatric services, STD and communicable disease testing and treatment, family planning, WIC and SEVAMP Senior Services, and environmental health. Many services are free to the public. When there are charges, they are usually determined on a sliding fee scale based on income.

Housing Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority 530 E. Pinner St. 539-2100 www.suffolkrha.org Hours of operation: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed on Wednesdays during the summer Suffolk Department of Social Services 135 Hall Ave. 514-7450 Both the Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority and Suffolk Department of Social Services help to provide rental and utility assistance as well as affordable housing for lower and limited income families.

Identification

Walk-Ins Welcome

CMYK

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 | 9

Dr. Christopher Wilson is the new director of the Suffolk Health Department.

CMYK Department of Motor Vehicles 268 Holladay St. (804) 497-7100 Social Security Administration 502 Hillpoint Blvd (866) 835-7769 www.ssa.gov Social Security cards can be issued through the Social Security Administration, and state identification cards and driver’s licenses can be issued through the DMV. LICENSES Animal: City Treasurer’s Office 442 W. Washington St. 514-4275 North Suffolk Treasurer’s Office 2000 Bennetts Creek Park Road 514-7175

Building and Zoning Permits: Neighborhood Development Services 442 W. Washington St. 514-4150 Business: Commissioner of the Revenue 442 W. Washington St. 514-4260 North Suffolk Office 2000 Bennett’s Creek Park Road 514-7180 Concealed Weapon and Handgun: Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court Mills E. Godwin Courts Complex 150 N. Main St. 514-7800 Driver’s: Department of Motor Vehicles 268 Holladay St. (804) 497-7100

Hunting and Fishing: Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court Mills E. Godwin Courts Complex 150 N. Main St. 514-7800 Marriage: Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court Mills E. Godwin Courts Complex 150 N. Main St. 514-7800 Passports: Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court Mills E. Godwin Courts Complex 150 N. Main St. 514-7800 Senior services Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia 6350 N Center Dr. #5, Norfolk

City SERVICES see pg.12

10 | FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016

FYI

The future of cars

BY HENRY LUZZATTO CORRESPONDENT

F

or years, electric cars have been predicted as the future of personal transportation. And while they might not be as glamorous as personal jetpacks, manufacturers have been advancing the technology to make the vehicles more practical.

However, local car dealers said the interest in electric vehicles has been minimal in Suffolk.

“Locally, we’re not personally seeing the interest,” said Ed White of Starr Motors.

Eley Duke, vice president at Duke Automotive, agreed that there has been minimal attention given to electric cars in the area.

“We haven’t seen an increase in sales of those vehicles,” Duke said.

Duke, a General Motors dealer, had access to one of the earliest commercial electric cars, the Chevrolet Volt.

However, Duke said, even with

CMYK

Above, Eley Duke, vice president of Duke Automotive, stands at the dealership’s electric car charging station. The station is one of the only ones in Hampton Roads. Right, Employees at Starr Motors stand in front of a popular new hybrid car. From left: Glenn Ellis, Brooke Thompson, Jenny Cuthrell and Chris Scott.

the innovation in electric cars, the model did not sell particularly well over time.

Duke said the reason for the lack of electric sales has to do with practicality and availability.

“Only three GM models are electric,” he said. “They haven’t gained in popularity since they’ve been out. When you look at Main Street, you see more SUVs than anything else.”

Two of the electric models that GM offers, the Chevrolet Volt and Chevrolet Spark, have seen some popularity across the country, but not locally.

Duke attributes the lack of interest to their small size and the short distance one can travel on a charge, which he says makes them impractical for everyday use.

“For me, with a family of four with two dogs, it’s not practical,” he said. “It’s not the best for a family on the go, since you’re only going to get

50 miles with a charge.”

White said Starr Motors did not even offer an electric model at the dealership.

Despite the lack of interest in completely electric vehicles, both Duke and White said customers frequently ask about hybrid cars, which feature both an electric motor and a gasoline engine.

“A lot of people are interested in the hybrid versions,” White said. “They’ve already placed orders for 2017 hybrids.”

Duke said the hybrids that GM offers, which run the electric motor when the car is stopped while powering the car forward with the gasoline engine, have been good sellers.

“Hybrids are very practical,” he said. “We’ve been doing very well with them.”

Though neither could say for certain why there is such a disparity between the popularity of hybrids and electric

SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD

vehicles, White said one possible reason is the long-term efficiency of hybrids. Because they generally have better gas mileage than gasolinepowered cars, White said they could be cheaper in the long run.

“Since 2008 when you had the market fluctuations, people started looking more long-term at things like fuel economy,” he said.

Though we may be unlikely to see a new Tesla electric car in Suffolk any time soon, White said not to rule out the possibility of increased electric sales in the future.

“I wouldn’t say we should rule anything out,” he said.

“There are so many factors to account for, like the lack of charging locations. But we may see something in the future. It’s not just when the customers want it, it’s when the business models are ready, too.”

CMYK SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD

FYI

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 | 11

The future of simulation

BY HENRY LUZZATTO CORRESPONDENT

M

odeling and simulation — or ModSim — is one of the fastest-growing industries in Suffolk. But while the industry is normally associated with government defense contracting, ODU’s Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center in North Suffolk shows that it can be fun, too.

The center uses modeling software to simulate real-life systems and solve problems in a variety of disciplines.

Though their research may often focus more on helping develop cyber security and map human systems, camps offered by VMASC allow students to use these complex tools for fun projects.

This summer, the center offers camps that teach game development or advanced robotics.

“We help teach that math and programming apply to the real world, and they’re fun, too,” said Samantha Henry, a rising sophomore at George Mason University who helps teach the advanced robotics camp.

The advanced robotics camp, which runs Aug. 8-12, gives students the opportunity to build their own robots, which are based on the Mars

rover.

“It has a camera that can sense color, a motor with a paddle that can hit a soccer ball and an LED strip so it can change color and tell the other robots to follow it,” Henry said.

Henry said the project will introduce younger people to robotics, and will help them develop as people.

“The center is a lot about teaching,” she said. “They leave here happy and with more confidence.”

Henry said her experiences taking the class convinced her to study electrical engineering in college with hopes of working with robotics in the future.

“I really fell in love with robotics,” Henry said. “I’m always looking forward to working on them.”

She said she hopes to instill in the students a love of robotics to build a future generation who will advance the field.

“The professors here say they want us to learn so we can go to school and take their jobs.”

While Samantha Henry shows students the hands-on portion of the ModSim industry with her robotics, Caleb Ralph shows how to use software for fun in a game development camp.

The Virginia Modeling, Analytics and Simulation Center in North Suffolk is Old Dominion University’s center for developing all sorts of tools to analyze various situations. Researchers use software and hardware to simulate everything from medical procedures to video games.

CMYK

CMYK

Caleb Ralph assists kids at the intro to Unity game development camp learn software to create their own video games.

Ralph, 18, will attend Old Dominion University in the fall to study computer science with a minor in modeling and simulation.

Ralph is an 18-year-old student who will be attending Old Dominion University in the fall to study computer science and ModSim. Both of his parents work at VMASC, so he was exposed to simulation technology from a young age.

“When I was maybe 10, my dad heard about the camp they were having about game development, and he told me to go learn the program they were using,” he said. “About a year later, I had learned it, so I ended up helping out at the camp.”

Ralph helps teach the Intro to Unity portion of the game development camp at VMASC, where he teaches students the interface of a

simulation technology called Unity and shows them how to create games with it.

During the camp, they teach the campers to be familiar with the interface and how to add things to the game.

“We’re using all free programs, so they can go home and download it and learn even more at home,” he said.

While Ralph shows how the simulation software can be used for fun, he said the same software is used to simulate real-life scenarios.

“Unity converts things to 3D so they can be visualized,” he said.

Ralph said the software he helps teach is used in everything from educational

games to simulations about the spread of the Zika virus.

Because modeling and simulation are used for a variety of different purposes in different industries, the software they learn has a variety of uses, Ralph said.

“It will definitely help them in the future, since a lot of professional companies are using these tools,” he said.

Both Ralph and Henry show students who hope to use the ModSim industry to achieve goals outside of its usual place in the military. By teaching a new generation of people younger than them, we may see the industry grow even more in Suffolk.

12 | FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016

FYI

SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD

City Services continued 461-9481 www.ssseva.org Meals on Wheels of Suffolk 2800 Godwin Blvd.

934-4911 www.suffolkmealsonwheels.com Social Services Suffolk Department of Social Services 135 Hall Ave. 514-7450 Social Security Social Security Administration 502 Hillpoint Road (866)-835-7769 www.ssa.gov UTILITIES Electricity Dominion Virginia Power 1-866-366-4357 www.dom.com Community Electric Cooperative 52 W, Windsor Blvd,, Windsor 242-6181 www.comelec.coop Natural Gas Virginia Natural Gas (866) 229-3578 www.vanaturalgas.com

CMYK

Columbia Gas of Virginia (800) 543-8911 www.columbiagasva.com

City of Suffolk Department of Public Utilities 514-7000 www.suffolk.va.us/pub_utl Wastewater Treatment Hampton Roads Sanitation District 460-2261 www.hrsd.com Trash Collection City of Suffolk Department of Public Works 514-7630 www.suffolk.va.us/pub_wks/refuse Solid Waste Disposal Southeastern Public Service Authority 420-4700 www.spsa.com VETERANS AFFAIRS Department of Veterans Services Office of the Commissioner 900 E. Main St. Richmond, VA 23219 804-786-0286 Veteran’s Hospital VA Medical Center 100 Emancipation Drive, Hampton 722-9961 WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN The Suffolk Health Department 135 Hall Ave. 514-4700

Telephone Verizon 954-6222 (800) 483-4400 www.verizon.com

The Suffolk Department of Public Works operates trash disposal for the city with its fleet of trash trucks, like the one shown.

Water/Sewer

Proudly Serving You Since 2003!

Thanks To Our Many Friends and Loyal Patrons That Have Helped Us Achieve 28 Years of Service To The Community and Their Pets!

Locally Owned and Operated Since 1988

L.Thornton Jett D.D.S. Vernon A. Sellers D.M.D. Mark A. LaRusso D.D.S. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons

Please call for appointments

Open: Mon., Wed., & Fri., 8 - 6 Tues. & Thurs. 8 - 7, Sat. 8 - 12

Locally Owned and Operated Since 1988

• Specializing In Dental Implants • Wisdom Teeth Extractions

GOLD WINNER

2016

2441 Pruden Boulevard Suffolk, VA 23434 • 934-0767

3116 Tyre Neck Rd. Portsmouth, VA 23703 • 483-2110

CMYK SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD

f yi

. . .

FYI

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 | 13

Elected officials SUFFOLK CITY COUNCIL Mayor Linda T. Johnson Phone: 514-4018 Term expires: Dec. 31, 2016 Chuckatuck Borough Michael D. Duman Phone: 449-9688 Term expires: Dec. 31, 2018 Cypress Borough Vice Mayor Leroy Bennett Phone: 407-3750 Term expires: Dec. 31, 2018 Holy Neck Borough Timothy “Tim” Jett Johnson Phone: 407-0556 Term expires: Dec. 31, 2018

SUFFOLK PUBLIC SCHOOLS SCHOOL BOARD Chuckatuck Borough Linda W. Bouchard Phone: 255-2202 Term expires: Dec. 31, 2018 Cypress Borough Lorraine B. Skeeter Phone: 539-6593 Term expires: Dec. 31, 2018 Holy Neck Borough Enoch C. Copeland, Vice Chair Phone: 657-6179 Term expires: Dec. 31, 2018

Sleepy Hole Borough David P. Mitnick Phone: 650-1792 Term expires: Dec. 31, 2016 Suffolk Borough Dr. Michael J. Debranski, chairman Phone: 934-0194 Term expires: Dec. 31, 2018

Nansemond Borough Lue R. Ward Phone: 377-6929 Term expires: Dec. 31, 2016 Sleepy Hole Borough Roger W. Fawcett Phone: 377-8641 Term expires: Dec. 31, 2016 Suffolk Borough Donald Z. Goldberg Phone: 407-1953 Term expires: Dec. 31, 2018 Whaleyville Borough Curtis R. Milteer Sr. Phone: 809-0777 Term expires: Dec. 31, 2016

SUFFOLK’S CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS Clerk of the Circuit Court W. Randolph Carter Jr. Phone: 514-7800 Commissioner of the Revenue Susan L. Draper Phone: 514-4260 Commonwealth’s Attorney C. Phillips Ferguson Phone: 514-4365 Sheriff Raleigh H. Isaacs Sr. Phone: 514-7840 Treasurer Ronald H. Williams Phone: 514-4275

NOW'S THE TIME FOR FALL PLANTING!

Whaleyville Borough Phyllis C. Byrum Phone: 986-4054 Term expires: Dec. 31, 2016

CMYK

Nansemond Borough Dr. Judith Brooks-Buck Phone: 647-8842 Term expires: Dec. 31, 2016

5 Miles West of Downtown Suffolk Rt. 58 West Holland Rd. 539-0293

SUMMER SALE NOW GOING ON! Family Owned For 43 Years

We offer expert landscaping advice.

We Are Suffolk's Most Unique Gift Shop.

• Gymnastics • Tae Kwon Do

Our unique gi shop is over owing withGym new merchandise • Youth Open

www.virginiasalvationarmy.org/suffolkva CMYK

• All Star Cheerleading • Ninga Zone • Tumbling • Birthday Parties • Ballet & Tap Dance Ask about our Summer Camp Ages 4-12

See us on Facebook

14 | FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016

f yi

. . .

CMYK

FYI

SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD

Government

CITY ADMINISTRATION Management of the largest city in Virginia requires an organized government body.

For Suffolk, this means operating under the council/manager form of government with an elected, eight-member City Council that sets city policy.

Seven council members represent the seven boroughs of the city: Chuckatuck, Cypress, Holy Neck, Nansemond, Sleepy Hole, Suffolk and Whaleyville.

Citizens directly elected Suffolk’s mayor for the first time in the city’s history in 2008, electing Linda T. Johnson. She was reelected in 2012. Her current term lasts until the end of 2016.

The Suffolk City Council meets twice a month, the first and third Wednesdays, at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 442 W. Washington St. The council usually holds a work session in the mid-afternoon before each meeting.

To assure citizens get to express their concerns, residents can sign up to speak during early or late appearances at the meeting. Residents can call the city clerk at 514-4018 to sign up to speak.

Interim City Manager Patrick Roberts is charged with implementing policies and procedures adopted by the Suffolk City Council.

As the chief executive officer of the city, Roberts takes care of the day-to-day business with the help of his staff.

The city of Suffolk also has constitutional officers, who are chiefly employed for the city by the state. These officers are the sheriff, the treasurer, the clerk of Suffolk Circuit Court, the commonwealth’s attorney and commissioner of the revenue.

TAX REVENUE Personal property taxes on automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, trailers, boats, recreational vehicles and airplanes in the city are assessed by the Commissioner of the Revenue. The taxes are prorated on a

monthly basis. The tax rate, as set by the Suffolk City Council, varies according to property type. The due date for personal property taxes is Dec. 5.

Real estate taxes vary by district.

Land and buildings in the city of Suffolk are assessed by the city real estate assessor at 100 percent of fair market value in accordance with state law. Suffolk enjoys one of the lowest real estate tax rates of any major city in Hampton Roads at a base rate of $1.07 cents per $100 of assessed value.

Rates vary in special taxing districts.

Real estate taxes are due on Dec. 5 and June 5.

CITY ON THE WEB For more information on Suffolk’s history, government, transportation and industry, check out the city’s website: www.suffolkva. us.

Also, the city airs municipal events, information and meetings on its local cable station, Channel 8. City Council meetings air live, and also stream live on the web at the city’s website. Meetings since June 17, 2009, also are archived for reference at any time.

The city’s administrative offices are located at 442 W. Washington St.The mailing address is P.O. Box 1858, Suffolk, VA23439.

The main phone number is 514-4000. The email address is info@suffolkva.us.

CITY MANAGER The City Manager directs the general operation of the city government in order to meet the needs of citizens in accordance with policies established by City Council.

Patrick Roberts, city manager, 514-4012 DEPUTY CITY MANAGER The Deputy City Manager directs, manages and oversees the day-to-day and long-range activities of the development departments in order to meet the needs

Patrick Roberts, pictured in front of City Hall, is the Suffolk city manager.

NOW HIRING CAREGIVERS “Become A Caregiver and Realize What True Happiness Is!”

Office: (757) 539-2259 Cell: (252) 333-0611

Fax: (757) 539-8699 Email: leck@lawrencetrailer.com

1036 Carolina Rd. Suffolk, VA 23434

ATTENTION PARENTS!!

Accepting Students Now for our 2-3-4 Year Old Classes

Call & Sign Up Now.... 238-8278 L‛il Folks Learning Center, Inc 15012 Omera Drive • Carrollton, VA 23314 • For more information Check out our website: www.lilfolkslearningcenter.com

CMYK SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD

FYI

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 | 15

Government continued

of the community in accordance with policies established by City Council. These departments include planning, public utilities, economic development and tourism.

D. Scott Mills, deputy city manager, 5144011 CHIEF OF STAFF The Chief of Staff promotes and evaluates efficiency, accountability and responsiveness within city departments.

Debbie George, 514-4013

CITY ATTORNEY The City Attorney is the chief legal adviser of the city, the City Manager and all departments, directors, commissioners and agencies of the city in all matters in the interest of the city.

Helivi L. Holland, 514-7130

OTHER CITY ADMINISTRATION Capital Programs and Buildings, Gerry Jones, 514-4030 City Assessor, Jean Jackson, 514-7475 City Clerk, Erika S. Dawley, 514-4018 Economic Development, Kevin Hughes, 514-4040 Finance, Tealen Hansen, 514-7500 Fire Chief, Cedric Scott, 514-7530 Health, Dr. Christopher Wilson, 514-4700 Human Resources, Dr. Nancy Olivo, 5144117 Information Technology, Ken Beam, 5147241 Library, Clint S. Rudy, 514-7323 Media and Community Relations, Diana Klink, 514-4104 Parks & Recreation, Lakita Watson, 5147250 Planning and Community Development, Robert Goumas, acting director, 514-4060 Police Chief, Thomas E. Bennett, 514-

7900 Public Utilities, Albert S. Moor II, 514-7000 Public Works, Eric T. Nielsen, 514-4355 Social Services, Azeez Felder, 514-7333 CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT The Clerk of the Circuit Court is an elected position and serves as support for Circuit Court judges, maintains city records and provides specific services to citizens.

The Clerk’s office is where you may obtain a marriage license, hunting or fishing license or a passport. You may record documents such as real estate deeds, plats or wills. It is also a good place to conduct genealogical research.

The Clerk’s office is located at the Godwin Courts Building, 150 N. Main St., first floor.

W. Randolph Carter Jr., 514-7800 COMMISSIONER OF THE REVENUE

3 Generations Serving You....

Stainless Steel Fabrication ï Ron Davis ï Jay Davis ï Chance Davis Family Owned Since 1980

The purpose of the office of the Commissioner of the Revenue is to assess all personal property; issue city business licenses; conduct special tax audits; audit state income tax returns; and collect state income taxes.

The Commissioner of the Revenue’s office is located in City Hall, 442 W. Washington St. A satellite office is also located inside the North Suffolk Library, on Bennetts Creek Park Road.

Susan L. Draper, 514-4260

The Commonwealth Attorney’s office is located in the Godwin Courts Building, 150 N. Main St. C. Phillips Ferguson, 514-4365 SHERIFF The Sheriff’s Department assigns bailiffs to the Circuit and General District Courts for security. The Civil Process Section provides for the serving of court documents, such as subpoenas, levies, and warrants.

The sheriff’s office is located in the Godwin Courts Building, 150 N. Main St. Raleigh H. Isaacs Sr., 514-7840

COMMONWEALTH’S ATTORNEY The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s main duties are the prosecution of all criminal cases arising under the criminal code of Virginia that were committed in the city of Suffolk. In addition, this office has a Welfare Fraud Division that investigates and prosecutes welfare frauds involving state and federally funded programs.

TREASURER The City Treasurer is responsible for receiving, accounting for and maintaining custody of all monies paid to the city.

The Treasurer’s Office collects all fees, assessments and taxes for the city as required by state and local codes. The

FREE DELIVERY TO SUFFOLK AND ISLE OF WIGHT! Furniture YOU Want at a price you can afford...

Chairs • Sofas • Sleep Sofas www.nottowayhouse.com CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS

We've Proudly Served the Women of Suffolk for 24 Years...

Take a minute to call and make an appointment with

Lynda Tina Diana

1.800.598.9854

Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm I Sat 9am-Noon I Nights by Appointment

757-653-2103

28470 Southampton Pkwy. | Courtland, VA | 3 Miles West of Franklin

Let one of our 3 companies assist you with your loved one.

• Personal Touch Home Care • Moore Home Care • Southern Touch Health Care

CMYK

Member of the BBB, VA Dept. of Medical Assistance Services & VA Personal Care Providers Assoc. Licensed, Bonded & Insured

WWW.PCPGONLINE.COM

CHOOSE FRO M OUR OF NEW & US HUGH SELECTION ED PIANOS!

PIANO SHOWCASE

GREENBRIAR MALL www.pianoshowcaseva.com

Metropolitan Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Robert Hobbs

Sunday School: 9 a.m.

Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday Worship Service: 7 p.m.

Bible Study 7:30 p.m.

LUMBER AND MILLWORK

OUR 82ND YEAR!

3211 LAFAYETTE BLVD.

www.metropolitanbaptist1.org 125 County St., Suffolk, VA 539-2696

HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALISTS

Class A License No. 2705058484A

420-1130

• Windows • Siding

Bonded & Insured Email: nrbllc@verizon.net

• Fences • Decks

• Painting • Metal Trim

A+ Rating

Locally Owned and Operated Since 1983 Office: (757) 484-9225

CMYK

Bobby Hurley, Owner Mobile: (757) 435-8305 Fax: (757) 484-4468

Randy Jenkins Bonded & Insured

Phone: 630-9857

16 | FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016

FYI

SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD

Government continued office also sells dog licenses and bicycle licenses.

The Treasurer’s office is located in City Hall, 442 W. Washington St. A satellite office is located in the North Suffolk Library, on Bennetts Creek Park Road.

Ronald H. Williams, 514-4275

CMYK

FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES The mission of the Suffolk Department of Fire and Rescue is to prevent fires from occurring through world-class fire prevention and public education programs; reduce life and property loss through rapid response and the use of world-class suppression techniques; and provide advanced emergency medical care efficiently by maintaining high levels of training.

There are five components to the Suffolk Department of Fire and Rescue: Administration, Fire/EMS Operations, Fire Prevention/Public Education, Emergency Services, and Special Operations.

Emergency, 911 Emergency Management, 514-4536 Headquarters, 514-4550 Fire Marshal, 514-7530 Nansemond-Suffolk Volunteer Rescue Squad, 539-6870 Driver Volunteer Fire Department, 5380519 Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department, 255-4240 Whaleyville Volunteer Fire Department, 986-3300 Holland Volunteer Fire Department, 3776178 POLICE Until 1858, the sheriff of Nansemond County was charged with patrolling the county and the town of Suffolk, as well.

When the town was issued a charter, a town sergeant was hired, and the position

remained in effect until Suffolk became a city in 1910. After that, the city appointed a chief of police.

The police department’s administrative headquarters is at 111 Henley Place, formerly 120 N. Wellons St. It was renamed

in 2008 in honor of the late Officer Drew Henley, who died in the line of duty in 2005.

Emergency, 911 Non-emergency, 923-2350 Suffolk Crime Line, 1-888-LOCK-U-UP

Three of the Suffolk Department of Fire and Rescue’s newest ambulances arrived in 2014.

R.C. Paving & Son

®

Custom Driveways

Residential • Commercial • New Construction • Repairs • Patching • Seal Coating • Parking Lot Marking & Striping

FREE ESTIMATES

539-3111

Cell: 435-8440

757-242-4188

CMYK SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD

f yi

. . .

FYI

Education

EDUCATION PROVIDES A FOUNDATION FOR SUFFOLK’S KIDS Beyond simple reading, writing and arithmetic, the demands of the 21stcentury workforce place new demands on education, beginning at the preschool level.

The city of Suffolk is home to public and private schools, a vocational school, and two centers for higher learning — all in an effort to educate tomorrow’s leaders today.

In neighboring communities, there are also several excellent choices of colleges and universities for the recent high school graduate or adults returning for a diploma.

Across the city, there are 11 public elementary schools, four middle schools, three high schools and an alternative program. The area is also home to two private schools, a vocational school and a community college.

Public schools Public schools have come a long way in Suffolk since the first one opened here in 1871. At that time, schools operated three months of the year. The first “modern” school building opened in 1893 at the corner of Saratoga and Market streets.

Today, Suffolk Public Schools offers a comprehensive program for grades K-12, in addition to special programs for gifted students, students with disabilities, remedial instruction in basic skills, Advanced Placement classes, alternative education, preschool and vocational education.

There were about 14,431 students enrolled in public schools as of September 2015.

There is a computer-to-student ratio of 1.8 to 1.

To see how city schools fare in comparison with other divisions across the region and state, contact the School Administrative Offices or visit the Virginia Department of

CMYK

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 | 17

Education’s website: www.doe.virginia.gov.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

6701 Respass Beach Road Phone: 923-4169 Principal: Tara Moore

Booker T. Washington Elementary 204 Walnut St. Phone: 934-6226 Principal: Lori Mounie

Oakland Elementary 5505 Godwin Blvd.

Phone: 923-5248 Principal: Tamesha Dabney

Creekside Elementary 1000 Bennetts Creek Park Road Phone: 923-4251 Principal: Katrina Rountree

Pioneer Elementary 150 Pioneer Road Phone: 925-5782 Principal: Danielle Belton

Driver Elementary 4270 Driver Lane Phone: 923-4106 Principal: Melodie Griffin

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Elephant’s Fork Elementary 2316 William Reid Drive Phone: 923-5250 Principal: Jessica Avery Hillpoint Elementary 1101 Hillpoint Road Phone: 923-5252 Principal: Catherine Pichon Kilby Shores Elementary 111 Kilby Shores Drive Phone: 934-6214 Principal: Lorri Banks Mack Benn Jr. Elementary 1253 Nansemond Parkway Phone: 934-6224 Principal: David LeFevre Nansemond Parkway Elementary 3012 Nansemond Parkway Phone: 923-4167 Principal: Chanel Bryant Northern Shores Elementary

Forest Glen Middle 200 Forest Glen Drive Phone: 925-5780 Principal: Melvin Bradshaw John F. Kennedy Middle 2325 E. Washington St. Phone: 934-6212 Principal: Vivian Covington John Yeates Middle 4901 Bennett’s Pasture Road Phone: 923-4105 Principal: Shawn Green King’s Fork Middle 350 Kings Fork Road Phone: 923-5246 Principal: Jennifer K. Presson HIGH SCHOOLS

CMYK

King’s Fork High 351 Kings Fork Road Phone: 923-5240 Principal: Ronald Leigh Lakeland High 214 Kenyon Road

Oakland Elementary School is one of 11 elementary schools in Suffolk.

18 | FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016

FYI

SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD

Education continued Phone: 925-5790 Principal: Douglas Wagoner Nansemond River High 3301 Nansemond Parkway Phone: 923-4101 Principal: Daniel O’Leary ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM Turlington Woods 629 Turlington Road Phone: 934-6215 Principal: Kinsey Bynum GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL The Governor’s School for the Arts, located in Norfolk, offers intensive study in five arts areas: dance, vocal and instrumental music, visual arts, theater arts and performing arts. The programs are designed for students who demonstrate strong interests and abilities in their field.

Students who enroll in the school take academic classes in the mornings at their home schools and attend the arts school in the afternoons for three hours.

Auditions are conducted annually or on an as-needed basis. Students should see their guidance counselors for information.

VOCATIONAL CENTER The Pruden Center for Industry and Technology is the regional school designed to serve students from Suffolk and Isle of Wight County who want to pursue industrial and technical programs. Adult education and recreational classes are also offered.

Adults seeking classes to enhance their job opportunities or to achieve their GED should contact the center at 925-5651, at www.prudencenter.net, or visit at 4169 Pruden Blvd.

CMYK

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

Dr. Daniel Lufkin is the new president of Paul D. Camp Community College.

You may contact the division offices

for information or inquiries regarding the Suffolk Public Schools. School administrative offices are located at 100 N. Main St. The main phone number is 9256750.

one- and two-year vocational, technical and college-level programs in Western Tidewater. More than 30 areas of study are offered to students at Suffolk, Franklin and Smithfield campuses.

The administration includes: 4Deran Whitney, superintendent 4Wendell M. Waller, School Board attorney 4Suzanne Rice, assistant superintendent of student services 4Jacqueline C. Chavis, deputy superintendent 4Douglas Dohey, chief of operations 4Wendy K. Forsman, executive director of finance 4Pamela L. Connor, director of elementary leadership 4Stenette Byrd, director of secondary leadership 4Diane Glover director of special education 4Rodney Brown, director of human resources 4John W. Littlefield, director of technology 4F. Terry Napier, director of facilities and planning 4Gail V. Bess, coordinator of career and technical education and adult education 4Carolyn Taylor, coordinator of compensatory programs 4Dianne D. Whiting, coordinator of human resources 4Randolph Boone, coordinator of pupil personnel 4Anthony Hinds, purchasing manager 4Keba Baldwin, director of transportation 4Bethanne D. Bradshaw, public information and community relations officer 4Janice F. White, supervisor of health services

AREA COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

COMMUNITY COLLEGE Paul D. Camp Community College — Suffolk Campus: 271 Kenyon Road, 5696700. Web: www.pdc.edu. PDCCC offers

Christopher Newport University: 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, 5947000. Web: www.cnu.edu/. Four-year liberal arts university.

The College of William and Mary: P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, 221-4000. Web: www.wm.edu. Four-year college with schools in arts and sciences, business administration, education, law and marine science.

Eastern Virginia Medical School: P.O. Box 1980, Norfolk, 446-5600. Web: www. evms.edu. Community-based medical school.

Hampton University: 100 E Queen St, Hampton, 727-5000. Web: www.hamptonu. edu. Privately-endowed, non-profit, nonsectarian, co-educational, historically black university.

Norfolk State University: 700 Park Ave., Norfolk, 823-8600. Web: www.nsu. edu. Historically black university with an undergraduate studies program comprised of five schools.

Old Dominion University: 5115 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, 683-3000. Web: www.odu. edu. A state-supported metropolitan, regional university with graduate and undergraduate degrees in six colleges.

Virginian Wesleyan College: 1584 Wesleyan Drive, Norfolk, 455-3200. Web: www.vwc.edu. Small, residential, private school on the border of Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

Wyatt & Son Automotive Inc. Phone: 757-809-1214 Email: fixit@wyattandson.com

Robert L. Wyatt Owner

600 E. Constance Road, Suffolk, Virginia 23434

Why Choose NANSEMOND-SUFFOLK CEMETERY & MAUSOLEUM? Spring into Action! Why put off 'till tomorrow, what your should do today!

Beautiful, Peaceful, Comforting, Elegant…

SUMMER SALE!

Buy 1 Space and Get the Second One Free *With purchase of Standard Vault - Limited Offer

WHY CHOOSE OUR REARRANGEMENT BENNEFITS? Plan Together Not Alone * Clear Decisions vs Confused Make Sound Financial Planning vs Emotional Overspending Conforatable Terms CALL PATRICIA ROBERTS FOR AN APPOINTMENT "Pre-plan today and take that worry out of the way!"

1421 Kings Folk Road, Suffolk, VA 23434 | 757-925-1400

CMYK SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD

FYI

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 | 19

CMYK

hitting the road soon? got room for one more?

Photos WANted

suffolklivingmag.com

Let us help you remember your vacation.Take a copy of Suffolk Living with you on your road trips and vacations. Snap some photos and email them to us. Maybe they’ll be in the next issue. It’ll be a much better way to show off your photos than showing slides.

news@suffolklivingmag.com CMYK

20 | FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016

FYI

C

SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD

rocker C FUNERAL HOME

"A New Tradition of Quality"

CMYK

Jesse B. Trent • President/CEO • Clarence W. Ash III - Chief of Operation.

Williams M. Hill - Operations Mngr.

Member of Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce

Member Chamber Hampton Roads

Full Range of Affordable Services • Traditional Funeral Options • Pre-Need Options • Cremation Serving Suffolk and surrounding areas since 1909.

LOCALS CHOICE

2015

Voted Locals Choice #1 Minority Funeral Home in Suffolk

900 E. Washington St., Suffolk, Va

757-539-7443 / crocker8@verizon.net

www.crockerfuneralhome.com • Life Member NAACP