2010 FYI Suffolk, Va

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Suffolk News-Herald July 2010

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2010 — fyi 13

Priorities in sight The 2010 F.Y.I and the Suffolk News-Herald are publications of Suffolk Publications, LLC. For more information call (757) 539-3437 or visit www.suffolknewsherald.com.

EDITORIAL Tim Reeves - Editor R.E. Spears III - Managing Editor Tracy Agnew - Staff Writer Leila Roche - Staff Writer Andrew Giermak - Staff Writer ADVERTISING

I

story & photographs by R.E. Spears III

Dr. Deran Whitney is the Suffolk Public Schools interim superintendent. Whitney has spent approximately 13 years in Suffolk schools, and additional time working in Portsmouth schools.

Suffolk Public Schools’ interim superintendent DR. DERAN WHITNEY tallks about his vision for the upcoming school year // PAGE 8

2010 — fyi 21

Cathy Daughtrey - Bookkeeper

TUESDAY • July 13, 2010

Suffolk has been named one of the top 100 small cities to live in by Money magazine // Comparing cities across nation in 37 different the criteria, the magazin e has ranked Suffolk 91st out of the top 100 small cities in America in which to live.

Getting the word out

Purple Birthday

Good Morning

Suffolk

You might hear a sigh of relief from area lawns, as scattered showers are called for.

BY TRACY AGNEW STAFF WRITER

91 77

summ er 2010 • vol. 1, no. 3 High Low

Quick Reads

Gardens in Take a Great Dismal safari

BLOOM

Special recognition: round Rachel Presha,Friends and family sur“The Purple Lady,” she is presented as a certificate of recognition

by City Councilman afternoon at the Leroy Bennett Sunday Comfort Suites in North Suffolk. The certificate the fact she “brought honors Presha for community is blessed joy to many, and our to have her among its citizenry.”

Boomers A

Robber seeks dough from pizza driver Northern Shores welcomes new principal THE REGION’S

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BY LEILA G. ROCHE job as principal the Suffolk News-Heraldfrom STAFF WRITER of delivfill the role human Northern Shores to ered straight to your resources director, As a part of the which was left each morning? Then inbox vacant by the taking place this restructuring that is ment of Karen retirefor our daily news sign up year Brickey. email. You retirements within due to a wave of will receive the newspaper’s Moore has been an educator for Schools system, the Suffolk Public 18 years, top stories and a 13 listing of Elementary SchoolNorthern Shores Public School of them in the Suffolk local events each System. will get a new morning. principal soon.

Having earned her To sign up, send your email Tara Moore, assistant at Old Dominion bachelor’s degree address to dailynews@s University and Creekside Elementary principal at master’s degree folknewsherald.com. uffrom , will the University be ing the vacant principal positionfill- of Virginia, Moore began Northern Shores teaching at in Southampt as on “I sign a contractof July 19. classroom teacher County, became a GREAT DEALS every year sayINSIDE at Elephant’s Fork ing I believe in Elementary CLASSIFIED SECTION on here,” Moore the education going ence lead and then became the sci/ 2-4B teacher. She has about the position,said. “I am excited ing for the been servpast www. suffol klivin year this is anotherand just like every tant principal. two years as an assisyear I’ll be signgmag .com ing to that. It’s In all her positions, all about the success Moore of the children. strived to make That’s why we’re connections in has education.” in places. three Leigh Bennett Published Tuesday is moving from her through Sunday See MOORE, for the 3A citizens of Suffolk, Virginia

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“I truly enjoy my interaction with students on a daily basis.”

See Minnick page 18

Debbie Minnick has worked with the City of Suffolk since 2006 and works as the administrative assistant to city manager Selena Cuffee-Glenn.

DEBBIE MINNICK brings years of experience and tremendous organization to her role to the Suffolk City Manager’s office // PAGE 17

Suffolk Fire and Rescue: Capt. Steve Johnson

Fighting fire as a family story by Lauren Wicks photograph by Tracy Agnew

F

inding one’s calling in life can be an arduous journey of self-exploration, sacrifices and trial and error.

For Suffolk Fire and Rescue Capt.

Steve Johnson, his call to service was clear all along.

“It’s been in my family for years,” Johnson said. “It’s in my blood.”

Johnson’s father was a firefighter for 24 years, and his uncle has been serving in the fire department for more than 30 years.

“I was 19, and I had already graduated and it hit me — Why am I not doing what my family has been doing all along?” Johnson said.

Today, after more than 15 years with the Suffolk Fire Department, Johnson says he has never regretted his decision.

“I can’t get enough of the fire service,” he said.

Johnson, a Lakeland High School graduate, said serving the community he grew up in has been one of the greatest perks of the job.

“I’m happy to be able to help the city I grew up in,” Johnson said.

“We want to make people living in Suffolk enjoy life in Suffolk. I see people that I went to school with, and I am able to help them — help make a good thing out of a bad thing. It’s just a reward of this profession.”

While Johnson considers serving

As circulation manager at the North Suffolk Library, Demetria Edwards is in charge of keeping track and keeping organized the thousands of book at the library. In the month of June, more than 18,000 that are checked out.

asasa

See JOHNSON page 31

See EDWARDS page 27

Suffolk Public Library circulation manager DEMETRIA EDWARDS says her job is more than just shelving and keeping up with books // PAGE 26

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Capt. Steve Johnson discusses the training regimen that has helped his department excel // PAGE 30

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Budget & Strategic Planning: Charles Meek

Residential Appraisal: Maria Skinner

A jack of all trades

Making tough assessments

story & photograph by Tracy Agnew story & photograph by Tim Reeves

M

See TOP 100, 3A

BY TRACY AGNEW STAFF WRITER

A

F

Production Coordinator: Tim Kelley

‘Money’ ranks Suffo lk 91st in small cities

Police are seeking robbed a Domino’s a man who driver Sunday night. Pizza delivery The delivery driver told police he was robbed in the Street at 10:10 4400 block of Queen p.m. deliver a customer’s as he attempted to order, city spokeswoman Debbie George said.

The man said delivery address he drove past the accosted near and parked. He was the driveway unknown black by an male, who was ing a ski mask wearwith a red design both sides. on The delivery driver said the robber See PIZZA, 3A

Keeping the books

library can be a maze for some people, but Demetria Edwards knows hers like the back of her hand.

Hailing from the Blackwater Regional Library, Edwards has been the circulation manager at the North Suffolk Library since it opened in November 2004.

“It’s a way to make a difference in society,” Edwards said. “I see kids go to school and are quiet and shy and maybe a little out of place, but in the library they open a book and are in a new world.”

As the circulation manager, Edwards is responsible for the tens of thousands of books that are checked in and out.

“Last month, 18,000 books were checked out, and we have 2,300 to 3,000 in our reserves every month,” Edwards said.

“My job is about getting them back on the shelves, where they belong.”

To the uninformed library patron, putting books back where they belong might not seem so complicated, but the job requires much more than one might think.

“We have lots of patrons here, and one might check out 75 books at once,” Edwards said.

“When they bring those books back, there might only be 74, but they swear they returned

or Carlos Ward Sr., every day begins with absent employees, broken-down trucks and thousands of trashcans sitting at the curb throughout the city, waiting to be emptied.

But Ward doesn’t stress.

With 48 people under his direct supervision, someone is bound to be absent most days. And with dozens of vehicles on the road, breakdowns are not unlikely. He prepares for these eventualities by keeping plenty of backup on hand.

Ward is the general services supervisor for the Department of Public Works. He is responsible for seeing to it that the trash gets emptied at 32,000 households across the city each week. Bulk pickups, street sweeping and post-parade cleanup also fall under his jurisdiction. So do the flower gardens in the downtown business district, the grass at Cedar Hill and Holly Lawn cemeteries, and 114 front-load dumpsters at schools and public housing neighborhoods across the city.

“Every day is a new challenge,” said Ward, whose office decorations betray the fact that he is a Philadelphia Eagles fan. “It’s busy.”

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AMONG THE BEST

ebbie Minnick looked down at a sheet she had typed out trying to detail her job. Line after line listed important items, tasks and responsibilities. In the end, when asked if she had ever written out her job description before, she politely said, “No. But I wanted to make sure I was as prepared as I possibly could be for this interview.”

It is that preparation, attention to detail and organization that has helped Minnick become the “go-to” person for Suffolk City Manager Selena Cuffee-Glenn.

In her role as administrative assistant to the city manager, Minnick has a front-row seat to the day-today operations of Suffolk and an insider’s view of what is Hampton Roads’ quickest-growing and Virginia’s largest city.

“It’s exciting to be a part of the decisions and plans for this great city,” Minnick said. “It’s also refreshing to see just how dedicated everyone is and how hard everyone works to do the best for Suffolk.”

story & photographs by Leila G. Roche

story & photograph by Tracy Agnew

Suffolk Public Works general services supervisor CARLOS WARD SR. enjoys his time outside of the office and in the field // PAGE 21

story & photograph by Tim Reeves

D

30 fyi — 2010

City libraries: Demetria Edwards

See WARD page 22

Business office

See DAYCARE , 3A

26 fyi — 2010

Serving in public works

Carlos Ward Sr. supervises more than four dozen employees who perform numerous tasks — including trash pickup, grounds keeping and street sweeping — throughout the city.

Gene Denison - Service Manager

Police responding to a domestic call on Friday found a marijuanagrowing operation in a home that doubles as a children’s daycare, spokeswoman said Monday. a city Officers answered domestic disturbanc a call for a e in the 1000 block of Snead Drive, in the Hillpoint neighborhood, Debbie George city spokeswoman said. When police arrived, one of showed the officersthe homeowners marijuana plants, saying he had grown them himself.

After securing the home, officersa search warrant for located hydroponic growing equipment bedroom and closet, in the master worth of marijuana as well as $400 .

“They also learned, in the course of their investigati on, that a day was run out of care the residence,” George

Suffolk Economic Development business development analyst DEANNA HOLT enjoys working with new and existing businesses // PAGE 13

Public Works: Carlos Ward

Circulation

Marijuana found at daycare

Deanna Holt prepares a package of information about Suffolk for the mail. Among her duties in the city’s Department of Economic Development is marketing available industrial buildings and properties to potential clients from outside the area.

hen they finally meet her, a lot of folks feel as if they already know Deanna Holt, a business development analyst with the Suffolk Department of Economic Development.

Maybe they’ve seen her at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, wielding the specially printed ribbon and a pair of scissors more than three feet long. Or perhaps they receive the monthly update email that she sends on behalf of her department and in which she spotlights new and established Suffolk businesses, describes upcoming businessrelated events in the city and highlights available properties for potential industrial clients.

“Everywhere I go I get, ‘Oh yeah! I get your press releases,” Holt laughs.

In a Suffolk agency with the mandate to help recruit and retain business and industry for the city, the term “low-profile” is purely a matter of degree. Even low-profile, behind-the-scenes staffers in a small economic development department like Suffolk’s find themselves making the rounds, shaking hands and getting to know business owners.

And that’s one of the things Holt, whose Isle of Wight roots have helped her feel at home in Suffolk, likes best about her job.

Since she came to economic See Holt page 14

Design & Composition Hope Rose - Advertising Composition Troy Cooper - Designer Beth Beck - Designer

Face with a name

W

See whitney page 9

Susan Holley - Dir. of Advertising Linda Bundy - Advertising Rep. Sue Barnes - Advertising Rep. Earl Jones - Advertising Rep. Paul Kube - Advertising Rep. Nikki Reeves - Special Projects

City administration: Debbie Minnick

A helping hand for business

story & photograph by Leila G. Roche

t could be easy to lose perspective when the business of caring for more than 14,000 students in 21 schools becomes nothing but tedious paperwork.

However, Suffolk Public Schools Interim Superintendent Deran Whitney keeps a reminder of what his job is all about close by.

Tucked under the glass covering his desk is a faded pencil drawing of a man with a tie and the words “this is dad” that his daughter, Chelsea, now 13, drew for him when she was about 5 years old.

“It keeps my priorities in focus,” Whitney said. “I look at it and remember ‘I’m Chelsea’s dad.’ When I’m making decisions, I just look at that to remember that I have a daughter in the school system and make them based on what I would want for her.”

Whitney is a graduate of Christopher Newport University, Old Dominion University and Virginia Tech. After working for Hampton schools, he transferred to Suffolk where he and his family were living and his wife, Conjo, was teaching.

Thirteen years later, he has worked in Suffolk as a elementary teacher, assistant principal at Southwestern Elementary, principal at Elephant’s Fork Elementary, elementary coordinator, assistant superintendent of elementary education and deputy superintendent.

Since July 1, while the School Board has been searching for a superintendent to replace Dr.

2010 — fyi 17

Economic Development: Deanna Holt

Suffolk schools: Dr. Deran Whitney

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Suffolk’s Video Production Coordinator Tim Kelley brings experience from his years in the broadcast journalism field to his role running the city’s municipal channel.

ost people visiting the Suffolk municipal center would never suspect that a television station is operating on the second floor.

Most people sitting in on a City Council meeting or Planning Commission meeting would never fully appreciate the live broadcast that was being beamed to thousands of Suffolk homes.

And, visiting Tim Kelley’s office at the municipal center, most folks would be shocked to learn all that work — and much more — is done with such a small staff.

Kelley, a native of Baton Rouge, La., has been with the city of Suffolk as video production coordinator since December 2003. He has seen dramatic changes in the department since his first day.

“The biggest change has been taking everything from tape to digital,” Kelley said, looking around his office.

The crowded room just off Council Chambers doubles as an editing bay, digital storage archive and producSee KELLEY page 31

story & photograph by Tracy Agnew

S

ome people like to specialize.

Charles Meek is not one of them.

The 36-year-old currently works as Suffolk’s budget and strategic planning manager, but he’s done almost everything when it comes to city government.

Meek received a degree in history and political science at Bridgewater College and took a class while there in state and local government.

“That kind of piqued my interest,” Meek said recently.

He then went on to graduate school at James Madison University, where the town of Shenandoah recruited him for an internship. Little did Meek know that internship would lead him to the position of assistant town manager there.

However, his home region of Hampton Roads was calling his name, so he moved back in 2003 and took a job in Suffolk city government, in what was then called management services.

While there, he truly earned his “jack of all trades” description. He helped start the city’s workforce development center, helped pull in Community Development Block Grant funding and even oversaw the interior renovation of part of city hall.

“He is a jack of all trades,” Budget and Strategic Planning director Anne Seward said. “He has done so many things.”

M

aria Skinner has one of the more difficult jobs in the city.

Skinner, a 22-year veteran of working for Suffolk, is the residential appraisal supervisor. With six appraisers under her direction, Skinner is the one taxpayers call when they don’t like their assessment and don’t like the answer they got from the appraiser who handled their property.

“The challenging part is when I have to tell them what they don’t want to hear,” Skinner said. “It’s trying to get them to understand why it is what it is, and why you can’t change that. They’re irate because they realize it’s not going to change.”

Skinner came to the real estate assessor’s office from another position in data entry and as a transfer clerk. The real estate world always fascinated her, she said.

“I’ve always been interested in real estate, as far as seeing what’s out there,” she said.

Skinner’s typical day is relatively quiet, she said. There is paperwork to be done and reports to complete.

However, all that changes shortly after assessment notices are mailed to taxpayers.

“I try to answer any questions they have,” Skinner said of residents who call. “The best part is Maria Skinner, left, residential appraisal supervisor, talks with appraiser Shawanee Cooley about a taxpayer’s property.

Charles Meek, right, listens to budget office director Anne Seward explain a cost-cutting initiative.

See SKINNER page 41

See MEEK page 39

Louisiana native TIM KELLEY, Suffolk’s video production coordinator, helps share Suffolk’s story with an ever-growing audience // PAGE 32

Suffolk strategic planning manager CHARLES MEEK uses a variety of other government experiences to help develop Suffolk’s budget // PAGE 38

Enjoy these features and much more inside ...

Residential appraisal supervisor MARIA SKINNER has a challenge in keeping up with Suffolk’s quickly growing home market // PAGE 40

4 fyi — 2010

letter from the mayor

O

n behalf of Suffolk City Council, I’d like to say “welcome” if you are new to our great city, and “thank you” if you are one of the more than 83,000 residents who already call Suffolk home.

We all consider ourselves fortunate to be representatives in a city with such a rich history, a

dynamic present and an unlimited future.

It is such an exciting time to live or work in Suffolk. Suffolk has surpassed other cities in the region in population growth according to the latest report from the U.S. Census Bureau – a 28.2% increase since 2000’s figures – and it’s no wonder – our residents are able to reap the amenities of a big city, while at the same time retain the affordability, flavor and character of a small town.

Suffolk is a city of contrasts, but what would you expect with a municipality this size? Old and new, rural and urban, quaint locally-owned shops and major retailers. It’s all here.

Suffolk was recently named to CNN Money Magazine’s list of Top 100 America’s Best Small Cities to Live. While this was an honor, knowing the quality of life offered here and the citizens that make up our wonderful city, it was no great surprise.

Whether you want to explore the beauty and mystery of the Great Dismal Swamp, take in a performance or class at the Cultural Arts Center, partake of a world-class meal at one of our renowned restaurants, or enjoy a T.G.I.F. concert or dazzling fireworks display with the family at Constant’s Wharf, the city is filled with unlimited opportunities.

Welcome to Suffolk. We’re glad you’re home.

Linda Johnson Mayor of Suffolk

2010 — fyi 5

Suffolk’s position as the world’s largest peanut market and the fact that it was still the terminus for five railroad lines ensured that the city would grow and thrive through much of the 20th century.

History of Suffolk story by R.E. Spears III

M

ost histories of the city of Suffolk begin with the arrival of the Jamestown settlers, who first ventured up the Nansemond River from the James in 1608.

But there was an established society in place here long before Englishmen reached the shores of the New World.

The Nansemond Indian tribe, part of a vast Algonquin empire ruled by chief Powhatan, had a population between 750 and 1,200 at the time the European settlers arrived in the area. Nansemonds were living in what the English knew as Norfolk, Nansemond and Isle of Wight County, mostly alongside the rivers, where the Indians could fish and grow crops, including corn, tobacco, beans and melons. Their primary settlement was at Reid’s Ferry.

Historians believe the English first encountered the Nansemonds almost immediately upon arriving in the new world, suffering an attack by a Nansemond hunting party when they temporarily came ashore from their ships at Cape Henry on April 26, 1607.

That attack would be avenged in 1608 by Capt. Christopher Newport, setting up a series of raids and counterraids by the two groups that within 35 years had led to the subjugation, death or dispersal of the tribe.

Capt. John Smith was the first English settler to explore the region that would become Suffolk, but the first English settlement did not appear along the Nansemond River until 1618. By 1635, there were farming settlements all along the river, and in the ensuing years, English colonial powers divided and re-divided the land until the boundaries of Nansemond County came to resemble those of modern-day Suffolk.

In 1652, a Nansemond River landholder, Richard Bennett, was appointed Virginia’s first colonial governor.

See HISTORY page 6

photograph courtesy of Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society

A clear favorite lost landmark for people from Suffolk and old Nansemond County is the City Hall/City Market. It was built on the east side of Main Street in 1890 and 1891. Before the days of motion pictures, the Academy of Music was the place for entertainment.

There were vaudeville shows, music recitals, lectures and plays. The police department was there, as well.

The market, designed by George C. Moser of Norfolk, was the spot for dances, basketball games, roller skating, graduation exercises and even Sunday school classes. The latter occurred when both the Christians and the Episcopalians were building new churches.

Merchants sold live chickens and fresh produce here.

For Memorial Day, country ladies would bring flowers to sell. The building was demolished in 1962.

6 fyi — 2010

history continued from page 5

More than 200 years later, one of his Virginia-born descendants, Robert E. Lee, would defend his native commonwealth at the head of the Confederate Army in the United States’ Civil War. Back in the 17th and 18th centuries, however, Virginia was an economic engine for the American colonies, and Nansemond County, with its fertile soil and easy access to shipping routes, was well positioned to lead that agrarian economy.

Tobacco warehouses sprang up around the county, and one — John Constant’s, located beside the river near Cedar Hill Cemetery — became a large commercial enterprise and, in 1742, was the impetus for the formation of Suffolk Town by Virginia’s colonial assembly. The town took its name from the hometown of Sir William Gooch, who was Virginia’s governor at the time.

That 50-acre town grew with the increase in trade along the Nansemond River brought by the introduction of ferries. Ferries also helped diversify the area’s economy, opening up the Great Dismal Swamp and northeastern North Carolina to lumber operations.

In 1776, Nansemond County sent two representatives to Virginia’s 1776 Constitutional Convention. The county stored food and supplies for the revolution, and the river was used as a hiding place for the new nation’s fledgling navy.

Although the fighting here was limited, the British burned the town of Suffolk on May 13, 1779, destroying the courthouse and all the records kept there.

Benedict Arnold returned through Suffolk from his Richmond raid in 1781, British General Banastre Tarleton was encamped at Chuckatuck later that year, and Lord Charles Cornwallis was temporarily quartered in Driver.

After the war had ended, Riddick and Solomon Shepherd represented Nansemond County at the convention held in Virginia to ratify the new federal Constitution, and the U.S. Congress named Suffolk as one of 11 official ports of entry into Virginia.

By 1785, the borders of Nansemond were set where today Suffolk’s borders exist, and the town had photograph courtesy of Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society grown by 16 acres. In When the cornerstone for this fine building was laid by the Masons in 1911, a local newspaper reported that the building would be 1808, Suffolk won the “an ornament to the City.” The new Suffolk post office or federal building was completed late in 1912 and was the source of great right to be governed pride for Suffolkians. It had all the modern conveniences, but of course air conditioning wasn’t one of the conveniences available in by five trustees, and in the early 20th century. Summertime relief was provided by shade trees and awnings. A shower room inside also allowed postmen to 1858, it was allowed to cool off after deliveries. The post office closed in 1987, and the structure now houses law offices. elect its own mayor. struction, the Suffolk Herald opened for bombardment of Fort Sumter, NanseEconomic prosperity business in 1873, and Suffolk grew as a mond County quickly responded by for the county and its town continued, commercial power with its position as committing 1,500 men to the Confederas first steamboat lines and then the railthe terminus for six railroad lines. ate cause. road expanded trade between folks here The town’s boundaries were expanded In May 1862, after seizing Norfolk and their neighbors in Tidewater and in 1879, and a new town hall was built. and Portsmouth, Union Col. Charles C. beyond. By 1835, the Dismal Swamp, Dodge rode into Suffolk at the command Fires in 1885 and 1888, however, dewhose trees yielded shingles, was the stroyed the business district, which was of the First New York Mounted Rifles, county’s primary source of revenue. rebuilt both times. The economies of the and the fleeing rebel soldiers withdrew Another fire, this one in 1837, raged county and town flourished, as peanut across the Blackwater River. Mayor Benin the downtown area, destroying the businesses, flour and grist mills, cotton jamin Riddick surrendered the city to courthouse, the jail and more than 130 gins, farms, lumberyards and a variety of Col. Dodge, and the city was occupied. homes. The town, however, continued factories sprang up in the area.

Confederate forces under the leaderto grow, including in 1843 about 10 dry In the years following the Civil War, ship of Gen. James Longstreet besieged goods and grocery stores, a large hotel, a Virginia became the nation’s leading the occupied city until April 30, 1863, castor oil factory and other workshops, peanut-producing state, and Suffolk soon a new courthouse and jail, four churches when Longstreet withdrew to try to help Gen. Lee at the Battle of Chancellorsville. established itself as the “Peanut Capital” and a Baptist school. In 1850, there were of the U.S., largely because of the work of Federal troops later withdrew to Deep 1,200 residents in the town. a few prominent businessmen.

In 1860, when South Carolina seceded Creek, and for the remainder of the war, John King and John Pinner created there was no permanent garrison of from the Union, Nansemond County Suffolk Peanut Company in 1897, the troops from either side in Suffolk. had 13,693 residents, including 2,480 city’s first successful peanut processing During the ensuing time of reconfree blacks and 5,481 slaves. After the See HISTORY page 7

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2010 — fyi 7

history continued from page 6

plant. The Bain Peanut Company was built in Suffolk in 1900 and became American Peanut Corp. in 1906. And an Italian immigrant, Amedeo Obici, who had started Planters Nut and Chocolate Co. in Pennsylvania, decided to open his own processing plant in 1913 in Suffolk.

Obici was widely considered to be a marketing genius, and the iconic Mr. Peanut was the result of a contest he sponsored for a symbol to represent the Planters brand. A 14-year-old student drew a rough version of what would become the monocled, aristocratic peanutman known today around the world. The boy earned $5 for his contribution.

Obici’s generosity led to the construction of the Planter’s Club on the banks of the Nansemond River and of one Suffolk hospital during his life. When he died, he left his estate in trust to Louise Obici Memorial Hospital, which had not been built at the time. That hospital was replaced in 2002 by a new facility located on Godwin Boulevard, which was later sold to the Sentara health care network in a deal that also established the charitable Obici Healthcare Foundation.

Obici’s Bay Point Farms home still stands near what is now the 18th green of Sleepy Hole Golf Course on the banks of the Nansemond River.

Suffolk’s position as the world’s largest peanut market and the fact that it was still the terminus for five railroad lines photograph courtesy of William Thomas Jones ensured that the Members of the congregation attending church services on Easter Sunday in 1948 at the Salvation Army building on Bank Street gathered city would grow across the street in Jonas Park for a group photo. William Thomas Jones, 3 years old at the time, was one of the children in the front row for and thrive through the photo. His mother Effie Lee Jones and his grandmother, Mary Ethel Jones, also attended church services there. much of the 20th place since the turn of the millennium, as for its concentration of defense-related century. industries. the combined city chose its first popuIn 1972, Nansemond County, threatlarly elected mayor, Linda T. Johnson, in ened with losing land to annexation by The author is greatly indebted to and 2008. the city of Portsmouth, became a city.

A rejuvenated northern end of the city appreciative of the work of Kermit Hobbs Two years later, it merged with the city and William A. Paquette, whose “Suffolk: has become an economic and technoof Suffolk, forming Virginia’s largest city, A Celebration of History” was the foundalogical force for Suffolk and the state, measured in land mass. tion of much of this article. garnering the moniker “Pentagon South” More political changes have taken

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8 fyi — 2010

Suffolk schools: Dr. Deran Whitney

Priorities in sight story & photograph by Leila G. Roche

I

t could be easy to lose perspective when the business of caring for more than 14,000 students in 21 schools becomes nothing but tedious paperwork.

However, Suffolk Public Schools Interim Superintendent Deran Whitney keeps a reminder of what his job is all about close by.

Tucked under the glass covering his desk is a faded pencil drawing of a man with a tie and the words “this is dad” that his daughter, Chelsea, now 13, drew for him when she was about 5 years old.

“It keeps my priorities in focus,” Whitney said. “I look at it and remember ‘I’m Chelsea’s dad.’ When I’m making decisions, I just look at that to remember that I have a daughter in the school system and make them based on what I would want for her.”

Whitney is a graduate of Christopher Newport University, Old Dominion University and Virginia Tech. After working for Hampton schools, he transferred to Suffolk where he and his family were living and his wife, Conjo, was teaching.

Thirteen years later, he has worked in Suffolk as a elementary teacher, assistant principal at Southwestern Elementary, principal at Elephant’s Fork Elementary, elementary coordinator, assistant superintendent of elementary education and deputy superintendent.

Since July 1, while the School Board has been searching for a superintendent to replace Dr. See whitney page 9

Dr. Deran Whitney is the Suffolk Public Schools interim superintendent. Whitney has spent approximately 13 years in Suffolk schools, and additional time working in Portsmouth schools.

2010 — fyi 9

whitney continued from page 8

Milton Liverman, Whitney has assumed his latest role as interim superintendent, for which he has been working out of two offices located on two different floors.

“As deputy superintendent, I’d get here at 8 a.m. and work up to 10 hours a day, plus evening meetings,” Whitney said. “Now, I’m working out of two offices.”

His days include meeting with consultants, reviewing data with coordinators, going over school “As deputy improvement data and “every superintendent, I’d facet of what’s being taught and how it’s being taught,” Whitney get here at 8 a.m. said.

The addition of the interim and work up to 10 role has included more interachours a day, plus tion with personnel matters, budget items and maintaining evening meetings.

Board’s goals.

Now, I’m working out theHeSchool sees his role at interim superintendent as maintaining the of two offices.” improvements that have been put Dr. Deran Whitney — Interim Superintendent in place and to continue to “close the achievement gaps and ensure all schools earn their accreditation,” Whitney said.

While his job keeps him busy, Whitney doesn’t regret his career choice.

“My mom ran an in-home daycare when I was growing up, so I’ve always been surrounded by children,” Whitney said. “It’s always been about the teaching and learning process for me. That’s what I always go back to doing my job — whether I’m working directly with the students, reviewing curriculum or working with the teachers.”

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Within the Suffolk Public School system, there are 14 elementary schools, four middle schools, three high schools and an alternative school. The 22 schools teach more than 14,000 students, according to 2009 statistics.

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10 fyi — 2010

Suffolk’s Educational opportunities Education provides a foundation for Suffolk’s kids Beyond simple reading, writing and arithmetic, the demands of the 21st-century 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 one center 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 14 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 one 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 more than 14,361 students enrolled in public schools as of September 2009.

The system recently approved a $150.2 million operating budget for the 2009-2010 school year. The overall student-to-teacher ratio is 25-to-1, and there is a computer-to-student ratio of 3-to-1.

There were 1,110 teachers and 1,018 support staff in 2008-09. Starting teacher salary for 2009-2010 is $38,900. In 2009, there were 895 graduates with 72 percent of students going on to post-secondary education. Suffolk Public Schools continue to strive for improvement in the state-mandated SOLs, which are standardized tests given in the third, fifth and eighth grades, as well as in high school, in

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Submitted Photo Creekside Elementary School held its Annual Chill Will Day for those students who met certain behavioral and academic criterion. The kids had fun watching movies, playing board games, playing dolls, building train tracks, and pretending with action figures. Some opted to bring in pillows and sleeping bags to relax in as well. such subjects as English, mathematics, history and social science, science and computer technology.

Preliminary results indicate that all of Suffolk’s public schools will receive full state accreditation again this year. 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 Education’s Website: http://www. doe.virginia.gov/

Creekside Elementary 1000 Bennett’s Creek Park Road Phone: 923-4251 Principal: Katrina Rountree-Bowers

Hillpoint Elementary 1101 Hillpoint Road Phone: 923-5252 Principal: Ronald Leigh

Driver Elementary 4270 Driver Lane Phone: 923-4106 Principal: Chanel Bryant

Kilby Shores Elementary 111 Kilby Shores Drive Phone: 934-6214 Principal: Seazante Oliver, Ed.D.

Elementary Schools

Elephant’s Fork Elementary 2316 William Reid Drive Phone: 923-5250 Principal: Veleka Gatling, Ph.D.

Mack Benn Jr. Elementary 1253 Nansemond Parkway Phone: 934-6224 Principal: Melodie Griffin

Booker T. Washington Elementary 204 Walnut St. Phone: 934-6226 Principal: Patricia Montgomery

Florence Bowser Elementary 4540 Nansemond Parkway Phone: 923-4164 Principal: Cheryl Riddick

Mount Zion Elementary 3264 Pruden Blvd.

Phone: 923-5244

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schools

2010 — fyi 11

continued from page 10

Principal: Frances Barnes Nansemond Parkway Elementary 3012 Nansemond Parkway Phone: 923-4167 Principal: Keith Hubbard Northern Shores Elementary 6701 Respass Beach Road Phone: 923-4169 Principal: Tara Moore

214 Kenyon Road Phone: 925-5790 Principal: Thomas Whitley, Ed.D.

Douglas B. Dohey, coordinator of middle school instructional services Antoine L. Hickman, coordinator of special education Phyllis L. Sharpe, Ed.D., coordinator of high school instructional services Bettie J. Swain, coordinator of compensatory programs Dianne Whiting, coordinator of human resources

Nansemond River High 3301 Nansemond Parkway Phone: 923-4101 Principal: Thomas McLemore Alternative Program

Community colleges Oakland Elementary 5505 Godwin Blvd.

Phone: 923-5248 Principal: Christopher Phillips

Turlington Woods 629 Turlington Road Phone: 934-6215 Principal: Pamela Lipscomb

Robertson Elementary 132 Robertson St. Phone: 934-6211 Principal: Rhonda Jones

Governor’s School

Southwestern Elementary 9301 Southwestern Blvd.

Phone: 934-6213 Principal: Nancy Harrell Middle Schools Forest Glen Middle 200 Forest Glen Drive Phone: 925-5780 Principal: Melvin Bradshaw

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

John F. Kennedy Middle 2325 E. Washington St. Phone: 934-6212 Principal: Vivian Covington John Yeates Middle 4901 Bennett’s Pasture Rd. Phone: 923-4105 Principal: Daniel O’Leary King’s Fork Middle 350 Kings Fork Road Phone: 923-5246 Principal: Talmadge Darden High Schools King’s Fork High 351 Kings Fork Road Phone: 923-5240 Principal: Suzanne Moore, Ed.D. Lakeland High

The Pruden Center for Industry and Technology is the regional school designed to serve students from the city of 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.

School Administration 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 925-6750.

The administrative cabinet includes: Deran Whitney, Ed.D., interim superintendent Kevin L. Alston, assistant superintendent of

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Area colleges and universities Christopher Newport University: 1 University Place, Newport News, 594-7000. 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.

Above, Kings Fork High School receptionist Orga Boone hugs newly minted high school graduate Nikita DeLoatch following the school’s graduation ceremonies for the class of 2010. administrative services.

Michael K. Brinkley, executive director of finance F. Terry Napier, director of facilities and planning Leigh N. Bennett, director of human resources Sandra H. Witcher, Ed.D., director of special education John W. Littlefield, director of technology Bethanne D. Bradshaw, public information and community relations officer Other Administrative Staff: Gail V. Bess, coordinator of career and technical education and adult education Randolph Boone, coordinator of pupil personnel Charlene E. Christian-Andrews, coordinator of staff development Pamela B. Connor, coordinator of elementary school instructional services

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

Community-based medical school.

Hampton University: Downtown Hampton, 727-5328. Web: www.hamptonu.edu. Privatelyendowed, non-profit, non-sectarian, coeducational, historically black university.

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

Old Dominion University: Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, 683-3685. Web: www.odu.edu. A statesupported metropolitan, regional university with graduate and undergraduate degrees in six colleges.

Virginian Wesleyan College: 1584 Wesleyan Drive, Norfolk, 455-3200. Web: www.vwc.edu.

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12 fyi — 2010

After two decades, First Baptist keeps growing

NSA continuing tradition of excellence

It would be easy to think that the work of First Baptist Christian School was completed last May. After being founded in 1988, the school saw the nine members of its first graduating class walk across the stage and take hold of their hard-earned diplomas.

With all the hard work, sacrifice and effort put into setting up the only kindergarten through 12th grade Christian school in the city, it would be understandable if the staff of First Baptist took time to celebrate their accomplishment.

That, however, is not the plan.

“We’re focused on how we can improve and make things even better,” said Andrew Rumbaugh, the school’s headmaster.

Using the past 20-plus years as its foundation, Rumbaugh said, the school is setting its sights on new challenges for its staff, its students and its community.

This year, First Baptist will be adding honors and advanced placement courses to the upper school curriculum in order to enhance the school’s educational opportunities. The school leadership also is adding community service and mission components to graduation requirements in order to help instill a servant mindset and community awareness in students.

Already accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International, Rumbaugh said the school still is seeking outside accreditation to further cement the academic achievements of its students.

Additionally, the school is branching out with its extracurricular offerings.

First Baptist now has a school band, a developing sports program and more activities such as Destination Imagination, which is a student-led club that relies on creative problem-solving to answer specific challenges. Students then present proposed solutions in competitive tournaments.

“We really are expanding what we have to offer,” Rumbaugh said.

The school itself is expanding, too. Rumbaugh said First Baptist is in the midst of property development and has launched a new preschool for students ages 3 and 4 at their Westminster Reformed Presbyterian Church location.

“That’s an added benefit for a lot of parents,” Rumbaugh said. The preschool is a useful transition to First Baptist’s kindergarten curriculum and school’s core mission, he added.

In a time of economic crisis, Rumbaugh said, First Baptist has been steady in student enrollment. In fact, the school has had to add staff to meet curriculum demands.

As the only Christian school in Suffolk, Rumbaugh said, the real challenge for First Baptist has not been in keeping its numbers, but in educating the masses on what the school has to offer.

“We are more focused on letting people know we’re here,” Rumbaugh said, adding that the school is working on a new marketing campaign to better brand itself in the community.

“We offer what (other Christian schools in Hampton Roads) can offer,” he said. “Our product is just as good. There is no need to have to go outside of Suffolk for these kind of services any longer.”

At Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, faculty and staff encourage the student body to “Ascend to Excellence.”

Last year’s graduating class took that message to heart.

The members of the class of 2010 were awarded nearly $3.9 million in merit-based college scholarships.

“This is almost $4 million for only 76 students,” Tracie Thorndike, community relations coordinator for NSA, wrote in an email. “(That is) an NSA record in scholarship money awarded to any one class.”

Additionally, Thorndike added, every member of the class of 2010 was accepted into prestigious colleges and universities around the country, including Princeton, Cornell, Duke, Carnegie Mellon, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia, Wake Forest, William & Mary, University of Virginia and Virginia Tech.

While the successes of the class as a whole are impressive, individual student achievements were remarkable, as well.

For example, NSA boasted three National Merit Scholars, which is an award given to only 1 percent of students nationwide. Andrea Beale, David Leber and Diana Heriford each took home the prestigious honor, and were the only three students in the city to earn this distinction. Leber — already a Merit scholar — also received $50,000 from Georgia Tech as a Presidential Scholar.

Additionally, fellow classmate Meera Venkataraman received the Park Scholarship from North Carolina State University, which is a full-tuition award including room, board and book money for all four years of undergraduate study. It is valued at $120,000.

High academic achievement is just one of the goals for the student body at NSA. The school’s “Honor Above All” motto is taken seriously, as students are constantly encouraged to maintain high moral standing both inside and outside the classroom.

In addition to offering a rigorous scholastic program for preschool through 12th grades, NSA also boasts a competitive athletic department offering more than a dozen sports, including football, lacrosse, golf and basketball. Students also can take part in a wide variety of extracurricular clubs and activities such as Operation Smile, drama, National Honor Society and Students Against Drunk Driving.

The opportunities available to students at NSA are a far cry from the school’s beginnings in 1966. That year, about 100 parents organized a private elementary school in the city. The newly-created Nansemond-Suffolk Academy was housed in a former factory, and had just 128 students, six teachers and one principal. Today, the school has more than 1,000 enrolled students who have proven to be leading scholars throughout the city, the state and the country.

For more information about NSA, visit www.nsacademy.com.

— Story by Lauren Wicks, staff writer

— Story by Lauren Wicks, staff writer

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2010 — fyi 13

Economic Development: Deanna Holt

A helping hand for business story & photographs by R.E. Spears III

W

Deanna Holt prepares a package of information about Suffolk for the mail. Among her duties in the city’s Department of Economic Development is marketing available industrial buildings and properties to potential clients from outside the area.

hen they finally meet her, a lot of folks feel as if they already know Deanna Holt, a business development analyst with the Suffolk Department of Economic Development.

Maybe they’ve seen her at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, wielding the specially printed ribbon and a pair of scissors more than three feet long. Or perhaps they receive the monthly update email that she sends on behalf of her department and in which she spotlights new and established Suffolk businesses, describes upcoming businessrelated events in the city and highlights available properties for potential industrial clients.

“Everywhere I go I get, ‘Oh yeah! I get your press releases,” Holt laughs.

In a Suffolk agency with the mandate to help recruit and retain business and industry for the city, the term “low-profile” is purely a matter of degree. Even low-profile, behind-the-scenes staffers in a small economic development department like Suffolk’s find themselves making the rounds, shaking hands and getting to know business owners.

And that’s one of the things Holt, whose Isle of Wight roots have helped her feel at home in Suffolk, likes best about her job.

Since she came to economic See Holt page 14

14 fyi — 2010

holt continued from page 13

development from Suffolk’s Department of Human Resources, Holt’s responsibilities have increased as the department has shrunk under budget pressures.

Whereas she used to concentrate on marketing the city’s buildings and sites to potential clients via the website, email and other indirect contacts, now she spends a substantial portion of her time meeting with potential clients and with owners of existing businesses in Suffolk.

The personal contact has helped her grow in her job, Holt says.

“I’ve been able to “I’ve been able to learn more about how economic devellearn more about how opment works and tie it all together,” she explains. “It’s fun.

This job is always changing. It’s never the same every day. economic development It’s exciting.” works and tie it all Holt’s excitement about her work bubbles up through an ebullient personality that seems especially well suited to a together. It’s fun. This person whose job essentially is to sell business owners on job is always changing. the benefits of locating in Suffolk.

From Holt’s perspective, one of the best ways to entice It’s never the same new companies to the city and help retain those already every day. It’s exciting.” here is to show them the resources that are at their disposal here, and that’s what she considers to be her primary duty.

Deanna Holt — Business Development Analyst Whether it’s training at the Workforce Development Center, small-business startup help from the Small Business Development Center, or just the number for the city agency that can help solve problems with parking lot drainage, Holt and her colleagues work to make sure companies of all sizes have the resources they need to flourish in Suffolk.

“I love helping businesses in Suffolk,” she says. “We help individuals and companies succeed. That’s what is so rewarding.”

Deanna Holt and other members of Suffolk’s economic development office chat with a representative of the Broken Egg Bistro following that restaurant’s ribbon-cutting ceremony in Harbour View in the spring.

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2010 — fyi 15

Suffolk by the numbers

The Lipton tea plant on West Washington Street proudly displays a banner announcing they have achieved their goal of sending no trash to the landfill. All waste from the facility either is recycled, composted or converted into energy.

Top 10 Employers by Industry Industry No. of jobs Healthcare and Social Assistance 3,894 Retail Trade 3,075 Educational Services 3,065 Accommodation and Food Services 2,076 Manufacturing 2,058 Construction 1,718 Professional, Scientific and Technical Services 1,669 Public Administration 1,539 Transportation and Warehousing 1,420 Wholesale Trade 1,215 - Source – Virginia Employment Commission - As of first quarter, 2009 Capital Investment by Industry, 2005-08 Retail $137 million Warehousing $122 million Health care $87 million Modeling and Simulation $71 million Hospitality $45 million Manufacturing $27 million Food Processing $27 million Other $26 million Total $544.5 million - Source – Suffolk Department of Economic Development

Job Creation by Industry, 2005-08 Retail 1,461 Healthcare 486 Modeling and Simulation 340 Warehousing 319 Hospitality 315 Manufacturing 163 Other 94 Food Processing 72 Total 3,251 - Source – Suffolk Department of Economic Development Average Retail Sales Growth Rates, 2000-08 Suffolk 8.0% Portsmouth 4.6 Chesapeake 3.9 Virginia Beach 3.6 Newport News 3.1 Norfolk 2.6 Hampton 1.7 - Source – Hampton Roads Planning District Commission Median Household Income Suffolk $61,464 Chesapeake $63,113 Virginia Beach $62,477

Hampton Newport News Portsmouth Norfolk Virginia

$47,408 $46,082 $43,473 $40,361 $58,378 - Source – U.S. Census Bureau

Major Employers in Suffolk USJFCOM/JWFC Training, Analysis and Simulation Center 2,200 Suffolk Public Schools 1,780 Sentara Obici Hospital 1,200 The City of Suffolk 1,139 QVC Distribution 900 Wal-Mart Stores 900 SYSCO Food Services of Hampton Roads 500 Unilever/Lipton Inc. 350 Kraft/Planters Peanuts 340 Ciba Specialty Chemicals USA 322 Target Corp.

300 Lakeview Medical Center 270 Bon Secours Health System 269 Towne Bank 230 Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA 227 Amadas Industries, Inc. 200 Nansemond-Suffolk Academy 194 Nansemond Pointe Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center 190 Birdsong Peanuts Corp.

150

Lockheed Martin 150 Sentry Services 150 Supreme Foods, Inc. 130 Lake Prince Center 130 Wanchese Fish Co./ Suffolk Cold Storage 130 National Roofing Corp.

115 Vitex Packaging, Inc. 115 Pak-Al of Virginia 115 Dominion Virginia Power 105 Lancaster Farms, Inc. 100 Echostorm 100 Harris Teeter 100 Farm Fresh 100 Sara Lee Coffee and Tea Co. 85 Northrop Grumman 85 Southern Oil Co. 85 Amark Corp.

75 SPSA 75 Mike Duman Auto Sales 75 Rountree Construction Co. 75 SAIC 75 Golden State Foods Corp.

65 Univar USA 65 Sonoco Products Co. 60 Duke Automotive 60 Truestone 60 Mitre 60 First Virginia Bank – Hampton Roads 55 Blair Brothers, Inc. 50 See INDUSTRY page 16

16 fyi — 2010

industry continued from page 15

General Dynamics 50 Dixie Group 50 C.W. Brinkley, Inc. 50 Chasmar Properties Ltd. 50 Paul D. Camp Community College 50 - Source – Suffolk Department of Economic Development Economic Development Authority The Economic Development Authority (EDA) is authorized by the Virginia General Assembly to initiate and develop a variety of new business opportunities throughout the City of Suffolk.

The EDA Board is made up of eight board members appointed by the Suffolk City Council to four-year terms. The EDA holds a regularly-scheduled meeting on the second Wednesday of each month.

The EDA’s role is to foster economic development and help with the expansion of existing businesses and to assist new businesses to create new jobs and capital investment. The EDA is funded by city taxes, interest on investments, bond maintenance fees and sale of real estate owned by the EDA. For more information, contact the Economic Development Department at 514-4040.

City officials joined Panera Bread employees in the spring for a grand opening celebration at the store’s first Suffolk location. Suffolk’s retail sector grew at a far faster pace than the same sector did in other Hampton Roads cities since the year 2000.

EDA Board Members James H. Faulk, chairman Whaleyville Borough Cynthia Ferguson, vice chairman Suffolk Borough Stacy Lewis Holy Neck Borough Dwight A. Nixon Nansemond Borough Arthur Collins Sleepy Hole Borough Michael Duman Chuckatuck Borough Jack Eure Mayor of Suffolk Representative Cypress Borough seat is currently vacant

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2010 — fyi 17

City administration: Debbie Minnick

Face with a name story & photograph by Tim Reeves

D

ebbie Minnick looked down at a sheet she had typed out trying to detail her job. Line after line listed important items, tasks and responsibilities. In the end, when asked if she had ever written out her job description before, she politely said, “No. But I wanted to make sure I was as prepared as I possibly could be for this interview.”

It is that preparation, attention to detail and organization that has helped Minnick become the “go-to” person for Suffolk City Manager Selena Cuffee-Glenn.

In her role as administrative assistant to the city manager, Minnick has a front-row seat to the day-today operations of Suffolk and an insider’s view of what is Hampton Roads’ quickest-growing and Virginia’s largest city.

“It’s exciting to be a part of the decisions and plans for this great city,” Minnick said. “It’s also refreshing to see just how dedicated everyone is and how hard everyone works to do the best for Suffolk.”

See Minnick page 18

Debbie Minnick has worked with the City of Suffolk since 2006 and works as the administrative assistant to city manager Selena Cuffee-Glenn.

18 fyi — 2010

minnick continued from page 17

A native of Portsmouth and now a resident of Chesapeake, Minnick has worked for the city since August 2006.

And, in many ways, Minnick is the first voice — or face — outsiders come across when they deal with Suffolk.

“It’s a responsibility to show that we are professional and courteous and that we are happy to do business with them,” she said.

As a way to relax, Minnick enjoys joining her husband, Danny, on motorcycle rides throughout Hampton Roads.

“We’ll go to Smithfield, Carrollton. All over,” she said, smiling. When asked the longest trip the couple has taken, she reflected on a trip the couple made on one of their anniversaries to Peaks of Otter in western Virginia. “That trip took a number of hours,” Minnick said. “And “It’s exciting to be a part of the decisions it was quite chilly.”

The couple has two children, and plans for this great city. It’s also Meghan, 21, and Matthew, 17. refreshing to see just how dedicated But back in her role with Suffolk, it could probably be summed up in everyone is and how hard everyone works something she wrote herself. to do the best for Suffolk.”

“There is much variety to my day,” she wrote. “In the city manager’s ofDebbie Minnick — Administrative Assistant fice you never know what may arise from day to day that may need to be immediately addressed; therefore, flexibility is a must.

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City Manager Selena CuffeeGlenn, seen here signing a pledge to participate in a new city recycling program, relies heavily on Administrative Assistant Debbie Minnick as the first voice that people hear when they call the city manager’s office and as an aide in carrying out her day-today responsibilities.

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2010 — fyi 19

suffolk’s events Calendar Following is a list of yearly events in Suffolk. For even more events, check the online calendar at www. suffolknewsherald.com or www.suffolk-fun.com.

January Events to be announced.

February The Exhibit of Excellence: Suffolk Student Art Juried exhibition of the best art by Suffolk’s 10th- to 12th-graders.

Call 514-6284 or 925-0448.

Antique Show and Sale This show traditionally features dozens of mid-Atlantic antiques and collectible dealers. Porcelain and crystal repair are usually offered.

Call 925-0448.

March Suffolk Museum’s annual Juried Photography Exhibit The largest and oldest juried photography exhibit in Hampton Roads. Free and open to the public.

Call 514-7284.

Suffolk Restaurant Week Restaurant Week features prix fixe menus at dozens of dining establishments in Suffolk. Chefs serve up old favorites and new creations.

Call 514-4130.

April Eggstravaganza This Easter tradition features an Easter egg hunt, the Easter Bunny and more. Free and open to the public.

Call 514-7267.

Suffolk Chili Fest A fundraiser for Suffolk’s SERTOMA Clubs, Chili Fest allows attendees to sample chili from different teams, vote for their favorite, and purchase chili by the bowl. All proceeds benefit local children with speech and hearing impairments, as well as Reading Enriches All Children programs.

Call 892-4254 or visit www.suffolkchilifest.com.

Virginia Festival of Flight Hundreds of homebuilt, antique, classic, military and other types of airplanes fly in to the Suffolk Executive Airport for a weekend. Children and adults alike will enjoy educational workshops and demonstrations, meeting with pilots or simply touching the planes.

Admission fee required.

Call 514-4130 or visit www.virginiaflyin.org.

May Whaleyville Community Day This annual community celebration features a parade, business expo, arts and crafts, car show, children’s activities and more. Free and open to the public.

Call 986-2282.

Great Dismal Swamp Birding Festival Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day at the swamp with guided bird walks, bus tours, demonstrations, educational workshops and more. Free and open to the public.

Call 986-3705.

Suffolk Rockin’ Relay for Life The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life gives everyone the chance to play a part in the battle against cancer. Months of fundraising culminate in one overnight event where teams take turns walking the track.

Shake, Rattle & Roll Spring Car Show This festive Main Street event honors the racers, records and fans of the old concrete track at Suffolk Airport.

Call 514-5130.

Holland Founders Day Parade and Celebration Celebrating the founding of the first Ruritan Club in the Holland community, all-day festivities include a parade, children’s activities, barbecue cook-off and more.

Call 514-4130.

June TGIF concerts The TGIF summer concert series begins in June, and runs every Friday through September with local bands, food and beverages, children’s activities and more.

Call 514-7267.

Suffolk Art League’s Open Members’ Show This annual exhibit includes a variety of original artwork

by Suffolk Art League members.

Call 514-7284.

See EVENTS page 20

During the opening day of the season at Suffolk’s Farmers’ Market, Rosa Shive and Robert J. Noriega display some of the things that Noriega grows on his farm off Manning Road in Suffolk. He grows the millet spray and sells it by the bundle for people who have pet birds. The market is sponsored each year by the city’s department of tourism.

20 fyi — 2010

events continued from page 19

July Stars and Stripes Spectacular This annual celebration of America’s independence takes place at Constant’s Wharf Park on July 4, complete with live entertainment, food and fireworks. Free and open to the public.

Call 514-7267.

North Suffolk Independence Day The Crittenden, Eclipse and Hobson Ruritan Club and Ebenezer United Methodist Church team up to present children’s activities, a raft race and fireworks on July 4.

Call 238-2359.

August National Night Out This annual event, held the first Tuesday in August, encourages residents to get involved with crime, drug and gang prevention by locking their doors, going outside and participating in block parties, cookouts, parades, anti-crime rallies and more.

Call 514-4104.

authentic music, dance, crafts, food and more.

Visit www.nansemond.org.

car show, a community pageant, living history demonstrations and more. Proceeds benefit the Driver Volunteer Fire Department and local charities.

Call 538-2488 or visit www.DriverEvents.com.

September Taste of Suffolk downtown street festival The annual Taste of Suffolk festival features two entertainment stages, samples of dishes from Suffolk’s best eateries, children’s activities, special deals at unique local shops, and more.

Call 514-4130.

November Holiday Open House at Governor’s Pointe North Suffolk shops open their doors to the holiday season with open houses featuring door prizes and giveaways.

Call 238-3810.

Mutt Strut Dog Walk and Festival Enjoy a day of fun supporting the Suffolk Humane Society’s rescued animals, including a pledge walk, music, entertainment, pet-related exhibitors, rescue groups and more, all free.

Call 538-3030 or visit www.suffolkhumanesociety. com.

Queen’s Luncheon and Fashion Show The Peanut Festival Queen is crowned at this event that includes a luncheon and fashion show by the Pilot Club of Suffolk. This is the first in a series of Peanut Fest events.

Call 514-4130 or 539-6751.

Suffolk Art League show This annual exhibit is given by the winner of the previous juried exhibition. Free and open to the public.

Call 514-7284 or 925-0448.

October Suffolk Peanut Fest Parade and Festival Kick off Peanut Fest with a parade, and then enjoy a long weekend of entertainment, fireworks, a shrimp feast, demolition derby, carnival rides, a peanut butter sculpture contest and more. Admission is free; parking is $10 per vehicle.

Call 539-6751 or visit www.SuffolkFest.org.

Nansemond Indian Tribe Powwow This annual celebration by descendants of the historic Nansemond Indian Tribe features

Suffolk Swamp Roar Motorcycle Rally Ride the entire 80-mile perimeter of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, and

Suffolk Illumination Ceremony This hometown kick-off to the holiday season features lighting of the Christmas tree, hot apple cider, caroling and Santa Claus.

Call 514-7267.

Above, Sisters Emily and Rebecca Bennett of Chesapeake aren’t much larger than Adonis, a blue merle Great Dane from the April Fool’s Farm in Suffolk. The three were on hand at Sleepy Hole Park on a fine Sunday in September to enjoy the second annual Mutt Strut. enjoy a VIP reception and complimentary parking pass to Peanut Fest. There is a $20 registration fee, which benefits educational programs at the refuge.

Call 514-4130.

Driver Days car show and festival Visit the village of Driver for live entertainment,

December Suffolk Holiday Parade The annual holiday parade will light up downtown with colorful floats, marching bands, dancers, equestrian groups and more.

Call 514-4130.

Suffolk Nansemond Historical Society’s Candlelight Tour This tour features some of Suffolk’s most historic and interesting homes and businesses. The event features period holiday decorations and dress, baked goods for sale and more.

Call 539-2781.

Holland Village Tree Lighting This annual gathering in Holland includes carols, hot cocoa and lighting of the tree, and is sponsored by the Holland Ruritan Club.

Visit www.hollandruritanclub.org.

2010 — fyi 21

Public Works: Carlos Ward

Serving in public works story & photograph by Tracy Agnew

F

Carlos Ward Sr. supervises more than four dozen employees who perform numerous tasks — including trash pickup, grounds keeping and street sweeping — throughout the city.

or Carlos Ward Sr., every day begins with absent employees, broken-down trucks and thousands of trashcans sitting at the curb throughout the city, waiting to be emptied.

But Ward doesn’t stress.

With 48 people under his direct supervision, someone is bound to be absent most days. And with dozens of vehicles on the road, breakdowns are not unlikely. He prepares for these eventualities by keeping plenty of backup on hand.

Ward is the general services supervisor for the Department of Public Works. He is responsible for seeing to it that the trash gets emptied at 32,000 households across the city each week. Bulk pickups, street sweeping and post-parade cleanup also fall under his jurisdiction. So do the flower gardens in the downtown business district, the grass at Cedar Hill and Holly Lawn cemeteries, and 114 front-load dumpsters at schools and public housing neighborhoods across the city.

“Every day is a new challenge,” said Ward, whose office decorations betray the fact that he is a Philadelphia Eagles fan. “It’s busy.”

See WARD page 22

22 fyi — 2010

ward continued from page 21

Ward first went to work for the city 11 years ago.

He had graduated from Suffolk High School, and working for the city offered good benefits, he said.

He began in the public works department, driving a trash truck. He has since risen through the ranks to become a supervisor, but still he doesn’t sit at a desk all day.

After checking on absentees and the vehicles with his field supervisor first thing in the morning, Ward typically checks in with grounds maintenance, making sure they are performing all the needed tasks that day. From there, every day can go in a different direction.

“I get to go out and meet contractors, and I go and meet a lot of citizens,” Ward said. “I’m just not stuck in the office all day.”

Ward called getting out into the field the best part of his job. He spends about half of each day, however, at his desk — helping prepare the department’s budget, making numerous schedules, wrangling contracts for grounds maintenance, and more.

“I have a lot of desk work,” he said.

One of the most difficult parts of his job is instituting changes in the trash program, like the recent switch to a four-day workweek for picking up trash.

“We have to make the public aware of what we’re

doing and make sure we give the best service we can,” Ward said.

Ward credited his high school principal, Michael Debranski, with making sure he always did right.

Wesley King, a retired assistant public works director, and Donie Beamon also had an influence on him, he said.

His son is following in his footsteps.

Carlos Ward Jr. also is on the public works “I get to go out and meet contractors, payroll, though he doesn’t work directly and I go and meet a lot of citizens. I’m for his father.

When he’s not at just not stuck in the office all day.” work, Ward spends Carlos Ward Sr. — General Services Supervisor, Public Works time with his parents and volunteers as vice president of the Suffolk Booster Club.

The 30-member club raises money to give to such causes as the Cheer Fund, the rescue squad and the Salvation Army.

“We’re always trying to find different ways to give back to the community,” Ward said.

To contact the public works department, call 514-4355.

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2010 — fyi 23

General Services Animal Control 124 Forest Glen Drive 514-7855 Hours of operation: Monday to Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 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 $60 for cats and $75 for dogs. Animals are spayed/ neutered and vaccinated prior to adoption.

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

Saturday: 8 a.m. to noon City Treasurer’s Office Municipal Center 441 Market St. 514-4275 North Suffolk Treasurer’s Office 2000 Bennett’s Creek Park Road 514-7175 Hours of operation: Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

City decals for vehicles are not 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.

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Suffolk public works employees work to finish the concrete on a new sidewalk that was poured along S. Saratoga St. in the spring. The sidewalk had long been a concern for area businesses because of buckling, cracking and pipes that poked through it. accompaniment, emergency shelter, food, clothing and 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 440 Market St. 514-4120 info@city.suffolk.va.us

Suffolk Bookkeeping Services, Inc. Brenda V. Braford, Pres.

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24 fyi — 2010

services continued from page 23

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.

(866) 229-3578 www.vanaturalgas.com Columbia Gas of Virginia (800) 543-8911 www.columbiagasva.com

Housing Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority 530 E. Pinner St. 539-2100

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

Suffolk Department of Social Services 135 Hall Ave. 514-7450

Water/Sewer City of Suffolk Department of Public Utilities 514-7000 www.suffolk.va.us/pub_utl/cust_svc.html

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.

Wastewater Treatment Hampton Roads Sanitation District 460-2261 www.hrsd.state.va.us

Identification Department of Motor Vehicles 268 Holladay St. (804) 497-7100

Trash Collection City of Suffolk Department of Public Works 514-4000 www.suffolk.va.us/pub_wks/refuse.html

Social Security Administration 502 Hillpoint Road 934-0532 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 Municipal Center 441 Market St. 514-4275 North Suffolk Treasurer’s Office 2000 Bennett’s Creek Park Road 514-7175 Building and Zoning Permits: Neighborhood Development Services 441 Market St. 514-4150 Business: Commissioner of the Revenue Municipal Center 441 Market 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.

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More than forty-eight people — including those who drive the snowplows and those who troubleshoot problems with the city’s sewage system — fall under the supervision of Carlos Ward Jr. in Suffolk’s Department of Public Works.

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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. 514-4000

Meals on Wheels of Suffolk 2800 Godwin Blvd.

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Marriage: Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court Mills E. Godwin Courts Complex 150 N. Main St. 514-4000

Social Security Administration 502 Hillpoint Road 934-0532 www.ssa.gov

Passports: Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court Mills E. Godwin Courts Complex 150 N. Main St. 514-4000

Utilities Electricity Dominion Virginia Power 1-866-366-4357 www.dom.com

Social Services Suffolk Department of Social Services 135 Hall Ave. 514-7450

Senior services Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia 1226 White Marsh Road 925-1449

Community Electric Cooperative 242-6181 www.comelec.coop

Suffolk Senior Center 110 W. Finney Ave.

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2010 — fyi 25

Suffolk has great access to health care New to the area and without a doctor? No need to worry yourself sick about it. There’s plenty of health care sources in Suffolk and Hampton Roads.

The region has its own share of physicians, dentists, specialty doctors and medical facilities for whatever ails you. Within Suffolk, there are more than 100 physicians and some 30 dentists and orthodontists. The city also offers a number of physical therapists, chiropractors, and other health care providers.

Major medical attention can be found at the following: SUFFOLK HEALTH DEPARTMENT 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 home health. Many services are free to the public. When there are charges, they are usually determined on a sliding fee scale based on income.

Suffolk Health Department, 135 Hall Ave.; 5144700.

WESTERN TIDEWATER COMMUNITY SERVICES BOARD Working as a team, the agencies of the Western Tidewater Community Services Board provides mental health, substance abuse, and prevention services to a wide-range of clients. Clinical services are provided by licensed staff or master¹s level staff under supervision.

Western Tidewater Community Services Board, 5268 Godwin Blvd.; 255-7100.

Web: www.wtcsb.org.

SENTARA OBICI HOSPITAL For more than five decades, the residents of Suffolk and the surrounding communities have been heir to a legacy of health and hope through the generosity of Amedeo Obici, founder of Planters Peanuts. When his wife, Louise, died in 1938, Obici, one of the industrial giants of his day, wanted to establish a lasting memorial - one that would pay a fitting tribute to a woman of her caliber and one that would benefit the residents of Suffolk, the home they both loved.

In her memory, Obici created a charitable trust fund to finance what would later become Louise Obici Memorial Hospital. He continued to contribute to the fund until his death in 1948 when his estate created a trust fund to continue contributions. Construction began in the summer of 1949 and the hospital was formally dedicated on Sept. 16, 1951. The hospital offers

The Western Tidewater Free Clinic moved into a new building in the fall of 2009. The clinic, which offers free healthcare to people without access to health insurance, also added a dental wing when it moved into its new location on Meade Parkway. a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, magnetic resonance imagine, mammography and cardiac catheterization, plus a comprehensive women’s center, a cancer center, and an outpatient surgery center. With several affiliated physician practices, Sentara Obici’s services can be found in centers across Suffolk and Isle of Wight County. The hospital also offers an extensive physician referral list. In early 2002, the new $74.6 million facility opened about a mile from the former Main Street building. Located on Godwin Blvd/Route 10, near the junction of the U.S. 58 Bypass, the new hospital offers residents health care with stateof-the-art technology and top notch personnel.

Last year, Sentara Obici Hospital opened its new, 22,900-square-foot ambulatory surgery center at 2750 Godwin Boulevard. The new free-standing outpatient surgery center has two operating rooms, two procedure rooms, receiving, pre-op and recovery areas facility is jointly owned by Sentara and a group of 21 surgeons.

Sentara Obici Hospital, 2800 Godwin Blvd., Suffolk; 934-4000.

SENTARA BELLEHARBOUR The newest Sentara facility opened in North Suffolk this year, bringing state-of-the-art outpatient medical service to the area. Boardcertified emergency physicians offer care in a quiet, calm environment to walk-in patients, as well as those who arrive by ambulance. If your needs require a more intense level of

care, our skilled staff will provide stabilizing treatment and transfer you to the nearest appropriate facility. Services available include the emergency department, advanced imaging center, outpatient lab services, physical therapy, physician practices and sleep center.

Sentara BelleHarbour, 3920 Bridge Road, 9830000.

BON SECOURS HEALTH CENTER AT HARBOUR VIEW Bon Secours Health Center at Harbour View, a department of Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, is a state-of-the-art health facility dedicated to outpatient surgery, medical imaging, diagnostics and pre-operative testing in the city’s growing northern end.

Bon Secours Health Center at Harbour View, 5818 Harbour View Blvd., 673-5800.

LAKEVIEW MEDICAL CENTER Since 1906, the physicians and staff of Lakeview Medical Center have dedicated themselves to providing quality health care to the people of Suffolk and the surrounding communities.

Starting as a group of three physicians desiring to provide hospital services to the local residents, Lakeview Medical Center has evolved into a multi-specialty group offering a wide range of medical specialties and services that makes Lakeview unique to Suffolk and the region. Lakeview¹s medical specialties and

services include: allergy testing and treatment, ambulatory surgery, audiology, BOTOX cosmetic, gastrointestinal endoscopy, laboratory, mammography, microdermabrasion, nuclear medicine, osteoporosis screening, pulmonary function testing and radiology. There is also a full-service pharmacy on site.

Lakeview Medical Center, 2000 Meade Parkway and 4868 Bridge Road (Rt. 17) in northern Suffolk; 539-0251. There are also offices in Franklin and Smithfield. Web: www.lakeviewmed. org.

WESTERN TIDEWATER FREE CLINIC The Western Tidewater Free Clinic provides quality non-emergent, primary medical, mental and dental care to residents who are unable to access care through any other provider. It is now accepting eligible adult patients from Franklin, Isle of Wight and Southhampton counties and Suffolk Patients should be between the ages of 19 and 64. The clinic will be open on Tuesdays and Thursday from 6-9 p.m.

Services will be provided by volunteer medical professionals by appointment. The facility not only will provide treatment for chronic illnesses, but also will focus on health education by providing workshops and presentations on various health issues.

Western Tidewater Free Clinic, 2019 Meade Parkway, Suffolk; 923-1060.

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26 fyi — 2010

City libraries: Demetria Edwards

Keeping the books

story & photographs by Leila G. Roche

A

library can be a maze for some people, but Demetria Edwards knows hers like the back of her hand.

Hailing from the Blackwater Regional Library, Edwards has been the circulation manager at the North Suffolk Library since it opened in November 2004.

“It’s a way to make a difference in society,” Edwards said. “I see kids go to school and are quiet and shy and maybe a little out of place, but in the library they open a book and are in a new world.”

As the circulation manager, Edwards is responsible for the tens of thousands of books that are checked in and out.

“Last month, 18,000 books were checked out, and we have 2,300 to 3,000 in our reserves every month,” Edwards said.

“My job is about getting them back on the shelves, where they belong.”

To the uninformed library patron, putting books back where they belong might not seem so complicated, but the job requires much more than one might think.

“We have lots of patrons here, and one might check out 75 books at once,” Edwards said.

“When they bring those books back, there might only be 74, but they swear they returned

See EDWARDS page 27

As circulation manager at the North Suffolk Library, Demetria Edwards is in charge of keeping track and keeping organized the thousands of book at the library. In the month of June, more than 18,000 that are checked out.

2010 — fyi 27

More than 18,000 books were checked out and up to 3,000 were put on reserve at the North Suffolk Library in June.

edwards continued from page 26

75, and you don’t want to tell them they didn’t return all of them when they say they did. Sometimes we do miss a book, but they usually find that it slipped under a seat or something.”

Her duties aren’t limited to her job description.

There are only 24 employees to keep track of all the books, events and people who help make the “Every day is different. library a great community resource.

“Every day is different,” Edwards said. “We We check in books, check in books, shelve them, do whatever’s shelve them, do needed. If membership needs help, I go there.

If the children’s area needs help, I go there. It’s whatever’s needed. about teamwork.”

If membership needs Without the teamwork, Edwards said, her job would be far more difficult. help, I go there. If the “My favorite thing about working here is working with 24 people who make it work each children’s area needs and every day,” Edwards said. “Some days are harder than others. We’ll have three people in the help, I go there. It’s about library trying to take care of everything. It’s hard teamwork.” trying to keep up, but we pull each other through Demetria Edwards — Circulation Manager the day.”

While things may get hectic now and then, it’s the times when she’s able to help teenagers find literature to open the doors to their imagination, talk to regular patrons and hand a child his or her first library card that bring her joy.

“Just last week, I gave a 5-year-old girl her first library card,” Edwards said. “She was so excited she had tears in her eyes.”

28 fyi — 2010

Recreational Activities Numerous recreational opportunities are available in Suffolk. From boating and fishing to golf clubs and organized sports, there is something available for everyone who’s looking for a way to kick back and relax.

Boat Ramps Bennett’s Creek Marina 3305 Fairy Road 484-8700 Bennett’s Creek Park and Boat Ramp Bennetts Creek Park Road 514-7250 Fishing Stations City of Portsmouth-owned Lake Cohoon Lake Kilby Lake Meade Lake Speight City of Norfolk-owned Burnt Mills Reservoir Lake Prince Western Branch Reservoir City of Suffolk-owned Lone Star Lakes Crumps Mill Pond Boat permits are required from each respective city and can be obtained from the Suffolk Visitor Center. Call 514-4130 for more information.

Golf Courses Nansemond River Golf Club 1000 Hillpoint Blvd.

539-4356 www.nansemondrivergolfclub.com Suffolk Golf Course 1227 Holland Road 539-6298 Sleepy Hole Golf Course 4700 Sleepy Hole Road 538-4100 www.sleepyholegolfcourse.com Cedar Point Club 8056 Clubhouse Drive 238-3554 www.cedarpointcountryclub.com Golfers must be members or the guest of a member Riverfront Golf Club, LLC 5200 River Club Drive www.riverfrontgolf.com Health Clubs Anytime Fitness 2999 Corporate Lane 809-3116

Travis Johnson of Nansemond River High School reads a putt during a high school match at Nansemond River Golf Course. Suffolk boasts five 18-hole golf courses.

Constant’s Wharf Park & Marina 110 East Constance Road 514-7250 Neighborhood Parks Belleville Meadows Playground, on Plummer Boulevard, offers a playground facility, with tot lot, and basketball court.

Coulbourn Park, on East Constance Road, has playground equipment and a picnic shelter. Park is open year-round.

an open field for various forms of recreation, including softball, volleyball and soccer.

Lakeside Park Tot Lot, on Maryland Avenue, offers a playground area for preschool-age children.

Magnolia Park, on Brookwood Drive, offers a neighborhood park with a playground and multipurpose open field.

Mary Estes Playground, on Dill Road, offers a playground facility with a basketball court, picnic area and shelters.

Holland Park, on Holland Road, has three picnic tables, playground equipment for ages 1-12 and benches.

Planters Park, on Carolina Road, features a playground, ball field and ¼-mile running track.

Ida Easter Park, on Brook Avenue, offers a basketball playing area, playground and picnic area. Park is open year-round.

Pughsville Park, on Townpoint Road, offers a picnic shelter, gravel walking track and playground.

Marinas Bennett’s Creek Marina 3305 Fairy Road 484-8700

John F. Kennedy Park, at John F. Kennedy Middle School, features newly constructed, lighted athletic fields, as well as indoor facilities.

Turlington Park, on Lawson Circle, offers a neighborhood playground facility.

Brady’s Marina 3464 Godwin Boulevard 539-8221

Joyner Park, on Holladay Street, offers two outdoor basketball courts.

Lake Kennedy Park, on Blythewood Lane, offers a large playground facility, basketball court and

Suffolk Family YMCA 2769 Godwin Boulevard 934-9622

Tynes Street Playground, on Tynes Street, offers a neighborhood playground facility.

Wellons Park, on Pender Street, is used as a softball and baseball complex.

The city’s parks are open sunrise to sunset, and closed sunset to sunrise (unless otherwise posted). Alcohol, fireworks, illegal substances and activities prohibited. Guests must use litter receptacles, and all pets must be on a leash.

Removal of dog waste is required, and plants and wildlife are to be undisturbed. For more information on the parks, call 514-7250.

Suffolk Parks and Recreation The Suffolk Parks & Recreation Department’s mission is to provide an exceptional system of parks and recreational facilities with quality and diverse programming that promotes healthy and active living to the citizens of Suffolk. The administrative officers are located at 134 S. Sixth St. Call 514-4500 for more information about facilities or services.

Recreation Centers & Cultural Centers Booker T. Washington Recreation Center 204 Walnut St. 514-7247 Creekside Recreation Center 1000 Bennett’s Creek Park Road 514-7245 See recreation page 29

recreation

shelters, children’s playground, restrooms, open space, trails and 12 official horseshoe courts with walkways that include a handicap court.

continued from page 28

2010 — fyi 29

Lake Meade Park Lake Meade Park, located behind the Farm Fresh on North Main Street, features an expansive playground with equipment for toddlers, children, pre-teens and teenagers, shelters that can be rented for use and the Howard D. Mast Tennis Center.

East Suffolk Recreation Center 138 S. Sixth St. Suffolk, VA 23434 514-4500 King’s Fork Recreation Center 350 Kings Fork Road 514-7244

Youth Sports Bennett’s Creek Football Association Contact: Mike Bowles, 513-6363, or Jim Hibbs, 3752110 www.bennettscreekfootball.com

Mack Benn Recreation Center 1253 Nansemond Parkway 514-7248

Inner City Athletic Association Contact: Frederick Greene, 323-4953, or David Baker, 539-9407

Northern Shores Recreation Center 6701 Respass Beach Road 514-7249

Downtown Athletic Association Contact: Steve Eley, 714-6077 or 539-0900

Oakland Recreation Center 5505 Godwin Blvd.

514-7246

Bennett’s Creek Little League Contact: Jennifer Lozano, 714-3742, or Frank Ittel, 232-3471 www.bennettscreek.org

Suffolk Museum 118 Bosley Ave. 514-7284

Holland Athletic Association Contact: Les Matthews, 539-4056, or Pam Fay, 6579970, or Tommy Edwards, 539-1175, or Dennis Vann, 539-4992, or David West, 657-6823 www.hollandathleticassociation.com

Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts 110 W. Finney Ave. 923-0003 Whaleyville Community Center 6213 Whaleyville Blvd.

986-3556 Suffolk Parks Bennett’s Creek Park Bennett’s Creek Park offers two free boat ramps that access the Nansemond River, a playground, tennis courts, restrooms, three covered shelters that can be reserved for use, a nature trail, open fields, a fishing and crabbing pier with handicap accessible features, a disc golf course and a skate park.

Constant’s Wharf Park & Marina Constant’s Wharf Public Park and Marina features 12 acres of well-maintained lawns and a 25-slip marina and also is within walking distance to the Suffolk Historic District.

Lone Star Lakes Lone Star Lakes is a 1,063-acre wilderness park that offers 11 lakes for freshwater fishing, nature trails for hiking, picnic areas with tables and grills, a playground, a four-mile horse trail for horseback riding, an archery range, a model airplane flying field, a fishing and crabbing pier and shoreline fishing areas.

Sleepy Hole Park Sleepy Hole Park is a 66-acre park with 12 picnic

Ebenezer UMC Association Contact: Connie Schau, 238-2359 www.ebenezerchurch.net Suffolk Youth Athletic Association Contact: Stacy Pauley (soccer), 328-3155, or Jill Wentzel (soccer), 535-1021, or Geoff Payne, 651-7367, or Susan Quier (field hockey), 620-9598, or Dave Taylor, 679-0835 www.suffolksyaa.com Suffolk Stars Contact: Gregory Rountree, 337-0822 Virginia Extreme Force Contact: Janice Scopa, 757-242-3207 Suffolk Tennis Association Contact: Harry Cross, harrycross@charter.net, or Wendell Waller, 242-3207 Hampton Roads Lacrosse (Suffolk) Contact: Jim Standing, 377-7284 Suffolk Family YMCA 2769 Godwin Blvd.

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Robie Walton casts a line into Bennett’s Creek from the pier at Bennett’s Creek Park on Friday afternoon. Walton said he had caught no fish, but he didn’t seem deterred by his lack of success under sunny skies full of puffy summer clouds.

30 fyi — 2010

Suffolk Fire and Rescue: Capt. Steve Johnson

Fighting fire as a family story by Lauren Wicks photograph by Tracy Agnew

F

inding one’s calling in life can be an arduous journey of self-exploration, sacrifices and trial and error.

For Suffolk Fire and Rescue Capt.

Steve Johnson, his call to service was clear all along.

“It’s been in my family for years,” Johnson said. “It’s in my blood.”

Johnson’s father was a firefighter for 24 years, and his uncle has been serving in the fire department for more than 30 years.

“I was 19, and I had already graduated and it hit me — Why am I not doing what my family has been doing all along?” Johnson said.

Today, after more than 15 years with the Suffolk Fire Department, Johnson says he has never regretted his decision.

“I can’t get enough of the fire service,” he said.

Johnson, a Lakeland High School graduate, said serving the community he grew up in has been one of the greatest perks of the job.

“I’m happy to be able to help the city I grew up in,” Johnson said.

“We want to make people living in Suffolk enjoy life in Suffolk. I see people that I went to school with, and I am able to help them — help make a good thing out of a bad thing. It’s just a reward of this profession.”

While Johnson considers serving Capt. Steve Johnson followed in his father’s and uncle’s footsteps when he answered the call to serve in the Suffolk Fire Department. He has been in the department for more than 15 years, since the age of 19.

See JOHNSON page 31

johnson

2010 — fyi 31

continued from page 30

the community a reward, he also points to the people he serves alongside as an additional benefit.

“I love being around my crew,” Johnson said. “We have five-day breaks, and I find that on the third day on a five-day break, I’m ready to go back just to see everybody. It’s another family to me.”

Given the physical and emotional stresses inherent in running round-the-clock calls together, Johnson said the department learns to adapt together.

“People think that we’re at the station playing checkers and cards or sleeping all day, and that’s not the case,” Johnson said. “To explain what “To explain what we go through we go through every night, I tell people to have someone else set your alarm clock. Then, when that alarm goes off, put some new clothes on, every night, I tell people to have run around your house five times and then come back and try to fall someone else set your alarm clock. asleep. It really is a stressful job and a lot of work, but I enjoy working with my crew, and our department is a tight family.”

Then, when that alarm goes off, put That family provides a crucial service to the men and women of Sufsome new clothes on, run around folk.

Since the early ‘90s, Suffolk officials have required that firefighters be your house five times and then come trained emergency medical technicians, as well. back and try to fall asleep. It really is “Back in the day, the only thing we had in the truck was a first aid kit,” Johnson said. “Now, there aren’t many fire trucks without a paramedic a stressful job and a lot of work, but I on board.” enjoy working with my crew, and our Johnson himself takes pride that the department has prepared firefighters to be comprehensive emergency responders. department is a tight family.”

“The average age of our firefighter is 33 to 34,” Johnson said. “We’ve Capt. Steve Johnson — Suffolk Fire and Rescue got young, aggressive firefighters and officers, and you have some of the best trained medical personnel coming to your aid. It’s just a reward that there are a lot of people that know they can call 911, and we’re coming to your aid and we’re going to take care of you.”

For more information about the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Department, visit www.suffolk. va.us/fire/.

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32 fyi — 2010

Production Coordinator: Tim Kelley

Getting the word out story & photograph by Tim Reeves

M

Suffolk’s Video Production Coordinator Tim Kelley brings experience from his years in the broadcast journalism field to his role running the city’s municipal channel.

ost people visiting the Suffolk municipal center would never suspect that a television station is operating on the second floor.

Most people sitting in on a City Council meeting or Planning Commission meeting would never fully appreciate the live broadcast that was being beamed to thousands of Suffolk homes.

And, visiting Tim Kelley’s office at the municipal center, most folks would be shocked to learn all that work — and much more — is done with such a small staff.

Kelley, a native of Baton Rouge, La., has been with the city of Suffolk as video production coordinator since December 2003. He has seen dramatic changes in the department since his first day.

“The biggest change has been taking everything from tape to digital,” Kelley said, looking around his office.

The crowded room just off Council Chambers doubles as an editing bay, digital storage archive and producSee KELLEY page 33

kelley

2010 — fyi 33

continued from page 32

tion facility. “And, since then, we have just about replaced and upgraded every piece of our equipment.”

Kelley, who graduated from Louisiana State University in 1991 with a degree in broadcast journalism, worked as a sports director and station manager during his journalism career.

Before coming to Suffolk, he worked at television stations in Morgan City, La., Panama City, Fla., and Southern Pines, N.C. “I felt this was a great opportunity in a great city,” Kelley said about his decision to leave journalism and join government work.

“The biggest change Kelley’s job keeps him extremely busy. In addition to all the engineering and administrative has been taking work it takes to run Channel 8, he produces, everything from tape to videotapes and edits programs on special events and the “On the Scene” segment. digital. And, since then, He also records and broadcasts City Council, we have just about Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals meetings. In addition, he oversees the replaced and upgraded technical operations of the city’s television studio, and creates public service announcements for every piece of our departments and events. equipment.”

In addition to his work with the city’s station, Tim Kelley — Video Production Coordinator Kelley helps coordinate content on the city’s website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Nixle accounts. Combined, Kelley said, the city’s various media and social networking outlets communicate information daily with thousands of Suffolk residents.

“It’s a lot,” Kelley said. “But, it’s exciting to be a part of a city that is still growing and has plenty of stuff happening.”

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34 fyi — 2010

Suffolk City 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, eightmember 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. Her term lasts until the end of 2012.

The Suffolk City Council meets twice a month, the first and third Wednesdays, at the Municipal Building, 441 Market St. Generally, the Council 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.

City Manager Selena Cuffee-Glenn is charged with implementing policies and procedures adopted by the Suffolk City Council.

As the chief executive officer of the city, Cuffee-Glenn takes care of the day-to-day business with the help of her staff.

The city of Suffolk also has constitutional officers, who are chiefly employed for the city by the state. These officers include 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 91 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. suffolk.va.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 Web site.

Meetings since June 17, 2009, also are archived for reference at any time.

The city’s administrative offices are located in the Municipal Building, 441 Market St. The mailing address is P.O. Box 1858, Suffolk, VA 23439. The main phone number is 514-4000. The e-mail address is: SuffolkCityCouncil@city.suffolk.va.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.

Selena Cuffee-Glenn, 514-4012 Deputy City Manager The Deputy City Manager directs, manages and oversees the day-to-day and long-range activities of the development See government page 35

CHOWAN UNIVERSITY

Capt. James T. Judkins, the emergency management coordinator for the city, looks at flood zone maps near the start of the 2010 hurricane season.

He is in charge of preparing the city for a variety of potential natural and manmade disasters.

Established in 1848, Chowan University serves as a cultural center through a rich history of arts, athletics and academics.

In 2010, Chowan University begins another new chapter, with our School of Graduate Studies masters degree program.

Chowan University is using its 160-year Christian heritage as the foundation to build a better future for the next generation.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Your Cultural Center _________________________________ • NCAA D-II, CIAA Athletics • Theatre@Chowan Productions • Masterworks Concert Series • Green Hall Art Gallery Exhibits _________________________________ For more information about events at Chowan University, visit www.chowan.edu or call 1 (888) 4-CHOWAN.

2010 — fyi 35

government continued from page 34

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

Patrick Roberts, 514-4007 Chief of Staff The Chief of Staff promotes and evaluates efficiency, accountability and responsiveness within city departments.

Sherry C. Hunt, 514-4011 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.

C. Edward Roettger Jr., 514-7130 Other City Administration Budget and Strategic Planning, Anne Seward, 514-4006 Capital Programs and Buildings, Gerry Jones, 514-4030 City Assessor, Sid Daughtrey, 514-7475 City Clerk, Erika S. Dawley, 514-4018 Economic Development, Kevin Hughes, 5144043 Emergency Management Coordinator, Capt.

James T. Judkins, 514-7586 Finance, Dale Walker, 514-7500 Fire Chief, Mark R. Outlaw, 514-7530 Health, Dr. Nancy Welch, acting director, 5144700 Human Resources, Ronnie Charles, 514-4120

Information Technology, 514-7241 Library, Elliott A. Drew, 514-7323 Media and Community Relations, Debbie George, 514-4102 Parks & Recreation, Lakita Frazier, 514-7250 Planning and Community Development, D. Scott Mills, 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, Leonard Horton, 514-7450 Tourism, Lynette White, 514-4130 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, or purchase a city map. 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 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 the Municipal Building, 441 Market St. A satellite office is also located inside the North Suffolk Public Library, on Bennett’s Creek Park Road.

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Thomas A. Hazelwood, 514-4260 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.

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 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 office also sells dog licenses and bicycle licenses.

The Treasurer’s office is located in the Municipal Building, 441 Market St. A satellite office is located in the North Suffolk Public Library, on Bennett’s Creek Park Road.

Ronald H. Williams, 514-4275 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.

4Emergency, 911 4Emergency Management, 514-7586 4Headquarters, 514-7530 4Fire Marshal, 514-7530 4Nansemond-Suffolk Volunteer Rescue Squad, 539-6870 4Driver Volunteer Fire Department, 538-0519 4Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department, 2554240 4Whaleyville Volunteer Fire Department, 9863300 4Holland Volunteer Fire Department, 377-6178 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 are at 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.

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36 fyi — 2010

Suffolk Industry: Scott Bisciotti

Start-up finds home in Suffolk story & photograph by Tim Reeves

S

cott Bisciotti commanded troops during the early days of Operation Iraqi Freedom as the 1st Armored Division pushed its way to Baghdad.

Now, the retired Army officer is making a push in the business world, leading Command Post Technologies, a small company that is finding its footing serving the Armed Forces in the training and simulation industry.

“We are simply in our infancy,” Bisciotti said. “We were fortunate to have a good first year, but we are just putting the foundations in place. There is a lot more work ahead of us.”

Surrounded by similar companies, and those in the growing modeling and simulation industry, Bisciotti’s operation is run out of a simple one-room office at the Virginia Modeling and Simulation Center (VMASC) hosted by Old Dominion University in North Suffolk.

“As an incubator, this gives us — as a start-up — the chance to have a place to call home and facilities that if needed we can hold meetings and make great use of these facilities,” Bisciotti said.

Command Post Technologies, which provides training and simulation programs for troops deploying to missions around the world, See bisciotti page 37

Scott Bisciotti, with Command Post Technologies, marked his company’s one-year anniversary in December. “We are simply in our infancy,” Bisciotti said. “We were fortunate to have a good first year, but we are just putting the foundations in place. There is a lot more work ahead of us.”

2010 — fyi 37

bisciotti continued from page 36

came out of Bisciotti’s desire to enter the business world using experience from his 20-year service in the Army.

“The men and women in the armed services don’t train like we did 20 years ago,” Bisciotti said. “It is much more fast-paced and the training has to meet that pace.”

The Columbus, Ohio native, who graduated from the Citadel and then received his MBA from Syracuse, now resides in Suffolk with his wife, Jennifer, and 2-year-old son, Julian.

“Suffolk has proven to be a good fit for this Whether it is used for training doctors through virtual surgery, training the military through virtual warfare or training students through virtual industry to develop because of this modeling and and 3-D modeling, the modeling and simulation industry is at the forefront of the technology that is changing Suffolk. simulation center and the ability to be near the war fighters and operators our training is designed for,” Bisciotti said.

“As an incubator, this gives us — as a startBisciotti and his employup — the chance to have a place to call home ees did nothing to celebrate the company’s first anniverand facilities that if needed we can hold sary in December — and meetings and make didn’t even realize it until questioned about it. great use of these facilities.”

“You know, we didn’t,” Scott Bisciotti — Command Post Technologies Bisciotti said, obviously thinking of the work that remains. “We might do something to mark the second anniversary.”

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38 fyi — 2010

Budget & Strategic Planning: Charles Meek

A jack of all trades story & photograph by Tracy Agnew

S

ome people like to specialize.

Charles Meek is not one of them.

The 36-year-old currently works as Suffolk’s budget and strategic planning manager, but he’s done almost everything when it comes to city government.

Meek received a degree in history and political science at Bridgewater College and took a class while there in state and local government.

“That kind of piqued my interest,” Meek said recently.

He then went on to graduate school at James Madison University, where the town of Shenandoah recruited him for an internship. Little did Meek know that internship would lead him to the position of assistant town manager there.

However, his home region of Hampton Roads was calling his name, so he moved back in 2003 and took a job in Suffolk city government, in what was then called management services.

While there, he truly earned his “jack of all trades” description. He helped start the city’s workforce development center, helped pull in Community Development Block Grant funding and even oversaw the interior renovation of part of city hall.

“He is a jack of all trades,” Budget and Strategic Planning director Anne Seward said. “He has done so many things.”

See MEEK page 39

Charles Meek, right, listens to budget office director Anne Seward explain a cost-cutting initiative.

meek continued from page 38

Meek eventually moved to the budget office, where he now helps prepare the city’s budget, project revenues and expenses, develop the capital improvements plan and compile the city’s annual statistical digest.

“I have to say that every day is a little bit different,” Meek said.

“While we have things we do on a routine basis, we have special “I have to say that things we get involved in.” every day is a little bit For Meek, the most challenging part of the job is creating a different. While we budget around ever-changing have things we do on revenue projections, particularly those coming from Richmond. a routine basis, we “The last two to three years have special things we have really given me an eyeopener on how to build sound get involved in.” budgets and fiscal policy,” Meek Charles Meek — Suffolk’s budget said. “Our revenue from the and strategic planning manager state, we get changing information about those dollars on a daily basis.”

Seward said Meek’s historical knowledge of the city has come in handy.

“He’s been here,” she said. “He’s able to step back and look at all of that collectively. He’s my right hand.”

Meek’s other job is keeping up with 2-year-old twins at home. Occasionally, he gets to play golf.

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40 fyi — 2010

Residential Appraisal: Maria Skinner

Making tough assessments story & photograph by Tracy Agnew

M

aria Skinner has one of the more difficult jobs in the city.

Skinner, a 22-year veteran of working for Suffolk, is the residential appraisal supervisor. With six appraisers under her direction, Skinner is the one taxpayers call when they don’t like their assessment and don’t like the answer they got from the appraiser who handled their property.

“The challenging part is when I have to tell them what they don’t want to hear,” Skinner said. “It’s trying to get them to understand why it is what it is, and why you can’t change that. They’re irate because they realize it’s not going to change.”

Skinner came to the real estate assessor’s office from another position in data entry and as a transfer clerk. The real estate world always fascinated her, she said.

“I’ve always been interested in real estate, as far as seeing what’s out there,” she said.

Skinner’s typical day is relatively quiet, she said. There is paperwork to be done and reports to complete.

However, all that changes shortly after assessment notices are mailed to taxpayers.

“I try to answer any questions they have,” Skinner said of residents who call. “The best part is Maria Skinner, left, residential appraisal supervisor, talks with appraiser Shawanee Cooley about a taxpayer’s property.

See SKINNER page 41

2010 — fyi 41

Size Up Your Moving Needs

skinner continued from page 40

actually being able to assist the citizens.”

Skinner helps taxpayers who qualify to apply for assistance programs to help reduce their tax bill, and sometimes she even has to moderate fights between neighbors.

“They base it on what their neighbors have,” Skin“I try to answer ner said. Some taxpayers try any questions they to contrast their own home with their neighbors’ to have. The best part reduce their tax burden. is actually being “They say, ‘Well, my house is not as good as theirs,’” able to assist the Skinner said. In addition to citizens.” square footage, assessments also are based on such facMaria Skinner — Suffolk’s budget tors as flooring, age of the and strategic planning manager home and more.

“If they make that complaint, we do have to check it out,” she said.

When she’s not at work in the office or in the field, Skinner enjoys bowling and spending time with her husband and two sons, ages 19 and 11.

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42 fyi — 2010

Local 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 Saint Mark’s AME Zion Church 817 McKinley Ave. 539-5560 Apostolic Faith Temple Apostolic Church 476 Wellons St. 934-2735 Assembly of God Bethel Assembly of God Church 8904 S. Quay Road 657-6188 Baptist Diamond Grove Baptist Church 6890 Crittenden Road 255-4770 Photo by James Bielmann/James Bielmann Photography

West End Baptist Church 105 Saint James Ave. 539-8771

St. John’s Episcopal Church, pictured here, and one-time sister church, Glebe Episcopal, are the area’s two oldest churches, dating their history to the 17th century.

Saint Paul Baptist Church 806 Lincoln Ave. 539-9692

539-3511 Great Fork Baptist Church 180 Great Fork Road 986-4185

First Baptist Church 112 Mahan St. 539-6623

Little Grove Baptist Church 6320 Old Town Point Road 484-4496

New Hope Baptist Church 4260 Pughsville Road 484-8939

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

New First Baptist Church 1105 Hosier Road 934-0833

Greater First Baptist Church Orlando 600 Factory St. 539-0032

Liberty Baptist Church 116 Romans Road

Wilroy Baptist Church 306 Williams Road 539-5658 First Baptist Church – Suffolk 237 N. Main St. 539-4152 First Baptist Church — Mahan Street 112 Mahan St. 539-6623 Nansemond River Baptist Church 2896 Bridge Road 484-3423 West Suffolk Baptist Church 2400 Holland Road

705-5431 Missouri Baptist Church 2020 Lake Cohoon Road 934-1176 Little Mount Zion Baptist Church 3288 Pruden Blvd.

539-1991 East End Baptist Church 523 E. Washington St. 539-3324 Southside Baptist Church 917 Carolina Road 539-6629 See CHURCHES page 43

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2010 — fyi 43 Palm Tree Baptist Church 8165 Whaleyville Blvd.

986-4303 Pleasant Union Baptist Church 215 Webb St. 539-0367 Mount Sinai Baptist Church 6100 Holy Neck Road 657-6212 Hillcrest Baptist Church 1637 Holland Road 539-8801 Olive Branch Baptist Church 5200 Milners Road 255-7348 Crosspointe Freewill Baptist Church 100 E. Constance Road 923-9059 Gethsemane Baptist Church 1656 Copeland Road 539-5894 Canaan Baptist Church 2064 Nansemond Parkway 538-1841 Sixth Street Baptist Church 324 Goodman St. 539-6629 Holland Baptist Church 6519 Holland Road 657-2424 Little Bethel Baptist Church 6533 Everets Road 255-4945 Healing Chapel Baptist Church 2375 Godwin Blvd.

934-0527 Macedonia Baptist Church 8300 Crittenden Road 238-2562 Metropolitan Baptist Church 125 County St. 539-2696 Mineral Springs Baptist Church 4849 Mineral Spring Road 986-3994

Photo by James Bielmann/James Bielmann Photography

The Rev. Ross F. Keener, Rector at Glebe Episcopal, stands within the church located on Nansemond Parkway.

Catholic St. Mary of the Presentation Catholic Church 202 S. Broad St. 539-5732

1607 Bridge Road 729-9712

1549 Holland Road 539-4274

New Mount Joy Food for Living Ministries 307 County St. 539-2931

Bethlehem Christian Church 312 Bute St. 539-1167

New Life Suffolk 540 E. Constance Road 539-7001 Faith House of Refuge 461 E. Washington St. 538-0808

Liberty Spring Christian Church 4213 Whaleyville Blvd.

986-4403 Mount Zion Christian Church 9061 Eclipse Drive 238-2477

New Paul’s Temple Holiness Church of Deliverance 720 Hosier Road 539-0498

Berea Christian Church 4109 Driver Lane 538-8872

Oakland Christian Church 5641 Godwin Blvd.

255-4353

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Christian Open Door Church 816 Kings Fork Road 934-2671 Greater Sweet Beulah Holiness Church 137 Maple St. 539-9535

See CHURCHES page 44

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44 fyi — 2010

255-2259 Beech Grove United Methodist Church 4245 Driver Lane 538-8353

Pentecostal Suffolk Pentecostal Church 100 Kilby Shores Drive 539-1096 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 Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church 1885 Bridge Road 238-3550

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 Synagogue Temple Beth El 3927 Bridge Road 484-3926

Diamond Grove Baptist Church, located on Crittenden Road, is one of dozens of places of worship in Suffolk.

Saint John Christian Church 1226 White Marsh Road 925-4885 Suffolk Christian Church 216 N. Main St. 539-9182 Tabernacle Christian Church 2500 E. Washington St. 539-7257 Trinity Christian Church 128 Franklin St. 539-7275 Church of God in Christ Saint Mary’s COGIC 3636 Nansemond Parkway 538-0155 Gates of Heaven COGIC 112 Beech St. 539-3856 Episcopal St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 213 N. Main St. 539-2478 Glebe Episcopal Church

4400 Nansemond Parkway 538-8842 Saint John’s Episcopal Church 828 Kings Highway 255-4168 Saint Mark Episcopal Church 140 Tynes St. 934-0830 Friends (Quaker) Somerton Friends Meeting 5239 Quaker Drive 539-6574 Latter-day Saints The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 4759 Bennetts Pasture Road 538-9218 Lutheran Faith Lutheran Church 2730 Bridge Road 686-0468 Methodist Ebenezer United Methodist Church 1589 Steeple Drive 238-2359

Main Street United Methodist Church 202 N. Main St. 539-8751 Magnolia United Methodist Church 1764 Wilroy Road 538-8552 Oxford Methodist Church 601 W. Washington St. 539-8253 Providence United Methodist Church 3105 Providence Road 539-9582 Somerton United Methodist Church 8610 Whaleyville Blvd.

810-9397 Virginia Korean United Methodist Church 5701 Lee Farm Lane 484-5988 Whaleyville United Methodist Church 6312 Whaleyville Blvd.

986-4587 Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church 220 Kings Highway

United Church of Christ Faith Temple Apostolic 476 Wellons St. 934-2735 Mount Ararat Christian United Church of Christ 1860 Airport Road 934-0986 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 Antioch United Church of Christ 900 Hull Ave. 539-0667 Corinth Chapel United Church of Christ 7945 Corinth Chapel Road 569-9367 Zion United Church of Christ 5200 Quaker Road 934-0223

2010 — fyi 45

did you know?

unifying symbol B

story by Tim Reeves photograph by James Bielmann

ill Reid loved all things England. He loved the countryside, the people and the tradition. He enjoyed the pageantry of the country and the symbolism in much of its culture.

The longtime Suffolk businessman made many trips to England and conveyed his passion to many of his friends in his hometown.

“He loved England. He really loved going there,” G.S. “Pistol” Hobbs recalled. “It really was a passion.”

It was Reid’s knowledge of England’s traditions and culture that led him — as president of the Suffolk Rotary Club — to start a project in the late 1970s aimed at providing a symbol that would help unify the two communities that recently had become the city of Suffolk.

Unifying symbol When the former county of Nansemond and city of Suffolk merged into Virginia’s largest city in 1974, some felt a “symbol” was needed to help ease the transition from separate communities into one large city.

That symbol proved to be a mace.

According to “The Suffolk Mace” booklet written by Patrick J. Coffield — which details the history of the mace, its reason for being created and the process of designing it — the “new symbol was needed to tie the two former cities (Nansemond and Suffolk) together and to develop a sense of civic pride for the consolidated city.”

It was not until July 7, 1978, that the Suffolk City Council passed a resolution ordering the mace’s production. But the goal was to use no city funds in the mace’s production and to have an outside committee help design and coordinate the work.

“The City Council felt that the mace should be developed and given to the citizens of Suffolk at no cost in local tax dollars,” the booklet reads.

As part of the resolution, the city challenged the Suffolk Rotary Club “to take this on as a civic project.”

Then serving as the club’s president, Reid more than happily agreed to the task and created a Mace Committee to help coordinate the construction efforts. The club agreed to underwrite the total cost of developing the mace and “made it possible that this symbol could be a true gift to the citizens of Suffolk, Virginia.”

Those joining Reid on the Mace Committee were G. Robert House Jr., Harry Pettit and Hiram O. Ward.

History of maces Though it once was a weapon for warfare and hunting, the mace grew to represent power and pride in an English township.

Under the direction of the English House of Commons in the 17th See SYMBOL page 46

46 fyi — 2010

symbol continued from page 45

century, guidelines were created to better direct the design of maces in a specific “forme and patterne.”

The Suffolk mace follows these guidelines and is representative of those maces created in England after the House of Commons’ decision in 1648.

Its creation After the City Council’s endorsement of the mace plan in June 1978, the Suffolk Rotary Club’s mace committee researched different styles and concepts in an effort to best represent Suffolk.

Organizers settled on a design similar to that of the mace of Ipswich, England — located in Suffolk County.

According to the Suffolk Rotary Yearbook, the design was “altered slightly with the addition of the City Seal of Suffolk, Virginia, in the top.”

The club also selected a London silversmith to create the mace. The finished product stood 40 inches tall and weighed nearly 10 pounds.

Although the cost of the finished

Description of the Suffolk Mace Below is the complete description of the mace as it appears in “The Suffolk Mace” booklet: “The head of the Suffolk mace,

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which is supported by simple scroll brackets, is in the form of an open arched crown with an orb and cross lying on its top. The bowl is embossed and divided into panels by winged and armless female terminals enduring in acanthus foliage, each panel containing the crowned emblems of England, France, Scotland, and Ireland on a field of pounced circles. The Seal of the City of Suffolk is on top of the crown directly beneath the orb and cross. The seal is represented by a design formed within two circles. Directly above the inner circle are the words ‘Nansemond 1646’ and ‘Suffolk 1742.’ Surrounding the lower portion of the inner circle are the words ‘City of Suffolk, Virginia.’

The design of the inner circle consists of four sections representing Suffolk’s past and present. The upper right is a bust of Captain John Smith, typifying the history of the City; the lower right is a factory, typifying the City’s strong industrial economy and the lower left is a fisherman, typifying the great opportunity for recreation in the City; and in the upper left is a tractor, barn, and corn stalks, typifying the City’s longstanding ties with agriculture. A peanut is located in the center of the

seal, signifying the importance of the peanut in the economy of Suffolk. The coronet around the top of the crown is elaborately embellished with small crosses and fleur-de-lis and under the crown are the Royal Arms. The shaft is chased throughout with roses and thistles and the dividing knobs with acanthus leaves.”

Presentation and current home During a Ladies’ Night meeting on May 10, 1979, Reid’s project was complete as he presented the finished mace to the city. The event, held at the National Guard Armory, featured former Governor Mills Godwin Jr. as the special guest.

The event featured a five-man honor guard, dressed in colonial British uniforms, carrying the mace in its first official showing. Three Rotarians, dressed in colonial attire, distributed copies of the 1742 charter of the Town of Suffolk to Rotarians and miniature replicas of the Suffolk Mace to the ladies present.

As for her reaction to the mace, Reid’s daughter Connie Happel was understandably biased.

“I think it is beautiful,” Happel said.

“He really took a lot of pride in it.”

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Cell 757-646-8782 or 757-630-8846

Celebrating 11 Years In Suffolk!

Jayʼs Transmission Service

Quality Work the First Time • Family Owned & Operated

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IMPORTS

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2408-B Pruden Blvd. (Rte.460) • Suffolk, VA • 925-4400 We accept Thanks to all our customers & friends!

MC & VISA

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It’s nice when someone recognizes what we already know ...

It’s a great time to be in Suffolk.

Money magazine has included Suffolk in its list of the top 100 small cities to live in for 2010. www.suffolk.va.us