Suffolk Living magazine

suffolklivingmag.com

Pets Life on the river and a few memories january/february 2017 • vol. 8, no. 1

2 suffolk living

If your pet had a medical emergency, would you know where to go?

757.935.9111

When minutes count – count on The COVE. A world-class 24/7 animal emergency and specialty hospital – in your own backyard.

Advanced care by referral: + Cardiology + ER/Critical Care + Dentistry + Surgery Located 1/4 mile from Hwy 664 N. @ College Drive exit.

6550 Hampton Roads Pkwy, #113 • Suffolk, VA 23435 • thecovevets.com Jeff Stallings, DVM, DACVS • Merrilee Small, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) Shelley Smith, DVM, DACVECC • Colleen Fox, DVM

suffolk living 3

THANKS FOR THE CONFIDENCE YOU'VE SHOWN IN US

WE APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE YOU!

Dr. J. Ryland Gwaltney

Dr. Steve A. Gwaltney • Comprehensive Dental Care For Adults, Adolescents and Children • Same Day Crowns • Nitrous Oxide Sedation for Apprehensive Patients

6

• Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry • Digital Imaging and Photography • Compassionate Experienced Staff • Gentle, Pain Free Dentistry

Dr. Whitney B. Gwaltney

All About Rewards OIL CHANGES ON US*

TOWING ON US**

STATE INSPECTIONS ON US

COURTESY TRANSPORTATION ON US

PLUS MUCH MORE!

It’s All About . *Valid for up to 6 no charge oil changes. **Towing available within 50 miles of Duke Automotive to the dealership.

SALES | SERVICE | PARTS

DukeAuto.com DKA203 SuffolkLivingJanuaryAd.indd 1

757.539.8777 2016 N. Main Street Suffolk, VA 23434

Mon.-Fri. | 9:00am-7:00pm Sat. | 9:00am-5:00pm Sun. | Closed

Connect with us:

12/29/16 9:29 AM

FEATURE

18

Man’s best friend has a few friends of his own working as volunteers at the Suffolk Animal Care Center. We’re not sure which species enjoys the relationship the most.

contents nov - dec | 2016 13

WHERE AM I? | Think you know Suffolk well? Then see if you can identify this photo.

Advertising rates and information available upon request.

Subscriptions are $20 annually in-state; $25 annually out-of-state; $30 for international subscriptions.

Please make checks payable to Suffolk Publications, LLC P.O. Box 1220, Suffolk, VA 23439

Start of a new day

10 Wake up, Suffolk! We might not be the caffeine capital of the world. But then again, we might be.

On the cover suffolklivingmag.com

14 Folks have wondered about the two houses on either side of the Godwin Bridge for decades.

The truth about them is more interesting than the myths.

24 Our annual Best Of Suffolk Living feature brings back some of our favorite scenes from the past year. Did you miss something?

Pets LIFE ON THE RIVER AND A FEW MEMORIES january/february 2017 • vol. 8, no. 1

by Jen Jaqua

editor's note jan - feb

2017

EDITORIAL R.E. Spears III Editor Tracy Agnew News Editor Jen Jaqua Photography news@suffolklivingmag.com

ADVERTISING

Earl Jones Marketing Consultant Nathan Richardson Marketing Consultant Dana Snow Marketing Consultant Kandyce Kirkland Marketing Consultant sales@suffolklivingmag.com

PRODUCTION Troy Cooper Designer

ADMINISTRATION John Carr Publisher

Feeling nostalgic As I write this early in the first week of January, there are some folks out there — and God knows, I hope you are not one of them — who are praying for snow. Not to be ugly about this, but curses on them all. Personally, I am praying for 75 degrees and robin’s egg-skies.

But it’s not unusual for me to pray for the unlikely. If I only prayed for things that were going to happen anyway, then how would I ever recognize miracles when they happen?

Here’s a miracle for you to consider: Suffolk has its own full-color, glossy magazine, published six times a year and highlighting the people who give our fine city so much character. And we’re heading into our eighth year of publication. That’s something I never would have imagined, much less prayed for.

With the new year coinciding with our publishing anniversary, I was feeling a bit nostalgic as we planned this edition of Suffolk Living magazine.

I remember moving to Suffolk at the age of 13 and thinking it was easily the coolest thing ever that there were not one but two houses perched above the waters of the Nansemond River.

In this edition, we take a look at these two truly unique riverine structures, thanks to the great work of Phyllis Speidell, John H. Sheally II and Karla Smith of Suffolk River Heritage, an organization that has done so much in recent years to codify the history of Suffolk and its environs. The story about the river houses is a reprint of one that appears in the book “Peninsula in Passage: Driver, Bennett’s Creek, Harbour View.” We highly recommend it.

While we’re feeling nostalgic, we thought we’d take a look back at some of the best of Suffolk Living during the past year. We like to think that every one of our readers is waiting for the latest edition to hit newsstands on the 15th of every other month, but we do recognize there are some extreme situations that might result in folks missing an edition here or there. If you missed one of these, be sure and stop by our office on South Saratoga Street and ask for it. We think you’ll be glad you did.

And finally, since I did NOT get a puppy for Christmas, despite my very clear hints to Santa, we’ve got a great feature about the Suffolk Animal Care Center and some of the volunteers who help keep the cute dogs and cats there happy. I must say that I’ve got my eye on one of those precious pooches. And Valentine’s Day is coming soon….

God bless, Res Spears, Editor

Follow us on Facebook Suffolk Living is published six times per year by Suffolk Publications, LLC. P.O. Box 1220, Suffolk, VA 23439 www.suffolklivingmag.com • (757) 539-3437

suffolk living 7

You can have 24/7 power protection with a Generac® Automatic Standby Generator

Say hello to your new neighbors with a mortgage from BayPort.

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

Give yourself y a tax break.

Sharon F Lynch, Agent State Farm Agent 5911 Harbour View Blvd Suite 101

Bus: 757-686-9000 sharon.f.lynch.fozy@statefarm.com

There’s no secret ingredient – getting into a new home is simple with BayPort. By making your mortgage quick and easy, our lending options are sure to leave you with a smile.

Move into a better mortgage with a little help from BayPort.

Open an IRA by April 15.

An IRA could reduce your taxes and it’s a great way to invest in your future.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

CALL ME TODAY. ®

bayportcu.org

se habla espanol

0901200.1

With great rates and affordable lending options, nothing could be better.

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

Membership eligibility required. Certain restrictions apply.

This credit union is federally insured by the NCUA.

8 suffolk living

what to do Send us your news To submit your calendar or news item, simply email it to: news@suffolklivingmag.com Continuing

The Hampton Roads Digital Photography Club will display photography in multiple styles during an exhibition from Jan. 12 to Feb. 11 at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 110 W. Finney Ave. Guests will view engaging photography from participating members, with the option

Blues Brothers Bash February 25 The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts will hold a Blues Brothers Bash from 6 to 11 p.m. Enjoy savory cuisine, beverages, silent and live auctions and live music by The Blues Brothers Soul Band in this celebration for the arts. “Blues Brothers casual” attire is suggested, and costumes are encouraged but not required. Tickets are $125. For more information, visit www.SuffolkCenter.org.

to buy select works. The exhibit is free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.SuffolkCenter.org.

A juried exhibition of artwork by Suffolk’s 10th-, 11th-, and 12th-grade students will be held at the Suffolk Art Gallery, 118 Bosley

Ave., Feb. 2 to March 3. Sponsored by Suffolk Art League in conjunction with the Suffolk Fine Arts Commission, the exhibition will be open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. The show is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www. suffolkartleague.org.

suffolk living 9

what to do Tuesday January 10

Ever wonder why Suffolk natives sound the way they do? Visit the Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society’s Phillips-Dawson House, 137 Bank St., at 2 p.m. for an enlightening conversation with sociolinguist Dr. Bridget Anderson about her oral history project, Tidewater Voices, and learn what makes the Tidewater dialect unique. This event is free to attend and open to the public.

Saturday January 21

Blackpack’s "All Laughs Matter" comedy tour focuses on socially relevant material that has permeated the very soul of America during the past eight years. BT, Billy D. Washington and Vince Morris are awardwinning conveyors of truth, knowledge and, most of all, laughter. The show will take place at 8 p.m. at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts. Tickets start at $35 and are available at www.SuffolkCenter.org.

Thursday January 26

James Farmer, author of the Wall Street Journal best-selling garden book, “A Time To Plant,” will be the guest speaker at 11 a.m. in the Suffolk Center For Cultural Arts’ speaker series. Farmer is editor-at-large of Southern Living and a frequent guest on television and radio. Tickets are $55 and are available at www. SuffolkCenter.org.

January 28 to February 5

The Nansemond-Suffolk Academy Art Show and Sale attracts artists and art connoisseurs throughout Hampton Roads.

Admission is free, and the community is welcome. The NSA Art Show and Sale boasts a diversity of media from more than 150 artists, including paintings and multimedia works of art. For more information, visit www.nsacademy.org.

Saturday January 28

The Riddick’s Folly House Museum, located at 510 N. Main St., will host an American Girl program, “Meet Samantha Parkington.”

There will be three sittings — at 10 and 11:30 a.m. and at 1 p.m. — for this free program. Space is limited, and reservations are required. Ages 5 and up are welcome.

Call for reservations at 934-0822 or email riddicksfolly@verizon.net.

The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts will host

a Southern-cooking workshop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chef Dedra Blount will introduce new cooking techniques that put a fresh spin on delicious entrees and impeccably paired side dishes. Small groups will apply these skills as they prepare the evening's menu. Chef Dedra has 15 years of culinary arts instruction experience with Johnson & Wales and the Culinary Institute of Virginia. The $50 price of the workshop includes cooking instruction, recipes using the freshest ingredients and the adventure of cooking and dining with new friends. Students should bring their own aprons and wear comfortable shoes. No experience is required. Limited space is available. For more information, visit www.

SuffolkCenter.org.

The North Suffolk Library, located at 2000 Bennetts Creek Park Road, will host a Big Idea Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a day for those of any age to turn their ideas into reality. There will be workshops, handson activities and contests throughout the day designed to encourage attendees to make, build, tinker, create, design and explore. For more information, visit www.

SuffolkPublicLibrary.com.

Saturday February 4

Mark Nizer will bring his comedy and juggling act to the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts at 2 p.m. He has opened for Jerry Seinfeld, Bob Hope, Gladys Knight, Johnny Mathis, Ray Charles and Barry Manilow.

Tickets are $22.50 and are available at www.

SuffolkCenter.org.

The Suffolk Humane Society and Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront will host the fourth annual Paws for the Arts, a semiformal gala, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. The event will feature heavy hors d'oeuvres, a wine bar, a cash bar and live entertainment by local musicians and vocalists. A silent auction will precede a live auction with art, vacations, tickets to local theatre and sporting events, spa packages and more. For more information or to purchase tickets, email events@suffolkhumanesociety.com or call 538-3030. All proceeds benefit the Suffolk Humane Society.

Wednesday February 8

Suffolk Parks and Recreation will host the Annual Sweetheart’s Ball for active adults 55 and older from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the East Suffolk Recreation Center, 138 S. 6th St.

Come dressed to impress and celebrate the day of love with great entertainment, food, fun and friends. Tickets are $10 per person.

For more information, visit www.suffolkva. us/parks.

Saturday February 11

The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts will host a “Love What You Cook and Who You Cook With” cooking workshop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The $50 price of the workshop includes cooking instruction, recipes using the freshest ingredients and the adventure of cooking and dining with new friends! Students should bring their own aprons and wear comfortable shoes. No experience is required. Limited space is available. For more information, visit www.

SuffolkCenter.org.

The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts will host a performance of the Virginia Opera’s “Deep River: The Marian Anderson Journey,” a new work by Virginia Opera's Community Musical Outreach Director, Dr. Glenn Winters. This educational opera honors Black History Month by celebrating the legacy of Marian Anderson, one of the foremost classical singers of the 20th century. Tickets start at $22.50 and are available at www.SuffolkCenter.org.

Friday February 24

For the third year, the Suffolk Education Foundation will celebrate the arts in our schools during a “1960s Dancing in the Streets” gala at 6:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront at 100 E. Constance Road. There will be performances from local schools with artwork from elementary schools. Funds raised will support annual scholarships and grants. Tickets for the semi-formal event are $35. For more information, visit www.

SuffolkEducationFoundation.org.

Saturday and Sunday February 25 and 26

Sponsored by the Suffolk Art League, the 34th Annual Antiques Show and Sale will feature approximately 40 antiques and collectibles dealers from the mid-Atlantic region. Crystal, clock and jewelry repair will also be offered. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday at King’s Fork Middle School. Admission is $6 per person. For more information, visit www.

SuffolkArtLeague.org.

10 suffolk living

in the news

‘Start of a new day’ Coffee company to invest $58 million in Suffolk story by Tracy Agnew submitted photography

I

f you’re one of the many who start the day with coffee, you won’t find a better place than Suffolk.

California-based Peet’s Coffee seems to agree, as it announced plans in December to invest $58 million in Suffolk to build a roastery in the CenterPoint Intermodal Center, located off Holland Road.

“I do think it’s the start of a new day in Suffolk,” Councilman Tim Johnson said following the announcement.

The project will bring 135 new jobs along with a 175,000-square-foot roastery, expected to get under construction this spring.

See COFFEE page 11

A Peet’s Coffee employee dumps coffee beans from a roaster at the company’s facility in California.

Proud to serve you as we roll into the new year!

Few banks have the gratification of serving their community as long as we have. Our values of courtesy, promptness, reliability and security have remained unchanged since 1919, however the products and services we offer have continually improved to meet the needs of every customer. Whether you’ve banked with us for years or are new to the community, Farmers Bank is here for you.

FARMERS BANK Since 1919

www.farmersbankva.com • 757-242-6111

suffolk living 11 COFFEE continued from page 10

California-based Peet’s Coffee has announced plans to build a 175,000-square-foot roaster facility at the CenterPoint Intermodal Center in Suffolk, investing $58 million and bringing 135 jobs in the process.

ENROLLING NOW FOR THE 2016 - 2017 SCHOOL YEAR OPEN HOUSE MARCH 8th

Isle of Wight Academy “A Tradition of Excellence”

Independent Preschool, Elementary and Secondary School

* Isle of Wight Academy admits students of any race, color and national or ethinc origin.

17111 CourtHouse Hwy. • Isle of Wight, VA 23397 757.357.3866 • Mr. Benjamin Vaughan, Headmaster

Gov. Terry McAuliffe visited Suffolk on Dec. 9 to reveal the project.

“Suffolk is now the caffeine capital of the United States of America,” McAuliffe said. “We are going to grow together.”

Mayor Linda T. Johnson was amped up following the announcement.

“We pledge to you our support,” she said. “We will work together to create the environment you will grow and prosper in.”

The announcement further solidifies Suffolk’s “Caffeine Capital” claim, which it staked about three years ago. J.M. Smucker, Massimo Zanetti Beverage and Lipton already process coffee and tea here, and companies like Continental Terminals, Pacorini, Vitex Packaging Group and Crown Cork and Seal are involved in other aspects of the business, such as importing and packaging.

“Food processing is a part of our culture here in Suffolk. It has been for many, many years,” City Manager Patrick Roberts said, hearkening back to when Planters Peanuts established its plant here in 1913. “It’s a good fit for us.”

Dave Burwick, president and chief executive officer of Peet’s Coffee, said the company has experienced astronomical growth and needed to expand from its California facility to the East Coast.

“From the time it’s roasted to the time you consume it, you want to shorten that time as much as possible,” he said. “It’s hard to get it as fresh as you want it when you’re just roasting it in California.”

Handcrafted Jewelry

Handcrafted & Custom Designed Jewelry Jewelry & Watch Repairs & Appraisals Hours are also Tuesday – Friday from 10-5 and Saturday from 10-3 3304 Taylor Road, suite F Chesapeake, Va 23321 757-484-2411 www.LeighAllynJewelers.com

12 suffolk living

through the lens: Elyse Porter

E

lyse Porter is an aspiring professional photographer who has lived in Suffolk her whole life. She has worked in the media production industry for the past seven years but decided to focus mainly on photography about a year ago. Since then she has been working to polish her portfolio and get her own photography business started. The scenic, wide-open fields of rural Suffolk, where she has lived for the past few years, have been the perfect location for capturing beautiful landscapes and nature photos. “It has been an amazing place to practice my craft and has even given me a newfound respect and admiration for the outdoors,” she stated in an email accompanying the images on this page. We’re always looking for amateur or professional photographers who have captured arresting images of Suffolk that we can spotlight in this feature. To have your work considered, send an email to news@suffolklivingmagazine.com.

suffolk living 13

where am I?

I

n each edition the Suffolk Living staff provides a challenge of sorts, testing how much of Suffolk you really know.

We photograph some location in Suffolk that is readily accessible and open to the public, and see if you can tell us where it is.

If you know where this photo was taken, submit your answer, along with your name and contact information to news@suffolklivingmag.com. If you’re right, you will be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to any one of our partner advertisers.

So, if you know where this is, let us know. If you’re right, you could be a winner.

Go out and enjoy Suffolk!

14 suffolk living

Life above the river From the book “Peninsula in Passage”

T

wo cottages perched on pilings in the Nansemond, River, one on each side of the Godwin Bridge and accessible only by boat, have piqued curiosity since the early 1900s.

“People thought they were oyster houses or dens of iniquity,” Dorothy Davis says.

The cottages, the only two remaining of several that dotted the river, were early 1900s summer retreats for families from Suffolk and Nansemond County.

“Spending time out there was like you’d left the county,” says Davis, who, with her husband, Richard, owned the cottage on the west side of the bridge. “Before daylight you’d hear the crab men come by and their search lights would wake you.

She fell in love with the river houses when she See RIVER page 15

Above, it was party time at the Ballard House in this undated photo. Below, Robert Hall Ballard’s boat is docked at the Ballard/Sims house in this undated photo.

suffolk living 15

RIVER continued from page 14

was 15 and first visited one — but never dreamed that 25 years later she would own Nix Club (also know as Nix’s Club), the oldest one on the Nansemond. Built in 1914 near Nix Wharf, the cottage was an early timeshare with several local families dividing ownership.

“It had two bathrooms and an artesian well with fresh water, but no hot water,” Davis says. “Water in a barrel was warmed by the sun, and those showers were so great that people would row out from the land just to take one.”

The 1933 hurricane destroyed most of the river cottages. But after repairs Nix Club continued as a lively getaway, until the World War II shortage of materials left the house dilapidated, with swallows and barn owls the only guests.

After the war, Davis’ brother bought Nix Club and added electrical power and a water heater — but the roof still leaked when he sold it to the Davises about 1958.

She remembers: “We didn’t have the money, so we traded cattle for it. During the summer, we were out there most of the time. It was too nice a place not to share, so we had lots of company.

The river house was quite the gathering place for old Suffolk; even storms were wonderful out there — thunder and lightning, rain coming from the roof, everyone soaked. They were wonderful parties.

Hinton Hurff recalls: “The North SufSee RIVER page 16

Sunsets over the river — and sunrises and cool breezes and a slower pace of life — are among the benefits of time spent in the houses that sit above the Nansemond River. Photo by John H. Sheally II

16 suffolk living

A powerboat motors past what is now known as the Ballard Clubhouse. The houses located on the Nansemond River have taken a beating from storms through the years. A deadly hurricane in 1933 was especially destructive, though this particular structure survived it.

RIVER continued from page 15

folk Rotary had a shrimp and crab feast at Nix’s clubhouse, and the planning was not the best.

The tide was not accounted for, and when it was time to leave, it was low tide. The only thing to do was keep on drinking until the tide came in.

Somewhat of a problem — several members had a little too much to drink, and when it came time to leave, they were a little unsteady. When getting out of the bateau, they missed their step and stepped in the mud rather deep.”

In 2003 Hurricane Isabel obscured the cottage in a cloud of fog, and when the fog lifted, the structure was gone. But the river house rebounded, was rebuilt a few years later and was

sold to a new owner, the Willis family.

Alonzo Wood “A.W.” Ballard built the other river house, about 1,000 feet east of the bridge, in August 1930, after drawing the plans on a grocery bag. Capt. Lip Johnson of Crittenden drove the pilings. The house was built in 30 days.

Robert Hall Ballard, A.W.’s son, often saw squalls come down the river, but even without weather alerts, his mother sensed that the Hurricane of 1933 was no mere squall. She led 11-year-old Robert, barefoot and carrying his canary, from the cottage at slack tide. Fifty-mileper-hour winds blew the gates off the draw-

bridge and buffeted the bird against the sides of its cage. The river rose to the top of the table holding the wind-up Victrola but left the house standing.

The next day, the Ballards read in the Suffolk newspaper that they had been “rescued” from their cottage in the storm.

In 1948, Robert Ballard acquired the cottage and installed electricity and a well.

“We used to all go to the river house, sit back and tell tales,” he says.

Ballard turned over the cottage to the Nansemond River Power Squadron in 2001, just two years before Hurricane Isabel tore apart See RIVER page 17

suffolk living 17 RIVER continued from page 16

the building. After more storms and more repairs, current owners Bonnie and John Sims set new pilings and restored the river cottage.

The other cottages didn’t fare as well. The Newport Club, built about 1915 near the Nansemond River lighthouse, was off the Tidewater Community College campus. A.W. Ballard was one of half a dozen men who built and shared the cottage until he pulled out to build his own. The Newport Club fell victim to the 1933 hurricane.

That storm also claimed the Nansemond Club House, built about 1920 near a watch house on the Nansemond bar off Cedar Point Country Club, and the Holland Club House.

The Holland river house, not far from the Ballard house, was completed in 1933.

Owner Reginald Holland managed to spend a single night there before the hurricane swept the cottage from its pilings and sent it crashing into the bridge.

Editor’s note: The preceding excerpt from the book “Peninsula in Passage: Driver, Bennett’s Creek, Harbour View,” was reprinted with permission of the authors, Phyllis Speidell, John H. Sheally II and Karla Smith, and publisher, Suffolk River Heritage. Copies of the book are available at a variety of area locations, including the Suffolk Visitor's Center, Bennett's Creek Pharmacy, Bennett's Creek Market, A. Dodson's and the Crittenden Frame Shop. For more information about Suffolk River Heritage and its other historical books about the area, visit www.suffolk-river-heritage.org. ←

The Perfect Solution For Keeping Your Suffolk Business Clean.

2015

Dorothy Davis sits in front of a triptych painting of the Nansemond River. On the right panel can be seen the river house the Davis family used to own, often known around the area as Nix Clubhouse. The house is now owned by the Willis family.

The Virginian-Pilot READERS CHOICE AWARD

Of

2016

SERVING THE PEOPLE OF THIS COMMUNITY AND THEIR BELOVED PETS FOR 28 YEARS! Open Daily 8-6 Except Thurs. 8-7 Sat. 8-12

Cabins and Lodge

18 suffolk living

suffolk living 19

Friends of the animals Story by Tracy Agnew Photos by Jen Jaqua

W

hen a ball is thrown at the Suffolk Animal Care Center’s outdoor exercise yard, chances are a volunteer is on one end of the throw, with an energetic pup on the other. Sometimes, there’s even a treat in the volunteer’s pocket, too.

At any given time, there are about 50 dogs and 50 cats at the shelter, although the number fluctuates from day to day.

A small group of dedicated volunteers works at the shelter on a regular basis to make it a little easier for the dogs and cats to put their best paw forward when it counts.

Volunteers play a big part at the facility on Forest Glen Drive, where they take the dogs out in the exercise yard to socialize them and help the pups burn off some steam. It makes a big difference when an adoptive family is looking for a new member.

Sometimes, a dog is so energetic and eager to make a new friend that the humans are overwhelmed and see the dog as too excitable, not well trained or maybe even aggressive when none of those is actually the case, volunteer Jim Oaks said.

“The people just see the wild dog,” Oaks said. “The dog is nothing but affectionate, and they don’t give the dogs a chance.”

The other side of the coin is when a See ANIMALS page 21

Jim Oaks, a volunteer at the Suffolk Animal Care Center, helps one of the dogs being held there for adoption burn off some steam so it won’t overwhelm a potential adoptive family.

20 suffolk living

Although they don’t require as much direct physical interaction as the dogs, cats at the Suffolk Animal Care Center are treated well, cuddled and loved by the volunteers who help there.

Keeping You Comfy No Matter What the Season

It’s Hard To Stop A Trane”.

The Montessori Academy of Virginia

“The child can only develop fully by means of experience from his environment” – Dr. Maria Montessori

• Asphalt Paving • Stone & Mulch Sales • Grading • StreetPrint Parking Lots & Driveways www.blairbros.com

Providing Quality Paving Since 1968

757-538-1696 1 Blair Brothers Rd., Suffolk, VA

• Is a state licensed school • Spacious classrooms with traditional Montessori materials which are intellectually and artistically stimulating • Ideal environment to grow and develop the child's inborn skills • Maintains a dedicated staff • Campuses in Va. Bch, Chesapeake and Suffolk

Enrollment is open to all children aged 2 years- through 5th grade Tel: Chesapeake 436-3995 / Va. Bch 497-1882 / Suffolk 484-4902 www.montessoriva.com

suffolk living 21 ANIMALS continued from page 19

dog is too shy to warm up to humans.

“It’s tough for a dog to impress someone in the first few minutes,” said Laurie Brittle, animal shelter manager.

Volunteers help remove this common barrier to adoption by helping to ensure the dogs get outdoor exercise and socialization on a regular basis. They throw toys and even bring homemade treats to encourage the pups to play while they can — but most don’t need any encouragement.

The more time you spend with the dogs, the more they grow on you.

“If you walk through here enough, one of these dogs is going to adopt you,” Oaks said.

He volunteers frequently, along with his wife, Linda.

“My favorite thing is taking the dog outside so they can run,” she said.

Volunteer Debbie Strickland said she is motivated to come to the shelter and volunteer, because she wants to help the animals find their forever homes.

“None of these animals want to be here,” she said.

Volunteers say there is a common reaction among folks who find out what they do at the shelter, something along the lines of, “Oh, I could never volunteer there. I would want to take every dog home.”

These regular volunteers have plenty of dogs at home, they admit, and the Oakses have a 100-gallon saltwater aquarium, as well. So there’s plenty to do without bringing home more animals.

They know their job is to love the animals at the shelter and help make it possible for other people to take them home.

Even with all of the public awareness in the last few years about the importance of adopting pets, it’s still impossible to find adoptive families

Volunteer Linda Oaks plays with one of the dogs available for adoption recently at the Suffolk Animal Care Center.

See ANIMALS page 22

Smiling is Good for Life

Dr. Jana Boyd Family Dentistry

Jana Boyd D.D.S. 2900 Godwin Blvd. Suffolk, VA 23434 Phone 757-539-1588 • Fax 757-539-2649 www.janaboyddds.com

22 suffolk living ANIMALS continued from page 21

for all of the animals that come into the shelter.

“I think a lot of people have in mind the exact breed they want, and everybody wants a puppy,” Brittle said.

Many dogs are brought to the shelter by people who rushed into pet ownership and weren’t prepared.

That’s why the staff at the shelter take pains to make sure animals are compatible with families.

“It’s important to get them adopted, but it’s also important for the adoption to stick,” Brittle said.

Her advice for those who know what they want but want to adopt an animal: “Keep checking back,” she said. “We’re getting dogs in all the time.”

The same goes for cats and even smaller pets, such as hamsters, rabbits, birds and reptiles, all of which have been at the shelter at one time or another.

And the advice for people who think they couldn’t volunteer? Just do it. Your help is needed.

“This place could always use new people,” Jim Oaks said. ←

Volunteer Debbie Strickland holds one of the cats available for adoption recently at the Suffolk Animal Care Center.

Trusted Investment Advice — Custom Financial Solutions — Exceptional Service — Local Suffolk Advisor

David A. Love Senior Vice President, Investments (757) 539-5355 dlove@investdavenport.com investdavenport.com/davidlove 330 West Constance Road, Suite 200 Suffolk, Virginia 23434

suffolk living 23

double chin? the wattle? selfie killer?

Whatever you call it, with CoolSculpting, you can call it

gone.

(757) 483-6550 Book Online

www.skin2ospa.com

5833 Harbour View • Suffolk

You could be suffering from Sleep Apnea, A common and treatable condition which causes poor sleep quality, tiredness and is a risk for serious diseases such as high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.

Feeling Tired When You Shouldn’t Be?

Make an appointment today And don’t let poor sleep ruin your day.

Rajiv Nanavaty, MD, D,ABPN • Shubh Sharma, MD, D,ABSM, FAASM • Lacey D. Lyle, FNP

Physicians Specializing in General Neurology and Sleep Disorders

www.SuffolkNeuro.com

5839 Harbour View Blvd, Suite 201 Suffolk, VA 23435

150 Burnett's Way, Suite 320 Suffolk, VA 23434

757-967-0676

757-934-1900

24 suffolk living

BEST OF SUFFOLK LIVING

We’ve had another big year at Suffolk Living magazine, and we are celebrating with our annual “Best of Suffolk Living” feature.

From downtown to the far reaches of this great city, there is a pile of interesting stories to be found, and we think we’ve only scratched the surface.

This year, we especially enjoyed a feature on Andy Damiani, Mr. Downtown himself, who really ought to be the guy in that “Most Interesting Man in the World” commercial.

We loved getting to know the folks at a couple of shops where busted old cars are resurrected into gleaming exemplars of automotive beauty.

We enjoyed watching folks — men and women, boys and girls — pull their bowstrings taught and then launch arrows at all manner of targets on an archery range at Lone Star Lakes.

We had a great day on the golf course and a few delightful afternoons at some of the city’s biggest food events.

And there were many more wonderful stories and interesting people along the way.

We hope you’ll enjoy this quick trip through the past year. If you missed any of these editions of Suffolk Living magazine, be sure to drop by our office and ask for a copy.

Andy Damiani (above), Mr. Downtown as he is known to many people around Suffolk, was the subject of a wonderful profile in the January/February edition. As it turns out, his time in Suffolk, though memorable and significant, probably doesn’t even rank in his top five periods of life measured by sheer excitement. Photos by John H. Sheally II

suffolk living 25

The folks at East Side Rides, which was featured (above) in the March/April edition, are trying to do more than just transform broken-down old cars. They want to transform the sleepy village of Holland. That same edition featured a look (below) at the people who visit Lone Star Lakes Park for the opportunity to test their skills on its extensive archery trail. In the May/June edition, we went back to the body shop — this time Yocum’s Signature Hot Rods — to see the incredible work Kyle Yocum (right) and his crew can do with only the barest of skeletons upon which to build an automotive work of art. Photos by R.E. Spears III

26 suffolk living

www.nansemondvet.com

The only AAHA-Certified Animal Hospital in Suffolk!

Offering friendly, full service veterinary care since 1938.

We also offer boarding and grooming!

Black

Leading the Way in River Cruising

Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sat. 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

110 Kensington Boulevard, Suffolk, VA Next to the Suffolk YMCA

Network with us See what we’re up to on Facebook.

Need more information 757-539-3437 • suffolklivingmag.com

An AmaWaterways river cruise is about more than the destination - it’s the journey.

With dining options, shore excursions and onboard amenities, you always have the luxury of choice.

See a AAA Travel Agent Today!

AAA Travel is the largest full-service leisure travel agency in the United States. We can customize every aspect of your vacation, creating travel experiences that could exceed your expectations.

CALL (757) 397-5941 CLICK AAA.com/Travel VISIT Your AAA Tidewater Branch AAA members must make advance reservations through AAA Travel to obtain Member Benefits and savings. Member Benefits may vary based on departure and date. Certain restrictions may apply. Not responsible for errors or ommissions. Your local AAA Club acts as an agent for various tour and cruise providers. Copyright © 2016 Tidewater Automobile Association of Virginia, Incorporated. All Rights Reserved.

TRV Suffolk Living Magazine 1-17.indd 1

12/12/2016 2:41:53 PM

suffolk living 27

In our March/April edition, Mike Byrum (above), president of the Suffolk Golf Association, shared some stories from the course, but we’re pretty sure he saved his best stories to tell over a beer in the clubhouse. And speaking of beer, that beverage comes in at a notable second in popularity to the shrimp at the Suffolk Shrimp Fest, one of three nosh-worthy events we featured in the November/December edition. Photos by Troy Cooper

Baron's Pub

189 N. Main St., Suffolk, VA (757) 934-3100 OPEN DAILY : 10 AM - 1 AM

UNCORK'D

115 W. Washington St., Suffolk, VA 757-539-5397

OPEN: Tues-Sat 11 AM - 7 PM / Closed Sun & Mon

Brighter Day Cafe 118 N. Main St., Suffolk, VA 757-925-2023

OPEN: Mon-Sat 10:30 AM - 7 PM / CLOSED - Sun

The Tea Room

201 Prentis St., Suffolk, VA 757-404-6545

By Reservation Only

Salvatore's Pizzeria & Italian Restorante

Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 920 N. Main St. | 757-539-6111

HOURS: Sun-Mon: 7AM - 10PM / Fri & Sat: 11AM -11PM

28 suffolk living

suffolk scene

Chamber Social The Hampton Roads Chamber held its Suffolk holiday social at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront on Dec. 6. PHOTOS BY TRACY AGNEW

Charlie Henderson, Susan Stone and Bill Pollard Inita Gregory and Linda Butler

Sue Moose and Richard Chaing

Robin Fitzgerald, John Tankersley and Felicia Blow

suffolk living 29

Santa at Johnson's Family and pet photos with Santa Claus were offered at Johnson’s Gardens on Dec. 3 as a fundraiser for the Suffolk Humane Society. PHOTOS BY STERLING GILES

suffolk scene

Cliff, Tiffany, Brooklyne, Ryland, Frankie, Olivia, Effie and Casey Carr

From left, Ira Foltz, Ryan Foltz, Deborah Foltz, Ivana Foltz and Luke Foltz

Libbie and Santa Claus

Olivia, Effie and Ryland Carr

30 suffolk living

suffolk scene

Craft Fair The Handcrafted for the Holidays Artisan Gift Fair was held at the Suffolk Visitor Center Pavilion on Dec. 3. Vendors sold a variety of handmade gifts.

PHOTOS BY STERLING GILES

Above, Michelle DeGroat At right, Susan, Travis and Charlie Lawhorne

Quality Care Using a Gentle Touch

• Nutritional Meal Preparation • Companionship • Errands Offering Classes for • Light House Keeping Patient Care Assistants • Respite Services CALL NOW! 140 W. Washington St. Suite 108, Suffolk, VA | 757-934-6717

suffolk living 31

S U F F O L K

C E N T E R

F O R

C U L T U R A L

A R T S

EXPERIENCE UNFORGETTABLE ENTERTAINMENT! TICKETS: 757.923.2900 SuffolkCenter.org

MARK MARK NIZER NIZER

DEEP RIVER

ROCK ROCK & & ROLL ROLL JUBILEE JUBILEE

FAMILY FAMILY OPERA OPERA

CONCERT CONCERT & & COMEDY COMEDY

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2PM

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 11, 8PM

SATURDAY MARCH 18, 8PM

JUGGLING JUGGLING & & COMEDY COMEDY

Sponsored by The Crossings at Harbourview

Sponsored by Virginia Commission for the Arts

Sponsored by Mike Duman & Edward Jones & The Office of Margie Wiley

110 W. FINNEY AVE. | SUFFOLK, VA 23434 | 757.923.0003 JANUARY 26 11AM SUFFOLKCENTER.org | FACEBOOK.com/SUFFOLKCENTER

JANUARY 21 8PM

THE SCCA IS A NON-PROFIT 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATION

32 suffolk living

on vacation Pauly and Desiree Page of Carrollton are more excited than terrified as they prepare to ride the Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park in Orlando, Fla., last month. Maybe having a copy of Suffolk Living magazine along for the ride helped to calm their nerves.

You should try it sometime. Studies show that carrying a copy of Suffolk Living on your next vacation will help you overcome nearly all vacation-related stress, especially if you snap a photo like this one and then send it to us at news@suffolklivingmagazine.com.

To our past. To our future...

2

Two-Stone Fashion Jewelry

Us

EST: 1991 Family Owned & Operated

TM

1411 N. Main St. Suffolk, VA 23434

757.934.8101

COME JOIN OUR PROFESIONAL TEAM

"The Companion of Love Support Team"

Patient Care Assistant (PCA) Classes

"Give your love one a companion of love"

Enrolling NOW for Fall Classes

CALL NOW START YOUR CARREER AS A PCA!

Get Social!

with

Suffolk Public Schools /suffolkVAPublicSchools

Professional • Compassionate • Well Trained

assisting patients transitioning from the Hospital or Rehabilitative Center Care

@SufVAschools @SuffolkSchools

424 Market Street., Suite 104 Suffolk, VA (757) 925-3711 | Hours: Mon-Fri: 9 am - 4:30 pm Browse our web site www.companionoflove.net

suffolk living 33

Last edition’s Where Am I? Everyone who happened to know where am I? where the photo was I taken for the Where Am I feature in the November/December edition of Suffolk Living thought it was just about the easiest challenge we’ve ever posted. But they’d be surprised to know that we had only a handful of correct answers, including one from Stacy Phares, who guessed correctly that we’d shot a portion of the sign at the Lockheed Martin Center for Innovation in Harbour View. Stacy wins a $25 gift card for having her name randomly chosen from among those who guessed correctly. Check on Page 13 for your chance to win.

suffolk living 25

n each edition the Suffolk Living staff provides a challenge of sorts, testing how much of Suffolk you really know.

We photograph some location in Suffolk that is readily accessible and open to the public, and see if you can tell us where it is.

If you know where this photo was taken, submit your answer, along with your name and contact information to news@suffolklivingmag.com. If you’re right, you will be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to any one of our partner advertisers.

So, if you know where this is, let us know. If you’re right, you could be a winner.

Go out and enjoy Suffolk!

34 suffolk living

scrapbook

Farmhouse: Photographed in 1941 for a project by the U.S. government, the Joiner Farmhouse was located near the Blackwater River in what was then Nansemond County. Thought to have been built in 1765, it was in poor condition and abandoned at the time that it was catalogued for the Historical American Buildings Survey. The photograph is now part of a collection at the U.S. Library of Congress.

Courtesy of U.S. Library of Congress

Often the

TREASURE IS INSIDE.

The Village at Woods Edge

Small town charm. Engaging senior living.

Even when the surface of a thing is truly distinctive, we often need to look inside to find the real pearl (or the really delicious oyster). At The Village at Woods Edge, the beautiful countryside and the modern cottages and apartment homes may first catch your eye, but soon you’ll see there’s even more to this vibrant senior living community. To begin with, it’s a great value, offering unusually spacious residences, high-quality services and amenities, and a variety of classes and events to keep you happy and well. And there are activities, like in-season oyster roasts, that aren’t on the regular schedule but are among residents’ favorites. To arrange a visit and get started on finding your own favorite things here, call 757-745-4935 today.

1401 North High Street · Franklin, VA 23851 · 757-745-4935 · VillageAtWoodsEdge.com

AS GOOD AS SOLD! !

SOLD

!

ONT

FR AKE

L

!

SOLD

4+ ACRES

OAK LAKE

EASY ACCESS TO RT 58 BY-PASS

$366,900!

$379,000!

$179,900!

Custom built 5 BR 3 Bath ranch with 3,000 SFLA, Stunning and immaculate 5 BR 2 ½ Bath 2 story with Charming ranch with 2 or 3 BRs 2 Baths and 2,000+ bamboo hardwood, open kitchen and only 3 years old! 2,650 SFLA, open floor plan, huge deck and lakeside pier! SFLA! Huge 18’X24’ master bedroom suite and more!

!

LAKE PRINCE MEADOWS

Custom built 4 BR 3 Bath with 2,900+ SFLA, huge open kitchen with beautiful birch cabinetry on 2 Acres!

$336,900!

SOLD

KINGS POINT

All brick ranch with 3 BRs 2 Baths, screened porch, large lot and seconds from RT 58 By-Pass!

$249,900!

!

RIVERVIEW $234,900!

LAKE PRINCE MEADOWS

Nice brick ranch with 3 BRs 2 Baths and located on 1.46 acre lot on quiet, peaceful dead end street!

$285,000!

$299,900!

LAKEFRONT

Spacious 4 BR 3 Bath home on the lake with 3,400 SFLA nestled on a beautiful secluded lot!

$269,900!

WHALEYLVILLE

Charming 3 BR 2 Bath 1,963 SFLA all brick ranch! Enjoy the enclosed 1,200 SF back porch overlooking private yard!

$184,900!

LAKE MEADE POINT

Classic 3200 SFLA brick colonial with 4 BRs 2 ½ Baths and over 400’ of lake frontage with boat dock!

$364,900!

A 18+

Relax in the country on 8+ acres! Partially remodeled 4 BR 2 Bath farmhouse and well landscaped yard!

$154,900!

NORTHGATE

Spacious 4 BR 4 Bath with 4200+ SFLA overlooking Lake Meade! Deck, pier, boathouse and bulkhead!

$524,900!

!

U RED

S

CRE

!

SOLD

WHALEYVILLE

Enjoy country living in this charming 3 BR 2 Bath ranch with over 1,700 SFLA, spacious master suite, patio, and Shed!

CED

!

SOLD

$114,900!

CARROLLTON

Immaculate custom built 3 BR 2 Bath home with 2 master suites on quiet cul-de-sac with water view!

SOLD

Cape Cod with 3 BRs 2 1/2 Baths, 2,000+ SFLA, new appliances, gas pack and other upgrades plus low utilities!

IVOR

UC RED

!

CED

U RED

$154,900!

ED!

!

SOLD

PALMYRA

Attractive 3 BR 1 ½ Bath with large family room, H/W floors, new windows and large backyard!

COUNTRY LIVING

Pristine dollhouse on 18.67 acres! Home features 3 BRs 3 Baths, new windows, new siding, S/S appliances!

$299,900!

OLDE MILL CREEK

Quality 4 BR 2 ½ Bath home with 3,000+ SFLA, 9 Ft ceilings and hardwood flooring! Must see!

$374,900

!

CED

U RED

FRANKLIN

Spacious brick 4 BR 2 Bath ranch with low utilities!

Huge .6 acre lot on quiet street!

$147,000!

CENTRAL SUFFOLK

All brick cape cod with 3 BRs 2 Baths 1,894 SFLA! First floor bedroom, and carport! Excellent investment!

$159,900!

!

SOLD

AMES COVE

Solid brick ranch includes new windows, finished room over garage large yard and screened back porch!

330 West Constance Rd., Suffolk VA or Call (757) 539-7451

$215,000!