Suffolk Living July-August 2019

suffolklivingmag.com

Global Leaders LOCAL INFLUENCERS HAVE WORLDWIDE REACH july/august 2019 • vol. 10, no. 4

2 suffolk living

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FEATURE

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The art of tofu went from Suffolk to Japan and back again in recent years with a special variety of soybeans and a Tofu Master.

CONTENTS jul - aug | 2019 17

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

12 In the News

A special playground accessible to youngsters with different abilities opened recently at Lake Meade Park.

ON THE COVER suffolklivingmag.com

Stylist to stars

24 Suffolk native LaTroy Brinkley fell into the art of hairstyling by accident and now has multiple celebrity clients.

Global Leaders LOCAL INFLUENCERS HAVE WORLDWIDE REACH july/august 2019 • vol. 10, no. 4

by Troy Cooper

editor's note jul - aug

2019 Celebrating Suffolk’s global influence On West Washington Street just down from the square at the corner of Main and Washington streets, two Suffolk guys are running businesses that are representative of the global influence of

EDITORIAL Tracy Agnew Editor

Suffolk culture.

Suffolk may seem like a sleepy little town, but it has always had a wide reach. From its impact on wars and the peanut industry to health care and now the arts, Suffolk has held the turning

Alex Perry Writer & Photographer

point in many facets of life.

Jen Jaqua Photographer

and Michael Hart are laboring in the fields they love: hairstyling

Jimmy LaRoue Writer

Suffolk’s wide-ranging cultural influence.

news@suffolklivingmag.com

ADVERTISING

Earl Jones Marketing Consultant Lindsay Richardson Marketing Consultant Kandyce Kirkland Marketing Consultant sales@suffolklivingmag.com

PRODUCTION Troy Cooper Designer

ADMINISTRATION John Carr Publisher

Cathy Daughtrey Business Manager Hope Rose Production

In the 100 block of West Washington Street, LaTroy Brinkley and the culinary arts, respectively. And they are contributing to Brinkley, a Suffolk native, has gone from styling hair at Virginia State University to make a little extra money to being a stylist to the stars — counting celebrities such as Mo’Nique, Coko and Phaedra Parks as his clients.

Across the street, Hart, a sushi chef who trained under Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, in June hosted a tofu-making demonstration by a Japanese Tofu Master who won a national tofu competition in Japan with soybeans from the Suffolk area.

How’s that for global influence?

We hope you enjoy the heat of summer and stay safe.

We’re always looking for your submissions to help us make Suffolk Living better. We need you for story ideas, submissions for the Through The Lens and On Vacation features, guesses for the Where Am I? feature and any other suggestions you may have. Please send these items to news@ suffolklivingmag.com.

God bless.

Tracy Agnew, Editor

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

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8 suffolk living

Perspectives: Paintings, Mixed Media, Drawings

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

JULY 27

“Perspectives: Paintings, Mixed Media, Drawings,” a one-person exhibit by John Alan Stock, winner of the 2018 Annual Juried Exhibition of the Suffolk Art League, will open with a reception from 4 to 7 p.m. with an artist talk at 5 p.m. The show will be on display through Aug. 23. Stock is a renowned artist who has presented 23 solo exhibitions, 10 two-person shows and more than 100 group shows in a career that stretches more than 50 years. His art has traveled in cultural exchange programs and been shown on multiple continents. His art is organized in series that stretch across a broad spectrum of subject matter and mediums. In addition to Stock’s show, “Architecture in Virginia: The Old Dominion,” a traveling exhibition of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, will be on display.

This panel exhibit displays photographs and descriptions of 24 significant examples of Virginia architecture from 1780-1861. The Suffolk Art Gallery, 118 Bosley Ave., is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. Call 925-0448 or visit suffolkartleague.com. Photo: A portion of “Fantasy or Myth No. 4” by John Alan Stock

suffolk living 9

what to do THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2

“I Thee Wed,” an exhibit at the SuffolkNansemond Historical Society’s PhillipsDawson House, 137 Bank St., will be on display through Sept. 2. This exhibit features photos, designs and memorabilia from weddings through the years. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Call 539-2781 or visit www.SuffolkHistory.org.

JULY 20

“Cars, Cycles, Songs and Coffee” will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., weather permitting, at Glebe Episcopal Church, 4400 Nansemond Parkway. There will be sausage biscuits and doughnuts for purchase, free coffee, gospel singing from 10 to 11 a.m. and guided tours of the colonial church and graveyard.

JULY 27

The Peanut City Cloggers will hold a barn dance presented by the Suffolk Shrine Club from 6 to 9 p.m. at Khedive Shrine Center, 645 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake. Cost is a $5 donation at the door. There will be clogging, silent auctions, raffles, cake walks, food for sale and more.

Meet American Girl Maryellen Larkin, who lives with her family in Daytona Beach,

Fla., in the 1950s — the era of poodle skirts and sock hops. She is an enthusiastic, imaginative girl who longs to stand out in her big family. She likes to find fun ways to help others and even uses her birthday celebration for a special cause, which puts her in the spotlight. There are three sittings at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Riddick’s Folly House Museum, 510 N. Main St. Reserve your spot by calling 934-0822 or emailing riddicksfolly@verizon.net.

AUGUST 6

National Night Out will happen in communities across Suffolk from 5:30 to 9 p.m. This nationwide event encourages people to turn on their porch lights, lock their doors and get outside to get to know their neighbors and local public safety officers. Celebrations are happening in a neighborhood near you — visit suffolknno. com for more information.

AUGUST 10

Second Saturdays in Downtown Suffolk will be held by the SPARC (Suffolk’s Premier Art, Retail and Cultural) Initiative. Second Saturdays offers the opportunity to tour more than 20 artist studios, some with demonstrations; browse the SPARC Shoppe,

an artisan retail sales gallery featuring handmade items by local artists; free art activities; and more. The open-air market at the Courthouse Park next to the SPARC Shoppe, 126 N. Main St., will feature vendors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; SPARC Shoppe will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; an artisan demonstration will take place at the SPARC Shoppe from 1 to 5 p.m., with light refreshments; and OnePast7 Studios, 100 N. Main St., will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. Visit SPARCVA.com or call 809-3229 for more information.

The sixth annual Suffolk Mystery Authors Festival will take place from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 110 W. Finney Ave. This festival will include 40 best-selling authors from various genres, including mystery, suspense, paranormal, horror, romance and women’s fiction. There will be book signings, meet and greets, panel discussions and workshops. The headlining author is Julie Hyzy, a New York Times bestselling author of 22 novels and many short stories, best known for her White House Chef, Manor of Murder and the Alex St. James series. Call the Suffolk Visitor Center at 514-4130 or visit www.

10 suffolk living suffolkmysteryauthorsfestival.com.

AUGUST 16-18

The Nansemond Indian Nation Powwow will take place at Mattanock Town, 1001 Pembroke Lane. This two-day cultural celebration features music, dance, authentic crafts and food. Admission and parking are free, although donations are gladly accepted. The powwow will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Grand entry is at noon Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. Visit www. nansemond.org for more information.

Taste of Suffolk Downtown Street Festival

SEPTEMBER 7

The Taste of Suffolk Downtown Street Festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in historic downtown Suffolk, near the intersections of Main and Washington streets. The annual street festival tradition features specialty food items from local restaurants, goods and services from crafters, vendors and merchants, children’s activities and live entertainment, a new vehicle exhibition and more.

SEPTEMBER 14

Second Saturdays in Downtown Suffolk will be held by the SPARC (Suffolk’s Premier Art, Retail and Cultural) Initiative. Second

Saturdays offers the opportunity to tour more than 20 artist studios, some with demonstrations; browse the SPARC Shoppe, an artisan retail sales gallery featuring handmade items by local artists; free art activities; and more. The open-air market at the Courthouse Park next to the SPARC Shoppe, 126 N. Main St., will feature vendors

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from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; SPARC Shoppe will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; an artisan demonstration will take place at the SPARC Shoppe from 1 to 5 p.m., with light refreshments; and OnePast7 Studios, 100 N. Main St., will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. Visit SPARCVA.com or call 809-3229 for more information.

suffolk living 11

through the lens: Jenny Hayut

J

enny Hayut is a published author and poet who spent her early childhood growing up in Suffolk. She says her photography and poetry go hand in hand and offer a reminder of the simplicity and beauty that surrounds us. From abandoned farmhouses to wildflowers on the side of the road, she is captivated by that which is not perfect and tries to capture the remnants and evidence of life within her photography. We’re always looking for amateur and professional photographers who want to share their views of Suffolk. If you’d like to have your work considered, send an email to news@suffolklivingmag.com.

12 suffolk living

in the news New playground has fun for all abilities Story and photos by Alex Perry

L

ogan Morean, 7, helped Suffolk Mayor Linda T. Johnson cut the ribbon at Lake Meade Park on June 12 for Suffolk’s first playground that’s compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act — before Logan and dozens of other children enjoyed the new inclusive playground.

“Mayor, you said you’re excited to cut the ribbon,” Suffolk Parks and Recreation Director Mark Furlo said during his remarks. “Probably not as excited as the children over there, who are waiting anxiously.”

This inclusive playground is located at the Kids Zone Community Playground at Lake Meade Park, 201 Holly Lawn Parkway behind Kroger. The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by Johnson, members of City Council and other organizations that assisted in this project.

Johnson said the new playground is a wonderful complement to the park’s pre-

A Book Festival Like No Other!

existing playground, as well as the nature trail, skate park, dog park, tennis courts and other features. This addition will allow children of all abilities to be included in the fun, because “all should play together,” Johnson said.

“This new play environment is designed to serve the physical, social, sensory, cognitive and emotional needs of children of all abilities in our community,” Johnson said in her remarks. “Most importantly, it provides an opportunity for social interaction and the development of understanding, acceptance and the building of common ground between children with disabilities and those without.”

The playground was partially funded through Obici Healthcare Foundation grants and a partnership between GameTime, GameTime’s parent company PlayCore and the Virginia Recreation Parks Society, according to the press release.

Inclusive play incorporates universal design

features so that children with different abilities can interact and play together.

According to Gregg Dollings, sales associate for GameTime representative Cunningham Recreation, the pour-in-place rubber surface of the playground reduces the risk of head injuries. Ramps are wide enough for wheelchair access, and the spinning Merry-Go-All is designed to make it easier for children to get from their wheelchairs into the merry-goround seats.

There are also GameTime’s “Expression Swings,” which allows for face-to-face interaction between an adult and child mid-swing.

Children on Wednesday enjoyed being able to share the equipment together as they swung back and forth.

“Research tells us when a parent and a child's eyes meet, particularly during play, there is an intense and significant moment of emotional bonding that occurs,” according

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suffolk living 13

Logan Morean helps Mayor Linda T. Johnson cut the ribbon on a new playground at Lake Meade Park while City Council members Mike Duman, Donald Goldberg and Roger Fawcett look on.

to gametime.com. “Scientists call this ‘attunement’ and it enhances the social, emotional and cognitive well-being of both children and adults.”

Logan Morean enjoyed the playground’s opening day with his parents Amanda and Steven Morean. Logan is diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a rare disorder of progressive weakness that affects roughly 1 in 3,600 boys in the United States.

He’s an ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and he had no trouble swinging, sliding and playing with all of the other kids.

“He still has his differences, but we try to make him feel as normal as possible,” Amanda Morean said.

“The message here today is that Suffolk is a place for everyone,” Johnson said, “and these new playgrounds help us to make that idea more of a reality for all of the children in our community.

“Always remember that kids deserve the right to think — and to know — that they can change the world.”

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16 suffolk living

suffolk living 17

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!

18 suffolk living

GROWING GASTRONOMICAL INFLUENCE Story by Tracy Agnew Photography by Troy Cooper & Submitted Photos

suffolk living 19

G

lobal influence of Suffolk’s agriculture and food scene has been growing in recent years.

A prime (and tasty) example? Soybeans grown in Suffolk and Isle of Wight County recently produced a tofu that won a national tofu competition in Japan.

Tofu is important to Kazutaka Itami, the Japanese chef who won the competition with the tofu produced from a special variety of soybeans grown here.

Itami, 39, has been a chef for 18 years, following in his father’s footsteps. In an email exchange translated by Michiya Hirano, he said tofu has a long and significant history in Japanese cuisine.

Tofu-making was first recorded in China more than 2,000 years ago, according to a history of tofu at soya.be. Kento priests who went to China to study Buddhism reportedly brought tofu back to Japan during the Nara era (710794), according to the article. The word “tofu” was first mentioned in Japan in the diary of the Shinto priest Nakaomi. It was an important part of priests’ vegetarian diets for the protein, the website states.

These days, Itami said, Japanese tofu plays a role in everything from high-end dining in Kyoto to an economical staple in more rural areas.

Tofu is eaten plain or in other recipes, where it tends to take on the flavors surrounding it.

Itami said U.S. soybeans have been supplied more sustainably and cheaper than Japanese ones, and they also have a higher protein and oil content, which helps the texture and flavor of the tofu.

Enter Tom Taliaferro of Montague Farms, based on Virginia’s Middle Peninsula. The farm has a “typical” family farm that grows corn, barley, wheat and soybeans. But it also has specialty soybean varieties it has produced through a partnership with Virginia Tech’s soybean breeding program, and it contracts with growers throughout the Mid-Atlantic — including in Suffolk and Isle of Wight — to grow them.

“One of the new varieties that came out of Virginia Tech is a very large, high-protein variety,” Taliaferro said. “We introduced that to some of our customers in Japan two or three years ago.”

It became very popular, and one of Taliaferro’s customers asked Itami to enter the national See TOFU page 20

Kazutaka Itami pours in water to blend with soybeans during a June 15 demonstration on tofu-making at Suffolk’s Sushi Aka on West Washington Street. Itami won a national tofu-making contest in Japan with a special variety of soybeans grown in Virginia.

20 suffolk living

Kazutaka Itami allows guests at a tofu-making demonstration at Sushi Aka to stir the blend of soybeans.

TOFU continued from page 19

tofu competition using the Virginia-grown soybeans, Taliaferro said.

“The specific soybeans that won the competition were grown in Isle of Wight by Ken Edwards,” Taliaferro said. “This year, we have production in a number of different places, to include Suffolk.”

Taliaferro said his customers report this variety of soybean — named Hanamizuki Momen, after the Japanese word for “dogwood,” the state flower of Virginia — produces a better flavor and a brighter, whiter tofu, which is desirable.

“The size also helps,” Taliaferro said. “The less skin you have and the more internal soybean content, the greater the yield out of the tofu.”

In June, Itami traveled from Japan all the way to Suffolk to do a tofu-making demonstration at Sushi Aka on West Washington Street. He blended pre-soaked soybeans to get

soymilk, added coagulant and pressed the soy curds into bricks of tofu.

“The artistry, to me, is related to the addition of the coagulant, the temperature in the soymilk, the timing, the speed, how long you circulate it — all of that is really the artistry of the tofu making,” Taliaferro said.

He said the idea of his soybean variety winning a Japanese tofu competition — plus a photo of Japanese schoolchildren eating tofu from his soybeans — was fulfilling for him.

“It truly brings home that we’re not in the commodity business; what we do is providing a food product,” Taliaferro said. “It’s easy to lose sight of that in an export market where you close the container doors and the product is gone.”

Michael Hart, owner and chef at Sushi Aka, said Itami’s win in the competition with local soybeans illustrated Suffolk’s global agricultural and culinary influence.

suffolk living 21

“It truly brings home that we’re not in the commodity business; what we do is providing a food product. It’s easy to lose sight of that in an export market where you close the container doors and the product is gone.”

- Tom Taliaferro of Montague Farms Kazutaka Itami shows off a brick of tofu during a tofu-making demonstration at Suffolk’s Sushi Aka on June 15.

22 suffolk living

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Suffolk native LaTroy Brinkley relaxes between customers at his West Washington Street salon.

Brinkley counts multiple celebrity clients in his contacts and often travels for work.

Stylist to stars, but Suffolk is home Story by Alex Perry Photography by Troy Cooper

L

aTroy Brinkley is the owner of Serendipity Hair Salon in downtown Suffolk. A Suffolk native, Brinkley, 42, has built a reputation with his services that’s based on years of experience and a commitment to his local community.

His hair-cutting career started at Virginia State University, from which he graduated in 1999. He would cut guys’ hair in the

dorm, then began to style ladies’ hair for a bit more money.

He was part of the Virginia State University Gospel Chorale — as well as the director of it from 1998 to 2001 — and he got more hairstyling practice traveling when he helped the ladies shine for competitions.

“I started investing in little things like hot curlers, combs, that sort of thing,” Brinkley

said inside his salon on West Washington Street. “It was just something to do. I never thought it would matriculate into what I do now.”

After college, Brinkley came back to Suffolk and started cutting hair at the Chop Shop, also on West Washington Street. It was during his time at the Chop Shop that a client nominated the shop for the Steve See STYLIST page 26

suffolk living 25

26 suffolk living

LaTroy Brinkley helped style guests at Barack Obama’s second inauguration in 2013 in Washington, D.C. STYLIST continued from page 24

Harvey Morning Show’s annual Neighborhood Awards in 2010.

The Chop Shop was nominated for best hair salon. They didn’t come in first place, but business picked up sharply after that recognition, he said.

“After that business started to boom, so I opened my own salon,” he said. Serendipity Hair Salon hit the six-year mark on July 3.

Brinkley’s momentum at that point led him to meet Johnny Wright, the personal hair stylist for First Lady Michelle Obama for both of President Barack Obama’s terms, from 2009 to 2017.

Wright took Brinkley under his wing and became a crucial mentor for the Suffolk hairstylist. Brinkley even got to work with him during Obama’s second inauguration in Washington,

D.C., styling other people at the event while Wright worked with Michelle Obama.

It was a surreal, nerve-wracking experience and the highlight of Brinkley’s career, and he credits Wright for all of his guidance and support.

“Working with Johnny and seeing what he does and how he does it — because this is an ever-changing career — I learned a lot from him during that time. I learned the business aspect from him, as well as the hands-on (aspect),” Brinkley said.

With Wright as his mentor, Brinkley became part of the “influencers circle” for “L'Oreal's Soft Sheen-Carson” brand in 2011. He also became the executive hairstylist for the Neighborhood Awards in 2014, before the awards were can-

celed in 2017.

From then on, he began meeting his celebrity clients like American Grammy-winner Erica Campbell, Tami Roman of the “Basketball Wives” television series and comedians Sheryl Underwood and Mo’Nique.

Mo’Nique was Brinkley’s first celebrity that he personally styled for, and although he was nervous at first, the two ended up working well together.

“It turned out to be a good working relationship," he said. “Whenever she came to the area, she would call and I would style her, so it turned out pretty good.”

When Brinkley’s clients come in for deep conditionings, hair extensions or whatever else they desire, he aims for a comfortable, stressSee STYLIST page 27

suffolk living 27 STYLIST continued from page 26

free experience with fun conversation and a break from the daily grind.

Clients get their hair cut to their liking and then stop by the Uncork’d wine shop next door, head across West Washington Street for Sushi Aka’s menu or to the Plaid Turnip, Brighter Day Café’ or another downtown restaurant.

“When they leave out of here, I want them to feel like a million bucks, and that’s what they do,” he said.

Some regulars — people he’s met on the road traveling — come from as far as North Carolina and Washington, D.C., to get their hair cut by Brinkley, he said. In Suffolk there are pastors’ wives, Sentara Obici staff and city officials that come to his salon. Even classmates of his from his Lakeland High School

days — plus some from even further back than that.

“One of my clients now was my speech pathologist when I was in second grade,” he said.

He has gotten good support his friends and family, his two children attending Virginia State University, and another in middle school that just turned 12.

He recalled how his dad was skeptical about his career change at first. Brinkley left a job at Verizon to pursue haircutting full time, he said, but now his dad sees how rewarding it is.

“My dad has been a great supporter, but all of my family … they know I work long hours and travel a lot, so it’s always, ‘Hey, have you eaten? Come by and pick up a plate on your way home,’” Brinkley said.

Brinkley’s services also go beyond Suffolk’s

proms, weddings and funerals and into those in the community that need the most help.

He’s previously served on several boards, including Suffolk Clean Community Commission, Suffolk Office on Youth and the Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority. He’s currently on the board for the Salvation Army of Suffolk, ringing the bell outside of Walmart during the Christmas season for donations.

He and his fellow haircutters locally giveaway free haircuts, especially for underprivileged children when it’s time to go back to school, and also for empowering women through Dress for Success Hampton Roads.

Brinkley gives back to his hometown, both in and out of his salon.

“This is home, and home is where the heart is,” he said.

Clockwise from far left: LaTroy Brinkley and Johnny Wright host the red carpet at the Steve Harvey Neighborhood Awards; Brinkley with Elise Neal; Brinkley and Sheryl Underwood at the Steve Harvey Neighborhood Awards; Brinkley and comedian Mo’Nique at the Steve Harvey Morning Show.

28 suffolk living

suffolk scene

TGIF The annual TGIF Summer Concert Series returned with the band Bobby Blackhat at Constant’s Wharf Park and Marina on East Constance Road on June 14. Hundreds of people come out to these concerts during the summer to see old friends, make new friends and enjoy the outdoors and good music. PHOTOS BY ALEX PERRY

Tina and Floyd Logan with their granddaughter Tamia Logan, 7

Lavelton Hyman, his daughter Kaitelynn Hyman, 11, and his wife Natalie Hyman

Lauryn Golden with her daughter Londyn Golden, 9, and their dog Levi

Liam R. and his sons Will, 7, Luke, 5, and James, 3

Jamal Chestnut with his son Sebastian Chestnut, and Ashlee Warman with her son Shane Warman and dog Noel

Parks and Recreation Marketing Specialist Chelsea Price and Magnolia the dog

suffolk living 29

Relay for Life Hundreds of friends, family members and survivors gathered at the Nansemond River High School track on May 18 to walk during Relay for Life of Suffolk. The Suffolk Relay was one of more than 2,500 Relay events held nationwide by the American Cancer Society annually to raise money and support cancer survivors and their caregivers.

PHOTOS BY ALEX PERRY

Dawn Jillson and Sara Shaeffer

suffolk scene

Joshua Rice, 13; Hannah Rice, 21; Taylor Lassiter, 16; Sarah Bazemore, 16; Aaron Britt, 20

Lakeland High School students Naleah Chavers, 17; Mechone Davis, 16; Michael Britt, 18; “Cavs for a Cure� team sponsor Angela White, and students Daniel Battle, 18; and Marissa Clark, 15

Samantha Hyman holding Emma Hyman, 2, Dillon Wimberley, 11, Debbie Lauver, and Melissa Brenan holding Madison Brenan, 2

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suffolk scene

Farmers Market The Suffolk Farmers’ Market kicked off another season of delicious treats and openair entertainment on May 4. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays under the open-air pavilion behind the Suffolk Visitor Center on North Main St. until Nov. 23.

PHOTOS BY ALEX PERRY

Breanna and Derrick Parkos with Evelyn, 2

Dianne and Jamie Walker

Lorraine Houghton with Ana-Lucia, 4, and Eliana, 1, Houghton

Larkyn Earles, 5

Franklin, 2, and Theodore, 4, Baitinger

Lauren McIntyre and Deja Grays

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Beer, Bands and BBQ The turnout for the Crittenden, Eclipse and Hobson Ruritan Club’s 19th annual “Beer, Bands and BBQ” may have been dampened by the rain on May 11, but that didn’t stop visitors from having a good time. Anthony Rosano and the Conqueroos played on stage as visitors filled their cups at the beer truck and enjoyed each other’s company under tent cover. PHOTOS BY ALEX PERRY

suffolk scene

David and Darlene Gengel

Chelsea Stompf, Morgan Montague, Amber Amos and Jean Montague

Rana Weaver and Jon and Melissa Hlinovsky

Anthony Rosano and The Conqueroos

Kay Gray, Jo Branon and Maggie Krohn

Erin Badran, Mary Old, Skylar Old, Troy Davis and Juan Lascano

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on vacation

Suffolk Living went to lots of great places this spring!

Clockwise from top left, John DiStasio and Amanda Phelps at the 145th Kentucky Derby; Suffolk Business Women members who went to the Outer Banks together were Deb Gayle, Tommie Draper, Carla Hones, Karen Dunn, Kathy Hines, Sandy Young, Karla Kelly, Susan Draper, Lisa Turner and Debbie Chappell; Peter Garcia and Danny Epperson traveled to Nassau, Bahamas, for a beach picture; and Lauren Violette-Sherman and Tim Sherman enjoyed a trip to Boston, Mass.

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At top, the Meadows family took Suffolk Living to Gettysburg, Pa., where ancestor James R. Meadows was wounded in Pickett’s Charge; above, Melva West, seated center, took Suffolk Living on her 30th Operation Smile mission trip to the Sheikh-Zayd Hospital in Cairo, Egypt; at left, Gail HintonCopeland, Joyce Garretson and Gwen Jones enjoyed their day with Suffolk Living at a mall in Dubai.

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Last edition’s Where Am I? Only four readers recognized the decorative window in our May/June issue.

They knew it greets observant travelers on Kenyon Road who drive past West Suffolk Baptist Church. One of those observant travelers, Steve Lindblad, was randomly drawn as the where am I? winner of this month’s I challenge. Lindblad is a repeat winner, having just been lucky enough to win the January/ February contest as well.

Lindblad wins a $25 gift card for his observation skills — and, apparently, lots of luck.

Check out this month’s challenge on page 17. suffolk living 23

TAKING A TRIP?

Take a Suffolk Living with you

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!

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Congratulations and thank you for your years of dedication to the patients of Suffolk!

Send us your travel photos with a copy of Suffolk Living. We'd love to publish them.

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scrapbook

SARATOGA: The north end of Saratoga Street opened around 1900. The thicket at the north end of the street would eventually be cleared with the opening of Suffolk High School and, later, Freemason Street. The house on the east side of the street has been replaced by a playground.

COURTESY OF SUFFOLK-NANSEMOND HISTORICAL SOCIETYY