Suffolk Living magazine

suffolklivingmag.com

Restored ARCHERY, GOLF AND A REBIRTH IN HOLLAND

march/april 2016 • vol. 7, no. 2

“HOLY COW” Are You Ready To “MOOOVE”?

26.2

Suffolk, Fran

The Best Real Estate Agent

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FEATURE

20

Randy and Lisa Byrne are restoring more than just old cars in the village of Holland.

contents mar - apr | 2016 15

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

19

Through The Lens | MIichael Rowlands

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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

A friendly round

24 Mike Byrum loves the Suffolk Golf Course.

First round, best round and only hole-in-one — they all happened there.

On the cover suffolklivingmag.com

28 There are many differences between archery and golf. But in this, they’re similar: If you don’t shoot well, it could be expensive.

suffolklivingmag.com

Hot Rods

Restored

THE BEST OF SUFFOLK LIVING AND A TV TRAILBLAZER

ARCHERY, GOLF AND A REBIRTH IN HOLLAND

12

march/april 2016 • vol. 7, no. 2

Suffolk didn’t get much snow this year, but our readers took advantage of what they got, and they shared their photos with us.

march/april 2016 • vol. 7, no. 2

Restoration, by R.E. Spears III

editor's note mar-apr

2016 Spotlight on SL staff Kimberly Osborne Kimberly Osborne is a marketing consultant for Suffolk Living and the Suffolk News-Herald. She is a New England transplant to Virginia and lives in Smithfield with her two sons, 12 and 17.

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

ADVERTISING

Earl Jones Marketing Consultant Nathan Richardson Marketing Consultant Kimberly Osborne Marketing Consultant Dana Snow Marketing Consultant sales@suffolklivingmag.com

Awake and alive outside When spring briefly asserted itself back in February, we joined much of the rest of Suffolk rejoicing at the opportunity to be outside. Now that March is fully engaged, meteorologists have promised us we’re finally done with what, to be honest, was one of the milder Southeast Virginia winters in recent memory.

Mild or not, though, we’ll be pleased to see it gone, thank you very much.

With these things generally in mind, we turned our focus for this edition of Suffolk Living magazine generally to outside pursuits.

Tracy Agnew would be the first to admit that golf really isn’t her thing, so she was hesitant about being assigned a golf story. But she quickly found connections with Suffolk Golf Association President Mike Byrum, who had interesting stories to share and has a great love of both the game of golf and the association of Suffolk golfers that makes its home at the Suffolk Golf Course.

Also stepping out of his comfort zone for this edition was Titus Mohler, who visited the Kingsboro Bowmen at their archery range in Lone Star Lakes Park at the end of February. I admit I might have suggested Legolas, the elf from “Lord of the Rings,” would be there.

We missed Legolas, but we found lots of folks with non-pointed ears having a good time shooting foam targets. (There’s a polar bear and a stegosaurus, along with the expected deer and coyotes, so it’s a pretty exotic hunting ground.) As with golf, poor aim can be expensive.

The last of our features this time might seem disconnected from the other two, but if Randy and Lisa Byrne are successful with their efforts to help revitalize the village of Holland, folks will want to visit and spend time walking the sidewalks of town again. The Byrnes opened East Side Rides in a former gas station in 2013. Since then, they’ve bought two other old buildings in the village and are in the process of restoring and repurposing them for their growing automotive restoration business. When they’re done, Holland could once again be happening.

We hope what’s happening for you is that you’re enjoying the weather. Take this edition outside with a glass of sweet tea and enjoy it with the wonderful soundtrack of spring.

God bless, Res Spears, Editor

PRODUCTION Troy Cooper Designer

ADMINISTRATION John Carr Publisher

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

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8 suffolk living

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

Suffolk Wine Fest Saturday April 23 The Suffolk Business Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second annual Suffolk Wine Fest will be held at the former Tidewater Community College campus, 7000 College Drive. Experience wine tastings from 10 of Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest wineries, as well as some tastings of wines from Sister City wineries in Italy. Virginia craft breweries will offer tastings, as well. Tickets are $35 online at www.SuffolkWineFest.com or $40 at the gate.

suffolk living 9

what to do Friday March 18

“What’s wrong with just playing good bluegrass?” That was the sentiment from Adam Steffey of The Boxcars in 2013. Clearly, nothing is wrong with it, as the group’s “It’s Just a Road” won a nomination for Best Bluegrass Album in the 56th Annual Grammy Awards. The group will bring its bluegrass sound to the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts at 110 W. Finney Ave. at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 and are available at www.suffolkcenter.org.

Saturday March 19

Join Suffolk Parks & Recreation for its Annual Spring Eggstravaganza at Bennett's Creek Park, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The free event, filled with games, pony rides, crafts, music and more, is geared towards families with children 10 years old and under. Peter Cottontail will be available all morning to meet with the children.

Saturday April 9

In “Married to Broadway,” Ron and Barbra Russell, together with one or two of their equally talented Broadway leading actors and actresses, share their love affair with the great music of the Great White Way, performing the big show-stopping numbers that are audience favorites around the world — from Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Evita, and West Side Story, to Carousel, Fiddler on the Roof and Les Mis. The troupe will perform at 8 p.m. at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts.

Tickets start at $35 and are available at www. suffolkcenter.org.

Saturday April 16

Come out to Driver and Touch a Truck from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fire trucks, dump trucks, monster trucks and more will be on hand.

Food, crafts and bounce houses will be available in this free event, sponsored by Driver Volunteer Fire Department and Driver Merchants Association. For more information, visit www.driverevents.com.

Continuing April 21-23

The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge holds its annual Birding Festival during the height of the spring neo-tropical songbird migration, when the greatest diversity of species are on the fly. The festival is part of International Migratory Bird Day, which celebrates the journeys of migratory birds between breeding grounds in North America and their wintering grounds in Mexico, Central and South America. The free festival offers family-fun activities, such as guided bird walks, owl prowls, bus tours

and photography workshops. For more information, visit www.fws.gov/refuge/Great_ Dismal_Swamp.

Continuing April 23-June 3

The Suffolk Art Gallery will host the exhibit “Handle With Care,” expressing the balance between humans and nature. Artists are invited to exhibit artworks that deal with climate change, pollution, habitat reclamation and other environmental concerns. The exhibit will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesdays through Saturdays and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. For more information, visit www.suffolkartleague.org.

Sunday April 24

The Kingsboro Bowmen will hold an open 3D and field archery tournament at the archery range in the Lone Star Lakes Park. Cash awards will be provided for each shooter class, depending on the number of shooters in class. Casual registration is from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $15 for ages 14 and up, $5 for children under 14. For more information, visit www.kingsborobowmen.com.

Thursday April 28

Come out to Lake Meade Dog Park, 201 Holly Lawn Parkway, and enjoy a relaxing night out while you socialize with other dog lovers.

Have a drink and make some new friends while your dog plays off the leash and makes some friends of his own. If you are not already a member of Suffolk's newest dog park, you can also bring your shot records and $10 to register your puppy pal. For more information, visit www.suffolkva.us/parks.

Saturday April 30

The American Diabetes Association will hold its annual Tour de Cure cycling event at King’s Fork High School, 351 Kings Fork Road. There will be routes ranging from 10 to 100 miles, with start times varying by route. There will be SAG and motorcycle support, bike shop experts, route marshals and medical support. The event includes live entertainment, breakfast, catered lunch, wellstocked rest stops and a finisher medal. For more information, visit wwww.diabetes.org/ hamptonroadsvatour.

Sunday May 1

The Suffolk Humane Society will hold its eighth annual Mutt Strut dog walk and festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bennett’s Creek Park. The Mutt Strutt walkathon allows individuals and teams register to walk — with or without dogs — to raise funds to support

SHS programs for companion animals.

The free family-oriented festival also offers demonstrations, canine games and contests, a silent auction, prizes, food, exhibitors, a vet corner and adoptable pets from area rescue groups and shelters. This year's attractions also include a children's area, photobooth, raffles, microchipping, rabies vaccines, face painting, Suffolk K9 unit and K9 Good Citizen testing and evaluations. For more information, visit www.suffolkhumanesociety.com.

Saturday May 7

Lone Star Lakes Park will host a March of Dimes fishing tournament, beginning at 6:30 a.m. Half the proceeds will benefit the March of Dimes of South Hampton Roads. A fishing license is required for those 16 years of age and over; under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, visit www. suffolkva.us/parks.

The eighth annual Shake, Rattle & Roll spring car show will be open to spectators on North Main Street in the downtown area from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be live music, food and vendors, along with a large variety of antique cars and race cars. For more information, visit www.suffolk-fun.com.

The Seaboard Station Railroad Museum, 326 N. Main St., will join the National Train Day celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Play train-themed games, learn about the history of trains in Suffolk, and meet Bob the train conductor. For more information, visit www. suffolktrainstation.org.

Masters of Soul celebrates the music and style of Motor City through an entertaining and exciting show sure to have you on your feet and dancing to the music. The show will be held at 8 p.m. at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts. Tickets are $30 and are available at www.suffolkcenter.org.

Saturday May 14

The Suffolk Education Foundation will hold a Grown-Up Spelling Bee at 6 p.m. at King’s Fork High School. Teams of three adults will work together to spell words and compete for the coveted title of "Best Spellers in Suffolk."

Teams that face elimination can continue the fun by buying a "spell check" or "stinging" another team by passing on a difficult word.

Teams are invited to wear costumes, and the spectators will vote on the best. Visit www.suffolkeducationfoundation for more information.

10 suffolk living

The Village at Woods Edge

Small town charm. Engaging senior living.

The qualities

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suffolk living 11

on vacation

Above, after viewing wolves, bison, moose, elk, big horn sheep and more, Lake Prince Woods resident Ruth Fleak and Suffolk Living magazine visited Palette Springs and Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park during a February trip. At right, Gloria Cuffee took us along on a December trip to Las Vegas. Lucky? Well, let’s just say we’re still working. If you’re headed out of town, be sure to pack a copy of Suffolk Living magazine. Get a photo with the magazine in front of something awesome or iconic (or even mundane — we don’t get out much, so we’re not choosy) and send it to news@suffolklivingmag. com. That’s what makes US feel lucky.

12 suffolk living

in the snow

From left: Alexis Devers, 6, wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t deterred from building a snowman by the fact there was so little snow; Kaden, 5, Liam, 3, Gracie, 8, and Makayla Jones, 10 couldn't wait to get into the snow; and Stana Tee captured a pretty scene.

April 17-23 is -

National Pet ID Week Collars with pet identification are accessible to any pet owner to help find lost pets. But, tags can become hard to read, and collars can be broken or removed. In addition to that crucial step, pet owners should also have their furry friend microchipped. Microchipping your pet is a method of permanent identification. Microchips cannot be easily misread, and the permanent identification number is tamperproof. The information about the pet and owner is usually readily retrievable. See your local veterinarian to insure your pet is properly IDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ed.

5 Facts About Lost & Found Pets 1 out of 3 Pets Become Lost in Their Lifetime Only 20% of Dogs are Returned to their Owners Only 2% of Cats are returned to their Owners Only 33% of Pet Owners Say their Pets Wear an ID 97% of Pets Found are Wearing Some Type of ID

suffolk living 13

in the snow

Clockwise, from top: Chris Hunt caught a beautiful view of Carrollton; Jennifer Spencer enjoyed the Jan. 17 snow and captured this shot in her backyard in Governor’s Pointe; and Jacky Ann Musick caught a snowball fight in progress.

Smiling is Good for Life

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Formerly Dr. Rawls office is now accepting new patients

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

14 suffolk living

Michael A. Boffo, Jr. June 5, 1988-August 2, 2015 Why We Relay Michael was first diagnosed with Kidney Cancer in 2013. He stayed strong through his surgery and was cancer free for almost a year. After completing his Spartan Sprint race in April 2015, Mike noticed that his spleen was enlarged. He went to the doctor and our worst fears were now a reality. Mike was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) and started chemo immediately at Duke University Hospital.

Last year during Relay, Mikie was lying in bed receiving his treatment as I walked the track with him in hope of a cure. His strength during this time was unbelievable. He was always taking care of his family and friends. He even took care of people that were receiving treatment on his floor.

On July 2nd, 2015, after several attempts at treatment, Mikie received the news that he had 30 days to live. Our family of six was now struck with the reality that we would no longer be an even number. His cancer came back three times as strong, and he was told to go home and enjoy his last days with family and friends. Mikie didn’t let this news get him down and took full advantage of every minute of his last 30 days.

Picking out a Christmas tree, unwrapping presents, sharing turkey, and dancing on the porch are some of those special memories we will all hold close to our hearts. When it came to his final days, Mikie already had his final funeral arrangements planned out so that his family didn’t have to worry about anything. His strength was truly amazing! We spent our final hours together and were able to there with him as he took his last breath. Michael Anthony Boffo, Jr. passed away on August 2nd, 2015 at the age of 27. He made it exactly 30 days.

He never took any day for granted. He constantly wanted to live every moment of every hour with those that meant that most to him. As a former Marine, Michael received full military honors from the Marines at 8th & I from Washington, D.C. Two busloads of Marines and many family and friends came down to honor Michael as we celebrated his life in New York Yankee blue and Ohio State scarlet and gray.

We will continue his fight for him and for others that are going through this journey. We will relay so others don’t have to cram a year full of holidays into one month. So many treatment opportunities have been made available through research because of Relay for Life, which Mikie got to experience first-hand. The newest treatment, approved in December of 2014 by the FDA had only been given to 100 some people, Mikie included.

While Mikie won’t be with us this year at Relay, we HOPE that YOU join us May 20th, 2016 at Nansemond River High School as we walk the track all night for Mike and all those that continue this courageous fight. We are #boffostrong!

suffolk living 15

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 youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re right, you could be a winner.

Go out and enjoy Suffolk!

16 suffolk living

Target to hire 600

in the news

T

he Target Import Warehouse in Suffolk plans to hire about 600 new employees in the coming months, the company announced in February.

The hiring burst is coupled with a $50 million expansion to turn the Manning Bridge Road facility into an “upstream distribution center,” which was announced in April 2015. Al Tresvant, general manager of the Suffolk facility, said in February that the upstream distribution center will focus on hard-to-forecast items like apparel and accessories, attempting to get the products to stores at the right times to avoid mark-downs and having products out of stock.

The center will serve 688 stores and be one of only three Target facilities like it in the country. The other two are in Chicago and Los Angeles.

Tresvant said the facility currently has about 125 employees. Suffolk Economic Development Director Kevin Hughes said the 600-person addition makes the ware-

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State Farm, Bloomington, IL

suffolk living 17 house, which opened in 2003, the seventh-largest employer in the city.

The new jobs are primarily in equipment operations and packaging and shipping. However, Tresvant said, managers and clerical positions also are being hired.

The hiring process will start very soon, Tresvant said. Anyone interested in one of the 600 jobs can apply at target.com/careers.

City Council members applauded the announcement during a February work session.

“Thank you for the community partner Target has been ever since you’ve been here,” Mayor Linda T. Johnson told Tresvant.

Tresvant said Target gives 5 percent of its profits to its communities, which has included about $15,000 in grants recently to Suffolk organizations.

Eddie Baeb, a Target spokesman, said last year that the Suffolk location is important logistically for the company to get its product into stores. Specialized material handling equipment and product lines will be added, and no down time is expected as the expansion takes place. ←

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A Target Distribution Center employee hurries to move a pallet during the pallet jack competition at the annual LogistXGames. The company is set to grow by 600 employees soon.

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suffolk living 19

through the lens: michael rowlands

M

ichael Rowlands of Rowlands Photography is a professional wedding and portrait photographer serving the Hampton Roads area. Having lived in Suffolk for the past 10 years, Rowlands has spent countless days exploring the depths of Suffolk and capturing its true beauty. From the historic churches of downtown Suffolk to the vast fields and agriculture of Whaleyville, he has enjoyed photographing the many views that Suffolk has to offer. Rowlands and his wife, Chelsea, work as a photography team. Email him at rowlandsphotography@yahoo.com. If you are a professional or amateur photographer and would like to have your photos of Suffolk featured on this page, email Res Spears at news@suffolklivingmag.com.

20 suffolk living

suffolk living 21

A village transformation story & photography by R.E. Spears III

T

here’s a transformation happening in downtown Holland. In fact, there are quite a few.

There’s the skeleton of a Chevrolet Bel Air coming back to life as restored and fabricated fenders and body panels are carefully fitted to it.

There’s a 1936 Ford Sedan slowly becoming roadworthy. There’s a 1960sera Ford Mustang in the throes of a rebirth and a Datsun 280-ZX that looks just as classic — and just as in need of restoration — even though it’s

at least 15 years younger.

In fact, since Randy and Lisa Byrne opened East Side Rides at the intersection of Holland Road, South Quay Road and Ruritan Boulevard in September 2013, they and their employees have worked on 47 different cars — projects ranging from simple disc-brake conversions all the way up to full, multi-month restoration jobs.

These folks love to transform rusted, broken and forgotten hunks of See TRANSFORM page 22

22 suffolk living

Clockwise from top left, Randy Byrne stands at the crossroads at the center of Holland village; much of the décor in the East Side Rides main garage recalls the history of the Suffolk Raceway; a Ford Super Deluxe 8 gleams under fluorescent lights in the old Dutch Market, currently under renovation; and a specially painted car door celebrates part of America’s automotive history.

Transform continued from page 21

metal into things of beauty.

Lately, though, it’s clear that Randy Byrne has set his sights on an even bigger transformation, and it’s one that seems no less a labor of love.

“We’re trying to take this old building, the bones of the building, and rebuild it,” he said while showing a visitor the gutted interior of an old warehouse beside the railroad tracks.

He and his wife bought the warehouse in December 2014. They believe it dates back to the 1920s or ‘30s and that it once served as a garage and shop for repairing Model A and Model T cars. One can still see the faint letters of a sign painted on the exterior brick of the building.

In the interim, they said, it had served as a cotton gin and as a feed and seed supply warehouse.

“We love telling the story about these old buildings,” Randy said. “It’s exciting.”

Even more exciting is the change folks in Holland have watched in their old downtown since the Byrnes opened their business in 2013.

The circa-1949 Esso station, which had begun operating as Ray’s Tire Service in the 1970s, had sat vacant since the Daughtrey family retired, Randy said.

Since buying the former gas station in 2012, the Byrnes renovated it and turned it into a busy automotive shop for classic cars. Visitors cannot help but notice the many nods to Suffolk’s drag-racing history — there’s even an old timing booth from the old Suffolk Raceway hanging from a wall.

Outside, the Byrnes have worked with Suffolk to improve their corner See Transform page 23

suffolk living 23 Transform continued from page 22

Lisa and Randy Byrne stand behind the counter of the first building they renovated and re-opened in Holland for their company, East Side Rides.

of the intersection, allowing the city an easement to build a brick-and-iron fence to match those on the other two corners.

“The town of Holland has been so open-armed to us,” Randy said, and he’s eager to return the hospitality by making improvements to some of its historic structures and sites. In the end, the Byrnes hope, the transformation will help bring people back to Holland.

When they’re done with the renovations at the warehouse across the railroad tracks, the Byrnes hope to make the building into a combination office and shop space that will evoke the spirit of a 1930s automobile dealership, with wood floors out front, a ramp to bring cars into the building and a concrete area with bays inside, where the magic of automotive restoration can take place.

Next door, in the circa-1910 Dutch Market, evidence of both automotive and architectural transformation is hard to miss. Antique cars and trucks in various stages of the restoration process line two sides of the main room. There’s a 1949 pickup truck that eventually will be East Side Rides’ “work truck.” There’s the old Datsun 280ZX and the ’36 Ford and a gleaming, cream-and-chrome Ford Super Deluxe 8.

The market was once a clothing store and a general store, and it had been vacant for about a year when the Byrnes bought the building in December.

They’ve moved quickly to get the space working — Lisa’s office is already there — and they hope to get it in shape soon to serve as a showroom for cars they have on consignment.

“It’ll be like a dealership for classic cars,” Randy said.

By the time they’re complete, the Byrnes’ three Holland buildings will accommodate more than 15 work bays, storage, showroom space, offices and more. Perhaps one day, they said, they can use part of the warehouse to host village functions.

“Holland has just been perfect for us,” he said. “It’s kind of made us want to do all our business here.” ←

24 suffolk living

A friendly round story by Tracy Agnew photography by Troy Cooper

G

olf is a good walk spoiled.”

The quote is oft attributed to Mark Twain but may or may not have actually been said by the famed American author.

Whoever said it, “either he didn’t practice or he didn’t play here,” said Mike Byrum, president of the Suffolk Golf Association.

The association is housed at Suffolk Golf Course, which Byrum considers a jewel. He has reason to say nice things about the course.

“It’s friendly to me,” he explained. Byrum’s first round of golf, best round of golf and only hole-in-one have come on the course. So he loves it, even though he’s played more well-known courses like Pebble Beach and Pinehurst.

He’s been a member of the Suffolk Golf Association since he turned 18, the minimum age. Only a few years before, he had been golfing in his backyard with Wiffle balls and sawed-off broomsticks. He started playing real golf at 15.

Since then, Byrum has moved up in the golf world, having run the Tidewater Golf Association and having started a tournament at Nansemond River Golf Course.

“I had a lot of success organizing that,” he said.

In his other life as a planning manager at the Newport News shipyard, Byrum has nailed down what it takes to plan stuff much more complicated than a round of golf.

He plans to bring that to his work as president of the golf association.

“It’s not that I’ve got some magic formula,” he said. “It’s just attention to detail, communication, managed planning and promoting it.”

See GOLF page 26

suffolk living 25

26 suffolk living golf continued from page 24

About a hundred or so people are members of the golf association, which costs $125 a year. They’re all men — the ladies have a separate association. It’s not that they don’t want to play with the women, Byrum said; it’s just that the scores wouldn’t be comparable in tournaments.

The association draws people from all walks of life but tends to be trending older, Byrum said. That’s part of his charge as president: to get more younger people involved.

He’s doing fairly well with his own offspring. His sons, ages 24 and 32, are both members. He’s got a 2-year-old grandson who is a future member.

“That’s my ultimate foursome,” Byrum said.

They also run the gamut in terms of how seriously they take their game, Byrum said.

“Some take it really serious, like every tournament is the U.S. Open,” he said.

“Some just want to have fun and have a beer.”

Byrum has made that transition in his own life. He used to be very competitive

Mike Byrum completes his swing on No. 18 at the Suffolk Golf Course.

See golf page 27

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suffolk living 27

Mike Byrum lines up a putt on No. 14 at the Suffolk Golf Course.

His only hole-in-one came on the course immediately after his last chemotherapy treatment for nonHodgkin's lymphoma.

golf continued from page 26

competitive and just-for-fun, good and not-so-good.

“I feel like I’ve got a pretty good eye for what people want,” he said.

Traditions at the Suffolk Golf Association include tournaments, which are held roughly every month from March through October.

“I’ve never won the club championship,” Byrum said, bemoaning his many second-place finishes. “That seems to be a tradition unlike any other.”

The association now has a website to help it reach out to the younger golfers: sgagolfer.com. ←

until about eight years ago, when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

“It changes your focus,” he said.

Remarkably, the day he finished his last chemotherapy treatment, he celebrated with a round of golf at Suffolk Golf Course — and that was the day he shot his best round ever, which included his only hole-in-one.

“Now, I go out to have fun and enjoy my family and friends and enjoy the scenery I didn’t take time to notice before,” he said.

Byrum is charged with looking after all kinds of golfers: old and young,

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28 suffolk living

Dennis Mickles, left, and Thomas Trosper simultaneously draw their compound bows in preparation for shooting at a target at the Kingsboro Bowmen Archery Association’s outdoor range at Lone Star Lakes Park.

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suffolk living 29

Wrapped up with a bow story by Titus Mohler and R.E. Spears III photography by R.E. Spears III

S

teven Jensen kicked up a pile of leaves in the woods at Lone Star Lakes Park.

He and his son-in-law, Paul Richardson, and 11-year-old grandson, Caleb Richardson, were hunting for a stray arrow. All three had missed the target, a high-density foam rendering of a small deer, one of 26 targets set up at the Kingsboro Bowmen Archery Association’s outdoor range, situated around one of the park’s lakes.

“It’s a lot like golf, except with this, it’s $10 every time you lose an arrow,” Jensen said.

Finding their arrows, the three archers grabbed their compound bows and headed to the next target along the winding trail. As they took aim at a foam alligator 40 yards away, another group lined up to shoot at the deer target.

Jensen and the Richardsons were just out for a little target-shooting fun on a Sunday morning, but many of the 85 people who were scattered along the three-quarter mile trail Feb. 28 were there for the first tournament of the archery season.

Some were local, but others spent some quality time See Archery page 30

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30 suffolk living

Steven Jensen of Carrollton gives grandson Caleb Richardson 11, of Seaford, a bit of guidance on how to set up his shot at one of the 26 targets along the Kingsboro Bowmen’s range.

ARCHERY continued from page 29

on the road to come, traveling from northern Virginia or North Carolina.

The Kingsboro Bowmen club started in 1979 and has been a mainstay in the local archery community, but club treasurer Ed Bickham of Chuckatuck said pop culture has recently helped raise the level of participation.

For instance, said club president Mike Serig of Isle of Wight, thanks to “The Hunger Games,” “We’ve seen more young females interested in archery.”

A combination of good weather and the chance to participate in the first shoot of the season also contributed to the high turnout at the event.

Many of those who take part in the events at the Kingsboro Bowmen’s facility are hunters. In fact, Serig credits bowhunting friends with helping to spark his interest in the sport. He shot as a youngster, but then stopped

for a while before starting again around 1986.

“Some friends had a piece of property, and they were bowhunting, so I got with them and got into it again,” he said.

But what has sustained his interest is a love for shooting and improving at it.

“I like to challenge myself to always try to get better,” he said, likening it to his days as a long-distance runner. “Yeah, I liked to see where I finished in the field, but the main thing was how’d I do compared to my other times.”

That’s true of a lot of the shooters who take part in the events at Kingsboro, said Suffolk’s Rob Carpenter, Kingsboro’s vice president.

“A lot of these guys out here that come out here and shoot, they don’t See ARCHERY page 31

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suffolk living 31 ARCHERY continued from page 30

hunt,” he said, though he and his 15-year-old son, Nathaniel, do.

The younger Carpenter, who was with his father at the tournament, said what he enjoys most about being at the range is “just coming out here and just having fun and meeting new people. It just gives me something to do.”

It had been a year since he had shot in a tournament, but in 2014, he won the Virginia Bowhunters Association 3D state championship in the youth class.

Ivan Harner of Hopewell, who was there that Sunday at the encouragement of a friend, said he occasionally participates in archery “for fun, mostly, but also for the hunting aspect of it. I just like shooting. To me, on a nice day outside, it’s See ARCHERY page 32

Top: An archer prepares to test the speed at which his bow is shooting. Above:: Steve Jensen and his son-in-law, Paul Richardson, and grandson, Caleb, compare the accuracy of their shots.

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32 suffolk living ARCHERY continued from page 31

Chamber Mixer

just a wonderful thing to do. You give me a nice sunny day and a glass of sweet tea, and I just stand out and shoot, and it’s justThe Suffolk division of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce hosted a a nice way to pass the time.” holiday social at Sentara BelleHarbour on Dec. 8. Business leaders from across Dave Burpee, publicity chairman for Hampton Roads turned out for a little holiday cheer and mingling. PHOTOS BY Traditional Bowhunters of Virginia, ALLISON T. WILLIAMS traveled about three and a half hours from Springfield to attend the Kingsboro Bowmen event and raise the profile of the TBV, which highlights traditional gear like wooden bows and arrows.

For him, his recurve bow, which he had laid out on a nearby table, has been about both the sport of archery and hunting.

“For example, with that bow, I’ve gotten pigs and javelina in Texas, I’ve gotten antelope out in Wyoming,” he said.

Troy Ward of Elizabeth City, N.C. was competing in the tournament with his young son, Mason.

“He’s been shooting for probably about a year now, and I brought him out,” the elder Ward said. “This is the first time he’s shot out here at a tournament. Trying to get him used to it. He wants to go Steve Jensen draws his compound bow for a shot during an morning of shooting targets at the archery range at Lone bowhunting.” ←

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March of Dimes kickoff The Suffolk March of Dimes kicked off its 2016 campaign for the March for Babies with a breakfast at QVC on Feb. 25. Participants enjoyed breakfast and the opportunity to meet 9-month-old identical twins, Owen and Emmett Jenkins, this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ambassadors for the march. PHOTOS BY ALLISON T. WILLIAMS

suffolk scene

Jennifer Worrell and Amy Newsome

Barbara Cooper, Catia Pabis and Callen Pabis

Deja Gainey and Elissa Vannoy

Kelly and Robbie Jenkins and children, Owen, Emmett and Carter Jenkins Zenetia Bradshaw, Deborah Topping and Anna Russell

34 suffolk living

suffolk scene

Paws for the Arts The Suffolk Humane Society held its annual Paws for the Arts fundraiser at the Hilton Garden Inn Riverfront on Feb. 6. Participants enjoyed live and silent auctions, heavy hors d'oeuvres and other fun activities. PHOTOS BY R.E. Spears III

From left, Marie Hatchell, donation dog Sandy, humane society executive director Eileen Gizara and Mary Beth Moore with donation dog Pete

Emily Brewer, left, and Susan Draper

Frank Rawls, right, and Grier Ferguson and others from their table watch to see if they've won spin of the wheel.

From left, Dana Snow, Res Spears, Steve Snow, Annette Spears and John Carr

Mike Duman and his friend, Ted

suffolk living 35

Antiques Show The Suffolk Art League’s antiques show and sale was held on Feb. 26-27 at King’s Fork Middle School. Dozens of vendors were on site with their wares, and guests spent just as much time visiting as they did shopping. PHOTOS BY ALLISON T. WILLIAMS

suffolk scene

Tammy Edwards and Rosalie Stevens

Debbie Chappell and Hugh Cross

Frederick and Tia Morings

Dan and Chris DeFazio

John and Bonnie Bilodeau

36 suffolk living

suffolk scene

Party Like Gatsby The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts celebrated its 10th anniversary on Feb. 27 with a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Party Like Gatsbyâ&#x20AC;? event that included flappers, gangsters, a speakeasy, a fortune teller and more. PHOTOS BY R.E. Spears III

From left, Sarah Harrington, Jim Harrington, Paula Powell, Lee Powell, Jeff Minnix and Linda Minnix

Everett and Miriam Birdsong

Lynne Gentle, Pearl Harrell, Bob Harrell and Anne Collins Albimino

Steve and Kacky Gallotta

Nora Wilson and Parke Babiy

suffolk living 37

The Perfect Solution For Keeping Your Suffolk Business Clean.

Last editionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Where Am I? We thought everybody in Suffolk would know the answer to the Where Am I? puzzle that appeared in the January/February edition of Suffolk Living magazine. After all, the man in the photo is part of a mural painted on the side of Cazadores Mexican Restaurant, which is on North Main Street, I one of Suffolkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most where am I? heavily traveled roads.

But only three people guessed correctly. Tracy Rountree, a secretary at Nansemond River High School, was randomly picked from the correct guessers, and sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s won a $25 gift card for her eagle eye. Congratulations, Tracy!

Check one page 15 for this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photo and your chance to win. suffolk living 31

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 youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re right, you could be a winner.

Go out and enjoy Suffolk!

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scrapbook

GRADUATING CLASS: The 1910 senior class of a Suffolk high school poses for a photo. In front, from left, are Jake Kelly, Mary Lloyd, Inez Baines, Louise Kendrick, Ruth Whedbee and Mr. Duncan, the principal. In the middle row are Mary Shepherd Jones, Grace Turner, Evelyn Hurff and Fannie Riddick. In back are Elizabeth Parker, William Eley and Marie Woodward, the teacher, who was 26 when this picture was taken. It was the last class she taught. The school was at the corner of Market and Saratoga streets and was the first building built

by Suffolk specifically to be a school; former school buildings had been repurposed from other uses. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; PhotO Courtesy of Sue woodward

suffolk living 39

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