Suffolk Living magazine

suffolklivingmag.com

Restored Plus a slice a life and a Ruritan jam march/april 2017 • vol. 8, no. 2

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

Alzheimer's is diagnosed through a complete medical assessment.

If you or a loved one have concerns about memory loss or other symptoms of Alzheimer's or dementia, it is important to be evaluated by a physician.

Physicians Specializing in General Neurology and Sleep Disorders 5839 Harbour View Blvd, Suite 201 Suffolk, VA 23435

Rajiv Nanavaty, MD and his Nurse Practitioner, Lacey Lyle, FNP

757-967-0676

www.SuffolkNeuro.com

Dr. J. Ryland Gwaltney

• Digital Imaging and Photography

757-934-1900

THANKS FOR THE CONFIDENCE YOU'VE SHOWN IN US!

WE APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE YOU!

• Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry

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

Dr. Steve A. Gwaltney

Dr. Whitney B. Gwaltney

6

6

• Comprehensive Dental Care for Adults, Adolescents And Children

• Compassionate Experienced Staff

• Same Day Crowns

• Gentle, Pain Free Dentistry

• Nitrous Oxide Sedation for

• Ask About Our Whitening Special

Apprehensive Patients

FEATURE

18

Termites and time nearly destroyed The Obici House. Today, it stands as a Suffolk gem, beloved by historians, golfers and many wedding guests each year.

contents nov - dec | 2016 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

Community service

10 Ruritan will celebrate 89 years of service this spring. It all started in Holland.

On the cover suffolklivingmag.com

12

24

A tree slice from the farm of Joshua “Pret” Prelow Jr. holds more than two centuries of stories.

The folks at the Bethlehem Ruritan Club kick out the jams twice a month.

Restored PLUS A SLICE A LIFE AND A RURITAN JAM march/april 2017 • vol. 8, no. 2

by R.E. Spears III

editor's note mar - apr

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

Follow us on Facebook

A reason to grin and tap my toes Let’s be honest here: Sometimes my job is just a job. Now, don’t get me wrong — I love what I do. But there are parts of it that I love more than others, and some days, as a sign in my office proclaims, the best part of my job is that my chair spins. I suspect all can relate.

But one recent photo assignment for Suffolk Living magazine had me quite literally grinning and tapping my toes.

The Bethlehem Ruritan Club holds a Ruritan Jam twice a month, and I drew the honor of capturing a recent show in photos. I’ve been to a lot of concerts in my day, but this was the first one that started with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. I knew right off the bat that it was going to be something special.

Indeed, it was a treat to hear the band punch out some good, oldfashioned country music and rock and roll. Patsy Cline and Linda Ronstadt? Sure, I’ll take some of that!

I must say, though, that my favorite part of the gig was asking my young writer, Tracy Agnew, if she knew any of the music that was featured while we were visiting. “Well, I wrote down some of the lyrics,” she said, and I knew she’d go back to the office and Google them to figure out what she’d heard. Ah well, time and music march on, I suppose….

Speaking of ancient history, we came up with the idea for a feature on the historic Obici House after I’d spent some time clicking around the Library of Congress website, where I came across a set of blueprints for the venerable old structure built as a home for the late Amedeo Obici and his wife, Louise.

Obici, who founded Planters Nut and Chocolate Co. and made a name for himself in the area by his generosity, built the house to evoke memories of the architecture of his childhood in Italy. Following his death, the house went through a series of private and public owners and eventually fell into serious decay.

Several years ago, however, it was restored, and today the Obici House is once again a point of pride for Suffolk. It’s now an events venue, golf course pro shop and occasional restaurant.

The then-and-now perspective offered through juxtaposing those old blueprints with recent photos of this beautiful property is remarkable.

Traveling even further back in time, a loblolly pine tree sprouted in 1703 on what would later become a farm along Milners Road. In 1957, that tree was cut down during a timber harvest. Today, a slice of that tree’s trunk occupies a prominent space on the wall of Joshua “Pret” Pretlow’s law office in downtown Suffolk. Join us as we look back at all the history that tree witnessed.

I hope you’ll enjoy this edition of Suffolk Living magazine as much as I enjoyed my visit to the Bethlehem Ruritan Club. Play some Patsy Cline to get the mood right.

God bless, Res Spears, 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

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

Experience you can trust and courtesy you deserve!

NOW OPEN!

1403 GREENBRIER PARKWAY • SUITE 110 CHESAPEAKE, VA Hours of Operation Monday through Friday: Lobby – 9 am to 2 pm • Drive In – 9 am to 5 pm ATM – 24 hour convenience

farmersbankva.com 757-242-6111

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 Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts will feature an exhibit, "The Spirit of a Woman: A Celebration of Women in the Arts," through March 31, featuring works by women from Virginia and Northeast North Carolina, including painters, sculptors, photographers, fiber artists and more. The galleries are open

Suffolk Mud Jam April 8 Suffolk Festivals Inc. and Big Daddy Motorsports will present the Suffolk Mud Jam at 1 p.m. at the Suffolk Airport. There will be open pits, concessions and merchandise. This is a family-friendly, rain-or-shine event, running everything from mild to wild. There will also be a Mega Trucks "Tug a War" exhibition. Tickets are $15 per person, and kids 6 and under are free.

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and there is no admission charge. For more information, visit www.SuffolkCenter.org.

The Suffolk Art Gallery, located at 118 Bosley Ave., will host the 33rd Annual Juried Photography Exhibition through April 21. The free exhibition is Hampton

Roads' largest and longest running juried exhibition for photographic works. It is open to all professional and amateur photographers. For more information, visit www.HeartAndSoulSuffolk.com.

Saturday March 18

The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts will

suffolk living 9

what to do host a cooking workshop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chef Dedra Blount will introduce new cooking techniques that put a fresh spin on side dishes and desserts. 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. A dinner-oriented workshop will be held April 8. For more information, visit www.SuffolkCenter.org.

Singers Craig Evans, Brad Tucker (both of The Taters), Brian Sulser, George Garrett, Jim Wark and B.J. Kocen channel the spirits of the founding fathers of rock n’ roll presented in the guise of a live 1958 broadcast on fictitious WJKS radio during a special performance at 8 p.m. at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 110 W. Finney Ave. In addition to the greatest songs ever written, The Jubilee includes 1950s period advertisements, skits and lots of laughs and surprises.

Saturday March 25

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

Sunday March 26

The Kingsboro Bowmen will host the Virginia/North Carolina ASA State Qualifier and open 3D archery tournament from, with casual registration from 8 to 11 a.m., at Lone Star Lakes Park, located at 401 Kings Highway. The tournament is open to the public. Participation costs ranges from $10 to $20, and ages 9 and under are free. For more information, visit www. kingsborobowmen.com.

April 1-9

The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts and RPM Dance will present “Shrek The

Musical,” a community theater production, at 8 p.m. April 1 and 8 and at 3 p.m. April 2 and 9. Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, "Shrek The Musical" is a Tony award-winning fairy tale adventure. Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage. Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.SuffolkCenter.org.

Monday April 3

Join the Suffolk Art League for a fun day of bridge, board games and a fashion show at the Suffolk Art Gallery from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds for this event support summer children's programming at the gallery. Tickets are $20 per person. For more information, visit www.SuffolkArtLeague.org.

Saturday April 8

Join Suffolk Parks & Recreation for its Annual Spring Eggstravaganza! This event will have your kids hopping for joy at Bennett's Creek Park from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will be games, pony rides, crafts, music and more, all geared toward families with children 10 years old and under. Peter Cottontail will arrive at 11:15 a.m. and will be available to meet with children. This event is free and open to the public. Food and vendor items will be available.

Saturday April 15

The village of Driver will hold a free Touch a Truck event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be fire trucks, dump trucks, monster trucks and more in this event, hosted by the Driver Volunteer Fire Department. For more information, visit www.DriverEvents.com.

April 20-22

The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge holds its annual Birding Festival during the height of the spring Neotropical songbird migration, when the greatest diversity of species are on the fly. The festival is part of International Migratory Bird Day. The free festival is open to the public and offers family-fun activities, such as guided bird walks, owl prowls, a bird banding station, guided nature walks, late-day bird walks, canoe birding, nature crafts, bus tours and a motorized boat tour on Lake Drummond. Reservations are required for some events. Find a complete schedule on Facebook at greatdismalswampbirdingfest.

Saturday April 22

The third annual Suffolk Wine Fest will be held at the former Tidewater Community College Campus, 7000 College Drive, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Experience wine tastings from Virginia’s finest wineries, as well as some tastings of wines from Sister City wineries in Italy. Virginia craft breweries will have tastings of their finest, as well. Tickets are $35 online or $40 at the gate. For more information, visit www.

SuffolkWineFest.com.

Saturday April 29

The Suffolk Education Foundation will host its second Grown-Up Spelling Bee at 6 p.m. at Nansemond River High School, 3301 Nansemond Parkway. Teams of three adults will work together to spell words and compete for the coveted title of "Best Spellers in Suffolk." Teams are invited to wear costumes, and spectators will vote for the best team costumes. The event supports the SEF’s efforts to enrich teaching and inspire learning in the city’s public schools.

Tickets are $5 per person, with ages 8 and under admitted free. For more information, visit www.SuffolkEducationFoundation.org.

Sunday May 7

The Suffolk Humane Society will hold its ninth annual Mutt Strut Dog Walk and Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Bennett's Creek Park. The centerpiece of the event is the Mutt Strutt walkathon, where individuals and teams register to walk — with or without dogs — to raise funds to support SHS programs for companion animals and raise awareness about animal welfare. The familyoriented 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. For more information, visit www.

SuffolkHumaneSociety.com.

Saturday May 13

The ninth annual Shake, Rattle and Roll Spring Car Show will be held on Main Street in Downtown Suffolk from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This festive event honors the racers, records and fans of the old quarter-mile concrete track at Suffolk Airport. Live music, food and vendors will be available. For more information, call 514-4130.

10 suffolk living

in the news

89 years of community service Ruritans to celebrate Founders’ Day story by Alex Perry photography by R.E. Spears III

R

uritan clubs have come a long way since the organization was founded in the little village of Holland.

But in May, Ruritans from around the country will come back home, as it were, to celebrate the movement that began with a couple of men who wanted to bridge the gap between the city and the country.

“It’s a homecoming for a lot of people,” Holland Ruritan Vice President Joe Simmons said. “You see people you haven’t seen in a year or more. It’s a happy time.”

The Holland Ruritan Club will celebrate its annual Founders’ Day event on May 20, beginning at 10 a.m.

It will commemorate the organization’s 89 years of fellowship, goodwill and community services in Suffolk and around the nation. There will be numerous activities throughout the day, plus vendors, club competitions and the event’s popular parade.

“We have a lot of people that are actively involved,” Simmons said. “Hundreds of

hours go into Founder’s Day.” The parade will begin at approximate 11 a.m. on Ruritan Boulevard. Several local high school bands will be part of the procession, along with many other parade floats owned by other Ruritan Clubs and organizations. Simmons said the hour-long procession is one of the biggest parades in Suffolk.

Athletic associations will host baseball games for kids. Vendors will be selling their wares around the ballfield. The 16 different Ruritan Clubs in the city of Suffolk will also compete in a barbecue cook-off, with awards given to the top three teams.

Barbecue tickets will be $10. Ticketholders will be able to sample each competitor’s barbecue and vote for who they think has the best.

“By the time you go around to all of them that are cooking, you will have all the barbecue you can eat,” Simmons said.

Simmons said he enjoys the event’s small-town atmosphere.

See RURITANS page 11

A parade is one of the highlights of Founders Day, which celebrates the founding of Ruritan in Holland in 1928.

suffolk living 11

RURITANS continued from page 10

“You get to know what’s going on,” Simmons said. “You get to know the people in town. You get to help the people in town. That’s why I do it.”

Ruritan was formed in 1928 by Tom Downing of Suffolk and Jack Gwaltney of Holland.

They wanted to start an organization where community leaders could meet and discuss ways to make their community a better place to live.

The club’s charter members adopted the name “Ruritan” at the suggestion of VirginianPilot newspaper reporter Daisy Nurney. It’s a combination of Latin “ruri” and “tan”, meaning “open country” and “small town.”

Ruritan includes more than 30,000 members in more than 1,100 club chapters around the nation. The Ruritan National Foundation provides approximately $250,000 in financial assistance to students advancing their education past high school.

The Holland Ruritan Club meets at the Holland Community House once a month to organize contributions to national organizations such as Boy Scouts, and members raise money to help people in their community.

“We’re in the process of getting a permit to

The annual parade for Founders’ Day in Holland is one of the biggest in Suffolk, attracting bands from Suffolk schools, Shriners and plenty of fire and rescue vehicles.

build this lady in town a handicap ramp,” Simmons said.

Simmons has been with the Holland club for 15 years. He and his wife got involved after the club accepted their daughter’s application for a high school student scholarship.

“We went to a meeting that night, and they asked us to come back,” Simmons said. “I’ve been there ever since.”

For more information on tickets and activities, call Donald Worrell at 657-7425. ←

Oak & Lily Academy (previously Believers Day School)

Handcrafted Jewelry

Now accepting applications for Fall registration Children ages 6 weeks- Kindergarten, and school age after schoolers.

Please call (757) 488-0494 for more information!

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

6801 Bridgeway Drive, Suffolk VA 23435 (located behind the Riverstone Chophouse)

12 suffolk living

A slice from a loblolly pine tree harvested in 1957 from a farm owned by Joshua “Pret�

Pretlow Jr. is marked with some of the historic events that occurred during its lifetime.

Get Your Ducks In A Row In 2017 Our team has over 20 years of experience in taxes and accounting and specializes in assisting our business clients in managing their business operations, maintaining customer relations, as well as overseeing their accounting.

We are a trusted source driven to provide you with unrivaled tax and bookkeeping services.

Experts in Business Bookkeeping, Payroll, Personal & Business Taxes Notary Services

757-405-0216 4819 Portsmouth Blvd.

Portsmouth, VA 23701 Bookkeeping & Tax Service, Inc. westbrooktax.com

WESTBROOK

The Perfect Solution For Keeping Your Suffolk Business Clean.

Stories with heart

suffolk living 13

story by Tracy Agnew photography by R.E. Spears III

Trees have stories to tell. They live longer than humans can hope to live. They are silent, unthreatening witnesses to war and peace, planting and harvesting, crime and justice, winter and summer, bitter blood and virtuous living.

But the stories remain hidden until the trees come down. So it was with a loblolly pine tree on the Pretlow farm off Milners Road in the late 1950s.

Joshua Pretlow Sr. bought the 150-acre farm in 1957 and proceeded to harvest the timber the following year. But as pine logs made their way through the lumber mill, a worker noticed one particularly large log with a huge amount of heart.

“You just don’t find heart pine,” said Joshua “Pret” Pretlow Jr. “So he knew it was an old tree.”

They cut a couple of slices and began to

Joshua “Pret” Pretlow Jr. sits in the reception area of the downtown Suffolk law office where the tree slice from his farm hangs on a wall.

See PRETLOW page 15

SUMMER'S COMING!

Cabin, Lodge & Bunk House

The Virginian-Pilot READERS CHOICE AWARD

Of

2015

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

14 suffolk living The law office of Pretlow & Jackson is located in Suffolk’s old post office on North Main Street.

NANSEMOND-SUFFOLK ACADEMY E N G A G E . I N S P I R E . E M P OW E R .

Affording a private education is easier than you think. Visit our website to learn more about our tuition assistance program.

Now enrolling for the 2017-2018 academic year.

www.nsacademy.org

757.539.8789

suffolk living 15 PRETLOW continued from page 13

delve into the stories this tree had to tell.

His father, Joshua Pretlow Sr., an attorney who had studied agricultural engineering at Virginia Tech and ran a local sawmill during World War II, counted the tree’s rings with a compass point and magnifying glass and came to the conclusion it sprouted in 1703, making it 255 years old when it was cut down.

“If it was still alive, it would be over 300 years old,” Pret Pretlow said.

When the tree was about 12 to 15 years old, all of the timber was cut down around it, Pretlow said. That can be seen in the tree’s rings, because they get wider around that time and stay that way for several decades. The tree had more room to grow.

Several dark spots among the rings show potential lightning strikes, which more than likely ripped a strip of bark off of the tree all the way down and caused a mini-explosion in the ground.

The rings near the outside of the tree are so narrow they almost run together, meaning the tree was becoming aged and crowded in its later years. A couple Joshua "Pret" Pretlow Jr. of holes stand out, but one of them has been covered with a plaque telling the history of the tree.

The Pretlows have marked dates of significance on the tree, including the Declaration of Independence, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I and World War II. The tree slice now hangs near the receptionist’s desk in the lobby of Pretlow’s law office, the former post office building on North Main Street.

“It’s amazing how many people will walk back and look at it,” Pretlow said.

Perhaps they’re not only looking, but also hearing the stories it tells. ←

“You just don’t find heart pine.

So he knew it was an old tree.”

Joshua “Pret” Pretlow Jr. stands in front of his law office in downtown Suffolk.

Dr. Chase and the Staff at Academy Animal Care offer a wide variety of services for you and your pet! * * * * * * * * * Summer classes begin May 22 / Fall classes begin August 21 * Register Now! * * * * * * * *

Grooming Bathing Boarding Emergency and Critical Care Dental Care Acupunture Fully Stocked Pharmacy Health Certificates Hospice & Euthanasia Services

Vaccinations Microchipping Nutritional Counseling Pain Management Parasite Prevention and Control Puppy and Kitten Care Radiology(X-Rays) Laser Surgery Senior Care Monday-Friday 7:30am to 6:30pm Sat 8:00am to 1:00pm

16 suffolk living

through the lens: Karyn Cook

K

aryn Rochford Cook moved to Suffolk in 1987 and completed her graduate degree in entrepreneurial studies at Regent University shortly thereafter.

She has started several businesses in Suffolk, including The Hydrant, a pet boutique and wellness center, and Integrated Benefits Corp., a medical record review organization. In 2014, she published a book, “Lessons In The Garden,” which matched her photography with scripture verses. Her latest business venture, Shoot4Sales, combines her photographic eye for detail with her experience as a Realtor. 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@ suffolklivingmagazine.com.

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

story & photography by R.E. Spears III

W

hen Amedeo Obici, who founded Planters Nut and Chocolate Co., moved to Suffolk from Scranton, Pa., in 1924, he wanted to build a home that would evoke memories of his boyhood days in Oderzo, Italy.

Bay Point Farm, a 263-acre property on the banks of the Nansemond River, became his home, and he set about to make the dream come true, moving an 1870s-era farmhouse to the west and making it the core of his new home.

The dwelling, according to the Library of Congress, “was expanded to See OBICI page 20

suffolk living 19

20 suffolk living OBICI continued from page 18

A casual observer would have a hard time telling where new pieces have been used to replace damaged old parts of The Obici House.

the north and south and reoriented to the east to take advantage of the water view over the river.”

That expansive view of the river — and, especially, the sunsets that are framed there — has long been iconic to Hampton Roads golfers, who have enjoyed it as they have sought to make putts on the 18th green at Sleepy Hole Golf Course, which now occupies much of the space that was once Bay Point Farm.

In the years since the death of the businessman and philanthropist who built it, though, The Obici House has come to be iconic in its own right.

But there was a time, not that long ago, when the future of this unique piece of Italian Revival Renaissance architecture was sorely in doubt.

Back in 2010, when Suffolk businessman James R. “Ronnie” Rountree was selected by the city of Suffolk to lease and renovate the house, much of it was in disrepair.

Time and weather had taken their toll on both the exterior and interior, See OBICI page 21

suffolk living 21 OBICI continued from page 20

termites had long been the only residents and historic preservationists had seriously worried that this gem might be demolished in the name of progress.

But a long project of loving restoration brought The Obici House back from the brink.

“We’ve really taken a love to this project,” Rountree said in a June 2011 interview with the Suffolk News-Herald.

J.T. Belcher, director of golf operations at Sleepy Hole Golf Course, was there for much of the project, working out of a double-wide mobile home that served as the pro shop at Ronnie Rountree the time.

“Watching everything come together — it was a very fun project to watch,” he said recently, recalling “just how bad it was” and comparing that state of affairs to the restored glory of the old home of Amedeo Obici and his beloved wife, Louise.

“It’s just amazing,” Belcher said.

Contractors took about three months working on just the front porch area, Rountree said in 2011, while the work was still ongoing. They had to remove 11 coats of paint from the front porch columns and caps before repainting and reinstalling them.

Moldings were removed and numbered from the interior so

“We’ve really taken a love to this project.”

See OBICI page 23

GET READY FOR SUMMER SEE A SLIMMER YOU ELIMINATE FAT DURING YOUR LUNCH HOUR

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

(757) 483-6550 Book Online

www.skin2ospa.com

5833 Harbour View • Suffolk

330 West Constance Road, Suite 200 | Suffolk, Virginia 23434 www.investdavenport.com Securities and Advisory Services offered through Davenport & Company LLC Member: NYSE•FINRA•SIPC

22 suffolk living

The Obici House is an imposing presence by the green of the 18th hole at Sleepy Hole Golf Course.

Keeping You Comfy No Matter What the Season

It’s Hard To Stop A Trane”.

Quality Care Using a Gentle Touch

Network with us • Personal Care Services • Light Housekeeping • Laundry & Change Linens Offering Classes for Patient Care Assistants • Medication Reminders CALL NOW! • Meal Preparation & Cleanup • Respite Care for Caregivers 140 W. Washington St. Suite 108, Suffolk, VA | 757-934-6717

See what we’re up to on Facebook.

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

suffolk living 23

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

Chandeliers and stained glass windows had to be removed, cleaned, stored and then replaced during renovations at The Obici House.

OBICI continued from page 21

they could be put back exactly where they’d been removed from. Stained glass windows and chandeliers were removed piece by piece, cleaned and then replaced.

Today, The Obici House serves as an events venue and a sort of popup restaurant with weekly dinners. A golf pro shop and grill occupy new and renovated space in what would have been the basement of the old structure. And dozens of weddings are held there each year, according to Terry Tagg, director of operations at the venue.

With all the evidence now gone of the structure’s previous decay, she says, The Obici House is now a place where brides and diners alike find themselves caught up in a different era.

“The house puts everybody in a good mood,” she says. “I love it here.”

And even though the golf course’s 18th hole is consistently ranked as one of the most challenging in Southeast Virginia, golfers, according to Belcher, seem to love to finish their rounds with folks watching from the house.

But, especially as the afternoons wind down, those folks might not be watching the golfers.

“I’ve got the best location,” Belcher says. “The sunsets are unbelievable.” ←

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

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.

bayportcu.org

Membership eligibility required. Certain restrictions apply.

This credit union is federally insured by the NCUA.

24 suffolk living

suffolk living 25

Kickin’ out the Jams story by Tracy Agnew photography by R.E. Spears III

I

t’s the fourth Friday of the month, and the Bethlehem Ruritan clubhouse on Manning Road is buzzing.

Folks are finding the same seats they sit in twice a month, ordering the same refreshments they eat twice a month and greeting the same folks they sit near twice a month.

Amid the buzz, The Dallas Band sets up guitars, drums, keyboards and a pedal steel guitar. Finally, it’s time to start.

But the first song doesn’t come from the band. It comes from the 120-strong crowd singing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer.

“Good evenin’, Lord,” Janet Brinkley prays. She asks for blessings on a member of another band that was supposed to be performing tonight and had to cancel due to health issues. The Dallas Band stepped in at the last minute.

And now The Dallas Band steps on stage. It doesn’t take long for heads to nod, toes to tap and hands to pat knees as the band starts a rousing version of Dion’s 1961 hit “Runaround Sue.” “Hey, hey, bum-da-diddy-diddy,” the band hums.

The music at the Jams varies — country, beach music, oldies and Motown are the most common. But the crowd, and the seats they sit in, rarely change.

“We try not to miss it,” says Louise Harrup, who always sits in the same seat near the front with her husband, John Robert Harrup. “We just enjoy the music, the fellowship, meeting new friends and seeing old friends.”

On stage, The Dallas Band croons Patsy Cline: “I’m crazy for feeling so lonely. I’m crazy, crazy for feeling so blue.”

See JAM page 27

The energy of fun, fellowship and good music at the Bethlehem Ruritan Jam is contagious. Clockwise from top left, Jeff Triplett's boots work on the pedal steel guitar; Rachel Jones and Cathy and Bill Rissell fill an order at the concession stand; a close-up of the pedal steel guitar; Triplett on the pedal steel guitar; Cheryl Askew sings and plays; from left, Steve Meszaros, Stephanie Poole and Askew of The Dallas Band enjoy kidding each other on stage.

26 suffolk living

Bethlehem Ruritan Jam visitors, including Louise and John Robert Harrup, foreground, recite the Pledge of Allegiance before each event.

suffolk living 27

Baron's Pub

189 N. Main St., Suffolk, VA (757) 934-3100 OPEN DAILY : 10 AM - 1 AM Bethlehem Ruritan Club member George Fowler sells 50/50 raffle tickets during a Bethlehem Ruritan Jam. JAM continued from page 25

The Jams started in 2010 and are now held the second and fourth Fridays of every month, except during holidays.

“We hope this will be our main fundraiser,” Ruritan member George Fowler says in between hawking 50/50 raffle tickets. “It is a whole lot more fun than going out and selling barbecue tickets.”

Bobby Buck, a 47-year The Bethlehem Ruritan Jam takes Ruritan member, agrees. place from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on the “I wish we’d’a done it second and fourth Fridays at the a long time ago,” he says.

Bethlehem Ruritan Club, 140 Manning Road. Following is the schedule for the “It really gives back to the next four events: community, and that’s what March 24 — The Show Me Band April 14 — The Country Ravens Band the Ruritans are all about.”

April 28 — The New City Sound Band The event benefits scholMay 12 — Grand Central arships, Boy Scouts, church food pantries, local families in need and other causes the Ruritans support. But it also benefits the community by providing an inexpensive evening of good, clean fun.

There’s not even an admission charge — just the raffle, concession sales and a tip jar for the band.

“You can’t find good country music anymore, unless you go to the bar, and a lot of people don’t want to do that,” says Frances Pride, who helps promote country bands in the area. “It’s nice, clean family fun.”

The Dallas Band channels Linda Ronstadt: “I’ve been cheated, been mistreated. When will I be loved?”

“You don’t have to go to a bar to listen to good music,” Ruritan Fred Brinkley says. ←

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

Suffolk Education Foundation gala The Suffolk Education Foundation held its third annual Gala in Celebration of the Arts on Feb. 24. The event featured a ‘60s theme. PHOTOS BY JEN JAQUA

Angie Salerno, Trisha James, Sandee Darden and Ann Felton

Leroy Bennett and Patrick Belcher

Matthew Gwaltney and Stephanie Gwaltney

Kya Baldwin and Kellie Baldwin

Lesa McNamara and Robert Burtler

suffolk living 29

Paws for the Arts The Suffolk Humane Society held its annual Paws for the Arts fundraiser in February at the Hilton Garden Suffolk Riverfront. Good food, good fun, good friends and a great cause were the order of business. PHOTOS BY R.E. Spears III

Mike Duman and Margie Wiley

Fran Duman, Tim Johnson and Kethy Keil

suffolk scene

Donna Williams, Sheriff E.C. Harris and Teresa Mullins

LeOtis Williams and Sybil Bullock

Susan Davis, Jen Beatty, Gin Staylor, Jenny Sarratt, Toni Gardy, Cathy Culbertson and Dee Butler

30 suffolk living

suffolk scene

Cocktails and Conversation Members and supporters of the downtown business community gathered at Brighter Day CafĂŠ on North Main Street in February for Cocktails and Conversation, along with a few tasty treats. Photos by R.E. Spears III

Diane Kippes, Fadi Debas, Connie Womack, Jeremy Oliver and Alex Bell

Diane Kippes and Andy Damiani

Garett Watters, Jen Watters and Ralph Nahra

Selina Foreman and Howard Helenbrook

suffolk living 31

Snow in Suffolk Our readers got into the spirit of the season during Suffolk’s only significant snowfall of the year, back in January. Some of our favorite reader-submitted photos appear below. SUBMITTED Photos

Sarah Murphy photo

Lori Harcum photo

Michelle L. Jeffries photo

Crystal Moody photo

Felicia Beedie photo

suffolk scene

32 suffolk living

on vacation

We love it when folks take Suffolk Living on their jaunts out of town. At left, Ned Friend, Nancy Friend, Patti Conrad, Tim Davis and Marianna Friend gather for a photo at Bill’s Seafood in Chincoteague during a Thanksgiving dinner in November. At right, on a bit of a longer trip, Susan Cox and daughters Dixie and Ashley take a break from their January visit to Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla., to celebrate having left a foot of snow on the ground back in Suffolk. They also visited Sea World and took a side trip to Tampa for some time at Busch Gardens. Next time you’re out of town, take along a copy of Suffolk Living and snap a photo. Send it to news@suffolklivingmag.com, and it’ll be almost like we were there, too. Almost.

THE DIAMOND MARRIAGE SYMBOL®

www.nansemondvet.com

The most meaningful gift since her first diamond.

The only AAHA-Certified Animal Hospital in Suffolk!

Offering friendly, full service veterinary care since 1938.

We also offer boarding and grooming!

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

Get Social!

with

Suffolk Public Schools /suffolkVAPublicSchools @SufVAschools @SuffolkSchools

1411 N. Main St. Suffolk, VA 23434

757.934.8101 THE CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE SYMBOL® Love. Honor. Cherish.

EST: 1991 Family Owned & Operated

CHECK OUT OUR ECO-BRILLIANCE LAB GROWN DIAMOND BRIDAL COLLECTION

suffolk living 33

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!

Last edition’s Where Am I? Even with a close-up shot like this one, we can’t fool you guys. We got a ton of correct responses to the Where Am I test in the last edition of Suffolk Living magazine. Of course, the photo was taken in front of Rio Grande Traders in Driver.

Having drawn a name where am I? from the proverbial I hat, we are pleased to announce that Jennifer Traugott of Suffolk is the winner of a $25 gift card. If you think you know Suffolk, check Page 17 for your chance to win.

suffolk living 13

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!

Professional • Compassionate • Well Trained

assisting patients transitioning from the Hospital or Rehabilitative Center Care

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

ENROLLING NOW FOR THE 2017 - 2018 SCHOOL YEAR

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

Pre-School (2 1/2 - 4) Thru Grade 12

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

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

34 suffolk living

scrapbook

Parade: The Holland District Ruritan float in the Founders Day parade in 1990.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUFFOLK-NANSEMOND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

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!

!

TED

LIS JUST

!

ONT

FR AKE

L

ATE!

CUL MMA

I

OAK LAKE WINDSOR WEST SUFFOLK Lovely 3 BR 2 Bath 1,622 SFLA ranch style Stunning and immaculate 5 BR 2 ½ Bath 2 story The best of country living comes with this charming home in Holland Meadows with family with 2,650 SFLA, open floor plan, huge deck to brick ranch with 5 BRs 3 1/2 Baths and 3,700+ SFLA! room that opens to dining and kitchen! Attached enjoy the views and lakeside pier! Detached Open floor plan is great for entertaining family and 2 car garage, patio and fenced back yard!

24 X 12 storage building friends! Situated on over 2 acres! $379,000! $379,000! $232,900!

!

ONT!

W

NORTHGATE Gorgeous and immaculate 4 BR 4 Bath 4,200+ SFLA home with boathouse, dock and multi-level deck! Enjoy fishing from your own backyard!

Great home for entertaining!

A must see! $524,900!

T!

OLDE MILL CREEK Beautiful 4 BR 2 ½ Bath transitional home with 3,000+ SFLA! 9 FT ceilings and H/W flooring are just a few of the many amenities in this home! Easy access to RT 58, 664 and Interstate 64! $374,900!

ED!

IST ST L

JU

CRITTENDEN Spectacular views come with this 3 BR 2 bath waterfront home with over 2,500 SFLA overlooking Chuckatuck Creek!

Located on private road with abundant wildlife! $349,900!

L

GR

APPLEWOOD FARMS Charming 4 BR 2 1/2 Bath 2,300+ SFLA 2 story home with vinyl fenced backyard! Conveniently located near shopping, restaurants, hospital, and easy access to all of Tidewater! $239,900!

ER!

ART

ST EAT

ED!

JU

RON AKEF

FR ATER

SOUTH SUFFOLK 18+ acres and 3 BR 3 Bath ranch with new windows, gas pack and radiant heat in ceiling!

Also features stainless steel appliances, security system and attached and detached garages! $299,900!

IST ST L

SOLD

LAKE PRINCE MEADOWS Custom built by contractor/owner! 4 BR 3 Bath with 2,900+ SFLA, huge open kitchen with beautiful birch cabinetry on 2 Acres! Quality construction throughout. Detached garage/shop or studio! One owner home! $336,900!

SES HOROWED! ALL

LAKESIDE Cozy brick 3 BR 1 ½ Bath 1,520 SFLA home with remodeled kitchen and fenced yard! An excellent purchase opportunity as investment or first time home buyer! $147,500!

LAKE PRINCE MEADOWS Nice all brick ranch with 3 BRs 2 Baths 1,555 SFLA and located on 1.46 acre lot on quiet, peaceful dead end street! Convenient to all of Hampton Roads!

CYPRESS CHAPEL All brick 3 BR 2 Bath 2,000+ SFLA ranch with attached garage, covered porch and over 2 acres! Large kitchen with abundant cabinets for storage!

$285,000!

$227,900!

!

JU

EASTOVER One-of-a-kind, custom built estate! 5 BRs 4 Baths with 4,425 SFLA on 2+ acres and exceptional entertainment space! Heated indoor pool and hot tub for year-round enjoyment! Value beyond price! $349, 900!

LL!

O SE

ED T PRIC

ED!

IST ST L

SOLD

LAKESIDE Great investment opportunity comes with this 4 BR 3 Bath brick colonial with 2,000+ SFLA, hardwood floors, screened porch, fireplace and detached garage $139,900!

COURTLAND This 3 BR 2 ½ Bath spacious all brick ranch is situated on 3.3 private acres and located just seconds from the RT 58 By-Pass system.

Attached and detached garages allow for 5 vehicle storage! Priced right! $198,500!

!

SOLD

WHALEYVILLE Adorable 3 BR 2 Bath ranch with low utilities! Quartz countertops, gas fireplace, double pane pull-out windows, chair rail and crown molding, large deck, deep well and 2 car detached garage! $147,000!

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