Suffolk Living March-April 2020

suffolklivingmag.com

Trains AND AN ALASKAN HIGHWAY STORY

march/april 2020 • vol. 11, no. 2

2 suffolk living

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FEATURE

18

A group of local steam engine enthusiasts gather in Chuckatuck every so often to perfect — and enjoy — their craft.

CONTENTS mar - apr | 2020 17

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

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

12 In the News

Young entrepreneurs recently showed off their stuff in an expo just for them.

ON THE COVER suffolklivingmag.com

Trains AND AN ALASKAN HIGHWAY STORY

Alaska Highway

24 A Suffolk native was one of the soldiers that helped construct the storied road.

march/april 2020 • vol. 11, no. 2

By John H. Sheally II

editor's note mar - apr

2020

Roads in Alaska, trains in Chuckatuck You’ve heard of the Tuskegee Airmen. You’ve probably heard of the Buffalo Soldiers.

But one other part of the segregated military experience for African Americans in the United

EDITORIAL Tracy Agnew Editor

Alex Perry Writer & Photographer

States has gone relatively unknown — the men of the 93rd, 95th and 97th regiments of the U.S. Army that helped construct the famous Alaska Highway during World War II. In addition to the inhospitable terrain, climate and wildlife of Alaska and the Yukon Territory, and the rigors of military life in general, these men faced

Jen Jaqua Photographer

unspeakable racism and prejudice, not only from many of their

Jimmy LaRoue Writer

build the road overcame these monumental difficulties and got it

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white comrades but also from the locals. But those working to done in less than nine months.

For decades, the contributions of the black regiments went unnoticed, but more and more, the story is starting to come out.

That story includes Suffolk native James “Bud” Ausby Mitchell, and you can read just a small snippet of his story starting on page 24.

Steam engines are a source of fascination for many, and perhaps none more than the members of the Bridge Point Farm Southeast Virginia Live Steamers, who meet regularly at the Chuckatuckarea home of David and Dee Architzel. More than a mile of track runs through the acreage, and passengers along for the ride can enjoy a bit of nostalgia and a bit of nature, too. You can read more about it on page 18.

We hope you enjoy spring in Suffolk and everything it has to offer.

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 contact us at news@ suffolklivingmag.com, and connect with us on Facebook.

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

Suffolk Restaurant Week MARCH 14-21

Suffolk Restaurant Week runs from March 14-21, offering diners new, inventive selections from Suffolk’s best-kept culinary secrets and national award-winning restaurants. Simply order off the three-course, fixed-price Restaurant Week menu at each location at three different price points. Participating restaurants include Baron’s Pub, Cedar Point Country Club, Decoy’s Seafood, Harper’s Table, The Plaid Turnip, Pourfavor Coffee Shop, Rajput Indian Cuisine, River Stone Chophouse, Sal’s Pizza & Pasta, Suffolk BBQ Co., Suffolk BBQ Co. at the Airport, Sushi Aka and Vintage Tavern.

For additional information, menus and hours of operation, contact the Suffolk Visitor Center at 514-4130 or visit www.SuffolkRestaurantWeekVA.com.

suffolk living 9

what to do

THROUGH APRIL 26

“Walk on the Wild Side” wildlife art exhibition will be on display at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 110 W. Finney Ave. Artists in this exhibit work in a variety of media and focus their work on wildlife.

The featured artists Ryan Dockiewicz and Spencer Tinkham are young wood carvers that create non-traditional birds and marine wildlife.

MARCH 21

The Hurrah Players are once again thrilled to be one of the first companies to perform a new Disney Jr. show onstage with the support of Disney Theatrical Productions.

Disney’s Moana JR. is a musical adaptation of the 2016 Disney animated film, bringing the adventures of Moana and her village of Motunui to life onstage. The performance will take place at 2 p.m. at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 110 W. Finney Ave. Advance tickets are $20 for youth and $25 for adults; all tickets are $5 more on the day of the event. Visit www.suffolkcenter.org for more information.

MARCH 21

Riddick’s Folly House Museum, 510 N. Main

St., will have an American Girl program featuring Felicity Merriman. Felicity is a spunky, spritely girl growing up in Virginia in 1774 just as America is about to declare its independence from Great Britain. As talk of revolution rumbles around her, Felicity finds it harder to tell right from wrong. Ben, her father’s young apprentice, wants war, while her best friend Elizabeth’s family remains loyal to the king. Felicity finds out what independence really means as the American colonies begin their fight for freedom. There will be three sittings at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Space is limited to 20 girls per sitting, and reservations are required. Ages 5-12 are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult. Call 934-0822 or email riddicksfolly@ verizon.net for reservations.

Prize winner at the Trondheim (Norway) International Chamber Music Competition in 2017. The Maxwell Quartet consists of four friends who grew up playing classical and folk music together in youth orchestras and music schools across Scotland. The group officially began in 2010 at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where its founding members met as postgraduate students. The very next year, the quartet was appointed as the Conservatoire’s Young Artists in Residence. Single adult tickets are $25 each, free for students.

Season tickets are $85 for adults, free for students. Tickets are available at the door with cash, check or credit card.

Visit portsmouthcommunityconcerts. com or call 686-5447 for tickets or more information.

MARCH 27

The Maxwell Quartet will continue the 81st season of Portsmouth Community Concerts at 7:30 p.m. at I.C. Norcom High School, 1801 London Blvd. This is a change from the previously announced location. The Maxwell Quartet’s Colin Scobie, first violin, George Smith, second violin, Elliot Perks, viola and Duncan Strachan, cello were hailed as First Prize winner and Audience

MARCH 28

IconiCon 2020 will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the North Suffolk Library, 2000 Bennetts Creek Park Road. This multi-fandom event is free to attend and open to all ages. There will be vendors, panels, a cosplay contest and fan art contest, themed storytime and activities for kids, gaming tournament, family-friendly

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10 suffolk living DnD, trivia contest, karaoke and more.

Visit the IconiCon website or Facebook event page for event details and special announcements.

APRIL 2

The Suffolk Education Foundation is hosting the sixth Annual Fundraising Gala Celebrating the Arts in Suffolk Public Schools. The ticket price includes a Southwestern style dinner and a fun-filled evening of networking and music, featuring the original creations of Suffolk Public Schools' student artists and award-winning entertainment by student orchestras, bands, and chorus groups. Song selections will travel along America's great highways, landscapes, celebrate its fantastic cities, and marvel at its landmarks and natural beauty. Win a beautiful handmade piece of art created by SPS art teachers, who are auctioning their artwork to directly support fine arts in your schools. Proceeds to benefit Suffolk Public Schools' music and art programs. The event is from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront, 100 E. Constance Road. Call 775-9682.

APRIL 2

Poetry, Prose and Pizza will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Suffolk Art Gallery, 118 Bosley Ave. This family-friendly open mic

night will feature host Nathan Richardson, poet, educator and first-person presenter.

Sign-up for mic time begins at 5:30. Open to writers and musicians, with a piano available in the gallery. Share your original work or favorites by others, or come enjoy the works of others. The event is sponsored by Suffolk Art League and Suffolk Art Gallery.

APRIL 4

DELLA MAE and special guest Dori Freeman with Dempsey will grace the stage at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 110 W. Finney Ave. The performance will take place at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are $27 to $40; all tickets are $5 more on the day of the event. Visit www.suffolkcenter.org for more information.

APRIL 11

The Nansemond Firebird Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Mattanock Town, 1001 Pembroke Lane, Suffolk. This is a unique, curated experience for family, friends and community members to learn about the history and living culture of Nansemond Indian Nation. In contrast to the annual August powwow, this event features several focused, interactive spaces for children and adults to learn lessons through hands-on participation. Visit nansemond.org for more information.

APRIL 26

The Chowan University Singers and Men’s Chorus, the premier touring choral ensembles of Chowan University, combined with the Chowan Community Chorus, will present a special concert at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts. This classical choral concert will feature the Requiem of Gabriel Fauré. The Chowan Singers and Community Chorus will perform this classic choral masterwork. Additionally, the Chowan Singers and Men’s Chorus will sing works ranging in style from classical a cappella music to contemporary gospel, including choral standards by Felix Mendelssohn, Thomas Tallis, and Alice Parker. The performance will take place at 3:30 p.m.

Advance tickets are $10; all tickets are $5 more on the day of the event. Visit www. suffolkcenter.org for more information.

Do you have an event you'd like to share?

Contact Suffolk Living at news@suffolkliving.com

From Suffolk’s best-kept culinary secrets to national award-winning restaurants, Suffolk Restaurant Week promises a savory blend of the city’s signature flavors.

suffolk’s showcase ofsuffolk’s culinary showcase excellence ofMarch culinary excellence 14-21, 2020 March 14-21, 2020

Independently owned and operated eateries offer chef-created delicacies and simple three-course, price fixed menus.

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$10 breakfast/$10 lunch/$20 dinner

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$15 lunch/$30 dinner

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$20 lunch/$40 dinner

SuffolkRestaurantWeekVa.com

suffolk living 11

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12 suffolk living

in the news Young entrepreneurs get chance to shine Story and photos by Jimmy LaRoue

C

hauncy Jones has been surprised to see his daughter, Chaniya LaShai, take to being an entrepreneur.

But the 10-year-old Northern Shores Elementary School student has done more than that with her business, Buggie’s Bowtique, which makes and sells handcrafted bows, scrunchies and collars.

Chaniya, who had hoped to come away with some money to continue building her business, did just that during the Young Entrepreneur Business Expo at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront on Feb. 22, winning the People’s Choice Award and $100.

“She started off buying the big bows, and I was like, you can make these if you want,” Jones said. “I’m always trying to push the entrepreneurial spirit in my children.”

Chaniya, who only started her business in late November, was excited to be a part of the

expo.

“I had seen people making scrunchies by hand, so I tried it also,” Chaniya said. “And then I asked my mom, ‘Could she help me make a business?’ She did. And then we started doing a whole bunch of other things, so then we started doing bows and then a lot of people started ordering my stuff, because they loved bows.”

Richard Chaing, an entrepreneur and president of Suffolk Executive Offices, noted the expo’s growth from 14 businesses run by young entrepreneurs last year to 31 businesses — all run by kids ages 7 to 17 — in its second year.

Chaing said some kids were enticed to participate this year by what they saw last year, while others who participated refined their product and returned.

“Kids who came last year, they changed some of their product items,” Chaing said.

“They did a little bit different stuff to increase

their sales. I’m encouraged.”

Carter Shupert, 14, of Virginia Beach, was one of those who came back and refined his product line. Last year, he sold blow dart guns and darts under his business, Carter’s Emporium. This year, he decided to change gears and sell custom-made pens. His business, The Pen Place, won the award for Highest Business Potential and $300.

“I decided to upgrade from blow guns,” Carter said. “They seemed a lot more dangerous, so I was like, ‘Why don’t I just go into woodworking, something I can do with my hands?’ So I decided to make pens and get a lathe. I started out with pens, but I can go on to tons of other stuff.”

He also learned additional business skills during last year’s event that he has carried over to his new business.

“I’ve learned how to be a bit more profes-

suffolk living 13 sional and what I can do better,” Carter said, “and also change the business in general.”

Two Nansemond-Suffolk Academy sixthgraders were also at the expo for the first time with their business, Seaglass Co., which uses authentic sea glass to make art and handcrafted jewelry. Eliana Carson, 11, and Rachel Maples, 11, who started their business during a sleepover in December, took the Most Original Business award and $200.

Within the first week of their business, they had made $35, and have been going ever since.

They also sell their items door-to-door and at the Totally Taffi Boutique. When they came up with the idea for their business, they had talked about doing a lemonade stand first, but they decided to work with sea glass, which they gather once per week.

They also will be donating 10 percent of their profits to Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters.

“We started with the simplest stuff, and then we started getting more advanced, and we’re going to continue to grow,” Rachel said.

Sarah Moyer, 11, of Virginia Beach and Evelyn Peters, 10, of Chesapeake, came to the expo with their business, 2 Tweens, which they

LOCALS CHOICE

People surround the table of Carter Shupert, 14, of Virginia Beach as he talks to them about his business, The Pen Place, which won the award for Highest Business Potential during the Young Entrepreneur Business Expo. had started just three weeks earlier. They like using natural products, so they made items using all natural ingredients designed to soothe and nourish the body.

“We heard about the expo and we’re both very competitive and we’ve been best friends for a long time,” Evelyn said. “So we decided that we wanted to do it.”

Araya Taylor and Malachi Nowell, both 11, came from Hobbsville, N.C., with their business, Rubberband Warriors. Araya said she started the business about two to three

years ago, and soon after brought Malachi, her cousin, into it and learned different styles from another cousin, and found new designs through YouTube.

“I was in math class one day and my cousin, she had some rubber bands and she was making a bracelet, and I thought it was quite fascinating, so I asked her to teach me how to make them, and once she taught me how to make them, I started making them and I got my cousin Malachi involved in it. And that’s when we opened a business.”

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14 suffolk living

on vacation

Suffolk Living has been lots of places lately. Danny Epperson of Suffolk takes a break at Waimea Falls Park in Oahu, Hawaii, on Jan. 27. Suffolk Living editor Tracy Agnew, pictured, and designer Troy Cooper, who are married, recently spent a few days in Los Angeles, where they saw a taping of “Jeopardy” and visited Hollywood. Send your vacation photos with Suffolk Living to news@ suffolklivingmag.com.

suffolk living 15

How do you see Suffolk?

Submit your photos to Through the Lens

news@suffolklivingmag.com

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

Choo-choos in Chuckatuck Story by Phyllis Speidell Photos by John H. Sheally II

A

steam whistle wailing in the morning quiet of rural Chuckatuck draws dozens of train buffs to a railroad siding close by the Nansemond River waterfront.

The rail line there may be short — perhaps a 15 minute ride — and the trains just big enough to ride at about two feet tall, but size doesn’t diminish the thrill for those who have come from Maryland, Pennsylvania and across Virginia for their day of steam.

The Bridge Point Farm Southeast Virginia Live Steamers, steam engine fans that organized in 1991 to share their love of and expertise with steam engines, were meeting again at the home of David and Dee Architzel.

For the steam enthusiasts, the engines and cars that they build and run are part nostalgia and part craftsmanship — in miniature, 7½ gauge and 15 gauge, according to Architzel. Fully operational and true to their original full size design, right down to the number of bolts, the engines are a tribute to the days when steam ruled the rails.

Much like the other rail buffs that had traveled miles for the event, the local Live Steamers are generally old enough to treasure childhood memories of steam locomotives whistling past their towns and farms. The youngsters running along next to the tracks are years away from that era but no less eager for the train to stop so they can hop on for yet another ride.

More than a mile of track runs through Architzel’s See TRAINS page 20

suffolk living 19

Members of the Bridge Point Farm Southeast Virginia Live Steamers always get a thrill riding their machines around the Chuckatuck-area property of David and Dee Architzel.

20 suffolk living

Jerry McVeigh, right, pays some attention to a flamingo-themed engine at the Bridge Point Farm Southeast Virginia Live Steamers.

TRAINS continued from page 18

acreage, passing a butterfly garden and crossing a trestle over the wooded ravines. On a quieter day, passengers can glimpse a few deer watching from the thickets lining the tracks and apparently unfazed by the steam whistles.

Youngsters learning about steam-powered trains would bring a smile to the face of Arthur “Junie” Lancaster, the Portsmouth native and Suffolk resident who owned one of the largest toy train collections in the area. His dream of a miniature train that children could ride at his train museum in Trainland, in North Suffolk, came true in 1994 with the help of the Live Steamers. A rideable train, about 1/8 the size of an actual steam-powered train, chugged around its own track at Trainland, often with Lancaster aboard. When he passed away in 1996, Trainland’s demise followed soon after. Don Orr invited the Live Steamers to bring the train and track to his 5½-acre property in Chuckatuck, where he christened the miniature rail line, the Grasshopper Short Line Railroad.

That’s where Architzel became acquainted

with Orr and steam engines. Architzel, a U.S. Navy aviator, retired in 2012 as a vice admiral and former commanding officer of the USS Theodore Roosevelt. He was intrigued by the large scale model trains, their history and their development. It’s a big change, perhaps, from his role as commander of Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, Md., but Architzel loves owning his own railroad.

Six years ago, when Architzel came to a Live Steamers meet at Orr’s home, he learned that Orr was moving and ready to rip up the tracks in order to make the property more marketable.

Architzel asked Cox the price of the property with the rails intact, made an offer and bought the property three months later. Fortunately, Architzel’s wife, Barbara, loved the house and property too.

Once moved in, Architzel built a pole barn, remodeled the work shop and added a swimming pool, a play fort and a zipline for the grandchildren. He also added a second loop of track and a few picnic tables as well as a deck

with rattan easy chairs overlooking a branch of the Nansemond. Barbara, nicknamed “B.B.,” cultivated a large butterfly garden and nurtured the huge blueberry bushes that came with the property.

The Live Steamers relish the setting and frequently bring their engines out for a run, as do the visitors who come out of curiosity or a desire to learn more about the hobby.

One 20-ish train fan in particular stood out as a familiar face and as one of the few younger men working with the trains. Brett Hall, a local TV journalist, was born in Baltimore and grew up in the live steam hobby, thanks to his grandmother’s neighbors who were active in the Chesapeake and Allegheny Live Steamers. Hall encouraged several members of that club to come and bring four of their engines to Architzel’s.

Hall, who has been a member of several live steam clubs as he moved with his career, said, “To see the smile on kids’ faces at the sound of the genuine steam whistle is to see myself 20 See TRAINS page 23

suffolk living 21

Above, Bill and Sandy Derr of the Chesapeake & Allegheny Live Steamers enjoy a meeting of the Bridge Point Farm Southeast Virginia Live Steamers. Below, a Baltimore & Ohio machine gets taken for a ride.

22 suffolk living

Above, Brett Hall enjoys a ride on David Architzel’s coal-fired mogul engine. Below, more than a mile of track runs throughout Architzel’s well appointed Chuckatuck-area property.

Above, David Architzel explains trains with Henry Smellie and his mother, Kate, listening in. Below, Architzel bought his property, with the tracks, from another hobbyist.

TRAINS continued from page 20

years ago.”

So what keeps all these people so enamored with steam? Hall had his thoughts on that too — and they seem applicable to the other live steamers there that day. ”It’s my escape. As corny and cliché as it sounds, a steam engine is alive.

When you operate even one of those models, you feel it working, and feel it when it’s not working well. It’s a relationship that gets you around the track. If you don’t have the fire hot enough to produce the steam by the time you get to the bottom of the hill, she will never get you up it. But when you work a job that has you covering people’s worst days in life, it’s a beautiful thing ... to just have to worry about getting up that hill.”

24 suffolk living

A

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Story by Tracy Agnew Submitted photos

T

he world was at war in 1942, and the United States was deeply embroiled in it, with emotions raging following the late-1941 attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese.

The territory of Alaska, with its Aleutian archipelago stretching across the deep blue sea almost all the way to Japan, was considered a vital part of the nation’s defense from the Axis Powers. As part of the strategy to defend Alaska — and therefore the rest of North America — the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was dispatched to build a land route to Alaska through extraordinarily difficult terrain.

The soldiers encountered hostile working conditions both winter and summer. In

the winter, they struggled to build roads through permafrost and muskegs, generally known as swamps or bogs. They battled temperatures far below zero and the resulting frostbite, and many soldiers died. During the warmer months, voracious mosquitoes and gnats attacked the soldiers as they worked.

Of the 11,000 soldiers working on the project, more than one-third were black, according to “We Fought the Road” by Christine and Dennis McClure. White regiments took the credit, and the black soldiers’ contributions were not well known until more recently. White regiments were featured in photographs, films and news reports of the time, while the black ones were ignored, the

McClures wrote. The black soldiers had to build barracks for the white ones, while they slept in tents.

One of the regiments working on the project was the 93rd Engineer General Service Regiment. One of the soldiers toiling in it was Suffolk native James “Bud” Ausby Mitchell.

The 93rd arrived in Skagway on April 14, 1942, according to “We Fought the Road.”

They completed their section of highway on Oct. 10 that same year, and the entire highway was dedicated on Nov. 20.

The men of the 93rd, Mitchell included, established water points, built and repaired roads and bridges and culverts, constructed POW facilities and more. They faced all of See ALASKA page 27

suffolk living 25 MARINA continued from page 24

At top, the engineers’ corps of the 93rd, 95th and 97th Engineer General Service Regiments. James Ausby Mitchell, Suffolk native, is second from left in the back row.

At left is Mitchell during his service in Alaska. Above is Leonard Larkins, another member of the 93rd who served with Mitchell, and three of his sons at a ceremony in Alaska in 2017.

26 suffolk living

At top is a picture of soldiers from the 93rd Engineer General Service Regiment posing on a bridge they built; Suffolk’s James Ausby Mitchell is in the truck. At right is a picture of Mitchell during his service.

At far right is the front and back of the Alaska Highway Black Engineers coin.

suffolk living 27 ALASKA continued from page 24

the same challenges as the white soldiers, only with prejudice on top.

Mitchell drove a truck, operated earth-moving equipment and helped build bridges. In all, the construction of 1,600 miles of highway took only eight months and 12 days.

Mitchell’s legacy lives on, not only on the Alaska Highway but more importantly here in Suffolk. He and his loving wife, Terease E. Mitchell, raised 10 children: Beulah M. Robertson, William Boyette Jr., Ceylon N. Mitchell, James T. Mitchell, Arvis L. Hall, Connie P. Gay, Dedra O. Mitchell, Kathy L. Hart, Ausby N. Mitchell and Lynn T. Parker. His brother is the well-known “Mr. CIAA,” Abraham Mitchell.

He also has numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He went on to work in the Naval Yard in Portsmouth and died in 1981.

His son, Ceylon, retired from the U.S. Air Force after 24 years of service and lives in Alaska, did much of the research on their father’s service.

Mitchell’s DD-214 tells the details of his service. He was in for three years, 11 months and 23 days, from August 1941 to August 1945. He earned the American Theater Service Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Service Ribbon.

After the 93rd moved to the Aleutians in 1943, Mitchell was injured by exploding ordnance and came home with a limp, according to a website run by the McClures, www.93regimentalcan.com.

But what it doesn’t tell is what the family knows about his legacy — how his work ethic and faith in God got him through the difficult work in the Yukon and Alaska wilderness.

“He talked about how cold it was,” said Arvis Hall. “His toes and fingers were frostbitten (when he came home on leave). He said he hated to go back, but he knew he had to finish the highway.”

That was a part of his character, Hall said, and he passed it down to his hardworking children.

“He never started anything he didn’t finish, and he brought us up the same way,” she said. “My dad had the fortitude, and he took God with him everywhere he went.”

Daughter Kathy Hart also honored her father for his hard work and character.

“Our dad was a proud man,” she said. “He instilled in us that we were never to ask anybody for anything and to work to get your own, making it impossible for anybody to take what you earned away from you. We salute him and will always remember to share his legacy to all generations.”

Hall said their father will always be their father, but it’s great to know he and his comrades are finally getting the credit for something that was greater than the sum of all of their parts.

“It just brings tears to our eyes,” Hall said. “Realizing the impact of something that big — my dad did that in Alaska.

It’s amazing my dad was part of that.”

At top, Ceylon N. Mitchell, left, holds a photo of his father, Suffolk’s James Ausby Mitchell, posing with Christine and Dennis McClure, authors of “We Fought the Road.” Above, Ceylon Mitchell, right, poses with Leonard Larkins Sr., who served with the elder Mitchell, at a ceremony in Alaska in 2017.

28 suffolk living

in the snow

Suffolk enjoyed a snowstorm on Feb. 20-21 that dropped about five inches of snow — just enough to play with.

Readers sent their snow photos in for all to enjoy.

Clockwise from top left, a snowy scene in Lakeside/ West End; Jackson, Sebastian, Noah and Bentley Feagans enjoy their snow day; Donna Jones submitted this photo of snow and ice on her trees; Anderson Runyon plays in the snow; snowy pansies submitted

by Bill Hewitt; Caroline Jane enjoys the snow in an adorable outfit.

suffolk living 29

through the lens: Sandra Hopkins

S

andra Hopkins is an artist, writer and librarian who enjoys taking photos with her phone as she walks through her Suffolk neighborhood. She also enjoys capturing the light on the marsh behind her Shoulders Hill area home. Last year, she had several photos published online for Sight Psalms (www.upperroom.org/sight_psalms).

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.

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suffolk scene

Freedom Fund The Suffolk-Nansemond Branch of the NAACP held its annual Freedom Fund banquet on Feb. 15 at Temple Beth El. The event raised money for the programs and services of the NAACP. PHOTOS BY TRACY AGNEW

Gloria J. Jackson, the Rev. Betty Montgomery and Lula Holland

Andrew Owen, David Miles, Congressman A. Donald McEachin and E.C. Harris

Sylvia Copeland-Murphy and Joan Turner

Tarshia Gardner and Renee Folk

John and Sherry Cotton and Fritz Sr. and Tiffany Whitfield

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Mardi Gras The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts held its annual fundraiser, a Mardi Gras theme this year, on Feb. 22. Revelers dressed in their best to enjoy New Orleans-themed food and drink, silent and live auctions and more. PHOTOS BY TRACY AGNEW

suffolk scene

Wayne and Debbie Lankford and Nancy Verdirame

Justin Ferguson and Gary Barlow

Caroline Martin and Gina Pitrone

Leck Lawrence, Jackie Cherry and Butch Cherry

Ray Anderson, Dr. Russell Mosher and Gayle Mosher

Billy Hannah, Tracie Thorndike, Whitney Saunders and Allie Thorndike

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suffolk scene

Paws for the Arts The Suffolk Humane Society held its seventh annual Paws for the Arts Gala on Feb. 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront. The event raised thousands of dollars for its programs and services through silent and live auctions. PHOTOS BY JIMMY LAROUE

Bucky Hurley and Kay Hurley

Connor Bradshaw, Alexis Amspacher and Caroline Morgan

Renee Grisham, Lee Murphy and Carol Johanningsmeier

Alex Sokolovsky and Jackson “Morgan” Jones

Charles Parr, Kim Parr, Dana Thompson and John Jones

Liz Warness, Jasmine Parham and Peg Warness

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Pilot Club Valentine's Day The Nansemond River Pilot Club held its first Valentine’s Sweetheart Ball on the evening of Feb. 14. Happy couples who attended the ball enjoyed tasty hors d’oeuvres, a live DJ, cash bar, dancing and fun in the extravagant event venue. The ball was a fundraiser for the club’s community service projects. PHOTOS BY ALEX PERRY

suffolk scene

Lou and Sandy Quiroga, Keith and Robin Starling, Robbin Shelton

Pam Fuller, Richard and Denise Witherow, Paul and Mary Jo Cox

Robbin and Michael Shelton

Sandy and Lou Quiroga

Steven Lindblad and Marion Ritter

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Last edition’s Where Am I? The chilly polar bear in last edition’s Where Am I? challenge typically hangs out on the side of the Qik-Ice building on East Constance Road, near LW’s Lawn Service. where am I? Only two of I our readers braved the cold enough to find him and respond to the challenge.

Kim Taylor was the randomly drawn winner and received a $25 gift card. See page 17 for this edition’s challenge.

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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.

LOCALS CHOICE

Go out and enjoy Suffolk!

Walk on the WILD SIDE Wildlife Art Exhibition MOANA Jr.

Disney Family Musical

March 5 – April 26, 2020 Free & Open to the Public

DELLA MAE

with special guest Dori Freeman & Dempsey

•GRAMMY NOMINATED •BLUEGRASS PHENOMENON

2019 SILVER

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scrapbook

BRIDGE: The Kingsboro Bridge was built around 1900 to take Pinner Street over two, and later three, railroads. The riveted steel bridge was replaced during the Great Depression by a wooden one. In the 1980s, a concrete and steel replacement was built. The Kingsboro area was built on the former Rose Hill plantation land.

COURTESY OF SUFFOLK-NANSEMOND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Spring

INTO

A NEW HOME WE GET RESULTS. CONTACT THE LOCALS' CHOICE

from all of us at

SuffolkSpecialist.com

330 W. Constance Rd. Suffolk, VA 23434

(757) 539-7451