Suffolk Living magazine

suffolklivingmag.com

Rocks Plus fun at the zoo and a wine to-do

may/june 2017 • vol. 8, no. 3

2 suffolk living

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suffolk living 3

FEATURE

20

Most folks would shy away from strangers watching them do their jobs all day. But not Leah Rooker, a Suffolk resident who works in the Virginia Zoo's new Animal Wellness Campus.

contents may - june | 2017 19

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

Suffolk Rocks

12 If you spot a brightly colored rock in Suffolk, don't pass it by. It's your invitation into an inspiring movement.

On the cover suffolklivingmag.com

10 The Suffolk Humane Society's ninth Mutt Strut attracted hundreds of dogs and their people.

28 The Suffolk Business Women's annual Wine Festival continues to be popular despite challenging weather.

Rocks PLUS FUN AT THE ZOO AND A WINE TO-DO

may/june 2017 • vol. 8, no. 3

by Troy Cooper

editor's note may - june

2017

EDITORIAL R.E. Spears III Editor Tracy Agnew News Editor Alex Perry 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

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Rocking Suffolk with optimism Springtime in Suffolk. There’s hardly a better time for a better place. Perhaps the only better time in Suffolk is during peanut-harvesting season. The smell of fresh-turned dirt and peanuts drying in the autumn breeze is tough competition for that of lavender-draped trees and honeysuckle.

On the front side of the peanut cycle — the side when peanuts and other crops around Suffolk are going into the ground, rather than coming out of it — there’s a sense of anticipation and expectation that I imagine is exactly the reason farmers keep farming, even after a bad year, maybe even after a string of bad years. THIS year’s crop could be a record, even if last year’s was a bust. I wonder if any farmer can truly be a pessimist at heart.

I am always amazed at the optimism it takes to pursue goals that either are dependent upon or can be undone by the weather. Farmers plant their crops with the expectation that the rains will come and water them. And just across town, a group of ladies plans a wine festival with the expectation that the rain will hold off.

Both sets of people have high hopes and, perhaps, even expectations.

And, frankly, both would have to admit that, when it comes to the participation of Mother Nature in their plans, the record of success is a spotty one. And yet, both the crops and the wine festival, themselves, are great successes, due, at least in part, to the hard work of those who tend them.

In the case of the Suffolk Wine Festival, the Suffolk Business Women is the driving force behind one of the city’s fastest-growing and most important annual fundraising events, even if it has happened to rain each year the event has taken place. Read more about how the wine festival got started and what the SBW is all about on Page 28.

Speaking of optimism. That trait is on fully display in a recent fad that has swept Suffolk by storm.

While you’re out exploring around town — maybe next time you head out to the store — keep your eyes peeled for rocks that seem to be out of place with their surroundings. Suffolk Rocks has set out to change the city one stone at a time.

Optimism comes into play in the hopeful faith it takes to put the time into painting a rock, only to then hide it in the wild somewhere with the hope that some stranger will then find it and be blessed in the experience. This pastime is extremely popular right now, and you can read more about it on Page 12.

I’ve never been accused of seeing the world through rose-colored glasses, but even I tend to turn a bit optimistic this time of year. And I have great expectations that you will enjoy this edition of Suffolk Living magazine.

We really are glad to spend this time with you.

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

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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

Stars and Stripes Spectacular Tuesday July 4

Enjoy the Stars and Stripes Spectacular, as the skies of Suffolk light up with a fireworks show over the Nansemond River at Constant's Wharf Park & Marina.

The park will open at 5:30 p.m. with entertainment, children's activities, local merchandise vendors and food choices available. The fireworks will begin at 9 p.m.

Music will be provided by the popular band Hotcakes, and the children's area is only $5 (kids 12 and under). There will be free shuttles from the First Baptist Church, the Godwin Courts Building and City Hall parking lots beginning at 5:15 p.m.

suffolk living 9

what to do Continuing

The Suffolk Art Gallery will host the Tidewater Art Alliance Portfolio Show through June 3. The show is free and open to the public. The gallery, located at 118 Bosley Ave., is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.

The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, located at 110 W. Finney Ave., will host the Chesapeake Bay Art Association’s annual juried exhibit through June 17. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Friday May 19

The 22nd Annual Relay For Life of Suffolk will be held from 6 p.m. to midnight at Nansemond River High School. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement symbolizes hope and the shared goal to end a disease that threatens the lives of so many people we love. If cancer has touched your life, participating in a Relay For Life event is a way to take action and help finish the fight. The event is free and open to the public, but fundraising is encouraged, and all proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. For more information, visit www.tinyurl.com/me2eyqg.

The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts will hold an Art and “Wine-ing” Workshop from 7 to 9 p.m. Create a masterpiece of your very own. Learn a bit about different artists and try your brush at the canvas. Art supplies and inspiration are provided. Just bring yourself and your fellow “artist” friends and leave everything else at the door. The event is limited to 13 participants 21 years or older. Visit www.SuffolkCenter.org for more information.

Saturday May 20

The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts will 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 entrees and side dishes. Small groups will apply these skills as they prepare the evening's menu. Chef Dedra has 15 years of culinary arts instruction experience with Johnson & Wales and the Culinary Institute of Virginia. The $50 price of the workshop includes cooking instruction, recipes using the freshest ingredients and the adventure of cooking and dining with new friends. Students should bring their own aprons and wear comfortable shoes. No experience is required. Limited space is available. For more information, visit www.

SuffolkCenter.org.

TGIF Summer Concert Series

Join your neighbors at Constant's Wharf Park & Marina from 6 to 10 p.m. for the TGIF Summer Concert Series. Enjoy this free and familyfriendly event in the park, as various bands play and kids enjoy the children's area.

The schedule is as follows: June 16: The Fuzz Band June 23: Touch of Spice June 30: Affirmative Groove July 14: Soul Intent

The Riddick’s Folly House Museum, located at 510 N. Main St., will host an American Girl program, “Meet Julie Albright.” 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 9340822 or visit www.riddicksfolly.org for more information.

The CE&H Ruritan Club will hold its 17th annual Beer, Bands and BBQ event from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Ruritan Hall in Eclipse, 8881 Eclipse Drive. Enjoy great local barbecue, beer and live music by Billy Joe Trio and The Sam Floyd Band. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the gate and are available at Rio Grande Traders (3049 Kings Highway) or The Market (1604 Bridge Road). Children 12 and under are admitted free.

Saturday May 27

The Chuckatuck Library, located at 5581 Godwin Blvd., will host a Memorial Day picnic from noon to 3 p.m. Bring your lunch to picnic on the lawn. There will be outdoor games such as cornhole, music and patriotic crafts for kids. Visit www.SuffolkPublicLibrary.com for more information.

Enjoy an evening dedicated to art and the documentary, “Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry,” at the Suffolk Visitor Center, located at 524 N. Main St., from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Make your own creation at stations provided by the Suffolk Art League and the Suffolk Public Library. Record your story and experiences as part of Suffolk Public Library's Suffolk Speaks oral history project. Watch a special screening of “Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry,” a documentary about China's most famous international artist, and its most outspoken domestic critic. Light refreshments will be provided. The film will begin at 8 p.m. This event is free to attend and for ages 18 and up.

Wednesday June 14

Active adults and seniors ages 55 and over are invited to attend "Senior Prom" at the Whaleyville Community Center, 132 Robertson St. Come dressed in your best and walk the red carpet for a day of fun, music, fellowship and dancing. The event begins at 11 a.m. and will end at 2 p.m. Not only will lunch be served, but you will also enjoy a fashion show. The cost for this event is $10 per person. For more information, call 514-7100.

10 suffolk living

in the news

Ninth Mutt Strut raises thousands

story and photography by Tracy Agnew

T

housands of humans and their companions from the animal kingdom flooded Bennett’s Creek Park on May 7 to help raise money for the Suffolk Humane Society.

The day had an uncharacteristic chill in the air, perfect for dogs and their people to have fun at the ninth annual Mutt Strut without getting overheated.

“I think it went very well,” said Rhonda Jones of the Suffolk Humane Society. “It seemed like it was well attended.”

This year’s event featured many new activities for pups and people alike.

See Mutt page 11

Josh Power gets a kiss from Ragnar the Dalmatian at the "kissing booth" raising money for the Adopt A Spot Rescue.

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suffolk living 11 MUTT continued from page 10

“There are lots of new things this year people seemed very excited about,” Jones said.

Humans could partake in a cornhole tournament and have some beer, while dogs could compete in a talent contest and do “lure coursing,” which had them following a white lure on a system of mechanized pulleys. Pups could also have their pictures taken with Summer Santa, who sported shorts and flip-flops with a Santa hat.

Old favorites, such as the Frosty Paws eating contest, canine demonstrations and of course the pledge walk also filled the day with excitement. The Rev. Eileen Walsh of St. Christopher Episcopal Church in Portsmouth did a blessing of the animals before the pledge walk, starting with a general prayer and giving a blessing to several individual animals whose owners lined up for the privilege.

For Chris Grady, who was a first-time visitor at the event, seeing dogs watching other dogs participate in activities was the best part of the event.

“Watching dogs watch dogs — that was entertaining,” he said. His family includes five children and dog Aslan — named after the lion

Golden retrievers Teddy and Norman enjoy a dip in the pool during the Suffolk Humane Society's ninth annual Mutt Strut.

in “The Chronicles of Narnia” — and they were all at the event.

“This is the largest dog event I have been to with our dogs,” Grady said. “And all the dogs behaved themselves pretty well.”

Jones said it seemed like more children were in attendance this year, which was nice.

Many of them were members of the Animal

Lovers’ Club at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, such as Makaela Waddington. She has been in the club for two years. She came with her mom, Rebecca Kiser, and their dog, Duke.

“I wanted to bring Duke so he could see all the other dogs,” Kiser said.

Jones said the event went very well overall.

“It couldn’t have gotten any better,” she said. ←

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Suffolk

Rocks story by Tracy Agnew photography by Troy Cooper

S

uffolk Rocks is art without a canvas, a treasure hunt without a map, geocaching without the GPS coordinates, a year-long Christmas without the wrapping paper, hide-andseek without “it.”

Some people come into the Suffolk Rocks movement purposefully, learning about it through a friend and starting to seek. Some stumble across it — quite literally — without knowing about it.

For Maria Myers, it all started when she found a rock at a park in Harbour View with a bluebird painted on it. The woman who painted the rock and left it there couldn’t have known how inspiring it would be for whoever found it.

During her battle with breast cancer several years ago, Myers — a Virginia Master Naturalist who worked on a bluebird trail in Williamsburg — adopted bluebirds as a personal symbol. She handed out tiny bluebird magnets to other cancer patients she met.

“Bluebirds became my bluebird of happiness,” Myers said.

When she discovered the serendipitous rock with the bluebird, it had a message on the back, directing her to the “Suffolk Rocks” Facebook page.

That’s where she discovered the movement and got connected to the woman who painted the bluebird.

They have become friends.

“She touched my heart,” Myers said. “It was an inner sanctuary few people go to.”

The Suffolk Rocks movement all started when Kendra Ruga, who lives in North Suffolk with her husband, their daughter, her parents and a Great Dane, started the Facebook page in February. Her best friend lives in Port St. Lucie, Fla., and had started a similar page there.

“It was just to fill our Facebook pages with something positive, instead of all the politics and negative news,” Ruga said. “I was tired of hearing and reading about only that.”

See ROCKS page 14

suffolk living 13

Suffolk Rocks founder Kendra Ruga and her father, Bill Wardwell, treasure family time almost nightly while painting rocks on the island in their kitchen.

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14 suffolk living ROCKS continued from page 12

Ruga painted some rocks and put them out around town with the message on the back. Her first rock painting was a butterfly, which she hid at a local dance studio.

“I’ve painted about a hundred pounds of rocks,” Ruga said. “I only get an hour or two (of free time) every night, and that’s what I choose to do.”

She didn’t expect the rocking movement to take off like it has. The page had swelled to about 3,500 members by early May and was showing no signs of slowing down. Several preschool classes have painted rocks, and a 99-year-old is one of the more prolific finders of rocks.

Rocks can now be found pretty much all over Suffolk in parks, on trails and sidewalks and near public places.

They’re painted with inspiring messages, abstract designs, animals, children’s cartoon characters and more.

The artists hide them wherever they like. There are only a couple rules — no hiding on private property without the owner’s permission, and no hiding

Suffolk Rocks founder Kendra Ruga uses manicure tools to paint rocks. She prefers inspirational messages, mandala designs and Disney characters.

See ROCKS page 15

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suffolk living 15 ROCKS continued from page 14

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where the rocks could damage lawn care equipment like mowers.

“My favorite part is hiding them, because I try to do it in stealth mode,” Ruga said. Some people post hints on the Facebook group after they’ve hidden them.

When you find a rock, you’re encouraged to keep it or re-hide it wherever you like. A post to the Facebook group is encouraged so the artist can know their handiwork has been enjoyed.

The benefits are myriad — exercise, family time and connections with others. But many Suffolk Rockers see something even deeper.

“It goes beyond just painting a rock and dropping it off,” Myers said. “It’s that human factor of ‘I care’ that you just don’t see that often.”

“I love the simplicity of it all,” said Tara Branham. “With technology being at the forefront of everyone’s lives, this is a simple activity to take a breather and gain a little serenity.”

“I love the way certain rocks find just the right person with a message they may need,” Amy Selby said. “To see how we truly are connected is heartwarming.”

The next time you desire a treasure hunt, go without a map. You never know what you’ll stumble across.←

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16 suffolk living

through the lens: Matt Hildreth

M

att Hildreth is a professional photographer at Newport News Shipbuilding.

After spending the work week taking photos in the industrial setting, he enjoys exploring parts of Suffolk and the surrounding cities to photograph landscape and street scenes. From abandoned farmhouses to peaceful lakes to busy city blocks, Matt is always trying to perfect his craft. Visit his Instagram page @matt_hildreth or Matt Hildreth Photography on Facebook. We’re always looking for local photographers — professionals and amateurs — who have their lenses trained on Suffolk. If you’d like to have your work featured here, send an email to news@suffolklivingmag.com.

suffolk living 17

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suffolk living 19

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!

20 suffolk living

Vet tech under the microscope

suffolk living 21 Suffolk resident Leah Rooker, right, a Virginia Zoo veterinary technician, and intern Marley Ueland do a treatment on a female New Caledonia Giant Gecko named Callie.

Rooker does most of her work behind glass story by Tracy Agnew photography by Troy Cooper

S

uffolk resident Leah Rooker helps take care of hundreds of animals at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, ranging in size from a dart frog she can fit in her hand to a giraffe that won’t fit through the surgical room doors at the Animal Wellness Campus where she works.

But she has one thing in common with all of the animals in her care — she carries out a majority of her life in the public eye.

For the last couple of years, Rooker and her colleagues have worked in the new Animal Wellness Campus at the zoo. It’s

a significant upgrade from the amount of space they had before, but it also has an educational component. Through large picture windows accompanied by signs explaining the work that goes on there, zoo visitors can watch Rooker and other animal care experts go about their daily duties, from doing routine exams on animals to taking X-rays and carrying out minor surgical procedures.

“I just love my job,” Rooker said. “It’s different every day.”

Rooker always knew she wanted to work with animals.

22 suffolk living

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suffolk living 23

Opposite page, Leah Rooker examines iguana blood for any sign of illness during a routine exam. Behind her is a window open to the public, through which zoo visitors can watch her work. At left, Rooker examines an X-ray of a rhinoceros hornbill bird.

24 suffolk living

Leah Rooker greets one of two tiger cubs she helped hand-rear after they were born at the Virginia Zoo in January 2016.

The naming rights to the cubs were auctioned at a zoo fundraiser, and both have Suffolk connections.

“I love animals and always wanted to do something with them,” she said.

Rooker, who grew up with a military parent but finished high school in Alexandria, went to Harcum College in Pennsylvania. She then moved on to Virginia Tech, where she earned her degree and worked in the large animal program for about 11 years, taking care of beasts such as horses, cows and sheep.

That wouldn’t seem to be very good preparation for caring for prairie dogs and white rhinos, but Rooker said it’s all about networking and on-the-job learning.

“You’re constantly learning,” she said.

“If we don’t know something we’ve got a network of people we can contact.”

Rooker, together with the veterinarian at the zoo, does routine exams on all of the animals at the zoo. There are also special exams and treatment needed when something seems wrong. The Animal Wellness Campus has a variety of facilities in which to place animals in isolation or intensive care when needed.

Sometimes, the care gets very intensive, like when tiger cuts Stubbley and Osceola

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suffolk living 25 needed to be hand-reared after their mother was unable to care for them.

The cubs were born in January 2016, and Rooker was on the team that fed them by hand around the clock.

“It was really a cool experience to be able to hand-rear them,” Rooker said.

As it turns out, both tigers have a connection to Suffolk. Naming rights for the cubs were auctioned at a zoo fundraiser in August 2016.

Chuck Stencel and his wife, of Chicago, Ill., named Osceola after their grandson, who was born in July 2016 in Suffolk.

Emery Wyatt and his wife, Suffolk residents and zoo members and volunteers, chose Stubbley’s name as a tribute to the first dog they owned together.

Even though Rooker isn’t supposed to have favorites, it’s clear the tiger cubs have a special place in her heart. Framed photos of her with the tigers stand on her desk, near ostrich eggs on a pedestal and photos of her with her own horse. She also has a cat and a dachshund at home.

Rooker can tell the cubs apart by the thickness of stripes on their tails and the direction their eyebrows turn. But she maintains a wari-

Leah Rooker shows off machines she and her colleagues use to examine the blood of animals at the Virginia Zoo's Animal Wellness Center.

ness that is a smart idea for wild animals.

“Even though we hand-reared the tigers, they’re not pets,” she said. “All these animals are still wild. I have a healthy respect for them, but I’m not scared of them.”

Though she might be near constantly in a fishbowl, so to speak, Rooker said she loves her job.

“It’s kind of a dream to be doing something I’m passionate about,” she said. ←

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28 suffolk living More than a dozen Virginia wineries were on hand at the Suffolk Wine Festival to provide samples of offerings.

A dream grows on the vine A story and photography by R.E. Spears III

taste for the grape has translated into more than $100,000 in contributions donated to local nonprofit organizations during the past two years by the Suffolk Business Women.

And another successful Suffolk Wine Fest, held in April, is likely to result in tens of thousands of dollars more going to help the Suffolk Education Foundation, ForKids, the Children’s Center, the Coalition Against Poverty in Suffolk, the Suffolk Ruritan Club and the Suffolk Business Women scholarship fund.

Those are just the groups that were chosen to benefit this year from the profits made during the Suffolk Wine Festival, whose single annual fundraiser has already become one of the most successful and highly anticipated events of the

year in only its third year out of the gate.

“All the feedback we’ve had so far has been nothing but positive,” said Deb Gayle, the chairman of this year’s event and founder and former president of Suffolk Business Women.

She was speaking specifically of the 2017 wine festival, for which organizers are still counting receipts, but she just as well could have been talking about either of the two annual events that preceded it.

From the start, the Suffolk Wine Festival has proved to be wildly popular, and even what has turned out to be an annual struggle with the weather has not been a deterrent to big, happy crowds and packed tasting booths.

This year’s fest was no different in its challenges or its victories, Gayle said.

“We had three seasons in one day,” she joked recently. The day started hot and became breezy with the onset of a cold front that brought a bit of rain and finished cool as the front passed through.

Undeterred, guests strolled from tent to tent, sampling dozens of offerings from more than a dozen different Virginia wineries and six craft breweries.

Gayle said the event’s committee is still gathering information, but they know there were more than 1,800 people in attendance. All 23 of the “wine chalets,” along with all 15 of the “redcarpet tables” — the two VIP-type experiences available for purchase by guests and sponsors — were sold out, she said, and the food and retail vendor tents had reached capacity.

See WINE page 31

suffolk living 29

The wine poured at the Suffolk Wine Festival, but the festival organizers took steps to ensure everyone got home safely. New this year, designated drivers could get in free to enjoy food and fun without the alcohol. They received a white wristband to denote their status.

30 suffolk living

Friends at the Suffolk Wine Festival enjoyed wine and beer from more than a dozen vendors, as well as food vendors and fun.

suffolk living 31

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

Suffolk Wine Festival volunteers show off the growlers that were available for purchase this year to be filled with craft beer and taken home.

WINE continued from page 28

For Gayle, especially, the continuing success of the wine festival feels a bit like a dream come true.

In 2010, Gayle had just opened her company’s downtown Suffolk office, and she wanted to do something that would encourage networking among women in business. That first networking opportunity involved eight or 10 women, she said, and from there the organization has grown.

In 2014, the organization achieved its nonprofit status with the IRS, and planning immediately began for the first wine fest, held in 2015.

Today, Suffolk Business Women has about 60 members, all of whom either live in Suffolk or work here, and it continues to grow, as Gayle and other members pursue SBW’s mission in the city: “to empower the professional business women in the city of Suffolk to become actively involved in the enrichment of the community through volunteerism and charitable acts.”

The organization has already begun planning for next year’s wine festival, which is scheduled for April 21.

For more information about Suffolk Business Women, visit www. suffolkbusinesswomen.com or attend one of its meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront. The social hour is from 5 to 6 p.m., and the official meeting follows. ←

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32 suffolk living

suffolk scene

Blues Bros The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts held a wildly popular Blues Brothers Bash in February. Photos by R.E. Spears III

“Elwood Blues” of the Blues Brothers Soul Band

Bennie Speight, Bonnie Speight, Rana Weaver and Donnie Weaver

Japheth Saecker, Mike Edwards, Ben Johnson, Penny Birdsong and Natalie Parker

• Asphalt Paving • Stone & Mulch Sales • Grading • StreetPrint

Wanda Hall and Les Hall

SUMMER IS HERE!

Parking Lots & Driveways www.blairbros.com

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Cabin, Lodge & Bunk House

suffolk living 33

Touch a Truck The village of Driver held a popular Touch a Truck event this spring. Children enjoyed seeing and touching their favorite construction and public safety vehicles. PHOTOS BY R.E. Spears III

Anthony Bauman

suffolk scene

Isaura Lopez

Nevaeh Lopez

Dylan Stoner

Get Social!

with

Suffolk Public Schools /suffolkVAPublicSchools @SufVAschools

www.nansemondvet.com

The only AAHA-Certified Animal Hospital in Suffolk!

Offering friendly, full service veterinary care since 1938.

We also offer boarding and grooming!

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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

34 suffolk living

suffolk scene

Oyster Roast The 41st annual Chuckatuck Ruritan Club Oyster Roast was held April 12. A large crowd gathered at the Rose Farm off Everets Road to enjoy oysters, clam chowder, fixings and beverages to raise money for the Ruritans’ community service projects.

PHOTOS BY ALEX PERRY

Alexandra Roberson, Russ Karchner, Becky Caprio, Hunter Terry, Sharon Crocker and William Pruden

John Bruner and Debbie Epperson

Lorrie Stevens, Rhonda Bradley and Crystal Rivenbark

Mackenzie Lanthorn and Betty Brewer

Dawn Lanthorn, Jason Reynolds, Michelle Reynolds and Jason Cornett

suffolk living 35

Bunny Trail

suffolk scene

The Suffolk Sheriff’s Office visited Suffolk nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the week before Easter to hand out stuffed bunnies, courtesy of the Easter Bunny Foundation. At Autumn Care, they also held an Easter egg hunt. Photos by tracy agnew

Deputies Troy Babb and Sandy Toby with Merle Harris

Deputies Troy Babb and Sandy Toby with Jack Mabe

ENROLLING NOW FOR THE 2017 - 2018 SCHOOL YEAR Pre-School (2 1/2 - 4) Thru Grade 12

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Bathing Boarding Emergency and Critical Care Dental Care Acupunture Fully Stocked Pharmacy

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Health Certificates Hospice & Euthanasia Services

Vaccinations Microchipping Nutritional Counseling Parasite Prevention and Control Puppy and Kitten Care Digital Radiology (X-rays) Soft Tissue & Orthopedic Surgery Senior Care Monday-Friday 7:30am to 6:30pm Sat 8:00am to 1:00pm

36 suffolk living

on vacation

You guys really know how to get away from it all, and we’re so honored that you are kind enough to bring us along. Clockwise from top, Aimee Foley and Stephen and Tiffany Butler pause for a photo outside a ministry site in Montrouis, Haiti; Mike and Kay Gambardella stand on the Mount of Olives, looking toward the East wall of Old Jerusalem with the Dome of the Rock in the background, during a visit to the Holy Land; Danny Epperson and Peter Garcia relax aboard the Carnival Vista during an eight-day southern Carribbean trip to Aruba, Bonaire, Grand Turk and La Romana; and Sentara Obici Hospital volunteer Joyce Lassiter headed to Kinston, N.C., for dinner at Chef and The Farmer, which she described as elegant and friendly, with delicious food. Next time you’re traveling, be sure to take along a copy of Suffolk Living magazine.

Seriously, we don’t get out enough, so we appreciate pretending we make it to exotic places. Send your photos to news@suffolklivingmag.com. Have fun!

suffolk living 37 suffolk living 17

Last edition’s Where Am I? The old National Bank building, situated at the corner of North Main Street and West Washington Street, presents a great collection of architectural features that always catches our eye. Seems that’s true for many people in Suffolk, as lots of you recognized the light fixture we photographed for the March/April edition of Suffolk Living magazine. Barbara Ellis had her name drawn randomly from all the correct guesses, and she wins a $25 gift card for her eagle eye. If you’d like a chance to win, check this edition’s Where Am I entry on Page 19.

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!

Keeping You Comfy No Matter What the Season

The Virginian-Pilot READERS CHOICE AWARD

Of

It’s Hard To Stop A Trane”.

2015

2017

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43rd Annual Recitals · May 20, May 21 · Willett Hall Tickets Available at Ticketmaster and Willett Hall Box Offce

38 suffolk living

scrapbook

HOGS: Suffolk farmer Ritchie Jordan watches hogs feed in this undated photo.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUFFOLK-NANSEMOND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Time and again, the

TREASURE IS HIDDEN.

The Village at Woods Edge

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The deeper value of a beautiful person or place is often hidden from plain view. That’s certainly the case when it comes to The Village at Woods Edge — you may be dazzled by the lovely cottages and apartment homes or wooed by the stunning views, but there’s even more to this vibrant senior living community than first meets the eye. For starters, 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 then there are the activities, like strawberry picking, that residents initiate themselves. To schedule a visit and get started on the journey of finding your own personal treasures here, call 757-745-4935 today.

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AS GOOD AS SOLD! !

SOLD

OAKLAKE Beautiful lakefront home with 5 BRS 2 ½ Baths, huge deck, lakeside pier and so much more! $379,000!

Snead Drive Beautiful home on premium lot with gorgeous views! 3 BRS 2 ½ Baths and over 2,000 SF! $284,900!

LAKE PRINCE All brick 3 BR 2 Bath home with large kitchen, loads of cabinets and huge floored attic space for storage! $265,900!

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WESTERN SUFFOLK Spotless 3 BR 2 Bath brick ranch on ½ acre lot with 26’ X 30’ detached garage/workshop! Low Utilities! $159,900!

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RIVERVIEW Classic Cape Cod with 3 BRS 2 ½ Baths 2,000+ SF, large deck, Dbl carport! $234,900!

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CYPRESS CHAPEL All brick ranch with 3 BRS 2 Baths, attached garage, large kitchen with abundant cabinets! $227,900!

OLDE MILL CREEK Beautiful 4 BR 2 ½ Bath transitional home with 3,100+ SF overlooking the lake! $345,000!+

LAKESIDE Incredible quality and workmanship in this solid brick cape cod! $189,900!

WESTERN SUFFOLK The best of country living comes with this 5 BR 3 ½ Bath 3,700+ SF brick home! $379,000!

WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE AFFILIATION OF

Ann Culley Crusenberry as Sales Associate

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