Suffolk Living Spring 2011

S pri ng 2011 • vol. 2, no. 2

A TASTE OF SPRING Plus Stylish Spaces and a heaping helping of history

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contents | spring 2011

EDITORIAL R.E. Spears III Editor Tracy Agnew News Editor Heather McGinley Staff Writer Beth Beck Land Staff Writer news@suffolklivingmag.com

ADVERTISING Sue Holley General Manager Nikki J. Reeves Director of Special Projects Sue Barnes Marketing Consultant

Inside this edition

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suffolk living 23

Suffolk Events

With the weather warming up for spring, maybe you’ve got your mind on an upcoming beach vacation or a quick getaway. Be sure to check the events calendar first, though. There are some things coming up in Suffolk this spring that you won’t want to miss.

where am I?

I

n each edition the Suffolk Living staff will provide a challenge of sorts, testing how much of Suffolk you really know. We will photograph some location in Suffolk that is readily accessible and open to the public.

sales@suffolklivingmag.com

PRODUCTION Troy Cooper Designer Suffolk Living is published four times per year

by Suffolk Publications, LLC. P.O. Box 1220, Suffolk, VA 23439 www.suffolklivingmag.com (757) 539-3437

Advertising rates and information available upon request.

Subscriptions are $16 annually in-state; $20 annually out-of-state; $24 for international subscriptions.

Please make checks payable to Suffolk Publications, LLC PO Box 1220, Suffolk, VA 23439

Where is it?

Identify the hiding-inplain-sight architectural feature, and you could win a prize.

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.

Museum Renamed With a focus on art instead of history, the Suffolk Museum finally got a more appropriate name recently. The Suffolk Art Gallery will continue to display works from some of the city’s finest talents, both young and old.

20

So, if you know where this is, let us know. If you’re right, you could be a winner.

Go out and enjoy Suffolk!

tradition 24 meets trendy

24 suffolk living

Earl Jones Marketing Consultant Melissa Snook Marketing Consultant

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32

Help From Above

Tea parties are back and not just in politics

Pray things never go so badly for you that you wind up inside Nightingale helicopter, flying to its base at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. But take comfort in the knowledge that if you do, you’ll be in the hands of highly skilled and seasoned pros.

Homeschool

36

When it all takes place within the same building, work, school and play can tend to get all tangled up together. So it is for this homeschooling family, whose nine children have gone beyond the basic education as part of the family business.

44

Tea parties — the ones with crisp white dresses and dainty afternoon gloves — are making a comeback.

Sp ri ng

no . 2 vo l. 2, 20 11 •

Stylish spaces

Whether your personal space at home is small or large, there are plenty of things you can do to make it your own. Furniture choices and accessories can work together to announce your personal flair and bring out the character of the space they occupy.

Cover photograph E A TASTING

by Rebecca OF SPR Keeling Gagnon d ceS an t liS h Spa e paS plu S StydS fro m th ar po Stc

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what to do festival of flight

Juried Photography Exhibit

Paint the town Red

“Joseph and the amazing technicolor dreamcoat”

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 3/4-4/15 – Juried Photography Exhibit Location: The Suffolk Art Gallery, 118 Bosley Ave. The Suffolk Art Gallery’s 27th annual Juried Photography Exhibit will run from March 4 to April 15. Hampton Roads’ oldest and largest photography exhibit features beautiful works from professional and amateur photographers.

3/5-3/13 – “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” Location: Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 110 W. Finney Ave. The Suffolk Players Community Theater will present “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at 7:30 p.m. March 5 and 12 and at 4 p.m. March 6 and 13. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice recreate the timeless biblical story

“Einstein: The Practical Bohemian”

Send us your news

the Suffolk Chapter at 157 N. Main St., Suite C to purchase tickets. Tickets are $60 each for individuals or $50 each for 2 or more. All proceeds benefit the Suffolk Chapter in providing lifesaving services to the Suffolk community.

of Joseph and his many-colored coat, but in a way that will amuse and amaze. To order tickets, call 923-2900 or visit www.SuffolkCenter.org.

3/19 – “Einstein: The Practical Bohemian” Location: Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 110 W. Finney Ave. Albert Einstein, as interpreted by Ed Metzger, will reveal the man behind the genius at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. Metzger creates a stirring portrait of the greatest man of the 20th century. To order tickets, call 923-2900 or visit www.SuffolkCenter.org.

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

3/18 – Paint the Town Red Location: Hilton Garden Inn and Suffolk Conference Center, 100 E. Constance Road American Red Cross, Suffolk Chapter will host the 2011 Paint the Town Red celebrity waiter event on March 18 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn and Suffolk Conference Center on Constance Road. The evening includes silent and live auctions, cocktail hour and dinner, celebrity waiter challenges and entertainment. Call 5396645, email director@suffolkarc.com or stop by

3/20-3/26 – Suffolk Restaurant Week Location: Downtown Suffolk restaurants Suffolk Tourism will hold its fourth annual Restaurant Week, featuring the best restaurants citywide offering fixed price, three-course meals.

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what to do Suffolk Restaurant Week

There are no passes to buy, coupons to carry or cards to punch. Food lovers may simply dine at as many participating restaurants as they like during Suffolk Restaurant Week. Take this opportunity to explore new dining opportunities or enjoy old favorites. For more information, call 514-4130 or visit www.Suffolk-Fun.com/dining.

3/26 – Hidden Treasures Appraisal Show Location: National Guard Armory Riddick’s Folly will host a Hidden Treasures Appraisal Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Suffolk National Guard Armory. Experts will appraise your antiques and heirlooms for $7 each.

4/17 – Virginia Historic Garden Week: Suffolk Location: Various homes and stables in Suffolk Suffolk’s vibrant equestrian community serves as the inspiration for this year’s “Bridles and Blooms” tour on April 17 from noon to 6 p.m. The tour takes guests inside attractive private homes in tranquil rural settings and also behind the scenes at state-of-the-art horse farms and stables.

Equestrian demonstrations will be held throughout the day, and remarkable collections of horse gear will be on display. Tickets may be purchased for $30; tickets are half price for children 6-12 and free for ages 5 and under. Advance tickets are $25 if purchased by mail by April 3, at area locations before 3 p.m. on April 16 or online at www.

VaGardenweek.org. Tickets also will be available

at each house on the day of the tour at full price.

Sponsored by the Nansemond River Garden Club.

For a complete list of the homes and stables on the tour, visit www.VAGardenWeek.org and click on the Suffolk area link.

4/25 - A Concert of Revolutionary Music with Chowan University Choir & Orchestra Location: Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 110 W. Finney Ave. The Chowan University Department of Music will present a concert featuring revolutionary-themed music by Masterworks Chorus and Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Gregory Parker, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5. During revolutionary times, composers turn to music to express themselves in the midst of social, religious, and political upheaval. To order tickets, call 923-2900 or visit www.SuffolkCenter.org.

4/30 – “What in the Word” exhibit Location: The Suffolk Art Gallery, 118 Bosley Ave. This art exhibit will feature artwork inspired by literature. Interested artists should contact the Suffolk Art Gallery at 514-7284 or the Suffolk Art League at 925-0448.

4/30 - Thunder Creek Location: Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 110 W. Finney Ave. Thunder Creek will perform a bluegrass and gospel concert at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. The

suffolk living

what to do

9

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region’s premier bluegrass instrumentalists and master singers will bring their toe-tapping originals and standard favorites. To order tickets, call 923-2900 or visit www.SuffolkCenter.org 4/30-5/1 – Festival of Flight Location: Suffolk Executive Airport, 1200 Gene Bolton Drive See and hear hundreds of aircraft during the Festival of Flight, the largest “flyin” in the Mid-Atlantic, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 30 and May 1. Admission is $10 and children under 14 get in free. Examine aircraft up close, see radiocontrolled models fly and watch skydivers as they jump from planes. There will be a pancake breakfast daily from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and other food offered during the day. For more information, visit the website at www.VirginiaFlyIn. org.

5/7 – Storm Over Suffolk Location: Riddick’s Folly Riddick’s Folly will host a commemoration of the Civil War in five parts. This year’s event will mark the departure of the Confederate troops from Suffolk.

5/7-5/8 - “Right Woman, Wrong Man,” Location: Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 110 W. Finney Ave. Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts will present “Right Woman, Wrong Man,” a gospel musical, at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 7 and at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 8. Tickets are $20. Is Beverly the right woman or is Ray the wrong man? That is the question surrounding this hilarious gospel musical about what women want and what men are trying to understand. To order tickets, call 923-2900 or visit www.SuffolkCenter.org.

5/9 - Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys Location: Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 110 W. Finney Ave. Grammy Award winner and Bluegrass Hall of Fame inductee Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys will perform at 7:30 p.m. Stanley, one of the fathers of Bluegrass music, is truly an American icon. Tickets are $30. To order tickets, call 923-2900 or visit www.SuffolkCenter.org.

5/12-5/14 – Birding Festival Location: Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, 3100 Desert Road The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge hosts its annual Birding Festival on May 12-14, 2011. This free event will include guided bird walks and bus tours, photography workshops, beginning birding classes, family activities and more. Bird walks and bus tours require reservations. For more information, call 986-3705 or visit their website at www.fws.gov/northeast/ greatdismalswamp.

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suffolk scene Oyster Roasts

North Suffolk had its fill of oyster roasts in November and December, with guests enjoying the fruits of both Ruritan and Rotary clubs’ labors. The C.E.&H. Ruritan Club in November and the North Suffolk Rotary Club in December laid out spreads of hot roasted oysters for those willing to stand and shuck them. Clockwise, from below: Rotarian Max Mindner rakes oysters on a long cooker in Everets; Rotarian Margaret Little and her husband Tim enjoy a break from the work; Rotarian Josh West carries daughter Sarah on his shoulders; Kieran Conway hustles oysters in a wheelbarrow; Jackie Columbia and Kittrell Eberwine show off their oysters; and Ruritan volunteers stock up a table in Eclipse.

Photos by R.E. Spears III

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suffolk scene

A blast of snow on Christmas

Forecasters had called for just a few inches of snow to fall starting late Christmas night and continuing into the next morning. People around Suffolk awoke on Dec. 26, though, to find a thick blanket of snow already on the ground and more to fall throughout the day.

Some areas got as much as 16 inches before it was all over, and folks across the city found themselves enjoying the rare event of a Sunday snow day on Christmas weekend, so there was plenty of time for many of them to spend outside.

Clockwise from below: The Murphy-Kearl family in Driver poses for a family portrait; Justin Cobb tosses a snowball in Whaleyville; Melanie JonesWeaver finds a way to stay warm outside; Lliya Thomas, daughter of Shannon Thomas, takes a seat; and Reagan Colley and her cousin Jennifer Cobb welcome visitors to Somerton.

Submitted Photos

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SUffolk Living on Vacation

After the first five weeks of the year brought them nearly five feet of snow, Massachusetts residents have had just about enough of it this year. But New Yorker Brad Dean couldn’t seem to get enough of Suffolk Living magazine while visiting friends in Springfield in February. Are you going on vacation this spring? Take Suffolk Living along and snap a photo with it in an interesting spot. Send the photo to news@suffolklivingmag.com, and then look for it in an upcoming edition.

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suffolk scene Traveling Vietnam Wall

R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home sponsored a visit to Suffolk by an 80-percent replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in October. The event was a part of the company’s 125th anniversary. Clockwise, from below: A fallen soldier is honored with a traditional display in front of the wall; Marjorie Hickey, left, and Sharon Patterson, both Gold Star Mothers, placed a wreath in front of the wall; Joe Johnson, a Vietnam veteran, shakes the hand of a member of the U.S. Marine Corps band following a performance by the band; and the band stands at attention beside the wall.

Photos by R.E. Spears III

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Save the Date!

Wed., March 11,2011 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

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suffolk scene

NSA ART Show

Nansemond Suffolk Academy held an opening reception for its Annual Art Show and Sale in January.

In honor of the event’s 25th anniversary, J. Robert Burnell was selected as the featured artist and chairman. Clockwise from below: Volunteers Brenda Norton and Mariann Griffin are in the jewelry room; Stuart Shearin stands with his decorative birdhouses fashioned out of PVC and lumber; painter J. Robert Burnell demonstrates his craft; art student Cindy Baker finds inspiration in the work of Mary Lynn Yaeger; and Ron Jensen admires the work of fellow artist and friend, Wayne Portrafka.

Photos by Heather McGinley

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Celebrate 2011 with award-winning dining in your own backyard.

*Call for tickets now to our 4th annual Pork ‘n’ Pinot event April 3rd.

Open Tuesday - Saturday at 5 PM; Sundays at 4:30 PM. Southern Brunch every month on the 2nd Sunday 11:30 - 2 PM. 1900 Governors Pointe Drive, Suffolk (757) 238-8808 www.vintagetavernvirginia.com

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suffolk scene

Suffolk Police Officers Association Ball

Suffolk law enforcement officers held a party Feb. 11 to celebrate the year’s accomplishments and raise money for the Genieve Shelter. Above left, Sgt. Paul Burch and Maj. Stephanie Burch. Above right, Police Chief Thomas Bennett and his wife, Diana. At left, from left, Officer Paul Helvestine and his wife, Heather, and Jessica Bulls and her husband, Officer Jonathan Bulls. Below left, Officer Kevin Harrison and his wife, Kimberley. Below right, Sgt. Fred Cunningham and his wife, Bonta.

Photos by Tracy Agnew

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arts happenings

new name, same mission story by Tracy Agnew photography by Troy Cooper & Tracy Agnew

‘It’s just so wonderful to have a central location that we can base all of our programs out of.’

Linda Bunch — executive director, suffolk art league

P

eople visiting the Suffolk Museum for the first time might think they’ll find Nansemond Indian artifacts, Civil War objects left behind in Riddick’s Folly after the departure of Union soldiers and scorched pieces of the area’s first courthouse, which was destroyed by fire during the Revolutionary War. But what they actually will find, typically, is work produced by area artists, ranging from students to senior citizens.

From ink drawings to elaborate sculptures and from photographs to pastel paintings,

the Suffolk Museum has displayed it all.

The Suffolk Museum, however, is no more. City officials recently changed its name to the Suffolk Art Gallery to better reflect its use.

“We’re about to move forward with the actual changing of things on the website and changing the signage at the museum,” said Lakita Frazier, director of Suffolk Parks and Recreation. “Officially, legally, it is done. The process is going to be educating the community.”

The venue came into existence in 1985, when the city announced it would move See MUseum page 21

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Museum continued from page 20

the Morgan Memorial Library from the Bosley Avenue building to a new location on East Washington Street. The board of directors of the Suffolk Art League, which had been operating in the city for about eight years without an office for much of that time, approached the city about creating a museum from the old library building.

Though the city owns the building, the art league remains a supporting organization, maintaining its office there, providing volunteers for events and filling the gallery with exhibits throughout the year.

“It’s just so wonderful to have a central location that we can base all of our programs out of,” said Linda Bunch, executive director of the art league.

At any given time, visitors to the building can find works from regional artists of all persuasions hanging on the walls and perched on pedestals throughout the building. It also plays host to numerous art classes and workshops for preschoolers through adults.

But, city officials noticed last year, it is not a museum in the traditional sense.

“Our facility has changed more into a gallery that is devoted to the display of works of art,” Frazier said. “We just wanted to have this name change represent what that building truly is.”

The art gallery is located at 118 Bosley Ave., west of the downtown core just off West Washington Street. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 514-7284. ←

Every Child a Star ... Together, We Help Them Shine!

Linda Bunch, executive director of the Suffolk Art League, on left, and Nancy Kinzinger, Suffolk Art Gallery coordinator, pose beside the nowdefunct Suffolk Museum sign shortly after the name change became official.

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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!

24 suffolk living

tradition meets trendy Tea parties are back — and not just in politics

suffolk living 25

T

he girls came wearing pink dresses, clutching pink-clothed Fancy Nancy dolls and carrying pink-wrapped birthday gifts.

They sat on chairs covered in white cloths and wrapped in pink bows. They dined on fruit, cheese, pretzels and turkey tea sandwiches shaped like butterflies and flowers.

It was Julia Adams’ fourth birthday, and she was having a tea party with 11 of her friends.

“She has tea parties at home,” her mother, Hannah Adams, said. “She’s very girly-girly. I thought this would be perfect.”

Tea parties are making a resurgence nationwide — and not just because of politics.

“I think etiquette and manners are finally coming back into our society,” said Susan Wilkins-Piland, owner of Suffolk gift shop OutRAGEous, where Julia hosted her tea party. “We need to teach the next generation that it’s nice to have in the business world.”

Julia and her friends set down their dolls and gifts to find tables embellished story by Tracy Agnew with flowered centerpieces, plastic fluted photography by Rebecca Keeling Gagnon glasses and a lollipop at every setting.

Julia’s party also featured peanut butter and jelly tea sandwiches, pink lemonade and ornately decorated cupcakes for dessert. But tea parties aren’t just for children. Older patrons might enjoy scones and actual tea at their parties, Wilkins-Piland said.

A tea party can even be a learning experience for all ages, she added.

“I think it’s important to know about different teas and different types of food,” she said.

Tea is among the world’s oldest beverages and a central figure in the history and society of many countries. It is so important in England that the United Kingdom has a Tea Council, a non-profit body dedicated to promoting tea.

Back here in America, tea is also important to Suffolk, where the Lipton Tea company produces many of its products in a manufacturing facility just west of the core downtown. For many years, Lipton even employed an Englishman as the Suffolk plant’s official tea taster.

The Tea Council claims that tea is such an integral part of life in Britain, it’s difficult to imagine life without it — a status that similar to that of coffee in America. But the American coffee tradition has never attained the status of British tea, which is as much an event as a drink.

In the British Isles, tea gained a reputation for being a high-society beverage because its cost was well beyond the means of the majority of the population. Even when it became more affordable, tea still was surrounded by the niceties of fine food and elegant company that sometimes still attach to its reputation today.

Companies like OutRAGEous are helping to revive the tradition here in America and can help you design the perfect tea party for all ages.

Or, look through the following pages to find recipes and ideas for planning a tea party that will mark your home as one of refined sensibility. ←

Julia Adams hosted a tea party for her fourth birthday at OutRAGEous in Suffolk. Above, Julia’s friends crowd around while she opens her gifts, which included a Fancy Nancy tea party book. At left, she enjoys a cupcake at the end of her party.

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Clockwise from top left, Paige Dowd enjoys her cupcake at Julia Adams’ tea party; All the girls received tiaras and flower bows at the party; Julia Adams smiles at her guests before dessert; Danya Jones admires her new hairbow; Place settings at the OutRAGEous tea party room included plastic fluted glasses; Cameron Worrell shows off the doll that accompanied her to Julia’s tea party; and Cameron fits her tiara on her head carefully as she admires the place settings.

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tea party recipes British Scones Recipe Ingredients 2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cup sugar 1 teaspoon cream of tartar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 cup butter, softened 3/4 cups raisins 1/2 cup currants or candied fruit 1 cup sour milk Directions 1. Preheat oven to 425F. 2. Combine 2 1/2 cups flour, sugar, cream of tartar, baking soda and baking powder in a medium bowl.

Cut in softened butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs.

Add raisins and currants, mixing until fruit is coated with the flour mixture.

3. Add sour milk and mix well.

4. Turn onto a floured board and knead, adding enough extra flour to make a slightly stiff dough. Pat to about 3/4inch thickness and cut with a 2-inch round cutter. Place scones on cookie sheet and bake 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve warm or cold.

Note: To sour milk, add 1 tablespoon lemon juice to 1 cup milk. Let stand 15 minutes.

Scones with Clotted Cream Recipe Ingredients Scones: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons baking powder 6 tablespoons butter, softened 2 eggs 1/2 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Clotted cream: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup sour cream 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Instructions Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt and baking powder in a mixing bowl. Add the butter, and stir until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Combine the eggs, sour cream and vanilla in a separate bowl. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients, and stir until just moistened.

Roll out the dough on a well-floured surface to a 1-inch thickness, and cut into 2to 3-inch circles. Bake on a lightly greased baking sheet for 20 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool slightly.

To prepare the cream, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla until well mixed. It will be slightly lumpy. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Yield: 10 to 12 scones and 1 1/2 cups cream

SPICED TEA Ingredients: 4 bags of your favorite tea 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup water 1 stick of cinnamon 6 whole cloves 2 tablespoons tea leaves 4 cups boiling water juice of 1 large lemon and 2 oranges ice cubes iced water or soda water (club soda) to taste orange and lemon slices to decorate HOT GINGER TEA Ingredients: 4 Ginger Tea bags 2 three-inch sticks of ginger 8 whole cloves 6 cups boiling water 2 orange slices Method: Put tea bags, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger and sugar into a large teapot. Pour boiling water over and allow to steep 3 minutes. Remove tea bags and steep for 5 minutes. To

serve, pour tea into cups and float a quarter slice of orange in each cup.

BREWING THE PERFECT CUP OF TEA 4Use a hot teapot, preheat it by fulfilling it with hot water and letting it sit while boiling the water for the tea.

4Bring fresh cold water to a full rolling boil. Water that has been reheated gives tea a flat taste, and only boiling water can extract the full flavor and benefit from the leaves.

4Use one teaspoon of tea per six ounce cup of water, empty the hot water from the teapot, place tea in teapot and pour the boiling water the tea.

4Brew for five minutes, stir and serve. Don’t judge the strength of the tea by its color.

It takes time for the leaves to unfold and release the flavor.

If you like tea less strong, add hot water after the brewing period.

— Tea recipes courtesy of OutRAGEous

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get to know

sue woodward Digging into Suffolk’s past

E

story by Heather McGinley photography by R.E. Spears III

ager to take the spotlight off herself and turn the questions back on the questioner, Sue Woodward asks, “Did you know that Suffolk used to produce television sets and cars? Did I tell you that Lipton used to have an English tea taster?”

“I don’t like a lot of attention,” Woodward says. “When I was growing up I was the shyest kid in the class.”

Today, though, the North Carolina native is one of Suffolk’s premier historians and, as such, often finds herself speaking to groups of people interested in learning more about the city’s past.

She has done much to preserve the history of Suffolk through her work with the SuffolkNansemond Historical Society and through her personal love of the stories she has uncovered.

“Suffolk’s history would pretty much be lost without her,” said Lee King, curator of Riddick’s See WOODWARD page 29

suffolk living 29 WOODWARD continued from page 28

Folly. “No one knows the history quite like she does. Her tireless efforts to preserve Suffolk history have been invaluable to the SuffolkNansemond Historical Society and to the Suffolk community.”

Woodward, 63, grew up in Winton, N.C. Her mother instilled in her a love of history.

“She liked history and talked to me about history and old houses,” Woodward recalls.

“She pointed out how beautiful certain pieces of the houses were.”

Woodward’s hometown has a rich history, but, she says, many of the people there took it for granted.

It was not until August 1969 that Woodward moved to Suffolk. She came to Virginia to teach in Nansemond County schools. Woodward taught history for a year before moving to Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, where she taught history and English.

During her first year in Suffolk, she met her future husband, Tom, on a blind date. A fellow teacher and the teacher’s husband, Tom’s friend, set up the successful match.

Woodward taught for about six years before taking time off to raise a family. During her time at home, she became involved with the historical society.

That was during the mid-1970s. Woodward originally joined the historical society impassioned by the Jordan House, a historical home that was soon to be lost.

She was also inspired by the Bicentennial celebration that was soon to take place.

“The spotlight was on this area,” she says.

It didn’t take long for Woodward to find her niche in the historical society. She was quickly assigned tasks by her mentor, historian Marion Watson.

“Marion Watson decided I was going to learn what she knew,” Woodward recalls.

Watson had Woodward running a slideshow presentation featuring Main Street during Woodward’s second meeting with the historical society.

Under the mentorship of Watson and family friend, historian Anna Burton, Woodward became president of the historical society when she was in her 20s.

During those early years as president of the historical society, Woodward began the Candlelight Tour project, which would come to raise money to preserve old homes and buildings by featuring the significance of the historic buildings.

Sue Woodward points across the way during a summer tour of downtown Suffolk’s historical Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Conducting the lantern tours of the cemetery is just one of the ways that Woodward shares her love and knowledge of Suffolk’s history with others.

“A lot of towns did very well by honoring their history and preserving their history,” Woodward says. “Charleston lives on history. It puts them on the map.”

Woodward’s desire for Suffolk is that it will embrace its rich history.

“Part of it is an interest in the community and seeing the community take some pride in itself,” she says. “This is my life. It doesn’t save anybody’s life, as far as I know. But it’s important to understand all your background.

It makes it work better.”

Woodward says that a big part of her volunteer job as a historian is to answer questions.

A number of groups and organizations — and even the city — call the historical society for business reasons and to gather information for anniversaries, background and special events.

She writes newsletters, does research, leads tours and more.

“I do a little bit of everything,” Woodward says.

But her favorite part of being a historian is

gathering and organizing information.

“I love it when a plan comes together,” she explains with a laugh, alluding to popular 1980s television program “The A-Team.”

When Woodward is not at work, she enjoys reading, visiting museums, looking at old homes and furniture, and taking day trips with her husband.

Many of their day trips are inspired by a love of travel and a desire to see new sights. Others are inspired by her quest to find the perfect barbecue.

Woodward has traveled around Virginia and North Carolina in search of barbecue. She says she and her husband do fun things on the way there and back. Their quest has led them all across North Carolina to destinations like Goldsburg, Wilburs, Rocky Mount, Windsor, and Scotland Neck and to a number of places in Virginia.

If nothing else, the trips have convinced her of one important thing. There is no good barbecue west of Raleigh.←

30 suffolk living

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Suffolk Parks & Recreation Eggstravaganza

Bennett’s Creek Park Saturday, April 16th 9:30 am - 12 pm A petting zoo, pony rides, crafts, and an egg giveaway! For children 10 & under.

Taste of Suffolk

Main Street in Downtown Suffolk Saturday, September 10th 10 am - 5 pm Food, fun and a festival...all in one! Sample cuisine from some of Suffolk’s best eateries. Live music, vendors, children’s activities and a new car exhibit complete the festival.

TGIF Concert Series

Constant’s Wharf Park & Marina Fridays: June 24th, July 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd NEW TIME: 6 - 9:30 pm Suffolk’s popular after-work concert series returns to Constant’s Wharf Park & Marina on June 24th for a summer of live music and great times!

Bennett’s Creek Park Fridays: August 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th and September 2nd NEW TIME: 6 - 9:30 pm TGIF returns to Bennett’s Creek Park once again for the second half of the series!

Stars & Stripes Spectacular

Constant’s Wharf Park & Marina Monday, July 4th 5 - 9 pm Celebrate the 4th of July down at the Wharf! Food, fun and fireworks!

Chalk Art Competition

Suffolk Executive Airport Saturday, October 8th 10 am - 2 pm Watch contestants create chalk art based on the theme of the Suffolk Peanut Festival.

Legends of Sleepy Hole

Sleepy Hole Park Friday, October 28th and Saturday, October 29th 6 - 10 pm Take a chilling ride and experience the legends of Sleepy Hole. Volunteer actors and event production needed.

32 suffolk living

help from

suffolk living 33

above

Nightingale swoops in for the rescue

story and photography by R.E. Spears III

L

eslie Peterfeso doesn’t recall much about her time aboard the Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance in January.

Knocked senseless by an oak branch five inches in diameter as it fell while being cut at her home in the remote Russell Point neighborhood of Suffolk, she drifted in and out of consciousness as paramedics tending to her waited for the helicopter to arrive and

land on the neighbor’s lawn.

She awoke as they were lifting her into the back of the helicopter, and she felt as if she were being placed into an MRI machine, but then she noticed there were other people inside with her. During the flight to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, she remembers hearing the roar of the rotors above her.

As a secretary in Sentara’s quality management division for the past 10 years, Pe-

terfeso sits in an office at Norfolk General’s River Pavilion, and she sees the helicopter launching and landing outside her window throughout the day while she is at work.

But her recent experience aboard the aircraft changed everything for her.

“I have a new respect for head injuries and a new appreciation for Nightingale, for sure,” she said in February, not long after finally being released by a doctor to return See nightingale page 34

34 suffolk living Nightingale flight paramedic Jeremy Miller, left, and flight nurse Maggie McCauley have little room to move around once they’re aboard the helicopter. But just about everything they would need, including the patient, is close at hand. Both are highly trained and experienced medical professionals, but they had to learn about aircraft from scratch when they got into the program.

Nightingale continued from page 33

to work. “I hope people appreciate what they do, especially for remote areas like Suffolk.”

Last year, Nightingale crews flew a total of 671 flights, including 102 to Suffolk. For more than half of those flights, the destination was the scene of some trauma or another — a car crash or a mishap at home like Peterfeso’s or an industrial accident, for example.

“It’s like a flying ICU,” said Dale Gauding, a public relations consultant for Sentara, which owns the helicopter service.

But this ICU moves faster and has a smaller team than any other in the area. During the 15 minutes it takes to fly, for example, from Holland to Norfolk General, a paramedic and a flight nurse work to keep the patient stable and prepare him for treatment at the hospital. The pilot flies the aircraft, but both of the medical staffers are on alert for things that would affect the safety of the flight and ready to jump into action as an air crew, if needed.

That’s one reason the Nightingale program has a perfect safety record nearly 30 years after the first helicopter launched from Norfolk General.

“This is a helicopter first and then an air ambulance,” said program manager Chris Cannon, who also serves in the rotation as a flight nurse. “The pilot is ultimately in command.”

Nightingale pilots are on contract to the program from Omniflight Helicopters Inc. They are required to have at least 2,000 hours of flight time. But those who fly Nightingale are far more experienced, even, than that. The program’s four pilots have an average of 26 years experience each, with the most senior having served the Nightingale program alone for 25 years.

Medical staff are similarly well qualified, Cannon said, bringing special skills to the job, learning how to transfer those skills to the foreign environment of a flying ICU and then staying on the job — sometimes for decades.

“I think, overall, this is kind of a cherry job,” flight paramedic Jeremy Miller said. “People

don’t leave.”

“We’ve got a great office view and really good, good people,” agreed flight nurse Maggie McCauley, a 15-year Nightingale veteran.

Turnover in the Nightingale program is extremely low, and there is a waiting list of people who wish to be a part of it. But there are some definite benefits to having crews with so much experience on board.

“It creates a very mature group,” Cannon said. “And maturity means stability, and in this industry, stability means safety. The environment (aboard the helicopter) can be out of control. They are very good at putting things back in control.”

None of which should be taken to imply that flying medevac missions is easy work.

After six years as a nurse in an ICU, McCauley came to Nightingale the same way that almost all of the non-flight staff has — without any in-flight experience.

“To go from being a hospital nurse to operating entirely in a helicopter and other hospitals — it’s a big transition,” she said. “You have less resources available to you, and there’s definitely a lot of pressure involved in that.

None of us are aviators. We have to learn that environment. But now, I’m just very used to being inside a helicopter.”

One of the big things crews have to get used to is the variety of calls to which they respond.

Most people know about Nightingale’s flights to provide quick, advanced medical care to accident and gunshot victims and other patients See Nightingale page 35

suffolk living 35 Nightingale continued from page 34

with traumatic injuries. But nearly half of the trips the helicopter flew in 2010 were transports from various hospitals throughout Hampton Roads, including Suffolk’s Obici Hospital.

Heart and stroke patients in need of surgery or other specialized treatment are often transported from one of Sentara’s outlying facilities to the heart hospital on the campus of Norfolk General Hospital. The decision to do so hinges on the time element involved.

For heart attack and stroke patients, Cannon said, the time element can be even more crucial than it is for some trauma patients. And in an area legendary for its traffic snarls and tunnel backups, sometimes even a short hop across the Elizabeth River is the only way to assure that advanced medical care can be provided quickly and efficiently.

“You have to weigh an eight-minute flight versus a 45-minute drive,” Cannon said.

For Peterfeso, the drive likely would have been much longer from her neighborhood behind Lake Prince.

With her head traumas — the branch hit the top of her head, and then she fell and hit her forehead on the concrete driveway — paramedics were taking no chances.

“I thought, ‘I’m in the helicopter; I must be bad off,’” she recalled. “I mean, it’s bad enough to have the ambulance come to your house, but they thought it was bad enough that they called Nightingale.”

“It’s very emotional for me,” she said. “I’m very proud of them.” ←

Below, Nightingale pilot Jim Garrow checks the controls of the 25-yearold helicopter that carries the name of Sentara’s medevac program. A new helicopter, shown in a submitted photo at left in the midst of being built, is set to go online in June. The new, $7.3-million Eurocopter EC-145 is larger and carries more weight and fuel than the current craft used by the program. Its glass cockpit also offers added visibility for the pilots.

36 suffolk living

Homeschooling mom Richelle Spargur, right, checks her daughter Emmy’s math work with her before they begin working on homemade soap, their family business.

soap & schoolwork Mom, Dad and nine kids juggle school and a business story by Tracy Agnew photography by Meghan L. Morris

W

ho’s ready to do laundry soap?” Richelle Spargur asked enthusiastically, standing near a long plastic table in her kitchen.

“Molly’s still doing school,” her youngest daughter, Emmy, replied.

Indeed, Molly was still working on her math lesson, though she was on the last problem. While she finished, the rest of the children got to work preparing laundry soap kits.

Richelle, her husband Roy, and their nine children all participate in the family business — homemade bath products.

Together, the family operates a website, markets the products, ships them to far-flung customers and delivers them to neighbors.

In between, they churn out soap — lots and lots of it.

“If it wasn’t enough having 11 people living in a house, now we’ve got this

obstacle course,” Richelle says, navigating across the crowded floor of her bedroom and flinging open a spare closet. The floor is covered with boxes of soap, and stacks of boxes hide the closet’s back wall from view.

The family is gearing up to take its business on the road. This spring, the Spargurs will visit Memphis, Tenn., Cincinnati, Ohio and Greenville, S.C., on the homeschool conference circuit.

See Homeschool page 37

suffolk living living 37 37 suffolk

Heidi Spargur, an elementary school teacher, stamps the Virginia Soaps & Scents logo onto bars of homemade soap. The family makes homemade bath products as a homebased business.

Homeschool continued from page 36

The soap business, Virginia Soaps and Scents, produces soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, creams and even deodorant. Every product is handmade in the Spargurs’ kitchen.

The nine children all were homeschooled.

Only the three youngest still are in school, but others still live with their parents while in college.

The oldest ones maintain careers as a dermatology nurse, a science teacher, an emergency room nurse and even another home-schooling mother.

Even so, everyone helps with the family business. Daughter Ivy, the first paid employee, handles most of the computer and office work.

The dermatology nurse helps develop new scents.

And the children who still live at home help make soap — when they’re not doing schoolwork.

“Are you having some trouble, Molly?”

Richelle asks from the long kitchen table as Molly continues to work at the dining room table. As she talks, Richelle scrapes the edges of logs of soap to remove the marks left by the rubberized molds.

See Homeschool page 38

Back row, from left, Heidi, Richelle and Seth Spargur. Front row, from left, Emmy, Ivy and Molly Spargur. The family members show off their varied interests, from fabric art to mosaics and from drawing to guitar.

38 suffolk living Homeschool continued from page 37

The business requires striking a balance between school and soap. Family and school take priority, Richelle says, but it’s not always easy.

“I think a lot of times I have been totally off the balance beam,” she admits.

“The business has been so demanding that it chips away at those priorities.”

But then Richelle recounts something that had happened just a few minutes earlier. She had been explaining to the children how “soap berries,” the fruit of a small shrub, can help clean laundry when dropped in the washing machine.

One of the Spargur family’s newest products is dessert soaps, which resemble fancy cakes but actually are soap. Richelle Spargur says “Standing and talking to the dessert soaps would be perfect for weddings. the kids about Indonesia and soap berries — I have purple coloring. On a whim, Roy began grating come down and help mom with the soap busito remember, that’s all part of an education,” a purple crayon into the mixture while Richelle ness,” daughter Emmy said. “It doesn’t take us Richelle says. that long to do school.” stirred.

Besides, the soap business has never really Richelle says homeschooled children do Suddenly, the brew began turning yellow, been about business, she adds. It all started not take as long to do their lessons as those then brown. Soon, it resembled fancy brown with a school project that was meant to pull in a traditional school, because dead time is mustard. The family gave up on turning the the family out of the sorrow that followed a eliminated, and children are motivated to finish soap purple and set it out to dry. tragedy. their work more quickly.

But before they went to bed that night, the Eldest daughter Heather’s first daughter, “High school should not take more than four children couldn’t resist taking a peek. Under Elizabeth, was born with a severe heart defect, the towel, the soap had turned a brilliant purple hours a day,” Richelle said. “That’s when runRichelle said. Elizabeth lived until she was 10 ning a home-based business with homeschool hue. The entire family roared with laughter. months old. works extremely well. It is to their benefit to “It was the first time we had done anything After Elizabeth’s death, Richelle said, the work quickly and accurately.” fun in so many months,” Richelle said. “It was entire family was thrown into a crippling Of course, there are days when the chiljust about kind of healing and pulling the famdepression. dren don’t feel like making soap, so they pace ily together.”

“I didn’t know where the kids were in school, themselves in their schoolwork to put it off. But The purple-soap incident sparked the and I really didn’t care,” Richelle admits.

Roy and Richelle make sure the children feel family’s initiative. Before long, there was so Finally, after months of the daily devastation, much homemade soap piled in the house that like owners in the process, even offering certain Richelle decided to do a unit in school about children the chance to buy the parents out of daughter Heidi couldn’t get to the light switch colonial life. She hoped the interesting topic parts of the business. in her room. would help them all recover.

“They have individual lives to lead,” Richelle “I have an idea for another unit study,” After learning that early settlers made their said. “We’ve been very blessed in that all of Richelle recalls her husband suggesting. “How own soap, the children wanted to try making them are taking part.” about marketing?” soap, as well.

While the family travels to market its soap That’s when a hobby turned into a business.

Richelle, who has a chemistry degree, began — proceeds from the business pay for all travel But Richelle sees it more as a ministry. compiling the ingredients — palm, coconut, “It’s more about people and relating than it is expenses — the children sometimes get days soy and castor oils. about business,” she said. “It’s given us kind of a off from school and sometimes work on the “It started to reawaken the old days in the road. It all evens out in the end, Richelle said. platform to give back to this community.” lab,” she said.

“We have continued to grow,” she said of For the homeschooled children, it seems, the While Richelle mixed the lavender-scented the business and her family. “I’ve been really balance is easy. soap concoction, they realized they had no impressed with them.” ← “We just do school in the mornings and

Age 7: It began with his note. And she answered, “Yes.” Age 18: Declared they’d always be together – no matter what.

Age 32 Jobs and kids were a handful – but they always made time for romance.

Age 54: Finally took the cruise they’d talked about for years.

Age 88: They remain as certain as they were as teenagers— they will always be together.

Relationships require lots of maintenance throughout the years. Fortunately, retirement living at The Village does not.

Spacious, maintenance-free apartments and cottages within our close-knit community of friends and neighbors mean the worries of home repairs and lawn upkeep are history. You’ll get to spend your time doing what really matters.

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40 suffolk living

talent scout King’s Fork coach moonlights for Atlanta Braves story by Andrew Giermak photography by Andrew Giermak and submitted

Mikey Irving, King’s Fork’s new head baseball coach, has been a player, umpire, scout and coach in baseball. While he’s the new Bulldog manager, he’s still a regional scout for the Atlanta Braves.

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Left, Mikey Irving, King’s Fork’s new varsity baseball coach, doubles as a regional scout for the Atlanta Braves. Top right, Irving coached at Cape Hatteras High School before coming to King’s Fork. Bottom right, Irving umpired minor league baseball prior to going into coaching and scouting.

K

ing’s Fork’s new varsity baseball coach almost got a World Series ring last October.

Yes, it was the real, big, honest-to-goodness World Series. And no, it wasn’t an eBay auction.

If there’s some way to be involved in baseball, Mikey Irving’s found it and probably done it. He’s the new head of the Bulldog program heading into this spring.

He’s also a regional scout for the Atlanta Braves, and that’s how he was in the hunt for a championship ring before the Braves lost to the San Francisco Giants in the National League playoffs.

Irving has played and umpired the game.

He has been a longtime high school coach in North Carolina and now at King’s Fork. And he’s in his third year scouting for Atlanta.

He credits his high school coach, Martin

Oliver at Great Bridge, for his love of baseball.

“There are still so many things I carry with me today because of Coach Oliver,” Irving said as he set up batting practice cages and stations for a Bulldogs practice inside Sluggers, an indoor batting cage and training facility, one afternoon in January.

“There are about seven local high school baseball coaches right now who played for Oliver,” he said. “He taught the game, but he also taught all of us the right way to carry yourself on and off the field.”

Straight out of high school, Irving moved into a part of the sport that many players, let alone young ones, take for granted. He started umpiring. After a short time calling recreation and youth league games, and then junior varsity games, Irving was umpiring games with kids only a year or two younger than himself.

“I was really fortunate to have Bullet Alexan-

der, from Portsmouth, as a mentor. He led me to go into umpire school, and that led me into a job in pro ball,” Irving said.

He worked minor-league and spring training games.

“Just being on the field every day with the best players in the world … I approached every day as an opportunity to learn the game and get better at doing what I was doing,” he said.

He wasn’t consciously thinking about moving into coaching but it was in his nature to notice the way the game is played at the top levels.

“I remember Jorge Posada in [single-A] ball,” Irving said. “When he made it to the big leagues, I was thrilled for him. Even back then (in the minors), he was such a class guy.”

Umpires, coaches and players become familiar, even friends, during the course of hundreds of games during seven or eight months. Irving See COACH page 42

42 suffolk living COACH continued from page 41

‘You actually can build relationships with the guys on the field year after year. I saw Chipper in Durham (in double-AA), then Richmond, then spring training.’

Mikey Irving — Coach, King’s Fork High School

vividly remembers the first time the New York Yankees’ Joe Torre called him by name, and he’s pleased to say it was for a positive reason. Torre told him he had a good afternoon during a Grapefruit League spring training game.

Irving called a series of games at Harbor Park in Norfolk. Rey Ordonez was the shortstop for the hometown Tides. Derek Jeter was the opposing shortstop with the Columbus Clippers. The next visitor to town was the Richmond Braves, with Chipper Jones at shortstop.

“You actually can build relationships with the guys on the field year after year. I saw Chipper in Durham (in double-AA), then Richmond, then spring training,” Irving said.

“Pro baseball is a surprisingly small world,” Irving said. Even aside from the ballgames, umpires, players, scouts and managers are often in the same hotels, restaurants and airports.

Being a part of that small world was how Irving moved from calling games to scouting players who might one day play in those pro games.

“I heard the Braves were looking for somebody close to where I was living,” Irving said.

Irving works under Billy Best, an area supervisor for scouting for Atlanta. Irving’s under contract with the Braves. The organization tells him where to go and who to scout.

“It usually works out my supervisor goes in one direction and I go where he can’t go,” he said. Practically every weekend from February through the summer finds Irving working somewhere from central North Carolina to the Washington, D.C., area.

Games at Virginia and Duke and games with soonto-be national-champion South Carolina as the visitor were among Irving’s assignments last season. He also goes to showcase camps, high school games and summer leagues, such as the Coastal Plains League.

“For every 50 to 60 guys we look at, we’ll get maybe one of them. I’ve found that everyone is basically looking at the same guys,” Irving said.

The Braves thought they had a scoop on a fire-balling relief pitcher for Boston College last season. Irving was sent to a series at Duke to check him out.

“No one was supposed to know about this kid. It was supposed to be a secret, and I was going to be the only one there,” he recalled. “I got there, and there were 25 other scouts.”

Occasionally, Irving pitches the Braves on a prospect. It’s usually the common story of going to a game to see a well-known prospect but another player catches the scout’s eye.

“Once I file a few reports on a guy, sometimes then my boss will come in and see that guy. It’s happened a couple times already,” he said.

The scouting reports are incredibly detailed, even for someone who’s been in the sport his whole life.

“It includes the size of a guy’s hand, his arm angle, his bat angle, we have to grade everything,” Irving explained. “We’re watching from the second batting practice starts.”

“I’m on the phone with Billy a lot,” sharing some thoughts, but mostly answering questions about the reports he files and the grading system, he said.

With all the different angles he’s watched the sport from, Irving believes umpiring and scouting have made him a better coach along the way.

“Whenever you can experience high-level guys playing the game the right way, it has to be to your advantage,” he said. “I’ve taken [training] drills from UVA after talking to their coaches last year. Now, that’s some of what we’re using at King’s Fork.” ←

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stylish spaces S Meet Janice Powell, our stylist for Suffolk Living’s “stylish spaces.” She is the owner and lead decorator at Powell Home, a custom decorating and home furnishings showroom in Suffolk. To learn more about Janice, visit Suffolk Living’s Facebook page.

uffolk Living magazine is very much a work in progress. It will always be a definitive source of information about the people and places that make Suffolk unique, with photos and writing that are as lively and interesting as their subjects. But it evolves each month as readers provide feedback and make suggestions about what they would like to see within its pages.

Part of the plan for the magazine from the beginning has been to highlight the lifestyles that enliven the city and focus on the people who live them. With nearly 430 square miles ranging from urban to country settings, Suffolk plays host to families of all sizes, backgrounds and demographics. Suffolk Living will be a place to learn about them all.

This month, the lifestyle focus is on “Stylish Spaces,” and readers will get a look into the lives of

a few families that could live anywhere, but choose to make their special marks in Suffolk. You will see some interesting styles, highlighted by a sampling of products that you can purchase locally to help you create your own personal stylish space. And you’ll get some tips from an expert — as well as the families themselves — about how to make it all come together.

Finally, thanks to all the families and models involved; to the home stylist, Janice Powell of Powell Home; to photographers Rebecca Keeling Gagnon of Rebecca Keeling Studios and Meghan Morris of MLM Photography; and to the businesses that loaned products and locations for the photo shoots.

Think your home or family has what it takes to be featured in a Suffolk Living lifestyle spread? Send your ideas, photos and/or recommendations to: sales@suffolklivingmag.com.

suffolk living

Amelia Chung, 35, relaxes in a loft space in downtown Suffolk.

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Notes from the stylist:

The empty-nesters Once the kids are gone and out of the house, many homeowners decide that it’s time to redecorate. In many cases, the kids have been raised in the home, and the bathrooms are 20 years old. The family room has been home to countless sleepovers, birthday parties, movie nights and teenage parties, and the carpet is showing its age. The pink and purple bedroom colors the kids picked out in their early teens are no longer suited for their visits home from college.

Knowing that the kids will eventually be coming home for visits with their spouses and then with their children, many homeowners decide that it’s time to prepare the home for the next round of children – their grandchildren.

The same decorating rules apply here as they did when the family first started out. Neutral, family-friendly fabrics in the bedrooms will make the kids and any guests comfortable in the spare bedrooms.

A renovated bathroom with new floor tile, a new ceramic shower/tub surround, updated faucets and countertops will make everyone feel right at home.

Kitchen renovations are also a popular choice for empty nesters – particularly for homeowners who can now take the time to entertain their friends at home, rather than spend their weekends taking the kids to and from sporting events, movies and friends’ houses.

The family homestead holds years and years of memories. Updated kitchens and bathrooms, new linens and draperies, fresh paint and carpet won’t eliminate any of those memories. They just provide a canvas for making new ones.

‘We love our kitchen. If we had the chance to do the house all over again, it’s the one room we wouldn’t change.’

Lisa Midgette — Homeowner

suffolk living

Meet Brian & Lisa Midgette Brian and Lisa Midgette were getting ready for the NansemondSuffolk Academy Art Show — an event they rarely miss — when Suffolk Living visited them. The Midgette’s successful dental practice, Midgette Family Dentistry, is nestled along the Chesapeake/Suffolk border. Their home, just off Crittenden Road in Suffolk, overlooks the Nansemond River.

“We happened to be driving one Sunday looking for waterfront property close to the business,” Lisa said, “and we drove down this dirt road thinking we may need to turn around, but then we saw this property for sale and fell in love. That was in 1998.”

Life has been different for the Midgettes since their daughters, Chelsea, 21, and Channing, 18, went off to their respective colleges. But doesn’t mean they do any less in and outside of their home.

“We entertain now on a much smaller scale now,” Lisa said. “But we go out to places like Vintage Tavern every chance we get.”

A glimpse into their style: Original oil paintings by local artist Mary Yaeger are found throughout the kitchen area, providing pops of color against a palette of pale cream and copper.

Brian Midgette is wearing clothing provided by Richardson & Nash Clothiers. Lisa Midgette is wearing clothing from her personal collection. Other products used in this shoot, as seen in the photo below, were provided by Bennett’s Creek Market and Uniquely Leo’s Ltd. For more information on the specific products, visit Suffolk Living’s Facebook page.

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Notes from the stylist:

The busy family ‘We love how functional the room is — the children enjoy playing with their toys and video games, and the room transforms into our theater for family movie night. When we need to use the space for a more formal occasion, everything is easily put away with plenty of storage.’

Emily Runyon — Homeowner

A growing, active family like the Runyons’ requires easy-care, easy-to-clean fabrics on upholstered pieces like the family room sofa and chairs.

It wasn’t long after Chip and Emily purchased their sofa from Powell Home when Emily emailed a photo of Madelyn Kate’s magic-marker masterpiece on the seat cushion. Thankfully, Emily only buys water-based markers for her children, and the fabric was easy to clean with a non-toxic fabric spot remover. It could have been a disaster.

This is the home where Emily and Chip plan to raise their family. It’s a large home with casual spaces to hang out with the kids, and there’s a beautiful formal living room and dining room.

Emily has maintained a scrapbook of ideas and photos from magazines, and she has distinct thoughts on color palettes, traffic flow and accessories. With her “vision” clearly defined, Emily can make purchases to furnish and decorate her home with confidence.

When starting out in a new home, it’s really

important to take an inventory of what you like and don’t like in colors, furnishings and accessories. Collect brochures, cut out photos from magazines, keep the paint chips you pick up at home improvement stores. Attend home shows and visit model home sites.

When you decide on your paint colors, invest in a good quality paint. Make smart furniture purchases. Invest in products that are made in the USA. A good sofa should last at least 20 years and within that timeframe, you’ll probably reupholster it at least once – not because of wear and tear but because of changing decorating trends.

When purchasing bedroom furniture, dining room tables and chairs, and occasional tables for the living and family rooms, look for dovetail drawers, wooden drawer slides, solid and wood veneers . Be leery of anything containing chipcore or fiberboard, because once it gets wet or is damaged it cannot be repaired.

If you don’t absolutely love something, and if you don’t see yourself owning it in five years, then don’t buy it.

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Meet Chip, Emily, Jackson & Madelyn Kate Runyon Keeping a busy family of four organized is no easy task, but Chip and Emily Runyon manage to do it. Emily is an active stay-at-home mom, running the family blog, volunteering and participating in the Suffolk Area Mom’s Club. Chip works for the Gartman Letter, a daily commentary on the global capital markets, addressing political, economic and technical trends. Having met at Virginia Tech, Emily and Chip soon realized a family is just what they wanted.

How do they spend their family time? “We do a lot of play dates and dinners with the neighbors here in Riverview,” Emily said.

“We’re real active in youth sports. Chip coaches basketball and T-ball for Jackson’s teams. We also are very active at Cedar Point Country Club, where we’re members.”

Their home is cozy, and the inside is full of intricate design and organization, making it a fun but functional place to spend time as a family.

A glimpse into their style: The Runyons’ organization techniques come into full view when Emily pulls out six wood and glass cases of Nora Fleming “minis.” Her collection is almost complete.

Chip Runyon is wearing clothing provided by Richardson & Nash Clothiers. Emily Runyon is wearing clothing from Belk and A. Dodson’s., and a pearl necklace from D.B. Bowles Jewelers. Madelyn Kate Runyon is wearing clothing by LuAnn’s for Kids. Jackson Runyon is wearing clothes from his personal collection. Other products used in this shoot, as seen in the photos on these pages, were provided

by Powell Home, Bennett’s Creek Market, A Tisket A Tasket, GameStop and Atlas Pizza. For more information on the specific products, visit Suffolk Living’s Facebook page.

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Meet John Chohany & Stephanie Douglas

Notes from the stylist:

The jet setters Frequent fliers and smart travelers know that keeping things simple and compact is key to an enjoyable journey. Your closet is the perfect place to start by identifying your favorite and most travel-friendly clothing.

Use a space bag to roll your clothes into your carry-on; space bags vacuum seal clothing so you can pack more without the bulk. Keep your clothing colors neutral and easy to interchange.

Use a small, carry-on bag and keep all of your travel toiletries stocked and packed in a plastic travel bag or zip-lock. By keeping all of your travel essentials in one part of your closet, you’ll be ready to roll whenever the opportunity strikes.

Travel for business or pleasure can be exhausting, so it’s important that home be a place of refuge at the end of the journey.

Easy-care, washable bed linens in soft and cozy colors welcome the weary traveler home. Window treatments that provide privacy and darken the room are preferred when sleeping in after a long journey.

Therapeutic and aromatic fragrances are calming and can be found as candles, diffuser oils or linen sprays. Many are also available in travel sizes so you can take your favorite fragrances with you.

And when travel leaves your loving pet behind, be sure to find a reliable and loving pet sitter or boarding facility. Nothing says home like the nuzzle of a beloved muzzle.

Situated in The Riverfront development in North Suffolk, Chohany and Douglas’ home can be seen as anything but traditional.

The California-style home boasts an outside courtyard and grotto, a terrace overlooking the golf course and a wine cellar, which is especially appropriate considering that Chohany and Douglas own Aratas Winery in Napa Valley, Calif. Chohany also owns the well-loved Second St. restaurant in Williamsburg. Douglas also works as a site manager for Rose & Womble Realty. They are the proud owners of Moose and Charlie, two Bichon Frise pups with loads of personality.

And just how do they use their Suffolk home?

“We’re big into entertaining,” Douglas said. “I hold several fundraising events at the house throughout the year.” Chohany and Douglas found the home as Douglas worked for the developer early on in the project. They now spend once a month traveling to their winery, as well as maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle running marathons and skiing.

A glimpse into their style: They’re avid lovers of Dale Chihuly, as seen in a number of art books under their coffee table, and hope one day to own full-scale Chihuly canvas or glass piece to overlook their living room.

‘We travel back and forth from here to our winery in the Napa Valley. When we come home, we get to relax.’

Stephanie Douglas — Homeowner

John Chohany is wearing clothing provided by Richardson & Nash Clothiers. Stephanie Douglas is wearing clothing from her personal collection. Other products used in this shoot, as seen in the photos here, were provided by A. Dodson’s; Walgreens – North Suffolk; Bed, Bath & Beyond; Belk Department Store; Dogwood Run and Bennett’s Creek Home Away from Home. For more information on the specific products, visit Suffolk Living’s Facebook page.

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Notes from the stylist:

The young professionals Young professionals living in an urban environment have the best of it all.

Access to great restaurants and shops within walking distance of home. The ability to leave the car at home and walk to work or to the gym. Business and government services all within a stone’s throw. It’s a great way to start out. It’s also the time to find your decorating style.

Here are some beautiful antiques and furnishings in a contemporary loft with concrete floors, tall ceilings and exposed pipes. The juxtaposition of textures, fabrics and materials makes the space interesting and comfortable.

Furnishing a space like this is easy,

‘Furnishing a space like this is easy, because you can do pretty much anything you want.’

because you can do pretty much anything you want. We selected an old Victorian sofa, painted the frame and reupholstered it in a funky chenille and animal print fabric. Side tables like the ones shown here can be purchased for as little as $75.

Antiques and vintage pieces of furniture are a great investment. They’re extremely well made and can be painted or reupholstered for a fraction of the cost of buying something new.

Look at the items closely, make sure the legs are sturdy and secure. Open the drawers and examine the frames.

Antique shops, flea markets, consignment stores and yard sales are abundant in great finds. From furniture to dishes, fabrics to artwork and accessories, if you think you’re getting a good deal – buy it.

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Meet Amelia Chung & Mario Faulk Mario Faulk is wearing clothing provided by Richardson & Nash Clothiers. Amelia Chung is wearing clothing from her personal collection. Other products used in this shoot, as seen in the photos here, were provided by A. Dodson’s; Main Street Antiques and Auctions; Katody’s; Smithfield Gardens; D.B. Bowles Jewelers; Belk Department Store; and Powell Home. For more information on the specific products, visit Suffolk Living’s Facebook page.

First of all, Mario Faulk and Amelia Chung are not really roommates. In reality, they are “work family,” who spend their days together at the Suffolk Family YMCA as the senior program director and health and wellness director, respectively. But they are consummate active, young professionals.

The Lofts at East Pointe, where this photo shoot was staged, is just one of several loft-style living opportunities in Suffolk. It’s trendy but historic, it’s playful, and each space is different, depending on lighting, room shape and personal style.

With loft-style or urban living spaces, its all about playing with small spaces and making them seem bigger. And then use things like lighting and accessories to make them your own.

A glimpse into loft style: Vintage ad memorabilia or historic elements (like old Planters Peanut tins) are a great way to bring a bit of local history into a modern space.

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a walk down bank street

All images courtesy of the Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society

B

ack in 1967, the Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society asked 84-yearold Marie Woodward to record her memories of Bank Street at the turn of the 20th century. She recorded an audiotape for the organization, and in 2006 that tape was transcribed. The text was put together with photos from various collections, and the booklet “We Are the Poorer for Their Passing: Miss Marie Remembers Bank Street” was then published by the Society.

Bank Street took its name from the Farmers Bank of Nansemond, which faced it from Main Street. It was developed not for banks, though, but to expand the available sites for

homes as Suffolk began to grow after the Civil War. Some of Suffolk’s grandest homes were built on Bank Street, and some of those homes still exist there today.

Step back in time now and have a look at the people and places of Bank Street at the turn of the 20th century.

Copies of the Historical Society’s publication are available today at the Dawson House, the circa 1880 home at 137 Bank St. that now serves as the Historical Society’s headquarters, or at the Suffolk Railroad Museum book shop. They may also be ordered by calling 923-4750.

— R.E. Spears III, editor

suffolk living 57 Bank Street in 1907 (background image) had more trees, but many of the homes that were there then are still there today.

One that still exists is the Truitt House, the house with the columns in the photo at left. The William Jones House stood on the corner of Bank and Pinner streets, where three friends stood for the center photo, which comes from the Lehman Collection. Bank Street took its name from the original Farmers Bank of Nansemond building, at right.

58 suffolk living All images courtesy of the Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society

suffolk living 59 Joyner Park (background image), shown in 1928, was located at the east end of Bank Street and was a popular place for bands and ice cream socials. The Virginian Apartments, left, still stand along the roadside, as does the old post office, right, built in 1913. Today, the post office building houses a law firm. For a time, the Nansemond Seminary, a select school for girls, was located on Bank Street in two houses connected by a covered walkway. The center photo is believed to show a graduating class from that school, along with the Rev. John N. McCormick.

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suffolk living

index of advertisers Ellen Drames.......................2 Sentara Healthcare..............3 Charter Communications....4 East End Baptist Church......6 Array 700.............................6 Atlantic Urogynecology.......6 Mike Duman........................8 Hampton Roads Financial...9 Nansemond-Suffolk A c a d e m y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Outrageous................9 Smithfield Gardens.............9 D.B. Bowles Jewelers.........10 Edward Jones...................10 Meghan L. Morris Photography...................10 Holiday Inn Express & Suites................12 Roger Fowler Sales & Service.............12, 61 ObGyn Associates of Hampton......................12 Duke Automotive........14, 47 Rawlings Mechanical Corp. ..............14 Isle of Wight Academy.......16 Nancy’s Calico Patch.........16

Eclipse Lawn Care............16 Vintage Tavern..................18 Ken Deloach Insurance Agency..............18 Starr Motors......................18 Suffolk Public Schools.......21 Virginia Soaps & Scents.....21 Suffolk Sheet Metal...........21 Woodard Orthodontics.....21 Producer’s Peanut Co. .......22 Carver Cemetery...............30 Autumn Care of Suffolk.....30 Suffolk Parks & Recreation...31 The Village at Woods Edge..41 Rebecca Keeling Studios...45 Suffolk Insurance...............54 Womble Generator Service...................54 Powell Home.....................54 Bronco Federal Credit Union......................55 Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens.....................60 R.L. Howell & Associates...61 Bon Secours Orthopaedic Institute........63 Chorey & Associates.........64

CORRECTION:

An article in our Winter 2010 edition of Suffolk Living incorrectly referred to a past Suffolk Fire Department chief. His name is Eugene Hurley.

Last issue’s Where am I?

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Perhaps the challenge we posed in the winter issue’s “Where Am I?” feature was a bit too hard.

Nobody figured out that the photo was shot downtown, at where am I? the corner of South Saratoga and I West Washington streets, where an old address plate adorns the side of a building. Maybe this month’s challenge will be a bit easier. There’s a $25 gift certificate in it for somebody. n each edition the Suffolk Living staff will provide a challenge of sorts, testing how much of Suffolk you really know. We will photograph some location in Suffolk that is readily accessible and open to the public.

If you know where this photo was taken, submit your answer, along with your name and contact information to news@

suffolklivingmag.com. If you’re right, you will be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to any one of our partner advertisers.

So, if you know where this is, let us know. If you’re right, you could be a winner.

Go out and enjoy Suffolk!

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scrapbook

Easter Sunday: Friends gather on the walkway outside of Main Street Methodist Church on Easter

morning in this photo taken during the 1920s. The church’s first building, located on a lot south of the Seaboard Railroad, was dedicated in 1823. Its second building, located at 318 N. Main St., was dedicated in 1861. Both of those buildings were used by Union troops during the Civil War. The cornerstone for the current building was laid in 1914. In 1987, the church was accepted into the National Registry of Historic Places. — Photo courtesy of the Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society

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