26th Year Carol Butler Is Proud New Owner Of
Transcription
26th Year Carol Butler Is Proud New Owner Of
FREE The Original Downtown Newspaper, 26th Year 26th Year Vol. 26, No. 2 Carol Butler Is Proud New Owner Of Pembroke Title. For the last 10 years Carol Butler has owned and operated The Butler Company, a provider of real estate classes throughout the State of Virginia. Her company offered attorneys and realtors continuing education plus pre-licensing and taught continuing education classes for title insurance agents. Her longtime friend and business partner, Severn Kellam, offered to sell her Pembroke Title and Carol thought it was perfect timing for a career change. The knowledge she gained from The Butler Company proved valuable and she was well on the way to a smooth transition. To read the full story on Carol Butler and Pembroke Title, please see page 3 inside. (In the photo at right, Carol is pictured at Kellam Galleries in Norfolk.) PEMBROKE TITLE, LLC 130 W. Olney Road, Norfolk, VA 23510 Tele: 757.627.4700 - Fax: 757-6270229 - Cell: 757-409-7614 [email protected] www.pembroketitle.com ALSO INSIDE: OUR USUAL OFFERINGS AND MUCH, MUCH MORE! February, 2014 The 16th Annual Mike Cavish Golf Tournament & Dinner This tournament is held April 28, 2014 in tribute to Mike Cavish, Shotgun Start - 12:00 p.m. Call 446-6070 to register or for more information. restaurateur and Ghent community advocate. Mike was an avid golfer, and the fight against diabetes continues to be a vitally important cause to his family. Tournament proceeds benefit the Strelitz Diabetes Center at Eastern Virginia Medical School. GOLF & DINNER Hurry and register, this tournament sells out quickly! Elizabeth Manor Golf & Country Club Portsmouth, Virginia Fellini’s Norfolk, Virginia www.evms.edu/cavish 2 The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia December 2013 By Jack Armistead Downtowner Editor Carol Butler Now Proud New Owner of Pembroke Title What better place to move seamlessly between business opportunities than downtown Norfolk? And who better with whom to celebrate it than the loyal readers of The Downtowner? For 10 years Carol Butler successfully owned and operated The Butler Company. Her company provided real estate classes throughout Virginia, offered attorneys and realtors continuing education plus pre-licensing and taught continuing education classes for title insurance agents. And in the Spring of 2011 The Downtowner recognized Carol for her achievements. That Fall, Butler received an intriguing phone call from long time friend and former business partner, Severn Kellam, offering to sell her Pembroke Title. After 25 years owning Pembroke Title, Sev was ready for a new venture - an art gallery that offers a wonderful collection of original paintings, sculptures, rugs and furniture. “He made me an offer I couldn’t refuse,” says Butler. “It was perfect timing as I was burned out from 11 years traveling up and down I-95 teaching monthly seminars! It was also perfect that I knew most of his clients.” The deal was completed. Kellam and Butler visited Pembroke Title’s customers, and the baton was passed! Pembroke Title began in the Pembroke area of Virginia Beach in the 80’s, but in the mid-1990’s, Sev moved the company to Norfolk. Sev has a great affinity for Norfolk, having been born and raised here. He wanted to bring the business back to his roots. The first year was challenging as Butler ran both companies. But Carol was not without experience in the title company world. In the past, Carol co-owned four title companies: Victoria Title, Breen Title, Lake James Title & Norfolk Title. She has a great reputation, which enticed Gail Burgess, an underwriter with over 30 years experience, to immediately join the team. Rose Day, licensed underwriter and real estate sales person with Judy Boone Realty, came on board May 2012. Together, Pembroke Title has over 80 years experience in title examinations and insurance. At the end of 2012, realizing Pembroke Title could support her in the manner to which she’d become accustomed, The Butler Company closed, and Carol could focus 100% on Pembroke Title. Knowing that no one is successful alone, Carol is quick to give praise where it is due. “We have the pleasure of working with the best certified examiners in Tidewater,” she stated. Pembroke Title is an agent of WFG National Title Insurance Company (“WFG”), Fidelity National Title and First American Title. Carol is a product of Portsmouth and was raised both on the Peninsula and the Southside. Her roots are here and she knows the area very well. “My career began in Tidewater law firms”, says Carol. “Back in the 70’s you’d only see suits in the Courthouse record rooms, as attorneys would search their own titles. And, back then, only attorneys could close loans!” In the mid-80s the law changed and title companies were able to conduct real estate settlements/closings. “I closed thousands of loans and was always aware when issues were over my head. So many times I would contact an attorney to see if they’d be willing to step in - handle the legal issues and close the deal. Having worked so long in law firms, I knew what I didn’t know!” said Butler. And having great relationships with attorneys all over Hampton Roads has allowed Butler to run Pembroke Title as a “title only” shop - handling the title examinations and insurance and referring the closings to attorneys. “To me it’s cleaner with the law firms conducting the settlements. I’m not competing with the attorneys,” states Carol. Pembroke Title acts as a partner, cleaning up title issues behind the scene and helping that deal to close. WFG opened a settlement service for its agents who do not conduct settlements. “It’s a great service for attorneys who do not have a real estate practice. WFG handles the paperwork and deliv- Carol Butler, above, who was featured in The Downtowner in 2011, now owns Pembroke Title. ers it to the attorney. I’m able to assist by notarizing and making sure all goes smoothly. It works well for attorneys who specialize in personal injury, divorce, bankruptcy, estates, etc. When clients need assistance with real estate issue, the attorneys don’t have to send them elsewhere for a closing and they have someone they can trust to take great care of their clients,” says Butler. Attorneys also use Carol as an expert witness in court cases that involve a title issue. With over 40 years of experience and her high standards for accuracy, Carol is an asset to attorneys with real estate needs. Except for three years playing music up and down the East Coast, Butler has worked in real estate since the 70’s. Along with the examinations and insurance, Pembroke Title also assists law offices with education for their employees, an aspect that Carol wanted to keep from The Butler Company. “I enjoy working with the attorneys and being their real estate resource. Together we work on commercial and residential transactions in Virginia and North Carolina. It’s what I know! It’s what I love!” Oh, and don’t be surprised if you hear Carol’s soulful voice around Norfolk. Her passion for music is rivaled only by her passion for all things Norfolk. Gail Burgess, who has 30 years experience as an underwriter, is a key employee at Pembroke Title. Rose Day joined the Pembroke Title team in 2012 Pembroke Title has always had a great reputation in Hampton Roads and this continues under Carol’s astute business practices and her genuine concern for attorneys and their clients with real estate needs. PEMBROKE TITLE, LLC 130 W. Olney Road, Norfolk, VA 23510 Tele: 757.627.4700 - Fax: 757627-0229 - Cell: 757-409-7614 [email protected] www.pembroketitle.com ••• December, 2013 The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia 3 Off The Beaten Path With Jack Armistead Even though an Arctic blast of cold air penetrated New Orleans in early January, Bourbon Street was still hot and inviting. With temperatures as low as 28 degrees, the music offered our party a great warming trend. When we could get it, that is. Many of the bars that featured live music did not have heat. That was the determining factor of whether we should stay or move to another cafe that did have heat. Nonetheless, the food was delicious and our first drink was a Hurricane offered at Pat O’Brien’s. The large glass, shaped like a hurricane lamp, is a favorite souvenir for tourists although none in our group took one home. Yes, we did the touristy thing first to get it over with. Dueling piano players made the stop interesting. Pat O’Brien’s celebrated its 80th Anniversary last year. The breakfast highlight of the 4-day trip was a stop in Cafe Du Monde for a full plate of beignets. The beignet is a square piece of dough, fried and then covered with powdered sugar. They are served in orders of three. I couldn’t eat but two and gave my third one to a saxophone playing street musician who was performing outside the front door. The original Cafe Du Monde Coffee Stand was established in 1862 in the New Orleans French Market. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It closes on Christmas Day. The musical highlight of the trip was a stop in a local restaurant-pub (that was warm) and featured a jazz combo. To our delight, clarinet player Pieter Meijers of Holland sat in with the group that night. According to his bio, Meijers was born in the Netherlands and began his musical training at age six. He played in a concert band with his father as the conductor. While a student in Amsterdam he became a regular at the Dutch trad jazz scene but he quit playing jazz to complete his studies. He continued concert band activities and became a conductor in 1967. Meijers has become a frequent featured artist at jazz festivals and jazz cruises and has performed all over the world with some of the most famous bands and musicians. His wife owns and operates Jazzdagen Tours. A cruise will be offered this year featuring over 20 stellar musicians that will go through the Panama Canal. Check it out at www.jazzdagen. com. ••• A lantern shop in New Orleans was a photographic highlight on a recent trip to New Orleans. See Armistead column at left. (Photo by Jack Armistead) Founded May, 1988 A Positive Voice Serving the Greater Norfolk Area and Olde Towne Portsmouth Publisher & Editor . . . . . . . . . . Jack Armistead Senior Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judith A. Scharle Technical Advisors . . . Pete Vester & Susan Platt Dining Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joyce Newbegin Sales Associates Jack Armistead, Joyce Newbegin & Larry Stark Contributing Writers. . . . . . . . . . Jack Armistead, Brad Cox, Sean Hillegass, Peggy Haile McPhillips, Mike Murphy, Joyce Newbegin, Gary Ruegsegger, Abbott Saks, Holly Armistead Rose, Judith A. Scharle, Pete Vester and Susan M. Vertullo Photographers Joe George, Ruth Gray, Carlos Fink and Barbie Peirce Layout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Catherine Hugo Website design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arlene Page Visit our website at www.downtowneronline.com The Downtowner is published once every month, except January, by Target Advertising Co., Inc. (Established 1981). The mailing address is 1439 Mallory Court, Norfolk, VA. 23507. Editorial contributions are welcomed but may be edited. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily the opinion of this publication. Only mailed or e-mailed contributions accepted. No faxes please. Eat-In Only Monday Special! Every Monday when you purchase any Deli-Delight Combo at regular price you get your 2nd Deli-Delight Combo for 1/2 Off! Dine in only. SAVE! SAVE! 433 Granby Street, Norfolk. Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. All rights reserved. The Downtowner is registered. No part or parts of this publication may be reproduced without written consent from the publisher. TO ADVERTISE, CALL: 757-627-2216 or 757-625-4952 E-MAIL: [email protected] MEMBER, GHENT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION SPECIAL AGENT FOR OPTIMA HEALTH & ANTHEM HEALTH 4 The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia December 2013 Come and have fun! Live Music Tuesday thru Saturday Evenings! Open Tuesday thru Saturday 5pm to 2am “On Fashionable Granby Row” 131 Granby Street • Norfolk, VA • 623-3466 The Downtowner Mystery Picture Have you seen these two guys around town? If so, and you are the first caller to The Downtowner with their correct identities, you win a prize. To give your answer, call The Downtowner recorder at (757) 627-2216. (Photo By Joe George) Hitch Enterprises Lawn Care • Mulching • Tree Service • Log Splitting Tractor Work • Bush Hog • Grading Pressure Washing • Gutter Cleaning Scrap Metal Pickup • Used Auto batteries Free Estimates Call Schaefer Hitch 839-0439 From Polka Dots to leoParD sPots Advertise in The Downtowner. The Downtowner is the “little paper” that locals like to read. It’s your reasonable alternative to high advertising prices. To place an ad in the March issue, Call (757) 627-2216. HOPE HOUSE FOUNDATION 1800 Monticello Avenue • Norfolk Open Monday thru Saturday 10am–6pm • 757-625-7493 www.hope-house-thrift-store.com December, 2013 The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia 5 H H H H H H H H H H H H God Bless Our Troops! God Bless America! Thank you to every man and woman who is serving our country in the Armed Forces. Thank you for keeping America safe! Great job! H H H H H H H H H H H H 6 The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia December 2013 It’s Been 50 Years Since First Hit Single By The Tams By Sean Hillegass February 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the Tams highest charting single “What Kind Of Fool (Do You Think I Am).” The Tams, consisting of Floyd Ashton, Horace Key, Robert Smith and brothers Charles & Joe Pope had been performing around Atlanta for a decade before being discovered by music publisher Bill Lowery in 1962. The Tams debut single “Untie Me” entered the Billboard Hot 100 on October 20, 1962, reaching number sixty. They released several more singles that garnered quite a bit of airplay regionally, but little else. Around this time Ray Whitley, an aspiring sixteen year-old song writer stopped by the Lowery music company and pitched several songs, two of which “Laugh It Off ” and “What Kind Of Fool” were recorded by the Tams at the Fame recording studio in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. In 1963, Lowery signed the Tams to ABC-Paramount Records. The Tams first release for ABC-Paramount, “Laugh It Off,” was released on October 24, 1963 and once again met with much success on a regional level, but disc jockeys began playing the B-side “What Kind Of Fool.” On December 14, 1963, “What Kind Of Fool” entered Billboard’s Hot 100.” On February 15, 1964, “What Kind Of Fool” reached the number ten spot on the singles chart. A week later on February 22 it went to number nine, making the highest spot of any of their songs. Gary Hardy, who was a member of Bill Deal and The Rhondels from 1968 to 1980 recalled, “When ‘What Kind Of Fool’ was released I thought it was a great song. Little did I know some five years later that the band I was in would release it and have a smash hit with it.” The Rhondels version co-arranged by Hardy and Bill Deal ended up at number twenty-three on the singles chart. In the spring of 1964, the Tams had their first personnel change when Floyd Ashton was replaced by Al Cottle Jr. The line up would stay the same into the 1970’s. Tom Fauntleroy, who was in his junior year at Huntington High School in Newport News said, “’What Kind Of Fool’ was rite of passage for me. It was at a time when things were changing and happening for me. That song struck a chord with me. I could relate to it.” When Fauntleroy enrolled at Howard University in 1965 he joined the group Al & The Vikings, and “What Kind Of Fool” was in their repertoire. In 1968, Fauntleroy’s group changed their name to the Unifics and had two chart topping hits “Court Of Love” and “The Beginning Of My End.” Before 1964 was over the Tams would penetrate the Billboard Hot 100 four more times. One of those songs, “Hey Girl Don’t Bother Me” would be released in the UK in 1971 where it went to number one for three weeks. In 1965, the Tams released “I’ve Been Hurt,” which didn’t chart nationally but topped the music charts of many radio stations from Georgia to Virginia and is considered a beach music classic. In 1968, the Tams released their final hit, “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy” which became not only their signature song but also an anthem for the beach music genre. Above is a 1963 promo photo of The Tams. Lenis Guess, who had a mammoth hit in 1966, with “Working For My Baby” said, “’What Kind Of Fool’ is a true R&B classic. It captured that southern soul sound. This is one of those songs that stand the test of time.” The Tams are more than deserving of the title, the Dukes of Southern Soul. ••• Downtown Norfolk Crimes Rate Drops in 2013 Incidents of Crime in Downtown Shows Significant Decrease Norfolk, Va. – ( January 21, 2014) –Newly released crime rates from 2013 exhibit a 9.7% decrease compared to 2012 in the greater Downtown Norfolk area. This decrease can be a primarily attributed to the 7% fall in vandalism and the 19% decline in larceny from auto crimes. The crime rate in downtown has dropped a total of 29% over the course of 5 years. The progress is a result of the concentrated presence of the Norfolk Police Department, the Downtown Public Service Ambassadors and the citizens in Downtown Norfolk. “It’s great to see this kind of reduction of incidents at the start of a new year for Downtown Norfolk. Surely our job is never done until there are no significant incidents in the entire City,” said Norfolk Police Chief Goldsmith. “We recognize the impact of this downtrend for downtown, and continue to work towards similar results in other Norfolk communities and neighborhoods.” In 2012, the Downtown Norfolk Council (DNC) contracted with the Southern Institute of Research and conducted a Consumer Usage and Percep- tion Study for Downtown Norfolk. The survey identified that the perception of safety is one of the key drivers of Downtown Norfolk’s overall positive reputation, likeliness to recommend and likeliness to visit. “It is extremely important that downtown visitors, residents and businesses feel safe,” expressed Mary Miller, President & CEO of DNC. “With our Public Service Ambassadors program, we physically have a presence on the streets to promote safety in downtown. As an organization, we will continue to advocate for a safe, friendly and spotless downtown.” The Norfolk Police Department continues to work within the community to ensure safety through the Downtown and Freemason civic leagues, the citizens of Norfolk and the Downtown Public Service Ambassadors. Statistics based on the 2013 Downtown Planning District 59 crime report from the Norfolk Police Department. ••• December, 2013 The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia 7 Noted Photographer Turns 66 By Gary Ruegsegger Downtowner Contributing Editor Walking in Your Big Brother’s Footsteps No matter how old you get or how gray your hair turns, you never stop being someone’s kid brother. Such is life. This month my big brother Bob flips his life’s calendar for the 66th those years I’ve witnessed up close and personal. He was the first in our family to graduate from college, teach English, own a flashy sports car, or write for a newspaper. It seems I’ve been following in his footsteps forever. Since my retirement last year, most every Thursday we take a road trip somewhere – Yorktown, Smithfield, Hampton, Gloucester, Williamsburg. Next to the worldfamous Bill McIntosh, Bob’s the best photographer I know. Usually I get to ride shotgun and end up carrying his photo equipment. Occasionally, when the master photographer’s not looking, I snap a few shots of him. Rather than writing about big brother this month, I thought I’d share a few snaps from our Thursday road trips. Happy birthday, Big Boy. ••• Bob shoots the Battle of the Hook reenactment in Gloucester. Bob knows the Governor’s Mansion in Williamsburg better than Thomas Jefferson. Pictured with two British cavalry officers, Bob occasionally hangs out with the enemy. Secured in the stocks at Williamsburg, Bob had no choice but to pose for this picture. Bob surveys the Yorktown battlefield from behind a Colonial gun emplacement. He knows Yorktown better than Cornwallis ever did. 8 The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia December 2013 $7.99 WINE & SANDWICH SPECIAL FREEDESSERT (Monday through Friday, 11 AM - 2 PM) Choice of sandwich served with a side of withthepurchaseof french fries/ side salad and a glass of house red or white wine anyfoodmenuitem Sandwich choices: ExpiresAug.31,2012 BLT or Chicken Salad Sandwich www.mermaidwinery.com 330 W. 22nd ST, #106 Norfolk 757.233.4155 Best Family Moving & Storage Co. www.bestfamilymovinglive.com BESTFAMILYMOVING.COM Free Estimates (757)449-6320 Military & Senior Discounts Local & Long Distance 7 Days a Week They Keep on Smilin’ At Norfolk’s Happy Tail Resort PROBLEM: CRACKED FOUNDATION SOLUTION: Stella & Jesse Waltz, P.E., Owners 480 E. Main Street Norfolk, Va. 23510 tel (757) 623-6246 fax (757) 623-6248 Come and eat fresh! Two great Downtown Norfolk locations: 259 Granby Street Norfolk, Va. 23510 tel (757) 626-1231 fax (757) 626-1159 Crawl Space Moisture Control Foundation & Structural Repair Basement Waterproofing Save $500!* *Any job over $3000. Good only when presented at time of free inspection. Not to be combined with any other offer. FREE Inspection & Estimate! 320-0758•www.jeswork.com December, 2013 The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia 9 From Skyline to Shoreline, Shannon Sells Norfolk Shannon Allen Realtor® Circle of Excellence Award Winner [email protected] shannonallenrealtor.com 757-647-3126 JUDY BOONE REALTY, INC. 809 E Ocean View Ave, Norfolk, VA 23503 • 757-587-2800 EAST OCEAN VIEW, Norfolk - $257,000 LAFAYETTE SHORES, Norfolk-$499,500 Stunning 5 Bedroom, 4.5 bath, recently Renovated 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath home on Pretty Lake updated w/ w/community custom feamarina & pritures throughvate boat slip. out. Gourmet Beautiful kitChef’s kitchen chen with granstainless steel ite countertops, appliances, high-end panisland, hardeled appliances. wood & ceramic flooring. Community amenities Second floor features new 900 sqft game & media room. include pool, tennis & clubhouse. OCEAN VIEW, Norfolk- $190,000 Beautiful waterfront 2 Bedroom, 2 bath, 5th floor end unit at Nansemond on the Bay. Overlooks pool, beach park gazebo, fishing pier & lighthouse. Newly remodeled kitchen, new carpet and fresh paint. EAST OCEAN VIEW, Norfolk- $170,000 GRANBY PARK, Norfolk - $299,900 Super picture perfect Norfolk home. Master Super beach condo. Renovated 2 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, 2-story retreat, large condo. Open family room concept design w/fireplace & w / e a t - i n sunroom. kitchen, family C u s t o m room w/firekitchen, white place & balcony. cabinets, marTwo master ble counterSOLD suites with pritops, & slate floor. Landscaped backyard w/deck & pago- vate baths and large closets. da. Near bases, schools & beach. FREEMASON, Norfolk - $165,000 Spacious first floor condo located in desirable Freemason. Walk to all of downtown & easy Tide ride to EVMS. Secure building, covered reserved SOLD parking & pool. Condo fee includes, water, cable, ground maintenance, & trash. Diane Wright to Join Chrysler Museum of Art as the Barry Curator of Glass The Chrysler Museum of Art has hired Diane C. Wright as the Carolyn and Richard Barry Curator of Glass. Wright begins her new appointment in March 2014. She will be responsible for the display, interpretation, study, and care of works of art in the Museum’s glass collection of over 10,000 objects, many of which will be showcased in the newly expanded glass galleries when the Museum reopens in spring 2014. Wright comes to the Chrysler Museum from the Pilchuck Glass School in Stan- wood, Wash., where she was the marketing and communications manager. She received a master’s degree in the history of decorative arts and design from Parsons The New School for Design, specializing in glass studies. She has conducted research and lectured on glass for a number of institutions and has served as the Marcia Brady Tucker Senior Curatorial Fellow in the American Decorative Arts Department at the Yale University Art Gallery. Wright has extensively researched the leaded-glass windows and mosaics of Tiffany Studios. She co-curated the exhibition “Louis C. Tiffany and the Art of Devotion” at the Museum of Biblical Art in New York and recently co-curated “Wheaton Glass: the Art of the Fellowship” at the WheatonArts American Museum of Glass in Millville, N.J. Wright taught courses on the history of glass at the Rhode Island School of Design, Parsons The New School for Design, and George Mason University and has written on glass for Modern Magazine, Glass Quarterly, the Journal of Glass Studies, and the Yale University Art Gallery Bulletin. She is the recipient of the Rakow Grant for Glass Research from the Corning Museum of Glass. “Diane arrives with an impressive array of academic achievements and an extraordinarily wide range of practical experiences within the world of glass,” said Jeff Harrison, chief curator. “We are certain she will prosper as our new Barry Curator of Glass, and we are delighted to have her on the curatorial team.” ••• 10 The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia December 2013 Slow Smoked Brisket World Famous Gourmet CoFFee $1.00 from this purchase to benefit st. Jude Children’s research Hospital Brunch Sat & Sun Seafood & Oysters “Da Best” Barbecue Catering & Takeout Pig & Oyster Roast Restaurant & Catering Co. smokehouse oyster bar + 2700 Hampton Blvd., norfolk, (757) 626-3440 • SmallSODU.cOm Downtowner-Smalls.indd 1 2/4/14 11:03 AM Fresh roasted & Packed By: Norfolk Coffee & tea Co. Norfolk, Va 23517 Colley Avenue Copies & Graphics, Inc. (Established 1998) Net Wt. 11 oz. We’re creative, rock solid and on your side. For all your banners, posters, custom designs and business needs; we’re the place to grow your business. 757-440-4000 ● [email protected] Happy Hour 4 to 6pm 50¢ Oysters, Clams, Shrimp or BBQ Wings! (M-F /4 to 6pm) Restaurant & Catering Co. smokehouse oyster bar + 2700 Hampton Blvd., norfolk, (757) 626-3440 • SmallSODU.cOm Turn Type One Into Type None. Downtowner-HH-Smalls.indd 1 2/6/14 8:51 AM OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: 03-15-14 100% of Your Donation Goes to “Fund A Cure”. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a devastating disease that strikes children and adults suddenly, resulting in a lifetime of complications. Now through March 31, 100% of your JDRF Fund A Cure donation will help support research to diminish its impact on peoples’ lives. Locally, your gift will support cutting edge JDRF funded research at EVMS and UVA. Your kind generosity will also advance JDRF’s global research and development strategies to conquer T1D forever. Please help us turn TYPE ONE INTO TYPE NONE! #typenone OCEAN VIEW SHOPPING CENTER 175 W. OCEAN VIEW AVE NORFOLK, VA 757.271.3892 | [email protected] • Printing, Color Copies • • Finishing services • Notary • • Shipping for UPS, FedEx and USPS • Shipping & Packing Supplies • FOOD LION SHOPPING CENTER: 5020 FERRELL PKWY, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 757.271.7000 | [email protected] Make your donation now at jdrf-hamptonroads.ejoinme.org/hopegala2014 or call 757-497-2202 for more information. December, 2013 The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia 11 Longtime Receptionist Retires From Norfolk Plumbing, Inc. Edna Hopkins is a familiar voice to many of you reading this article, but most of you have never met her. Edna lives in Portsmouth and has been married to her husband for 25 years. She has 4 sons and 5 grandchildren, 5 stepchildren and a large extended family. She retired from Norfolk Plumbing, Inc. on January 31st. Edna and Jeff Hux, the owner of Norfolk Plumbing, began working together in 1990 for another local company. Edna and Jeff worked together for 11 years. Jeff left that company and with his wife, Dee, started Norfolk Plumbing, Inc. A few years later Edna retired to do some traveling. Jeff and Edna remained close. When Norfolk Plumbing moved into their new office and needed additional office support, Edna came out of retirement to help. Jeff and Dee say that they truly can not thank her enough for that. She came out of retirement to put up with tunnel traffic, alarm clocks, multiple personalities and did it all with a smile. Edna has been with Norfolk Plumbing’s new location for 9 years. Edna has been a positive addition to Norfolk Plumbing. She has a way with customers, our crew and most of all, Jeff. She has always been able to speak her mind, and straighten you out if need be with a soft voice. Edna has gone above and beyond being just the secretary. She has watched our daughter at the office so that we could go to a last minute meeting or luncheon. She has been a taxi to technicians, picking them up and giving them rides to and from work. Edna has been known to come to work in a wheelchair a time or two when on the injured reserved list. The word “trooper” comes to mind. Edna has been a true friend and a guiding force for everyone at Norfolk Plumbing and will be truly missed by all of us and especially by “Stripey” the cat. Edna plans on continuing to travel, plan lunches instead of dinners with friends and just sleep in. -- Dee and Jeff Hux, Norfolk Plumbing, Inc. Grammy Award Winning Artist Shawn Colvin Opens Fest April 10 At NARO Expanded Cinema NORFOLK, Va. – ( January 22, 2014) – Tidewater Arts Outreach (TAO) will present the 7th Annual Sea Level Singer/Songwriter Festival April 10-12. Grammy award-winning artist Shawn Colvin will headline the kick-off concert at NARO Expanded Cinema, 1507 Colley Avenue, Norfolk, Thursday, April 10. Doors open at 6 p.m. for general admission seating, and the show will start at 7 p.m. Shawn Colvin is a three-time Grammy winning and 10-time Grammy-nominated American singer/ songwriter with eight albums to her credit. As one of the leading lights of the so-called “new folk movement” that began in the late ‘80s with female contemporaries Tracy Chapman, Suzanne Vega, and the Indigo Girls, Colvin set herself apart with a diverse musical approach and a personal, popinfluenced style. Her debut record, Steady On, released in 1989, won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Recording. Colvin’s 1992 sophomore effort, the more pop-oriented Fat City, earned her two more nominations, as well as considerable critical praise and a growing crossover audience. It was her 1997 single, “Sunny Came Home,” that earned her two Grammy Awards for Record and Song of the Year and firmly catapulted her into the mainstream, with A Few Small Repairs becoming her first album to reach platinum status. During the new millennium, Colvin has released three solid albums of original material and a live retrospective recording, as well as collaborating on projects with musical icons the likes of James Taylor, Sting, and Bela Fleck. This same evening, TAO welcomes veteran Austin-based singer/songwriter Darden Smith as a special guest for the April 10 kick-off concert. Opening this special evening at the NARO, is local musician Logan Vath, a Nebraska native who has lived in Norfolk since 2007 and has recently released his debut album, “Better Man or Ghost.” Tickets for the Shawn Colvin concert are $37.50 in advance and $42.50 the day of the show. General admission tickets can be purchased at TidewaterArtOutreach.org beginning February 10 at 10 a.m. A limited number of reserved seats will be available to “friend-of-the-festival” sponsors beginning January 20. The Sea Level Festival weekend of events includes other local venue concerts, open stages, street musicians, Instruments of Art Celebration and the Emerging Artist Showcase. Advertise in The Downtowner. Call 627-2216 to place your ad today. Edna Hopkins has retired from Norfolk Plumbing, Inc. after playing a key role there for many years. Young Shakespeare Camps Again at VSF As we they have been doing for over a decade now, the Virginia Shakespeare Festival (VSF) in Williamsburg will be offering two one-week day camps for young performers wishing to study the acting of Shakespeare’s plays. Camp sessions will be July 14 - 18 for ages 10 to 13 and July 21- 25 for ages 14 to 17. Camp Directors Kyle Downing and Elizabeth Litwak will be joined by various members of the VSF Acting Company to instruct the camps in the playing of Shakespeare’s language, stage combat, and clowning as part of the week’s instruction, culminating in the performance of an abridged version of Twelfth Night at the end of the week in the Studio Theatre. As a special treat this year, the camps will perform their rendition of Twelfth Night on portions of the actual set of the VSF production of Illyria, the musical version of Twelfth Night that will run on the main stage June 25 - July 6. For both weeks the camps will run 9am to 4pm, Monday through Thursday and then from 9am to 5:00pm on Friday when the Twelfth Night is presented to the public. Classes are held at Phi Beta Kappa Hall on the campus of the College of William & Mary. Tuition for the week is $240. No housing is provided and those students attending from out of town would need to find their own housing for the week of camp. Camp registration opens February 15, with 24 slots available each week. Interested parents are encouraged to contact VSF early in the registration process. You may apply for registration via email to [email protected] or by calling the Virginia Shakespeare Festival administrative office at 757-221-2683 after Feb. 15. 12 The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia December, 2013 Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim Announces Re-election Bid (Norfolk, Va.) Norfolk’s current mayor, Paul D. Fraim, said today that he is seeking re-election on May 6, 2014. “While we have accomplished a lot together, there is more to do.” Fraim was born and raised in Norfolk, he received a BA from Virginia Military Institute, a M.ED from the University of Virginia and a law degree from the University of Richmond. He was first elected to City Council in 1986 and was chosen by Council to be mayor in 1994. In 2006 he became the first popularly elected mayor in Norfolk since 1916. He won re-election in 2010. “In 2013 Norfolk was named an AllAmerica City, one of the 11 most resilient cities in the world, and our municipal bond rating received a significant upgrade. All are high honors earned over many years,” continued Fraim. “2014 will see the opening of the new Kroc Center in Broad Creek, new retail in Wards Corner and Ghent, the construction of the new Slover Library, the completion of hundreds of housing units to serve our growing population, and more,” he said. Fraim said plans are also underway to build schools in Campostella, Broad Creek, Larchmont, Ocean View and Camp Allen. Fraim added, “It is a great honor to serve as your mayor. I have and will work hard to earn your vote.” For more information, visit his website at www.mayorfraim.com. ••• Attention Business Owners: 1. Best Restaurant -- Small’s Smokehouse and Oyster Bar located at 2700 Hampton Boulevard. Try the barbeque! 2. Best Waitress of All Time -- Shirley Holton of Doumar’s who has been there since 1968. Terrific job, Shirley! 3. Best Cleaners Employee -- Gail Jackson of Albano Cleaners at 234 W. 22nd Street is tops. Way to go! YOU’RE THE BEST! 4. Best Wish of the Month -- No more icy roads, please! 5. Best Photographer of the Month -Pamela Manning of The Manning Studio. Need a photo? Call her at (757) 623-7888. 6. Best Saying of the Month -- Happy Valentine’s Day to all of Hampton Roads’ Beautiful Couples. 7. Best Jeer of the Month -- To Phil the Groundhog for prolonging this frigid winter. Boo, Phil! 8. Best Salute of the Month -- To all of our Armed Forces who are currently serving and have served this great nation. Thank you! 9. Best Congratulations of the Month -To the new inductees into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame! See page 16. 10. Best Music Recognition of the Month -- Veer Magazine’s Local Music Awards earlier this month was fantastic. Congratulations to Veer Publisher Jeff Maisey and all of the winning musicians. Do You Have A New Business? Is Your Business Ready To Celebrate An Important Anniversary? If So, Call The Downtowner And Ask About Our Popular Front Cover Business Profile. The Next Opening For This Effective Promotion Is The July, 2014 Issue. Please Reserve Your Space As Soon As Possible. Call Us at 627-2216. Beagle Country USA It was time to round up all the Beagles at Happy Tails Resort for a photo shoot. Happy Tails Resort is located at 861 W. 46th Street in Norfolk near Old Dominion University. The upscale boarding, daycare and grooming facility features 12,000 square feet and has a large indoor pool that the dogs love. The resort has suite boarding complete with custom made beds, doors and windows, recessed lighting and piped in music. For more information call (757) 226-8444 or visit the website at www.happytailscamp.com. (Photo Courtesy of Jana Underwood) December, 2013 The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia 13 Norfolk Cosmopolitan Club Names “Trisha Rawls First Citizen Patricia P. “Trisha” Rawls of Norfolk has been named the 86th recipient of the annual Norfolk First Citizen Award. She will be honored by the Norfolk Cosmopolitan Club at a banquet on March 8, 2014. The award honors Rawls, retired executive director of the Business Consortium for Arts Support, for her “unselfish and beneficial service” to the community during 2013 and in recent years. She is a long-time community volunteer who is president of the Norfolk Botanical Garden Foundation and served twice as board chair of the Norfolk Botanical Garden Society. She currently serves on the society’s finance committee and is leading the drive to preserve the 11 statues in the garden created by sculptor Moses Ezekiel in the 1880s - one of the top 10 endangered artifacts in the commonwealth. Rawls is on the board of the Norfolk Convention and Visitors Bureau and previously was its chair and treasurer. She serves on the Norfolk Arts Commission and the boards of the Norfolk SPCA, Harbor’s Edge Foundation, Business Consortium for Arts Support and Harborfront Garden Club. Rawls, a Franklin native, is a graduate of Hollins University and Lead Hampton Roads. She has served on the board of the Hollins University Alumnae Asso- ciation and is active in her alma mater’s Hampton Roads chapter. The Norfolk First Citizen Award has been presented every year since 1928 to an outstanding citizen. The Cosmopolitan Club, which sponsors the award, helped start the Strelitz Diabetes Institutes at Eastern Virginia Medical School. The organization continues to support diabetes research and education efforts. The March 8 First Citizen banquet will be held at the Norfolk Yacht & Country Club starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $120 a person and may be ordered by calling 757-963-7750 or emailing cmcook28@ cox.net. Patricia P. “Trisha” Rawls Emerging Artist Contest Looking for Unsigned Talent for 7th Annual Sea Level Singer/Songwriter Festival Showcase April 12 NORFOLK, Va. – ( January 9, 2014) – Tidewater Arts Outreach invites unsigned singer/songwriters to showcase their work at the Sea Level Singer/ Songwriter Festival’s Emerging Artist Competition on April 12, 2014 at the Attucks Theater, 1010 Church St. Norfolk. The festival is accepting submissions of original music by unsigned solo artists of all ages who live within 100 miles of Norfolk. Anyone interested in participating must review entry rules, pay the appropriate entry fee, and upload their music at http://www.tidewaterartsoutreach.org. Entries must be submitted by March 1, 2014. The top ten semifinalists will perform one song each at the Emerging Artist Contest, a live concert on Saturday, April 12 at the Attucks Theater at 1010 Church St, Norfolk. Three finalists will then be chosen by a panel of judges to perform a second song, and based on these performances, a winner will be selected. The winner will be invited to be a guest on Hunter at Sunrise onWHRV HD3, The Hampton Roads Show on WAVY News 10, and Out of the Box on WHRV FM 89.5. Entries can be a professional recording or a demo made in the kitchen. Entries will be judged on content, rather than recording quality to determine who makes the final cut. To qualify each singer/songwriter needs to: • Live within 100 miles of Norfolk, Va. • Not have a released a full-length album • Upload two MP3 files and submit an entry fee no later than March 1, 2014 • Be able to perform live in Norfolk on April 12, 2014. About the Sea Level Singer/Songwriter Festival: The Sea Level Singer/Songwriter Festival, now in its 7th year, is a multiday celebration of live, original music and features local and national singer/ songwriters at venues including the Naro Expanded Cinema, Attucks Theater, and Nauticus; an instrument-themed art auction, the Emerging Artist Contest, indoor and outdoor live performance showcases by local musicians and a custom Merrill Guitar raffle. The festival is the largest annual fundraiser for Tidewater Arts Outreach; it is created and run by volunteers. About Tidewater Arts Outreach: Tidewater Arts Outreach (TAO) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2003 to share the joy and healing power of the arts with people who have special needs and who are isolated from society. TAO provides workshops to bring state-of-the-art arts and health programs to Hampton Roads. TAO also presents dozens of programs each month in hospitals, retirement homes, rehabilitation centers, homeless shelters and other facilities throughout Hampton Roads. These performances and programs promote human interaction, intellectual stimulation, happiness and healing for people who have limited access to the arts due to health, economic or social circumstances. Last year, nearly 8,000 people were reached through 306 Tidewater Arts Outreach programs and workshops at 67 locations. Tidewater Arts Outreach supports the spirit of empathy and caring in the music and arts community, and hundreds of artists participate in its programs. For more information, visit www.TidewaterArtsOutreach.org. • • • Advertise in The Downtowner. To place an ad in the March issue, Call (757) 627-2216. 14 The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia December 2013 Hampton Roads’ Biggest “Born & Raised” Know-It-All! The Downtowner Answerman A Property for Your Consideration... 7320 GLENROIE AVENUE # 2F Norfolk VA 23505 Dear Downtowner Answerman, My wife has apparently grown a mustache but I don’t think she notices it because it’s difficult to see. Should I say something to her or maybe ask her to shave it off ? -- Jaspar, Freemason Street Dear Jaspar, No-No! • Dear Downtowner Answerman, What did you do when we were snowed in for three days in January? -- Jennifer, 22nd Street Dear Jennifer, I was lucky that my new mail-order girlfriend from Russia was with me at the time. She brought some top shelf vodka from Moscow so we read a lot and watched TV. • Dear Downtowner Answerman, Did you ever find a new part time job to supplement your income? I suspect you don’t get wealthy being The Answerman. -- Katie Will Stay, Colley Avenue. Dear Katie Will Stay, Yes. I untangle coat hangers in closets at various locations around town. Even though it’s time consuming, I like it.. • • • Hurrah Players Announce Expansion Into The Norfolk Arts And Design District NORFOLK, VA: The Hurrah Players are thrilled to announce expansion into the Norfolk Arts and Design District. Hurrah celebrated the New Year by closing on the purchase of 112-116 West Wilson Avenue located just off Granby Street. Constructed in 1907 to serve as a horse and cattle stable for the Miller, Rhodes, and Stewart Department Store, this building later housed Cherry H R & Company auto repair until 1945 when it was purchased and renovated by Sutton Manufacturing Corporation. This 12,000+ square foot building will provide additional classrooms and a rehearsal studio for Hurrah’s ever growing educational program, as well as establish a permanent design and creation workshop for performance scenery and props. As the premiere performing arts education center in this new District, Hurrah will be active leaders in the cultural transformation of the community. Establishing The Hugh R. Copeland Center is another dream come true for Virginia’s Leading Family Theatre Company. “Moving our permanent headquarters to downtown Norfolk in 2010 remains one of the greatest achievements in our 30 year history, but we have always known an additional facility would be necessary to accommodate our company’s dynamic operations, and to meet the needs of our community.” states Hurrah founder and Artistic Director - Hugh R. Copeland. Over the past year, Hurrah has actively investigated potential properties and quietly sought major partners and supporters for a Capital project. The $1.5 million “Reach for the Stars” Campaign includes the purchase and complete renovation of this new arts and education center, as well as establishes an endowment for the organization. John Tymoff of Tymoff and Moss has been secured as the architect along with Ashett Construction to lead the renovations. Through very generous support of several community champions, including the Norfolk Southern Foundation, Hurrah has already raised more than $800,000 toward the project. With the official closing on the property complete, renovations to the Center and public fundraising initiatives will begin within the next few weeks. The grand opening for the Hugh R. Copeland Center is scheduled for Summer 2015. UPDATED PREMIUM SPACIOUS 3 BEDROOM, 2 FULL BATH UNIT. GLEAMING REFINISHED PARQUET FLOOR, NEW CARPET, FRESHLY PAINTED, NEW KITCHEN FLOOR, BALCONY 32X6. 24 HOUR DOORMAN, RECEPTIONIST, POOL, TGIF, SWIM AND EXERCISE CLASSES. CLUB/PARTY ROOM. GAME AND MOVIE NIGHT. Bruce Gray Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. Phone: 757-623-2500 Fax: 757-623-0711 [email protected] Chrysler Museum is Now Accepting Online Votes for Artwork to be Displayed in the Waitzer Community Chrysler Museum of Art is now accepting online votes for a people’schoice exhibition to be shown in the new Waitzer Community Gallery. The exhibition will be on display starting with the Museum’s Grand Reopening on May 10 and will run through the summer of 2014. Titled “By Popular Demand,” this exhibition will showcase artworks from the Museum’s vaults as a complement to other collections displayed throughout the Museum. Individuals can vote once a day for up to 10 works of art on the Museum’s website (chrysler.org). Voting ends February 26, 2014. Founded in 1939 as the Norfolk Museum of Arts and Sciences, the Chrysler Museum of Art combines one of America’s great fine arts museums, two significant historic houses and a Glass Studio, the only one of its kind on the East Coast. In addition to maintaining a distinguished permanent collection of over 30,000 objects spanning nearly 5,000 years of history, the Chrysler Museum offers a comprehensive program of changing exhibitions and education activities for visitors of all ages. The Chrysler Museum is currently closed for a major expansion and will reopen May 10, 2014. The Moses Myers House and the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio are open. The Glass Studio is open Wednesday through Sunday and is located at 745 Duke Street in Norfolk. To learn more about the Chrysler Museum, visit chrysler.org or call 757664-6200. • • • Advertise in The Downtowner. Call 627-2216 to place your ad today. December, 2013 The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia 15 Some Notable Events Around The Town * “CELEBRATE MAY DAY ” - Sponsored by The Harborfront Garden Club and The Garden Club of Norfolk,Thursday, May 1. 2014 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Celebrate May Day and experience the Norfolk Tour debut of six outstanding waterfront homes located along the banks and tributaries of the Lafayette River in Algonquin Park and Meadowbrook. Full ticket price of $35 includes admission to the 6 private homes and gardens. Single site admission $15. For more details see websites: www.vagardenweek.org and www. norfolkgardentour.org * NORFOLK PUBLIC LIBRARY SET TO FOCUS ON CIVIL RIGHTS DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH FEBRUARY 2014 - Norfolk, VA. Norfolk Public Library (NPL) has planned a variety of events during February in recognition of Black History Month. Events reflect the 2014 theme “Civil Rights in America,” and include a Jeopardy!-style youth competition, a historical reenactment, book discussions, art and artifacts exhibits, films and documentaries on the black experience, and gospel concerts. Entertainment is also planned with mass appeal to children, teens and adults. Dr. Anthony Hailey of Multicultural Performing Arts Consulting (MPAC) will offer World Music Workshop, demonstrating steel drums and other instruments from around the world. Teaching artists Cory and LaQuita Staten from the ensemble Atumpan—The Talking Drums will captivate audiences with their West African folktales and drums, and Storyteller Dylan Pritchett will stretch imaginations while teaching morals and values with his adventurous stories. Black History Month events are scheduled at branches citywide all month-long, and are free and open to the public. A booklist has been prepared with an emphasis on this year’s theme and may be obtained from the NPL website, along with a complete listing of events. Go to www.npl.lib.va.us/AAHM. * SHAMROCKIN IN GHENT is returning to Colley Avenue on Friday, March 14th from 6pm-10pm, and Hope House invites you to be part of the 20 year tradition. This event brings people from all over the region to our doorsteps. The event is free and open to the public. There will be live entertainment throughout the evening, and food and beverages will be for sale. All proceeds will benefit Hope House Foundation, a local not-for-profit, which is the only organization in Virginia that supports adults with developmental disabilities exclusively in their own homes. Hope House is seeking area businesses to become contributing sponsors. This is an opportunity to be part of a 20 year St. Patrick’s Day tradition, which marks the beginning of the St. Patty’s Day festivities in Hampton Roads. For more information on Hope House events go to www.hope-house.org. * A FREE TO THE PUBLIC COIN SHOW, sponsored by the Tidewater Coin Club, a not for profit organization. At the “Virginia Beach Coin Show” the Tidewater Coin Club will provide educational displays that depict the history of coins, Foreign, Ancient and US. There will be give away items and free raffles for books, magazines and other numismatic material. Kids will also receive free coins at the door and be able to participate in various treasure hunt activities. The Virginia Beach Coin Show will be held the weekend of February 15 & 16, 2014 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center (VBCC) located at 1000 19th Street, Virginia Beach, VA (last exit off 264 E). The show will be open Saturday from 10 AM – 6 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. For more info, please visit www.tidewatercoinclub. org * VIRGINIA SPORTS HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM ANNOUNCES CLASS OF 2014 PORTSMOUTH, VA – The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum announced its class of 2014 on Thursday at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond as chosen by the statewide Honors Court committee. The Class of 2014 features: • Rondé Barber, former University of Virginia standout who enjoyed a 16-year career in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and five-time Pro Bowl selection. • Sean Casey, a graduate of the University of Richmond who had a 12-year career in Major League Baseball, was a three-time All-Star, and posted a ca- reer batting average of .302; • LaTasha Colander Clark, a native of Portsmouth, an All-American at the University of North Carolina and gold medalist in the 4x400 relay in the 2000 Summer Olympics; • Marty Miller, former Norfolk State coach who is the winningest baseball coach in Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association history and 15-time CIAA Coach of the Year; • Ticha Penicheiro, two-time Kodak All-American and Wade Trophy recipient at Old Dominion University; she played 15 years in the WNBA and was named to four All-Star teams; • David Teel, a decorated sports writer for the Daily Press and has been honored more than 50 times by the Associated Press Sports Editors and other organizations; • Lou Wacker, head football coach for 23 seasons for the Emory & Henry Wasps where he won nearly 70-percent of his games and was named ODAC Coach of the Year five times. The 43rd Annual Induction Banquet will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at the Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel & Waterfront Conference Center in Portsmouth, VA as the headline event of Hall of Fame weekend. Tickets are now on sale. For more information, call (757) 393-8031 or visit www.vshfm.com. * PADDLE THE DISMAL SWAMP CANAL from North Carolina Welcome Center and State Park in South Mills, North Carolina, to the Ballahack Boat Ramp in Chesapeake, Virginia May 3. For more information call Gladys Jones, 757-382-6411 or www. CityofChesapeake.net/PADDLE 16 The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia December 2013 Carroll Walker’s Old Norfolk Wood Towing Company Tug “Atlas” passing under the old Berkley Bridge in Norfolk in 1935. (Photo By H.D. Vollmer) By Peggy Haile McPhillips Norfolk City Historian When the deed establishing Norfolk was recorded in August 1682, the little town of 50 acres was almost an island, bounded by water in every direction except for a narrow strip of land first called “The Road That Leadeth into the Woods” (later Church Street). The nation’s first ferry service across the Elizabeth River had been established by A Look Back At the Berkley Bridge English settler Adam Thoroughgood in 1636; but, with water intersecting the town in every direction, bridges were also constructed to enable citizens and visitors to pass through the streets in a generally straightforward manner. Low-lying, marshy areas were shored up by logs, enabling carts and foot traffic to pass without sinking hub- or hip-high. Foot bridges were constructed across interior waterways; one of these, Armistead’s Bridge, is remembered in a street name today. Crossing the Elizabeth River, however, required more than the laying-down of logs or a simple foot bridge. The Norfolk Draw Bridge was constructed in 1821 to connect the eastern end of Norfolk’s Main Street with the Great Bridge Road (an extension of today’s Liberty Street in the Berkley neighborhood). It was destroyed by a hurricane in September of the same year, and rebuilt in 1822. The first Berkley Bridge was built on the site of the Norfolk Draw Bridge in 1918. It was torn down in 1952, when the first Downtown Norfolk-Portsmouth tunnel, including a new bridge link to Berkley, opened. Here, the Berkley Bridge opens so that the Wood Towing Company’s tug Atlas may pass beneath in 1935. (Image from the collection of Carroll H. Walker in the Sargeant Memorial Room, Kirn Library.) • • • December, 2013 The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia 17 Dos Manos Art: Where Beauty and Resourcefulness Go Hand-in-Hand By Susan M. Vertullo and Dan Mack As the old saying goes, “One man’s trash is another’s treasure.” Local artist Nick Gallegos of Dos Manos Art has built a profitable career using discarded items that might be considered trash and turning them into treasured works of art. The self-described eco-artist uses only recycled materials to create his art, which ranges from boldlycolored abstract canvas paintings and funky jewelry to functional body surfing items and edgy mixed-media photography. During a recent tour of Gallegos’ home studio near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, the artist admitted with a smile, “I did not become an eco-artist because I cared about the environment. I did it out of necessity. It wasn’t until years later that I realized the additional values of using eco-friendly materials.” A man of humble beginnings, Gallegos was born, and raised by his grandmother, in Compton, California. His journey into the art world began in the in the early 80’s through an unlikely series of events. As a teen, Gallegos got into trouble for painting graffiti art on buildings and other structures around town. “I had a $750 fine to pay. I didn’t have any money, and that was a lot of money for my grandmother,” Gallegos explained. At that point, Gallegos was approached by a local entrepeneur, who recognized Gallegos’ artistic abilities and offered to help. This shrewd businessman often recruited young, economically disadvantaged graffiti artists to produce paintings in exchange for payment of their fines for defacing property. The 16-year-old Gallegos took advantage of the offer, and was soon painting in an old warehouse. The paintings were mass-produced. Gallegos described the process, “The original paintings would be hung on the walls, and there would be a row of blank canvases. It was mostly abstract art. We used paint guns like the ones that house painters use. I had to paint on paint on one canvas, then another, and another.” After paying off their debts, the young artists were paid by the painting. Faster painting meant greater profits. The ever-resourceful Gallegos came up with a quicker way of producing the artwork. “I went to my uncle’s body shop and borrowed some paint guns used for cars. They were a lot faster than the ones we were using.” Gallegos was able to double his productivity and his profits in no time. His misfortune of being caught painting graffiti turned out to be Gallegos’ lucky break, providing him with the opportunity to develop his talents as well as to earn some cash. To keep the production costs low, the young artists used free or low cost materials. Old bed sheets discarded by hotels were cut and mounted on frames made from scraps of wood found in dumpsters and junk yards. This was Gallegos’ introduction to the concept of using recycled materials. It wasn’t long before Gallegos was creating and selling his own paintings from the back of an old truck. Although born out of necessity, Gallegos’ use of recycled materials has been nurtured by social consciousness. “I would use wood from old furniture and broken stuff people would throw away. At the time I really didn’t think about saving trees or saving the environment. I was looking for ways to get materials I couldn’t afford to buy,” Gallegos said. He even found a way to recycle torn canvases by overlaying the frames to cover the holes, and then painting the layers of overlapping canvases, creating a captivating multi-dimensional effect. Looking at one of these pieces hanging in Gallegos’ home, it is hard to imagine that this artistic technique was developed as a means to cover flaws and conserve costs rather than purely for aesthetics. Today, Gallegos sells his art under the name Dos Manos. Instead of a traditional signature, his artwork bears a symbol of two hands and the words, Dos Manos, which means two hands in Spanish. The use of a symbol was inspired by his fellow artists in the warehouse years ago. Gallegos noticed that certain artists embedded signatures into their work. Many of these artists were Asian immigrants, and they used characters instead of letters, which were easily integrated into their designs. The name, Dos Manos, also pays homage to his Navajo background. Gallegos explained that many Navajo people adopted Spanish surnames while living on reservations. “I’m not Spanish, and I don’t speak Spanish,” he said. Gallegos’ most recent artistic endeavor, the eco plane, was also born out of necessity. Several months ago, a friend approached Gallegos about borrowing some tools. Jeff Baines wanted to make a more sturdy hand plane for bodysurfing. A hand plane is a paddle, roughly the size of a dinner plate, usually made of wood. It is worn on one hand while body surfing to add control and speed. Gallegos’ eyes lit up as he described the inception of the eco plane. When Baines approached him, Gallegos offered to make a good, sturdy hand plane for him. “I had some old wooden skateboards lying around, and I thought those might make good hand planes,” he said. Gallegos set to work, creating a product that is functional and visually appealing, as well as environmentally friendly. The eco planes resemble small surf boards. “Every eco plane is a work of art. They serve a purpose, but they’re also beautiful,” he said proudly. Gallegos calls his custom-made hand planes eco planes because, like all of his creations, they are made of recycled materials. Not only are the materials recycled, but there are no leftover materials to be thrown away. Gallegos says the concept of recycling fits well with Gallegos’ most recent artistic endeavor is the eco plane, pictured above. (Photo By Christina Trapani) Pictured above is Nick Gallegos with some of his outstanding wall art. (Photo By Christina Trapani) his Native American heritage. “Native Americans use every part of the animal [they kill]. Nothing goes to waste.” As the years have passed, and his products line has grown, Gallegos continues to draw on those principals. “Recycled bicycle inner tubes take years to decompose, and they make great belts,” Gallegos explained, pointing to the belt around his waist, which looks remarkably like fine black leather. “Make a belt out of it, and you’ll wear it for years.” Gallegos now uses leftovers from his recycled inner tube belts to make the handles for his eco planes. He also uses excess materials and scraps from other projects to make wooden jewelry and other fashion accessories. Since fabricating his first eco plane last October, Gallegos has partnered with Jeff Baines to create a new website, Ecoplanes.net, devoted exclusively to eco planes and other bodysurfing accessories. Baines and Gallegos attended last month’s Bodysurf Expo in Orange County, Florida, where they had an opportuContinued on page 19 18 The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia December, 2013 OV Condo on Bay Luxury Ranch Meadowbrook Brick Ranch East Lynne Riverfront Condo Wedgewood Classic SOLD in JUST 1 Month SOLD-$325,000 SOLD (multiple Offers) $221,000 SOLD FAST $225,000 SOLD at FULL PRICE$185,000 ♥ DAY Y P ’S AP E H TIN ♥ EN L VA Mick Shaw, Voted Norfolk’s BEST REALTOR is SELLING Homes FAST for Top Dollar! Mick needs more great Norfolk Listings now! Call Mick to SELL your Home too! My New Listings Always SELL Fast because we really do Love Norfolk! Kathy & Mick Shaw 4BR Cape Cod $167,000 Ghent Commons $285,000 Dos Manos Art (Continued from Page 18) nity to display their products. Since the Expo, orders for eco planes keep rolling in. Over 500 eco planes have been sold in less than six months. Gallegos' story, like his art, is emblematic of the American dream. Given the opportunity, this self-trained artist has managed to create beauty out of trash, using ingenuity and resourcefulness. For more information about his eco-friendly works of art, contact Nick Gallegos at dosmanosart.com. (Nick Gallegos’ eco-friendly artwork will be on display at the 4th Annual Hampton Roads Tattoo Festival at The Hampton Coliseum, March 7th - 9th. For information, visit HRTATOOFEST.COM.) Bayview $360,000 PUN FUN With Abbott Saks 1. Why helicopter pilots earn more money -2. Ferdinand the Bull fell for Elsie the Cow because she was -3. What Chicken Little admired most about Superman -4. Favorite tune of Dachshund loving cowboy -5. How witches become board certified -6. How Porky Pig likes to travel long distances -7. 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We accept major insurances including Sentara, Optima, Cigna, Trigon (Blue Cross Blue Shield), Champus, Healthkeepers, Virginia Medicaid, Caremark, PAID, PCS, TRICARE and more. We carry FREE GIFT WRAP with purchase. Full Line of Russell Stover Candies. Beautiful Line of Gifts For Special Occasions! Hours: 9-7 Mon.-Fri. 9-5 Sat. - Closed Sun. Visa, MasterCard & Discover Accepted THE ORIGINAL $2.00 OFF NORFOLK PLUMBING, INC. Platinum Wash Water Heaters, Kitchens, Baths, Drain Cleaning, Gas Lines, Boilers & More! FIRST PRESS: 7890 on auto cashier for discount “When Quality Counts!” (757) 466-0644 Your Plumbers in the Bright Yellow Trucks. Norfolk: 810 W 25th St. 20 The Downtowner - Norfolk, Virginia December 2013