2010 FYI Suffolk, Va

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EDITORIAL

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Your information for your city

BY LEILA G. ROCHESTAFF WRITER

As a part of the restructuring that is taking place this year due to a wave of retirements within the Suffolk Public Schools system, Northern Shores Elementary School will get a new principal soon.Tara Moore, assistant principal at Creekside Elementary, will be fill-ing the vacant principal position at Northern Shores as of July 19.“I sign a contract every year say-ing I believe in the education going on here,” Moore said. “I am excited about the position, and just like every year this is another year I’ll be sign-ing to that. It’s all about the success of the children. That’s why we’re in education.”

Leigh Bennett is moving from her

job as principal of Northern Shores to fill the role human resources director, which was left vacant by the retire-ment of Karen Brickey.Moore has been an educator for 18 years, 13 of them in the Suffolk Public School System.Having earned her bachelor’s degree at Old Dominion University and master’s degree from the University of Virginia, Moore began teaching in Southampton County, became a classroom teacher at Elephant’s Fork Elementary and then became the sci-ence lead teacher. She has been serv-ing for the past two years as an assis-tant principal.In all her positions, Moore has strived to make connections in three places.

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AMONG THE BEST TUESDAY • July 13, 2010

BY TRACY AGNEWSTAFF WRITER

Police responding to a domestic call on Friday found a marijuana-growing operation in a home that doubles as a children’s daycare, a city spokeswoman said Monday.Officers answered a call for a domestic disturbance in the 1000 block of Snead Drive, in the Hillpoint neighborhood, city spokeswoman Debbie George said. When police arrived, one of the homeowners showed the officers marijuana plants, saying he had grown them himself.After securing a search warrant for the home, officers located hydropon-ic growing equipment in the master bedroom and closet, as well as $400 worth of marijuana.“They also learned, in the course of their investigation, that a day care was run out of the residence,” George

Marijuana found at daycare

BY TRACY AGNEWSTAFF WRITER

Police are seeking a man who robbed a Domino’s Pizza delivery driver Sunday night.The delivery driver told police he was robbed in the 4400 block of Queen Street at 10:10 p.m. as he attempted to deliver a customer’s order, city spokes-woman Debbie George said.The man said he drove past the delivery address and parked. He was accosted near the driveway by an unknown black male, who was wear-ing a ski mask with a red design on both sides.The delivery driver said the robber

Robber seeks dough from pizza driver

See DAYCARE, 3A

See PIZZA, 3A

4Purple Birthday

Special recognition: Friends and family sur-round Rachel Presha, “The Purple Lady,” as she is presented a certificate of recognition by City Councilman Leroy Bennett Sunday afternoon at the Comfort Suites in North Suffolk. The certificate honors Presha for the fact she “brought joy to many, and our community is blessed to have her among its citizenry.”

Northern Shores welcomes new principal

“I truly enjoy my interaction with students on a daily basis.”

Tara Moore

See MOORE, 3A

Take a Great Dismal safariThe Great Dismal Swamp is home to more than 200 species of birds alone, not to mention its many beautiful mammals, reptiles, amphib-ians and insects. You can have the opportunity to see them all on a four-hour safari on Saturday. The tour leaves from the Suffolk Visitors Center, 321 N. Main St., at 9:30 a.m. The bus boards at 9:15 a.m. The safari costs $10 for adults and $8 for seniors over 60 or children ages 3-12. For more informa-tion or to reserve your space, call 514-4130 or visit www.Suffolk-Fun.com.

Sign up for daily news emailWant the latest news, events and obituaries from the Suffolk News-Herald deliv-ered straight to your inbox each morning? Then sign up for our daily news email. You will receive the newspaper’s top stories and a listing of local events each morning. To sign up, send your email address to [email protected].

GREAT DEALS INSIDECLASSIFIED SECTION / 2-4B

‘Money’ ranks Suffolk 91st in small citiesSuffolk has been named one of the top 100 small cities to live in by Money magazine // Comparing cities across the nation in 37 different crite-ria, the magazine has ranked Suffolk 91st out of the top 100 small cities in America in which to live.

See TOP 100, 3A

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Adventure

It could be easy to lose perspective when the busi-ness of caring for more than

14,000 students in 21 schools becomes nothing but tedious paperwork.

However, Suffolk Public Schools Interim Superinten-dent Deran Whitney keeps a reminder of what his job is all about close by.

Tucked under the glass covering his desk is a faded pencil drawing of a man with a tie and the words “this is dad” that his daughter, Chelsea, now 13, drew for him when she was about 5 years old.

“It keeps my priorities in focus,” Whitney said. “I look at it and remember ‘I’m Chelsea’s dad.’ When I’m making deci-sions, I just look at that to re-member that I have a daughter in the school system and make them based on what I would want for her.”

Whitney is a graduate of Christopher Newport Univer-sity, Old Dominion University and Virginia Tech. After work-ing for Hampton schools, he transferred to Suffolk where he and his family were living and his wife, Conjo, was teaching.

Thirteen years later, he has worked in Suffolk as a elemen-tary teacher, assistant principal at Southwestern Elementary, principal at Elephant’s Fork El-ementary, elementary coordi-nator, assistant superintendent of elementary education and deputy superintendent.

Since July 1, while the School Board has been searching for a superintendent to replace Dr.

Priorities in sightstory & photograph by Leila G. Roche

Suffolk schools: Dr. Deran Whitney

Dr. Deran Whitney is the Suffolk Public Schools interim superintendent. Whitney has spent approximately 13 years in Suffolk schools, and additional time working in Portsmouth schools.

See whitney page 9

8 fyi — 2010

Suffolk Public Schools’ interim superintendent DR. DERAN WHITNEY tallks about his vision for the upcoming school year // pAGE 8

A helping hand for business

Economic Development: Deanna Holt

When they finally meet her, a lot of folks feel as if they already

know Deanna Holt, a business development analyst with the Suffolk Department of Econom-ic Development.

Maybe they’ve seen her at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, wield-ing the specially printed ribbon and a pair of scissors more than three feet long. Or per-haps they receive the monthly update email that she sends on behalf of her department and in which she spotlights new and established Suffolk businesses, describes upcoming business-related events in the city and highlights available properties for potential industrial clients.

“Everywhere I go I get, ‘Oh yeah! I get your press releases,” Holt laughs.

In a Suffolk agency with the mandate to help recruit and retain business and industry for the city, the term “low-profile” is purely a matter of degree. Even low-profile, behind-the-scenes staffers in a small economic development department like Suffolk’s find themselves mak-ing the rounds, shaking hands and getting to know business owners.

And that’s one of the things Holt, whose Isle of Wight roots have helped her feel at home in Suffolk, likes best about her job.

Since she came to economic

Deanna Holt prepares a package of information about Suffolk for the mail. Among her duties in the city’s Department of Economic Development is marketing available industrial buildings and properties to potential clients from outside the area.

2010 — fyi 13

story & photographs by R.E. Spears III

See Holt page 14

Suffolk Economic Development business development analyst DEANNA HOLT enjoys working with new and existing businesses // pAGE 13

Debbie Minnick looked down at a sheet she had typed out trying to de-

tail her job. Line after line listed important items, tasks and respon-sibilities. In the end, when asked if she had ever written out her job description before, she politely said, “No. But I wanted to make sure I was as prepared as I possibly could be for this interview.”

It is that preparation, attention to detail and organization that has helped Minnick become the “go-to” person for Suffolk City Manager Selena Cuffee-Glenn.

In her role as administrative as-sistant to the city manager, Minnick has a front-row seat to the day-to-day operations of Suffolk and an insider’s view of what is Hampton Roads’ quickest-growing and Vir-ginia’s largest city.

“It’s exciting to be a part of the decisions and plans for this great city,” Minnick said. “It’s also re-freshing to see just how dedicated everyone is and how hard everyone works to do the best for Suffolk.”

City administration: Debbie Minnick

Facewith a name

Debbie Minnick has worked with the City of Suffolk since 2006 and works as the administrative assistant to city manager Selena Cuffee-Glenn.

2010 — fyi 17

See Minnick page 18

story & photograph by Tim Reeves

DEBBIE mINNICK brings years of experience and tremendous organization to her role to the Suffolk City Manager’s office // pAGE 17

For Carlos Ward Sr., every day begins with absent employees, bro-

ken-down trucks and thou-sands of trashcans sitting at the curb throughout the city, waiting to be emptied.

But Ward doesn’t stress. With 48 people under his direct supervision, someone is bound to be absent most days. And with dozens of vehicles on the road, break-downs are not unlikely. He prepares for these eventu-alities by keeping plenty of backup on hand.

Ward is the general servic-es supervisor for the Depart-ment of Public Works. He is responsible for seeing to it that the trash gets emptied at 32,000 households across the city each week. Bulk pickups, street sweeping and post-parade cleanup also fall under his jurisdiction. So do the flower gardens in the downtown business district, the grass at Cedar Hill and Holly Lawn cemeteries, and 114 front-load dumpsters at schools and public housing neighborhoods across the city.

“Every day is a new chal-lenge,” said Ward, whose office decorations betray the fact that he is a Philadelphia Eagles fan. “It’s busy.”

Carlos Ward Sr. supervises more than four dozen employees who perform numerous tasks — including trash pickup, grounds keeping and street sweeping — throughout the city.

Public Works: Carlos Ward

Serving inpublic works

See WARD page 22

2010 — fyi 21

story & photograph by Tracy Agnew

Suffolk Public works general services supervisor CARLOS WARD SR. enjoys his time outside of the office and in the field // pAGE 21

A library can be a maze for some people, but Demetria Edwards knows hers like the back of her hand.

Hailing from the Blackwater Regional Library, Edwards has been the circulation manager at the North Suffolk Library since it opened in November 2004.

“It’s a way to make a difference in society,” Edwards said. “I see kids go to school and are quiet and shy and maybe a little out of place, but in the library they open a book and are in a new world.”

As the circulation manager, Edwards is responsible for the tens of thousands of books that are checked in and out.

“Last month, 18,000 books were checked out, and we have 2,300 to 3,000 in our reserves every month,” Edwards said. “My job is about get-ting them back on the shelves, where they belong.”

To the uninformed library patron, putting books back where they belong might not seem so complicated, but the job requires much more than one might think.

“We have lots of patrons here, and one might check out 75 books at once,” Edwards said. “When they bring those books back, there might only be 74, but they swear they returned

City libraries: Demetria Edwards

Keeping the books

As circulation manager at the North Suffolk Library, Demetria Edwards is in charge of keeping track and keeping organized the thousands of book at the library. In the month of June, more than 18,000 that are checked out.

26 fyi — 2010

story & photographs by Leila G. Roche

See EDWARDS page 27

Suffolk Public Library circulation manager DEmETRIA EDWARDS says her job is more than just shelving and keeping up with books // pAGE 26

Finding one’s calling in life can be an arduous journey of self-exploration, sacrifices

and trial and error. For Suffolk Fire and Rescue Capt.

Steve Johnson, his call to service was clear all along.

“It’s been in my family for years,” Johnson said. “It’s in my blood.”

Johnson’s father was a firefighter for 24 years, and his uncle has been serving in the fire department for more than 30 years.

“I was 19, and I had already grad-uated and it hit me — Why am I not doing what my family has been doing all along?” Johnson said.

Today, after more than 15 years with the Suffolk Fire Department, Johnson says he has never regretted his decision.

“I can’t get enough of the fire service,” he said.

Johnson, a Lakeland High School graduate, said serving the commu-nity he grew up in has been one of the greatest perks of the job.

“I’m happy to be able to help the city I grew up in,” Johnson said. “We want to make people living in Suffolk enjoy life in Suffolk. I see people that I went to school with, and I am able to help them — help make a good thing out of a bad thing. It’s just a reward of this profession.”

While Johnson considers serving

Suffolk Fire and Rescue: Capt. Steve Johnson

Fighting fireas a family

asasa

30 fyi — 2010

story by Lauren Wicksphotograph by Tracy Agnew

See JOHNSON page 31

Suffolk fire and Rescue CApT. STEVE JOHNSON discusses the training regimen that has helped his department excel // pAGE 30

Most people visit-ing the Suffolk municipal center

would never suspect that a television station is operat-ing on the second floor.

Most people sitting in on a City Council meeting or Planning Commission meeting would never fully appreciate the live broadcast that was being beamed to thousands of Suffolk homes.

And, visiting Tim Kel-ley’s office at the municipal center, most folks would be shocked to learn all that work — and much more — is done with such a small staff.

Kelley, a native of Baton Rouge, La., has been with the city of Suffolk as video production coordinator since December 2003. He has seen dramatic changes in the department since his first day.

“The biggest change has been taking everything from tape to digital,” Kelley said, looking around his office. The crowded room just off Council Chambers doubles as an editing bay, digital storage archive and produc-

Production Coordinator: Tim Kelley

Getting the word out

Suffolk’s Video Production Coordinator Tim Kelley brings experience from his years in the broadcast journalism field to his role running the city’s municipal channel.


See KELLEY page 31

32 fyi — 2010

Louisiana native TIm KELLEY, Suffolk’s video production coordinator, helps share Suffolk’s story with an ever-growing audience // pAGE 32

Some people like to specialize. Charles Meek is not one of them.

The 36-year-old currently works as Suffolk’s budget and strategic planning manager, but he’s done almost everything when it comes to city government.

Meek received a degree in history and political science at Bridgewater College and took a class while there in state and local government.

“That kind of piqued my inter-est,” Meek said recently.

He then went on to graduate school at James Madison Univer-sity, where the town of Shenan-doah recruited him for an intern-ship. Little did Meek know that internship would lead him to the position of assistant town manager there.

However, his home region of Hampton Roads was calling his name, so he moved back in 2003 and took a job in Suffolk city gov-ernment, in what was then called management services.

While there, he truly earned his “jack of all trades” description. He helped start the city’s workforce development center, helped pull in Community Development Block Grant funding and even oversaw the interior renovation of part of city hall.

“He is a jack of all trades,” Bud-get and Strategic Planning director Anne Seward said. “He has done so many things.”

Budget & Strategic Planning: Charles Meek

A jackof all trades

Charles Meek, right, listens to budget office director Anne Seward explain a cost-cutting initiative.

38 fyi — 2010


See MEEK page 39

Suffolk strategic planning manager CHARLES mEEK uses a variety of other government experiences to help develop Suffolk’s budget // pAGE 38

Residential Appraisal: Maria Skinner

Making tough assessments

Maria Skinner has one of the more difficult jobs in the city.

Skinner, a 22-year veteran of working for Suffolk, is the resi-dential appraisal supervisor. With six appraisers under her direction, Skinner is the one taxpayers call when they don’t like their assess-ment and don’t like the answer they got from the appraiser who handled their property.

“The challenging part is when I have to tell them what they don’t want to hear,” Skinner said. “It’s trying to get them to understand why it is what it is, and why you can’t change that. They’re irate because they realize it’s not going to change.”

Skinner came to the real estate assessor’s office from another posi-tion in data entry and as a transfer clerk. The real estate world always fascinated her, she said.

“I’ve always been interested in real estate, as far as seeing what’s out there,” she said.

Skinner’s typical day is relatively quiet, she said. There is paperwork to be done and reports to complete.

However, all that changes shortly after assessment notices are mailed to taxpayers.

“I try to answer any questions they have,” Skinner said of resi-dents who call. “The best part is

Maria Skinner, left, residential appraisal supervisor, talks with appraiser Shawanee Cooley about a taxpayer’s property.

40 fyi — 2010


See SKINNER page 41

Residential appraisal supervisor mARIA SKINNER has a challenge in keeping up with Suffolk’s quickly growing home market // pAGE 40

Enjoy these features and much more inside ...

July 2010

On behalf of Suffolk City Council, I’d like to say “welcome” if you are new to our great city, and

“thank you” if you are one of the more than 83,000 residents who already call Suffolk home.

We all consider ourselves fortunate to be representatives in a city with such a rich history, a

dynamic present and an unlimited future.

It is such an exciting time to live or work in Suffolk. Suffolk has surpassed other cities in the region in

population growth according to the latest report from the U.S. Census

Bureau – a 28.2% increase since 2000’s figures – and it’s no wonder –

our residents are able to reap the amenities of a big city, while at the

same time retain the affordability, flavor and character of a small town.

Suffolk is a city of contrasts, but what would you expect with a munici-

pality this size? Old and new, rural and urban, quaint locally-owned

shops and major retailers. It’s all here.

Suffolk was recently named to CNN Money Magazine’s list of Top

100 America’s Best Small Cities to Live. While this was an honor,

knowing the quality of life offered here and the citizens that make up our wonderful city, it was no great

surprise.

Whether you want to explore the beauty and mystery of the Great Dismal Swamp, take in a perfor-

mance or class at the Cultural Arts Center, partake of a world-class meal at one of our renowned restau-

rants, or enjoy a T.G.I.F. concert or dazzling fireworks display with the family at Constant’s Wharf, the

city is filled with unlimited opportunities.

Welcome to Suffolk. We’re glad you’re home.

Linda Johnson

Mayor of Suffolk

letter from the mayor

4 fyi — 2010

Historyof Suffolkmost histories of the city of Suffolk begin with

the arrival of the Jamestown settlers, who first ventured up the Nansemond River from the

James in 1608.But there was an established society in place here long

before Englishmen reached the shores of the New World.The Nansemond Indian tribe, part of a vast Algon-

quin empire ruled by chief Powhatan, had a population between 750 and 1,200 at the time the European settlers arrived in the area. Nansemonds were living in what the English knew as Norfolk, Nansemond and Isle of Wight County, mostly alongside the rivers, where the Indians could fish and grow crops, including corn, tobacco, beans and melons. Their primary settlement was at Reid’s Ferry.

Historians believe the English first encountered the Nansemonds almost immediately upon arriving in the new world, suffering an attack by a Nansemond hunting party when they temporarily came ashore from their ships at Cape Henry on April 26, 1607.

That attack would be avenged in 1608 by Capt. Chris-topher Newport, setting up a series of raids and counter-raids by the two groups that within 35 years had led to the subjugation, death or dispersal of the tribe.

Capt. John Smith was the first English settler to explore the region that would become Suffolk, but the first English settlement did not appear along the Nan-semond River until 1618. By 1635, there were farming settlements all along the river, and in the ensuing years, English colonial powers divided and re-divided the land until the boundaries of Nansemond County came to resemble those of modern-day Suffolk.

In 1652, a Nansemond River landholder, Richard Bennett, was appointed Virginia’s first colonial governor.

Suffolk’s position as the

world’s largest peanut

market and the fact that it

was still the terminus for five

railroad lines ensured that

the city would grow and

thrive through much of the

20th century.

A clear favorite lost landmark for people from Suffolk and old Nansemond County is the City Hall/City Market. It was built on the east side of Main Street in 1890 and 1891. Before the days of motion pictures, the Academy of Music was the place for entertainment. There were vaudeville shows, music recitals, lectures and plays. The police department was there, as well. The market, designed by George C. Moser of Norfolk, was the spot for dances, basketball games, roller skating, graduation exercises and even Sunday school classes. The latter occurred when both the Christians and the Episcopalians were building new churches. Merchants sold live chickens and fresh produce here. for Memorial Day, country ladies would bring flowers to sell. The building was demolished in 1962.

2010 — fyi 5

See HISTORY page 6

story by R.E. Spears III

photograph courtesy of Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society

More than 200 years later, one of his Virginia-born descendants, Robert E. Lee, would defend his native common-wealth at the head of the Confederate Army in the United States’ Civil War.

Back in the 17th and 18th centuries, however, Virginia was an economic engine for the American colonies, and Nansemond County, with its fertile soil and easy access to shipping routes, was well positioned to lead that agrarian economy.

Tobacco warehouses sprang up around the county, and one — John Constant’s, located beside the river near Cedar Hill Cemetery — became a large commercial enterprise and, in 1742, was the impetus for the formation of Suffolk Town by Virginia’s colonial assembly. The town took its name from the hometown of Sir William Gooch, who was Virginia’s governor at the time.

That 50-acre town grew with the increase in trade along the Nansemond River brought by the introduction of ferries. Ferries also helped diversify the area’s economy, opening up the Great Dismal Swamp and northeastern North Carolina to lumber operations.

In 1776, Nansemond County sent two representatives to Virginia’s 1776 Consti-tutional Convention. The county stored food and supplies for the revolution, and the river was used as a hiding place for the new nation’s fledgling navy.

Although the fighting here was limited, the British burned the town of Suffolk on May 13, 1779, destroying the courthouse and all the records kept there.

Benedict Arnold returned through Suffolk from his Richmond raid in 1781, British General Banastre Tarleton was encamped at Chuckatuck later that year, and Lord Charles Cornwallis was tempo-rarily quartered in Driver.

After the war had ended, Riddick and Solomon Shepherd represented Nanse-mond County at the convention held in Virginia to ratify the new federal Consti-tution, and the U.S. Congress named Suffolk as one of 11 official ports of entry into Virginia.

By 1785, the bor-ders of Nansemond were set where today Suffolk’s borders ex-ist, and the town had grown by 16 acres. In 1808, Suffolk won the right to be governed by five trustees, and in 1858, it was allowed to elect its own mayor.

Economic prosperity for the county and its town continued, as first steamboat lines and then the rail-road expanded trade between folks here and their neighbors in Tidewater and beyond. By 1835, the Dismal Swamp, whose trees yielded shingles, was the county’s primary source of revenue.

Another fire, this one in 1837, raged in the downtown area, destroying the courthouse, the jail and more than 130 homes. The town, however, continued to grow, including in 1843 about 10 dry goods and grocery stores, a large hotel, a castor oil factory and other workshops, a new courthouse and jail, four churches and a Baptist school. In 1850, there were 1,200 residents in the town.

In 1860, when South Carolina seceded from the Union, Nansemond County had 13,693 residents, including 2,480 free blacks and 5,481 slaves. After the

bombardment of Fort Sumter, Nanse-mond County quickly responded by committing 1,500 men to the Confeder-ate cause.

In May 1862, after seizing Norfolk and Portsmouth, Union Col. Charles C. Dodge rode into Suffolk at the command of the First New York Mounted Rifles, and the fleeing rebel soldiers withdrew across the Blackwater River. Mayor Ben-jamin Riddick surrendered the city to Col. Dodge, and the city was occupied.

Confederate forces under the leader-ship of Gen. James Longstreet besieged the occupied city until April 30, 1863, when Longstreet withdrew to try to help Gen. Lee at the Battle of Chancellorsville. Federal troops later withdrew to Deep Creek, and for the remainder of the war, there was no permanent garrison of troops from either side in Suffolk.

During the ensuing time of recon-

struction, the Suffolk Herald opened for business in 1873, and Suffolk grew as a commercial power with its position as the terminus for six railroad lines.

The town’s boundaries were expanded in 1879, and a new town hall was built. Fires in 1885 and 1888, however, de-stroyed the business district, which was rebuilt both times. The economies of the county and town flourished, as peanut businesses, flour and grist mills, cotton gins, farms, lumberyards and a variety of factories sprang up in the area.

In the years following the Civil War, Virginia became the nation’s leading peanut-producing state, and Suffolk soon established itself as the “Peanut Capital” of the U.S., largely because of the work of a few prominent businessmen.

John King and John Pinner created Suffolk Peanut Company in 1897, the city’s first successful peanut processing

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when the cornerstone for this fine building was laid by the Masons in 1911, a local newspaper reported that the building would be “an ornament to the City.” The new Suffolk post office or federal building was completed late in 1912 and was the source of great pride for Suffolkians. It had all the modern conveniences, but of course air conditioning wasn’t one of the conveniences available in the early 20th century. Summertime relief was provided by shade trees and awnings. A shower room inside also allowed postmen to cool off after deliveries. The post office closed in 1987, and the structure now houses law offices.

6 fyi — 2010

photograph courtesy of Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society

See HISTORY page 7

historycontinued from pagE 5

plant. The Bain Peanut Company was built in Suffolk in 1900 and became American Peanut Corp. in 1906. And an Italian immigrant, Amedeo Obici, who had started Planters Nut and Chocolate Co. in Pennsylvania, decided to open his own processing plant in 1913 in Suffolk.

Obici was widely considered to be a marketing genius, and the iconic Mr. Peanut was the result of a contest he sponsored for a symbol to represent the Planters brand. A 14-year-old student drew a rough version of what would be-come the monocled, aristocratic peanut-man known today around the world. The boy earned $5 for his contribution.

Obici’s generosity led to the construc-tion of the Planter’s Club on the banks of the Nansemond River and of one Suffolk hospital during his life. When he died, he left his estate in trust to Louise Obici Memorial Hospital, which had not been built at the time. That hospital was replaced in 2002 by a new facility located on Godwin Boulevard, which was later sold to the Sentara health care network in a deal that also established the chari-table Obici Healthcare Foundation.

Obici’s Bay Point Farms home still stands near what is now the 18th green of Sleepy Hole Golf Course on the banks of the Nan-semond River.

Suffolk’s posi-tion as the world’s largest peanut market and the fact that it was still the terminus for five railroad lines ensured that the city would grow and thrive through much of the 20th century.

In 1972, Nansemond County, threat-ened with losing land to annexation by the city of Portsmouth, became a city. Two years later, it merged with the city of Suffolk, forming Virginia’s largest city, measured in land mass.

More political changes have taken

place since the turn of the millennium, as the combined city chose its first popu-larly elected mayor, Linda T. Johnson, in 2008.

A rejuvenated northern end of the city has become an economic and techno-logical force for Suffolk and the state, garnering the moniker “Pentagon South”

for its concentration of defense-related industries.

The author is greatly indebted to and appreciative of the work of Kermit Hobbs and William A. Paquette, whose “Suffolk: A Celebration of History” was the founda-tion of much of this article.

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Members of the congregation attending church services on Easter Sunday in 1948 at the Salvation Army building on Bank Street gathered across the street in Jonas Park for a group photo. william Thomas Jones, 3 years old at the time, was one of the children in the front row for the photo. His mother Effie Lee Jones and his grandmother, Mary Ethel Jones, also attended church services there.

2010 — fyi 7

photograph courtesy of William Thomas Jones

historycontinued from pagE 6

It could be easy to lose perspective when the busi-ness of caring for more than

14,000 students in 21 schools becomes nothing but tedious paperwork.

However, Suffolk Public Schools Interim Superinten-dent Deran Whitney keeps a reminder of what his job is all about close by.

Tucked under the glass covering his desk is a faded pencil drawing of a man with a tie and the words “this is dad” that his daughter, Chelsea, now 13, drew for him when she was about 5 years old.

“It keeps my priorities in focus,” Whitney said. “I look at it and remember ‘I’m Chelsea’s dad.’ When I’m making deci-sions, I just look at that to re-member that I have a daughter in the school system and make them based on what I would want for her.”

Whitney is a graduate of Christopher Newport Univer-sity, Old Dominion University and Virginia Tech. After work-ing for Hampton schools, he transferred to Suffolk where he and his family were living and his wife, Conjo, was teaching.

Thirteen years later, he has worked in Suffolk as a elemen-tary teacher, assistant principal at Southwestern Elementary, principal at Elephant’s Fork El-ementary, elementary coordi-nator, assistant superintendent of elementary education and deputy superintendent.

Since July 1, while the School Board has been searching for a superintendent to replace Dr.

priorities in sightstory & photograph by Leila g. Roche

Suffolk schools: Dr. Deran Whitney

Dr. Deran whitney is the Suffolk Public Schools interim superintendent. whitney has spent approximately 13 years in Suffolk schools, and additional time working in Portsmouth schools.

See WHITNEY page 9

8 fyi — 2010

priorities in sightMilton Liverman, Whitney has assumed his latest role as interim su-perintendent, for which he has been working out of two offices located on two different floors.

“As deputy superintendent, I’d get here at 8 a.m. and work up to 10 hours a day, plus evening meetings,” Whitney said. “Now, I’m working out of two offices.”

His days include meeting with consultants, reviewing data with coordinators, going over school improvement data and “every facet of what’s being taught and how it’s being taught,” Whitney said.

The addition of the interim role has included more interac-tion with personnel matters, budget items and maintaining the School Board’s goals.

He sees his role at interim su-perintendent as maintaining the improvements that have been put in place and to continue to “close the achievement gaps and ensure

all schools earn their accreditation,” Whitney said.While his job keeps him busy, Whitney doesn’t regret his career

choice.“My mom ran an in-home daycare when I was growing up, so I’ve

always been surrounded by children,” Whitney said. “It’s always been about the teaching and learning process for me. That’s what I always go back to doing my job — whether I’m working directly with the stu-dents, reviewing curriculum or working with the teachers.”

“As deputy superintendent, I’d get here at 8 a.m. and work up to 10 hours a day, plus

evening meetings. Now, I’m working out

of two offices.”Dr. Deran Whitney — interim SuperintenDent

within the Suffolk Public School system, there are 14 elementary schools, four middle schools, three high schools and an alternative school. The 22 schools teach more than 14,000 students, according to 2009 statistics.

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2010 — fyi 9

Education providEs a foundationfor suffoLk’s kids

Beyond simple reading, writing and arithmetic, the demands of the 21st-century workforce place new demands on education, beginning at the preschool level.

The city of Suffolk is home to public and private schools, a vocational school, and one center for higher learning — all in an effort to educate tomorrow’s leaders today.

In neighboring communities, there are also several excellent choices of colleges and universities for the recent high school graduate or adults returning for a diploma.

Across the city, there are 14 public elementary schools, four middle schools, three high schools and an alternative program. The area is also home to two private schools, a vocational school and one community college.

pubLic schooLs

Public schools have come a long way in Suffolk since the first one opened here in 1871. At that time, schools operated three months of the year. The first “modern” school building opened in 1893 at the corner of Saratoga and Market streets.

Today, Suffolk Public Schools offers a comprehensive program for grades K-12, in addition to special programs for gifted students, students with disabilities, remedial instruction in basic skills, advanced placement classes, alternative education, preschool and vocational education.

There were more than 14,361 students enrolled in public schools as of September 2009.

The system recently approved a $150.2 million operating budget for the 2009-2010 school year. The overall student-to-teacher ratio is 25-to-1, and there is a computer-to-student ratio of 3-to-1.

There were 1,110 teachers and 1,018 support staff in 2008-09. Starting teacher salary for 2009-2010 is $38,900. In 2009, there were 895 graduates with 72 percent of students going on to post-secondary education. Suffolk Public Schools continue to strive for improvement in the state-mandated SoLs, which are standardized tests given in the third, fifth and eighth grades, as well as in high school, in

such subjects as English, mathematics, history and social science, science and computer technology.

Preliminary results indicate that all of Suffolk’s public schools will receive full state accreditation again this year. To see how city schools fare in comparison with other divisions across the region and state, contact the School Administrative offices or visit the Virginia Department of Education’s website: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/

ELEmEntary schooLs

booker t. Washington Elementary204 walnut St.Phone: 934-6226Principal: Patricia Montgomery

creekside Elementary1000 Bennett’s Creek Park RoadPhone: 923-4251Principal: Katrina Rountree-Bowers

driver Elementary4270 Driver LanePhone: 923-4106Principal: Chanel Bryant

Elephant’s fork Elementary2316 william Reid DrivePhone: 923-5250Principal: Veleka Gatling, Ph.D.

florence bowser Elementary4540 Nansemond ParkwayPhone: 923-4164Principal: Cheryl Riddick

hillpoint Elementary1101 Hillpoint RoadPhone: 923-5252Principal: Ronald Leigh

kilby shores Elementary111 Kilby Shores DrivePhone: 934-6214Principal: Seazante oliver, Ed.D.

mack benn Jr. Elementary1253 Nansemond ParkwayPhone: 934-6224Principal: Melodie Griffin

mount Zion Elementary3264 Pruden Blvd.Phone: 923-5244

Submitted PhotoCreekside Elementary School held its Annual Chill will Day for those students who met certain behavioral and academic criterion. The kids had fun watching movies, playing board games, playing dolls, building train tracks, and pretending with action figures. Some opted to bring in pillows and sleeping bags to relax in as well.

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Suffolk’S Educational opportunitiES

See SCHOOLS page 11

Principal: frances Barnesnansemond parkway Elementary3012 Nansemond ParkwayPhone: 923-4167Principal: Keith Hubbard

northern shores Elementary6701 Respass Beach RoadPhone: 923-4169Principal: Tara Moore

oakland Elementary5505 Godwin Blvd.Phone: 923-5248Principal: Christopher Phillips

robertson Elementary132 Robertson St.Phone: 934-6211Principal: Rhonda Jones

southwestern Elementary9301 Southwestern Blvd.Phone: 934-6213Principal: Nancy Harrell

middLE schooLs

forest Glen middle200 forest Glen DrivePhone: 925-5780Principal: Melvin Bradshaw

John f. kennedy middle2325 E. washington St.Phone: 934-6212Principal: Vivian Covington

John yeates middle4901 Bennett’s Pasture Rd.Phone: 923-4105Principal: Daniel o’Leary

king’s fork middle350 Kings fork RoadPhone: 923-5246Principal: Talmadge Darden

hiGh schooLs

king’s fork high351 Kings fork RoadPhone: 923-5240Principal: Suzanne Moore, Ed.D.

Lakeland high

214 Kenyon RoadPhone: 925-5790Principal: Thomas whitley, Ed.D.

Nansemond River High3301 Nansemond ParkwayPhone: 923-4101Principal: Thomas McLemore

aLtErnativE proGram

turlington Woods629 Turlington RoadPhone: 934-6215Principal: Pamela Lipscomb

GovErnor’s schooL

The Governor’s School for the Arts, located in Norfolk, offers intensive study in five arts areas: dance, vocal and instrumental music, visual arts, theater arts, and performing arts. The programs are designed for students who demonstrate strong interests and abilities in their field. Students who enroll in the school take academic classes in the mornings at their home schools and attend the arts school in the afternoons for three hours.

Auditions are conducted annually or on an as-needed basis. Students should see their guidance counselors for information.

vocationaL cEntEr

The Pruden Center for Industry and Technology is the regional school designed to serve students from the city of Suffolk and Isle of wight County who want to pursue industrial and technical programs. Adult education and recreational classes are also offered. Adults seeking classes to enhance their job opportunities or to achieve their GED should contact the center at 925-5651, at www.prudencenter.net, or visit at 4169 Pruden Blvd.

schooL administration

You may contact the division offices for information or inquiries regarding the Suffolk Public Schools. School administrative offices are located at 100 N. Main St. The main phone number is 925-6750.

the administrative cabinet includes:Deran whitney, Ed.D., interim superintendentKevin L. Alston, assistant superintendent of

administrative services.Michael K. Brinkley, executive director of financef. Terry Napier, director of facilities and planningLeigh N. Bennett, director of human resourcesSandra H. witcher, Ed.D., director of special educationJohn w. Littlefield, director of technologyBethanne D. Bradshaw, public information and community relations officer

other administrative staff:Gail V. Bess, coordinator of career and technical education and adult educationRandolph Boone, coordinator of pupil personnelCharlene E. Christian-Andrews, coordinator of staff developmentPamela B. Connor, coordinator of elementary school instructional services

Douglas B. Dohey, coordinator of middle school instructional servicesAntoine L. Hickman, coordinator of special educationPhyllis L. Sharpe, Ed.D., coordinator of high school instructional servicesBettie J. Swain, coordinator of compensatory programsDianne whiting, coordinator of human resources

community coLLEGEs

Paul D. Camp Community College – Suffolk Campus: 271 Kenyon Road, 569-6700. web: www.pdc.edu. PDCCC offers one- and two-year vocational, technical and college-level programs in western Tidewater. More than 30 areas of study are offered to students at Suffolk, franklin and Smithfield campuses.

arEa coLLEGEs and univErsitiEs

Christopher Newport university: 1 university Place, Newport News, 594-7000. web: www.cnu.edu/. four-year liberal arts university.

The College of william and Mary: P.o. Box 8795, williamsburg, 221-4000. web: www.wm.edu. four year college with schools in arts and sciences, business administration, education, law, and marine science.

Eastern Virginia Medical School: P.o. Box 1980, Norfolk, 446-5600. web: www.evms.edu. Community-based medical school.

Hampton university: Downtown Hampton, 727-5328. web: www.hamptonu.edu. Privately-endowed, non-profit, non-sectarian, co-educational, historically black university.

Norfolk State university: 700 Park Ave., Norfolk, 823-8600. web: www.nsu.edu. Historically black college with an undergraduate studies program comprised of five schools.

old Dominion university: Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, 683-3685. web: www.odu.edu. A state-supported metropolitan, regional university with graduate and undergraduate degrees in six colleges.

Virginian wesleyan College: 1584 wesleyan Drive, Norfolk, 455-3200. web: www.vwc.edu. Small, residential, private school on the border of Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

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It would be easy to think that the work of first Baptist Christian School was completed last May.

After being founded in 1988, the school saw the nine members of its first graduating class walk across the stage and take hold of their hard-earned diplomas.

with all the hard work, sacrifice and effort put into setting up the only kindergarten through 12th grade Christian school in the city, it would be understandable if the staff of first Baptist took time to celebrate their accomplishment.

That, however, is not the plan.“we’re focused on how we can improve and make things even better,” said Andrew

Rumbaugh, the school’s headmaster.

using the past 20-plus years as its foundation, Rumbaugh said, the school is setting its sights on new challenges for its staff, its students and its community.

This year, first Baptist will be adding honors and advanced placement courses to the upper school curriculum in order to enhance the school’s educational opportunities. The school leadership also is adding community service and mission components to graduation requirements in order to help instill a servant mindset and community awareness in students.

Already accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International, Rumbaugh said the school still is seeking outside accreditation to further cement the academic achievements of its students.

Additionally, the school is branching out with its extracurricular offerings. first Baptist now has a school band, a developing sports program and more activities

such as Destination Imagination, which is a student-led club that relies on creative problem-solving to answer specific challenges. Students then present proposed solutions in competitive tournaments.

“we really are expanding what we have to offer,” Rumbaugh said. The school itself is expanding, too. Rumbaugh said first Baptist is in the midst of

property development and has launched a new preschool for students ages 3 and 4 at their westminster Reformed Presbyterian Church location.

“That’s an added benefit for a lot of parents,” Rumbaugh said. The preschool is a useful transition to first Baptist’s kindergarten curriculum and school’s core mission, he added.

In a time of economic crisis, Rumbaugh said, first Baptist has been steady in student enrollment. In fact, the school has had to add staff to meet curriculum demands.

As the only Christian school in Suffolk, Rumbaugh said, the real challenge for first Baptist has not been in keeping its numbers, but in educating the masses on what the school has to offer.

“we are more focused on letting people know we’re here,” Rumbaugh said, adding that the school is working on a new marketing campaign to better brand itself in the community.

“we offer what (other Christian schools in Hampton Roads) can offer,” he said. “our product is just as good. There is no need to have to go outside of Suffolk for these kind of services any longer.”

— Story by Lauren Wicks, staff writer

After two decades,first Baptist keeps growing

At Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, faculty and staff encourage the student body to “Ascend to Excellence.”

Last year’s graduating class took that message to heart. The members of the class of 2010 were awarded nearly $3.9 million in merit-based

college scholarships.“This is almost $4 million for only 76 students,” Tracie Thorndike, community

relations coordinator for NSA, wrote in an email. “(That is) an NSA record in scholarship money awarded to any one class.”

Additionally, Thorndike added, every member of the class of 2010 was accepted into prestigious colleges and universities around the country, including Princeton, Cornell, Duke, Carnegie Mellon, university of Pennsylvania, Columbia, wake forest, william & Mary, university of Virginia and Virginia Tech.

while the successes of the class as a whole are impressive, individual student achievements were remarkable, as well.

for example, NSA boasted three National Merit Scholars, which is an award given to only 1 percent of students nationwide. Andrea Beale, David Leber and Diana Heriford each took home the prestigious honor, and were the only three students in the city to earn this distinction. Leber — already a Merit scholar — also received $50,000 from Georgia Tech as a Presidential Scholar.

Additionally, fellow classmate Meera Venkataraman received the Park Scholarship from North Carolina State university, which is a full-tuition award including room, board and book money for all four years of undergraduate study. It is valued at $120,000.

High academic achievement is just one of the goals for the student body at NSA. The school’s “Honor Above All” motto is taken seriously, as students are

constantly encouraged to maintain high moral standing both inside and outside the classroom.

In addition to offering a rigorous scholastic program for preschool through 12th grades, NSA also boasts a competitive athletic department offering more than a dozen sports, including football, lacrosse, golf and basketball. Students also can take part in a wide variety of extracurricular clubs and activities such as operation Smile, drama, National Honor Society and Students Against Drunk Driving.

The opportunities available to students at NSA are a far cry from the school’s beginnings in 1966. That year, about 100 parents organized a private elementary school in the city. The newly-created Nansemond-Suffolk Academy was housed in a former factory, and had just 128 students, six teachers and one principal. Today, the school has more than 1,000 enrolled students who have proven to be leading scholars throughout the city, the state and the country.

for more information about NSA, visit www.nsacademy.com.

— Story by Lauren Wicks, staff writer

NSA continuingtradition of excellence

12 fyi — 2010

A helping hand for business

Economic Development: Deanna Holt

When they finally meet her, a lot of folks feel as if they already

know Deanna Holt, a business development analyst with the Suffolk Department of Econom-ic Development.

Maybe they’ve seen her at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, wield-ing the specially printed ribbon and a pair of scissors more than three feet long. Or per-haps they receive the monthly update email that she sends on behalf of her department and in which she spotlights new and established Suffolk businesses, describes upcoming business-related events in the city and highlights available properties for potential industrial clients.

“Everywhere I go I get, ‘Oh yeah! I get your press releases,” Holt laughs.

In a Suffolk agency with the mandate to help recruit and retain business and industry for the city, the term “low-profile” is purely a matter of degree. Even low-profile, behind-the-scenes staffers in a small economic development department like Suffolk’s find themselves mak-ing the rounds, shaking hands and getting to know business owners.

And that’s one of the things Holt, whose Isle of Wight roots have helped her feel at home in Suffolk, likes best about her job.

Since she came to economic

Deanna Holt prepares a package of information about Suffolk for the mail. Among her duties in the city’s Department of Economic Development is marketing available industrial buildings and properties to potential clients from outside the area.

2010 — fyi 13

story & photographs by R.E. Spears III

See HOLT page 14

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development from Suffolk’s Department of Human Resources, Holt’s responsibilities have increased as the department has shrunk under budget pressures.

Whereas she used to concentrate on marketing the city’s buildings and sites to potential clients via the website, email and other indirect contacts, now she spends a substantial portion of her time

meeting with potential clients and with owners of existing businesses in Suffolk.

The personal contact has helped her grow in her job, Holt says.

“I’ve been able to learn more about how economic devel-opment works and tie it all together,” she explains. “It’s fun. This job is always changing. It’s never the same every day. It’s exciting.”

Holt’s excitement about her work bubbles up through an ebullient personality that seems especially well suited to a person whose job essentially is to sell business owners on the benefits of locating in Suffolk.

From Holt’s perspective, one of the best ways to entice new companies to the city and help retain those already here is to show them the resources that are at their disposal here, and that’s what she considers to be her primary duty.

Whether it’s training at the Workforce Development Center, small-business startup help from the Small Busi-ness Development Center, or just the number for the city

agency that can help solve problems with parking lot drainage, Holt and her colleagues work to make sure companies of all sizes have the resources they need to flourish in Suffolk.

“I love helping businesses in Suffolk,” she says. “We help individuals and companies succeed. That’s what is so rewarding.”

“I’ve been able to learn more about how economic development

works and tie it all together. It’s fun. This job is always changing.

It’s never the same every day. It’s exciting.”

Deanna holt — BuSineSS Development analySt

14 fyi — 2010

Deanna Holt and other members of Suffolk’s economic development office chat with a representative of the Broken Egg Bistro following that restaurant’s ribbon-cutting ceremony in Harbour View in the spring.

holtcontinued from pagE 13

top 10 EmployErS by induStryIndustry No. of jobsHealthcare and Social Assistance 3,894Retail Trade 3,075Educational Services 3,065Accommodation and food Services 2,076Manufacturing 2,058Construction 1,718Professional, Scientificand Technical Services 1,669Public Administration 1,539Transportation and warehousing 1,420wholesale Trade 1,215

- Source – Virginia Employment Commission- As of first quarter, 2009

capital invEStmEnt by induStry,2005-08Retail $137 millionwarehousing $122 millionHealth care $87 millionModeling and Simulation $71 millionHospitality $45 millionManufacturing $27 millionfood Processing $27 millionother $26 millionTotal $544.5 million

- Source – Suffolk Department of Economic Development

Job crEation by induStry,2005-08Retail 1,461Healthcare 486Modeling and Simulation 340warehousing 319Hospitality 315Manufacturing 163other 94food Processing 72Total 3,251


avEragE rEtail SalES growth ratES, 2000-08Suffolk 8.0%Portsmouth 4.6Chesapeake 3.9Virginia Beach 3.6Newport News 3.1Norfolk 2.6Hampton 1.7

- Source – Hampton Roads Planning District Commission

mEdian houSEhold incomESuffolk $61,464Chesapeake $63,113Virginia Beach $62,477

Hampton $47,408Newport News $46,082Portsmouth $43,473Norfolk $40,361Virginia $58,378

- Source – U.S. Census Bureau

maJor EmployErS in SuffolkuSJfCoM/JwfC Training, Analysis and Simulation Center 2,200Suffolk Public Schools 1,780Sentara obici Hospital 1,200The City of Suffolk 1,139QVC Distribution 900wal-Mart Stores 900SYSCo food Servicesof Hampton Roads 500unilever/Lipton Inc. 350Kraft/Planters Peanuts 340Ciba Specialty Chemicals uSA 322Target Corp. 300Lakeview Medical Center 270Bon Secours Health System 269Towne Bank 230Massimo Zanetti Beverage uSA 227Amadas Industries, Inc. 200Nansemond-Suffolk Academy 194Nansemond Pointe Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center 190Birdsong Peanuts Corp. 150

Lockheed Martin 150Sentry Services 150Supreme foods, Inc. 130Lake Prince Center 130wanchese fish Co./Suffolk Cold Storage 130National Roofing Corp. 115Vitex Packaging, Inc. 115Pak-Al of Virginia 115Dominion Virginia Power 105Lancaster farms, Inc. 100Echostorm 100Harris Teeter 100farm fresh 100Sara Lee Coffee and Tea Co. 85Northrop Grumman 85Southern oil Co. 85Amark Corp. 75SPSA 75Mike Duman Auto Sales 75Rountree Construction Co. 75SAIC 75Golden State foods Corp. 65univar uSA 65Sonoco Products Co. 60Duke Automotive 60Truestone 60Mitre 60first Virginia Bank – Hampton Roads 55Blair Brothers, Inc. 50

The Lipton tea plant on west washington Street proudly displays a banner announcing they have achieved their goal of sending no trash to the landfill. All waste from the facility either is recycled, composted or converted into energy.

2010 — fyi 15

Suffolk by thE numbErS

See INDUSTRY page 16

General Dynamics 50Dixie Group 50C.w. Brinkley, Inc. 50Chasmar Properties Ltd. 50Paul D. Camp Community College 50


Economic dEvElopmEnt authorityThe Economic Development Authority (EDA) is authorized by the Virginia General Assembly to initiate and develop a variety of new business opportunities throughout the City of Suffolk. The EDA Board is made up of eight board members appointed by the Suffolk City Council to four-year terms. The EDA holds a regularly-scheduled meeting on the second wednesday of each month. The EDA’s role is to foster economic development and help with the expansion of existing businesses and to assist new businesses to create new jobs and capital investment. The EDA is funded by city taxes, interest on investments, bond maintenance fees and sale of real estate owned by the EDA.for more information, contact the Economic Development Department at 514-4040.

EDA Board MembersJames H. faulk, chairmanwhaleyville Borough

Cynthia ferguson, vice chairmanSuffolk Borough

Stacy LewisHoly Neck Borough

Dwight A. NixonNansemond Borough

Arthur CollinsSleepy Hole Borough

Michael DumanChuckatuck Borough

Jack EureMayor of Suffolk Representative

Cypress Borough seat is currently vacant

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ʼ

16 fyi — 2010

City officials joined Panera Bread

employees in the spring for a grand

opening celebration at the store’s first Suffolk

location. Suffolk’s retail sector grew at a far

faster pace than the same sector did in other

Hampton Roads cities since the year 2000.

industrycontinued from pagE 15

Debbie Minnick looked down at a sheet she had typed out trying to de-

tail her job. Line after line listed important items, tasks and respon-sibilities. In the end, when asked if she had ever written out her job description before, she politely said, “No. But I wanted to make sure I was as prepared as I possibly could be for this interview.”

It is that preparation, attention to detail and organization that has helped Minnick become the “go-to” person for Suffolk City Manager Selena Cuffee-Glenn.

In her role as administrative as-sistant to the city manager, Minnick has a front-row seat to the day-to-day operations of Suffolk and an insider’s view of what is Hampton Roads’ quickest-growing and Vir-ginia’s largest city.

“It’s exciting to be a part of the decisions and plans for this great city,” Minnick said. “It’s also re-freshing to see just how dedicated everyone is and how hard everyone works to do the best for Suffolk.”

City administration: Debbie minnick

facewith a name

Debbie Minnick has worked with the City of Suffolk since 2006 and works as the administrative assistant to city manager Selena Cuffee-Glenn.

2010 — fyi 17

See MINNICk page 18


A native of Portsmouth and now a resident of Chesa-peake, Minnick has worked for the city since August 2006.

And, in many ways, Minnick is the first voice — or face — outsiders come across when they deal with Suf-folk.

“It’s a responsibility to show that we are professional and courteous and that we are happy to do business with them,” she said.

As a way to relax, Minnick enjoys joining her hus-band, Danny, on motorcycle rides throughout Hampton Roads.

“We’ll go to Smithfield, Carrollton. All over,” she said, smiling. When asked the longest trip the couple has taken, she reflected on a trip the couple made on one of their anniversaries to Peaks of Otter in western Virginia. “That trip took a number of hours,” Minnick said. “And it was quite chilly.”

The couple has two children, Meghan, 21, and Matthew, 17.

But back in her role with Suffolk, it could probably be summed up in something she wrote herself.

“There is much variety to my day,” she wrote. “In the city manager’s of-fice you never know what may arise from day to day that may need to be immediately addressed; therefore, flexibility is a must. Customer service is a No. 1 priority.”

“It’s exciting to be a part of the decisions and plans for this great city. It’s also refreshing to see just how dedicated

everyone is and how hard everyone works to do the best for Suffolk.”

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City Manager Selena Cuffee-Glenn, seen here signing a pledge to participate in a new city recycling program, relies heavily on Administrative Assistant Debbie Minnick as the first voice that people hear when they call the city manager’s office and as an aide in carrying out her day-to-day responsibilities.

18 fyi — 2010

minnickcontinued from pagE 17

following is a list of yearly events in Suffolk. for even more events, check the online calendar at www.suffolknewsherald.com or www.suffolk-fun.com.

JanuaryEvents to be announced.

februaryThe Exhibit of Excellence: Suffolk Student ArtJuried exhibition of the best art by Suffolk’s 10th- to 12th-graders.Call 514-6284 or 925-0448.

Antique Show and SaleThis show traditionally features dozens of mid-Atlantic antiques and collectible dealers. Porcelain and crystal repair are usually offered.Call 925-0448.

marchSuffolk Museum’s annual Juried Photography ExhibitThe largest and oldest juried photography exhibit in Hampton Roads. free and open to the public.Call 514-7284.

Suffolk Restaurant weekRestaurant week features prix fixe menus at dozens of dining establishments in Suffolk. Chefs serve up old favorites and new creations.Call 514-4130.

AprilEggstravaganzaThis Easter tradition features an Easter egg hunt, the Easter Bunny and more. free and open to the public.Call 514-7267.

Suffolk Chili festA fundraiser for Suffolk’s SERToMA Clubs, Chili fest allows attendees to sample chili from different teams, vote for their favorite, and purchase chili by the bowl. All proceeds benefit local children with speech and hearing impairments, as well as Reading Enriches All Children programs. Call 892-4254 or visit www.suffolkchilifest.com.

Virginia festival of flightHundreds of homebuilt, antique, classic, military and other types of airplanes fly in to the Suffolk Executive Airport for a weekend. Children and adults alike will enjoy educational workshops and demonstrations, meeting with pilots or simply touching the planes. Admission fee required.Call 514-4130 or visit www.virginiaflyin.org.

maywhaleyville Community DayThis annual community celebration features a parade, business expo, arts and crafts, car show, children’s activities and more. free and open to the public. Call 986-2282.

Great Dismal Swamp Birding festivalCelebrate International Migratory Bird Day at the swamp with guided bird walks, bus tours, demonstrations, educational workshops and more. free and open to the public.Call 986-3705.

Suffolk Rockin’ Relay for LifeThe American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life gives everyone the chance to play a part in the battle against cancer. Months of fundraising culminate in one overnight event where teams take turns walking the track.

Shake, Rattle & Roll Spring Car ShowThis festive Main Street event honors the racers, records and fans of the old concrete track at Suffolk Airport.Call 514-5130.

Holland founders Day Parade and CelebrationCelebrating the founding of the first Ruritan Club in the Holland community, all-day festivities include a parade, children’s activities, barbecue cook-off and more.Call 514-4130.

JuneTGIf concertsThe TGIf summer concert series begins in June, and runs every friday through September with local bands, food and beverages, children’s activities and more.Call 514-7267.

Suffolk Art League’s open Members’ ShowThis annual exhibit includes a variety of original artwork by Suffolk Art League members.Call 514-7284.

During the opening day of the season at Suffolk’s farmers’ Market, Rosa Shive and Robert J. Noriega display some of the things that Noriega grows on his farm off Manning Road in Suffolk. He grows the millet spray and sells it by the bundle for people who have pet birds. The market is sponsored each year by the city’s department of tourism.

Suffolk’S EvEntS calEndar

2010 — fyi 19

See EVENTS page 20

JulyStars and Stripes SpectacularThis annual celebration of America’s independence takes place at Constant’s wharf Park on July 4, complete with live entertainment, food and fireworks. free and open to the public.Call 514-7267.

North Suffolk Independence DayThe Crittenden, Eclipse and Hobson Ruritan Club and Ebenezer united Methodist Church team up to present children’s activities, a raft race and fireworks on July 4.Call 238-2359.

AugustNational Night outThis annual event, held the first Tuesday in August, encourages residents to get involved with crime, drug and gang prevention by locking their doors, going outside and participating in block parties, cookouts, parades, anti-crime rallies and more.Call 514-4104.

Suffolk Art League showThis annual exhibit is given by the winner of the previous juried exhibition. free and open to the public.Call 514-7284 or 925-0448.

Nansemond Indian Tribe PowwowThis annual celebration by descendants of the historic Nansemond Indian Tribe features

authentic music, dance, crafts, food and more.Visit www.nansemond.org.

SeptemberTaste of Suffolk downtown street festivalThe annual Taste of Suffolk festival features two entertainment stages, samples of dishes from Suffolk’s best eateries, children’s activities, special deals at unique local shops, and more.Call 514-4130.

Mutt Strut Dog walk and festivalEnjoy a day of fun supporting the Suffolk Humane Society’s rescued animals, including a pledge walk, music, entertainment, pet-related exhibitors, rescue groups and more, all free.Call 538-3030 or visit www.suffolkhumanesociety.com.

Queen’s Luncheon and fashion ShowThe Peanut festival Queen is crowned at this event that includes a luncheon and fashion show by the Pilot Club of Suffolk. This is the first in a series of Peanut fest events.Call 514-4130 or 539-6751.

OctoberSuffolk Peanut fest Parade and festivalKick off Peanut fest with a parade, and then enjoy a long weekend of entertainment, fireworks, a shrimp feast, demolition derby, carnival rides, a peanut butter sculpture contest and more. Admission is free; parking is $10 per vehicle.Call 539-6751 or visit www.Suffolkfest.org.

Suffolk Swamp Roar Motorcycle RallyRide the entire 80-mile perimeter of the Great Dismal Swamp National wildlife Refuge, and

enjoy a VIP reception and complimentary parking pass to Peanut fest. There is a $20 registration fee, which benefits educational programs at the refuge.Call 514-4130.

Driver Days car show and festivalVisit the village of Driver for live entertainment,

car show, a community pageant, living history demonstrations and more. Proceeds benefit the Driver Volunteer fire Department and local charities.Call 538-2488 or visit www.DriverEvents.com.

NovemberHoliday open House at Governor’s PointeNorth Suffolk shops open their doors to the holiday season with open houses featuring door prizes and giveaways.Call 238-3810.

Suffolk Illumination CeremonyThis hometown kick-off to the holiday season features lighting of the Christmas tree, hot apple cider, caroling and Santa Claus.Call 514-7267.

DecemberSuffolk Holiday ParadeThe annual holiday parade will light up downtown with colorful floats, marching bands, dancers, equestrian groups and more.Call 514-4130.

Suffolk Nansemond Historical Society’s Candlelight TourThis tour features some of Suffolk’s most historic and interesting homes and businesses. The event features period holiday decorations and dress, baked goods for sale and more.Call 539-2781.

Holland Village Tree LightingThis annual gathering in Holland includes carols, hot cocoa and lighting of the tree, and is sponsored by the Holland Ruritan Club.Visit www.hollandruritanclub.org.

20 fyi — 2010

eventscontinued from pagE 19

Above, Sisters Emily and Rebecca Bennett of Chesapeake aren’t much larger than Adonis, a blue merle Great Dane from the April fool’s farm in Suffolk. The three were on hand at Sleepy Hole Park on a fine Sunday in September to enjoy the second annual Mutt Strut.

for Carlos Ward Sr., every day begins with absent employees, bro-

ken-down trucks and thou-sands of trashcans sitting at the curb throughout the city, waiting to be emptied.

But Ward doesn’t stress. With 48 people under his direct supervision, someone is bound to be absent most days. And with dozens of vehicles on the road, break-downs are not unlikely. He prepares for these eventu-alities by keeping plenty of backup on hand.

Ward is the general servic-es supervisor for the Depart-ment of Public Works. He is responsible for seeing to it that the trash gets emptied at 32,000 households across the city each week. Bulk pickups, street sweeping and post-parade cleanup also fall under his jurisdiction. So do the flower gardens in the downtown business district, the grass at Cedar Hill and Holly Lawn cemeteries, and 114 front-load dumpsters at schools and public housing neighborhoods across the city.

“Every day is a new chal-lenge,” said Ward, whose office decorations betray the fact that he is a Philadelphia Eagles fan. “It’s busy.”

Carlos ward Sr. supervises more than four dozen employees who perform numerous tasks — including trash pickup, grounds keeping and street sweeping — throughout the city.

public Works: Carlos Ward

Serving inpublic works

See WaRD page 22

2010 — fyi 21

story & photograph by Tracy agnew

Ward first went to work for the city 11 years ago. He had graduated from Suffolk High School, and working for the city offered good benefits, he said.

He began in the public works department, driv-ing a trash truck. He has since risen through the ranks to become a supervisor, but still he doesn’t sit at a desk all day.

After checking on absentees and the vehicles with his field supervisor first thing in the morn-ing, Ward typically checks in with grounds main-tenance, making sure they are performing all the needed tasks that day. From there, every day can go in a different direction.

“I get to go out and meet contractors, and I go and meet a lot of citizens,” Ward said. “I’m just not stuck in the office all day.”

Ward called getting out into the field the best part of his job. He spends about half of each day, however, at his desk — helping prepare the de-partment’s budget, making numerous schedules, wrangling contracts for grounds maintenance, and more.

“I have a lot of desk work,” he said.One of the most difficult parts of his job is insti-

tuting changes in the trash program, like the recent switch to a four-day workweek for picking up trash.

“We have to make the public aware of what we’re

doing and make sure we give the best service we can,” Ward said.

Ward credited his high school principal, Michael Debranski, with making sure he always did right. Wesley King, a retired assistant public works direc-tor, and Donie Beamon also had an influence on him, he said.

His son is follow-ing in his footsteps. Carlos Ward Jr. also is on the public works payroll, though he doesn’t work directly for his father.

When he’s not at work, Ward spends time with his parents and volunteers as vice president of the Suffolk Booster Club. The 30-member club raises money to give to such causes as the Cheer Fund, the rescue squad and the Salvation Army.

“We’re always trying to find different ways to give back to the community,” Ward said.

To contact the public works department, call 514-4355.

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“I get to go out and meet contractors, and I go and meet a lot of citizens. I’m

just not stuck in the office all day.”carloS WarD Sr. — General ServiceS SuperviSor, puBlic WorkS

22 fyi — 2010

wardcontinued from pagE 21

animal control124 forest Glen Drive514-7855 Hours of operation:Monday to friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Closed Sundays and holidays

The Suffolk Animal Control Bureau is responsible for the investigation of all incidents and the enforcement of laws regarding domestic animals within the city. The bureau maintains a shelter, and conducts adoptions and redemption of stray animals. Lost and found pet files also are handled through the facility. Adoptions are $60 for cats and $75 for dogs. Animals are spayed/neutered and vaccinated prior to adoption.

auto dEcalSDepartment of Motor Vehicles268 Holladay St. 497-7100Hours of operation:Monday to friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Saturday: 8 a.m. to noon

city trEaSurEr’S officEMunicipal Center441 Market St. 514-4275

north Suffolk trEaSurEr’S officE 2000 Bennett’s Creek Park Road 514-7175Hours of operation:Monday to friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

City decals for vehicles are not longer mandated in the city of Suffolk, but the Vehicle License fee will be included as a separate item on the annual personal property tax bills sent by the city treasurer. Anyone moving to Virginia must title their vehicle within 30 days of moving to Virginia. Additionally, before operating a vehicle in Virginia, it must pass an annual safety inspection and display a valid safety inspection sticker.

domEStic violEncEGenieve shelter1-800-969-HoPE 925-4365

The Genieve Shelter provides a 24-hour crisis hotline, individual and group counseling; court

accompaniment, emergency shelter, food, clothing and emergency transportation as well as a children’s program that offers after-school tutoring, a weekly children’s support group, and recreational activities.

EmploymEntsuffolk human resources office440 Market [email protected]

ExtEnSion SErvicEvirginia cooperative Extension office440 Market St.514-4330Hours of operation:Monday to friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

gEd/abE/ESl claSSESthe pruden center for industry and technology4169 Pruden Blvd.925-5651www.prudencenter.net

hEalth dEpartmEntthe suffolk health department135 Hall Ave.514-4700

The Suffolk Health Department offers a variety of health services, including health screenings, immunizations, prenatal and pediatric services, STD and communicable disease testing and treatment, family planning,

Suffolk public works employees work to finish the concrete on a new sidewalk that was poured along S. Saratoga St. in the spring. The sidewalk had long been a concern for area businesses because of buckling, cracking and pipes that poked through it.

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Virginia University of Lynchburg

(Suffolk Teaching Site)at Pleasant Union, Registration for the

Fall Semester is now in progress by appointment only.

Classes begins August 24, 2010 call (757) 934-0191

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Suff olk Christian Church216 North Main Street

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www.suffolkchristian.org 539-9182

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Auctions Held Every Tuesday of Every Month

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gEnEral SErvicES2010 — fyi 23

See SERVICES page 24

wIC and SEVAMP Senior Services, and environmental health. Many services are free to the public. when there are charges, they are usually determined on a sliding fee scale based on income.

houSingsuffolk redevelopment and housing authority530 E. Pinner St.539-2100

suffolk department of social services135 Hall Ave.514-7450

Both the Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority and Suffolk Department of Social Services help to provide rental and utility assistance as well as affordable housing for lower and limited income families.

idEntificationdepartment of motor vehicles268 Holladay St.(804) 497-7100

social security administration502 Hillpoint Road934-0532www.ssa.gov

Social Security cards can be issued through the Social Security Administration, and state identification cards and driver’s licenses can be issued through the DMV.

licEnSESanimal: city treasurer’s officemunicipal center441 Market St.514-4275

north suffolk treasurer’s office 2000 Bennett’s Creek Park Road514-7175

building and Zoning permits: neighborhood development services441 Market St. 514-4150

business: commissioner of the revenuemunicipal center441 Market St.514-4260

north suffolk office2000 Bennett’s Creek Park Road514-7180

concealed Weapon and handgun: clerk’s office of the circuit courtMills E. Godwin Courts Complex150 N. Main St.

514-4000

driver’s: department of motor vehicles268 Holladay St.(804) 497-7100Hunting and fishing: Clerk’s office of the Circuit CourtMills E. Godwin Courts Complex150 N. Main St.514-4000

marriage: clerk’s office of the circuit courtMills E. Godwin Courts Complex150 N. Main St.514-4000

passports: clerk’s office of the circuit courtmills E. Godwin courts complex150 N. Main St.514-4000

SEnior SErvicESsenior services of southeastern virginia1226 white Marsh Road925-1449

suffolk senior center110 w. finney Ave.

514-7270

meals on Wheels of suffolk2800 Godwin Blvd.934-4911

Social SErvicESsuffolk department of social services135 Hall Ave.514-7450

social security administration502 Hillpoint Road934-0532www.ssa.gov

utilitiESElectricitydominion virginia power1-866-366-4357www.dom.com

community Electric cooperative242-6181www.comelec.coop

natural Gasvirginia natural Gas

(866) 229-3578www.vanaturalgas.com

columbia Gas of virginia(800) 543-8911www.columbiagasva.com

tElEphonEverizon954-6222(800) 483-4400www.verizon.com

watEr/SEwErcity of suffolk department of public utilities514-7000www.suffolk.va.us/pub_utl/cust_svc.html

Wastewater treatmentHampton Roads Sanitation District460-2261www.hrsd.state.va.us

traSh collEctioncity of suffolk department of public Works514-4000www.suffolk.va.us/pub_wks/refuse.html

solid Waste disposalSoutheastern Public Service Authority420-4700www.spsa.com

vEtEranS affairSdepartment of veterans services office of the Commissioner900 E. Main St.Richmond, VA 23219 804-786-0286

veteran’s hospitalVA Medical Center100 Emancipation Drive, Hampton866-544-9961

womEn, infantS and childrEnthe suffolk health department135 Hall Ave.514-4700

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24 fyi — 2010

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More than forty-eight people — including those who drive the snowplows and those who troubleshoot problems with the city’s sewage system — fall under the supervision of Carlos ward Jr. in Suffolk’s Department of Public works.

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2010 — fyi 25

New to the area and without a doctor? No need to worry yourself sick about it. There’s plenty of health care sources in Suffolk and Hampton Roads.The region has its own share of physicians, dentists, specialty doctors and medical facilities for whatever ails you. within Suffolk, there are more than 100 physicians and some 30 dentists and orthodontists. The city also offers a number of physical therapists, chiropractors, and other health care providers.Major medical attention can be found at the following:

Suffolk hEalth dEpartmEntThe Suffolk Health Department offers a variety of health services, including health screenings, immunizations, prenatal and pediatric services, STD and communicable disease testing and treatment, family planning, wIC and SEVAMP Senior Services, and home health. Many services are free to the public. when there are charges, they are usually determined on a sliding fee scale based on income. Suffolk Health Department, 135 Hall Ave.; 514-4700.

wEStErn tidEwatEr community SErvicES boardworking as a team, the agencies of the western Tidewater Community Services Board provides mental health, substance abuse, and prevention services to a wide-range of clients. Clinical services are provided by licensed staff or master¹s level staff under supervision. western Tidewater Community Services Board, 5268 Godwin Blvd.; 255-7100.web: www.wtcsb.org.

SEntara obici hoSpitalfor more than five decades, the residents of Suffolk and the surrounding communities have been heir to a legacy of health and hope through the generosity of Amedeo obici, founder of Planters Peanuts. when his wife, Louise, died in 1938, obici, one of the industrial giants of his day, wanted to establish a lasting memorial - one that would pay a fitting tribute to a woman of her caliber and one that would benefit the residents of Suffolk, the home they both loved.In her memory, obici created a charitable trust fund to finance what would later become Louise obici Memorial Hospital. He continued to contribute to the fund until his death in 1948 when his estate created a trust fund to continue contributions. Construction began in the summer of 1949 and the hospital was formally dedicated on Sept. 16, 1951. The hospital offers

a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, magnetic resonance imagine, mammography and cardiac catheterization, plus a comprehensive women’s center, a cancer center, and an outpatient surgery center. with several affiliated physician practices, Sentara obici’s services can be found in centers across Suffolk and Isle of wight County. The hospital also offers an extensive physician referral list. In early 2002, the new $74.6 million facility opened about a mile from the former Main Street building. Located on Godwin Blvd/Route 10, near the junction of the u.S. 58 Bypass, the new hospital offers residents health care with state-of-the-art technology and top notch personnel.Last year, Sentara obici Hospital opened its new, 22,900-square-foot ambulatory surgery center at 2750 Godwin Boulevard. The new free-standing outpatient surgery center has two operating rooms, two procedure rooms, receiving, pre-op and recovery areas facility is jointly owned by Sentara and a group of 21 surgeons. Sentara obici Hospital, 2800 Godwin Blvd., Suffolk; 934-4000.

SEntara bEllEharbourThe newest Sentara facility opened in North Suffolk this year, bringing state-of-the-art outpatient medical service to the area. Board-certified emergency physicians offer care in a quiet, calm environment to walk-in patients, as well as those who arrive by ambulance. If your needs require a more intense level of

care, our skilled staff will provide stabilizing treatment and transfer you to the nearest appropriate facility. Services available include the emergency department, advanced imaging center, outpatient lab services, physical therapy, physician practices and sleep center. Sentara BelleHarbour, 3920 Bridge Road, 983-0000.

bon SEcourS hEalth cEntEr at harbour viEw

Bon Secours Health Center at Harbour View, a department of Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, is a state-of-the-art health facility dedicated to outpatient surgery, medical imaging, diagnostics and pre-operative testing in the city’s growing northern end. Bon Secours Health Center at Harbour View, 5818 Harbour View Blvd., 673-5800.

lakEviEw mEdical cEntErSince 1906, the physicians and staff of Lakeview Medical Center have dedicated themselves to providing quality health care to the people of Suffolk and the surrounding communities. Starting as a group of three physicians desiring to provide hospital services to the local residents, Lakeview Medical Center has evolved into a multi-specialty group offering a wide range of medical specialties and services that makes Lakeview unique to Suffolk and the region. Lakeview¹s medical specialties and

services include: allergy testing and treatment, ambulatory surgery, audiology, BoToX cosmetic, gastrointestinal endoscopy, laboratory, mammography, microdermabrasion, nuclear medicine, osteoporosis screening, pulmonary function testing and radiology. There is also a full-service pharmacy on site.Lakeview Medical Center, 2000 Meade Parkway and 4868 Bridge Road (Rt. 17) in northern Suffolk; 539-0251. There are also offices in franklin and Smithfield. web: www.lakeviewmed.org.

wEStErn tidEwatEr frEE clinicThe western Tidewater free Clinic provides quality non-emergent, primary medical, mental and dental care to residents who are unable to access care through any other provider. It is now accepting eligible adult patients from franklin, Isle of wight and Southhampton counties and Suffolk Patients should be between the ages of 19 and 64. The clinic will be open on Tuesdays and Thursday from 6-9 p.m.Services will be provided by volunteer medical professionals by appointment. The facility not only will provide treatment for chronic illnesses, but also will focus on health education by providing workshops and presentations on various health issues. western Tidewater free Clinic, 2019 Meade Parkway, Suffolk; 923-1060.

Suffolk haS grEat accESS to hEalth carE

The western Tidewater free Clinic moved into a new building in the fall of 2009. The clinic, which offers free healthcare to people without access to health insurance, also added a dental wing when it moved into its new location on Meade Parkway.

A library can be a maze for some people, but Demetria Edwards knows hers like the back of her hand.

Hailing from the Blackwater Regional Library, Edwards has been the circulation manager at the North Suffolk Library since it opened in November 2004.

“It’s a way to make a difference in society,” Edwards said. “I see kids go to school and are quiet and shy and maybe a little out of place, but in the library they open a book and are in a new world.”

As the circulation manager, Edwards is responsible for the tens of thousands of books that are checked in and out.

“Last month, 18,000 books were checked out, and we have 2,300 to 3,000 in our reserves every month,” Edwards said. “My job is about get-ting them back on the shelves, where they belong.”

To the uninformed library patron, putting books back where they belong might not seem so complicated, but the job requires much more than one might think.

“We have lots of patrons here, and one might check out 75 books at once,” Edwards said. “When they bring those books back, there might only be 74, but they swear they returned

City libraries: Demetria Edwards

Keeping the books

As circulation manager at the North Suffolk Library, Demetria Edwards is in charge of keeping track and keeping organized the thousands of book at the library. In the month of June, more than 18,000 that are checked out.

26 fyi — 2010

story & photographs by Leila g. Roche

See EDWaRDS page 27

75, and you don’t want to tell them they didn’t return all of them when they say they did. Sometimes we do miss a book, but they usually find that it slipped under a seat or something.”

Her duties aren’t limited to her job description. There are only 24 employees to keep track of all the books, events and people who help make the library a great community resource.

“Every day is different,” Edwards said. “We check in books, shelve them, do whatever’s needed. If membership needs help, I go there. If the children’s area needs help, I go there. It’s about teamwork.”

Without the teamwork, Edwards said, her job would be far more difficult.

“My favorite thing about working here is working with 24 people who make it work each and every day,” Edwards said. “Some days are harder than others. We’ll have three people in the library trying to take care of everything. It’s hard trying to keep up, but we pull each other through the day.”

While things may get hectic now and then, it’s the times when she’s able to help teenagers find literature to open the doors to their imagination, talk to regular patrons and hand a child his or her first library card that bring her joy.

“Just last week, I gave a 5-year-old girl her first library card,” Edwards said. “She was so excited she had tears in her eyes.”

“Every day is different. We check in books,

shelve them, do whatever’s needed.

If membership needs help, I go there. If the children’s area needs

help, I go there. It’s about teamwork.”

Demetria eDWarDS — circulation manaGer

More than 18,000 books were checked out and up to 3,000 were put on reserve at the North Suffolk Library in June.

2010 — fyi 27

edwardscontinued from pagE 26

Numerous recreational opportunities are available in Suffolk. from boating and fishing to golf clubs and organized sports, there is something available for everyone who’s looking for a way to kick back and relax.

boat rampSbennett’s creek marina3305 fairy Road484-8700

bennett’s creek park and boat rampBennetts Creek Park Road 514-7250

fiShing StationSCity of Portsmouth-ownedLake CohoonLake KilbyLake MeadeLake Speight

city of norfolk-ownEdBurnt Mills ReservoirLake Princewestern Branch Reservoir

city of Suffolk-ownEdLone Star Lakes Crumps Mill Pond

Boat permits are required from each respective city and can be obtained from the Suffolk Visitor Center. Call 514-4130 for more information.

golf courSESnansemond river Golf club1000 Hillpoint Blvd.539-4356 www.nansemondrivergolfclub.com

suffolk Golf course1227 Holland Road539-6298

sleepy hole Golf course4700 Sleepy Hole Road538-4100 www.sleepyholegolfcourse.com

cedar point club8056 Clubhouse Drive238-3554 www.cedarpointcountryclub.com Golfers must be members or the guest of a member

riverfront Golf club, LLc5200 River Club Drivewww.riverfrontgolf.com

hEalth clubSAnytime fitness2999 Corporate Lane809-3116

suffolk family ymca2769 Godwin Boulevard 934-9622

marinaSbennett’s creek marina3305 fairy Road484-8700

brady’s marina3464 Godwin Boulevard539-8221

constant’s Wharf park & marina110 East Constance Road514-7250

nEighborhood parkSBelleville Meadows Playground, on Plummer Boulevard, offers a playground facility, with tot lot, and basketball court.

Coulbourn Park, on East Constance Road, has playground equipment and a picnic shelter. Park is open year-round.

Holland Park, on Holland Road, has three picnic tables, playground equipment for ages 1-12 and benches.

Ida Easter Park, on Brook Avenue, offers a basketball playing area, playground and picnic area. Park is open year-round.

John f. Kennedy Park, at John f. Kennedy Middle School, features newly constructed, lighted athletic fields, as well as indoor facilities.

Joyner Park, on Holladay Street, offers two outdoor basketball courts.Lake Kennedy Park, on Blythewood Lane, offers a large playground facility, basketball court and

an open field for various forms of recreation, including softball, volleyball and soccer.

Lakeside Park Tot Lot, on Maryland Avenue, offers a playground area for preschool-age children.

Magnolia Park, on Brookwood Drive, offers a neighborhood park with a playground and multi-purpose open field.

Mary Estes Playground, on Dill Road, offers a playground facility with a basketball court, picnic area and shelters.

Planters Park, on Carolina Road, features a playground, ball field and ¼-mile running track.

Pughsville Park, on Townpoint Road, offers a picnic shelter, gravel walking track and playground.

Turlington Park, on Lawson Circle, offers a neighborhood playground facility.

Tynes Street Playground, on Tynes Street, offers a neighborhood playground facility.

wellons Park, on Pender Street, is used as a softball and baseball complex.

The city’s parks are open sunrise to sunset, and closed sunset to sunrise (unless otherwise posted). Alcohol, fireworks, illegal substances and activities prohibited. Guests must use litter receptacles, and all pets must be on a leash. Removal of dog waste is required, and plants and wildlife are to be undisturbed. for more information on the parks, call 514-7250.

Suffolk parkS and rEcrEationThe Suffolk Parks & Recreation Department’s mission is to provide an exceptional system of parks and recreational facilities with quality and diverse programming that promotes healthy and active living to the citizens of Suffolk. The administrative officers are located at 134 S. Sixth St. Call 514-4500 for more information about facilities or services.

recreation centers & cultural centersBooker T. washington Recreation Center204 walnut St.514-7247creekside recreation center1000 Bennett’s Creek Park Road514-7245

Travis Johnson of Nansemond River High School reads a putt during a high school match at Nansemond River Golf Course. Suffolk boasts five 18-hole golf courses.

rEcrEational activitiES28 fyi — 2010

See RECREaTION page 29

East suffolk recreation center138 S. Sixth St.Suffolk, VA 23434514-4500

king’s fork recreation center350 Kings fork Road514-7244

mack benn recreation center1253 Nansemond Parkway514-7248

northern shores recreation center6701 Respass Beach Road514-7249

oakland recreation center5505 Godwin Blvd.514-7246

suffolk museum118 Bosley Ave.514-7284

suffolk center for cultural arts110 w. finney Ave.923-0003

Whaleyville community center6213 whaleyville Blvd.986-3556

Suffolk parkSbennett’s creek parkBennett’s Creek Park offers two free boat ramps that access the Nansemond River, a playground, tennis courts, restrooms, three covered shelters that can be reserved for use, a nature trail, open fields, a fishing and crabbing pier with handicap accessible features, a disc golf course and a skate park.

constant’s Wharf park & marinaConstant’s wharf Public Park and Marina features 12 acres of well-maintained lawns and a 25-slip marina and also is within walking distance to the Suffolk Historic District.

Lone star LakesLone Star Lakes is a 1,063-acre wilderness park that offers 11 lakes for freshwater fishing, nature trails for hiking, picnic areas with tables and grills, a playground, a four-mile horse trail for horseback riding, an archery range, a model airplane flying field, a fishing and crabbing pier and shoreline fishing areas.

sleepy hole parkSleepy Hole Park is a 66-acre park with 12 picnic

shelters, children’s playground, restrooms, open space, trails and 12 official horseshoe courts with walkways that include a handicap court.

Lake meade parkLake Meade Park, located behind the farm fresh on North Main Street, features an expansive playground with equipment for toddlers, children, pre-teens and teenagers, shelters that can be rented for use and the Howard D. Mast Tennis Center.

youth SportSbennett’s creek football associationContact: Mike Bowles, 513-6363, or Jim Hibbs, 375-2110www.bennettscreekfootball.com

inner city athletic associationContact: frederick Greene, 323-4953, or David Baker, 539-9407

downtown athletic associationContact: Steve Eley, 714-6077 or 539-0900

bennett’s creek Little LeagueContact: Jennifer Lozano, 714-3742, or frank Ittel, 232-3471www.bennettscreek.org

holland athletic associationContact: Les Matthews, 539-4056, or Pam fay, 657-9970, or Tommy Edwards, 539-1175, or Dennis Vann, 539-4992, or David west, 657-6823www.hollandathleticassociation.com

Ebenezer umc associationContact: Connie Schau, 238-2359www.ebenezerchurch.net

suffolk youth athletic associationContact: Stacy Pauley (soccer), 328-3155, or Jill wentzel (soccer), 535-1021, or Geoff Payne, 651-7367, or Susan Quier (field hockey), 620-9598, or Dave Taylor, 679-0835www.suffolksyaa.com

suffolk starsContact: Gregory Rountree, 337-0822

virginia Extreme forceContact: Janice Scopa, 757-242-3207

suffolk tennis associationContact: Harry Cross, [email protected], or wendell waller, 242-3207

hampton roads Lacrosse (suffolk)Contact: Jim Standing, 377-7284

suffolk family ymca2769 Godwin Blvd.934-9622

Robie walton casts a line into Bennett’s Creek from the pier at Bennett’s Creek Park on friday afternoon. walton said he had caught no fish, but he didn’t seem deterred by his lack of success under sunny skies full of puffy summer clouds.

2010 — fyi 29

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recreationcontinued from pagE 28

finding one’s calling in life can be an arduous journey of self-exploration, sacrifices

and trial and error. For Suffolk Fire and Rescue Capt.

Steve Johnson, his call to service was clear all along.

“It’s been in my family for years,” Johnson said. “It’s in my blood.”

Johnson’s father was a firefighter for 24 years, and his uncle has been serving in the fire department for more than 30 years.

“I was 19, and I had already grad-uated and it hit me — Why am I not doing what my family has been doing all along?” Johnson said.

Today, after more than 15 years with the Suffolk Fire Department, Johnson says he has never regretted his decision.

“I can’t get enough of the fire service,” he said.

Johnson, a Lakeland High School graduate, said serving the commu-nity he grew up in has been one of the greatest perks of the job.

“I’m happy to be able to help the city I grew up in,” Johnson said. “We want to make people living in Suffolk enjoy life in Suffolk. I see people that I went to school with, and I am able to help them — help make a good thing out of a bad thing. It’s just a reward of this profession.”

While Johnson considers serving

Suffolk fire and Rescue: Capt. Steve Johnson

fighting fireas a family

Capt. Steve Johnson followed in his father’s and uncle’s footsteps when he answered the call to serve in the Suffolk fire Department. He has been in the department for more than 15 years, since the age of 19.

30 fyi — 2010

story by Lauren Wicksphotograph by Tracy agnew

See JOHNSON page 31

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the community a reward, he also points to the people he serves alongside as an additional benefit.

“I love being around my crew,” Johnson said. “We have five-day breaks, and I find that on the third day on a five-day break, I’m ready to go back just to see everybody. It’s another family to me.”

Given the physical and emotional stresses inherent in running round-the-clock calls to-gether, Johnson said the department learns to adapt together.

“People think that we’re at the station playing checkers and cards or sleeping all day, and that’s not the case,” Johnson said. “To explain what we go through every night, I tell people to have someone else set your alarm clock. Then, when that alarm goes off, put some new clothes on, run around your house five times and then come back and try to fall asleep. It really is a stressful job and a lot of work, but I enjoy working with my crew, and our department is a tight family.”

That family provides a crucial service to the men and women of Suf-folk.

Since the early ‘90s, Suffolk officials have required that firefighters be trained emergency medical technicians, as well.

“Back in the day, the only thing we had in the truck was a first aid kit,” Johnson said. “Now, there aren’t many fire trucks without a paramedic on board.”

Johnson himself takes pride that the department has prepared fire-fighters to be comprehensive emergency responders.

“The average age of our firefighter is 33 to 34,” Johnson said. “We’ve got young, aggressive firefighters and officers, and you have some of the best trained medical personnel coming to your aid. It’s just a reward that there are a lot of people that know they can call 911, and we’re coming to your aid and we’re going to take care of you.”

For more information about the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Department, visit www.suffolk.va.us/fire/.

“To explain what we go through every night, I tell people to have

someone else set your alarm clock. Then, when that alarm goes off, put some new clothes on, run around

your house five times and then come back and try to fall asleep. It really is a stressful job and a lot of work, but I enjoy working with my crew, and our

department is a tight family.”capt. Steve JohnSon — Suffolk fire anD reScue

2010 — fyi 31johnsoncontinued from pagE 30

most people visit-ing the Suffolk municipal center

would never suspect that a television station is operat-ing on the second floor.

Most people sitting in on a City Council meeting or Planning Commission meeting would never fully appreciate the live broadcast that was being beamed to thousands of Suffolk homes.

And, visiting Tim Kel-ley’s office at the municipal center, most folks would be shocked to learn all that work — and much more — is done with such a small staff.

Kelley, a native of Baton Rouge, La., has been with the city of Suffolk as video production coordinator since December 2003. He has seen dramatic changes in the department since his first day.

“The biggest change has been taking everything from tape to digital,” Kelley said, looking around his office. The crowded room just off Council Chambers doubles as an editing bay, digital storage archive and produc-

production Coordinator: Tim Kelley

Getting the word out

Suffolk’s Video Production Coordinator Tim Kelley brings experience from his years in the broadcast journalism field to his role running the city’s municipal channel.


See kELLEY page 33

32 fyi — 2010

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Suffolk’s Video Production Coordinator is a native of Baton Rouge, La. and graduated from Louisiana State university with a degree in broadcast journalism.

tion facility. “And, since then, we have just about replaced and upgraded every piece of our equipment.”

Kelley, who graduated from Louisiana State University in 1991 with a degree in broadcast journalism, worked as a sports director and station manager dur-ing his journalism career.

Before coming to Suffolk, he worked at television stations in Morgan City, La., Panama City, Fla., and Southern Pines, N.C.

“I felt this was a great opportunity in a great city,” Kelley said about his decision to leave jour-nalism and join government work.

Kelley’s job keeps him extremely busy. In ad-dition to all the engineering and administrative work it takes to run Channel 8, he produces, videotapes and edits programs on special events and the “On the Scene” segment.

He also records and broadcasts City Council, Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals meetings. In addition, he oversees the technical operations of the city’s television studio, and creates public service announcements for departments and events.

In addition to his work with the city’s station, Kelley helps coordinate content on the city’s website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Nixle accounts. Combined, Kelley said, the city’s vari-ous media and social networking outlets communicate information daily with thousands of Suffolk residents.

“It’s a lot,” Kelley said. “But, it’s exciting to be a part of a city that is still growing and has plenty of stuff happening.”

“The biggest change has been taking

everything from tape to digital. And, since then,

we have just about replaced and upgraded

every piece of our equipment.”tim kelley — viDeo proDuction coorDinator

2010 — fyi 33kelleycontinued from pagE 32

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Established in 1848, Chowan University serves as a cultural center through a richhistory of arts, athletics and academics.

In 2010, Chowan University begins another new chapter, with our School of Graduate Studies masters degree program.

Chowan University is using its 160-year Christian heritage as the foundation to build a better future for the next generation.

city adminiStrationManagement of the largest city in Virginia requires an organized government body. for Suffolk, this means operating under the council/manager form of government with an elected, eight-member City Council that sets city policy.Seven council members represent the seven boroughs of the city: Chuckatuck, Cypress, Holy Neck, Nansemond, Sleepy Hole, Suffolk and whaleyville. Citizens directly elected Suffolk’s mayor for the first time in the city’s history in 2008, electing Linda T. Johnson. Her term lasts until the end of 2012. The Suffolk City Council meets twice a month, the first and third wednesdays, at the Municipal Building, 441 Market St. Generally, the Council holds a work session in the mid-afternoon before each meeting. To assure citizens get to express their concerns, residents can sign up to speak during early or late appearances at the meeting. Residents can call the city clerk at 514-4018 to sign up to speak.City Manager Selena Cuffee-Glenn is charged with implementing policies and procedures adopted by the Suffolk City Council.As the chief executive officer of the city, Cuffee-Glenn takes care of the day-to-day business with the help of her staff.The city of Suffolk also has constitutional officers, who are chiefly employed for the city by the state. These officers include the sheriff, the treasurer, the clerk of Suffolk Circuit Court, the commonwealth’s attorney and commissioner of the revenue.

tax rEvEnuEPersonal property taxes on automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, trailers, boats, recreational vehicles and airplanes in the city are assessed by the Commissioner of the Revenue. The taxes are prorated on a monthly basis. The tax rate, as set by the Suffolk City Council, varies according to property type. The due date

for personal property taxes is Dec. 5.Real estate taxes vary by district.Land and buildings in the city of Suffolk are assessed by the city real estate assessor at 100 percent of fair market value in accordance with state law. Suffolk enjoys one of the lowest real estate tax rates of any major city in Hampton Roads at a base rate of 91 cents per $100 of assessed value. Rates vary in special taxing districts.Real estate taxes are due on Dec. 5 and June 5.

city on thE wEbfor more information on Suffolk’s history, government, transportation and industry, check out the city’s website: www.suffolk.va.us.Also, the city airs municipal events, information and meetings on its local cable station, Channel 8. City Council meetings air live, and also stream live on the web at the city’s web site. Meetings since June 17, 2009, also are archived for reference at any time.The city’s administrative offices are located in the Municipal Building, 441 Market St. The mailing address is P.o. Box 1858, Suffolk, VA 23439. The main phone number is 514-4000. The e-mail address is: [email protected]

city managErThe City Manager directs the general operation of the city government in order to meet the needs of citizens in accordance with policies established by City Council.Selena Cuffee-Glenn, 514-4012

dEputy city managErThe Deputy City Manager directs, manages and oversees the day-to-day and long-range activities of the development

Capt. James T. Judkins, the emergency management coordinator for the city, looks at flood zone maps near the start of the 2010 hurricane season. He is in charge of preparing the city for a variety of potential natural and manmade disasters.

Suffolk city govErnmEnt34 fyi — 2010

See gOVERNMENT page 35

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departments in order to meet the needs of the community in accordance with policies established by City Council. These departments include planning, public utilities, economic development and tourism.Patrick Roberts, 514-4007

chiEf of StaffThe Chief of Staff promotes and evaluates efficiency, accountability and responsiveness within city departments. Sherry C. Hunt, 514-4011

city attornEyThe City Attorney is the chief legal adviser of the city, the City Manager and all departments, directors, commissioners and agencies of the city in all matters in the interest of the city.C. Edward Roettger Jr., 514-7130

othEr city adminiStrationBudget and Strategic Planning, Anne Seward, 514-4006Capital Programs and Buildings, Gerry Jones, 514-4030City Assessor, Sid Daughtrey, 514-7475City Clerk, Erika S. Dawley, 514-4018Economic Development, Kevin Hughes, 514-4043Emergency Management Coordinator, Capt. James T. Judkins, 514-7586 finance, Dale walker, 514-7500fire Chief, Mark R. outlaw, 514-7530Health, Dr. Nancy welch, acting director, 514-4700Human Resources, Ronnie Charles, 514-4120

Information Technology, 514-7241 Library, Elliott A. Drew, 514-7323Media and Community Relations, Debbie George, 514-4102Parks & Recreation, Lakita frazier, 514-7250Planning and Community Development, D. Scott Mills, 514-4060Police Chief, Thomas E. Bennett, 514-7900Public utilities, Albert S. Moor II, 514-7000Public works, Eric T. Nielsen, 514-4355 Social Services, Leonard Horton, 514-7450Tourism, Lynette white, 514-4130

conStitutional officErSclerk of the circuit courtThe Clerk of the Circuit Court is an elected position and serves as support for Circuit Court judges, maintains city records and provides specific services to citizens.The Clerk’s office is where you may obtain a marriage license, hunting or fishing license or a passport. You may record documents such as real estate deeds, plats or wills, or purchase a city map. It is also a good place to conduct genealogical research.The Clerk’s office is located at the Godwin Courts Building, 150 N. Main St., first floor.w. Randolph Carter Jr., 514-7800

commissioner of the revenueThe purpose of the office of the Commissioner of the Revenue is to assess all personal property; issue city business licenses; conduct special tax audits; audit state income tax returns; and collect state income taxes.The Commissioner of the Revenue’s office is located in the Municipal Building, 441 Market St. A satellite office is also located inside the North Suffolk Public Library, on Bennett’s Creek Park Road.

Thomas A. Hazelwood, 514-4260

commonwealth’s attorneyThe Commonwealth’s Attorney’s main duties are the prosecution of all criminal cases arising under the criminal code of Virginia that were committed in the city of Suffolk. In addition, this office has a welfare fraud Division that investigates and prosecutes welfare frauds involving state and federally funded programs.The Commonwealth Attorney’s office is located in the Godwin Courts Building, 150 N. Main St.C. Phillips ferguson, 514-4365

sheriffThe Sheriff’s Department assigns bailiffs to the Circuit and General District Courts for security. The Civil Process Section provides for the serving of court documents, such as subpoenas, levies, and warrants.The sheriff’s office is located in the Godwin Courts Building, 150 N. Main St.Raleigh H. Isaacs Sr., 514-7840

treasurerThe City Treasurer is responsible for receiving, accounting for and maintaining custody of all monies paid to the city. The Treasurer’s office collects all fees, assessments and taxes for the city as required by state and local codes. The office also sells dog licenses and bicycle licenses.The Treasurer’s office is located in the Municipal Building, 441 Market St. A satellite office is located in the North Suffolk Public Library, on Bennett’s Creek Park Road. Ronald H. williams, 514-4275

firE and rEScuE SErvicESThe mission of the Suffolk Department of fire

and Rescue is to prevent fires from occurring through world-class fire prevention and public education programs; reduce life and property loss through rapid response and the use of world-class suppression techniques; and provide advanced emergency medical care efficiently by maintaining high levels of training.There are five components to the Suffolk Department of fire and Rescue: Administration, fire/EMS operations, fire Prevention/Public Education, Emergency Services, and Special operations.4Emergency, 9114Emergency Management, 514-75864Headquarters, 514-75304fire Marshal, 514-75304Nansemond-Suffolk Volunteer Rescue Squad, 539-68704Driver Volunteer fire Department, 538-05194Chuckatuck Volunteer fire Department, 255-42404whaleyville Volunteer fire Department, 986-33004Holland Volunteer fire Department, 377-6178

policEuntil 1858, the sheriff of Nansemond County was charged with patrolling the county and the town of Suffolk, as well. when the town was issued a charter, a town sergeant was hired, and the position remained in effect until Suffolk became a city in 1910. After that, the city appointed a chief of police.The police department’s administrative headquarters are at Henley Place, formerly 120 N. wellons St. It was renamed in 2008 in honor of the late officer Drew Henley, who died in the line of duty in 2005.4Emergency, 9114Non-emergency, 923-2350

2010 — fyi 35

governmentcontinued from pagE 34

Scott Bisciotti commanded troops during the early days of Operation Iraqi Freedom

as the 1st Armored Division pushed its way to Baghdad.

Now, the retired Army officer is making a push in the business world, leading Command Post Technologies, a small company that is finding its footing serving the Armed Forces in the training and simulation industry.

“We are simply in our infancy,” Bisciotti said. “We were fortunate to have a good first year, but we are just putting the foundations in place. There is a lot more work ahead of us.”

Surrounded by similar com-panies, and those in the growing modeling and simulation industry, Bisciotti’s operation is run out of a simple one-room office at the Virginia Modeling and Simulation Center (VMASC) hosted by Old Dominion University in North Suffolk.

“As an incubator, this gives us — as a start-up — the chance to have a place to call home and facilities that if needed we can hold meetings and make great use of these facilities,” Bisciotti said.

Command Post Technologies, which provides training and simula-tion programs for troops deploy-ing to missions around the world,

Suffolk Industry: Scott Bisciotti

Start-up finds home in Suffolk

Scott Bisciotti, with Command Post Technologies, marked his company’s one-year anniversary in December. “we are simply in our infancy,” Bisciotti said. “we were fortunate to have a good first year, but we are just putting the foundations in place. There is a lot more work ahead of us.”


See bISCIOTTI page 37

36 fyi — 2010

came out of Bisciotti’s desire to enter the business world using experience from his 20-year service in the Army.

“The men and women in the armed services don’t train like we did 20 years ago,” Bisciotti said. “It is much more fast-paced and the training has to meet that pace.”

The Columbus, Ohio native, who graduated from the Citadel and then received his MBA from Syracuse, now resides in Suffolk with his wife, Jennifer, and 2-year-old son, Julian.

“Suffolk has proven to be a good fit for this industry to develop because of this modeling and simulation center and the ability to be near the war fighters and operators our training is designed for,” Bisciotti said.

Bisciotti and his employ-ees did nothing to celebrate the company’s first anniver-sary in December — and didn’t even realize it until questioned about it.

“You know, we didn’t,” Bisciotti said, obviously thinking of the work that remains. “We might do something to mark the second anniversary.”

“As an incubator, this gives us — as a start-up — the chance to have a place to call home

and facilities that if needed we can hold meetings and make

great use of these facilities.”Scott BiSciotti — commanD poSt technoloGieS

whether it is used for training doctors through virtual surgery, training the military through virtual warfare or training students through virtual and 3-D modeling, the modeling and simulation industry is at the forefront of the technology that is changing Suffolk.

2010 — fyi 37

bisciotticontinued from pagE 36

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Just To Mention A Few of Our Services:

Some people like to specialize. Charles Meek is not one of them.

The 36-year-old currently works as Suffolk’s budget and strategic planning manager, but he’s done almost everything when it comes to city government.

Meek received a degree in history and political science at Bridgewater College and took a class while there in state and local government.

“That kind of piqued my inter-est,” Meek said recently.

He then went on to graduate school at James Madison Univer-sity, where the town of Shenan-doah recruited him for an intern-ship. Little did Meek know that internship would lead him to the position of assistant town manager there.

However, his home region of Hampton Roads was calling his name, so he moved back in 2003 and took a job in Suffolk city gov-ernment, in what was then called management services.

While there, he truly earned his “jack of all trades” description. He helped start the city’s workforce development center, helped pull in Community Development Block Grant funding and even oversaw the interior renovation of part of city hall.

“He is a jack of all trades,” Bud-get and Strategic Planning director Anne Seward said. “He has done so many things.”

Budget & Strategic planning: Charles meek

A jackof all trades

Charles Meek, right, listens to budget office director Anne Seward explain a cost-cutting initiative.

38 fyi — 2010


See MEEk page 39

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Meek eventually moved to the budget office, where he now helps prepare the city’s budget, project revenues and expenses, develop the capital improvements plan and compile the city’s annual statistical digest.

“I have to say that every day is a little bit different,” Meek said. “While we have things we do on a routine basis, we have special things we get involved in.”

For Meek, the most challeng-ing part of the job is creating a budget around ever-changing revenue projections, particularly those coming from Richmond.

“The last two to three years have really given me an eye-opener on how to build sound budgets and fiscal policy,” Meek said. “Our revenue from the state, we get changing informa-tion about those dollars on a daily basis.”

Seward said Meek’s historical knowledge of the city has come in handy.

“He’s been here,” she said. “He’s able to step back and look at all of that collectively. He’s my right hand.”

Meek’s other job is keeping up with 2-year-old twins at home. Oc-casionally, he gets to play golf.

“I have to say that every day is a little bit

different. While we have things we do on

a routine basis, we have special things we

get involved in.”charleS meek — Suffolk’S BuDGet

anD StrateGic planninG manaGer

meekcontinued from pagE 38

Residential Appraisal: maria Skinner

making tough assessments

maria Skinner has one of the more difficult jobs in the city.

Skinner, a 22-year veteran of working for Suffolk, is the resi-dential appraisal supervisor. With six appraisers under her direction, Skinner is the one taxpayers call when they don’t like their assess-ment and don’t like the answer they got from the appraiser who handled their property.

“The challenging part is when I have to tell them what they don’t want to hear,” Skinner said. “It’s trying to get them to understand why it is what it is, and why you can’t change that. They’re irate because they realize it’s not going to change.”

Skinner came to the real estate assessor’s office from another posi-tion in data entry and as a transfer clerk. The real estate world always fascinated her, she said.

“I’ve always been interested in real estate, as far as seeing what’s out there,” she said.

Skinner’s typical day is relatively quiet, she said. There is paperwork to be done and reports to complete.

However, all that changes shortly after assessment notices are mailed to taxpayers.

“I try to answer any questions they have,” Skinner said of resi-dents who call. “The best part is

Maria Skinner, left, residential appraisal supervisor, talks with appraiser Shawanee Cooley about a taxpayer’s property.

40 fyi — 2010


See SkINNER page 41

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“I try to answer any questions they have. The best part

is actually being able to assist the

citizens.”maria Skinner — Suffolk’S BuDGet

anD StrateGic planninG manaGer

actually being able to assist the citizens.”Skinner helps taxpayers who qualify to

apply for assistance programs to help reduce their tax bill, and sometimes she even has to moderate fights between neighbors.

“They base it on what their neighbors have,” Skin-ner said. Some taxpayers try to contrast their own home with their neighbors’ to reduce their tax burden.

“They say, ‘Well, my house is not as good as theirs,’” Skinner said. In addition to square footage, assessments also are based on such fac-tors as flooring, age of the home and more.

“If they make that com-plaint, we do have to check it out,” she said.

When she’s not at work in the office or in the field, Skinner enjoys bowling and spending time with her husband and two sons, ages 19 and 11.

2010 — fyi 41

skinnercontinued from pagE 40

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Suffolk has a strong and diverse faith community. Below is a listing of some of Suffolk’s many churches. Every effort was made to include everyone. If your church was left out, make sure to let us know at 539-3437 so we can include it next year.

african mEthodiSt EpiScopalmacedonia amE church127 Pine St.539-4502

saint mark’s amE Zion church817 McKinley Ave.539-5560

apoStolicfaith temple apostolic church476 wellons St.934-2735

aSSEmbly of godbethel assembly of God church8904 S. Quay Road657-6188

baptiStdiamond Grove baptist church6890 Crittenden Road255-4770

West End baptist church105 Saint James Ave.539-8771

saint paul baptist church806 Lincoln Ave.539-9692

first baptist church112 Mahan St.539-6623

new hope baptist church4260 Pughsville Road484-8939

new first baptist church1105 Hosier Road934-0833

Liberty baptist church116 Romans Road

539-3511

Great fork baptist church180 Great fork Road986-4185

Little Grove baptist church6320 old Town Point Road484-4496

oak Grove baptist church2635 E. washington St.539-8012

Greater first baptist church orlando600 factory St.539-0032

Wilroy baptist church306 williams Road539-5658

first baptist church – suffolk237 N. Main St.539-4152

first baptist church — mahan street112 Mahan St.539-6623

nansemond river baptist church2896 Bridge Road484-3423

West suffolk baptist church2400 Holland Road

705-5431

missouri baptist church2020 Lake Cohoon Road934-1176

Little mount Zion baptist church3288 Pruden Blvd.539-1991

East End baptist church523 E. washington St.539-3324

southside baptist church917 Carolina Road539-6629

Photo by James Bielmann/James Bielmann Photography

St. John’s Episcopal Church, pictured here, and one-time sister church, Glebe Episcopal, are the area’s two oldest churches, dating their history to the 17th century.

42 fyi — 2010

local churchES

See CHURCHES page 43

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palm tree baptist church8165 whaleyville Blvd.986-4303

pleasant union baptist church215 webb St.539-0367

mount sinai baptist church6100 Holy Neck Road657-6212

hillcrest baptist church1637 Holland Road539-8801

olive branch baptist church5200 Milners Road255-7348

crosspointe freewill baptist church100 E. Constance Road923-9059

Gethsemane baptist church1656 Copeland Road539-5894

canaan baptist church2064 Nansemond Parkway538-1841

sixth street baptist church324 Goodman St.539-6629

holland baptist church6519 Holland Road657-2424

Little bethel baptist church6533 Everets Road255-4945

healing chapel baptist church2375 Godwin Blvd.934-0527

macedonia baptist church8300 Crittenden Road238-2562

metropolitan baptist church125 County St.539-2696

mineral springs baptist church4849 Mineral Spring Road986-3994

catholicst. mary of the presentation catholic church202 S. Broad St.539-5732

chriStianopen door church816 Kings fork Road934-2671Greater sweet beulah holiness church137 Maple St.539-9535

new paul’s temple holiness church of deliverance720 Hosier Road539-0498

Word and spirit Worship center

1607 Bridge Road729-9712

new mount Joy food for Living ministries307 County St.539-2931

new Life suffolk540 E. Constance Road539-7001faith house of refuge461 E. washington St.538-0808

berea christian church4109 Driver Lane538-8872

bethlehem christian church

1549 Holland Road539-4274

bethlehem christian church312 Bute St.539-1167

Liberty spring christian church4213 whaleyville Blvd.986-4403mount Zion christian church9061 Eclipse Drive238-2477

oakland christian church5641 Godwin Blvd.255-4353

Photo by James Bielmann/James Bielmann Photography

The Rev. Ross f. Keener, Rector at Glebe Episcopal, stands within the church located on Nansemond Parkway.

2010 — fyi 43

See CHURCHES page 44

saint John christian church1226 white Marsh Road925-4885

suffolk christian church216 N. Main St.539-9182

tabernacle christian church2500 E. washington St.539-7257trinity christian church128 franklin St.539-7275

church of God in christSaint Mary’s CoGIC3636 Nansemond Parkway538-0155

Gates of heaven coGic112 Beech St.539-3856

EpiScopalst. paul’s Episcopal church213 N. Main St.539-2478

Glebe Episcopal church

4400 Nansemond Parkway538-8842

saint John’s Episcopal church 828 Kings Highway255-4168

saint mark Episcopal church140 Tynes St.934-0830

friEndS (QuakEr)somerton friends meeting 5239 Quaker Drive539-6574

lattEr-day SaintSthe church of Jesus christ of Latter-day saints4759 Bennetts Pasture Road538-9218

luthEranfaith Lutheran church2730 Bridge Road686-0468

mEthodiStEbenezer united methodist church1589 Steeple Drive238-2359

main street united methodist church202 N. Main St.539-8751

magnolia united methodist church1764 wilroy Road 538-8552

oxford methodist church 601 w. washington St.539-8253

providence united methodist church3105 Providence Road539-9582

somerton united methodist church8610 whaleyville Blvd.810-9397

virginia korean united methodist church 5701 Lee farm Lane484-5988Whaleyville united methodist church6312 whaleyville Blvd.986-4587

Wesley chapel united methodist church220 Kings Highway

255-2259

beech Grove united methodist church4245 Driver Lane538-8353

pEntEcoStalsuffolk pentecostal church100 Kilby Shores Drive539-1096

rising saint James pentecostal holiness church201 N. Sixth St.539-7026

prESbytEriansuffolk presbyterian church410 N. Broad St.539-3213

Westminster reformed presbyterian church3488 Godwin Blvd.539-0540

saint andrew presbyterian church 1885 Bridge Road238-3550

reformed Zion union apostolicSaint Paul RZuA Church615 Spruce St.539-2742

SEvEnth-day advEntiStcapernaum seventh-day adventist church314 York St.934-3518

SynagoguEtemple beth El 3927 Bridge Road484-3926

unitEd church of chriStfaith temple apostolic476 wellons St.934-2735

mount ararat christian united church of christ1860 Airport Road934-0986

Galatians united church of christ2320 Manning Road934-0897

holland united church of christ6733 S. Quay Road657-6681

Laurel hill united church of christ8001 S. Quay Road657-6234

antioch united church of christ900 Hull Ave.539-0667

corinth chapel united church of christ7945 Corinth Chapel Road569-9367

Zion united church of christ5200 Quaker Road934-0223

Diamond Grove Baptist Church, located on Crittenden Road, is one of dozens of places of worship in Suffolk.

44 fyi — 2010

Bill Reid loved all things England. He loved the countryside, the people and the tradition. He enjoyed the pageantry of the country and the symbolism in much of its culture.

The longtime Suffolk businessman made many trips to England and conveyed his passion to many of his friends in his hometown.

“He loved England. He really loved going there,” G.S. “Pistol” Hobbs recalled. “It really was a passion.”

It was Reid’s knowledge of England’s traditions and culture that led him — as president of the Suffolk Rotary Club — to start a project in the late 1970s aimed at providing a symbol that would help unify the two communities that recently had become the city of Suffolk.

Unifying symbolWhen the former county of Nansemond and city of Suffolk

merged into Virginia’s largest city in 1974, some felt a “symbol” was needed to help ease the transition from separate communities into one large city.

That symbol proved to be a mace.According to “The Suffolk Mace” booklet written by Patrick J.

Coffield — which details the history of the mace, its reason for be-ing created and the process of designing it — the “new symbol was needed to tie the two former cities (Nansemond and Suffolk) to-gether and to develop a sense of civic pride for the consolidated city.”

It was not until July 7, 1978, that the Suffolk City Council passed a resolution ordering the mace’s production. But the goal was to use no city funds in the mace’s production and to have an outside com-mittee help design and coordinate the work.

“The City Council felt that the mace should be developed and given to the citizens of Suffolk at no cost in local tax dollars,” the booklet reads.

As part of the resolution, the city challenged the Suffolk Rotary Club “to take this on as a civic project.”

Then serving as the club’s president, Reid more than happily agreed to the task and created a Mace Committee to help coordinate the construction efforts. The club agreed to underwrite the total cost of developing the mace and “made it possible that this symbol could be a true gift to the citizens of Suffolk, Virginia.”

Those joining Reid on the Mace Committee were G. Robert House Jr., Harry Pettit and Hiram O. Ward.

History of macesThough it once was a weapon for warfare and hunting, the mace

grew to represent power and pride in an English township.Under the direction of the English House of Commons in the 17th

unifying symbol

2010 — fyi 45

story by Tim Reevesphotograph by James bielmann

See SYMbOL page 46

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century, guidelines were created to better direct the design of maces in a specific “forme and patterne.”

The Suffolk mace follows these guidelines and is representative of those maces created in England after the House of Commons’ decision in 1648.

Its creationAfter the City Council’s endorsement

of the mace plan in June 1978, the Suffolk Rotary Club’s mace committee researched different styles and concepts in an effort to best represent Suffolk.

Organizers settled on a design similar to that of the mace of Ipswich, England — located in Suffolk County.

According to the Suffolk Rotary Yearbook, the design was “altered slightly with the addition of the City Seal of Suffolk, Virginia, in the top.”

The club also selected a London silversmith to create the mace. The fin-ished product stood 40 inches tall and weighed nearly 10 pounds.

Although the cost of the finished

product could not be verified, the club fulfilled the goal of not using taxpayer dollars in the mace’s construction.

Description of the Suffolk MaceBelow is the complete description of

the mace as it appears in “The Suffolk Mace” booklet:

“The head of the Suffolk mace,

which is supported by simple scroll brackets, is in the form of an open arched crown with an orb and cross lying on its top. The bowl is embossed and divided into panels by winged and armless female terminals enduring in acanthus foliage, each panel contain-ing the crowned emblems of England, France, Scotland, and Ireland on a field of pounced circles. The Seal of the City of Suffolk is on top of the crown directly beneath the orb and cross. The seal is represented by a design formed within two circles. Directly above the inner circle are the words ‘Nansemond 1646’ and ‘Suffolk 1742.’ Surrounding the lower portion of the inner circle are the words ‘City of Suffolk, Virginia.’ The design of the inner circle consists of four sections representing Suffolk’s past and present. The upper right is a bust of Captain John Smith, typifying the history of the City; the lower right is a factory, typifying the City’s strong industrial economy and the lower left is a fisherman, typifying the great opportunity for recreation in the City; and in the upper left is a tractor, barn, and corn stalks, typifying the City’s longstanding ties with agriculture. A peanut is located in the center of the

seal, signifying the importance of the peanut in the economy of Suffolk. The coronet around the top of the crown is elaborately embellished with small crosses and fleur-de-lis and under the crown are the Royal Arms. The shaft is chased throughout with roses and thistles and the dividing knobs with acanthus leaves.”

Presentation and current homeDuring a Ladies’ Night meeting

on May 10, 1979, Reid’s project was complete as he presented the finished mace to the city. The event, held at the National Guard Armory, featured former Governor Mills Godwin Jr. as the special guest.

The event featured a five-man honor guard, dressed in colonial British uni-forms, carrying the mace in its first of-ficial showing. Three Rotarians, dressed in colonial attire, distributed copies of the 1742 charter of the Town of Suffolk to Rotarians and miniature replicas of the Suffolk Mace to the ladies present.

As for her reaction to the mace, Reid’s daughter Connie Happel was understandably biased.

“I think it is beautiful,” Happel said. “He really took a lot of pride in it.”

46 fyi — 2010

symbolcontinued from pagE 45

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2010 FYI Suffolk, Va