The Norfolk Zone Go ahead - Get Comfortable!

Norfolk Convention & Visitors Bureau Newsletter | Spring Edition 2009

The Norfolk Zone Go ahead - Get Comfortable!

Imagine dark gray clouds lingering above a pristine blue lake. Most people would take this somewhat eerie scene as caution for an imminent rain storm. Envision walking or driving on a small bridge surrounded by a beautiful landscape of trees, a lake, green grass and a summery blue sky. Some people would cross the bridge and not even observe the gorgeous scenery.

Ray Hershberger wouldn’t overlook these seemingly ordinary vistas. He would capture the beauty of the moment with his camera, and later on, recreate the image with his paint brush. Something he’s been doing ever since he can remember.

Hershberger, a resident artist at d’Art Center where the public can view working artists create artwork in lampwork glass, painting, photography, pottery, mixed media and more, creates most of his artwork from the local scene – realistic landscapes some people may take for granted.

While on road trips, Hershberger takes about 500 photos of the landscape that captures his eye: swamps, country roads, boats sailing in water, bridges over scenic lakes, and so on. Then, he picks out his favorite photos, and transforms the photo into another form of art: a painting. He even admits he gets lost on excursions just to explore mysterious terrain. “I do a lot of photography, so photos are the source of my inspiration,” said Hershberger who has been a painter at d’Art Center for about 15 years.

His landscape paintings of Norfolk include a view of the Lafayette River from the 26th Street Bridge by the Virginia Zoo, paintings of a tugboat sailing near Waterside, and paintings of the Lafayette and Berkeley Bridges. Hershberger has a goal to eventually paint all of the bridges in Norfolk, because he has a “thing” for them. “It’s the way they connect two things together – you’re kind of isolated without bridges,” said Hershberger.

In the ‘art of the CIty

Living in Norfolk for over 40 years, Hershberger said he loves there is always a picturesque moment to capture. “Have you ever watched the sunset over there at Town Point Park? Town Point Park should be called Sunset Park. It has the best sunset around. And the views of the water are the greatest,” he said. His favorite places to visit are the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, the Chrysler Museum, and the Hermitage Foundation. These attractions have also been backdrops for some of his paintings.

“One of my favorite spots at the Hermitage Foundation is the sunken outdoor game grounds… It is a wonderful, open-air room surrounded by ivy covered pine trees and live oaks,” said Hershberger. “The Botanical Gardens has several wonderful spaces. The oriental gardens, the azalea gardens and the rose gardens are among my favorites.”

Hershberger decided to take the year off from teaching art at d’Art Center and other venues, and focus more on his painting. He tries to paint at least one painting a day, and welcomes more visitors to explore his work at d’Art Center.

It seems as if some people use the center as a walk through to get to the other side of the street, he said, and some are simply hesitant to enter the studios because they’re not sure if they can just walk in.

“We are tucked away inside, but we are here waiting to talk to you in any way about our artwork,” said Hershberger. “It’s not just about the sales; it’s about showing our work and people seeing what we’re doing. You can ask us why we did something and how we painted something. It doesn’t have to be a big question.”

If you are looking for a great place to spend your day, you have nothing to lose, including money at d’Art Center, said Hershberger. “It’s free and it’s a great place to spend time.”

To see Ray Hershberger’s paintings and drawings visit www.rmhershberger.com and www.virtualpearl.net or visit him at d’Art Center studio #116. Also check out his blog at www.trialanderrorpainter.blogspot.com.

Ray Hershberger working - Jaedda Armstrong

Paint the cityBy Jaedda Armstrong

Norfolk CoNveNtioN & visitors BureauP: 1.800.368.3097 f: 757.622.3663

Comments or ideas for future issues are most welcome. Please contact one of our editors:

Donna allenvP of sales and Marketingdallen@norfolkcvb.com

Jennifer fagalaMarketing Managerjfagala@norfolkcvb.com

erin filareckiPublic relations Managerefilarecki@norfolkcvb.com

from tony dIfIlIppo’s desk

Welcome to The Norfolk Zone, the Norfolk Convention & Visitors Bureau’s newly designed newsletter, where you will get a taste of what the real Norfolk is all about!

Our city enjoys unique amenities many larger cities would love to have. Our heritage, waterways, attractions, restaurants and hotels offer both visitors and residents endless ways to celebrate life daily!

What I enjoy most about Norfolk are the people who live and work here. The esprit de corps of these people is evident in the pride they take in our great city. Countless visitors and meeting planners have commented on the civic pride of our citizens and the enthusiasm they convey.

As we work our way through these difficult economic times we are calling upon you to help us maintain the momentum that has built the travel industry in Norfolk.

We have recently rolled out our “Sail Into Savings” campaign, asking local business professionals and citizens to help us identify professional associations, meetings or conventions of which you are a member and give us the opportunity to bring them to Norfolk. We have implemented a very attractive incentive for meetings booked in 2009 and 2010 and are looking for your referrals to help your organization “Sail Into Savings.”

I hope you enjoy the first issue of Norfolk Zone. After reading, I’m sure you too will agree Norfolk is the place to live, work, play and convene.

norfolk’s meltInG pot

Norfolk is home to a myriad of multi-cultural activities throughout the year, displaying its commitment to celebrating the diverse traditions within its boarders. From the annual ethnic entertainment festivals, to the cultural exhibits at the city’s various museums, you’ll find your niche in Norfolk. Here are some upcoming multi-cultural festivals, exhibits, and performances to look out for this spring.

Attucks Theatre Discover Music Series: Featuring some of today’s hottest Blues and Indies musicians including Shemekia Copeland, Corey Harris, John Hammond, and Kenny Blues Boss Wayne. Show runs until April 18. Visit discoverymusicseries.com for more information.

The Third Annual Taste of India: This is one of the largest Asian Indian Festivals celebrated annually in Virginia. There are exciting opportunities to experience Indian culture and art. It will be held on April 26 from 11 am to 7 pm at the Ted Constant Convocation Center in Norfolk. For more information visit tasteofindiahr.org

56th Annual International NATO/Azalea Festival: The Czech Republic comes to Norfolk this spring to celebrate! There are a broad range of events to attend during the grand week of festivities including the Annual Parade of Nations in Downtown Norfolk, the Czech National Theatre Ballet, and NATOFest. The festival is held April 27-May 3. Visit: www.azaleafestival.org for more information.

Afram-Fest: For over 20 years each Memorial Day weekend, Norfolk boasts the largest African-American cultural celebration on the East coast with musical entertainment, ethnic clothes and art for sale, historical information, food and children’s activities. For more information, visit www.afram-fest.info

Dream to Dive: The Carl Brashear Story: This moving exhibit highlights the life and legacy of the first African-American to become a U.S. Navy Master Diver. Developed by Nauticus with Brashear’s two sons DaWayne and Phillip Brashear, Dream to Dive features historic photos, videos, and artifacts as well as interactive opportunities to experience some of the physical challenges Brashear faced during his remarkable career. The exhibit runs through June 7 at Nauticus.

Azalea Festival Queen Coronation

What’s on tony’ shelf?

norfolk: diverse traditions celebratedBy Jaedda Armstrong

“Truly successful decision making relies on a balance between deliberate and instinctive thinking” - blink

Spring is in the air and it’s time for a much needed break. Toss those textbooks aside and get ready to have fun right here in Norfolk, Virginia. Check out these 10 things you can do to enjoy spring break without breaking the bank.

Norfolk Botanical Garden: NatureKids Spring Break Camp. Monday, April 13, - Friday, April 17 from 9 am - 4 pm Cost is $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Call 757-441-5830 or visit www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org.

Spirit of Norfolk: Set sail on the Elizabeth River. Prices start as low as $35 on selected cruises. Check out the great deals at www.spiritofnorfolk.com.

Nauticus: Join the national maritime museum in celebrating its 15th anniversary. Receive 20 percent off for any valid active, retired or dependent military ID. Adults are $10.95 while children 4 to 12 years-old are $8.50 and those 3 and under are free. www.nauticus.org.

Chrysler Hall: Spice up the night with the hot R&B sounds of Robin Thicke and Jennifer Hudson April 12 at 7:30 p.m. Student tickets start at $26.25.

Virginia Zoo: Spend spring break with the Animals! Spring Break Camp is offered Friday, April 10 - Friday, April 17 for campers ages 5 to 12. Call 757-441-2374, ext. 229 or email judy.totten@norfolk.gov.

the mermaId’s top ten

Virginia Arts Festival: For six weeks, the Virginia Arts Festival travels to 10 cities bringing world class performers like Liza Minnelli and the Virginia International Tattoo April 14 – May 31. Ticket prices for students 25 and under with ID, range from $10 to 20.

Chrysler Museum: Visit the newest exhibit, Lino Tagliapietra in Retrospect: A Modern Renaissance in Italian Glass one of three exhibitions in the museum’s celebration of the Art of Glass 2 April 8 through July 19. Cost is $7 for adults, $5 for teachers, seniors and military. FREE to all visitors ages 18 and under and all students with a valid college ID. Visit the web site for a $2 off coupon! www.chrysler.org.

Chrysler Museum: On Wednesday evening and get ready to jam. The popular Art of Jazz features an all-star lineup of regional performers every Wednesday night from 6:15 p.m.–8:45 p.m. in the Museum’s Huber Court.

Granby Theatre: For the 21 and up. Friday night dance the night away to top 40 hits at the Official Z104 Party with radio personality Nick Taylor. Get in late, regroup and go out again for the Saturday Night Premiere Dance Party. Doors open both nights at 9 p.m. Dress to impress. Prepare to spend up to $20 for the night.

Shopping: No visit is ever complete without shopping! Norfolk offers shopping at local boutiques along Historic Ghent, shopping centers as well as malls such as MacArthur Center and the Gallery at Military Circle Mall near the airport. Visit www.visitnorfolktoday.com and click on visitors, what to see and do for a list of all the shopping outlets in Norfolk.

the fun Zone

ACROSS4 One of two Civil War Ironclads that fought off shore7 Oldest suburb8 Mile Marker 0 is located in it9 The number of sisters she has10 It’s stuck in St. Paul’s wall11 Last remaining of harborfronts authorized in 179414 Ride a scaled version of a steam engine15 One of two Civil War Ironclads that fought off shore16 “on parade”17 “Thou shalt Grow”18 He doesn’t just have a mall named after him DOWN1 Be a captain in a battle simulation or pet a fish2 An interactive world adventure for kids is in what garden3 Boston farms here5 Has famous collection of Tiffany Glass6 There is 144 miles of it12 Abe created the first ice cream cone in 190413 1754 and New Year’s Day Fire

sPring broke? the toP 10 inexPensive Ways to enjoy sPring break in norfolk, virginia

Elliot’s Fairgrounds News & Coffee 806 Baldwin Ave. www.fairgroundscoffee.com 757-640-2899

Naro Expanded Cinema 1507 Colley Ave. www.narocinema.com 757-325-3276

A Latte Café Coffee & Creamery 321 Granby St.

Cogan’s Pizza 1901 Colonial Ave. www.coganspizza.com 757-627-6428

Bargain Books 7524 Granby St. 757-587-3303

Organic Food Depot 1912 Granby St. www.organicfooddepot.com 757-623-8999

The Sunflower Florist 1908 Colley Ave. www.thesunflowerflorist.com 757-625-2041

East Coast Bicycles 1910 Colley Ave. www.eastcoastbicycles.com 757-622-0446

Map it out at visitnorfolktoday.com

Go natIve!

When I first walked into the French Bakery & Deli, I was unsure. The building was at least 100-years-old and I was unimpressed with the old, wobbly tables & chairs. I was thinking maybe we should go somewhere else when my boyfriend looked at me and said, “Trust me on this one.”

I ordered a pastrami sandwich, because the owner, George Habib Jr., didn’t give me a choice. “Your first time here?” asked Habib, “well then, no ifs, ands or buts, you’re getting the pastrami sandwich.” My meal was ready within minutes and came loaded with freshly sliced pastrami, salami, provolone cheese, onions, pickles, tomatoes and mustard. I tried my very best to savor each bite but was defeated. The taste was beyond incredible and it was gone within seconds.

For dessert I ordered a piece of chocolate-covered bacon. Unusual, but the taste was divine and something everyone should try at least once. I also ate a bite of the champagne & strawberry napoleon, a homemade custard-filled chocolate éclair and a piece of fruit cake. No visit would be complete without trying a freshly baked orange donut, a staple at the bakery. A batch is baked every morning and when they’re gone, they’re gone.

The wall shelves behind the dessert-filled display case are filled with Grandma Barbara’s fig preserves made from Turkish figs grown off a tree in the family’s backyard, Turkish pistachio nuts and exotic chocolates imported from Europe.

Other specialties include George’s hearty, made-to-order oyster stew, hot Italian sausage, roast pork, seafood subs, Smithfield ham and steak & onions. On occasion, George will make a special order. Some of his most recent requests include a seafood pizza topped with lobster, crabs & scallops and a ‘John sandwich’, a 5 lb sandwich laden with a double portion of seafood including shrimp, back fin crab meat, sautéed scallops, 3 fried soft shell crabs, ½ lb of Smithfield ham & ½ lb of provolone cheese with a price tag of $175.00.

The French Bakery was founded in 1912 by Elias Habib, an immigrant from Lebanon. As a young man, Habib worked for the Swiss Candy Kitchen where he learned to whip up the

mouth watering treats we enjoy today. At the age of 10 his son, George Habib Sr., was given the responsibility of sandwich maker. The same recipes are still used today by George Habib Jr. to make a variety of breads, pastries and cakes.

Needless to say, I left the restaurant on Granby Street with a completely different perspective as when I had walked in. The rustic deli had grown on me within half an hour and I left feeling as though I’d just feasted at an offbeat roadside café in the south of France. It just goes to show you can’t always judge a book by its cover. And those who don’t take a peek inside this book – or cookbook, rather – will be missing out on a truly once in a lifetime experience.

Hours are Monday – Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sunday, 12 noon – 3:00 p.m. French Bakery and Delicatessen is located at 4108 Granby Street, Norfolk, phone number 757-625-4936.

the norfolk fork the french bakery & delicatessenBy Erin Filarecki