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Free Bulk Refuse Pick-Up
To Return in Suffolk
 The City of Suffolk is excited to announce the return of free bulk trash pick-up to its citizens beginning December 1, 2009. On October 21st, Suffolk City Council voted to approve a proposed service enhancement plan which included the application of approximately $550,000 of the approximately $3.5 million surplus from the '09 FY Operating Budget to enhance bulk trash pick-up services.
Council's actions allows for the Department of Public Works to reinstate free bulk trash collection for piles measuring eight cubic yards or less. Free pick-ups will be limited to twelve free pick-ups per year. Citizens will not have to contact Public Works, but have their bulk piles on the curb no more than 24 hours before their normal refuse pick-up day. Citizens are reminded to put smaller items such as boxes and small limbs into their cans, as small items are included in the twelve free pick-ups per year. The fee to pick up larger bulk refuse piles of nine to sixteen cubic yards of material will remain $50.
Anyone with questions or residents who wish to purchase an additional trash can may contact the Department of Public Works - Sanitation Division at 757-514-7630. |
Improved Service Offered
By Suffolk Treasurer
Paying taxes is generally not a time that most look forward to, but Suffolk City Treasurer Ron Williams has made the process of paying personal property and real estate taxes more convenient and streamlined for Suffolk taxpayers. The Treasurer's Office has recently upgraded the e-service offered on the Treasurer's webpage. While Williams' office was one of the first in the state to accept charge cards online years ago, visitors to the Treasurer's web page can do much more than pay their bill. Taxpayers can now access and review their accounts using their account number or a pin number. Online application for a pin takes less than a minute and the user can immediately review their records after selecting the pin. Previously, if a taxpayer wanted to pay taxes online but did not have the bill or account number, they had to call to obtain balances before making the payment. The new system automatically computes penalties and interest in real time, making it available to taxpayers 24/7. Williams is excited about the new level of improved customer service now available to taxpayers. "This new service not only makes the process of paying taxes more convenient for our citizens, it makes information available without increasing the cost of government. Efficiency and effectiveness is our goal," Williams advised. Williams advised that the e-Treasurer, online real estate tax information, gives a valuable tool to the business community as well, benefitting real estate agents, attorneys, and title examiners from the convenience of their homes or offices, without even needing to call the Treasurer's Office. Williams' staff has been testing the service since August. With over 2,000 sources of revenue coming into the City, Williams plans to add the online service to other payments due to the City in the near future. Citizens won't have to wait long to test the new system. Bills for personal property and real estate taxes, which are due December 7, 2009, have been mailed. The new services can be accessed through the City's homepage at www.suffolk.va.us or the Treasurer's webpage at www.suffolk.va.us/trsr/. The Treasurer's Office accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. |
Citywide Holiday Events Planned
Whether your favorite part of the holidays is looking at holiday lights, waiting for Santa to arrive or taking in a Christmas movie with your family while sipping cider, the City of Suffolk has something for you. The Suffolk Department of Parks and Recreation announces citywide events for the 2009 holiday season:
Santa's Calling 2009: Parks and Recreation has Santa's direct number and you have the opportunity to add excitement to the holiday for the child in your life! Keeping with tradition, parents or guardians are able to have Santa call the child or children in their life to make the holiday even more special. Want to know more? We can't give away all our secrets! Call 514.7267 or email Lori Carter for more information!
Lunch with Santa: On Saturday, December 12, 2009, beginning at 12 noon, Northern Shores Recreation Center will sponsor the 8th Annual Lunch with Santa. Children ages 10 and under can enjoy food, fun, games and a visit from Santa. A donation of a new unwrapped toy is the admission to this family-oriented event.
Holidays in the Park: On December 12, 2009, from 6-8 p.m., join us at Bennett's Creek Park for an old-fashioned holiday movie with vendors and holiday crafts. This event is free and open to the public.
Breakfast with Santa: On Saturday, December 19, 2009, the East Suffolk Recreation Center will host a Breakfast with Santa for children ages 10 and under. For a nominal fee of $3, children can enjoy breakfast, a craft and storytelling with Santa.
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Suffolk Police Department
Badge Pinning Ceremony
The Suffolk Police Department held a Pinning of the Badge Ceremony on Thursday, November 19, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. The event was held in the Suffolk City Council Chamber, located at 441 Market Street. At this ceremony, the most recent graduates of the Hampton Roads Criminal Justice Training Academy received their Suffolk Police badges.
 Those officers include:
Heather Alexander
Thomas Cramblette
Aaron Flanders
Raul Hutson
Jeffrey Lurie
Natalie McBride
Raphael Pilato
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Youth Advisory Council
Swearing In Ceremony
 Suffolk Parks and Recreation, along with the Suffolk Office on Youth, hosted the Suffolk Youth Advisory Council's Oath of Office Ceremony on Monday, October 19, 2009, at 6 p.m. at the Planter's Club. Representing middle and high schools from across Suffolk, members of the council were sworn in for the 2009-10 term.
According to Youth Services Coordinator Jennifer Branham, "The Youth Advisory Council was started to insure that youth have a voice in addressing issues that matter the most to them and their peers." The students' responsibilities include advising City Council on current youth safety issues, developing solutions for those problems, compiling and distributing information to increase awareness to those public safety issues and improving communications between youth and law enforcement officers in Suffolk.
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Keep Suffolk Beautiful Receives $10,000 Grant Award As Part of Nationwide Competition to "Think Green"
Keep Suffolk Beautiful, the executive arm of the Suffolk Clean Community Commission, announced that it has received a $10,000 cash grant from national nonprofit Keep America Beautiful, Inc., as part of a nationwide effort sponsored by Waste Management that encourages local solutions that improve community environments.
In the competition, more than 580 local affiliates of Keep America Beautiful (KAB) were challenged to present proposals for ambitious projects representing a wide array of stewardship, community outreach and educational projects. Keep Suffolk Beautiful is one of 15 winners nationwide, chosen from a field of 42 entries in the 2009 program.
The winning proposal included a Recycling Rangers program wherein the students, faculty and staff at Northern Shores and Kilby Shores Elementary Schools will recycle white and mixed paper. Several students at the school in grades kindergarten through fifth grade will serve as Rangers and go around collecting the recycled paper.
Suffolk Litter Control Coordinator Hattie Lester wrote the proposal for the grant. "The Recycling Rangers program is an excellent opportunity for students to become familiar with the importance of recycling, reusing and reducing waste. It's something valuable and will have a positive impact on the students," said Lester. "I am excited about the Rangers and have all the confidence that the students are environmentally responsible and ready to report for duty."
"Keep Suffolk Beautiful should be proud, as our national organization is proud, for their initiative in developing this winning proposal," said Keep America Beautiful president and CEO Matthew M. McKenna. 'Their work at the grassroots level exemplifies the mission of our national organization by engaging individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community environments. We look forward to seeing this project come to fruition through the generosity of Waste Management's grant."
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 By all accounts, the 2009 Suffolk Neighborhood College...EXPRESS! on October 24th was a winner with attendees. Interested citizens who had previously registered for the class spent the entire day meeting with the City Manager, Constitutional Officers, Public Safety Officials, a number of Department Heads and a representative from Suffolk Public Schools learning the "ins and outs" of local government.
Coordinated by the City's Media and Community Relations Department, the free program provided a unique educational experience, as well as insight into the opportunities in our community, in addition to a forum to interact with fellow residents.
 The program was designed to help citizens of Suffolk become better acquainted with local government and services provided, and to promote effective communication to improve the overall quality of neighborhood life in the City. Judging by comments made after the class by the attendees, that and much more were accomplished.
The session will be held again next fall. To get on the waiting list to attend, contact Diana Klink at 514-4104.
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Motorcycle Rally Generates Thousands for Great Dismal Swamp Gallery
The Suffolk Swamp Roar Motorcycle Rally made its eighth annual 80-mile lap around the perimeter of the Great Dismal Swamp on Sunday, October 11. Over 500 motorcyclists departed from Suffolk Peanut Fest at 10:30 a.m. and returned thousands in dollars for the Great Dismal Swamp Gallery in Suffolk. The Gallery will be featured in the Nansemond County Courthouse - currently a vacant historic landmark - to be renovated soon as a visitor center and municipal offices. Preliminary figures, including proceeds from the seventh and eighth annual rallies for this specific project, approach $20,000. Proceeds from prior years have benefitted education and signage programs as well as habitat restoration within the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.
The Suffolk Swamp Roar event was created in 2001 by the Division of Tourism to increase awareness of the Great Dismal's fragile eco-system and to enhance nature-based tourism and interpretative programs. "Our tourism staff remains focused and steadfast in generating appreciation and understanding of  both the historic and environmental significance of the Great Dismal Swamp," said Council Member Joe Barlow. Barlow enjoyed his first rally this year on a Honda trike hosted by members of the Patriot Guard Riders.
The Eighth Annual Suffolk Swamp Roar was sponsored by Suffolk Festivals, Inc., Lipton, Budweiser, Pepsi, Tidewater Motorcycles Inc., Firehouse Subs of Suffolk, Southern Screen & Graphics, Penske, Krispy Kreme and the Suffolk Chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association.
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Fourteen Suffolk Public Schools Begin Plastic Bag Recycling Drive
 Plastic bags don't biodegrade and because they are lightweight, they are the debris most likely to fly away from landfills, settling instead in trees, storm drains, beaches, and the ocean. The students in Suffolk Public Schools are coming together to do something about plastic bags. Suffolk Public Schools is collaborating with Trex Company, Inc., the leading manufacturer of wood alternative decking, railing and fencing, for its second annual plastic bag recycling drive. The drive starts on November 15, National Recycles Day, and ends on Earth Day, April 22, 2010. "This program was a big hit last year, and we'll have eight schools returning the recycling program this year," said Bethanne Bradshaw, public information and community relations officer for Suffolk Public Schools. "Another six schools are coming on board, so Suffolk Public Schools will be saving a lot of space in the landfill. Of course, it doesn't hurt that kids love competition and that the Trex benches presented to the winners are fabulous additions to the school facility," Bradshaw added. The participating schools include Booker T. Washington Elementary, Creekside Elementary, Florence Bowser Elementary, Kilby Shores Elementary, Mack Benn Jr. Elementary, Mt. Zion Elementary, Northern Shores Elementary, Robertson Elementary, and Southwestern Elementary; John F. Kennedy Middle, King's Fork Middle, King's Fork High, Nansemond River High, and Turlington Woods. Hattie Lester, litter control coordinator for the City of Suffolk, is spearheading the drive. She is thrilled about this year's drive and the potential to rid the waterways and landfill of more than 200,000 plastic bags. "The City of Suffolk appreciates the tireless efforts and commitment that the staff and students at the 14 participating schools are about to embark upon," Lester said. "Research shows that a plastic shopping bag can take anywhere from 15 to 1000 years to decompose. By recycling plastic bags, the staff and students are making an invaluable contribution to the environment."
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The Pepsi Bottling Group
Reinvests Within Suffolk
The Pepsi Bottling Group (PBG) held a ribbon cutting ceremony for their new 11,000 square-foot distribution facility on Wednesday, November 4, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. The previous 50-year-old building, located at 2595 Holland Road, was demolished and a new modern facility was recently completed. The facility is strategically located to serve their customers in Southampton, Isle of Wight and Suffolk.
The Pepsi Bottling Group (PBG) is the world's largest manufacturer, seller and distributor of Pepsi-Cola beverages, featuring some of the world's most recognized consumer brands. They have a long and storied history in Suffolk, dating back to the early 1900s. PBG of Suffolk distributes more than 500 different flavors and packaging combinations at this facility, which has 30 employees. They also are strong supporters of community service and have made a lasting impression with many local nonprofit organizations and Suffolk Public Schools.
"We are not just a soft drink distributor anymore, we are a total beverage company," said Ron Lewis, Unit Sales Manager for Pepsi. "We look forward to serving the Suffolk market for another 100 years."
"Pepsi's decision to remain and reinvest in Suffolk is very rewarding for our city," said Mayor Linda T. Johnson. "Their long-term success is a result of excellent leadership and dedicated employees. We thank them for their commitment to our community and we are pleased to have an industry leader like PBG as a partner in the city of Suffolk."
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New Businesses Come to Suffolk
 Triple T Sports Center, located at 619 East Constance Road and owned/operated by Tyrone and Cheryl Burks, held a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for their new 8,000 square-foot addition on Sunday, October 18, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. Triple T's new addition includes an inground pit with training bar, 22' ceilings, Janssen Fritsen Competition beams and vault table, Iris Spring Board, 4" Russian Birch Competition Floor, and Spieth Andersen Performance Series Uneven Bars to allow for upper level gymnasts as well as senior cheer squad.
"It is highly rewarding for a business to expand within the City, especially when it provides a benefit to the children and young adults within our community," said Major Linda T. Johnson. "This investment speaks highly of the commitment that Triple T has put forth for their members to engage them in positive activities. I wish Tyrone and Cheryl continued success and thank them for enhancing the quality of life for our young citizens.
 Goddess Inspired is the latest business addition to Downtown Suffolk. Located at 204 E. Washington Street, Goddess Inspired features affordable designer bridal gowns, bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, as well as shoes, accessories, and veils to dress women up for any occasion. They also offer a wide selection of evening gowns and tuxedo rentals.
"Goddess Inspired is delighted to bring Uptown fashion flair to the city limits of Downtown Suffolk," said owner Nikole Bourda. "It is our goal to be the 'Ultimate One Stop Shop' for weddings and special events in Suffolk." Mayor Linda T. Johnson echoed that sentiment by saying, "Goddess Inspired is a welcome addition to downtown. Their customer service-driven philosophy should provide them with an ever-growing client base and present them with years of future success."
 The opening of the Suffolk Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Academy, located at 571 E. Constance Road, brings a unique opportunity for residents of Suffolk and the surrounding areas to receive training in mixed martial arts. Mixed martial arts combines the best techniques of several fighting systems, such as kick-boxing, jiu-jitsu, and wrestling to create a well-rounded fighting system. It has been popularized by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and has enjoyed explosive growth.
"MMA training offers a great way to develop character as well as fitness," says Gary Taylor, Manager of Suffolk MMA. "Training in MMA is not only about self defense, but also respecting others and working as a team to reach your personal goals."
"Suffolk MMA offers a distinctive workout program that will be an excellent opportunity for people trying to meet their wellness goals in a new and innovative manner," said Mayor Linda T. Johnson. | |
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| Winter Wonderland
at North
Suffolk Library |
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Showcase your creativity and bring your decorated gingerbread to North Suffolk Library on Monday, December 14th for our Winter Wonderland holiday celebration! Both children and adults are encouraged to participate. Bring your gingerbread entries to the library between 12:00 and 6:15 p.m., and then join us for a special holiday storytime featuring Chris Van Allsburg's "The Polar Express" at 6:30 p.m. Pajamas are encouraged, but not required, for a parade through the library after storytime. Contest winners will be announced at 7:00 p.m., and light refreshments will be served. Come enjoy the sweetness of the holiday season at this festive event!
For more information call 757-514-7150.
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| Traffic Light in Full Operation |
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The Department of Public Works - Traffic Engineering Division advises that a new traffic signal at South Quay Road and O'Kelly Drive was placed into normal operation for the first time at 10 a.m. on the morning of October 20, 2009. The signal was requested by Suffolk Fire Department and will enable the Holland Fire Station's emergency responders to more quickly and safely enter South Quay Road (Route 58). The signal will also assist normal traffic on O'Kelly Drive enter the higher-speed highway in a safer manner.
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| Municipal Center |
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441 Market Street
Suffolk, VA 23434
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
757-514-4000
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| Council Meeting Schedule |
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Wednesday,
December 16, 2009: 7 p.m.
Wednesday,
January 6, 2010:
7 p.m.
All meetings take place in the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of the Municipal Center.
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