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Suffolk City Council to Present
Public Safety Forum
 Everyone has a role to play in making our community safer. Join us on Tuesday, February 9, 2010, from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Northern Shores Elementary School, 6701 Respass Beach Road, in the cafetorium, for a PUBLIC SAFETY FORUM.
Suffolk City Council is presenting this event to educate citizens about law enforcement successes, as well as to introduce the newly formed N.E.T. (Neighborhood Enforcement Team) serving northern Suffolk. Attendees will also learn about the prevention of gang violence, the formation of community watches, and how to get involved in Suffolk's nationally ranked "National Night Out" police-community partnership activities taking place this year (www.suffolk.nno.org). There will be an opportunity for citizens to have their public safety questions answered. Councilman Leroy Bennett and Councilman Robert Barclay are hosting the event. Suffolk City Manager Selena Cuffee-Glenn will serve as facilitator.
Members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend.
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Suffolk Kicks Off Curbside
Recycling Program
The City of Suffolk and TFC Recycling kicked off a three-month-long campaign to encourage residents to participate in the region's first subscription curbside recycling program during an event held on January 6th on the lawn of City Hall.
 That day, several of Suffolk's City Council Members were among the first citizens to sign up for Big Bin recycling. "I believe that it is important that we set an example by personally committing to take part in a program that is not only good for our communities but for the environment, as well," said Suffolk Mayor Linda Johnson.
Households that register for the service, which will be $12 per month, will receive a 95-gallon bin, similar to the size of containers now in use in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake. For that fee, they will receive the Big Bin, which can accommodate mixed paper (newspapers, magazines, unwanted mail and inserts), cardboard, paper board, aluminum and steel/tin cans, plastic bottles and glass containers. TFC will pick up in all areas of the city every-other-week on the day of their normal trash pick-up.
 The curbside recycling program will start once there are commitments from 3,000 residents. To "Sign Up", Suffolk citizens can visit www.tfcrecycling.com/suffolk or click on the link on the City's homepage at www.suffolk.va.us. They will not be asked for payment or credit card information at this time, just for their name and email address. Once the 3,000 threshold has been met, TFC will request credit card or other information to facilitate payment.
TFC Recycling is a locally owned and operated recycling and waste removal company, providing residential and commercial recycling and waste removal. Established in 1973, TFC Recycling believes "it's not how many customers we serve but how we serve our customers." TFC Recycling employs more than 400 people and recycles more than 40 million pounds of material each year.
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Real Estate Tax Relief for
Disabled or Senior Citizens
 The Department of Social Services is coordinating the City of Suffolk Real Estate Tax Relief for Disabled or Senior Citizens for the 2010-2011 tax year. This program is income-based for individuals 65 years of age or older or totally disabled.
Tax relief is granted on an annual basis and a new application or certification must be filed each year. To be eligible for the program, one must apply after January 1st each year with the final deadline for application set on June 30th. If you are eligible, relief will be applied to your real estate bills due on December 5th and June 5th of the following year.
Basic Requirements for this program are:
- Must be 65 years of age or older or permanently and totally disabled. The owner whose name appears on the property deed must be at least 65 years of age on or before June 30th of the year in which the application is made; the spouse may be under the age of 65. There is no age requirement for disabled citizens, but proof will need to be established.
- Must be owners or partial owners and must occupy the property to be exempted.
- Combined gross income of the owners and any relatives living in the property cannot exceed $54,242 (the first $10,000 of a relative's income is exempted).
- Net worth, exclusive of the home and up to 10 acres upon which it is situated, cannot exceed $243,101
- Applications must be filed no later than June 30th of the taxable year.
The percentage of tax relief allowed is based on the combined income of the owner(s) and any relatives living in the property (excluding up to $10,000 per relative living in the dwelling)
Combined Income % of Tax Relieved
$0 - $41,479 100%
$41,480 - $47,861 50%
$47,862 - $54,242 25%
Examples of income include wages, Social Security, annuities, pensions, disability income, interest, dividends, business income, farm income, income from rental property, and income from roomers and boarders.
Also, the applicant's net worth cannot exceed $243,101. The applicant's home and up to 10 acres upon which the house is situated is not counted in the applicant's net worth. Examples of resources include real estate other than the residence, bank accounts, trusts, certificates of deposit, stocks, bonds, cash value of life insurance policies, and the value of personal property such as automobiles.
To apply, call the Department of Social Services at 757-514-4870 to discuss the application or re-certification process. Applicant can also e-mail the department at taxrelief@city.suffolk.va.us requesting a follow up. The applicant must supply documentation about his/her income and resources and must sign an affidavit confirming the accuracy of all the information.
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11th Suffolk Leadership Academy Coming
 The Suffolk Leadership Academy's Planning Council with the support of the City of Suffolk proudly announces the eleventh annual Suffolk Leadership Academy. The current academy is scheduled to begin on Monday, February 8, 2010, and will continue for 11 sessions. The Suffolk Leadership Academy is designed to develop and strengthen leadership skills for citizens desirous of serving the community in various roles, as well as to foster a better understanding of the workings in the city and state government.
Sessions will be held at City Hall's Council Chambers, located at 441 Market Street, and will include instruction in the theory and the practical application of leadership by Mr. W. Ross Boone. The topics this year will include: History of Suffolk, Local Government, Economic Development & Regionalism, Tourism, Agriculture, Education and Volunteerism. Special trips to the General Assembly in Richmond and a tour of Suffolk are included in the class as well. The programs may be viewed by the citizens of the Suffolk community on the Suffolk Municipal Access Channel (Channel 8).
The instruction portion of the class runs from 5:30-6:00 and guest speakers begin at 6:00 p.m. Dinner is provided for every class and each class ends at 8:30 p.m. Over 200 students have graduated from the Suffolk Leadership Academy.
The cost of the class is $350. Individuals are encouraged to apply and companies are encouraged to sponsor a student or to enroll one of the "best and brightest" employees to become a member of the class. Sponsorships are available at the following levels:
Gold - $1000
(includes 2 student sponsorships and 4 tickets to the closing reception)
Silver - $500
(includes 1 student sponsorship and 2 tickets to the closing reception)
Bronze - $350
(includes 1 student sponsorship)
For more information about the Suffolk Leadership Academy, please contact:
Kenda Council
757-539-8789 ext 339
kcouncil@nsacademy.org
Please submit your application form to:
Suffolk Leadership Academy
P.O. Box 4047
Suffolk, VA 23439
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Suffolk's National Night Out
First Place Finish
The National Association of Town Watch has completed judging for National Night Out 2009 and for the second year in a row, the City of Suffolk placed 1st in nationwide judging. National Night Out, which was held on August 4th this year, is an annual event designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for, and participation in local anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. This was Suffolk's ninth year participating in National Night Out, which included 36.7 million participants in over 14,625 communities across the country. After the August event, participating cities submit both written and video documentation of their National Night Out event(s). Suffolk's participation entry was selected from 251 entries in category three, which includes cities with populations of 50,000-99,999.
This year Suffolk had its largest National Night Out ever with over 60,665 people in 50 communities and businesses participating in National Night Out events and pre-events. Debbie George, Director of Media and Community Relations, credits citizen and business involvement for the high finish. "Suffolk's National Night Out is an excellent example of what we are capable of when we all work together. The teamwork and partnerships that develop during National Night Out are extremely beneficial and last long after that night in August," George advised.
Suffolk placed the highest of any city in Virginia in any of the entry categories. Suffolk's National Night Out video entry can be viewed at www.suffolknno.org.
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Recycling Drive in Chuckatuck A Success
Despite the rain and cold temperatures, Larry Phelps, of Suffolk, attended the Suffolk Clean Community Commission's recent recycling drive near Chuckatuck. Phelps is pictured unloading about a dozen tires from his pickup. The next recycling drive is scheduled for March. Only electronics will be accepted. For more information, contact Hattie Lester, Litter Control Coordinator, at 757-514-7604. |
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Suffolk Establishes Technology Zones
 The City of Suffolk has established two Technology Zones in an effort to increase the corporate technology presence in the City of Suffolk. Taking Advantage of Virginia Code 58.1-3850, authorizing a Virginia locality to create benefits encouraging technology-related economic development for 10 years, the Suffolk Technology Zone provides a return on paid business license and personal property taxes for qualified technology businesses located in the two zones.
"We are proud to be the location of choice for a number of high-tech firms working with the United States Joint Forces Command, and we have the opportunity to build upon this growing industry," said Mayor Linda T. Johnson. "Suffolk's infrastructure, workforce and quality of life provide an ideal location for technology-related companies to thrive, and this extra incentive will encourage this sector to develop and diversify in our City."
For more information on the Suffolk Technology Zone contact the Department of Economic Development at 757-514-4040.
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Tourism Tidbits
 The Wonders of
Window Shopping
Suffolk Charms Tourists from England  Suffolk Tourism staff recently teamed up with the Hopewell Twinning Association and hosted "Friends of Hopewell" from Kent, England. The day started on North Main Street where the group of 30 mingled with the locals, enjoyed the Peanut Fest parade and ventured into downtown shops.
It was the first time many of the English natives had been to Suffolk, and they were intrigued by the city's rich history and culture. They were especially interested in Hamlin Epps, born in Prince GeorgeCounty, and who later resided at the Epps house (346 N. Main Street).
After lunching at Mosaics and meeting Mayor Linda T. Johnson, the group toured the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts and enjoyed a historic walking tour conducted by Sue Woodard, from the Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society. The walking tour highlighted 400 years of history and included stops at the Prentis House (Suffolk Visitors Center), Seaboard Station Railroad Museum, Riddick's Folly House Museum, Cedar Hill Cemetery and the Riverview neighborhood.
The mission of the Suffolk Division of Tourism is to promote the city through creative marketing initiatives and cooperative programs which stimulate visitation and awareness of Suffolk as a tourism destination within the Hampton Roads region. The Suffolk Visitor Center is located in the historic Prentis House at 321 N. Main Street and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call 757-514-4130 or visit www.Suffolk-Fun.com.
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Business News
 Command Post Technologies, Inc.
Opens in Suffolk
Command Post Technologies, Inc. (CPT), a service disabled veteran owned small business, recently opened its office at the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center (VMASC) in Suffolk, Virginia. CPT provides a broad range of professional services supporting the Department of Defense (DoD), other federal agencies and commercial customers that includes program management, engineering and analysis, test and evaluation as well as Joint Training, System Interoperability, Capability Development, Irregular Warfare, Cyberspace and Information Operations.
CPT founder Scott Bisciotti leads a team that provides a full spectrum of support across the Information Operations (IO) and Cyberspace communities. "The City of Suffolk and VMASC have been very supportive of the technology community and our company as we build the foundation for our future success. There is tremendous opportunity for companies such as CPT in Hampton roads and we are very pleased to have chosen Suffolk as our headquarters," Scott said.
Suffolk Mayor Linda T. Johnson noted, "CPT's decision to locate their headquarters in Suffolk is a great example of how our City and region are emerging nationally as a key location for high-tech, defense-related businesses. We believe that location within the VMASC facility is a perfect fit for CPT, and we will work hard to support them as they grow."
VMASC features a fully functional technology incubator that offers clients access to faculty and project researchers, private offices, meeting rooms, copy equipment, audio visual equipment, and kitchen facilities. The VMASC Technology and Business Accelerator currently hosts eight modeling and simulation and related technology companies progressing towards long term self sustainability in the Hampton Roads community.
 Downtown Suffolk's McEntire Davis Architects Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary
McEntire Davis Architects, headquartered in Downtown Suffolk, celebrated their 10 year anniversary in December. Located at 1001 West Washington Street, McEntire Davis is a full-service HUBZone and woman-owned architectural firm. Some of their projects include: HRT's Light Rail in Norfolk, Veterans Administration in Hampton, Western Tidewater Community Board in Suffolk, Defense Supply Center in Richmond and Bay Vista Condominiums in Virginia Beach.
Cathy McEntire, Managing Partner at McEntire Davis stated, "We are very excited about this anniversary. Ten years, particularly in this economic climate, is quite a milestone for us. We have to thank all of our many clients who have allowed us to provide inspiring and compatible design solutions in an effort to augment the quality of our built environment. With every project that we undertake, our ultimate goal is to achieve a balance between the project program requirements and overall community enhancement."
"The City of Suffolk applauds the talent and dedication that McEntire Davis Architects has shown over the past 10 years," said Mayor Linda T. Johnson. "It is gratifying to see their continued professionalism and design talents included in so many significant projects."
McEntire Davis also provides turn-key design build services with their sister company, ArchiStructures LLC, a Class A Licensed Construction Company. For further information regarding McEntire Davis Architects you many contact them at 757-923-9800 or visit their website at www.mcentiredavis.com.
Chesapeake Regional Opens New Family
Practice in Harbour View
Chesapeake Regional Medical Group has opened a new family practice of primary care physicians in the Harbour View section of Suffolk. The practice, Riverfront Family Medicine and Specialty Care, is located in the Konikoff Building at 5849 Harbour View Blvd., Suite 250. A ribbon cutting and grand opening event took place on Thursday, January 21, 2010, from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
 Practicing at the location are Drs. Scott Fowler, Dena Hall and Attiyah Ismaeli-Campbell. All are board certified family physicians. Other specialists will also rotate through the practice, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, general surgeons, bariatric surgeons and diabetes management clinicians. All three physicians are accepting new patients and all major insurance plans.
Appointments can be made by calling 757-966-2529. Chesapeake Regional Group is an affiliate of Chesapeake Regional Medical Center.
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February Good Times in Suffolk
Exhibit of Excellence: Suffolk Student Art 2010
Feb 2-28
View this juried exhibition by local high school students. Free and open to the public. Suffolk Museum, 757-514-7284.
heArt Throb: The Passion of Life
Feb 6: Enjoy a day of Learning about heart disease at this community event from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Free health screenings and more! Exhibit runs through February 19th. Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 757-923-0003.
 The World Famous Harlem Gospel Choir
Feb 7: The spectacular Harlem Gospel Choir is one of the most famous gospel choirs in America today. Their inspirational songs will touch the depths of your soul, lift your spirit to angelic heights and take your breath away! Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for students. Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 757-923-0003.
Highlights for Porgy and Bess
Feb 19: Summertime in the South is gonna be a scorcher! Spectacular dance and jazz move the lives in Catfish Row where games and murder fill a tumultuous love triangle. The show begins at 10 a.m. Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 757-923-0003.
Thunder Creek
Feb 20: Thunder Creek blends traditional, gospel and classic bluegrass with unbridled energy, passion and vocal and instrumental mastery. Tickets cost $15. Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 757-923-0003.
Antique Show & Sale
Feb 27 & 28: This show features over 30 mid-Atlantic antiques and collectible dealers. Crystal and porcelain repair also offered. The cost is $5. On Saturday the show will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. The Sunday hours are from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Suffolk Art League, 757-925-0048.
 An Evening with John & Abigail Adams
Feb 27: john and Abigail Adams share their memories of the Revolutionary War, the pain of separation and details about the presidency. Don't miss this historic and poignant event that brings this founding family back to life. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for children. Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 757-923-0003.
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Classes Scheduled at the Suffolk Museum
Artist Jodie Woltering To Present Beginning Knitting Class
Artist Jodie Woltering will present a class in beginning knitting. The class will meet on three Sundays (February 7th, 14th, and 21st) from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Suffolk Museum.
Students will learn to cast on, knit, purl, increase, decrease, correct dropped stitches, bind off and use patterns. Different fibers and types of knitting needles will lalso be discussed.
The fee for the workshop is $55.00 and includes all supplies. Please make checks payable to Ronald Williams, Treasurer, and include two phone numbers on your check. The deadline for registration is January 30, 2010.
Artist Sandy Lupton To Present
Alternative Jewelry Processes Workshop
Artist Sandy Lupton will present a workshop entitled "Alternative Jewelry Processes" on Sunday, February 28, 2010, at the Suffolk Museum from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The newest trend in "mixed media jewelry." Come and spend the day with Sandy, learning a variety of jewelry-making techniques. You will learn to make a mixed media/found object necklace, incorporating elements you craft in class and adding your own treasure for a one-of-a-kind heirloom.
A variety of jewelry-making techniques will be taught. Students will make a mixed media/found object necklace. Students should bring basic jewelry-making tools, including round-nose pliers, flat-nose or needle-nose pliers, and wire cutters and small found objects.
The fee for the workshop is $60.00. Please make checks payable to Ronald Williams, Treasurer, and include two phone numbers on your check. The deadline for registration is February 2, 2010.
For more information on these and upcoming classes, call 757-514-7284. The Suffolk Museum is located at 118 Bosley Avenue, Suffolk, VA 23434.
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Shoe Tree 2010
The Suffolk Department of Parks and Recreation will be collecting new and/or gently used shoes for youth and teens. The donated shoes will go to the local Salvation Army. Donations can be made at all of the following Recreation Centers:
Booker T. Washington
204 Walnut Street
Creekside
1000 Bennett's Creak Park Road
East Suffolk
138 S. 6th Street
Kings Fork
350 Kings Fork Road
Mack Benn, Jr.
1253 Nansmond Parkway
Northern Shores
6701 Respass Beach Rd
Oakland
5505 Godwihn Boulevard
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For More information, please call 757-514-7250 or 757-514-4500
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Genealogy Workshop at North Suffolk Library
Want to trace your family's history or learn more about your ancestors but don't know where to begin? Find out all you need to know when you join us for a genealogy workshop at the North Suffolk Library on Wednesday, February 17, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
Joan Wright of the Virginia Beach Genealogical Society will answer your questions about how to get started with genealogy during a free workshop for beginners, held in the North Suffolk Library. Ask about the resources and techniques needed to track down information about your family's history and to build a family tree.
Need more information? Call Kirk at 757-514-7160 with your questions.
The North Suffolk Library is located at 2000 Bennett's Creek Park Road, Suffolk, VA 23435. Visit us online at www.suffolk.lib.va.us.
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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,
February 3, 2010:
7 p.m.
Wednesday,
February 17, 2010:
7 p.m.
All meetings take place in the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of the Municipal Center.
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