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Director of Economic
Development Announced
 On February 12, 2010, City Manager Selena Cuffee-Glenn announced the appointment of Kevin Hughes as the City's Director of Economic Development. Hughes has been the department's acting director since May 2009. He has served with the City since 2005 as a senior business development manager.
Hughes has a Bachelor of Arts degree
in history from James Madison University. Prior to working for the City of Suffolk, Hughes was employed by Nexus Direct and Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance.
During his tenure with the City, Hughes has managed over thirty-five locations and expansion projects totaling in excess of $56,000,000 in capital investment leading to the creation of over 400 new jobs and the expansion or occupation of over 4,000,000 square feet of commercial space.
Cuffee-Glenn is pleased to have Hughes in the position of Director of Economic Development. "Our Economic Development team has made tremendous strides with Kevin at the helm," advised Cuffee-Glenn. "He has vision, great energy and a real desire to assist businesses and industries looking to locate and those that already call Suffolk home," advised Cuffee-Glenn. On his selection Hughes advised, "I am honored that the City Manager has selected me for the position of Economic Development Director. I am excited to expand my role with the City, and look forward to being an integral part in the continued economic growth and prosperity of the City of Suffolk."
Hughes is engaged to Cathy Denton. He will be moving to Suffolk from Virginia Beach soon. Hughes' new position became effective February 16th.
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Corporate Sponsorships Help Fund
Youth Public Safety Academy
Suffolk's annual Youth Public Safety Academy began on February 12, 2010, thanks to generous donations from Wal-Mart and Target. The program is designed to introduce at risk youth to public safety fields, foster an interest in the sciences, and create positive mentoring relationships with youth. Each year the program has faced challenging economic environments, but through grants from Target and Wal-Mart, the program was once again available for eighteen more teens ages 13 to 17.
 The Youth Public Safety Academy, one of the plan outcomes of the Suffolk Initiative on Youth, is an afterschool program, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m to 7 p.m. Youth are treated to classes in public safety specialties, such as using fire extinguishers and processing crime scenes. For the first time, the academy is incorporating a service learning curriculum developed by Alternatives in Hampton, Virginia. The goal of the service learning program is to teach youth that they can be effective change agents in their community regardless of their life circumstances.
This year, the 18 enrolled students were asked to identify a community need, and overwhelmingly their response was a desire to feed the hungry. The next several weeks will be spent developing and implementing a service project that will impact the hungry in the City of Suffolk. The academy will complete two service learning projects before the end of the eleven week program.
 "We could not have implemented this program without the gracious contributions of the College Drive Wal-Mart and Target Corporation, who donated a total of $2,300, approximately half the total cost of the program," said Chief Thomas E. Bennett. Target and Wal-Mart are both regular financial sponsors of City of Suffolk public safety initiatives such to include National Night Out and Identi-Kid programs, and now, our Youth Public Safety Academy. These monetary donations are used to fund the ropes course, the cost of nightly meals for the youth, as well as uniform shirts.
The program runs through the first week of May.
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Back by Popular Palate Demand!
Suffolk Restaurant Week March 20-27
Suffolk presents its third annual premier culinary celebration, Suffolk Restaurant Week, during the week of March 20-27, showcasing exceptional dishes prepared by the best chefs in Suffolk. There are no passes to buy, coupons to carry or cards to punch. Simply visit the participating restaurant of your choice and select from a deluxe restaurant week menu ($10 lunch/ $20 dinner) or premier restaurant week menu ($15 lunch/$30 dinner). All selections include an appetizer, entree and dessert, and menus will be accessible from the Suffolk-Fun.com website. Restaurants will offer their regular menus as well.
Participating restaurants include:
Amici's Italian Restaurant
Baron's Pub and Restaurant
Constant's Warf and Grill
George's Steak House
Great American Grill
Grits and Gravy
Koi Sushi Hibachi
Main Street Coffee
Mosaic by Hollands
Pisces Seafood
Primo 116 bistro Italiano
River Stone Chophouse
Singapore Cuisine
Sushi Aka
Vintage Tavern
"Whatever your taste, you'll find it during Suffolk Restaurant Week," said Mayor Linda Johnson. "Try some exotic coffee, fabulous casual fare or delight in five-star sophistication."
You also can enter a chance to win a Suffolk Restaurant Week "Indulge Yourself Giveaway" package that includes a one-night stay at the riverfront Hilton Garden Inn-Suffolk; $100 gift certificate for a perfomance or classes at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts; and a $100 gift certificate for dinner at River Stone Chophouse. To enter the giveaway, register online at Suffolk-Fun.com/restaurantweek, at the Suffolk Visitors Center or at a participating restaurant.
Suffolk Restaurant Week is sponsored by Lipton and Sysco with additional support from the riverfront Hilton Garden Inn, the Suffolk Center for cultural Arts and River Stone Chophouse.
For more information, visit Suffolk-Fun.com/restaurantweek or call the Suffolk Visitors Center at 757.514.4130. |
NEED A CAREER BOOST?
 Are you seeking employment, making a transition to a different career path, or looking for a new job? Join us for our Career Boost series and get valuable tips on the job search process, unemployment benefits, networking, interview skills, and more!
March 24, 2010
12:00-1:30 p.m. City of Suffolk Human Resources staff will be available to provide resume critiques and interview skills assessments. Come dressed for success!
April 7, 2010
12:00-1:30 p.m. Lisa Zahralddin, Business Development Manager and Workforce Network Coordinator for the Department of Rehabilitative Services, will provide handy networking tips and show how networking is an essential component of job searching.
April 21, 2010
12:00-1:30 p.m Michele Lachtara from the Suffolk Workforce Development Center will discuss unemployment benefits and support services.
These programs are free and open to the public. North Suffolk Library is located at 2000 Bennett's Creek Park Road. If you have any questions please contact 757-514-7150.
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| SUFFOLK STUDENTS RECYCLE
NEARLY 130,000 PLASTIC BAGS
 Everyone young and old has caught the buzz about recycling and environmental stewardship. In fact, some of the youngest recyclers can be found locally in the Suffolk Public Schools.
The Suffolk Clean Community Commission and Suffolk Public Schools are collaborating with Trex Company, Inc., the leading manufacturer of alternative decking, railing and fencing, for a plastic bag recycling drive. The drive started on America Recycles Day 2009 (November 15) and ends on Earth Day 2010 (April 22).
Students already have recycled nearly 130,000 plastic trash bags and still have two months left in the collection to save additional bags from landfills, ditches and waterways. "Suffolk Public Schools is thrilled that our students and staff have taken such a strong ownership in this effort to save the planet," said Bethanne Bradshaw, public information and community relations officer for Suffolk Public Schools. "The plastic bag recycling project has provided our students, staff and school families a real-life, hands-on lesson in improving the environment."
Participating schools include Creekside Elementary, Florence Bowser Elementary, Mack Benn Jr. Elementary, Mt. Zion Elementary, Robertson Elementary, Southwestern Elementary, Kilby Shores Elementary, Northern Shores Elementary, Booker T. Washington Elementary, John F. Kennedy Middle, Kings Fork Middle, Turlington Woods School, Nansemond River High and Kings Fork High Schools.
"The City of Suffolk is extremely grateful for the tireless efforts put forth by the staff and students at the 14 schools participating in the plastic bag recycling drive," said Hattie Lester, litter control coordinator for the City of Suffolk, who is spearheading the drive. "This project will help save energy, landfill space, natural resources and ultimately the Earth."
Each year, Trex utilizes more than 1 billion recycled grocery bags to create its environmentally-friendly outdoor living products. By working with Trex, local schools and students learn the importance of recycling, help keep plastic bags out of landfills and are rewarded for their efforts.
"The Trex Company is pleased to have City of Suffolk Schools return for their second year in our plastic bag drive. With four new participants, we now have 14 schools and their local communities partnered with Trex to help expand and promote plastic bag recycling," said Amanda Harrington, recycling promotions coordinator for Trex. "Along with Trex, each school has excelled to maintain and execute the goal and importance of early education in the fast growing world of recycling. We thank Suffolk schools for their continued support and dedication to a meaningful program."
Participating schools have been placed in two groups: "Group One" includes the elementary schools and "Group Two" includes the middle, high, and alternative schools. Trex will award a bench made of Trex materials to the school in each group that collects the most bags, taking into account the student population in each building.
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Suffolk Museum March Workshop
Artist to Present Symbolic Journal Book Workshop
Artist Catherine Mein will present a workshop entitled "Symbolic Journal Book" on Sunday, April 10, 2010, at the Suffolk Museum from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sacred symbols and their meanings will be explored at this workshop. Participants will have a finished journal book that will include their choice of symbols using an antique copper painting technique. Working with acrylics and recycled materials, Catherine will guide you to successfully complete a meaningful work of art. This workshop is sponsored by the Department of Parks and Recreation.
The fee for the workshop is $45.00 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 April 3, 2010.
For more information call the Suffolk Museum at (757) 514-7284. The Suffolk Museum is located at 118 Bosley Avenue, Suffolk, VA 23434.
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Upcoming Parks and Recreation Activities
Movie & Munchies at Northern Shores Recreation Center and Creekside Recreation Center
Bring your child for a fun filled night of Movies and Munchies at two area recreation centers while you enjoy an evening to yourselves. These fun-filled nights begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 9:00 p.m. The fee is $8 per child (per night) and pre-registration is required.
Northern Shores Recreation Center:
April 2, 2010
For more information, contact Rebecca at 757-514-7249.
Creekside Recreation Center:
April 23, 2010
For more information, contact Lukendra at 757-514-7245.
The Northern Shores Recreation Center is located at 6701 Respass Beach Road, Suffolk, VA 23435. Creekside Recreation Center is located at 1000 Bennett Park Road, Suffolk, VA 23435.
C. Faye Tillery Day Just Around The Corner
Join Parks and Recreation at East Suffolk Recreation Center for the annual C. Faye Tillery Day on Saturday, April 3, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
This event commemorates the life of C. Faye Tillery, a Suffolk native and former employee at Suffolk Parks and Recreation. Faye made recreation fun for everyone, young and old. In celebration of her life, Suffolk Parks and Recreation will host a youth and coach All-Star basketball game, contests, music and free food, all while raising cancer awareness. Three of our youth league coaches will receive the C. Faye Tillery Coach's Award.
This event is free and open to the public. East Suffolk Recreation Center is located at 138 South 6th Street, Suffolk, VA 23434.
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New Business News
Bayview Physician Services North Suffolk Family Medicine, an affiliate of Bayview Physician Services, has opened a new family practice in the Bennett's Creek section of Suffolk. The practice is located in the Creekside Village Shopping Center at 3235 Bridge Road. Suffolk Mayor Linda T. Johnson hosted a ribbon cutting event for this new location on Friday, February 26, 2010, at 3:30 p.m.
Practicing at this new location is Dr. Lynne Stockman, a board certified family medicine physician. Dr. Stockman earned her medical degree at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences and completed a residency in family medicine at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News.
North Suffolk Family Medicine is accepting new patients and all major insurance plans. Appointments can be made by calling 757-606-1656.
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March Good Times in Suffolk The following variety of good-time activities are offered in the City of Suffolk during the month of March:
Organics
1-31: View this photographic series by Brenda C. Wright.
Shooting Star Gallery, 757-934-0855.
 The Suffolk Museum's 26th Annual
Juried Photography Exhibit
3/5-4/16: Celebrate 26 years of talent, skill and creativity as the Suffolk Museum holds the 2010 Annual Juried Exhibit, the largest and oldest juried photography exhibit in Hampton Roads. Free and open to the public. View the exhibit from 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Suffolk Museum, 757-514-7284.
3rd Annual Suffolk Restaurant Week
20-27: Join us for Suffolk's premier gourmet dining experience during Restaurant Week, March 20-27. It's a perfect time to sample new restaurants and old favorites as local chefs prepare delectable dishes for your spring dining enjoyment. Prix fixe selected three-course menus include an appetizer, entrée and dessert. Restaurants city-wide participate in this annual showcase of Suffolk's finest dining establishments. Suffolk Division of Tourism, 757-514-4130.
 Ballet Virginia International's Sleeping Beauty
27: Enjoy Ballet Virginia International's version of this classic fairy tale. A snubbed malevolent fairy casts a curse on a princess that only a prince can break. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25 and $15. Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 757-923-2900.
Tom Sawyer with Hurrah Players
28: Aunt Polly, Becky Thatcher and of course Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn are as much of a part of American culture as fireworks on the Fourth of July! These characters will come to glorious life in this musical retelling of Mark Twain's masterpiece. The show begins at 3:00 p.m. Tickets cost $20 and $10. Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 757-923-2900.
The Division of Tourism develops and implements innovative and effective initiatives that broaden the local tourism industry and generate increased visitor expenditures, tax revenues and employment. The mission of the Division is to attract "More People, to Stay Longer and Spend More Money." 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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City Offices on the Move! There have been some location changes made in some City of Suffolk offices in the last month. Human Resources, Voter Registrar, Public Works Engineering and Public Works Administration have relocated to 440 Market Street across from the City Municipal Building.
Within the Municipal Building at 441 Market Street, Media and Community Relations has relocated to Suite 205 (formerly Human Resources) and Purchasing has relocated to Suite 105 (formerly Media and Community Relations).
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Street Name Changes
The Department of Public Works - Traffic Engineering Division advises that the following street name changes took place on March 1, 2010:
· 6353 Townpoint Road to 6429 Townpoint Road has new address numbers, with an Old Townpoint Road name.
· 6451 Townpoint Road to 6475 Townpoint Road has new address numbers with an Old College Drive name.
· The remainder of the residential area within the Huntersville and Wynnewood neighborhoods fronting College Drive and Townpoint Road has been changed in name only, from College Drive to Old College Drive, and from Townpoint Road to Old Townpoint Road.
· The section of Townpoint Road between River Club Drive and the Portsmouth City Limits has changed in name to Hampton Roads Parkway. |
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4 PM Burn Law
in Effect
The Suffolk Department of Fire and Rescue's Fire Prevention Bureau began enforcing the Commonwealth's 4 p.m. Burn Law February 15, 2010, the start of spring fire season in Virginia. This law prohibits burning before 4 p.m. each day (Feb. 15 - April 30) if the fire is in, or within 300 feet of, woodland, brushland or fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials.
A violation of this law is a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine. In addition to the criminal violation, those who allow a fire to escape are liable for the cost of suppressing the fire as well as any damage caused to others' property.
Suffolk's Fire Marshal, Captain James Dickens, advises that the leading cause of forest fires is carelessness. "An unattended fire, a discarded cigarette or a single match can ignite the dry fuels that are so prevalent in the early spring. Add a few days of dry, windy conditions and a simple yard debris fire can quickly turn into a raging inferno. The 4 p.m. Burn Law is one of the most effective tools we have for the prevention of brush or forest fires. By adhering to the law and not burning before 4 p.m., people are less likely to start a fire that threatens them, their property or their neighbor's property."
The City of Suffolk Fire Prevention Bureau requires a burning permit for all open air burning within the city. Fire inspectors consider such factors as wind direction, proximity to other occupied dwellings, the resident's ability to control the fire, and history of complaints in a particular neighborhood before issuing a burning permit.
Captain Dickens emphasizes that the issuance of a burn permit does not relieve one of any liability. A complaint lodged by a neighbor may result in the permit being revoked and the fire being extinguished by the fire department. If your debris fire gets out of control and damages adjoining property, you will be responsible for all damages as well as the expenses incurred in fighting the fire.
For more information on how to protect yourself and your property, or to obtain a burn permit, contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 757-514-7540. |
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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,
April 7, 2010:
7 p.m.
Wednesday,
April 21, 2010:
7 p.m.
All meetings take place in the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of the Municipal Center.
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