Suffolk One of America's 100 Best Cities
 The official motto for several years has been "It's a good time to be
in Suffolk...", and now
it seems like others have found that to be true, as well. Suffolk has been named as one of America's 100 Best Small Cities to Live for 2010 by CNN Money Magazine. The magazine compared statistics from 746
U.S. cities with a population of 50,000 to 300,000 to make its rankings. Suffolk placed 91st and was one of only four Virginia cities to make the list. It was also the first time Suffolk had received this esteemed recognition. Some of the factors considered in the selection included job and housing markets, quality of education, crime rate and overall quality of life, including leisure and cultural activities.
Of special significance is the city's ranking in job creation, due in large part to our diversified employment base, where we ranked almost 10 percentage points better than the average of the "best cities," as evidenced by the wide variety of businesses and industries that have chosen to call Suffolk "home" since 2000.
The magazine chose Suffolk in part due to our "nutty history every fall with a four-day festival that includes a demolition derby, a carnival, and a shrimp feast." It further stated that our residents can "relax by fishing on Lake Meade or taking a canoe trip down nearby Dismal Swamp State Park... or eating at the many locally owned restaurants that serve Southern specialties."
Learning of the prestigious designation, Mayor Linda Johnson stated, "We were thrilled to learn of Suffolk's selection by CNN Money Magazine as one of the Top 100 Small Cities in America. We are well aware of Suffolk's unique and diverse offerings, from its historic downtown and rich farmland to its high-tech corridor and beautiful recreational offerings. It is wonderful that others are learning what we already know: whether it's to work, live or play...It's a good time to be in Suffolk."
It's also a great time for Suffolk's citizens and those in surrounding communities to explore and discover what this remarkable city has to offer. Whether reserving your spot on a Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Narrated Bus Tour or Canoe Trip, enjoying a performance or class at the Cultural Arts Center, partaking of a world-class meal at one of our renowned restaurants, or enjoying a T.G.I.F. concert or dazzling fireworks display with the family at Constant's Wharf, you'll find that the city is filled with unlimited opportunities.
Making its debut in Money Magazine's August edition, the Suffolk's listing and ranking criteria can also be found online at this link:
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King's Fork Public Safety
Center Opens The Doors
The City of Suffolk will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new King's Fork Public Safety Center on Tuesday, August 3, 2010, at 10 a.m. The 25,000 square-foot, $7.9 million facility houses Fire Station # 6, the administrative offices for the Suffolk Fire Department and the Suffolk Emergency Operations Center.
"We are very excited about this new facility," said Fire Chief Mark Outlaw. "The King's Fork Public Safety Center will provide enhanced services to the ever-increasing response areas of Godwin Boulevard, Pruden Boulevard and Route 58, by greatly reducing response times in those areas. With an ambulance, a fire engine and a ladder truck operating out of the center, firefighters will have the necessary tools needed to provide the protection to our community that has always been the number-one priority of Suffolk Fire & Rescue."
The new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will also be a significant part of the new facility. "Enhanced management of natural and large-scale disasters will be provided in a safe and secure facility," added Chief Outlaw. This new Emergency Operations Center will replace the one that has been operating out of Fire Station 3 on White Marsh Road.
The King's Fork Public Safety Center is located at 300 King's Fork Road, across from Kings Fork High School, and is on land generously donated to the City by Suffolk Public Schools.
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National Night Out Events 
National Night Out Duck Race
Suffolk's National Night Out Committee
was on hand at the T.G.I.F. concert Friday, June 25, 2010.The 3rd Annual National Night Out Duck Race was held on the lovely waters of the Nansemond River while everyone enjoyed music by "Slapwater." The National Night Out 2010 Display Tent handed out free tickets to participate in the race; the Grand Prize was valued at over $100.00, and included a free one year subscription to the Suffolk News-Herald. Citizens also received information on how their community can get involved and be part of Suffolk's nationally recognized "Going Away Party for Crime!" The main National Night Out event is scheduled for Tuesday, August 3rd. For more information on how your community can participate, contact Diana Klink at 757-514-4104.
National Night Out Sunday - August 1st
 Sunday, August 1, 2010, has been designated
as "Citywide National Night Out Sunday." We ask
that our city come together as one to pray for our
youth, communities, and the law enforcement
officers who protect us. Partner with us in making
this year our most successful celebration of National
Night out in our history. By working together, we can
accomplish all that we set out to do.Can you think of
a better way to make a difference?
National Kids' Day - August 1st
Pre-National Night Out PEP RALLY
Constant's Wharf Park & Marina
110 East Constance Road, behind Hilton Garden Inn
2-5pm, Free, Open to All Ages
 Discover fun for the entire family at this joint endeavor by Suffolk Parks & Recreation and the National Night Out 2010 Committee. Keeping with our theme of "A Safe Odyssey," our local Public Safety Partners will be out in full force with Child Safety Seat Inspections, K-9 and bicycle safety demos, a state-of-the-art Child Identification Program, and lots of helpful safety information. All activities are FREE and include a bounce house, clowns, face painting, arts and crafts, old-fashioned sack races, pie eating contests, DJ, local youth entertainment,
and much more!
THE BIG NIGHT:
National Night Out 2010 - August 3rd
5:30 pm, King's Fork Public Safety Center 
Help us bring the first-place trophy back for the 3rd year in a row! Our citizens will be joining over 35 million people nationwide in this 27th anniversary celebration in the fight against crime! Even if you can't attend a community event, you can still turn on your porch lights as a sign of solidarity. Remember, an alert and cooperative neighborhood is the best defense against crime! For more information, contact Diana Klink, Media & Community Relations Manager, 757-514-4104.
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911 Communications Center Implements
New Emergency Dispatch System
 The Suffolk 911 Communications Center is excited to announce the implementation of the Medical Priority Dispatch System™ (MPDS®) to better serve the citizens of Suffolk in emergency situations. Dispatchers using the newly implemented protocol system:
· will follow nationally recognized standards
· give universal, consistent care and service to
every caller
· gather critical emergency call information for responders
· identify life-threatening situations
· safely prioritize calls for appropriate and fast response
· provide "Zero Minute" Dispatch Life Support using Pre-Arrival and
Post-Dispatch Instructions
Implementing the Medical protocol enables dispatchers to accurately assess each emergency situation and send the best response possible, while safeguarding valuable and limited emergency services resources and increasing safety for both citizens and responders.
One key benefit the Suffolk 911 Communications Center will now provide is a constant stream of crucial and updated scene information to field responders en route. This information will better prepare responders to give precise assistance when they arrive at the scene.
The Priority Dispatch System™ (PDS™) includes ProQA® software, cardsets, a three-day certification training course for emergency dispatchers, and continual quality improvement (QI) benchmarks and training. All dispatchers who work on the new system are certified by the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch® (NAED™) and must recertify every two years, completing 24 hours of continuing dispatch education (CDE) and passing all requirements for NAED recertification.
Proactive quality improvement (QI) benchmarks are an important part of the newly implemented Priority Dispatch System. Use of the PDS allows communications centers to assess the quality of the care they are providing their communities, allowing them to make positive adjustments to training and staff in response to these assessments. The constantly evolving Priority Dispatch System (PDS) will help to continue to provide a high standard of care to the community, allowing Emergency Medical Dispatchers to manage resources and ensure accuracy and efficiency of the dispatching process.
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National Geographic Explores the Great Dismal Swamp with Students
 An education program of National
Geographic spurred 50 youth
from the African Methodist
Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church,
Second District's Summer Youth
Academic Camp, to the Great
Dismal Swamp National
Wildlife
Refuge in July. Students from
the District of
Columbia, North Carolina, Maryland and Virginia
received both classroom instruction and field study at the Great Dismal using a
web-based mapping, analysis and collaboration tool called "National Geographic FieldScope."
Designed
to support geographic investigations and engage students as citizen scientists
investigating real-world issues, FieldScope enhances student scientific
investigations where student fieldwork and data is integrated with that of
peers and professionals, adding analysis opportunities and meaning to student
investigations. The curriculum challenges students to think about how human
activities in our watershed impact the Chesapeake Bay
and its tributaries.
The
A.M.E. tour and activities were facilitated by local biologists who interpret
the narrated bus tours departing weekly from the Suffolk Visitor
Center and were made
possible in part by Starr Motors, Another Level Travel and B&B Taxi
Service.
The Suffolk Visitor
Center is located at 321 N. Main Street
in the historic Prentis House. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and around the
clock at www.Suffolk-Fun.com.
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City Changes to Four-Day Trash Pick-Up
 Effective July 6, 2010, the City of
Suffolk Department of Public
Works converted to a four-day
trash pick-up schedule. Mondays
are no longer a regular trash
pick-up day. As a result, trash
days for many residents changed.
This change will allow for efficiencies, as trash collection during holiday weeks will no longer have to be picked up on weekends and several manual routes will be converted to automated.
Public Works has been notifying affected customers for the last several weeks of changes to their pick-up dates. Packages announcing changes were delivered to customer's doorsteps, signs have been posted at the entrance to many neighborhoods and stickers with new pick-up dates were placed on customer's trash cans. Approximately 1,800 customers have converted to automated routes. Ninety - gallon cans have been delivered to those customers. Customers that have questions are asked to contact the Department of Public Works at 757-514-7630.
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Suffolk ON THE MOVE
 Are you ready for a challenge? You and your family can take small steps and make small changes to a healthier way of life. Several hundred of your friends and neighbors registered to participate in "Suffolk On the Move," a one-mile fun run and 5K walk/run that was held at Constant's Wharf Park & Marina on Saturday, June 26, 2010, marking the start of a year-long campaign to inspire and encourage Suffolkians of all ages to become more active! Registration was free; participants were asked to donate one canned good to support Suffolk food pantries.
The Suffolk Partnership for a Healthy Community and the City of Suffolk's Department of Parks & Recreation joined forces to create this event to bring awareness to Parks & Recreation Month in July, as well as the Suffolk Partnership's 12-month campaign to promote a more active, healthier lifestyle. "We wanted to plan a citywide campaign to help people get more active," said Karen Brower, Chair of the planning committee. "From a series of interviews with 26 different focus groups, we've learned two key factors are primarily responsible for the increased rate of chronic conditions, including obesity: poor food choices and low levels of activity."
To jump-start the campaign, Mr. Peanut joined The Suffolk Partnership, Parks & Recreation and all participants on a city-wide movement to encourage Suffolk's citizens to adopt a more active lifestyle. The excitement continued after the fun run and walk with a "Fun Fest" from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Constant's Wharf in celebration of the kick-off of National Parks & Recreation Month. This event was free and open to the public and included a magician, bounce house, canoe rides, giveaways, games and plenty of family activities
We Have a New Address!
On June 28, 2010, Suffolk Parks and Recreation's Administrative Office relocated from 110 West Finney Avenue to their new Administrative Office located at 134 South 6th Street, adjacent to the East Suffolk Recreation Center.
For more information or further assistance, please call 757-514-4500.
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Recycling Drive
The Suffolk Clean Community Commission is sponsoring a Recycling Drive on August 14, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Creekside Elementary School, located at 1000 Bennett's Creek Park Road in North Suffolk. Shred-it will be on hand to provide on-site shredding of Suffolk residents' sensitive documents. There is a limit of three copy paper size boxes or three brown paper bags per person. Participants will be asked to stay with their documents until they've handed them to the Shred-it driver in the truck.
Residents are encouraged to bring the following to be recycled:
· Tires (12 per household)
· Electronics
· All types of paper, including mixed paper (magazines, catalogues and newspaper)
· Cardboard and paper board
· Steel and aluminum cans
· Glass containers (bottles and jars)
· All plastic bottles (#1 and #2).
Everyone who comes out to recycle receives a reusable shopping bag as the Commission joins forces with the community to say NO! to plastic. For more information, please contact Hattie Lester, Litter Control Coordinator at 757-514-7604 or via e-mail at hlester@city.suffolk.va.us.
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"C.S.I" Camp
As part of the City of Suffolk's ongoing commitment to youth, the Forensic Unit of the Suffolk Police Department will host the Fifth Annual Junior Forensic "CSI" Camp. The three-day camp is dedicated to exposing school-age youth to what it is like to be a crime scene investigator.
C.S.I. Camp is designed to be fun, challenging, and educational. After a short period of lectures, participants will get hands-on experience by handling mock crime scenes, including examples of a kidnapping, burglary, robbery and a recovered stolen vehicle. The scenes are age-appropriate and will give participants the opportunity to try what they have learned in the camp.
The camp was the idea of Joan Jones, the supervisor of Suffolk Police Department's Forensic Unit. Scheduled for August 10-12, 2010, from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.at the Health and Human Services Building (located at 135 Hall Ave), the camp is opened to students in grades 6-8. There is a $25 registration fee. Deadline for registration is July 30. For more information, contact 757-514-7940.
This camp is co-sponsored by the Suffolk Education Foundation.
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Foster Parents Needed In Suffolk
 Suffolk Department of Social
Services is planning training for the
fall. If you love working with teens,
we need you!
Suffolk Department of Social
Services would like to train and
certify foster parents to take teenagers in their home to love, nurture, guide and prepare them for the future. Training is every Thursday for nine (9) weeks September 9th through November 4, 2010, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Training will be held at the Suffolk Department of Social Services located at 135 Hall Avenue, Suite B.
If you have any questions, please contact Nan Diggs at 757-514-7344. |
Welcome to the Neighborhood!
On Saturday, July 17, 2010, Suffolk Mayor Linda T. Johnson and owner Rodney Sanders celebrated a ribbon cutting for GODHAP 4 Fitness, located in the Creekside Village Shopping Center on Bridge Road and Lee Farm Lane. GODHAP 4 Fitness offers one-on-one personal training, group sessions and goal-specific programs. This new fitness center aims to create a fitness space that caters to all people, offering a revolutionary workout experience that will challenge individuals toward achieving their goals.
Mr. Sanders has worked in the fitness industry for over 20 years. He not only offers personal fitness training but also nutritional training as well, combining whole food nutrition, one-on-one counseling, individualized and personalized weekly meal plans, a weekly grocery list and recipes for each meal, and an effective exercise program to enhance body fat loss. During this Healthy Body Fat Loss program, participants receive nutritional counseling and are shown how to incorporate realistic and moderate amounts of exercise including strength training and cardiovascular fitness into their lives.
GODHAP 4 Fitness is located at 3235 Bridge Road. Hours of operation are 6 a.m.- 8 p.m. Monday - Saturday, by appointment only. For further information contact Rodney Sanders at 757.483.0263 or email him at GODHAP4fitness@aol.com.
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TGIF Summer Concert Series Is Here!
The 2010 TGIF Summer Concert Series at Bennett's Creek Park is here!! Open from 5:30-9 p.m. every Friday, families can enjoy food, fun and music under the stars. Free and open to the public.
| | Bands lined up for TGIF include:
Bennett's Creek
August 6:
Fat Ammons Band
August 13:
Cedar Creek
August 20:
The Janitors
August 27:
Overtime Band
September 3:
Island Boy
Sponsorship and on-site setup opportunities are available for your organization and business. For more information, please call 757-514-7267. | _________________
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| Council Meeting Schedule | |
Wednesday,
August 18, 2010:
7 p.m.
Wednesday,
September 1, 2010:
7 p.m.
All meetings take place in the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of the Municipal Center.
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| Municipal Center | |
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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