Chesopeian Colony "On the Lynnhaven River"

Transcription

1 Chesopeian Colony "On the Lynnhaven River" April 2012 Newsletter Inside This Issue: President's Message Danger on our streets Colony Dredging Dredging Map Things to do about town Scholarship Info Treasurer Report New Neighbors & Street News Upcoming Event! The next Civic League meeting will be held on Thursday, April 19th 7:00 PM at the Foundry United Methodist Church across from our entrance. Hope to see you there! Message from the President: Warm greetings to all Chesopeian Colony Residents. I am very pleased to begin my term as President of the Civic League. There are a lot of exciting things going on this year, and I am looking forward to getting started. I want to begin by expressing heartfelt thanks to Todd Lovelace for his years of service as a member of the CCCL Board, culminating in the past two years as our President. Todd, you ve done so much for the neighborhood and we appreciate all of your contributions. Thanks also to our other outgoing Board members. You make the neighborhood a better place. Finally, welcome and thank you to the newest members of the Board and to those who have signed up, yet again, to fill very important leadership positions on the Board. Your tireless efforts and contributions are deeply appreciated. I look forward to working with each of you. Over the next several months, community dredging and the creation of a Special Service District (SSD) for Chesopeian Colony is going to be a very hot topic. The Board has expressed our vision that Chesopeian Colony is, and shall remain, a deep-water access community. We are supportive of the creation of the SSD. However, we are aware that our residents have questions and concerns about the project. In early December, we held a community meeting and invited Dave Hansen, the City of Virginia Beach Deputy City Manager. Dave gave a very detailed presentation and allowed residents the opportunity to ask very important questions and to express their opinions about the project. The vast majority of residents that attended were supportive of the project. We are continuing to work with the City and are in the process of scheduling another community meeting. It will be extremely important for our waterfront residents to attend. In addition, residents who are not eligible to participate in the SSD are encouraged to attend; this project significantly affects your property values as well. Please stay tuned for further updates. Also, check our website for a video of Dave s presentation and links to additional information on the City s website. This is such a wonderful community and I treasure the opportunity to work with you to make it better. I look forward to another wonderful year. I hope to see you all at the next Civic League meeting. Warm regards, Janet Webster

2 ... is just down the street! We have heard complaints and we have seen with our own eyes some pretty scary incidents of motorists encountering skateboarders, bicyclists, and pedestrians within the Colony. Sooner or later, we will regret our complacency because one of us will be seriously injured. There will be two victims: the injured, and the motorist. We are setting ourselves up for this accident, through our ignorance of the rules or disregard for others who use the streets. Most of the scary events occur after dark. Skateboarders wearing black clothes. Bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road, with no lights or reflectors. Walkers, with or without dogs, on the wrong side of the road. We also assume that the drivers are all alert, careful, and capable. Is it possible a resident-motorist could possibly be texting while driving, and not see the bicyclist-in-black?! Let's look at some of the RULES of the road and then consider some common-sense suggestions:.. Pedestrians, including anyone on foot (or skateboard), are required to be on the left side of the road, facing traffic. See the following excerpt from the Virginia Code: Pedestrians not to use roadway except when necessary; keeping to left. Pedestrians shall not use the roadways for travel, except when necessary to do so because of the absence of sidewalks which are reasonably suitable and passable for their use. If they walk on the hard surface, or the main travelled portion of the roadway, they shall keep to the extreme left side or edge thereof, or where the shoulders of the highway are of sufficient width to permit, they may walk on either shoulder thereof. (Code 1950, ; 1950, p. 850; 1958, c. 541, ; 1968, c. 165; 1989, c. 727.). Bicyclists are required to follow the rules for automobiles: Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic. Riders are also required to use the same hand signals as motorists. Bicycles must have front lights and rear reflectors. Specifically: "Every bicycle ridden between sunset and sunrise must have at least one white headlamp with the light being visible at least 500 feet to the front. The bicycle must have a red reflector on the rear visible at least 600 feet to the rear". Skateboarders - stay away from the main road; use side roads... avoid auto traffic. Be VERY cautious when coming out of a driveway.. All: Wear white or light colored clothing at night. Carry a flashlight after dark. Do not become a victim. Let's be safe out there!

3 Colony Dredging Information: Next steps from Chesopeian Colony Dredging SSD discussion with the City 3/19/12 Attending: Phill Roehrs, Dave Hansen, Janet Webster, Frank Gurdziel Although Dave Hansen has approval from city council to continue utilizing city resources on our project, including the mailing of petitions, he has direction from Mayor Sessoms to try to address the issues within the community between the pro-dredging effort sanctioned by the civic league and the anti-dredging opposition before the petitions are mailed. This political pressure has created the need to further validate the community interest in creating an SSD. The following are the action steps agreed to in the meeting: 1. A letter issued by the Civic League Board to McLeskey & Associates requesting their approval of dredging and associated waterfront maintenance within the proposed SSD. The legal documents finalizing the McLeskey & Associates agreement to be handled by the city attorney s office. 2. The cost calculations for the SSD will be revised to utilize the FY13 property assessments. 3. We will have a meeting April 17 th chaired by the civic league with representatives of the city, civic league, dredging committee, and the opponents of dredging to share concerns and alternatives. 4. We will schedule a community public information meeting for the first week in May. The goal is to share updated information on the project and to obtain from the property owners within the proposed project a survey of their position on creation of the dredging SSD. 5. After consideration of all input, the Civic League will decide on how they want to proceed and send a letter to City Manager Jim Spore stating the community interest. We consider this to be a detour, not a dead-end. Please continue to examine the facts on how this project will impact your community and home value, so you will be able to make an informed choice. Frank Gurdziel Attention: Mark your calendar for "Clean the Bay Day", June 2nd, contact Tom McLaughlin at for signup and details!. Please contact Susie, the Civic League Secretary, with any changes in your contact information or s at susiewt1@cox.net or call her at

4 This map represents the current proposed dredging project for the Colony.

5 More Things To Get You Out Of The House This Spring...Enjoy by George Coleman Once again, in a never tiring effort to get out of doing any real work in the name of wholesome entertainment, here you go! For a great overview of other activities in the Hampton Roads area, visit Cruisin Virginia Beach Car Show, Saturday, April 14th, 2012 The Boardwalk Cost: Admission for spectators is free; there is a registration fee for car show participants Cruisin Virginia Beach Car Show features an amazing collection of cars along the beautiful Virginia Beach oceanfront! Participants have the opportunity to display their cars, meet celebrities, and enjoy entertainment geared to the car enthusiast! Spectators view hot rods, street machines, classic cars, and trick trucks, all of which compete for trophies and awards. Thousands of car enthusiasts are able to view all vehicles on display, and shop at vendor and sponsor booths. 10th Annual Lynnhaven River NOW Oyster Roast, Saturday, April 21st, 12 3:00 PM Home of Eleanor and Bob Stanton 4141 First Court Rd, Virginia Beach Fee: $50 in advance, $60 at the door. Purchase online at Help aid in restoring the legend that is the Lynnhaven River! Fare includes Lynnhaven River Aquacultured Oysters (of course), BBQ, slaw and beverages. There will be a silent art auction, live music and a chance to win your own oyster roast for thirty of your closest friends! Attendance is limited to the first 500 participants. Virginia Arts Festival 16th Annual Virginia International Tattoo, Friday - Sunday, April 27th 28th, 7:30 pm, April 29th, 2:30 pm Norfolk Scope 201 E. Brambleton Avenue Norfolk, VA Cost: Yes The Virginia Arts Festival's spectacular Virginia International Tattoo performances will once again inspire audiences, leaving them with a renewed sense of pride and optimism. The Virginia International Tattoo invites military and non-military bands, drill teams, bag pipe and drum bands, highland dancers and more from around the globe to create a unified and extraordinary performance. Tattoo derives from the Dutch phrase "doe den tap toe" - "turn off the taps" - and has evolved from 17th and 18th century traditional ceremonies. The Virginia International Tattoo offers an astounding display of patriotism and the spirit of international cooperation. cont...

6 Inspirational music majestic massed pipes and drums show stopping drill-team maneuvers colorful and elegant dancers ALL give reasons for the crowd to roar! You'll understand why the American Bus Association has put this Tattoo on their must-see list of the most exciting events in the world. The Virginia International Tattoo features over 850 performers from around the world. Join them as they fill the arena with awe-inspiring sights and sounds! The East Coast She Crab Soup Classic, Saturday, April 28th, noon 4:00pm 24th Street Park Virginia Beach Phone: (757) Cost: Yes. Tickets are sold in advance, with tickets offered at the gate only if available (The event is limited to 1,500 paying guests) The East Coast She Crab Soup Classic is an open competition among restaurants. This event focuses on seafood, which is the most identifiable cuisine in Virginia Beach and a staple of area menus for decades. Guests sample She Crab Soup from competing restaurants. Based on tastings, there are two categories for best recipe winners, with three places in each. One category is decided by a panel of Hampton Roads food critics and the other The Peoples Choice by the general public. The event is open to up to 20 restaurants. Each paying guest receives a sheet that is stamped at each restaurant s station, allowing everyone to sample each offering. Winners are announced at the end of the event. Plaques for all winners are awarded to be displayed in restaurants, where chefs enjoy bragging rights for a full year. Atlantic Coast Kite Festival presented by The Oceanfront Inn, Saturday, May 5th, all day 17th Street Park On the beach between 16th and 18th Streets Free Kite fliers and spectators of all ages experience a visual feast at the Atlantic Coast Kite Festival. This popular event features a variety of activities appropriate for all ages and all levels of kite aficionados. Everyone is invited to take part in the Atlantic Coast Kite Festival s Best Kite Contest. To enter this contest, participants must build a kite and bring it to the festival. The contest consists of two parts: the actual kite itself and how well it is made, and the participant s ability to fly the kite. Participants must be able to fly their kites consecutively in the air for 5 minutes at a height of 100 feet. Kites are judged on Flight (ability to fly for 5 minutes), Structural Design, Craftsmanship, and Visual Appeal. There are three competitive divisions: Master, Novice, and Youth (ages 7-14). Kites are photographed and entered in the People s Choice contest, where festival attendees get to vote on their favorite kites! The Best Kite Contest is free to enter. In addition, everyone is invited to participate in kite building workshops led by Archie Stewart of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. American Kite Association members from throughout the East Coast present kite demonstrations, perform kite routines to music, and fly giant kites (up to 80 feet long) that include an octopus kite! Kite vendors are also available on site, selling various kinds of kites. cont...

7 Pirate Party on the Beach, Friday and Saturday, May 18th and 19th (All day) 17th Street Park, Oceanfront Ahoy Mateys! Gather your family and friends and embark on a search for Cap n Pete s Treasure, buried somewhere on the beach. Unravel the clues, and YOU may be the ones to discover the buried treasure! This new family-friendly event features two days of activities designed to bring out the pirate in everyone! Costume contests, games, a treasure hunt, pirate re-enactors, and movie on the beach all combine to celebrate those scallywags we all wish we could be: pirates! Stockley Gardens Arts Festival, Saturday and Sunday, May 19th and 20th, Stockley Gardens Park in the Ghent section of Norfolk Free See and buy a wide assortment of Fine Arts and crafts as well as enjoy live entertainment, kids activities, food and festivity! Salute to Summer, Friday through Sunday, May 25th 27th (All day) 17th, 24th and 31st Parks, Oceanfront Salute to Summer is an unabashed Star-Spangled salute to great music from the past and present, fun in the sun, and our American military! Live entertainment on three outdoor stages includes music of different styles and eras. Military bands are featured as well in an acknowledgement of their sacrifices to preserve our freedom! The Heroes Walk display stretches along the boardwalk from 17th to 31st Streets. Original essays written by local high school students are reproduced on four by eight foot banners easily read by passers-by. These essays describe the military conflicts in which the United States has been involved throughout history. They help to remind us of the price that has been paid and is still being paid today by the United States military. Pungo Strawberry Festival, Saturday and Sunday, May 26th and 27th, 9 AM to 7 PM each day Pungo Free admission, but $5 parking Nuff said- this is the unofficial kick off to the Virginia Beach summer season. A salute to all things strawberry. Don t miss the pig races! Hampton Blackbeard Pirate Festival, Friday, June 1st, 5-11 PM - Grand Pirate Ball; Saturday, June 2nd, 10 AM. 11 PM. - Fireworks at 9 PM; Sunday, June 3rd, Noon - 6 PM. Downtown waterfront, Hampton Once a year visitors from all over the country enjoy the sights and sounds of 18th century Hampton overrun by pirates. Hampton s waterfront comes alive with dozens of pirate re-enactors, costumed in historically accurate garb, who transform today s Hampton into the busy seaport of yesterday. Led by Blackbeard the Pirate himself, re-enactors help visitors step back in time and re-live the history and legends of 1718 Hampton. The Festival offers a variety of children s activities, live musical entertainment, fireworks, period vendors, arts and crafts, and much more! cont...

8 This year s activities include a number of reenactments from impromptu street skirmishes between pirates and the militia, to full-scale sea battles in the Hampton Harbor, featuring the popular re-enactment of Blackbeard s final battle. A presentation ceremony follows the sea battle, where Lt. Maynard presents Blackbeard's head and defeated crew to Virginia's Governor Spotswood. Visitors can participate in the festivities when they join Blackbeard s funeral parade, Hampton s version of Mardi Gras, and share in the booty from his treasure chest. Sandstock A Tribute to Rock & Roll, Friday through Sunday, June 22nd 24th (All day) 17th, 24th and 31st Parks, Oceanfront Sandstock started out as a beach-inspired variation on Woodstock. Now a tribute to Rock & Roll, Sandstock celebrates the music of the 70 s, 80 s, and 90 s that rocked our world! National and local tribute artists who run the gamut and cover performers like Led Zeppelin to Queen to Journey crank out hit after hit on multiple stages at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Even The King himself gets in on the act with special tribute shows. Thrill to the Disco Divas of the 70 s, and the big hair rockers of the 80 s! To add a touch of whimsy and period authenticity, psychedelic hippie vans provided by local and regional VW clubs, are on display. Games and activities for all ages round out this blast from the past! Did you know that Chesopeian Colony awards an annual scholarship? Yes, it s true! Beginning in 2001, Chesopeian Colony has awarded scholarships annually to a worthy graduating high school resident from the Colony. The scholarship is merit, not need, based. Applications are due May 20th and recipients will be notified in time for their school's senior awards ceremonies. For an application or additional details, contact Cheryl Noyes or Jennifer Coleman. Applications available at:

9 Chesopeian Colony Civic League: Dues In-Action It is once again that time of year to ask you to join and support the Chesopeian Colony Civic League. The CCCL s sole purpose is to keep Chesopeian Colony one of the most sought after communities in Virginia Beach to live in and raise a family. The following is just a partial list of how your dues are spent to make this community one of the best in Virginia Beach: Colony Entrance - sprinkler system and lawn service Paint, repair street signs Printing newsletters Colony directory Colony website 4 th of July parade and picnic Halloween party Christmas decorations Neighborhood Watch Program Real estate taxes, insurance, and utilities for the Colony Entrance Charitable Contributions (VB Rescue Squad and the church where we hold our civic league meetings, etc.) Yearly corporation dues Your dues this year are only $50 per household. Our fiscal year goes from March 1, 2012 to February 28, In 2011, 199 out of 263 families joined the Civic League. This is your organization so our goal is 100% participation. So for long-time members, "Thank You" for your continued support! For first time members, Welcome Aboard! The dues notice and pre-addressed envelope is included for your convenience. A collection container will be at our Treasurer, BJ Taylor s front door at 2633 South Kings Road if you prefer to hand carry your dues.

10 Street News and New Neighbors... Sandy Valley News: Welcome Mike & Martha Swirzinski and their two daughters to 2700 Sandy Valley Rd. The previous residents, Steve and Suesanne Vigus and their two children moved down the sidewalk to 2604 Sandy Valley Rd. We look forward to good times with our new families! The 5th annual Sandy Valley Street Party & Potluck will be on held on the 2nd Saturday in May. Great food, cornhole, basketball and a piñata for the kids provide plenty of excitement while Sandy Valley neighbors have a chance to catch up. We always look forward to breaking out of our winter shells and coming together for this annual event! Do you have "STREET NEWS"? BRING IT ON! Baby showers, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, cook-outs, street parties...let everyone know how great your street is in the Colony. Send your news to Bill at w.thesier@cox.net. Please join your Chesopeian Colony Civic League! This is your organization for the betterment of your community! Please send your check Today! Would you like to advertise your business in the Chesopeian Colony Newsletter? We have great rates with special rates for our teenagers from the Colony. Bill at w.thesier@cox.net for info.