Tuesday, January 9, 2024

City Leaders Host MLK Day of Service Food Drive

Jan. 15 event addresses urgent community need

Newport News leaders including Mayor Phillip Jones, Councilman John Eley, Congressman Bobby Scott, Sheriff Gabe Morgan, and Police Chief Steve Drew are hosting a Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Day of Service Food Drive on Monday, Jan. 15, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, 2401 Aluminum Avenue in Hampton. This event is critical, as the Foodbank is experiencing a 35% increase in demand from those facing food insecurity.

Most needed items include: canned meats (tuna, salmon, chicken, Spam, corned beef), canned fruits or fruit cups, canned vegetables, meaty soups, spaghetti sauce, pasta, cereal, peanut butter and jelly, rice, instant potatoes, granola bars, fruit and vegetable juice, and canned or dry beans. For additional information on the Foodbank’s most urgent needs, visit www.hrfoodbank.org. 

MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. During the last quarter-century, the MLK Day of Service has grown and its impact increased, as more Americans embrace the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving communities.

Learn About Common Knee Injuries, Prevention

Part of our Marathon Monday series

Marathon Mondays are officially up and running! Every week between now and One City Marathon Weekend, Mar. 1-3, you and your family can enjoy free health and wellness activities throughout the city.

This coming Monday, Jan. 15, take advantage of a free session with Sentara’s Sports Medicine Physician, Dr. Devesh Patel, to learn about common knee injuries in runners and how to prevent them. Sentara's Orthopedics and Sports Performance Physical Therapy team will be at the Holiday Inn Newport News-Hampton, 980 Omni Blvd., from 4 - 5:30 p.m.

Register now for this opportunity to receive a complete lower extremity screen, identify areas for improvement, and create an individualized home program to optimize your running performance. One lucky Marathon Monday participant will win a free entry for a 2025 One City Marathon event of their choice.

Discover our other Marathon Monday events including chair yoga, a gait analysis, a fun run, and learn about ExPAWditions at the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter as we gear up for the big race weekend!

Report Outages, Downed Lines During Storms

Today's forecast warns of severe weather that may disrupt electric service to Dominion Energy customers. Heavy rain and strong winds could cause significant power outages across our region.

This could cause significant outages from fallen trees, tree limbs, and damaged power lines and equipment. Always assume downed wires are energized and remain at least 30 feet away.

The best ways to report or track an outage are via the Dominion Energy mobile app, available from the Apple App Storage or Google Play Store, or by 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357).

Prepare for the storm by fully charging phones, computers, and other electronic devices. If using a generator, ensure it is fueled, tested, and properly connected—and always operate it outdoors with good ventilation. It is advisable to have bottled water and non-perishable food on hand, as well as emergency supplies such as flashlights, batteries, first aid kits, and medications.