Suffolk E-Newsletter

SUFFOLK E-NEWS

SUFFOLK 2022 FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

The City of Suffolk Parks & Recreation invites you to celebrate the holidays at the 3rd Annual Suffolk Festival of Lights at Sleepy Hole Park. The holiday lights will be on display November 25th – December 30th. Open daily 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM. The display will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas day.

Sleepy Hole Park is located at 4616 Sleepy Hole Road. The event is free and open to the public. View five holiday light themes as you enjoy a quaint Festival of Lights drive-through display. This socially distanced event allows you to view the holiday displays from the safety of your car.

Stay up to date by following us on Facebook for virtual activities and events @SuffolkParksandRec. Visit our website and Virtual Recreation Center at www.suffolkva.us/parks, or call 757-514-7250 for more information.

U.S. CAPITOL CHRISTMAS TREE VISITS SUFFOLK

Each year, a different national forest provides a tree to light up the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building for the holiday season. The National Forests in North Carolina, in partnership with nonprofit partner Choose Outdoors, brought the 2022 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the Pisgah Forest to Washington, D.C., and it included a special appearance on Monday, November 14, at the Suffolk Visitor Center Pavilion.

The 78-foot-tall Red Spruce was harvested from the Pisgah National Forest in early November and prepared for the nearly 1,000-mile expedition. The journey included a series of outdoor community celebrations before being delivered to the U.S. Capitol on November 18, where it was decorated with handmade ornaments and tree skirts created by North Carolinians.

Festivities during the Tree’s visit to Suffolk included seasonal kid’s crafts by Suffolk Art League, carols by the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts’ Chorus, and Holiday Story Time by the Suffolk Public Library. Complimentary hot beverages will be provided by pH Coffee Bar and take-home Suffolk coloring books will be made available, both sponsored by Suffolk Tourism.

SUFFOLK TO HOST ANNUAL SENIOR HOLIDAY GALA

Suffolk Parks and Recreation is excited to host the Annual Holiday Gala for ages 55+ on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Suffolk.

Attendees are encouraged to come dressed to impress to celebrate the holiday season with entertainment, food, fun, and friends!

Registration is now open and the cost is $10 per participant. Seating is limited. Registration closes when full. Registration includes a lunch of chicken with seasonal vegetables and a delicious dessert. The Hilton Garden Inn is located at 100 E Constance Road.

For more information, or to find out about sponsoring this event contact Chelsea Morgan at (757) 514-7256 or [email protected].

SUFFOLK HOSTS HOLIDAY JINGLE MINGLE

Suffolk Parks & Recreation is hosting the Holiday Jingle Mingle event at Curtis R. Milteer Sr. Recreation Center on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Family-friendly festivities include hot cocoa, sweet treats, holiday-themed games, arts and crafts and even a special guest appearance from Mr. Saint Nic.

Families are encouraged to participate in the event by donating a new, unwrapped toy that will be donated to a local charity.

Curtis R. Milteer Sr. Recreation Center located at 132 Robertson Street Suffolk, VA 23438. For more information, contact 757-514-7100.

SUFFOLK HOSTS "HOW THE GRINCH STOLE EAST SUFFOLK"

Suffolk Parks and Recreation is hosting the "How the Grinch Stole East Suffolk" event at East Suffolk Recreation Center on Friday, December 16, 2022, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. The festivities for the evening will include arts and crafts, an assorted hot cocoa bar, gingerbread house competition, and a photo opportunity with the Grinch.

Families are encouraged to participate in the event by donating a new, unwrapped toy that will be donated to a local charity.

SUFFOLK HOSTS SANTA’S POTTERY WORKSHOP

Suffolk Parks and Recreation is hosting the Santa’s Pottery Workshop event at East Suffolk Recreation Center on Friday, December 16, 2022 from 5:00 - 6:30 pm. Participants ages 7-11 will be able to create a holiday-themed pottery craft with a professional pottery instructor. The program fee is $10 per person and is open to the public. Registration is now available online (https://registerpkr.suffolk-va.net/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/SPLASH.html) and in-person at East Suffolk Recreation Center, located at 138 S 6 St. For more information, contact 757-514-4500.

SUFFOLK FIRE & RESCUE HOSTS 2022 RECOGNITION CEREMONY

The Suffolk Fire & Rescue Department’s Awards and Recognition Ceremony honored members of the Department in addition to officially promoting six Lieutenants, four Captains, and three Battalion Chiefs during the event on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at the Hilton Garden Inn–Suffolk Riverfront.

The ceremony can be viewed online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdnRw3Gm3K4.

The promotees and honorees are detailed below.

PROMOTIONS

Battalion Chief

Battalion Chief Keith Johnson

Battalion Chief Steve Johnson

Battalion Chief Leon “Bubba” Ratliff

Captain

Captain Robert Hodges

Captain Colt Pulley

Captain Bradford “Travis” Saunders

Captain Owen “Tommy” Thomasson

Lieutenant

Lieutenant David Creekmore

Lieutenant Ryan Harris

Lieutenant Michael Joseph

Lieutenant Christopher Posciask

Lieutenant Vincent Posey

Lieutenant Burgess Wills

AWARDS

Fire Chief’s Award of Excellence

Carla Sumblin

Firefighter of the Year Award

Master Firefighter Charles Mullen

Paramedic of the Year Award

Master Firefighter Medic Bryant “Doddy” Dodson

Officer of the Year Award

Battalion Chief Keith Johnson

Medal of Valor

Captain Christopher Hehl

Battalion Chief Chuck Knight

Senior Fire Fighter Adam Short

Medal of Honor

Master Firefighter Medic Robert Hayes

Master Firefighter Steven Hehl

Master Firefighter Todd Helmick

Master Firefighter Dwight Leidy

Captain Steven Speight

Firefighter Matthew Wendel

Medal of Merit

Lieutenant Aimee Adams

Master Firefighter Trevor Duke

Captain Steven Henkle

Battalion Chief Steve Johnson

Master Firefighter Dwight Leidy

Firefighter Medic Edward Tuck

Master Firefighter Michael Turner

Master Firefighter James Schmeling

Master Firefighter Ryan West

RECOGNITIONS

Certificate of Commendation

Lieutenant Rainey Dail

Firefighter Paramedic David Dail

Suffolk Police Officer David Green

Suffolk Police Officer Austin Keiser

Master Firefighter Dwight Leidy

Certificate of Commendation/Unit Citation

Lieutenant Aimee Adams

Firefighter Scott Allen

Master Firefighter Medic James Beaman

Senior Firefighter Dave Bell

Battalion Chief Raphael Brown

Lieutenant Doug Carter

Master Firefighter Cliff Carr

Firefighter Medic David Dail

Firefighter Medic Amy Dunn-Brown

Master Firefighter Trevor Duke (2)

Firefighter Medic Ryan Foster

Lieutenant Bryan Grasser

Captain Steven Henkle (2)

Captain Robert Hodges

Senior Firefighter Richard Hudak (2)

Battalion Chief Steve Johnson

Firefighter Charles Kelley

Master Firefighter Andy Kitchen (2)

Firefighter Medic Anthony Miller

Senior Firefighter William Minga

Firefighter Medic Brian Moody

Firefighter Bryan Moore

Senior Firefighter Matt Nixon

Master Firefighter Warren Oliver

Firefighter Shawn Porter

Firefighter Medic Morgan Reid

Master Firefighter James Schmeling

Senior Firefighter Adam Short

Captain Steven Speight

Lieutenant Les Stickles

Firefighter Matthew Terry

Firefighter Medic Michael Thomas

Master Firefighter Frances Triplett

Master Firefighter Michael Turner

Firefighter Medic Daniel Viejo

Lieutenant Richard Ward (2)

Lieutenant Lucas Weaver

Firefighter Raquel Wheby (2)

Master Firefighter Travis Williford (2)

Master Firefighter Brandon Williamson

Lieutenant Burgess Wills

Master Firefighter Jason Yost

Certificate of Meritorious Conduct Civilian Award

Patrick Brown

Easton Dail

Dwuan Martin

Zandalyn Shepherd

Challenge Coin Recognition

Captain Taz Lancaster

SUFFOLK POLICE WELCOME NEW OFFICERS AT BADGE PINNING

The Suffolk Police Department held a Badge Pinning Ceremony today, Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Suffolk City Hall.

At this ceremony, the following candidates were sworn in as Suffolk Police Officers:

Officer K. Barrick

Officer A. Contreras

Officer N. Davidson

Officer A. Jones

Officer E. Minsky

The ceremony can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/eCR1WYqY4fo

SUFFOLK PARKS AND RECREATION RECEIVES AWARD AT VRPS STATE CONFERENCE

Over 400 delegates, exhibitors, speakers and volunteers from around the state gathered for the 68th Annual Conference of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society held in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The conference is a learning exchange and provides an opportunity for recreation and park professionals to discuss areas of common interest.

Highlighting each year’s conference is a formal presentation of awards. This state-wide program honors individuals, departments and organizations throughout Virginia who have demonstrated excellence in any of several areas during the previous year. 69 applications were received vying for awards in 15 different categories. Judged by a jury of its peers, Suffolk Parks and Recreation received an award in the Best New Facility (Parks, Playgrounds, Blueways, Greenways or Trails): 50,001-100,000 category, for the Suffolk Seaboard Coastline Trail Segment 2) and for the Best New Renovation/Addition (Parks, Playgrounds, Blueways, Greenways or Trails): 50,001-100,000 category, for the Bennett’s Creek Park Inclusive Playground.

The mission of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society is to unite all professionals, students, and interested lay persons engaged in the field of recreation, parks, and other leisure services in the Commonwealth of Virginia. For more information on the Society contact the state office at 804-730-9447 or visit the website at www.vrps.com.

“WINTER EXHIBIT RECEPTION:

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9TH FROM 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

AT THE SUFFOLK ART GALLERY”

The Suffolk Art Gallery will present The Magic Brush from the Blue Heron Chapter of the Sumi-e Society of America. The exhibit will be on display at the Suffolk Art Gallery (118 Bosley Avenue) from December 9th, 2022 through January 20th, 2023. The Blue Heron Chapter is a non-profit educational organization founded in 1988 whose members practice Sumi-e, a specialized ink painting technique. Their membership extends throughout the Hampton Roads area of Southeastern Virginia to include Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and surrounding areas.

An Opening Reception will be held on Friday, December 9th from 5:00 - 7:00 pm.

The Suffolk Art Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sunday from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm, and closed on Mondays. All exhibits and opening receptions at the Suffolk Art Gallery are free and open to the public.

For more information about this and other programs offered at the Suffolk Art Gallery, contact the Suffolk Art Gallery at (757) 514-7284. You can contact the Parks and Recreation office at (757) 514-7250, or visit our website, www.suffolkva.us/suffolkartgallery

CALL FOR VENDORS- 2023 SUFFOLK EARTH & ARTS FESTIVAL

Keep Suffolk Beautiful and the Suffolk Art League have teamed up to host the 2023 Suffolk Earth & Arts Festival on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 10 am until 4 pm, outdoors, at the Westminster Reformed Presbyterian Church located at 3488 Godwin Blvd in Suffolk.

From 2017 through 2019, the Suffolk Earth & Arts Festival delighted thousands of Suffolkians and Hampton Roads residents alike. A venue for artists, crafters, musicians, farmers, makers and growers – the event was a perfect blend of local entrepreneurs, businesses, educational organizations, and artists. After a four-year hiatus, the festival has returned.

This outdoor festival will feature live music, face painting, local food, family-friendly activities, and local vendors. The Suffolk Master Gardeners will hold a large plant sale and be available to answer questions to share their gardening expertise.

Applications for vendors are now being accepted. Organizers are specifically looking for local artists, crafters, musicians, farmers, environmental organizations, and makers of all types to bring the event to life. Vendor fees are $50 per 12x12 space, with limited double spaces available. Interested vendors are encouraged to apply early. For an application email [email protected] or visit https://www.suffolkartleague.com/suffolk-earth-and-arts-festival.html

SUFFOLK TO OFFER VIRTUAL KIDS EXERCISE CLASS

Suffolk Parks & Recreation is excited to host “Kidz in Motion” a virtual youth fitness class that will teach fundamentals of exercise as well as an introduction to exercise equipment. The class will offer a fun environment to help kids create a lifelong appreciation and respect for fitness virtually through the Suffolk Parks & Recreation Facebook page.

The class is streamed live online on Mondays and Wednesdays, November 28 through December 21from 5:30-6:30 pm. Registration is open now. This class is free with a current annual membership. Participants must be 7 to 15 years old. Beginners are welcome.

For more information, call Madison Cutten, Fitness Specialist at 757.514.7112 or email [email protected].

SUFFOLK TO OFFER STRENGTH & CYCLE CLASS

Suffolk Parks & Recreation is excited to host “Strength & Cycle” a 60-minute fitness class that combines cardio on and off the bike to create a stronger and more balanced body.

The class is in-person on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Curtis R. Milteer Sr., Recreation Center, November 29 through December 22, from 6-7:00 PM. There is a $12 registration fee for current annual members. Participants must be 16 years or older. Beginners are welcome.

The Curtis R. Milteer Sr., Recreation Center is located at 132 Robertson Street, Suffolk, VA 23438. For more information, please call Madison Cutten, Fitness Specialist, at 757.514.7112 or [email protected].

SUFFOLK TO HOST THERAPEUTIC RECREATION WINTER BREAK CAMP FOR YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES

Suffolk Parks and Recreation Office on Youth is excited to host a Therapeutic Recreation Winter Wonderland Camp for individuals with disabilities ages 6-17 on December 21- 22 and 27-30 at Creekside Recreation Center located at 1000 Bennetts Creek Park Rd.

Participants will have the opportunity to participate in arts and crafts, group programs, a field trip, creative exploration, physical activities, meet Santa, and much more! This program is designed for children and adolescents with disabilities. In order to participate in this camp, assessment and registration must be completed in advance. The cost for this program is $50 per participant. Registration is now open.

Winter Wonderland is designed to provide campers with a consistent Winter Break routine working on social skills while enjoying fun Winter-themed activities in a group setting.

Winter Wonderland will provide creative, fun, and positive experiences so that participants may gain greater awareness of their skills and abilities, as well as improve functioning while enhancing independence and self-esteem.

To complete the assessment and register, contact Jaimie Belch at 757-514-7264 or [email protected].

REVISION MEDSPA AND LASIK

ReVISION Medspa and Lasik, 1009 Centerbrooke Lane, Suite 201, hosted a grand opening on Thursday, November 10th from 5-8 pm. ReVISION Medspa and Lasik offers skin care treatments including facial rejuvenation procedures, laser hair removal, body sculpting, as well as Lasik surgery, SMILE laser vision correction, and other eye procedures.

ReVISION Medspa and Lasik owner, Dr. Schneider, stated, "We are very excited to continue serving Suffolk and western tidewater with the grand opening of ReVISION MedSpa & Lasik center. We are eager to share all the available procedures and treatments that we offer and could not think of a better way to showcase that than our grand opening event."

ReVISION Medpsa and Lasik can be reached at 757-209-4794 or by visiting their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ReVisionMedSpa.

CITY OF SUFFOLK

UPDATING CIVIC/COMMUNITY LEAGUE ORGANIZATIONS

Are you part of a community organization or civic league and wish to update your contact information? If so, we would love to hear from you. Additionally,

if you are looking to volunteer or work with the City of Suffolk, let us know that, too!

Call the Department of Media & Community Relations to include your organization in our registry.

Call 757-514-4000 or email [email protected].