CITIZENS ARE INVITED TO SHARE IDEAS FOR THE CITY OF SUFFOLK
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
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The City of Suffolk is updating their Comprehensive Plan and is seeking input from the community. The Comprehensive Plan is a long-range guide for land use, housing, transportation, parks and open space, economic development, and more. Since the last plan update seven years ago, the City has seen significant new development and change-making this an ideal moment to undertake this effort. The City’s Planning & Community Development Department is overseeing the process and is working with a steering committee that is comprised of twenty–two individuals representing a range of interests, backgrounds, and neighborhoods across the City.
Survey participants are asked to answer a few “Ideas for the Future” questions focused on the greatest strengths and opportunities in the City and to complete a brief interactive mapping activity about recent changes and hopes for future development.
The online survey is available through June 15, 2022, and is in English and Spanish. Community members can also pick up paper copies of the survey at all Suffolk Public Libraries or at City Hall, located at 442 West Washington St.
Additional in-person activities are planned for the summer and fall and will be promoted on the website. The planning process will be completed by early summer 2023. For more information, contact Alexis Baker, Comprehensive Planning Manager, at 757-514-4060 or [email protected] or visit www.Suffolk2045.org.
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SUFFOLK FIRE & RESCUE CHIEF RECEIVES R.C. DAILEY
EXCELLENCE IN EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AWARD
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Suffolk Fire & Rescue is proud to announce that Fire Chief Michael Barakey was selected by the Tidewater EMS (TEMS) Council to be the recipient of the 2022 R.C. Dailey Excellence in Emergency Medical Services Award. The award was presented at the 2022 Tidewater Regional EMS Awards Dinner held on Saturday, May 14, 2022 in Chesapeake, Virginia. This prestigious award is given to an individual who displays a commitment to a comprehensive integrated system of Emergency Medical Services throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
As a pediatric critical care paramedic for the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) transport team, Michael Barakey, the Fire Chief for Suffolk Fire & Rescue, understands the necessity to constantly improve Virginia’s EMS System in innovative and unconventional ways. Since taking the reins of his department, Chief Barakey immediately got to work putting Suffolk Fire & Rescue “on the map” to bring the skills of his dedicated EMS providers to the region and the state. This effort led to the development and expansion of several programs, notably Suffolk’s Marine Response Team, Tactical Medic Team, and its participation in one of Virginia’s two Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams.
After arriving in Suffolk, Chief Barakey saw an enormous opportunity for expansion by bringing the expert medical care of his rescue and medical personnel to the many waterways that traverse the City. As a result, he directed the formulation of Suffolk’s first Marine Incident Response Team (MIRT). Through the immense dedication of its members, the Suffolk Marine Incident Response Team is viewed by its neighboring agencies as a valuable asset for waterborne emergencies, including those of a medical nature. In December 2021, Suffolk Fire & Rescue took delivery of a 34-foot Munson Landing Craft fire & rescue boat in a demonstration of its solemn promise to bring lifesaving medical and rescue services to its citizens and its industry partners along Suffolk’s waterways and the Port of Virginia.
Another lifesaving service expanded under Chief Barakey was the Suffolk Fire & Rescue’s Tactical Medic Program. This team of highly trained Suffolk paramedics provides close-end medical coverage to several area law enforcement SWAT/ Tactical Teams, including the Virginia State Police. Though this program predated Chief Barakey’s arrival, his expansion has dramatically improved the program’s operational response, medical capabilities, and lifesaving effect. Suffolk’s paramedics now respond across the state to selflessly protect our “brothers in blue” during their dangerous missions.
As a task force leader of the Virginia Task Force 2 (VA-TF2) Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team, Chief Barakey saw the value in bringing the dedicated and talented members of Suffolk Fire & Rescue on board this internationally recognized team. Suffolk now counts many of its members among the team’s cadre of rescue and medical professionals. Suffolk members have already deployed across the country, including the Surfside Florida Condominium Collapse in 2021.
Michael J. Barakey, MPA/EFO/CFO, is the Fire Chief of the Suffolk Fire & Rescue Department. He is a nationally registered paramedic serving Suffolk and the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, adjunct faculty at Tidewater Community College, a task force leader for VA-TF2, a classroom instructor for FDIC International, a contributor to Fire Engineering, and the author of Critical Decision Making: Point-to-Point Leadership for Fire and Emergency Services.
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SUFFOLK PUBLIC LIBRARY CELEBRATES PRIDE MONTH |
This June, celebrate Pride with the Suffolk Public Library! Throughout June there will be a variety of programming to celebrate, support, and learn about the LGBTQIA+ community in Suffolk.
Parking Lot Pride
Come together for the Parking Lot Pride event for all ages at the North Suffolk Library on Friday, June 24 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be informational tables, local resources such as the LGBT Life Center and PFLAG, grab-and-go activity kits, food trucks, and open mics to share your stories.
Suffolk Belongs: Teen Safe Space
Teens interested in being an ambassador for equality and empowerment in the community can hangout and meet other teens in a safe environment for teens, by teens for the Suffolk Belongs: Teen Safe Space event happening Thursday, June 30, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the North Suffolk Library.
Additionally, there will be several in-person and virtual Pride events structured for adults, including:
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Suffolk Reads with Pride: Author Q&A and Book Discussion June 21 at 2 p.m. at the North Suffolk Library
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Suffolk Celebrates with Pride: Q&A with Local LGBTQIA+ Authors and Artists June 22 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts.
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Suffolk Learns: LGBTQIA+ History in Hampton Roads June 30 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the North Suffolk Library.
All Pride Month programs at the Suffolk Public Library are free and open to the public. To learn more about how Suffolk Public Library is celebrating Pride, visit www.suffolkpubliclibrary.com/Pride.
Morgan Memorial Library is located at 443 West Washington Street. North Suffolk Library is located at 2000 Bennetts Creek Park Road.
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ELWOOD ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT SCHEDULED |
The Suffolk Department of Public Works advises that a transportation project to replace the bridge over Kingsale Swamp on Elwood Road/Route 613 will begin in mid-May 2022.
Preliminary activities began on April 25th and the road will be closed on June 6th. Signage will be posted in advance of the closure date. The bridge is anticipated to be reopened for traffic in spring 2023. Staff will continue to keep the public informed about the project progress during construction.
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SUFFOLK PARKS & RECREATION ANNOUNCES
TGIF SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
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The summer is here and Suffolk Parks and Recreation is ready to kick it off with TGIF Summer Concert Series of 2022. The night will be full of family fun with food vendors, adult beverages, merchant vendors, and live entertainment! Check out this year’s band list and mark your calendars for Fridays in Suffolk.
Constant’s Wharf Park and Marina (110 E. Constance Road Suffolk, VA 23434)
June 17 - Rajazz
June 24 - The Original Rhondels
July 8 – Good Shot Judy
July 15 – Tumbao Salsero
July 22 – The Deloreans
Bennett’s Creek Park (3000 Bennetts Creek Park Suffolk, VA 23435)
July 29 - Buckshot
August 5 – The Deloreans
August 12 - WOAH
August 19 – Rocky 7
All events are free and open to the public. The parks will open each Friday at 6 p.m. and bands will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. All events end at 9:30 p.m.
For questions contact Suffolk Parks and Recreation at 757-514-7250.
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ACESUR TO HOST GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION |
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Acesur, a global leader in the olive oil industry with roots in Spain and a production facility in Suffolk Industrial Park, have celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Although the facility has been operational since 2019, due to the pandemic, they were not able to officially celebrate. The grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at 11:30 a.m., at 1010 Obici Industrial Boulevard. Suffolk Mayor Michael Duman was on hand for the event.
The Suffolk facility handles the company’s bulk oil imports from Spain, Portugal, Tunisia, and Greece. Since 1840, Acesur has been producing, packaging, and marketing olive oil, exporting to more than 100 countries worldwide. Acesur controls the olive oil process from ground to bottle.
According to Gonzalo Guillén, Acesur Chief Executive Officer, “We are very excited to be part of the economic engine of Suffolk, Virginia and look forward to growing the business and growing the local economy.” Acesur International and Corporate Development Director Sergio Antón states, “This is an excellent location for a business like ours. There are 3 ports in Virginia and this site affords us easy access to both the Northeast and Southeast corridors.”
Suffolk Mayor Michael Duman stated, “It is a privilege to have Acesur in Suffolk as a contributor to our city’s thriving food and beverage industry. On behalf of the City of Suffolk, I congratulate the work put in to make this facility operational and appreciate the continued investment and jobs created by Acesur.”
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STUDENTS WIN KEEP SUFFOLK BEAUTIFUL VIDEO CHALLENGE |
This past March, Keep Suffolk Beautiful opened its Start Smart, Recycle Right video challenge to all Suffolk students. The challenge was for students, as individuals or groups, to pair with a sponsoring teacher to create a one-minute video that illustrates what items are recyclable, what items are not, and ways to mitigate waste by purchasing reusable goods.
After reviewing several amazing entries, the Keep Suffolk Beautiful panel decided that the first-place video was crafted and submitted by Emery Garza, Harper Sullivan, Mason Blair, and Levi Duran – a group of middle school students from Suffolk Christian Academy.
Kristy Cornette, sponsoring teacher for the winning group, said, “The Keep Suffolk Beautiful “Start Smart, Recycle Right Video Challenge” was a great way to reinforce to our students the importance of the wise use of our resources. Students had to consider the many ways that they can reduce the amount of waste they produce, how to properly recycle waste products, and then use a creative format to communicate this information to others. I am very proud of all of our students’ work.”
Each participating group was competing on behalf of their school. The prize selection was a $650 value, and the school had several options they could choose from. Suffolk Christian Academy chose a water bottle refilling station, which will help to mitigate waste and reliance on single use plastics.
The winning students were surprised by their victory, and expressed joy in working with one another.
“I really didn’t expect to win, but I enjoyed making the video with my friends,” Mason Blair stated.
Harper Sullivan expanded on that sentiment. “I feel excited that we won because I wasn’t expecting it. I really enjoyed working with my group because they were really funny.”
With the goals of the video challenge being to educate students and to have fun while doing so, Keep Suffolk Beautiful felt it was a success. Board Member Sharon LaBella, said, “We were extremely pleased and impressed with all of the student submissions and are already excited about the potential of future challenges.”
Keep Suffolk Beautiful hopes to release more challenges in hopes that it will create more awareness and inspire more participation.
For more information on how to ‘start smart’ and ‘recycle right,’ contact Daniel McDonald, Suffolk Litter Control Coordinator, at [email protected] or (757) 514-7604.
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FREE PET WASTE STATIONS
AVAILABLE TO COMMUNITIES IN SUFFOLK
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Suffolk Public Works Stormwater division is accepting applications for pet waste stations in an effort to keep Suffolk neighborhoods free of dog waste. If your neighborhood, HOA or community association is ready to make scooping the poop a priority, then you are invited to apply.
WHY A PET WASTE STATION IS SO IMPORTANT
Scooping the poop is not only important for a clean neighborhood, it is important for our local waterways. When pet waste is not picked up, it can become a major source of pollution that travels directly into our rivers, lakes, and streams. Installing a pet waste station is one easy way to help clean up and combat water pollution in your community.
Public Works Stormwater division will grant stations to community associations that meet application requirements such as, emptying the garbage can when full, ensuring pet waste bags or garbage can liners are stocked and available for use, and ordering replacement pet waste bags or garbage can liners in a timely manner.
Jamie Baggett, Engineering Technician says,” Our Pet Waste Station program is very popular. Once an application is approved, the station is delivered and the applicant is responsible for installing and maintaining. It is a great program that keeps our neighborhoods clean and improves our water quality. It is also important to pick up pet waste from our own backyards, this keeps your family healthy and prevents rain from carrying waste into a storm drain.”
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SUFFOLK PUBLIC WORKS TO HOST JOB FAIR |
The Suffolk Department of Public Works is hosting a job fair on Saturday, June 25, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Public Works Operations Center located at 800 Carolina Road in Suffolk.
This event will connect job seekers with the appropriate staff members representing the various open positions within the Public Works team. Attendees will have the opportunity to apply and interview on-site.
Public Works employees will be present to answer questions and share their exciting experiences working for the City of Suffolk. Human Resource staff will be present to provide assistance and discuss the City’s robust benefits. The City of Suffolk offers competitive pay rates with a starting rate of $15 an hour and employees receive paid holidays and time off. Employees are also eligible to participate in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS).
Karl Marshall, Assistant Director of Public Works, says, “Suffolk Public Works is a great place to work with many opportunities to grow and develop a successful career. I have been with the department for fifteen years and I still get great satisfaction when providing vital services to the people of Suffolk. If anyone is interested in a career with Public Works, please come to the job fair or give us a call.”
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CREEPY CRAWLIES NIGHT HIKE AT SLEEPY HOLE PARK |
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Join Suffolk Parks & Recreation on Friday, June 10, 2022, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. for a Creepy Crawlies Night Hike. Using black-lights, we will go in search of bugs and insects that hide in the dark on this nighttime adventure. This program will take place at Sleepy Hole Park located at 4616 Sleepy Hole Road.
The cost is $5 per person ages 5 and up. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. Advanced registration is required and can be done online at https://registerpkr.suffolk-va.net/ (Registration code #241410) or in person at East Suffolk Recreation Center, 138 South 6th Street, and Curtis R. Milteer Sr. Recreation Center (previously known as Whaleyville Recreation Center), 132 Robertson Street. Limited slots are available.
For more information, contact Nakiesha Bridgers at 757-514-4518 or email [email protected].
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My First Dance will be an enchanted event to remember! The Suffolk Parks & Recreation father-daughter dance event is open to all fathers and father figures. Children can come dressed in their finest attire to enjoy an afternoon filled with food, dancing, and fun. This event will take place on Saturday, June 11, 2022, from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at the East Suffolk Recreation Center.
Registration fees are $3 for children and $5 for adults. A parent or guardian must be present during this event.
Registration is currently open and will close on June 8, 2022. Registration can be completed online or at East Suffolk Recreation Center, 138 South 6th Street.
For more information, call ChiNiese Williams at 757-514-4500 or email [email protected].
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LEARN TO PAINT WITH OILS CLASS FOR SENIORS |
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The East Suffolk Recreation Center - Active Adult Senior Program, in partnership with the Tidewater Arts Outreach, will offer a two-part series art class for seniors where participants will have the opportunity to learn how to paint with oils. The classes will be held on Tuesdays, June 21 and 28, 2022 from 1 p.m.- to 3 p.m. at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, located at 110 W. Finney Ave. This class is open to all Active Adults 55+.
The classes are free with an active annual recreation center membership. Pre-registration is required and can be completed at East Suffolk Recreation Center located at 138 South Sixth Street, Suffolk, VA or online at https://registerpkr.suffolk-va.net/ (Activity #232434-03). Space is limited. Registration is open until Friday, June 17, 2022.
For more information, contact Recreation Specialist, Tamakia Hamlin at 757-514-7265 or email [email protected].
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SUFFOLK FINE ARTS COMMISSION ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
FOR GRANT PROGRAM
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The Suffolk Fine Arts Commission has announced the availability of funds for its Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Grant Program. The purpose of the grant program is to increase community access to high quality art, including, but not limited to, visual and performing arts. The program is open to any organization or individual whose project promotes this purpose in the City of Suffolk. This grant is partially supported by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Suffolk Fine Arts Commission will review all grant requests and determine the number and amount of grants to be awarded.
The Suffolk Fine Arts Commission is now accepting grant applications and the submission deadline is Friday, July 29, 2022. Applications must be mailed or delivered to Michael Frickanisce, Suffolk Fine Arts Commission Liaison, Suffolk Parks & Recreation Administrative Office, 134 South 6th Street, Suffolk, VA 23434, no later than 5:00 p.m. on July 29, 2022. Faxed or emailed applications are not acceptable.
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FLOOD MITIGATION COMPANY OPENS IN DOWNTOWN SUFFOLK |
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Building Resilient Solutions (BRS), a flood mitigation company providing retrofit designs for existing and historic buildings experiencing repetitive flooding and flood damage, hosted its ribbon cutting at 147 North Main Street in Suffolk on Thursday, May 12, 2022, at 11 a.m. Suffolk Mayor Michael Duman was on hand for the celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony. The event was free and open to the public.
Established in 2018 as a joint venture between Commonwealth Preservation Group and Museum Resources Construction and Millwork, BRS researches the history of a property, diagnoses existing problems, provides treatment recommendations and develops a retrofit solution. The company specializes in retrofit designs for pre-1970s-era construction and historic structures that are unable to be elevated or relocated.
“Flooding isn’t a one-size-fits-all problem, and the solutions aren’t either,” said BRS co-owner Paige Pollard. “By understanding more about the history of the building and goals of its owner, we can offer a comprehensive, tailored plan.”
In 2019, BRS received a $250,000 grant as a winner in the inaugural RISE Coastal Community Resilience Challenge and used the funds to purchase monitoring equipment and design the flood testing laboratory, with a flood test chamber, in Downtown Suffolk – the first of its kind in the United States.
“By evaluating how, where and when a building or home was constructed, and using lab-tested solutions, BRS is helping redefine flood adaptation and mitigation strategies for coastal communities,” said RISE Executive Director, Dr. Paul A. Robinson. “We’re proud to support their important work.”
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WALL STREET CAFÉ OPENS SECOND LOCATION |
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Wall Street Café celebrated the opening of their second location, at 347 North Main Street, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, May 14th at 12 pm. This event was free and open to the public.
Wall Street Café opened their first location at118 West Washington Street in October of 2020. While that location features a Wall Street, New York theme, the new café will provide a quiet, home-like feel, with an outdoor seating area, books, board games, and more. Their food and drinks, however, will keep the stock exchange theme, with sandwich names like “Crypto” and “Doge.”
Dominick Epps and Danita Hayes, co-owners of Wall Street Café, say, “The plan for our new location is to give our customers a cozy, home-like feel as they enjoy one of our amazing coffees or sandwiches.”
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CITY OF SUFFOLK
UPDATING CIVIC/COMMUNITY LEAGUE ORGANIZATIONS
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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.
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