Stopping to smell the flower show

I tooled down to the Virginia Beach Convention Center a few weeks back for the Flower and Garden Expo. I oohed and aahed over the colors and fragrances at the flower market, admired the art work, and had my funny bone tickled with the watering can and wheelbarrow botanical art endeavors. I voted on my favorite signature landscape gardens, and made mental notes on the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs judging categories, particularly the charming miniatures competition. One vendors booth stopped me in my tracks, Vertical Gardens. This could be the answer for my living room wall that needs something and it’s a Your Corner story to boot! Donna Hoover, Jessica Errickson and Dawn Bali are North Suffolk residents starting their own “green” company. See what living walls are all about at verticalgardensllc.com 

Unbridled enthusiasm was apparent at Oakland Elementary’s first Healthy Youth Day on Jan. 19. Thanks to physical education teacher Anne McCoy’s creative efforts in procuring a $500 grant from the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth, 24 high-end pedometers are now part of the school’s equipment inventory. That was the first step in an avalanche of planning for the day. The artistic Anti-Tobacco Graffiti Wall had signatures from most students. My Plate designs featured the new USDA food guidelines. Energetic dance routines choreographed to Kung Fu Fighting were used throughout the day as a sort of “Flashdance” interlude. Calculating mass pedometer readings and developing graphs of fruit and vegetable taste-test results occupied the more math- and science-oriented students. Incorporating healthy lifestyles into daily curriculum isn’t so tough; it just takes a bit of creativity. The day’s grand finale was a gymnasium competition of staff against the kids. During a two-minute span, 18 staff members managed 6,000 individual steps on seven different exercise stations. But, Ms. Avery’s fourth-grade class was able to exceed 9,000 steps when they got their two-minute turn. Principal Chris Phillips was the lead cheerleader fort both teachers and students and instigator of spectator waves.

The combined efforts of the Nansemond River Preservation Alliance and the C.E.H. Foundation almost outgrew the C.E.H. Ruritan Club for the quarterly River Talks series. John Page Williams, voice of the Chesapeake Bay Buoy system (1-877-Buoy Bay), shared a wealth of information about the geology, history and culture of the watershed area. Surplus 2005 National Geographic maps designed for the 400th anniversary of Jamestown were used in lieu of a room-darkening Powerpoint presentation. The alliance is intent on educating residents about our local river, providing more access points and improving its overall health. Becoming a part of the John Smith Blue Water Trail is another step in that direction. While locally we are most concerned with the Nansemond River and its tributaries, are you aware the Chesapeake Bay watershed originates in Cooperstown, N.Y., and covers parts of six states? Thanks to a $1,000 grant from the Suffolk Education Foundation, students from Tracy Williams sixth-grade class at Forest Glen Middle are having their own hands-on experience on the Nansemond. They are planting oyster seeds and performing water-quality measurements at Bennett’s Creek Park. To learn more, contact Elizabeth Taraski at 745-7447 or etaraski@nrpaceh.org.

Driver’s Florence Bowser Elementary School recently had a science careers day program. Participants included Pam Payne and Eileen Nelson from NASA; Jeff Brittingham, EMT instructor from the Pruden Center; Beverly Larson, an organ donor transplant coordinator; Jason Alleyne Sr. a Navy officer; and Kathy Henderson, RN. Rather than cramming in every possible career path on one day, Florence Bowser is working on a broader timeline. Next up will be transportation careers. If you’d like to share your employment field during the Year of Careers Program, contact Robbin Riddick at 923-4164.

Do you have a story to share with Your Corner? Please let me know at k.billue@charter.net.

Rotary helps out Eclipse ballfield

Members of the North Suffolk Rotary Club found a community project they could really get their hands around. Dugouts for Willis Field on Eclipse Drive were a dream of Pastor Carl LeMon of Ebenezer United Methodist Church. The ballfield yearned for an upgrade, and in December, Rotary Club members came through with benches and fencing. Most of these Rotary professionals were a bit dubious of their do-it-yourself skills, but members Andy Brooks and Tom Conway successfully coordinated and supervised. Church and neighborhood players alike will be much safer this spring thanks to their handiwork.

Two royal princes are lurking in our midst. John Yeates Middle School eighth-graders Colin Hare and Brendan Parker are part of the entourage in Lyric Opera Virginia’s presentation of “The King and I.” There were performances earlier this month at the Sandler Center in Virginia Beach and Landmark Theater in Richmond. The final performances are this weekend at the Ferguson Center in Newport News. Colin and Brendan are part of the 120 local kids portraying the King of Siam’s expansive offspring; but they are also part of the royal elite. The governess Anna will be performed by Lisa Vroman of “Phantom of the Opera” fame. We’re looking forward to Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved music, and seeing how Lyric Opera is expanding its audience base and creating another generation of music lovers.

Linda Bunch, executive director of the Suffolk Art League, sent out notice this week of the Chip Picot Memorial Student Scholarship. Unlike most scholarships that are intended for college or university use, this scholarship is available to any Suffolk student entering grades 6 through 12 next year. Up to $1,500 will be awarded for students to pursue their interest in visual, literary or performing arts. Scholarship money may be used for taking classes or lessons, buying materials, instruments or equipment or attending workshops or conferences. Applications are due April 27. Talk to a guidance counselor, arts teacher or call the art league office at 925-0448 for forms and details.

Everyone has probably played telephone at one time or another; granted the format has changed a bit over time, but the general idea is the same. Verbal communication generally gets mutilated in the passing from one person to another, often with hilarious results in a game-like situation. English and public speaking teacher Linda Gregory from King’s Fork High School has taken the old game to a new level. Student teams received eight Lego pieces and were instructed to build a widget of some sort. Once assembled, the next task was to write instructions so a different set of students could build an identical widget. Guess what? Teams needed multiple attempts at both writing and following instructions. This seems so easy, but can be so complicated. Try this concept at home; you’ll see how often what you think and what others interpret are so very different.

Do you have a story to share about yourself, a family member or neighbor? Please let me know at k.billue@charter.net so I can spread your news to Your Corner!

Northern Shores third-grader a calendar guy

A number of promising aeronautical artists from Northern Shores Elementary School participated in a calendar contest with NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton. Third-grader Justice Walters took a first-place, warranting him a spot in the calendar and a display of his artwork at the Virginia Air and Space Museum for the year. Other student notables were Asia Johnson, Nicolas Hernandez, Eric Ledesma, Alexis Blackwell, Amanda Davis, Lydia Pearl, Fabio Corbera and Rebecca Lemain. Students, parents, teachers and administrators will all be recognized at a special award ceremony at the museum later this month.

In my experience, most teenagers and early 20-somethings have a penchant and reputation for sleeping long and hard most Saturday mornings. So I was quite taken aback with my youthful encounters of Jan. 7. My first stop, at 9:30 a.m., was at Applebee’s on College Drive. Fifty to sixty wannabee actors were auditioning for roles in “Feelers,” a teen sci-fi drama offering by 2009 Lakeland High School graduate Le’Auntray Burch. Le’Auntray was behind a table with a camera in the bar area. Barry Price, who’ll portray Sheriff Hayes in the show, was keeping order with the patient masses in the foyer. Resumes with full-color head shots were the norm. Each person was allowed about two minutes with the author and his crew before reading a 30-40 second dialogue selection on camera. Candidates came Richmond, Newport News, Chester and Prince George. Seems there are lots of hungry actors willing to be in North Suffolk on a Saturday morning. 

My next stop was at Riverfront Swim Club in Harbour View for the third annual Video Game Marathon benefiting Hosanna Church of Managua, Nicaragua. The DidacticJam duo of Marcus Privitt and J.T. Jones, juniors at Virginia Tech, masterminded this fun fundraiser after their mission trip to Nicaragua three years ago with Aldersgate UMC. Simply by playing Lord of the “Rings,” “Skyrim,” “Half-Life” and other selections for 56 consecutive hours, these engineering students have raised about $2,000 each of the three years. The money has gone to orphanage, food pantry and school supply needs for the Managua community. See didacticjam.weebly.com for more info and to donate. There is an assortment of video highlights from each marathon. Marcus had an armpit waxing (Ouch!) at the $500 milestone last year; this year they were tossing Spam at each other outdoors in the rain for the $1,200 mark. It’s a beneficial holiday break – and it really gives them the giggles.

Ten marketing students from Nansemond River High participated in the District 21 DECA competition at Chesapeake Square mall in early December. Nine local high schools were involved with competitive role-playing events in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. DECA events provide students an opportunity to develop and employ key skills in analysis, application of know-ledge, creative problem-solving and logical presentation. Jaquan Moultrie took high honors and will move on to March’s state competition in Norfolk.

Two of our local public school students rate a special bravissimo. King’s Fork High junior Ryan Cyrus is the only Suffolk Public Schools student selected for the Hampton Roads-wide Bay Youth Orchestra. He will play his violin with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra on Feb. 8 at Chrysler Hall and at the youth orchestra’s season finale May 11 at the Wilder Performing Arts Center at Norfolk State University. Matthew Nelms, a lifelong member of Oakland Christian Church in Chuckatuck, proudly represented Windsor High in the All Virginia Jazz Ensemble organized for the Virginia Music Educators Association Conference in Norfolk in late November. Matthew was the only non-Northern Virginia trumpet player selected.

Do you have a story to share? Please let me know at k.billue@charter.net so I can spread your news to Your Corner.

Decorating educational at King's Fork High

The cafeteria staff at King’s Fork High is to be commended for its division-wide win in the district’s holiday decorating contest. Jackie Cross and Alvin Harris were the instigators in getting staff and students engaged in the contest. Using donated materials, students made ornaments with the bulldog mascot theme for the cafeteria tree. And in Monica Smith’s English class, students were making gingerbread houses as part of their action research. Students read “The Gingerbread Man,” researched the history of gingerbread, and wrote essays and business letters. Students had to write captions for gingerbread houses that they liked, draw their own creations and write a poem or rap on their gingerbread creation. It was a spirited interpretation on a traditional holiday theme.   

There are numerous radio talk shows devoted to improving your financial health. Eight four-person teams of DECA marketing students from King’s Fork High got experience by competing in the seventh annual Stock Market Challenge sponsored by Junior Achievement of Hampton Roads. Seventy-seven teams competed; three from King’s Fork placed in the top 25. The VAL Jay Incorporated team finished highest in ninth place with a net worth of more than $1 million. The challenge is a modern technology-based twist on a Monte Carlo-style event creating an atmosphere of fun, excitement and competition. Stakes are high, synergy electric and the money imaginary. The goal of each of team is to accumulate the highest net worth. Teams are given a list and description of 26 fictitious stocks as well as $500,000 to invest in their desired portfolio. On the date of the event, teams gather and prepare for the opening bell. Once the gong is rung, the market is open and each day is only 60 seconds long. Trading takes place for two 30-day sessions. Teams track the performance of their portfolios and view their standings on three big screens at the front of the room. Throughout the event, news releases, stock tips, and portfolio printouts bombard the teams. Interpreting the information is crucial to their success. Teams make trades by attracting the attention of a floor trader who is equipped with a handheld computer that instantly enters the team’s orders via wireless transmissions. All transactions occur in real time, which further adds to the drama and thrill of the moment. Kudos to marketing coordinator Lisa Quinn for encouraging so many Bulldogs to participate.

Home Instead Senior Care Community Service Representative Deneen Evans was instrumental in initiating the Be a Santa to a Senior program for residents of the Oakwood Assisted Living facility on East Washington Street. The downtown Suffolk Walmart allowed a decorated tree to be set up with wish-list tags for more than 80 low-income residents with little or no family. Gift requests were simple: toiletries, slippers, socks, blankets and throws. Deneen was overwhelmed with the response! Folks are quite familiar with the Salvation Army Angel Tree concept for kids; but this provided an opportunity for extending Christmas cheer to some seniors who may have seen this cherished holiday fade in importance. Deneen is looking forward to expanding the program in 2012 and insuring these elders feel the love Suffolk can extend.

Do you have a story to share about yourself, a family member or neighbor? Please let me know at k.billue@charter.net so I can spread your news to Your Corner!

Good causes are just a click away

Turning the calendar to January gives each of us another chance to refocus on priorities that may have slid under the radar during the last couple of months. Generally, one of my daily routines as I hop on the Internet is hitting Greater Good Clicks. There are opportunities to support many causes, including veterans, breast cancer, animal rescue, hunger, autism, rain forests and literacy. You can click one issue or many, but only once a day. To the best of my knowledge, there are no Your Corner organizations directly benefiting from this program, but still the effort is worthwhile. My favorites are the new veterans site launched last March, currently providing roughly 12,000 meals a month for homeless and hungry veterans. Thanks to breast cancer clicks, more than 2,000 women receive free mammograms each year. The hunger site has been operational since 1999; usually the clicks garner between 5 and 8 million pounds of food delivered in this country and around the world. In the last decade, the animal rescue site has annually provided about 30 million pounds of food to shelters and rescue sanctuaries. If you’d like to do one small thing each day to help someone or something outside your neighborhood, tear out this column and put it next to your computer. Next January, you’ll know you helped to make a difference for people and considerations close to your heart. There are bonus clicks for Facebook interaction. Interestingly, Dec. 23 was the lowest click day for all of the Greater Good sites; last-minute Christmas pressure apparently mitigated folks thinking beyond their most urgent priorities.

Congratulations to new Eagle Scout Greg Swanson, valedictorian graduate of Norfolk Christian School who now attends the University of Virginia. His Eagle project was building swing sets and refurbishing the playground at Oakland Christian Church. Church members helped offset some of the expense by signing up to donate individualized bricks that could be used for memorial or honorary purposes. Greg has been scouting since 1999 and has attended two national jamborees and the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, went on a 110-mile canoe trip through Canada, and was fishing, snorkeling and kayaking with Florida Sea Base 2011. Greg was surrounded by Troop 16 members, family and friends at the Eagle Court of Honor on Dec. 17 at Oakland Christian. Uncle Bob Swanson gave the Eagle Charge and Challenge and led the Eagle Scout Promise. Dad Bill Swanson is delighted to see his son entering the Eagle elite, an achievement that he said lasts a lifetime.

Creekside Elementary School’s pre-holiday performance of “The Jungle Book” surely was as memorable for the students, faculty, staff and parents as it was for the audience. Rehearsals had been under way since October, and it was obvious to this observer that Jungle Fever enthusiasm was infectious. Virtually everything was over the top! The scenery, sets, costumes, vocals, choreography were excellent. Upon entering the school lobby I was immersed in the vines and greenery of the rain forest which continued into the auditorium. I loved the green slink of Kaa’ the boa that was ably orchestrated by 15 girls; the Silverback gorillas had rhythm and panache; and the marching elephants were reasonably synchronized considering their visual limitations. Details were remarkable; the tropical bird chorus was quite individualized, no two were alike. One of the most novel features I saw on a few individuals were bright yellow bird feet. Upon closer scrutiny I discovered they were wearing yellow rubber gloves on their feet. Bravo to music teacher Jamel Gibson and all 110 cast members for producing an extraordinary show. Never underestimate an elementary school taking on Broadway!     

Did your teen get a new chess set for Christmas? If so, tonight’s the night at the North Suffolk Library for a practice session or two. The first Wednesday of each month is dedicated to teens between 12 and 19 who want to hone their chess skills for a tournament planned for May. The session from 6 to 7:30 p.m. is at 2000 Bennett’s Creek Park Road. If you can’t make it this evening but want to learn more for February and beyond, call Sarah Newton at 514-7150.

Do you have a story to share about yourself, a family member or neighbor? Let me know at k.billue@charter.net.

Suffolk's PTA contest winners advance a step

Winners of this year’s Suffolk PTA Council Reflections contest have been announced. The competition encourages students in all grades to express themselves in dance, music, film/video production, literature, photography and visual arts. This year’s theme was Diversity Means... First-place winners in each category and age division will advance for judging in the Southeastern District. Your Corner first-place winners include Anna Godinez from Driver Elementary and Queenique Dinh from John Yeates Middle in the dance category. Aiden and Rachel Yang from Northern Shores Elementary, Christian Torres from John Yeates Middle and Andre Baines from King’s Fork High won in the music category; Joshua Gibson of Oakland Elementary, Christian Torres from John Yeates Middle, and Shameer Kahn from King’s Fork were tops in the film category; and Emma Kent from Driver Elementary and Raychelle King from King’s Fork won the literature category. Brian Herrington and Brian Petrelli from Oakland Elementary, Lamar Jones from King’s Fork Middle, and Kayla Filio from King’s Fork High took the photography category; and Daris Davenport from Driver Elementary, Covonna Bynum from Creekside Elementary, Lamont Jones from John Yeates Middle, and Alandra Copeland from King’s Fork High won the visual arts category. What a great representation from North Suffolk! I hope we have more winners to announce after the district judges speak.

I regularly check Your Corner calendar listings for quirky things that attract my attention. When I spotted Burgers for Babies last Wednesday at The Broken Egg Bistro in Harbour View, I couldn’t help but suggest to my husband this was a golden opportunity to find a meal and a story. First, I want to commend The Broken Egg for annually supporting the Children’s Health Investment Program. Twenty percent of the evening’s sales went to buy cribs. Infant deaths by Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are because of unsafe sleeping environments such as laundry baskets, dresser drawers, sofas or sleeping with adults or siblings. These $57 items provide a safe, portable bed and play area, and new parents receive a one-hour tutorial on SIDS and safe-sleeping for newborns. Visit www.chipofvirginia.org.

The Suffolk Clean Community Commission had a recycling drive and tire amnesty day Dec. 17 at Bennett’s Creek Park. I met our new litter control coordinator, Michael Griffith, who was handing out reusable shopping bags filled with goodies, including a 50-point RecyclingPerk card just for showing up. I delivered a back-seat load of Styrofoam peanuts that had been hibernating in our attic for years. I figured I could empty a few boxes and learn more about this new method of melting Styrofoam. It turns out 1,200 single-use disposable school lunch trays can be consolidated into a one 20-pound block. And with a bit of extra engineering, it can actually be molded into a flower pot. Portsmouth master gardener Pam Courtney and husband Brad Halcums were on hand to investigate whether the pots could be incorporated into Oakland Elementary School’s gardening program.

David Wood’s technology class at King’s Fork High recently competed in the CO2 Dragster Competition. The goal was to build a CO2 dragster from a kit. The fastest to cover 80 feet was the winner. Lorenzo Kelley won a trophy and a $25 Regal Cinemas gift card for having the fastest car with an average elapsed time of 0.0471 seconds for 50 feet. Geoffrey Anderson won a trophy and a $15 gift card to Lowe’s for winning the judge’s choice in the best paint design category. 

Share your stories about yourself, a family member or neighbor at k.billue@charter.net so I can spread your news to Your Corner!

Gift idea: Class in meat cutting

Desperate for last-minute inspirations for unique but affordable gifts? Here are a couple that might fit someone on your list, and will help two local small businesses. According to Jeb Bonnett, owner and master butcher at Jeb’s Corner Market, 15668 Carrollton Blvd., just across Chuckatuck Creek in Isle of Wight, most folks don’t know how to sharpen a knife. Jeb is offering a class in how to cut meat Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. Starting with blade sharpening, students move on to whole chickens, Boston butts, loins and chops. Jeb provides the material and space for hands-on practice. If you have a grill-master spouse aching for even greater expertise and prowess, Jeb’s class could be the ticket. Jeb only takes one or two students at a time, so call him at 238-7044 if you want to explore this option. Meanwhile, if someone has been talking about getting in shape, but hasn’t really taken that important first step, today is the last day Rodney Sanders at Godhap4Fitness, 3235 Bridge Road, is offering his holiday special: Five personal training sessions between Christmas and Feb. 29 valued at $200 are now $100. Email Rodney at godhap4fitness@aol.com or call 483-0263. Rodney is offering everyone some mid-holiday exercise - a free 90-minute fun class Dec. 31 at 8:30 a.m. It won’t burn off everything you shouldn’t have eaten, but it will make it easier to welcome in 2012.

Richmond artist and educator Kendra Wadsworth presented a Free Form Sculpture: Reuse and Recycle workshop at Nansemond River High School courtesy of the Suffolk Art League and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Twenty Suffolk students from the three high schools and Nansemond Suffolk Academy participated. Kendra’s primary medium is paint on canvas, but her contractor fiancé accumulated so much unique wiring in remodeling and demolition projects, she felt she needed to find a worthwhile, creative use for it. Kendra provided oodles of wire in a variety of sizes, fabric scraps, beads, buttons, earrings and baubles as well as assorted tools ranging from pliers to hot glue. Students each started with a rough sketch of a concept ranging from “plastic surgery gone wrong” to “fun with Finn” to an African Slave.

Similarly, Cecil Avery, agricultural education teacher at King’s Fork High School, teaches growing your own fruit and vegetables while converting salvaged material into useful items. “This class requires you to think and do. I can construct a great project out of something that was once seen as trash,” student Rashee Blount said. Ag-Ed students are building raised garden beds from used shipping pallets. This type of creative re-use allows students to view so many things with a less jaded eye and a greater resourcefulness that will last them a lifetime.

Michele Duncan’s marketing class at Nansemond River High School created holiday cards for NRHS soldier alumni William Hirsch and his fellow troops serving in Afghanistan. Each student made two cards for each soldier, and the class will continue supporting the troops throughout the year making cards for different holidays and occasions. It’s so nice *this is a continuing effort instead of a one-time blitz.

Merry Christmas! Contact me at k.billue@charter.net so I can spread your news.

Impact Suffolk's food giveaway helps 1,000

More than 1,000 Suffolk families were aided by Impact Suffolk’s Thanksgiving Food Give Away on Nov. 19. Organizations, churches, schools and everyday folks collected the food for the program. But volunteers were needed for the Saturday morning distribution. The Kids Caring for Kids Club of King’s Fork Middle School had the chance to learn firsthand what serving the community means. They were part of the early morning set-up and stayed until everything was gone. They helped with standing in line, carrying food to people’s cars, and made sure everyone got a smile. When all was said and done, the kids enthusiastically asked club sponsor, sixth-grade history teacher Hope Bradshaw, when they might get to do this again. They don’t want to wait a whole year to feel the reward of giving and helping others.

Today is the deadline for entries in Suffolk’s first annual Neighborhood Decorating Contest. Borough judging is Friday and then online voting for the People’s Choice award will run from Dec. 16-18. Check out all the details at www.suffolkva.us and be sure to put your two cents into the voting. If you have any last-minute questions the person you need to contact is Dawn Evans at 514-4000 or levans@suffolkva.us with Holiday Decorating Contest in the subject line. I’ll be tracking down some of the winning entries to share with readers.

I had a full slate of local craft shows on my calendar for Dec. 3. When you visit these as often as I do, the unique, new and special items always stand out. At the Chuckatuck Fire Station, horse owner Michelle Justice with 2CowgirlsPrinting had an assortment of T-shirts with attractive horse themes. She had a little sign about donating $1 of every sale to Diamonds in the Rough. I inquired about that and learned it’s a horse rescue farm in Windsor. Besides needing donations for their more than 40 horses, they are also anxious for volunteers. If owning your own horse is not practical at this point in your life, maybe being an equine helper would suffice. Learn more about this organization at http://adoptditr.org/donate/ or call 846-6076.

At Founders Pointe Marketplace in nearby Carrollton, I happened upon Phyllis Moore’s holiday wreaths. Phyllis is a Riverfront resident and certified floral designer. Specializing in weddings, she has branched out to make her clients’ homes sparkle - whether for a special occasion or the holidays. She will even do the decorating if you’re in a real pinch. See some of Phyllis’s work and contact information on her Facebook page. I was also impressed with Alyson Miles photography. She is a Founders Point resident with a photography business. While you may have oodles of digital family photos, maybe you’d like to have a real family portrait. Alyson is a local gal who may just wow you. View her offerings at milesstonesphotography.com.

Time moves so quickly for me these days it seems remarkable that Creekside Elementary School has been in existence for 6 years already. The number of graduates who have been around since kindergarten is a record this year, 53. Often, a yearbook committee and administration make decisions on the yearbook cover design. But, this year they’re hoping to begin a cover contest tradition. After a two-week entry period, fifth-graders made the selection among three finalists. Ashlyn Naylor’s design won the honor and will be the first student-designed yearbook cover. She’ll end up with a free volume for her efforts.

More than 200 folks showed up for an all-day fundraiser in Driver to help Scott Toney in his battle with lymphoma. Scott is an Army Desert Storm veteran, engineer and locally-known fitness instructor. Organizer Amy Wright said more than $4,000 was cleared after expenses. Amy has been one of Scott’s fitness students, and a devotee of his simple goodness in believing in people when they can’t believe in themselves. His tumors have shrunk, but not his medical expenses. If you are looking for a useful place for an end-of-year good Samaritan donation, stop by a Towne Bank branch. They’ll be happy to assist you in aiding Scott with this disease.

Do you have a story to share about yourself, a family member or neighbor? Let me know at k.billue@charter.net.   

North Suffolk crossing guard has fan club

Teachers Pat and Kollette Hillard regularly travel Bennetts Pasture Road on their daily commute to Nansemond-Suffolk Academy. While they miss the afternoon traffic pattern in front of John Yeates Middle School, they are quite familiar with the morning routine. Crossing guard Helen Banks has made a lasting impression on morning and afternoon commuters and school administrators during her four-year stint. “She is very diligent in monitoring the traffic, is fair in the directing of the traffic, and greets everyone with a friendly wave and big smile,” Kollette wrote in an email suggesting I check out Helen. “She is the highlight of our morning drive!” While I missed the morning performance at the school parking lot entrance, I did catch the alternate afternoon act with all 20 buses exiting in quick rotation. Helen was quite surprised to see me with camera clicking, but John Yeates Principal Dan O’Leary wasn’t surprised in the least. He is proud to have Helen as the first person folks see at school each day.

The charming three-acre property at 5664 Shoulders Hill Road, formerly known as Heirloom Botanica, is now October Moon II. Owned and operated by Paul Kube and Jeanne Buttons Jackson, they are combining her antiques, collectibles and estate skills with his outdoor sheds, gardening frills and special events skills. The grand-opening celebration is Friday and Saturday and will feature a plethora of gifts and decorating ideas perfect for pre-Christmas selection. Early in 2012, one of the outbuildings will become a specialized children’s shop for furnishings, clothing and toys. Stop by for the current offerings and a preview of things to come. Contact Paul at 735-5692 or Jeanne at 295-0071.

Nansemond Parkway Elementary School’s PTA has arranged for six weeks of “Mad Science” after-school programs from Nov. 7 through Dec. 12. Mad Science presentations spark imaginative learning with after-school, preschool, summer and vacation programs and special events. When I dropped in Nov. 21, Melissa Graul, aka Meteorite Melissa, had her 20 first- and second-graders working in the music room with pingpong balls, hair dryers, candles and Airzookas on the Under Pressure/Funky Forces unit. Meanwhile, Melissa Merriweather, aka Mercury Mel, had her third- to fifth-grade group in the art room exploring the science of magic. Curious cubes and polymers were getting a workout with the precocious students.  I was impressed that both instructors had well-established ground rules and already knew 75-80 percent of their students’ names. Building rapport while creatively conveying new concepts is a surefire recipe for igniting a love of science and exploration.

Northern Shores Elementary School held favorite character day during American Education Week Nov. 14-19. Students who participate in the Teachers’ Helping Hands Club could dress up as a favorite character from a book and then read to a kindergarten or first-grade class.

I attended the Jingle Fever vendor event at the Harbour View Hilton Garden Inn a few weeks ago. I encountered Eclipse crafter/artist Nansi Strickland who keeps coming up with new and different items to keep her customers amused and intrigued. Her bread and butter is self-described whimsical, functional tile art; our dogs’ leash holder does indeed fulfill that niche with a bit of panache. Cotton fields around her home have led her to a Victor/Victoria-inspired series about love-starved sheep. Her specialized Virginia ornaments feature peanuts, cotton, cardinals and dogwoods. I’m hoping she might have a few I can use as gifts. If you’d like a refresher on Nansi, visit www.nansisdesigns.com or she can be reached at nansisdesigns@gmail.com.

Do you have a story to share about yourself, a family member or neighbor? Please let me know at k.billue@charter.net so I can spread your news to Your Corner!

Nansemond River students take distracted rides

Students at Nansemond River High School had a chance to learn about the effects of drunken or distracted driving thanks to the creativity of physical education teacher Sarah Smith and Andre Weaver, the school’s resource officer from the Suffolk Police Department. Students were accompanied by sponsoring adults on a golf cart obstacle course. The students first made a pass on a course to familiarize themselves with golf cart operation. Next, the student was handed a calculator and told to drive the course while performing multiple mathematical calculations on the fly. The golf cart speeds slowed remarkably. Finally, the student was handed a set of fatal vision goggles to wear while negotiating the traffic cones. These devices resemble standard safety goggles but the lenses distort perception. I became rather nauseated in seconds. Course speeds decreased to a crawl and falling traffic cones became the norm. This five-minute reality simulation probably has a greater inpact on new and future drivers than most lectures or videos could hope for.

Thanks to community support, the thespians of Nansemond River High School were able to compete in this year’s Virginia Theatre Association’s Secondary School Theatre Festival and annual conference in Reston in October. Nansemond River took first and second places in the state playwriting competition, winning the competition for the fourth year in a row. Sharing first place was Harold Hodge Jr. and Jeremy Hoffman; K.C. Couch got second place. Christian Ellis was named to the association’s student board of directors and an all-state actor, as was Kasey Furlo. The school’s production of “Scapino” received the Judge’s Award for Outstanding Ensemble and honorable mention for the Costume Merit Award for Costume Design for director and teacher. Performing Arts director Dr. Joleen Neighbours has firmly established NRHS as a tour de force that repeatedly challenges Northern Virginia’s former domination of the stage.

Have you ever wondered if solar panels would make a difference in your home energy costs? Several years ago neighbor Mike Zirpolo contemplated this while undergoing a major home expansion; at the time, it proved to be more than the budget could bear. However, with a Southern facing, exposed roof, the home offered an optimum opportunity for solar power. So the Zirpolos are now benefiting from 14 solar power panel supplements and the associated federal and state tax and energy credits. They expect to recoup their expenses in eight years; but in the meantime they can track the kilowatt hours they net and resell both on cloudy and sunny days. Mike never really viewed himself as a tree hugger; more as someone who would never spend more than was absolutely necessary. He thinks he has a winning combo here, ultimately benefitting the family budget.

Most folks with college-bound seniors are on alert for possible scholarship opportunities. Here’s one I stumbled on that may prove enlightening and helpful. The J. Theron “Tim” Timmons Scholarship is sponsored by AAA Tidewater Automobile Association. When Timmons came on the scene as the club’s director in 1934, the association was on the brink of collapse. When his photo was published in local papers announcing his arrival, bill collectors began calling en masse. Garages had not been paid; the phone company threatened to cease service. Instead of packing up and running, Mr. Timmons reached into his own pocket and paid the bills. There were a mere 850 members in 1934; at his retirement in 1996, AAA Tidewater Virginia had more than 280,000 members. Timmons died in February 2002. As a tribute to him and his work, the AAA Board of Directors established a foundation that provides a $5,000 scholarship annually. Applications are due April 15. Contact Georjeane Blumling at Gblum@tidewater.aaa.com or 233-3825.

  King’s Fork High School had two programs recently aimed at improving driver safety. At the behest of assistant football coach Richard Froemel, veteran Wal-Mart truck drivers came to the school with a full rig and videos to teach students about blind spots from the truck driver’s perspective and where you don’t want to be alongside a tractor-trailer. Meanwhile, the school’s DECA chapter under the leadership of Lisa Quinn sponsored a Wait to Text campaign. Students had the opportunity to see a video of the AT&T documentary “The Last Text,” which chronicled the stories of four teens whose lives were forever altered because of texting while driving. Students were encouraged to take a pledge to not text while driving. As a reminder of their pledge, students’ thumbnails were painted with black nail polish.

Do you have a story to share about yourself, a family member or neighbor? Please let me know at k.billue@charter.net so I can spread your news to Your Corner!