This Week in NFK: Mixed Messages, New Proposals, Citizens Show Out, Culture Recap, Barbies, Demons, Crushes, and more.

by | Aug 11, 2023

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Community. 

Developers are proposing a new Veterans Affairs healthcare facility at the former Military Circle Mall site. Rip it.

New correspondence obtained by the Virginian-Pilot shows that former City Manager Chip Filer provided Headwaters Casino a path forward with a two-phase development approach, while just months later, new City Manager Pat Roberts indicated a two-phase approach would be an “impossibility.” Rip it.

Around 300 citizens showed up to a public forum about the former Lambert’s Point Golf Course, with many advocating for a public parking Rip it.

The City of Norfolk finalized the purchase of MacArthur Mall, and some tenants are concerned about what the future holds for them. Rip it.

In Downtown Norfolk’s strategic plan survey, MacArthur Mall ranked as the highest priority. Rip it. 

The draft recommendations from the Railroad District’s charette are out with concepts like expanding the ERT, footbridge rail crossings, and more murals. Rip it. 

A jury verdict that found the City of Norfolk made defamatory statements about a local business was dismissed in court for lack of injury. Rip it.

Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi is changing who collects unpaid court fees, dropping interest rates from 22.5% to 17%. Rip it. 

Norfolk Public Schools will start the school year on August 28th, the first time that opening day will be before Labor Day. Rip it.

Mary Calcott Elementary is getting a new roof ahead of the new school year. Rip it.

The Tidewater Wooden Boat Workshop in the Ballentine area of Norfolk is helping teens learn to build full-sized boats in while picking up important life skills along the way. Rip it.

The Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization is looking for citizen input on dangerous intersections across the region. Rip it.

The Hague is home to some wildlife, lots of runoff, and part of a “trap estuary.” Rip it. 

New Virginia laws are impacting local schools, including rules on bullying, mental health counseling, campus safety, and more. Rip it.

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development is looking for citizen feedback on the state of digital access and availability in Virginia. Rip it.

NOAA is calling for an above-average hurricane season in the Atlantic. Rip it. 

Two Norfolk-based warships have arrived in the Red Sea amid rising tensions with Iran due to “the disruption of commerce.” Rip it.

The Norfolk Nighthawks playoffs and championship game are this weekend. Rip it.

Despite rampant trade speculation, the core of the Tides’ league-leading team remains intact after the MLB trade deadline. Rip it.


A UPS driver is credited with saving three dogs from a burning home in the Northside area of Norfolk. Rip it.

Culture.

Norfolk Currents and the Hermitage partnered to recap the best of 757 culture last month:


Urinetown, a satire of privatization, is now in production at the Little Theater of Norfolk. Rip it. 

Demons, the band, is prepping its stage banners for the album release show at the Norva on Saturday with Community Witch and more local bands. Rip it.

Crimeline dropped a new EP, Street Rips, out now on streaming. Rip it.

Acres, William & Mary, Thanks for Listening, and more, host a party for the 50th birthday of hip hop at Assembly on Friday. Rip it.

ODU is reviving the old “racetrack logo” for its homecoming game helmet design. Rip it.

The last chance to catch “Missing The Mark” at Offsite Gallery is this Friday. Rip it.

$115K is available for a series of pedestrian-scale artworks in Huntersville Park. Rip it.

You could design vinyl covers for utility boxes around the city – and get paid to do it. Rip it.

One of the rarest Barbie dolls in the world is going on display at Barry Art Museum next month. Rip it.

Currently on Display:
Barbara Earl Thomas: The Illuminated Body at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Heather Beardsley: Strange Plants at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Perspectives: Modern and Contemporary Glass from the Waitzer Collection at Barry Art Museum. Rip it.
M/NYC: Rough Draft, a solo exhibition by Thomas O’Casey at Assembly Gallery. Rip it.
“Missing the Mark” by John Runner at Offsite Gallery. Rip it.
Shapes Everywhere at Commune. Rip it.
Jenny Craddock Art & Design at The Gallery At Elation. Rip it

Commerce.

Petit a Petit is shaking up retail in Selden Market with personalized, experienced, and thoughtful approaches to intimate apparel. (NFK Currents Podcast). Rip it.

​​Home Builders Institute’s Norfolk location is helping 30 sailors at a time transition to safety, electrical, and carpentry roles. Rip it.

Dillards at MacArthur Center will officially close its doors next month. Rip it.

Actors and film professionals in Virginia are joining the ongoing strike, saying that declining pay is making it harder to get by. Rip it.

Virginia employees would, on average, leave remote work and return to the office for a $12,000 cash bonus. Rip it. 

The City of Norfolk and an infrastructure contractor are facing off in court over $2.4 million in funds that were withheld. Rip it.

Several local breweries won medals at the 2023 Va Craft Brewing Cup, with Benchtop winning first place for Best in Show. Rip it.

Shark’s Sports Bar and Grill is collecting school supplies for underserved students and treating four to a shopping spree in a White Claw-sponsored event. Rip it

The Norfolk Botanical Garden has already begun assembling the millions of lights needed for its holiday light show – the garden’s largest revenue generator. Rip it.

This November, the Virginia Maritime Association’s International Trade Symposium lands at the Hilton Main in Norfolk. Rip it.

Norfolk’s Yendidi restaurant is expanding with a new location in Virginia Beach. Rip it.  

Regional Economic Stats.Port StatsLabor Stats.
 

NFK Dad Hat

Norfolk Snapback

Crowds.

Here’s the live music we’re stoked about this August. (NFK Currents Original). Rip it.


Smorefolk Smorefest returns this weekend with seven specialty smores. Rip it. 


Original live performances inspired by the Claudia Bueno: Echoes of the Heart exhibition come to the Hermitage this weekend. Rip it.


The Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival returns for its 40th year on August 18th & 19th. Rip it.

LAVA MiniFest returns to Toast with no less than nine indie acts taking the stage. Rip it.

 
Ping Pong and Pour Overs is back at Assembly on August 22nd. Rip it.

FRIDAY:
Run Club Friday Meetup at Yorgo’s Bageldashery. 6:00 am. Rip it 
Junior Garden Artists: Picnic Plates at Norfolk Botanical Garden. 10:00 am. Rip it.
TVAEA Summer Workshop at The Chrysler. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Dog Days of Summer Book Club at Mary D Pretlow Anchor Branch Library. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Reception with Delegate candidate Andy Pittman at Fantom Works. 4:45 pm. Rip it.
aneeD for Vegan Pop-up Vegan Soul-Inspired Food. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Myths & Legends: Witches at Aries Apothecary. 6:00 pm. Rip it 
Dan Pellegrino performs live at Benchtop Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Ocean View Salsa Night at OV Beach Park. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Connor Pittman performs live at Cova. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Myths & Legends: Witches at Aries Apothecary. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Brothers Atlantic performs live at Sunset Grill. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
TomKat’s Boogienation performs live at OV Pier. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Pinterest DIY-Wine Glasses at Beach Art House. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Taught by Tawana: Far Corners of the Wine World at Vino Culture. 7:00 pm. Rip it 
The Muse Neighborhood Jam at The Muse Writer’s Center. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Vase and Canvas Pour at Pinot’s Palette. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Norfolk Storm Women’s Ruby Fall Kickoff Happy Hour at Reaver Beach. 7:00 pm Rip it.
Les Misérables at STPCS Theater Arts. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Elizabeth River Dinner Cruise on Spirit of Norfolk. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Pride and Prejudice by King’s Players Community Theater. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Lord of the Rings Store Championship at Atlantis Games & Comics. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Ulamog, Crucial Rip, Cranial Damage, And Hosticide at Taphouse. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Friday Night Magic: Draft at Atlantis Games & Comics. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Friday Night Magic: Commander at Atlantis Games & Comics. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Urinetown, The Musical at Little Theatre of Norfolk. 8:00 pm. Rip it 
imprOV: Norfolk’s Night of Improv Comedy at Muditat Cafe. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Tales from the Campfire at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
VA Premier of DJ Dave Industrie at Goth Night at 37th & Zen. 8:00 pm Rip it.
Conor Malone performs live at Grace O’Malley’s. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
Gina Payne performs live at Prime 255. 9:00 pm. Rip it. 
Teacher’s Pet – Improv Comedy Show at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it.

SATURDAY:
Weekend Long Run with Ocean View Run Club. 7:15 am. Rip it 
Send It Saturday Morning Group Ride at East Coast Bicycles. 8:00 am. Rip it 
Big Blue 5K at ODU. 8:00 am. Rip it.
Donor Sculpture Beautification Day at Pagoda Garden Foundation Park. 8:30 am. Rip it
Norfolk Naval Shipyard Job Fair. 9:00 am. Rip it.
East Beach Farmers Market. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Teddy Bear Clinic at The Virginia Zoo. 9:30 am. Rip it 
Kids Yoga at Sky’s The Limit Yoga Co. 9:30 am. Rip it.
Search and Awareness for Gabriella Todman. 9:30 am. Rip it.
Volunteer Workday at Elmwood Cemetery. 10:00 am. Rip it 
Live Life Fresh Boom Box Bike Ride at Freshtopia. 10:30 am. Rip it 
Mommy + Me Yoga at Sky’s The Limit Yoga. 10:45 am. Rip it.
Yoga for Athletes at Sky’s The Limit Yoga. 10:45 am. Rip it.
S’Morefest S’Moresfest III at Selden Market. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Open Studio: Barbie Slime at Outside the Lines Art Studio. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Fun Floral For Children at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 11:30 am. Rip it 
Blakhart Guitars and Coffee Day hosted by Russell’s Music World. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Peace & Love UNITE at Slover Library. 1:00 pm. Rip it 
Lipgloss & Lashes Drag Brunch at 37th & Zen. 1:00 pm. Rip it 
Gathering Magic: A Fantasy Writers Group at the Muse Writer’s Center. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Community Splattttttt Party at Richard A. Tucker Memorial Library. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Digimon Store Championship at Atlantis Games & Comics. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Summer Splash Charity Beer Pong Tournament at The OV Beach Tavern. 2:00 pm. Rip it 
Les Misérables at STPCS Theater Arts. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
Summer Snack Zone at Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
Pushing Dragons Graduation Show at Push Comedy Theater. 4:00 pm. Rip it 
Heart Dive: An Evening with Claudia Bueno at the Hermitage. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Summer Splash Bash at Watermark in Talbot Park. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Cord Magic at Aries Apothecary. 6:00 pm. Rip it 
PC Duo performs live at Benchtop Brewing. 6:00 pm Rip it.
Rob Oliver performs live at Cova. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
ASL Hangouts at Blue Moon Taphouse. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Fox & The Bear perform live at Elation. 6:30 pm. Rip it.
Saturday Night Yugioh at Atlantis Games & Comics. 6:30 pm. Rip it.
Vinyl Headlights at Blue Moon Stage. 6:45 pm. Rip it.
Romonta & Friends perform live at Boss Queens Soul Cafe. 7:00 pm. Rip it 
Living on the Elizabeth River Trail: A Tour of Freemason at Pagoda & Oriental Garden. 7:00 pm. Rip it 
Mutant Strain, Yellowcake, Bato, Homemade Speed, Pig City at Taphouse. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Living on the Elizabeth River Trail: A Tour of Freemason. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Phil Wickham & Brandon Lake perform at Chartway Arena. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Sunset is for Lovers at Pinot’s Palette Norfolk. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Les Misérables at STPCS Theater Arts. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Pride and Prejudice by King’s Players Community Theater. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Romonta & Friends perform live at Boss Queens Soul Cafe. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Demons, Community Witch, Wandcarver, Rosemilk, and Karacell perform live at The NorVA. 7:30 pm. Rip it 
Conor Malone performs live at Grace O’Malley’s. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Phil Wickham & Brandon Lake performs live at Chartway Arena. 8:00 pm. Rip it 
Silent Disco at Waterside District. 8:00 pm. Rip it
The Unusual Suspects: An Improvised Murder Mystery at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Urinetown, The Musical at Little Theatre of Norfolk. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Silent Disco at Waterside. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Norfolk: Dinner Cruise on the Elizabeth River on Spirit of Norfolk. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
TRDance & Virginia Ballet Theatre Summer Ensemble Concert. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Conor Malone performs live at Grace O’Malley’s. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
Ambrosia: A Burlesque Feast for the Gawds at The Venue on 35th. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
Second Saturday Stand-Up at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it.

SUNDAY:
Yoga and Tai Chi at The Gym Downtown. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Slow-Mo Sunday Group Ride at Local Bike Shop NFK. 10:30 am. Rip it 
S’Morefest S’Moresfest III at Selden Market. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Premier League Kickoff: Liverpool Vs Chelsea at Grace O’Malley’s. 11:30 pm. Rip it.
Sunday Funday Low Country Boil at Hank’s Filling Station. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Bhav Brigade Yoga at Sky’s the Limit Co. 12:00 pm. Rip it 
Sunday Funday Low Country Boil at Hank’s Filling Station. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Privateer Press Game Night at Atlantis Games & Comics. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Lipgloss & Lashes Drag Brunch at 37th & Zen. 1:00 pm. Rip it 
6 Shades of Cabernet Franc with Akeyla at Vino Culture. 1:00 pm. Rip it  
Coastal Dreams Resin Art Workshop at GypSea Roots Collective. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Norfolk Sunday Brunch Cruise. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Nightlights workshop at Saltwater Studio. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Hampton Roads Sci-fi & Fantasy Book Club at Bold Mariner. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Norfolk Weekly Pokemon League at Atlantis Games & Comics. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
MTG Modern Sunday at Atlantis Games & Comics. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Les Misérables at STPCS Theater Arts. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
Urinetown, The Musical at Little Theater of Norfolk. 2:30 pm. Rip it.
Sound Healing Ceremony at Flourish. 2:30 pm. Rip it.
Blue’s Jam at Cova Brewing Company. 3:00 pm. Rip it 
TRDance & Virginia Ballet Theatre Summer Ensemble Concert. 3:00 pm. Rip it.
Music Bingo at Reaver Beach NFK. 4:00 pm. Rip it 
757 Comic and Cartoon Creators at The Muse Writer’s Center. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
Vendor’s Market by City Girls Walk VA at Cova Brewing. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Hampton Roads Veg Fest Volunteer Vegan Potluck. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Art Rowe performs live at Willoughby Harbor Marina. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
The Bay Rats perform live at Cova. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Traditional Irish Session at Grace O’Malley’s. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Konshens performs live at Broadway Nightclub. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Pushing Dragons Graduation Show at Push Comedy Theater. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Conor Malone performs live at Grace O’Malley’s. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
 

Chow.

Downtown Norfolk is hosting a crush competition this weekend. Rip it. 

Stockpot has a purple Butterfly Crush lined up for the competition. Rip it. 

If chartreuse is more your style, the crush at Glass Light is for you. Rip it.

Old Dominion is launching custom Monarch-branded beers with a local brewery. Rip it.

Beet powder made its way into this Cure specialty soda. Rip it.

Vegan chicken sandwiches are now available at Cafe Milo. Rip it. 

Black pearl king mushrooms are available for a limited time at Grandiflora. Rip it. 

Beef & Prosciutto Meatballs? Only the Ten Top could pull it off. Rip it.

A new food vendor is coming to The Veil very soon. Rip it.

Blue lattes land at Kobros this weekend. Rip it.

Blueberry ube cheesecake is perfect for your sweetie at Press 626. Rip it.

Frozen Pina Colada’s rolled into Only You, and there’s no going back. Rip it.

Food Truck Sightings:
Friday:
Moontide at Reaver Beach. Rip it.
Salsa Libre at Maker’s Craft Brewing. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen, Big Belly, & Weng’s Kitchen at Cova. Rip it.
The Salty Cactus at Benchtop. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth. Rip it.
lil’za Pizzaria at The Veil. Rip it.
Bakehouse at Elation Brewing. Rip it.
Bar-Q at Bold Mariner. Rip it.

Saturday:
Flippin Hangry at Reaver Beach. Rip it.
The Lit Auntie at Maker’s Craft Brewing. Rip it.
Sour Street Pizza & Moontide Sundries at Cova. Rip it.
Rio Good Food at Benchtop. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth. Rip it.
lil’za Pizzaria at The Veil. Rip it.
Bakehouse at Elation Brewing. Rip it.
Bar-Q at Bold Mariner.  Rip it.

Sunday:
Tone Bonez BBQ at Reaver Beach. Rip it.
Hot Box at Maker’s Craft Brewing. Rip it.
Bumbling Bees at Cova. Rip it.
Yolees GDawgz at Benchtop. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth Rip it.
lil’za Pizzaria at The Veil. Rip it.
Bakehouse at Elation. Rip it.
Bar-Q at Bold Mariner. Rip it.

Paul Stetson Rice

Chelsea, NFK

Paul is the creator of NFKVA.com. He was born and raised in Norfolk, graduated from Virginia Tech, and narrowly avoided law school. Chat with him about economics, entrepreneurship, hip-hop, and hiking. When he's not working on five different projects, you'll catch him sharing a beer with friends at a local brewery.