This week in NFK: Ovaltinis, Miracles, Mutant Strain, EVMS/ODU Merger, The Fuzz, CUPs Denied, and more.

by | Dec 16, 2022

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Community. 

Downtown Norfolk is chock full of seasonal shenanigans this year. Get Downtown and find elves, floor-to-ceiling decorated bars, ice skating, snowy theaters, and more. (NFK Currents Original). Rip it. 

Early voting for the special election in the 7th Senate District has begun. Aaron Rouse faces off against Kevin Adams. Rip it.

The Virginia Department of Transportation unveiled its first resilience plan to deal with climate change and persistent flooding. Rip it.

Mayor Kenny Alexander’s alleged son and local rapper sold unbuildable land back to the City of Norfolk in a deal approved by City Council using Capital Improvement Funds. Rip it.

City Council voted to deny the Conditional Use Permit for Caior nightclub in the NEON District, with Paul Riddick and Danica Royster siding with Caior.  Rip it.

The owner of Caior nightclub called City Council’s decision to deny their conditional use permit request “pre-meditated” and says he has lost over $100K in investment. Rip it.

Legacy Lounge is dropping its court appeal to reopen as a nightclub after City Council revoked its permit. Rip it.

A judge denied Scotty Quixx’s request for a temporary injunction to reopen as a nightclub. Rip it.

The interim Police Chief is proposing a 24/7 surveillance team to monitor public and private video feeds, plate readers, and other live streams. Rip it.

Norfolk expects to have a final list of top candidates for the Police Chief position after the new year. Rip it.

Norfolk added 17 new police academy graduates to its ranks this week, with 205 vacancies remaining. Rip it.

ODU’s economic survey that quantifies the quality of life across the region found large racial disparities in satisfaction with police in their cities. Rip it.  

Months after complaints of inoperable cameras, City-owned garages have working surveillance again. Rip it.

An East Ocean View development project was approved by City Council after the City reached an agreement for the inclusion of affordable housing units. Rip it.

Military Circle Mall will officially close down its COVID-19 vaccination site this weekend. Rip it.

Virginia State Police has not commented after investigations revealed an officer who killed three people and previously suffered a mental health episode had been admitted into the agency’s training academyRip it.

The Governor unveiled a massive investment in overhauling the mental health programs in the Commonwealth. Rip it.

The Republican Party of Virginia has moved to ranked-choice voting. Rip it.

Maury High School played in the Class 5 State Final for football this week for the second straight year. The Commodores were bested by the team from Highland Springs. Rip it.

The Stanley Cup will be coming to Norfolk for the ECHL All-Star Classic in January. Rip it.

Culture.

The Virginia Stage Company is performing “A Merry Little Christmas Carol” through Dec 30th in the historic Wells Theater. Rip it.

This weekend the Virginia Symphony performs Handel’s Messiah across the region. Rip it.

Local artist Shaolinn dropped a new single, “Cherish,” out now on streaming. Rip it.

Now at the Hermitage Museum: More Than Shelter, a pop-up exhibit with MOCA. Rip it.
 
Now at Assembly: Asymmetry, a two-person exhibition curated by the CAN Foundation. Rip it.

The region is getting a new pride month event: the Virginia Queer Film Festival. Rip it.
 
The Hurrah Players present the “Best Christmas Pageant Ever” this weekend. Rip it.

Mutant Strain, Reckoning Force Relief, Private Hell, and Snake Pit rock Norfolk Taphouse this Friday. Rip it.

DRAM is back with a new album. “What Had Happened Was…” Rip it.

Frequency, Social Supply, and Shake Norfolk are teaming up for Vibe Fest. Rip it.

Currently on Display:
To See a World in a Grain of Sand at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Black Orpheus: Jacob Lawrence and the Mbari Club at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Motion / Emotion at Barry Art Museum. Rip it.
Rhonda Holy Bear: Artist and Story-Keeper at Barry Art Museum. Rip it.
ALLiGATER HELLHOUND at Gordon Art Galleries. Rip it.
Cuyahoga River at Offsite Gallery. Rip it.
Tedious Little Things at The Gallery at Elation. Rip it.

Commerce.

Gift Local! Here’s our guide on holiday markets in Norfolk this year. (NFK Currents Original) Rip it.

The proposed budget amendments from Governor Youngkin include $10M for the merger of EVMS and ODU. Rip it.

Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University were selected as Amazon Career Choice Education Partners, allowing Amazon workers access to degree and certificate programs at both universities. Rip it. 

The Park Avenue Market completed an expansion and is now offering ever more fresh produce in an area with limited grocery options. Rip it. 

Norfolk International traffic was down slightly from last year’s record November. Rip it.

Norfolk Southern Corporation awarded $1 million in grants to 57 Hampton Roads nonprofit organizations. Rip it.

Sentara is celebrating the 50th anniversary of a successful kidney transplant. Rip it.

Claus Ihleman and Rob Roman have sold their prominent Ghent business, Decorum, to three employees. Rip it.

Towne Insurance, an arm of Townebank, acquired Charlotte-based Lockhart Insurance. Rip it.

The Virginia Blockchain Council is setting out a list of priority regulations that it wants Virginia legislators to pass. Rip it.

Year-round cruises are coming to Norfolk’s Half Moone terminal by 2025. Rip it.

Virginia is getting $230M for startup and venture funding. Rip it. 

The housing market in Virginia is continuing to cool off as interest rates rise. Rip it.

New construction of residential homes in the region decreased 25% YOY in November. Rip it.

Naughty By Norfolk Champion Hoodie

Naughty By Norfolk Paper Bag Koozie

Crowds.

All weekend you can check out the city’s finest gingerbread craftsmanship at the Hermitage Museum. Rip it.

The Miracle on Waterside Drive is vying to be the most cheerful place in the city for holiday celebrations. Rip it.

Nothing says Christmas like hitting up the Christmas Carol at Wells Theater. Rip it.

The Fuzz Band returns to the Smartmouth Warehouse on Friday. Rip it.

Now through Christmas Eve, a huge model train exhibit in Selden Market. Rip it.
 
**Please note that listed times are start times; many events run several hours**

FRIDAY:

Norfolk Run Club Friday Meetup at Yorgo’s Bageldashery 6:00 am. Rip it.
Chris Uiterwyk speaks at Norfolk Innovation Corridor Unfiltered at Assembly. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Seniors Holiday Cruise on the Spirit of Norfolk. 11:30 am. Rip it
Gary Jones Art Exhibit at The Village Mermaid. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
‘Tis the Season for a Tasting at Green Onion. 4:30 pm. Rip it.
Make Your Own Spa Basket at Aries Apothecary. 6:00 pm. Rip it
Warehouse Live: The Fuzz Band at Smartmouth Beer. 6:00 pm. Rip it
OVBT Ugly Sweater and Teacher Appreciation Party. 6:00 pm. Rip it
Friday Night Magic: Commander at Atlantis Games & Comics. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Dan Pellegrino performs live at Benchtop Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Norfolk Admirals vs. Toledo Walleye at Norfolk Scope. 6:05 pm. Rip it
The Bay Rats Performs live at Elation Brewing. 6:30 pm. Rip it
Bubbles and Champagne at Vino Culture. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Elf screening at Naro Cinema. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
TBMA Bluegrass Jam at Roosevelt Area Civic League. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at Hugh R. Copeland Center. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Mutant Strain, Reckoning Force, Relief, Private Hell, & Snake Pit perform live at Norfolk Taphouse. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Jeezy at The NorVA. 8:00 pm. Rip it
The JAM! at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Babes in Boyland at The Wave. 8:00 pm. Rip it
JAG Duo Performs live at Grain. 9:00 pm. Rip it
Titty Titty Bang Bang: A Womxn’s Comedy Variety Show at Generic Theater. 9:00 pm. Rip it
Harold Night: Norfolk’s Best Improv Comedy Teams at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it

SATURDAY:
Weekend Long Run at Ocean View Run Club. 7:15 am. Rip it
Send It Saturday Morning Group Ride at  East Coast Bicycles. 8:00 am. Rip it
Weyanoke Monthly Nature Walk at Weyanoke Bird and Wildflower Sanctuary. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Pancakes & Pictures with Santa at Larchmont UMC. 9:00 am. Rip it.
The New Family Christmas Party at Republic. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Live Life Fresh Boom Box Bike Ride at Freshtopia. 10:30 am. Rip it
2022 Santa Speedo Run at MJ’s Tavern. 10:00 am. Rip it
COVA Moves: Goat Yoga at Cova Brewing Company. 10:00 am. Rip it
Jungle Bell Rock at The Virginia Zoo. 10:00 am. Rip it.
World Cup Watch Party: Third-Place Playoff at Waterside District. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Support Brunch for Women Entrepreneurs at NSU Innovation Center. 10:30 am. Rip it.
Holiday Vintage Market at Selden Market. 11:00 am. Rip it.
BigForestFire performs live at Grain. 11:00 am. Rip it
Puppy Pics with Santa Brunch Costume Contest at OV Beach Tavern. 11:00 am. Rip it
Gifts Galore: Maker Market at 757 Makerspace. 11:00 am. Rip it
Art in Motion: d’Art’s 3rd Saturday Demo Series. 11:00 am. Rip it
Crafted Holiday Market at Sky’s The Limit Yoga Co. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Fresh Floral Workshop at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Lipgloss & Lashes Drag Brunch at 37th & Zen. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Snowflake Bingo at Slover Library. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Elf screening at Naro Cinema. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
Brew Ruck with Coastal VA Ruck Club at Smartmouth. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
Photos with Santa at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 3:00 pm. Rip it.
Weihnachtsfeier with German European American Society of Virginia . 4:00 pm. Rip it.
Jasmine Deloatch Book Launch at The Muse Writers Center. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
Hot Tea , Jazz, Art, and Poetry at Slover Library. 5:30 pm. Rip it.
Ugly Sweater Christmas Party at Benchtop Brewing Company. 6:00 pm. Rip it
Norfolk Admirals vs. Toledo Walleye at Norfolk Scope. 6:05 pm. Rip it
Glitter Ornament Making at Aries Apothecary. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
The Swinging Santa Band performs live at Elation Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Travis Morrison performs live at Maker’s Craft. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Sound Advice performs live at Sunset Grill. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Derek Smith performs live at Benchtop Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Saturday Night Yugioh at Atlantis Games & Comics. 6:30 pm. Rip it.
Miracle on 34th Street at Naro Cinema. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Dry Land performs live at Cafe Stella. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
A Caribbean Green Christmas at Norfolk Waterside Marriott. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Virginia Symphony at Chrysler Hall. 7:30 pm. Rip it
Turnover at The NorVA. 8:00 pm. Rip it
A Jazzy Christmas at Attucks Theatre. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Pushing Dragons: Improvised Dungeons and Dragons at Push Comedy Theater. 9:00 pm. Rip it
TA Gatling and the Guns at Grain. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
Babyoil, Startt, Gabe Niles, Wivve, and Tomiiiko perform live at Plaza Del Sol. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
Off-Granby: The Musical! Starring: The Impromptunes at Push Comedy Theater. 10:30 pm. Rip it

SUNDAY:
Holiday Cookie Houses at Norfolk Botanical Garden. 10:00 am. Rip it
December Beach Clean-Up at The Bold Mariner Brewing Company. 10:00 am. Rip it
Pokémon TCG: Weekly Casual Play at Atlantis Games & Comics. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Elated Craft Market at Elation Brewing. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Chrysler Bake Off at The Chrysler Museum of Art. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Lipgloss & Lashes Drag Brunch at 37th & Zen. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Miracle on 34th Street at Naro Cinema. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Poetry Open Mic: Melodic Movement at Cafe Mudita. 1:30 pm. Rip it.
Tidewater DSA General Assembly Meetup. 2:00 pm. Rip it.

Flesh and Blood Weekly Armory Event at Atlantis Games & Comics. 3:00 pm. Rip it
Petition Making at Aries Apothecary. 4:00 pm. Rip it
Open House Tasting Bubbles and Bold Reds! at Vino Culture. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
Art Rowe performs live at Sunset Grill. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
A Yogi Christmas Movie Night at Sky’s The Limit Yoga Co. 5:30 pm. Rip it
Traditional Irish Session at Grace O’Malley’s Irish Pub & Restaurant. 6:00 pm. Rip it.  
An intimate night with Ron Talman at Norfolk Taphouse. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Singles night Trivia at Bonchon Norfolk. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
A Night Of The Senses Masquerade Ball at Fly Girl Boutique. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
The First Timers Club: A Sketch Comedy Show at Push Comedy. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Lemonade Gang Record Release Show at Kobros Coffee. 7:00 pm. Rip it.  
Steve Forss performs live at Grain. 7:30 pm. Rip it

 
Get a daily rundown of events on our Daily Instagram Story.

Chow.

Downtown Norfolk is fully stocked with cocktails inspired by your favorite holiday movies. Get ’em while you experience the festivities! (NFK Currents Original Video) Rip it. 

Philly Cheessteak Popup at Coachhouse on Colley Ave – Friday Only. Rip it. 

This week at Kobro’s: Coquito Craft Latte. Rip it. 

When everything is closed on New Year’s Day, Pelon’s will be open with some fresh deals. Rip it.

You can now keep Legrand Kitchen burgers around by buying a tshirt. Rip it.

Spiced Orange lattes are lighting up OV at Cafe Mudita. Rip it.

Get baking in the new year with new classes by Cafe Genevieve. Rip it.

Fish Tacos aren’t just for summer time in Norfolk. Get ’em fresh at Streats. Rip it.

Swell in Willoughby Spit is now open and has launched a brunch menu. Rip it.

Stony’s Dockside, one of the best seafood spots in town, is rocking sushi nights every Wednesday. Rip it.  

Oxtail, shrimp, and scallop pasta with plenty of seasoning? Yeah they know what’s good at Our Peoples. Rip it.

Food Truck Sightings:
Friday:
 

Get Stuffed at Cova Brewing. Rip it.
Deutscher Imbiss at Maker’s Craft Brewing. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth Brewing. Rip it.
Bar-Q at Bold Mariner Brewing. Rip it.
Flippin Hangry at Reaver Beach NFK. Rip it.

Vang’s Sushi at Benchtop Brewing. Rip it. 

Saturday:
Courtney’s Kitchen & Sour Street Pizza at Cova Brewing. Rip it.
757 Laos Street Food at Benchtop Brewing. Rip it.  
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth Brewing. Rip it.
Cups UP at Reaver Beach NFK. Rip it.
Bar-Q at Bold Mariner Brewing. Rip it.

Sunday:
Bumbling Bee Vegan at Cova Brewing. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth Brewing. Rip it.
Shawna’s Rich Eats at Maker’s Craft Brewing. Rip it.

 
 

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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.