This week in NFK: Slow Voting, Pickle Crash, Zines, Street Choir, Startup Funding, Crafted, Spiketoberfest, OV Races, OV Art, and more!

by | Oct 7, 2022

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Community. 

A $1.8 billion project to build a better flood wall in Norfolk moves forward while questions about its effectiveness persist. Rip it. 

Early voting is open, and Norfolk has cast fewer votes than any other jurisdiction in the area. Rip it. 

Legacy Lounge is asking the courts for a judicial injunction against the City of Norfolk to undo the revocation of their conditional use permit. Rip it. 

Deputy City Manager Pat Roberts denied allegations of racial bias in the City’s recent “full sweep” enforcement of rules on nightclubs. Rip it. 

The City of Norfolk postponed a workshop for community input on the Ocean View Avenue transportation study this week. Rip it. 

A tractor-trailer full of pickles overturned on I-64 in Norfolk, which was apparently no big Dill. Rip it.  

VDOT reports that traffic deaths are up to near-record levels even as serious injuries decline. Rip it. 

Virginia is among the states adding an emphasis on locally grown produce in school lunches. Rip it. 

Flooding on Monday caused local schools to cancel classes and delay start times on Tuesday. Rip it. 

The City of Norfolk temporarily declared a state of emergency ahead of a flood that was forecasted to be historic. Rip it.

Virginia announced $13.6 million in Community Flood Preparedness grants. 27 of the projects happening locally. Rip it. 

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation reported that the watershed states are not on track to meet a 2025 deadline for pollution reduction. Rip it.

The Norfolk Alpha Kappa Alpha Society hosted a town hall with candidates for City Council and the U.S. House of Representatives. Rip it. 

Senator Mark Warner is urging for the definition of a missing person to be reexamined as the “Ashanti Alert” system is analyzed. Rip it. 

A Norfolk-bound Amtrak train collided with downed trees as a result of Hurricane Ian. Rip it.

The Norfolk Police Foundation awarded $100,000 in grant funds to 14 local groups. Rip it. 

Two Norfolk Police officers have gone viral as the internet swooned over their good looks. Rip it. 

The Navy’s newest warship, the $13 billion 1000+ foot long USS Gerald R. Ford, set sail for its first deployment this week. Rip it.

As Norfolk’s Jewish community celebrates Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the Ohef Sholom Temple has a new shofar blower following the death of community leader Marty Einhorn. Rip it.

The City of Norfolk received the Certification of Excellence in Citizen-Centric Reporting from the Association of Government Accountants (AGA) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021. Rip it. 

Culture.

DJ Bee has been bringing FRESH vibes to Norfolk for 12 years, and his Freshtopia record shop is a Park Place landmark. (NFK Currents Original). Rip it. 

Norfolk Zinefest brings DIY publishing for authors and illustrators to Slowdive Gallery this Saturday. Rip it. 

CAN Fest concludes its month-long residency at Assembly this weekend with the “In Conjunction” Auction. Rip it. 

The Norfolk Street Choir and Glen McClure’s selected portraits highlight the humans impacted by homelessness at Slover Library. Rip it.

NEON Festival is back this month, highlighting the city’s incredible arts district. Rip it. 

ODU’s Barry Art Museum brings a massive life-like Mars to campus for Mars Fest next weekend. Rip it. 

Mummenshanz, a magic performance of silent inflated characters, lands at Chrysler Hall on October 29th. Rip it.

The City of Norfolk is commissioning ten artists for works based on Norfolk’s publically accessible datasets. Deadline Nov 1. Rip it. 

Registration for OPEN FLOOR, a choreographer’s showcase in January, are now open. Deadline October 15th. Rip it. 

ODU is hosting an exhibit showcasing women at the forefront of graphic design. Rip it.

The Boalian technique of Image Theatre is coming to Goode Theatre, featuring the creation of original prose, poetry, rap, choreography and more. Rip it.

Look back on the Greek Festivals of yesteryear ahead of next week’s 2022 Norfolk Greek Fest. Rip it. 

Currently on Display:
To See a World in a Grain of Sand at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Lasting Impressions: Prints Collection at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Motion / Emotion at Barry Art Museum. Rip it.
Love of Alexander 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.
DesignHer: Contemporary Women Graphic Designers at Gordon Art Galleries. Rip it.
“Places” by Charles Rucker at Offsite Gallery. Rip it.
Drones at Nauticus (Last Weeekend). Rip it.
Jaida Garrison at Elation Brewing Gallery. Rip it.
Super High Show at Slowdive Gallery. Rip it. 

Commerce.

In the State of the Region report, ODU economists say that GDP growth in the region is down from 3% to 2%. Rip it. 

In the State of the Region report, ODU economists warned of an upcoming nurse shortage. Rip it. 

RISE, a Norfolk-based, non-profit organization, announced the launch of its Flood Insurance of the Future Challenge with a $1.5 million prize. Rip it. 

Norfolk-based Embody, a privately-held medical device company focused on soft tissue healing, announced that it closed a $10.4 million Series C funding round. Rip it. 

A massive distribution warehouse on Production Road was sold for $20 million. Rip it. 

CHKD celebrated the grand opening of the new “CHKD Children’s Pavilion,” which will provide pediatric mental health care services. Rip it. 

Spirit Airlines is bringing flights to Norfolk International with direct lines to Ft. Lauderdale and Orlando. Rip it. 

Norfolk Naval Shipyard is hosting a recruiting fair on October 12th with signing bonuses as much as $5,000. Rip it. 

The owners of Running Etc. are collecting and donating shoes to the unhoused in our community. Rip it.

A criminal investigation has been opened into 4,200 unemployment claims that were “compromised.” Rip it. 

Amazon is hiring an additional $1,400 people in the region ahead of the holiday rush. Rip it. 

A Chesapeake Bay lighthouse was sold for $192,000 this week. Rip it.

This week’s conversation at the Cox Business Executive Discussion Series emphasized the importance of workplace culture in a post-pandemic world. Rip it.

A look at Military Circle development, the Headwater’s Casino, and the Lambert’s Point Fairwinds Project. Rip it. 

There was a 20% slowdown in home sales in August, and supply is starting to increase again. Rip it. 

The Virginia Zoo launched a new online platform for scheduling tours, programs, and more. Rip it. 

Regional Economic Stats. Port Stats. Labor Stats.

Norfolk 757 Crop Sweatshirt

Siren City Mug

Crowds.

Crafted Indie Arts and Craft Market is back for the 8th year of handmade happiness at Reaver Beach on Saturday. (NFK Currents Originals) Rip it.

Stockley Gardens Art Festival is back on October 15th & 16th. Rip it.

NEON Fest returns to Norfolk on October 20 & 21. Rip it.

Books, Brews, and Vino Too supporting Norfolk Public Libraries comes to Slover on October 21st. Rip it.

The Make(HER) Collective is hosting an all-women-owned vendor market on October 22nd. Rip it.

The Norfolk Street Soccer Tournament returns on October 22nd, registration is now open. Rip it.

**Please note that listed times are start times, many events run several hours**
Friday:
Norfolk Run Club meetup at Yorgo’s. 6:00 am. Rip it.
Sunrise Yoga + Coffee On the River with Sky’s The Limit. 6:30 am. Rip it. 
tHRive Member Meetup at Neptunes Fury. 7:30 am. Rip it.
Writers Coffee Break at Cafe Stella. 10:00 am. Rip it. 

Norfolk Botanical Garden Bulb Sale. 10:00 am. Rip it. 
Ghent Farmer’s Market at Blair Middle School. 3:30 pm. Rip it. 
Natural Wine Tasting at Grandiflora Wine Garden. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
Porch Pop-up at Eleanor’s Norfolk. 4:00 pm. Rip it. 
First Friday Fountain Series at Crudo Nudo. 4:00 pm. Rip it. 
Beastly Ball at the Virginia Zoo. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Middle and Upper School Band, Strings, & Chorus Concert at Norfolk Collegiate. 5:00 pm. Rip it. 
Amy Kaus performs live at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Steve Link performs live at Cova Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Travis Colby performs live at Varia. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Art Rowe performs live at Sunset Grill. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Va Bar Association Young Lawyers Meeting at Glass Light Hotel. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Supper Club with Moon Tide and Vino Culture. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Mike Gombas performs live at Benchtop Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Nightcap at the Museum at Hermitage Museum. 6:30 pm. Rip it.
PBR Freedom Fridays at PBR Waterside. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
Joe Gatto’s Night Of Comedy at Harrison Opera House. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
Puff & Paint: Porcelain Pipes at 757 Makerspace. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
The Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Granby Theater. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
Sunset Swing ‘n’ Blues at the Pagoda. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
Friday Night Magic Draft at Atlantis Comics & Games. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Haunted Norfolk Tour departing Moses Myers House. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Tag: You’re It! at ODU Goode Theater. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
JAG Duo performs live at Ocean View Beach Tavern. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Vitreous Theater: Love is Hard Work at Chrysler Museum. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
MonoMania! Completely Crazy Improv at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Pilgrims Musa and Sheri in the New World at Generic Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Samaritan House Night at The Wave. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Edward Brash performs live at Grace O’Malley’s. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
Pete Hansen performs live at Grain. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
Fright Night: The Thing screening at Naro Cinema. 9:15 pm. Rip it.
Ultimate Roasting Championship at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it.
Ghost Tour at the Granby Theater. 11:50 pm. Rip it.
 
Saturday:
OV Storm The Bay Race Series. 7:00 am. Rip it. 
Send It! Road Ride with East Coast Cycles. 8:00 am. 
Rip it.
Farmers Market at Sunset Grill. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Tidewater Roundnet hosts Spiketoberfest at Lafayette Park. 9:00 am. Rip it. 
East Beach Farmers Market at 9680 Shore Dr. 9:00 am. Rip it. 
Zumba Fitness with Rita at Mambo Room. 9:00 am. Rip it. 
Yoga + Coffee with Sky’s The Limit at Coalescence. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Saturday Yoga at Norfolk Botanical Garden. 9:00 am. Rip it. 
Norfolk Master Gardener Plant Sale at Lafayette Park. 10:00 am. Rip it. 
58th Annual Ocean View Art Show at OV Beach Park. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Voter Registration Drive at MJ’s Tavern. 10:00 am. Rip it. 
EVMS ATC Open House at EVMS. 10:00 am. Rip it. 
Bhav Brigade Yoga at Elation Brewing. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Norfolk Arbor Day Festival at Lafayette Park. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Volunteer Work Day at the Plot in the NEON District. 10:00 am. Rip it. 
Great Glass Pumpkin Patch at Chrysler Glass Studio. 10:00 am. Rip it. 
Tree Tour of Forest Lawn Cemetery. 10:00 am. Rip it. 
Pre-Teen Improv at the Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 am. Rip it. 
Live Life Fresh Boombox Ride with Freshtopia. 10:30 am. 
Rip it.
Yoga for Athletes with Sky’s the Limit. 11:00 am. Rip it. 
Cody Stageberg performs live at Grain. 11:00 am. Rip it. 
Fall Crafted Market at Reaver Beach NFK. 12:00 pm. Rip it. 
Cogans Fall Beer Fest at Cogan’s North Colley. 12:00 pm. Rip it. 
Beginning Knitting Class at 757 Creative Reuse Center. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Red Shoe at The Zoo. 12:00 pm. Rip it. 
Jordan Cooper performs live at Cova Brewing. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Lipgloss & Lashes Drag Brunch at 37th & Zen. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Norfolk Zinefest 2022 at Slowdive Gallery. Rip it. 
Granby Street Walking Tour departing The Hilton Main. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
Norfolk Mac & Cheese Festival at Waterside. 2:00 pm. Rip it. 
HOWL-O-WEEN Festival at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 2:00 pm. Rip it. 
Flesh and Blood Weekly Armory Event at Atlantis Comics & Games. 3:15 pm. Rip it. 
Yoga + Wine Tasting at Sky’s The Limit Yoga Co. 4:00 pm. Rip it. 
October Kilt Pub Night at Bold Mariner Brewing. 4:00 pm. Rip it. 
Fun Time Trivia & Crazy DJ Music Bingo at Hank’s Filling Station. 4:30 pm. Rip it. 
Above and Beyond Exhibition Opening at Gallery 21. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Jarvis Griffin performs live at Varia. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Kemet Magic 102 at Aries Apothecary. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
PC Guitar Duo performs live at Benchtop Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Saturday Night Yugioh at Atlantis Comics & Games. 6:30 pm. Rip it.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Granby Theater. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
CAN Fest “In Conjunction” Auction at Assembly. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
The Unusual Suspects: Improv Murder Mystery at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Pilgrims Musa and Sheri in the New World at Generic Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Edward Brash performs live at Grace O’Malley’s. 8:30 pm. Rip it. 
JAG Duo performs live at Grain. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
Knight Hawks of VA Costume Party at MJ’s Tavern. 9:00 am. Rip it. 
Fright Night: Beetlejuice screening at Naro Cinema. 9:15 pm. Rip it.
Second Saturday Stand-Up at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 am. Rip it. 

Sunday:
58th Annual Ocean View Art Show at OV Beach Park. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Dustin Furlow performs live at Grain. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Girl Scout Outdoor Art Day at Norfolk Botanical Garden. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Mimosas & Heels Drag Brunch at Public House. 11:30 am. Rip it.
Bhav Brigade at Sky’s The Limit. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Sunday Brunch Party with Reaver Beach NFK. 12:00 pm. Rip it. 
Kevin Brinson performs live at Hank’s Filling Station. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Pokemon Weekly Casual Play at Atlantis Comics & Games. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Sunday Football Watch Party at Waterside District. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Lipgloss & Lashes Drag Brunch at 37th & Zen. 1:00 pm. Rip it. 
Music Bingo at Reaver Beach NFK. 3:00 pm. Rip it. 
Full Moon Ritual at Aries Apothecary. 5:30 pm. Rip it. 
Class Dismissed: The Musical Improv 101 Graduation Show at Push Comedy Theater. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
Mike Gombas performs live at Grain. 7:30 pm. Rip it. 

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

Chow.

Neptune’s Fury is bringing locally roasted coffee and incredible waterfront views to downtown. (NFK Currents Original) Rip it. 

Deep. Fried. Ribs. Yeah, they did that. Rip it. 

That’s no average fountain drink, that’s a handcrafted cocktail in a fountain. Oh yeah, and it’s called the Spanish Zombie. Rip it. 

Charcoal Tahitian Lattes are rolling up in all-black at Kobro’s this weekend. Rip it. 

The Veil drops an almond joy-flavored imperial stout aged in oak barrels this weekend. Rip it. 

There’s a new burger contender in town: the Soiree Burger available in the NEON. Rip it.

Klassic Doughnuts is debuting pumpkin spice doughnuts this weekend. Catch them at East Beach Farmer’s Market. Rip it. 

Pumpkin beer with a side of morbidity at Reaver Beach. Rip it.

The temps are cooling off, but Zeke’s still has the spicy poke to warm you up. Rip it.

Ten Top doesn’t stop making hits. Pastrami Cheesesteak will have you drooling all the way down Colley Ave. Rip it.

The classics just keep getting better. Hot and fresh Yorgo’s bagels. Rip it.

Smoked turkey is making its fall return to Redwood Smoke. Rip it. 

Ain’t nothing wrong with loading up on that tahini. Rip it.

Pomegranate orzo salad is a bright addition to your weekly lunch lineup. Rip it.

Spiced Cider BBQ is the Dirty Buff flavor of the week. Rip it.

Pimento momentos courtesy of Streats. Rip it.

Food Truck Sightings:
Friday:
Sense’s Vegan at Reaver NFK. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen & Weng’s Kitchen at Cova Brewing. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth Brewing. Rip it.
Sweet Daddy’s BBQ at Benchtop Brewing. Rip it.  
Bar-Q at Bold Mariner Brewing. Rip it.
Shawna’s Rich Eats at Maker’s Craft Brewing. Rip it.

Saturday:
AvoCargo, Big Belly, & Smoked Biscuit at Cova Brewing. Rip it.
Hangry’s & Get Stuffed at Reaver NFK. Rip it.
Flippin’ Hangry at Benchtop Brewing. Rip it.  
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth Brewing. Rip it.
Bar-Q at Bold Mariner Brewing. Rip it.

Sunday:
Deutscher Imbiss at Maker’s Craft Brewing. Rip it.
Bumbling Bee at Cova Brewing. Rip it.
PKS Treats at Reaver NFK. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth Brewing. Rip it.

NFK Dad Hat

Norfolk Snapback

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.