Awards and honors
Five Virginia Health Services communities were recognized as 2024 recipients of the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living for their commitment to improving the lives of residents through quality care. The Newport, Northampton and Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers and The Hamilton and The Huntington Assisted Living communities — all under the VHS umbrella — are among the state’s 17 Bronze award recipients. The Newport (Newport News), Northampton (Hampton) and Walter Reed (Gloucester) provide skilled and long-term nursing care with on-site rehabilitation. Walter Reed, which was recognized among Newsweek’s Best Nursing Homes for 2023 and 2024, also provides memory care. The Hamilton (York County) and The Huntington (Newport News) Assisted Living communities provide residents with a 24/7 nursing team and support staff and offer a comfortable living environment that includes on-site daily dining, events and activities. As recipients of the Bronze award, they may now progress to the Silver level in the program.
The National Park Service listed the Seatack Historic District in Virginia Beach in the National Register of Historic Places on May 28. On the state level, it was listed as a historic district in the Virginia Landmarks Register in December 2023. Located along Birdneck Road west of the Oceanfront, Seatack is a historically Black residential community that developed over time beginning in the late 19th century. The core of the district is south of Virginia Beach Boulevard stretching down to Seatack Park. The former Seatack Elementary School building, now used as the Virginia Beach Law Enforcement Training academy, is a cornerstone of the district. It was built in 1952 as the first consolidated elementary school for Black students in what was then Princess Anne County.
The Goddard School of Lynnhaven, owned by franchisees Anne and Mike Pope in Virginia Beach, has been selected to Goddard’s President’s Club. The recognition honors the top-performing Goddard Schools throughout the country, measured by excellence in performance, education, family experience and brand stewardship. To earn President’s Club designation, schools must be selected for the Circle of Excellence for continuous years, consistently demonstrating the highest standards of educational and operational excellence in early childhood education.
Grants and donations
The Fairfield Foundation received a $100,000 matching grant from The Cabell Foundation of Richmond for masonry stabilization at Rosewell in Gloucester County. “This award is a major step in our multiyear effort to stabilize the Rosewell ruins masonry. With matching help from the community, this will allow us to save Rosewell for future generations,” said Thane Harpole, Fairfield co-director. The foundation assumed responsibility for Rosewell in 2023. Rosewell was the largest house in Virginia when it was begun in 1725 and was the center of a complex plantation enterprise. After a 1916 fire that hollowed the substantial residence, weathering, vegetation and vandalism have taken their toll. Steel beams and caps were added between 1981 and the early 2000s to reinforce the walls and the four standing chimneys. This grant comes as plans are beginning for the celebration of Rosewell’s 300th anniversary in 2025. Matching donations can be made online at fairfieldfoundation.org.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced over $690,000 in Virginia Main Street and Community Business Launch grants for 16 projects across the commonwealth. The funded projects will revitalize historic commercial districts and create and expand small businesses. Cape Charles, Virginia Main Street Inc. was awarded $75,000. Onancock Main Street was awarded $33,500.
Education
Preschoolers at Primrose School at Edinburgh Commons and Primrose School of Virginia Beach South donated $1,090 to The City of Coppell Animal Services, Our Daily Gnome Creative Arts Center and The Primrose Schools Children’s Foundation. As a part of the curriculum, Primrose students engage with their communities through give-back initiatives to teach children the value of giving, sharing and caring.
The Virginia Board of Education approved the Aerospace Academy of the Eastern Shore, the 15th Lab School established under Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s leadership. The academy is a collaborative partnership between Old Dominion University, Eastern Shore Community College, Accomack County Public Schools and Northampton County Public Schools. It’s designed to provide students on the Eastern Shore access to the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to be successful in science, technology, engineering and math fields, such as aerospace and adjacent industries, identified as priorities for economic development. Other academy partners include NASA Wallops Flight Facility, Hampton Roads Workforce Council, Virginia Spaceport Authority, Luminary Air Group, Sentinel Robotic Solutions and Amazon. The school’s programming allows students to engage in regional aerospace initiatives, participate in work-based learning experiences, develop an electronic portfolio, gain valuable job experience and network with future employers. Students will have the opportunity to earn college credits, career studies certificates and industry credentials and certifications.
Marketing
A new commercial called “Leave the Cookies” is creating excitement for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula’s 17th Annual Smart Smiles 5K. This year’s event is set for Aug. 17 at Mariners’ Museum & Park in Newport News. The commercial stars nonprofit President and CEO Hal Smith, Chief Development Officer Madison Owens and Body By D Gym owner and bodybuilder D’Shawn Wright. Shot by CSharp Music and Media, the commercial encourages everyone to put down the cookies, get off the couch and lace up their running shoes for a great cause. The Smart Smiles 5K is a crucial fundraiser for nonprofit initiatives, including Smart Smiles Dental Care and health and wellness programming. The event is supported by partners such as The Levy Family, Delta Dental VA, Newport News Amateur Communications Team, Body By D Gym, Hampton University Track and Field and the Smart Smiles 5K Committee. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula also launched the BGCVP Couch to 5K Facebook Group, offering training tips, motivation, and community support. For more information and to register, visit bagclub.com. For sponsorship inquiries, contact Owens at mowens@bagclub.com.
Opening
CityVet opened a clinic at 2005 Lynnhaven Parkway in Virginia Beach on June 24. The Dallas-based network of 38 veterinarian-owned practices offers full-service care for pets, including preventative care, diagnostics, same-day walk-ins, surgery, grooming and dental care. CityVet Virginia Beach will be led by Dr. Erica Feiste, who has practiced in Hampton Roads since her graduation from veterinary school. Her unique skill set includes offering advanced surgical procedures such as splenectomies, foreign body removals and cesarean sections. As a former veterinary school professor, she enjoys performing advanced surgeries and sharing new techniques with her colleagues.
Transportation
Traffix, a commuter options program administered by Hampton Roads Transit, is seeking new locations to install bike racks and bike repair stations as part of its Bike Boost program to enhance cycling infrastructure throughout the region. Those interested can apply online at gotraffix.com/bikeboost/ through September. Bike Boost recipients are responsible for yearly checks and servicing to ensure functionality and safety and procuring and installing necessary replacement parts. Installations are slated for completion by April 1, 2025.
*Correction: Due to a source error, the July 8 Business Notes reported incorrect names for the franchise owners of the Goddard School of Lynnhaven. They are Anne and Mike Pope.
