12 The Hampton Roads Messenger


Volume 7 Number 10 Around Hampton Roads


Deep Creek Middle Participates in McDonald's "McTeacher's Night"


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www.cpschools.com '('"#)*()+&'&#,+(-).)/&$#)'%(-,0)+%&0( Hampton Names Economic


onard Sledge, director of economic development William and Mary, has been named Hampton’s mic development, effective June 17.


n resident, is currently serving as a board member Development Authority. At William and Mary, he lic-private-university partnerships that strengthen contribute to local, regional and state economic


Development Director Leonard Sledge, director of economic development for the College of William and Mary, has been named Hampton’s director of economic development, effective June 17. Sledge, a Hampton resident, is currently serving as a board member of the Economic Development Authority. At William and Mary, he has facilitated public-private-university partnerships that strengthen the university and contribute to local, regional and state economic development.


illiam and Mary, he worked extensively in workforce development, both at the ty College System and in Tempe, Ariz. He began his career in industry, managing turing operations for several computer chip manufacturers.


Leonard Sledge


y Bunting noted, “Leonard grew up in Hampton and, like all of us, has a great love eve his combination of experience, education and passion will serve the e community extremely well.”


mic development director provides recommendations on overall economic egies to enhance the tax base of the city and strengthen the employment base for manages and directs economic development programs that expand the city’s tax mployment opportunities for citizens by focusing on business/job recruitment, velopment, expansion and retention.


undergraduate degrees – a BS from Morehouse College and a bachelor of ing from Georgia Tech. He holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix.


hampton.gov Cynthia D. Rohlf Named Interim


Newport News City Manager City Manager Neil Morgan to retire June 1st after 27 years of service


###


Prior to joining William and Mary, he worked extensively in workforce development, both at the Virginia Community College System and in Tempe, Ariz. He began his career in industry, managing front- line manufacturing operations for several computer chip manufacturers. City Manager Mary Bunting noted, “Leonard grew up in Hampton and, like all of us, has a great love for this city. I believe his combination of experience, education and passion will serve the department and the community extremely well.”


Hampton’s economic development director provides recommendations on overall economic development strategies to enhance the tax base of the city and strengthen the employment base for residents. He also manages and directs economic development programs that expand the city’s tax base and creates employment opportunities for citizens by focusing on business/job recruitment, development, redevelopment, expansion and retention.


Sledge holds two undergraduate degrees – a BS from Morehouse College and a bachelor of industrial engineering from Georgia Tech. He holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Former Economic Development Director James Eason retired on June 29, 2012, after eight years leading the city’s economic efforts. Eason also was mayor of Hampton from 1982- 1988. The city recruited nationally and regionally for candidates. Business representatives were included on the interview panel. The department was led by Mike Yaskowsky, senior development manager, in the interim.


Development Director James Eason retired on June 29, 2012, after eight years


conomic efforts. Eason also was mayor of Hampton from 1982-1988. The city y and regionally for candidates. Business representatives were included on the he department was led by Mike Yaskowsky, senior development manager, in the


Newport News City Council has named Cynthia D. Rohlf to serve as Interim City Manager effective June 1st, upon retirement of City Manager Neil Morgan. Ms. Rohlf currently serves as an assistant city manager. Her salary as interim city manager will include a 10% raise to $169,732. Newport News City Council is in the process of searching for a new city manager.


“My colleagues on City Council and I have every confidence that Cindy will serve as an effective interim City Manager,” said Newport News Mayor McKinley L. Price. “We are pleased that she has agreed to serve in this capacity as City Council continues the process of hiring a new city manager.”


Ms. Rohlf has served as an assistant city manager for Newport News since 2008. She has more than 25 years of experience in local government, previously serving as assistant city manager for the City of Suffolk. Ms. Rohlf possesses a bachelor’s degree with a double major in Political Science and Urban Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh, and has studied Urban Government at the graduate level at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. Additionally, Ms. Rohlf is a graduate of the Senior Executive Institute at the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia, and serves on various community boards.


www.nngov.com


Last month, several Deep Creek Middle School faculty, staff, and PTA members reported to their "second" jobs at the Deep Creek McDonald's located on Military Highway. Actually, it was all done as a fundraiser for the school. All workers received a brief training before being allowed behind the counter to welcome patrons to the restaurant. Every aspect of service-- from someone standing outside to attract customers to bagging fries and working the drive-through--was covered by Hornet staff or PTA members. While some were working the counter, other staff members sold five-dollar coupons for buy-one, get-one-free items. Deep Creek Middle School would like to thank everyone --students, parents, and anyone from the community--who came out to help make the fundraiser a success. Owner/Manager Kyle Harmon is to be commended for his willingness to allow the school this opportunity. Look for the Hornet team next fall as they once again partner with McDonald's to raise money for our school.


!"#$%&&'(%)*'$#'+'),'$ Norfolk Selected as 'Playful City USA'


for the Seventh Consecutive Year Norfolk, VA - With research proving play is critical to the overall well-being of children, 217 cities and towns, including Norfolk, have earned recognition from national non-profit KaBOOM! as 2013 Playful City USA communities. This distinction is given in recognition of efforts to give children the childhood they deserve by providing ample opportunities for play.


Sponsored by the Humana Foundation, Playful City USA is a national program from KaBOOM! that celebrates and promotes local policies that increase play opportunities for children and is a key platform in combating the lack of play among children.


KaBOOM! selected Norfolk for its outstanding dedication to play. Norfolk Recreation, Parks & Open Space hosts a Play Day for residents every year. Citizens not only see the event as an opportunity to play and enjoy physical activity, but the play day has become a means to engage residents in meaningful conversations about play, stress reduction, enjoyment and fellowship with neighbors.


"Norfolk is honored to be selected as a Playful City USA for the seventh consecutive year," says Norfolk City Manager, Marcus D. Jones. "Play is critical to the overall well-being of children. Their quality of life is enhanced by their ability to use their imagination and develop positive social skills. Frankly, play is good for grown-ups too. Events such as Norfolk's Annual Play Day not only promote play, but further support the Healthy Norfolk initiative and the City Council's priority of creating safe, healthy and inclusive communities throughout the City."


The 217 Playful City USA communities are now eligible for $15,000, $20,000 and $30,000 grants via Let's Play, a community partnership led by Dr Pepper Snapple Group to get kids and families active nationwide. Grant recipients will be announced in the fall.


www.norfolk.gov Bicentennial of a Virginian Victory


Portsmouth and Norfolk will celebrate the bicentennial of the Battle of Craney Island in a series of events on both banks of the Elizabeth River June 8-23.


On June 22, historic Fort Norfolk will ring with the sounds of a bygone era as uniformed reenactors, civilian and military officials commemorate the exact bicentennial of the War of 1812's Battle of Craney Island.


The free, public event will feature a victory ceremony; 21-gun salute; a three minute victory bell peal from participating Norfolk and Portsmouth churches; an Anglo-American wreath laying; and a mayoral Victory Proclamation, said Chris Melhuish, chairman of the Battle of Craney Island Bicentennial Committee.


The fort will be open throughout the weekend and the public will be able to observe live cannon and musket fire demonstrations.


Since the commemoration represents the collaborative efforts of the Portsmouth History Commission and the Norfolk Historical Society, Melhuish described the overall bicentennial as a “tale of two cities.”


Capt. Arthur Emmerson, a Portsmouth hero of the battle, will be honored June 14 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Portsmouth, while the final bicentennial event will take place June 23 at the Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve, where a public picnic replete with reenactors, music and family activities will be held a short distance from where the British force first landed.


In the summer of 1813, Craney Island was then a barren plot of land some 900 yards long by 250 yards wide. It was selected as the outer defensive position against a large British force determined to capture Norfolk, Portsmouth and the USS Constellation, which was then moored between the two cities.


The inner defense included Fort Norfolk (still standing) and Fort Nelson (now gone, replaced by the Portsmouth Naval Hospital).


Facing the British assault was an American force numbering less than 800 men under the overall command of Brigadier General Robert Taylor of the Virginia Militia, who established his headquarters at Fort Norfolk. Only seven artillery pieces at Craney Island and 19 Navy gunboats defended the approaches. The Americans were outnumbered by at least two to one.


At first light on June 22, 1813, the British mounted their assaults on Craney Island. The British force met a deadly hail of artillery fire. On Craney Island, Capt. Emmerson of the Portsmouth Artillery encouraged his men by declaring, “Now my brave boys, are you ready?”


After a few hours, the British force was driven off and the assaults abandoned.


No American lost his life. A few days later the same British force sacked the city of Hampton, and in August 1814 burned the city of Washington. For more information on the bicentennial go to www.craneyisland1813.com


Downtown Suffolk Block


to Be Transformed SUFFOLK, Virginia –Eight buildings, comprising over 56,000 square feet, located in the 100 block of West Washington Street will soon be restored and transformed into 68 modern-style loft apartments and 5,000 square feet of commercial space. The Monument Companies and Sensei Development, both based in Richmond, plan to invest over $8 million on the renovation project. The lofts will feature the development team’s signature urban design with exposed brick, stainless steel appliances and competitive market rate rents with utilities and amenities all-inclusive.


The Monument Companies recognize the potential and opportunities that exists in Downtown Suffolk. “Monument is proud to be a major contributor in the continued renaissance in Downtown Suffolk,” said Tom Dickey, Monument Co-owner. “We have found the continued public and private investment optimal; it has led to more opportunities for our company and


June 2013


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