February 2021


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The Hampton Roads Messenger 13


“I am pleased to have Tabet Manufacturing Company expanding its production in Norfolk,” said Senator Lionell Spruill. “Tabet continues to provide economic opportunities for the constituents in the 5th Senate District while providing quality products. I applaud the company’s continued growth.”


“I am thrilled that Tabet Manufacturing is expanding its operations in Norfolk,” said Delegate Jay Jones. “This announcement demonstrates the benefit and byproduct of public and private collaboration, not just for the City of Norfolk, but for all of Hampton Roads. I look forward to Tabet’s continued success and its growth as a key driver of our region’s economy and workforce.”


VDOT offers eligible


Apply in-person by Feb. 13 Portsmouth E-ZPass Service Center 4010-B Victory Boulevard Portsmouth, Virginia 23701


Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Hours: Saturday: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Norfolk E-ZPass Service Center 1701-C Church Street Norfolk, Virginia 23504


Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Hours: Saturday: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. How does it work?


Toll Relief provides financial support for eligible Norfolk and Portsmouth residents who travel through the Downtown and Midtown tunnels regularly. Participants must have a Virginia E-ZPass, and when your designated E-ZPass records eight or more trips through the Downtown or Midtown tunnels during one calendar month, a 75-cent per-trip refund will be credited to your Virginia E-ZPass account early the following month.


Who's Eligible? To qualify for Toll Relief, participants must: o Reside in Norfolk or Portsmouth


One of the following is required for proof of residency: o Driver’s license o Utility, telephone or cable bill o Checking or savings account statement o Property tax bill


o Mortgage or proof of home ownership o Rental contract


o Military documentation confirming residency o Earn $30,000 or less per year


One of the following is required for proof of income: o W-2


o 1099-MISC


o One month of pay stubs o IRS 1040 o Employer’s statement o Self-declaration of no income What if I'm already enrolled in the 2020 Toll Relief Program?


Current participants must reapply each year before the deadline, which is February 13, 2021. To reapply, visit the E-ZPass Customer Service Centers in Portsmouth or Norfolk.


Where does the funding come from? The Toll Relief Program is funded by Elizabeth River Crossings (ERC),


operators of the Downtown and Midtown Tunnels. As part of the comprehensive agreement between ERC and the Commonwealth, ERC provides $500,000 annually for VDOT to distribute as toll relief to help offset the toll burden on those most financially and regionally impacted by tolls at the Downtown and Midtown Tunnels. This year will mark the fifth year of the Toll Relief program.


Black History Month at Suffolk


participants toll relief The Virginia Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for the 2021 Toll Relief Program.


Eligible participants must apply in-person at the Norfolk or Portsmouth E-ZPass Customer Service Centers before February 13, 2021. The program will begin on March 1, 2021.


Public Library SUFFOLK, VA - This Black History Month, celebrate Black History, achievements, and overall excellence with the Suffolk Public Library. We will offer virtual programs and contests for all ages. Children and families will enjoy a weekly family story time celebrating Black history and programs about Black comic creators and scientists. Teens will have the opportunity to learn about activism, blerd (Black nerd) culture, and how to make their own comics and action figures. For adults, we have programs exploring Black Musicality, Hip-Hop, African-American genealogy, Black business ownership, current events, and more. Participants can also complete a genealogy BINGO card for a chance to win a DNA testing kit and also enter to win gift cards from locally owned Black businesses.


Black History Month at Suffolk Public Library programs will start Monday, February 1 st , and will end on Sunday, February 28th. The community can look forward to programming that speaks not only to Black History, but also highlights Black History in the making. It will be a celebration of Black joy, expression, achievements, and a timely exploration of the current events that are shaping our world.


To learn more about how the Suffolk Public Library is celebrating Black History Month, visit www.suffolkpubliclibrary.com. Follow the Library on Instagram @suffolkpubliclibrary, and Twitter @SufPubLib. Also, like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/SuffolkPublicLibrary to see additional updates!


Take a Virtual Tour of the Union


Kempsville Museum While the Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum remains closed due to COVID-19 precautions, you can now enjoy a complete virtual video tour of the Museum from the comfort of your own home.


The Museum, located within the Virginia Beach City Public Schools' Renaissance Academy, is a tribute to the first high school for African Americans in Virginia Beach. The virtual tour not only covers the history of this school, but also the history of African American education and achievements, both locally and nationally, across several centuries.


"The Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum is a beacon in the community," said Margie Wilson Coefield, a 1962 graduate of Union Kempsville High School and retired Virginia Beach City Public Schools English teacher. "This virtual tour of the Museum will be an educational and historical journey for viewers because they will learn about the resilience of our African American ancestors and about us, the alumni of the school. You will be inspired by their legacy."


Princess Anne County Training School, which began operations in 1938, was the first high school for African Americans in Princess Anne County, which is now the City of Virginia Beach. The school was a result of the African American community in the 1930s working together to raise money to build a school so their children could receive a proper education.


In 1962, the Princess Anne County Training School changed its name to Union Kempsville High School. After over 30 years of operation, Union Kempsville High School graduated its last class in 1969 due to the citywide integration of schools.


Today the legacy of the school continues with the establishment of the Museum, which shares stories of family, community, sacrifice and the importance of education. The Museum is operated by the Virginia Beach History Museums, which include the Princess Anne County Training School/ Union Kempsville High School Museum, Francis Land House, Lynnhaven House and Thoroughgood House. For the latest updates on the Virginia Beach History Museums, visit museumsvb.org or Virginia Beach History Museums on Facebook.


To learn more about the ongoing work of the Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Alumni and Friends Association, which works to preserve the legacy of the school and the stories of those who made it possible, please visit their website at www.pacts-ukhs.org/.


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