april 2009 - bayview bulletin
DESCRIPTION
The Bayview Bulletin is the monthly neighborhood newsletter for the Bayview Civic League in Norfolk, VA . Volume 10 Issue 7TRANSCRIPT
April 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com
Volume 10 Issue 7 Page 1
April Guest Speaker Councilman Randy Wright
What will be the economic impact of the current recession on Norfolk. Will we see a cut in services? Will we have to raise taxes? The City of Norfolk has many issues that need to be addressed. What are your concerns? Ask Randy.Our councilman since 1992, Randy will be giving us a report on city activities and making himself available for your questions. So join us for this special opportunity to address your concerns.
Happy Easter!
• Police Officers visit
• Councilman Wright
• Upcoming events
• Networking social
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Norfolk Electronics Recycling Day pg 5 It’s Tax Time! pg 7 “Samples from our website” pg 8 Angelfood Ministries (save money) pg 9 The Norfolk Zoo’s “Party for the Planet” pg 13 Gardening Corner pg 15 and much more....
Our Mission:Neighbors helping
neighbors for the good of our community. Together we make things better.
April 14thMeeting Agenda:
Bayview Civic LeagueMeets 2nd Tuesday of each month September through June
7:30 pm at 1601 E. Bayview Boulevard, Norfolk (Christ United Methodist Church)
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, April 14th, at 7:30 pm. Bring a dish for the social if you want and don’t forget to bring a friend!
April 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com
Volume 10 Issue 7 Page 2
Clean and Safe NeighborhoodNorfolk CARES Assistance Center 644-6510
website: www.norfolk.gov/311CallCenteremail: [email protected]
Ocean View Project Team 441-17848132 Shore Drive (Pretty Lake Permit Office)
Report these issues: Health: Pet area/yard not cleaned regularly, rodents, tall grass/weeds, biting or abused/neglected animals; Zoning: Parking on grass in front yard area, commercial vehicles/equipment parked in residential areas, boat or camper in front of house, inoperable vehicles; Waste Management: Dead animals, improper curbside disposal; Other Issues: Streets, lights, sidewalks, curbing, traffic signals or street signs, wetlands, dunes...
Non-emergency number 441-5610
for Police, Jail, Animal Control, and suspected criminal activity.
PUBLIC WORKS PHONE NUMBERSCurb and Sidewalk Repairs 823-4050Damaged & Faded Signs 441-5818Ditch Maintenance 823-4000Potholes 823-4050Recycling 441-1347Refuse Collection 441-5813Street Flooding 823-4000Street Light Outages 1-888-667-3000Keep Norfolk Beautiful 441-1347
All Emergencies- call 911 Animal Protection 664-7387Health Department 683-2700Rabies Control 683-2712Pretlow Library 441-1750Voter Registrar 664-4353Bayview Elementary School 531-3030Oceanair Elementary School 531-3095
President Dranan Sparks 588-24561st VP Ron Wilson 588-30912nd VP Jimmy Hooper 587-6209Corres Sec’y Susan Jones 587-9586Rec Sec’y Sylvia Ross 583-4664Treasurer Gena Goodnough 588-8131Editor Jeannie Wilson 588-3960Ways and Means - Advertising for Bulletin Susan Jones 587-9586Communications - Bulletin Distribution Anita Unger 587-3405
Membership Linda Lundquist 588-3960Environment & Beautification Eileen Sparks 588-2456 Refreshments Pat Davidson 587-3219 Margie Hodges 587-9527SACCC Community Awareness Coordinator Ron Wilson 588-3091Zoning Benny Smith 718-9595Area Preservation Claire Jones 587-2203Youth & Recreation Sylvia Ross 583-4664Printer ANW Publications 588-8642
Civic League Board
Local Contacts
The purpose of the Bayview Bulletin is to communicate information to Bayview Civic League members, supporters, and neighbors. Front page artwork contributed by Bill Wagner. Bulletin contents are considered property of Bayview Civic League. Articles within the bulletin reflect personal viewpoints of the authors and are not necessarily the views of advertisers or the Bayview Civic League. The Bayview Civic League is apolitical and does not endorse any candidates for political office. www.mybclonline.com
Bayview Civic League Goes GreenBayview Civic League believes that reducing any environmental impact is a
worthy goal. To further this goal, the Bayview Bulletin is printed on recycled paper.
April 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com
Volume 10 Issue 7 Page 3
Thanks to Assistant City Manager Marcus Jones for a great presentation on the city budget process at our February meeting. One of the findings from our survey conducted last fall was that you want more city officials to speak at our meetings. Mr. Jones’ invitation was a direct result of that request, and your desire to be more informed on city operations and business. We welcome and encourage your input, and feedback, on speakers and topics. The Civic League is here to serve you, the Bayview community.Do you have, or know, a high school senior preparing to go to college or trade school? The BCL is now taking applications for our Community Service Scholarship. The winner of this scholarship can receive $250 - $500 toward their first year expenses at a 2-year or 4-year college or a trade school. Visit the outreach page on our web site www.mybclonline.com for additional details and an application, or ask any Board member.
This month, we will be appointing a Nominating Committee for the purpose of selecting a slate of candidates to serve the officer positions on next years (2009-2010) Civic League Board of Directors. This committee will consist of two current Board members and three members elected at large from the membership. To participate in this committee you just need to be a member in good standing. The committee will then recommend a slate at the May meeting. If you can help with this, please volunteer at our April meeting.If you really want to help, and want to make a difference in our community, consider volunteering for a leadership role in the Civic League. There will be open positions for Directors and Officers, including the President and Vice President roles. And besides, we need some new blood to help keep the civic league vital and active. Being a civic leader can be personally rewarding, but it does require some commitment. Are you up to the challenge? You can be the one who makes a difference.As much as I care about Bayview and the Civic League, the needs of my family and demands of my career must come first. I will not seek the Presidency for the coming year. I must relinquish this position to someone who can step up and give it the full attention needed.Dranan Sparks
✬ ✬ ✬ From the President ✬ ✬ ✬
April 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com
Volume 10 Issue 7 Page 4
By Bonita Billingsley Harris, Public Information OfficerAttention college students pursuing a degree in law enforcement or criminal justice. Norfolk
Sheriff Bob McCabe is one of several Sheriffs across the state making scholarships available through the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute, for his constituents who qualify. The funds are available for full and part-time students. For consideration, each student who lives in Norfolk must include a letter of recommendation from Sheriff McCabe in the application. The applications are due to the Sheriff for consideration by April 24th. Mail or deliver them to him in Norfolk’s Public Safety Building at 811 E. City Hall Avenue, Norfolk, VA, 23510. The contact number is 757-664-4713.The completed forms, with Sheriff McCabe’s letters of recommendation, are due to the Virginia Sheriff’s Institute by May 1st. The Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute was organized in 1981, and serves as the educational arm of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association. It was established to provide an opportunity for young people across Virginia to pursue an educational curriculum in criminal justice. The scholarships are available only to students in jurisdictions where sheriffs participated in the scholarship fund raising efforts. This program is limited to students attending Virginia colleges and universities.
For more details on the scholarship program and to download an application, visit www.virginiasheriffs.org. Questions may be directed to the Virginia Sheriffs Institute at 804-225-7152.
April 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com
Volume 10 Issue 7 Page 5
It’s your home; it’s your money.
Your Neighborhood Realtors!!Ben Fuller, ABR, GRI & Kelly Thompson, ABR, GRI
Realtors, Lic in VA
Ben Direct (757) 675-9383 Kelly Direct (757) 286-5355
Realtor Man Says…
Each year the wise prepare for a hurricane by gathering food and sundries to wait out the storm. The Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia provides food for many organizations and individuals in need. Since we are getting close to the end of Hurricane Season, why not take these items to the Food Bank. You know you will just make a new Survival Kit next year.We have all heard the “panic” in the news. Wait and you will see that the market will stabilize. History has proven that even with short-term instability, Real Estate is
The Real Estate Corner
should contact the collection company, Recycling & Disposal Solut ions , a t 393-4737 to make arrangements. A fee will be charged.
Acceptable electronics recycling items include: cables & wiring, computers & parts, copiers, DVD players, electrical equipment, fax machines, hair dryers/curling irons, monitors, phones, personal digital assistants (PDA’s), printers, radios, stereos, switches, tape/CD players, toasters, TVs, video equipment, video game players.
Other electronics may be accepted, call KNB at 441-1347 to confirm.
Electronics waste, which is expected to grow to 40 million metric tons annually, is the fastest growing source of waste in the United States and around the globe. Improperly disposed of waste electronics, most of which contain traces of toxic chemicals including mercury and lead, create an overwhelming burden on our landfill space, where the toxins could leach into groundwater or contaminate soils. By taking advantage of free events such as the Norfolk Electronics Recycling Day, residents can see to it their electronics waste is disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.
the best investment. Hasty action taken in the midst of a “crisis” cannot be undone. A purchase now would be a wise move as prices and interest rates are low.
Norfolk residents can drop off unwanted electronics equipment at the WHRO parking lot (Hampton Blvd. & 49th Street). This service is offered free to Norfolk residents only; proof of Norfolk residency is required.
For those unable to recycle their techno-trash on April 18th, KNB offers an additional drop-off site at the Wal-Mart parking lot located at Wal-Mart at 7530 Tidewater Dr. This service is available from Tuesday, April 14th, through Friday, April 17th, 10 am-4 pm.
The City has been offering this program to Norfolk residents since 2006. However, this year Norfolk businesses and organizations are invited to participate in the event as well. Less than 10 electronic units/systems will be accepted free of charge. Organizations with more than 10 electronic units/systems to recycle
williamewood.com/reinftp/benfuller
Norfolk Electronics Recycling Dayfrom www.norfolkbeautiful.org
Recycle your techno-trash! Keep Norfolk Beautiful (KNB) is coordinating an Electronics Recycling Day on Saturday, April 18th between 8 am and 4 pm.
April 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com
Volume 10 Issue 7 Page 6
✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ SACCC ENROLLMENT FORM ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫Senior Watch, Animal Watch, Child Watch, Code Watch, and Crime Watch
Be a part of Bayview Civic Leagueʼs community watch program and help improve our neighborhood. Fill out the information below to be be contacted by email about community alerts, events, and activities. You
do not have to participate in all elements of the program, but we hope you will.Name ______________________________________________ Phone ____________________________Email __________________________________________________________________________________Address ________________________________________________________________________________Comments ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Contact: Call: Ron Wilson, Program coordinator at 588-3091 or email at [email protected] to: SACCC Watch Program; PO Box 8707, Norfolk, VA 23503
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS AND IDENTITY THEFTThose folks in our world, who are inclined toward thievery and other things nefarious, love to get your Social Security Number (SSN) because it makes it easy to take your identity.
Be sure to guard you SSN by not putting it on your checks, and other documents that may fall into the hands of thieves. And, if you are marking your items of personal property with identification numbers, do not use your SSN. I know it was ok in the past… I did it, but today it is a dangerous practice. It is just as easy is to put your driver’s license number on your property. . Be sure to also include the State abbreviation along with the number VA 123456. It is just as effective as a deterrent and will help assure you property is returned to you if stolen. If you would like to read more about this problem, the AARP has a very interesting article on line titled, “Protecting Social Security Numbers from Identity Theft”.
Making a Safe Home Environmentfor People with Dementia
Dementia is frightening for both the person with the illness and the family who care for them. Since outside care can be expensive many choose to keep their loved ones at home. This workshop will provide affordable ways to create a safe, secure and comfortable home environment.
Presented by Shirley Confino-Rehder, designer and chair of the Mayor's Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
Thursday, April 23, 2009; 10:00 am – Noon; Norview Community Center, 6380 Sewells Point Road, Norfolk. Call 757-823-4363 for more information or email [email protected].
Eco-Fair Cancelled for 2009The BCL has decided to cancel the 2009 Eco-Fair. This decision was not easy and came only came after considerable thought and a lot of anguish. But with the sour economy and thin wallets, we know it is the right decision. We cannot in good conscience ask businesses and organizations to incur the expense of a Saturday event in this tough economic climate. We know this is a good event from the positive response we’ve had in the past two years, and we hope that next year we will make the 2010 Eco-Fair even bigger, better and greener.
Eileen SparksEnvironment and Beautification Committee
April 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com
Volume 10 Issue 7 Page 7
✬ SPECIAL NEEDS REGISTRY ✬In an effort to reach out and identify who, where, and what the community’s needs are and how Norfolk Emergency Management can assist during a catastrophic or all-hazards incident, the city has devised a statement of needs form to be completed and mailed to the health department. Those with computers can get the form on line from the health department ( Department of Public Health - The City of Norfolk, VA. ). Others can call 683-2834, the Emergency Management Office, to request a form be mailed to them. Once your information is completed and returned, that information will become a part of the city’s Special Needs Registry database and be immediately available to the Norfolk Emergency Manager. Having this vital information readily available will allow the city to quickly respond to individual emergency requirements.
Editor’s Note: The above information was noted in our March issue of the “Bayview Bulletin” on page 9. Because it could potentially save a life I thought it should be repeated. If you want to read the entire article or get an extra copy for a friend, remember that back issues of the n e w s l e t t e r a r e a v a i l a b l e a t o u r w e b s i t e , www.mybclonline.com.
✬ The Evolution of a Website ✬By Jeannie Wilson, BCL Editor, [email protected] Our website is constantly evolving so I thought you might want an update on it. Also, I like us all to think about what our online presence should involve.Here’s my list:
•an introduction to the league•a membership recruitment tool•a contact list for the BCL board and activities•a repository for helpful forms and reports•an archive of our newsletters•a distribution method for news and alerts•a portal to pertinent info elsewhere online
It soon will have: • info on emergency preparedness • links to sites specializing in volunteerism
It could also have:•historical archives•many more pictures•anything you want!
What do you think? Got pictures, stories or ideas you want to share? Write me about it. –Jeannie
✬ It’s Tax Time! ✬The following information is taken from the Norfolk Commissioner of the Revenue site. (link or call 664-4732)
Real Estate Tax ReliefReal Estate Tax Relief for Senior or Disabled Homeowners
Eligibility Requirements • Must be 65 years of age or totally and permanently disabled. • Must live in the property to be exempted • Combined income of owners and all relatives living in the home cannot exceed $67,000 per year; and • Net worth, not including the home, cannot exceed $350,000
Tax Exemption Percentage ReductionCombined Income Percent of Tax Relieved $0 - $28,611 100% $28,612-$36,958 80% $36,959 - $45,30 60% $45,307 - $53,653 40% $53,654 - $67,000 20%
Application form is at http://www.norfolk.gov/Revenue/retxrelf/forms.htmAn exemption is granted on an annual basis. A new application must be filed each year.
Reminder: the Commissioner of the Revenue’s office also provides State Income Tax Preparation assistance to all Norfolk citizens. The service is free of charge and includes free electronic filing. More info available at http://www.norfolk.gov/Revenue or call 664-7885.
April 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com
Volume 10 Issue 7 Page 8
The US Government suggests that each household have at least a three day Emergency Supply Kit on hand. Get ready to shop! This Excel form from the Red Cross is the first to be added to myBCLonline, a precursor to the new emergency preparedness section now in development. We hope to harness a good selection of information available online to aid you and your family in any disaster. The target for section completion is June of this year.
This sample shows that among other things a family of three needs 14,400 calories of food and 9 gallon of water for an emergency lasting three days as part of an emergency preparedness kit. The actual form will taylor emergency requirement guidelines so you can purchase or build your familyʼs kit.
Download it here.
Interested? A large flyer copy in color is online.
mybclonline“Samples from our website”
Important Phone Numbers:
EMERGENCY: 9-1-1Non-Emergency: 441-5610Crime Prevention Division: 664-6901Animal Protection: 664-7387Health Department: 683-2700Norfolk CARES: 664-6510
BCL Security:Program Coordinator
Ron WilsonPhone number
588-3091Need assistance? Share your info:
Information most needed by police:
! • What happened?
! • When?
! • Is anyone injured'?
! • Vehicle license number?! • Vehicle description
! • Direction of flight
! • Description of person including clothing
! • Weapons?
BLOCK SECURITYDo you know your neighbor’s contact information?
Take a minute to find out.You can help prevent crime and get to know your neighbors,too!
www.mybclonline.com
Name(s):
Add:Home Ph:Work Ph:
Name(s):
Add:Home Ph:Work Ph:
Name(s):
Add:Home Ph:Work Ph:
Name(s):
Add:Home Ph:Work Ph:
Name(s):
Add:Home Ph:Work Ph:
Name(s):
Add:Home Ph:Work Ph:
Name(s):
Add:Home Ph:Work Ph:
Name(s):
Add:Home Ph:Work Ph:
Your
Residence
Your Street
Neighborhood Street
The Revised Block Security Info Sheet has been reworked to update data and increase legibility. This form is an ideal icebreaker for meeting neighbors. It is invaluable in case an incident report is needed or emergency services are required. Download and print as many copies as youʼd like to share.
April 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com
Volume 10 Issue 7 Page 9
During these times we are all finding ourselves becoming more cost efficient and considering budgeting our funds. One of the largest expenses in any home is groceries.
Want some relief? Starting next month at Ocean View Baptist Church the Angel Food Ministries will begin. For those who are not familiar with this program, Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing grocery relief and financial support to communities throughout the United States. After a trail run for April, Ocean View Baptist Church at 9504 Selby Place (map) will begin as a host site for this program. There are no qualifications, minimums, income restrictions, or applications. The food packages range from $30.00 for the regular box which includes 4 New York Strip Steaks, 2lbs of Chicken Breast skinless and boneless,
2 lb. of breaded chicken fillets, 1 lb. of steak fajita strips, 20oz supreme pizza, 28oz of beef patties with gravy, 1 lb. of hot dogs, 10oz of cheese slices, 1 lb. of mixed vegetables, 2 lb. of French fires, 12 ct. of corn tortillas, 1 lb. of rice, 15 oz of peach halves, 6 oz of pancake mix, 32 oz of shelf stable milk, a dozen eggs, and dessert. A senior box available for only $28.00 includes 11 prepackaged dinners that are fully cooked and meet a complete dietary requirement for one meal. There are also specialty boxes available like allergen free boxes, assorted meat boxes, fruit and veggie boxes and multiple monthly special boxes. When priced at three local grocery stores the contents of the regular box was almost $80.00 available to you for only $30.00 through this program.
The church will accept cash, debit and credit cards, certified checks, money orders, and food stamps for the May orders. April orders must be cash only. Menus change monthly and will be available online and through the church office. Additional information a n d m e n u s a r e a v a i l a b l e a t www.angelfoodministries.com or by calling Ocean View Baptist Church at 583-1808.
Personal Lines & Commercial LinesPersonal Automobile, Homeowners, Renters, Umbrella, Flood, Jewelry, Fine Arts, Boat, Jet-Ski Business Owner Programs, Professional Liability, General Liability, Employment Practices Liability Commercial Automobile, Fleet Programs, Truckers, Contractors, Bonds-ALL TypesWorker’s Compensation, Umbrella, Commercial Boat, Charter VesselCondominium Associations, Apartments, Waterfront Properties-NO PROBLEM
Life & Health Products & Services Personal Life, Health, Disability, Dental Plans, and Long Term Care Group Health, Life, Dental, Disability, and Vision Self-Insured Planning and Design, Key Person Life for Business Supplemental Insurance - Aflac/Colonial Medicare Supplements/Advantage Plans/Part D Plans
This is not an all-inclusive list of insurance products offered. Insurance products offered in multiple states subject to coverage and market availability. We are currently licensed to write insurance in the following states: VA, PA, MD, WV, TN, NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, MS, and NV.
Phone 757.855.3151 • Fax 757.855.1567
Personal Lines Contact: Brandi Dickinson, Email: [email protected] Lines Contact: Janis Villela, Email: [email protected]
Life & Health-Individual or Group Contact: Ryan Pepple, Email: [email protected]: www.ashleyinsuranceagency.com
834 Widgeon Road • Norfolk VA 23513
April 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com
Volume 10 Issue 7 Page 10
Remember to thank our advertisers when you patronize them!
It is their support that make this publication possible!
April 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com
Volume 10 Issue 7 Page 11
Norfolk Neighborhood University Course:
Community Involvementfor Children and Teens
Nationally, youth are disproportionately involved in and affected by the problems that beset communities—drugs, violence, poor education, and lack of jobs. Engaging them in problem solving will not only allow them to be part of the solution but will produce better results. In this course, participants will learn best practices in involving youth in community building, discuss strategies that others have used, and brainstorm ideas for involving more youth in Norfolk’s communities.
The class is April 25, 9-11am, Huntersville Neighborhood Service Center, 830 Goff St. Instructor: staff, Bureau of Community Outreach & Office of Youth Development. This a Norfolk Neighborhood University program, to register log on to www.norfolk.gov/neighborhoods/NU.asp or call 823-4210.
March Refreshment ThanksWhat a varied assortment of refreshments we were treated to at our March meeting. We had brownies to steamed shrimp and a bit of everything in between. Keep up the good work “Faithful Members.” Can’t wait to see what the Easter Bunny will show up with! Thanks! Ron Wilson Shirley Hooper Peggy Meador Karen Hooper Sam Maddox The Jones Family Ann Powell Charlie Moore Joyce Simmons Jeannie & Linda Chuck Janet & Mike Hayden Margie Hodges Pat DavidsonPlease remember to sign in when you bring a dish to share so you can be properly thanked at the meeting and again in the Bulletin. Have a great Spring! Call us if you have any ideas or suggestions. Margie Hodges 587-9527 Pat Davidson 587-3219
Remember, “Bayview is the Place To Be.”
Clean Up DataFresh Pride has a new Manager. His name is Jim Royer. He generously donated three dozen donuts for our Spring Clean Up. Stop by and say hello to him as well as Gloria in the Deli– Stay safe. See ya soon! –Margie & Pat
www.treasuresfeathersfins.com/
April 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com
Volume 10 Issue 7 Page 12
BIZZY "B" LAWN CARE & LANDSCAPING(We'll treat your yard like it's our own!)
• Landscape/Hardscape Design & Installation• Aeration/Seeding & Fertilization • Yard Clean Ups
• Lawn & Shrub Maintenance • Mulching
Phil BunsOwner
439-8380
Mike StraderSupervisor439-8384
Licensed & Insured
April Calendar of Events
1 April Fool’s Day5 Palm Sunday8 Passover Begins at sundown10 Good Friday12 Easter Sunday14 Bayview Civic League meets18 Electronics Recycling Day22 Earth Day24 National Arbor Day1,15,29 Recycling pickup, Week 2*8,22 Recycling pickup, Week 1*
* Week one or week two? All of Bayview is in week two, except Evelyn Street and Pythian Avenue (south of Sunset Dr.) are in week one.
Editors Note: Our new website, myBCLonline, has a calendar that is constantly being updated as new event d a t e s a r e p o s t e d . B o o k m a r k i t o r a s k m e , [email protected], how to subscribe on your computer.
RETIRED CREDIT MANAGER
Seeking part time employment1 or 2 days a week
Bookkeeping/administrative/general office
Reasonable hourly rate - no benefits required
Let me put my years of experience to work for you! Call or email if you have questions or need more info. – Thank you for your help.
April 12-18 is National Library Week.Rosemary Well’s book character Max the Bunny will visit for storytime at the Pretlow Anchor Branch Library on April 18th, at 2:30 p.m. Visit www.npl.lib.va.us, or call 441-1750 for more information.
April 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com
Volume 10 Issue 7 Page 13
Arbor Dayin Virginia.
Arbor Day is an annual observance dedicated to the planting and conservation of trees. On Arbor Day, many people plant trees and bushes in their communities. In the United States, National Arbor Day is observed on the last Friday in April. However, because the ideal time to plant trees varies with the climate, many individual states observe Arbor Day on other dates. Virginia celebrates Arbor Day on the second Friday in April. For more information go to the Arbor day Foundation website at http://www.arborday.org/arborday/ online.
Virginia’s sate tree is the Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida), a deciduous broadleaf tree that grows 20-30’ tall, spreads 20-30’ around. This beautiful tree, which is common in our area, has white flowers which bloom in spring and dark green foliage that changes to red in fall. Red berries remain on tree late in fall. Suggested uses for this plant include border, specimen plant, naturalizing, and attracting wildlife.
Party...for the PlanetFrom the Virginia Zoo web site
Go green with the Virginia Zoo. Saturday, April 18. From renewable resources to organic gardening. Discover how you can make a difference in our world. Activities feature a presentation about climate by Dave Young, Deputy Director of Science Directorate at NASA Langley Research Center. Activities are included with admission – Adults $7, Children (2-11) $5, Seniors (62+) $6, free to members. Visit http://events.virginiazoo.org/events/earth-day-at-the-zoo or call 441-2374.
(For more fun visit the animal cams at http://www.virg in iazoo .org/our-animals /animal-cams.asp.)
Earth Day is a time to celebrate gains we have made and create new visions to accelerate environmental progress. Earth Day is a time to unite around new actions. Earth Day and every day is a time to act to
April 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com
Volume 10 Issue 7 Page 14
Be sure to visit our NEW web page!www.mybclonline.com
Download extra copies of the paper from anywhere you are. See more photos. Access great local links. Get much more online.
Visit our offices online at: www.cb-pro.com or reach Susan online at: www.gobuyhouse.com
April 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com
Volume 10 Issue 7 Page 15
Gardening CornerTips for April
Have your lawn mower serviced to beat the rush and be ready for summer. Do not cut grass until it is at least 2 inches long. The roots are being renewed and grass needs vigorous top growth initially to promote strong roots.Develop a pest management system that both helps your garden and avoids environmental damage. Don’t spray unless you see damage caused by insects. Look for stressed plants that are vulnerable to bugs. Also consider using friendly bugs such as ladybugs and praying mantis to control damaging insets in your garden. Try to attract purple martins to your garden. These birds do a great job of controlling mosquitoes. Purple martin houses can be found in most gardens and home improvement centers.
This is the time to set out new shrubs and transplant old ones. Cool, wet weather is ideal for planting. This is also the time to plant or transplant roses. The Knock Out family of roses are easy to grow and do not require special care. They are the most disease resistant rose on the market. They have stunning flower power with a generous bloom cycle (about every 5-6 weeks) that will continue until the first hard frost. All of the Knock Out roses are self-cleaning so there is no need to deadhead. They are bush roses and if unpruned, can easily grow to be more than 3-4' wide x 3-4' tall. Periodic trims will keep them maintained at a smaller size. These roses can fit into any landscape. Plant them individually among shrubs, annuals and perennials in mixed beds and borders. Plant them in large groups to create a colorful hedge. Plant them along a foundation to provide a bright border.Also this month, many garden groups are having native plant sales. Check the paper for times and location. This is a great way to find healthy native plants for your garden. Look for native plant sales at the Hermitage Museum and the Norfolk Botanical Gardens as well as by various garden clubs.You can prune Crape Myrtles to remove excess growth, especially around the trunk. It is not recommended that you cut them back severely as I have seen many landscapers do. This can damage and even kill the tree. Do not use string trimmers or lawn mowers around the trunks of trees, especially the flowering trees as the wounds can kill them. –Susan Jones
April 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com
Volume 10 Issue 7 Page 16
Come talk to Randy Wright. Get your questions addressed!See you at the meeting!
Call: Benny Smith The Man that Lives and Works in Bayview
ABR GRI, Direct line (757) 718-9595Office fax (757) 217-4214
Email: [email protected]: www.buyahomenow.com
We always work hard for all our clients and their referrals.
Contact us today.
If you have a brokerage relationship with another agency, this is not intended as a solicitation.
"GSH Real Estate is now Prudential Towne Realty” "Same service more exposure"
Prudential Towne Realty 717 Boush StreetNorfolk, VA 23510
Formerly