March 2010 OUR WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 11 Issue 6 Page 1

March Guest Speaker Don Buma, Executive Director, Norfolk Botanical Garden

Spring is coming soon - time to think about our yards and gardens. Join us at 7:30 on March 9 to hear about a jewel in our back yard. Norfolk Botanical Garden Executive Director Don Buma is our featured speaker for March, bringing news and information about the Garden and horticulture. Mr. Buma joined the Garden in 1997 with a background that includes directorships at Wichita Botanica, Blithewold Gardens and Arboretum, and other botanical gardens. For many years he authored a national biweekly garden column. A former faculty member at Roger Williams College, Mr. Buma brings over 30 years of horticultural and directorial experience. He has degrees in Plant and Soil Science and in Ornamental Horticulture. Mark your calendar now. Think Spring!Mark your calendar for Tuesday, March 9, at 7:30 pm. Bring a dish

for the social if you want and don’t forget to bring a friend!

Remember: Recycle, itʼs good for all of us

•Police Officers visit

•Director Don Buma

•Upcoming events

•Networking social

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Join the BCL Spring Cleanup pg 6 Arts Within Reach Events pg 8 Norfolk Gains Battleship Wisconsin pg 9 Protect Against Mortgage Scams pg 14 Gardener’s Corner pg 15 and much more....

Our Mission:Neighbors helping

neighbors for the good of our community. Together we make things better.

March 9thMeeting 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)

March 2010 OUR WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 11 Issue 6 Page 2

Clean and Safe NeighborhoodNorfolk CARES Assistance Center 664-6510

website: www.norfolk.gov/311CallCenteremail: HealthyNeighborhoods@norfolk.gov

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

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.

President Linda Lundquist 588-39601st VP Aaron Ellis 587-00042nd VP Sam Maddox 583-4487Corres Sec’y Susan Jones 587-9586Rec Sec’y Sylvia Ross 553-7817Treasurer Gena Goodnough 588-8131Editor Jeannie Wilson 588-3960Ways and Means - Advertising for Bulletin Susan Jones(temp) 587-9586Communications - Bulletin Distribution Anita Unger 587-3405

Membership Claire Jones 587-2203Environment & Beautification Dranan & Eileen Sparks 588-2456 Refreshments Pat Davidson 587-3219 Margie Hodges 587-9527SACCC Community Awareness Coordinator Dranan Sparks(temp) 588-2456Zoning Claire Jones 587-2203Area Preservation Claire Jones 587-2203Youth & Recreation Vacant N/APrinter ANW Publications 588-8642

March 2010 OUR WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 11 Issue 6 Page 3

You’ve heard the axiom: children are our future. A good education is vital to our children’s future. We are blessed with many dedicated teachers who work hard to ensure our children learn the skills necessary to a successful future. I am awed by what our teachers and schools are able to accomplish but I have growing concerns about just how they are going to be able to continue making the kind of strides that won Norfolk the Broad Prize for urban schools. I realize that money is tight but we simply cannot skimp on public education. According to a recent article in The Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk Public Schools say proposed reductions in state funding are resulting in a

$61 million shortfall. I applaud Mayor Fraim’s recent statement the the city “will do everything possible to increase our funding for the schools. We are duty-bound to do the right thing for our children.” Why is it that northern Virginia schools can be looking forward to a $73 million state plus-up in funding while our students languish in schools desperately in need of infrastructure upgrades? What are our values? It’s important to invest in our future, in our children and the education imperative to to their future success in our modern society. What can we do? Express our concerns to our elected officials and school board. Actively seek opportunities to partner with our schools and support our children. Continue pushing for adequate funding for Norfolk public education. Our future depends on it.Remember: Together, we make things better!Linda Lundquist

✬ ✬ ✬ From the President ✬ ✬ ✬

March 2010 OUR WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 11 Issue 6 Page 4

Beware of Tax and Census ScamsBy: Captain Steve Duke

When the New Year began, not only did we start another decade of the 21st century but we moved into yet another tax season and a time when the U.S. government will begin taking a census. Just like a thief that might come break into your home to steal your property or money, so will a con artist. Sheriff McCabe, his deputies and staff do not want you to be duped by these common criminals.Tax time is here once again and the Internal Revenue Service is warning citizens to be aware of the many scams that are being passed around the United States. The latest “IRS Scam” involves an official looking “IRS” email that states a person can get their tax refund deposited to their personal Visa or MasterCard. In the email message it asks for the individual to give their Social Security number, Visa and/or MasterCard account number, its expiration date and the credit card’s CVV (card verification value number). They also request the person’s filing status and the amount they were to receive as a refund that was shown on their tax return.Do not be fooled! The IRS never notifies taxpayers about anything through email. Nor do they solicit any services to taxpayers through computer and email messaging. All notifications are done by official U.S. Postal Service mail

and at times taxpayers can be contacted by IRS workers by telephone. The IRS cautions not to be taken by these con games. The email appears official by using logos and authentic looking links to the IRS web site. However, the links will steer the victim towards phony web sites that require personal information and will then open the unsuspecting taxpayer to not only theft of their hard earned money, but their identity as wellThis year, 2010, also marks another decade where the U.S. government must take a census. All citizens of the United States of America must be counted and census takers will be appearing on people’s doorsteps in the near future. The U.S. Census Bureau wants citizens to know that when a census taker knocks at your door, the worker will have an I.D. badge, a handheld device for gathering census information, a bureau canvas bag and a confidentiality notice. The U.S. Census Bureau urges all citizens to be aware and to know the difference between who is on official census business and who is a con artist.Census workers will not ask for any identifying information such as Social Security numbers, or bank account information. They might ask for basic financial information such as salary ranges for members of the household, but will not ask for bank account information, or credit card information. So do not give any identifying information to anyone claiming to be from the census. Report these individuals immediately to local law enforcement.

NEED PLUMBING?Call Roy Barry with Barry And Sons Plumbing

650-3455Anything from a leaky faucet to new constructionLicensed and insured

Born and raised in Bayview/OVODU Alumni

City of Suffolk FirefighterMember of the Knights of Columbus

see Scams continued on page 5

March 2010 OUR WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 11 Issue 6 Page 5Visit our offices online at: www.cb-pro.com or reach Susan online at: www.gobuyhouse.com

Have Your Taxes Done for Free! The South Hampton Roads Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition (SHREITC) is currently offering free tax preparation services to EITC-eligible taxpayers through April 15th at 15 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites throughout the region. The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, is a refundable federal tax credit for low-income workers that can result in a refund of as much as $5600. To qualify, you must have worked and earned income in 2009. Additional eligibility requirements apply.For more about the EITC, to see if you qualify, and where to go for free tax help in Norfolk and other South Hampton Roads localities, contact David Perry, SHREITC Regional Site Coordinator, at 664-6165, shreitcis@gmail.com or visit www.shreitc.com.

BETWEEN BAYVIEW PHARMACY AND POWERHOUSE GYM ON CHESAPEAKE BOULEVARD

Scams continued from page 4

The U.S. Census will not contact anyone by email. Never click on any link received via email pertaining to the census. Do not open any email attachments claiming to be from the U.S. Census. It can turn you into a victim of identity theft and fraud.For more information concerning the Internal Revenue Service and the scams that are taking place, please visit www.irs.gov. For information concerning the U.S. Census, you may go to www.census.gov. For more information on how you can keep yourself and your family safe from crime and fraud, please contact The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office-Community Affairs Division at 757-664-4979, or visit us on the web at www.norfolksheriffsoffice.com.

March 2010 OUR WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 11 Issue 6 Page 6

2010 SPRING NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUP

SATURDAY, MARCH 27Ever hear of the broke window theory? Roughly stated, this theory makes the connection between order-maintenance and crime prevention. Consider a building with a few broken windows. If the windows are not repaired, the tendency is for vandals to break a few more windows. Or consider a sidewalk. Some litter accumulates. Soon, more litter accumulates. Eventually, people even start leaving bags of trash from take-out restaurants there or breaking into cars. A successful strategy for preventing vandalism is to fix the problems when they are small. Repair the broken windows within a short time, and the tendency is that vandals are much less likely to break more windows or do further damage. Clean up the sidewalk every day, and the tendency is for litter not to accumulate (or for the rate of littering to be much less). Problems do not escalate and thus respectable residents do not flee a neighborhood.*It’s been a long cold winter, we’ve been cooped up for months, and there’s been enough snow to last us for a few years. It’s time to break the long winter doldrums and get outside for a good spring cleaning. And heaven knows we need it. On most streets you only need to look out your front door to see the litter in the roadway and sidewalks! Please help us clean up Bayview and become litter free. Join us Saturday, March 27, from 9 am to Noon (no rain date). We will meet at Christ United Methodist Church, 1601 East Bayview Boulevard. We’ll provide the coffee, trash bags and gloves. *References: Excerpted from Wikipedia; and from George Kelling and Catherine Coles “Fixing Broken Windows: Restoring Order and Reducing Crime in Our Communities”

Norfolk PoliceCRIME PREVENTION UNIT

AUTO THEFT PREVENTIONThe Norfolk Police Department Crime Prevention Unit would like to remind

vehicle owners and operators that Crime Prevention starts with you!

We would like to remind everyone during the cold winter months, not to leave your vehicles running unattended. We know that no one likes getting into a cold car in the mornings, but here are a couple things to consider. Not only is it against the law to leave your vehicle running unattended but criminals are also using this as and easy opportunity to steal vehicles.

March 2010 OUR WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 11 Issue 6 Page 7

Tax Credits for Energy SavingsHigh costs of energy got you down? Annoyed with your tax bill? Tired of drafty windows? You can take advantage of tax credits while tackling pressing needs. The table below shows some of the options available under current tax codes. For more information, visit http://www.ase.org/ or consult your tax professional.Here is how much you could save on your taxes if you took advantage of some of these tax credits. But remember that your energy savings each year may be greater than the one-time tax savings:

Selected Tax Credits

Purchase Tax savings NotesHybrid car or SUV $250 to $3,150 Credit depends on fuel

economy and weight.Central air conditioner or heat pump

$300* Only some Energy Star products qualify.

Furnace or boiler $150* Only some Energy Star products qualify.

Windows Up to $200* All Energy Star windows qualify.

Insulation and sealing Up to $500*

Must meet model building code as

installed.Ground-source heat pump Up to $2,000 Only Energy Star

products qualify.* Maximum of $500 total for home improvements.

Bayview Civic League Minutes SUMMARY

February 9, 2010After the call to order and the pledge, Ofc. Snyder reported the last month’s reported crime statistics. He also mentioned several key arrests involving area larcenies. Concerning a dramatic increase in stolen automobiles in the city, he asks that residents stop leaving their warming or running cars unattended.President Lundquist reported about the Tea Party 2’s upcoming meeting at The Banque. She also mentioned Sen. Ralph Northam’s menhaden editorial in the Feb. 9th Virginian-Pilot.Andrew Kleeger, the assistant general manager of several local Jackson Hewitts, was the evening’s program speaker. He talked about important new tax changes and a few frequently overlooked deductions. He also encouraged anyone who wants to work part-time next tax season to contact 757 480-2000. Training begins after Thanksgiving.In the Business section of the meeting, Linda asked members to consider serving on the nominating committee and/or serving as an officer next year. She also spoke about the Norfolk Public Schools $49 million shortfall, and she exhorted everyone to become more active and assist area schools in their efforts to off-set decreasing funds.Announcements included information about • a spaghetti dinner at Bayview Elementary School on

Feb. 12;• a thank you letter from the Veterans Administration

for the league’s 2009 personal items donation;• the electronic and hazardous waste recycling facility

on Pineridge Road (off Sewells Point Road in the industrial park area);

• using 757 823-4050 or pworks@norfolk.gov to report residential street potholes;

• the evening’s attendance (including new member John Gaul);

• refreshment acknowledgements and Margie’s thank you for flowers.

The meeting adjourned at 8:57 p.m. after the raffle, and refreshments followed immediately.

Sylvia Ross, Recording Sec’y

March 2010 OUR WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 11 Issue 6 Page 8

at the Norfolk Botanical Garden for seven years. Through live streaming video viewers can follow the lives of these birds as they face the challenges of raising a brood of eaglets. In early December climbers climbers accessed the camera, replacing the weatherproof dome, cleaning the spider webs from the camera lens and installing a new infrared illuminator. Nuckols Tree Care donates their services to the Eagle Cam throughout the year. The Eagle Cam provides a 24 hour video stream through the use of night vision technology. WVEC.com hosts the video feed and posts slideshows of the daily activity at the nest. Wildlife

Biologists with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries maintain a blog that explains the activity at the nest and provides insights into bald eagle biology and conservation. Eagle enthusiasts can visit the Norfolk Botanical Garden and view the eagles from strategic viewing sites equipped with a telescope or binoculars. View the Eagle Cam at www.wvec.com.

Snow storm brings first egg for Bald Eagle pair and you can watch the activity at the nest!

ARTS WITHIN REACH

You never need a ticket to Arts Within Reach. Simply arrive at the venue 5 to 10 minutes before program start time, take your seat, and enjoy exceptional arts offerings. Arts Within Reach programs are 40-50 minutes in length. Programs are subject to change; call 664-4321 or visit www.norfolkarts.net for more information. March 10 (Weds.) 3 pm Todd Rosenlieb Emerging Artists. Todd Rosenlieb Dance is Hampton Roads’ premier dance academy. TRDance Center is an exciting, demanding environment of working professional dancers and teachers. Company dancers, as well as leading choreographers, composers and designers are a constant energizing presence in the center, motivating students to

musicians selects a few exceptional student ensembles to represent the NEC Honors Program. The Sirocco Winds, coached by John Heiss, features Anne Gregory, flute, Andrew Mee, horn, Ambrose Tucker, clarinet, Mary Lynch, oboe, and Chris Watford, bassoon. Miles Memorial United Methodist Church, 9450 Granby Street.

March 25 (Thurs . ) 11:30 am I. Sherman G r e e n e C h o r a l e i n concert. The I. Sherman Greene Chorale was founded in 1972 by Isaac Sherman Greene, a music instructor at Norfolk’s

achieve their highest goals. The Emerging Artists Ensemble is a group of high school and college dancers who have devoted years to their craft and are seriously pursuing their d r e a m s o f b e c o m i n g professional dancers. St. Patrick Catholic School, 1001 Bolling Ave.. March 23 (Tuesday) New E n g l a n d C o n s e r v a t o r y

Booker T. Washington High School. Known for its performances of the music of the great masters and traditional spirituals, the I. Sherman Greene Chorale is Hampton Roads foremost African-American singing organization. Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 900 E. Middlesex Street.

Additional free events and performances in Norfolk include: 1 – 3 pm Saturdays. d’ART Demos. d’ART Center presents local artists in weekly interactive arts demonstrations and workshops. d’ART Center in the Selden Arcade, 208 E. Main Street. www.d-artcenter.org 625-4211 noon – 2 pm Wednesdays. Brown Bag Art Music at Selden Arcade. Free lunchtime concerts every Wednesday, featuring local musicians and presented by the Selden Arcade. Selden Arcade, 208 E. Main Street. www.theselden.com 664-6880

woodwind quintet Sirocco Winds, in town with the Virginia Arts Festival and in concert for Arts Within Reach. Each year, an audition committee of professional

A partnership of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Norfolk Botanical G a r d e n a n d W V E C . c o m provides a unique and close up view into the daily lives of a Bald Eagle pair that has nested

✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ Bicycle Safely ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫What a winter! It’s been a long time since we’ve seen so much snow and cold weather - I think many of us are truly ready for spring to bloom forth. Soon we’ll dust off bicycles and enjoy riding them again. Did you know that the City of Norfolk requires children 14 and under to wear a helmet when bicycling? But even more importantly, properly fitted and worn helmets reduce injuries and save lives. So be sure your kids wear a helmet when bicycling - and set a good example by wearing a helmet when you bicycle.

March 2010 OUR WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 11 Issue 6 Page 9

Wisconsin,”said Nauticus Executive Director Hank Lynch. “It’s been a long time coming, and we are anxious to give the public more access to this American treasure and icon of the City of Norfolk.” The Battleship Wisconsin, long homeported in Norfolk, serves as a focal point for visitors to Downtown Norfolk. The long-range goal of the City and Nauticus is to preserve, maintain, and improve this beautiful ship for countless future generations. To that end, the City has set aside $6.2 million in capital improvement funds for immediate environmental and ship’s systems upgrades. But, to fund routine maintenance and preservation, the battleship will become part of the existing Nauticus paid experience. Starting Saturday, December 19, battleship access will be included in Nauticus’ current admission of $10.95 for adults, and $8.50 for children ages 4-12. Children age 3 and under are admitted free. Admissions and special events rental revenues will also help Nauticus improve the interpretation of the ship’s interior. Some spaces of the ship are expected to be open for guided, hard hat tours, by next spring. Over time, more and more of the ship will be prepared for visitors.

Naval ceremonies, including re-enlistments and retirements—will continue to be offered on the ship free of charge. However, a suggested donation of $64 may be requested – any such donations will go directly to the Wisconsin Preservation Fund for ship’s maintenance costs. Over the coming weeks, visitors to the battleship will experience new interpretive signage and additional programs to assist with understanding the significant role that the Battleship Wisconsin has played throughout history, including her service in World War II, the Korean War, and Operation Desert Storm. As before, the docent force of veterans and Battleship lovers will be on board to tell the story of this great ship. Long term plans call for diverse educational programming and access to the combat information center, berthing areas, wardroom and barber shop. Oral histories will also blend with innovative technology to tell the personal stories of veterans who served on the ship. For more information, call (757) 664-1000. To book a ceremony aboard the ship, please call Colby Peck at (757) 664-1021.

SOURCE: Norfolk’s Civic Connection

✭ ✭ Norfolk Assumes Ownership of Battleship Wisconsin ✭ ✭

Bayview is so lucky to have a major library facility within walking distance. On Saturday, March 13 @ 2:00 PM, join our community in celebrating the 2nd birthday of our wonderful neighbor, the Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library. All ages welcome! For more info call 441-1750.

Transfer of the Navy’s last and l a rg e s t b a t t l e s h i p — t h e U S S Wisconsin—is now complete, paving the way for the public to see interior areas of the ship within the next three years. Nauticus will now handle the day-to-day operations of the ship and will continue in partnership with the Navy, through the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, for some uses, such as naval ceremonies. As a result of the transfer, care for this major icon of naval sea power lies in the hands of the entire Hampton Roads community. “Nauticus is excited about taking over stewardship of the Battleship Wisconsin and Nauticus: Together at last!

Happy Birthday Pretlow!

Ends April 4th.

Nauticus Proudly Presents:

March 2010 OUR WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 11 Issue 6 Page 10

10 Questions. 10 Minutes. 1 Positive Impact. Bayview Civic League Encourages You to Participate in the 2010 Census

St Patrick’s Day Parade March 13Be sure to join the fun as Ocean View “gets its Irish on” with the 43rd annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. Set to step off at 10 am, we all are hoping for clear skies and warm sunshine. Be sure you wear plenty o’ the green! Everybody has their special spot for checking out the fun floats, marching units - where is yours? Wherever you view the parade, fun will be had! And don’t forget the After Parade Party in the Knights of Columbus parking lot where The Craig Woolared Band and Hot Cakes are scheduled to perform. For more information, check out www.NorfolkParade.com.

Oceanview breaks out the bands for Saint Patrick’s Day!

Need Help Paying your Utility Bill? Apply for LIFELINE

In light of the recent increase in garbage disposal fees, the City of Norfolk is offering financial assistance to low-income senior citizens, families and individuals through SPSA Lifeline, a new component of the Lifeline Program. This program was initiated by the City of Norfolk in 1999 to help citizens avoid disruption in water services. Qualifying residents may apply for both forms of assistance with one application. Eligible residents may receive:

• Bill Assistance - Maximum annual assistance of $270 in the form of a non-refundable payment to Hampton Roads Utility Billing Service (HRUBS.)

• Plumbing Repairs Assistance - Maximum annual assistance of $500 for plumbing repairs to licensed plumbers on behalf of owner occupants.

• Refuse Disposal Assistance - SPSA Lifeline - Maximum annual assistance of $120.00 in the form of a non-refundable payment to Hampton Roads Utility Billing Service (HRUBS.)

Lifeline Applications are available at the Department of Human Services, HRSD, and at the Department of Utilities and online at www.norfolk.gov/humanservices, or you may request an application by mail. Completed applications may be returned by mail or in person to the Department of Utilities or any Department of Human Services location. For eligibility guidelines or to request an application, call 664-6035 or 664-6311.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP KEEP NORFOLK BEAUTIFUL?

Join the 2010 Great American Cleanup™! March 27th – June 5th. Improve the quality of life in Norfolk by participating in the nation’s largest annual community improvement program! Bayview Civic League is rolling up our sleeves to support clean communities.

Keep Norfolk Beautiful DaySaturday, March 27th, 9am-Noon Volunteer for the Bayview Civic League litter cleanup or coordinate your own neighborhood cleanup. (More info on page 6 in this issue.)

Earth Day CleanupSaturday, April 24th, 9am-Noon Join KNB as we help Keep Norfolk Beautiful!

Clean the Bay DaySaturday, June 5th, 9am-Noon Join the largest litter cleanup of our shorelines and waterways. Be a shoreline/wetland cleanup volunteer, join the BCL crew, or lead your own group.

For more details on the City of Norfolk events or to volunteer, go to http://www.norfolkbeautiful.org/ or call 441-1347. All volunteers receive valuable coupons and are eligible to win one of many GAC prizes!

The 2010 Census data will affect how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is distributed to tribal, state and local governments. Census data guide local planning decisions, including where to provide additional social services, establish child-care and senior centers, and build new roads, hospitals, schools and job training and community centers The census will frame the future of our community and our country for the next 10 years, so it is vital that everyone in the United States be counted in 2010. In mid-March, households across the country will receive the 10-question census form by U.S. mail or hand delivery. Responding immediately to the 2010 Census form is the most efficient way to complete the census. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. Visit 2010census.gov to learn more.

March 2010 OUR WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 11 Issue 6 Page 11

March Calendar of Events8 Daylight Saving Time begins10 Bayview Civic League meets13 Ocean View St. Patrick’s Day Parade17 St. Patrick’s Day20 Vernal Equinox (first day of Spring)20 Bayview Spring Cleanup28 Palm Sunday3,17,31 Recycling Pickup Week 210,24 Recycling Pickup Week 112 Street Sweeping (Area N-2)**18 Street Sweeping (Area N-5)**

* All of Bayview is in week two, except Evelyn Street and Pythian Avenue (south of Sunset Dr.) are in week one.** Help keep our streets clean! Please avoid parking on the street on the day your street is to be swept. Area N-5, swept monthly on the 3rd Thursday, is all streets east of Capeview Avenue. Area N-2, swept monthly on the on the 2nd Friday, is all streets from Capeview Avenue west.Street Sweeping MAP: http://www.norfolk.gov/stormwater/CityWideSweepingZones.pdf

You CAN Help Save the Bay

The hearty souls who ventured out into the cold and rain for our February meeting enjoyed a robust discussion about the menhaden industry and its effects on our Bay. Amazingly important to the

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ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay, menhaden filter up to four gallons of water a minute. A critical link in the Bay food chain, menhaden feed on plankton, then serve as an important food source for many fish, sea birds and marine mammals. Yet the taking of these fish is controlled by Virginia legislators, not the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. At our March meeting, there will be an opportunity to review and sign a petition to far better control the seine harvesting of menhaden and turn over control/oversight to the VMRC.

March 2010 OUR WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 11 Issue 6 Page 12

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.

March 2010 OUR WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 11 Issue 6 Page 13

Refreshment Thanksby Pat DavidsonWe have some brave and awesome members in our Membership. Tweny-seven “Brave Hearts” showed up for our meeting on Feb 9th. Susan Jones donated cakes and Door Wreath for raffle and Linda Lundquist, tickets for the Boat Show. Thanks to the following for donating food for our Networking Time.

Aaron Ellis Pat WoodJanet Hayden Sam MaddoxMr and Mrs Ripley Shirley NewPat Davidson

Remember: “Bayview Is The Place To Be!”Please keep Margie’s family in your prayers! Thank you, Pat 587-3219

We’ll Miss Margie Hodgesby Linda LundquistThis is not an easy article to write. Board Member, neighbor, and friend Margie Hodges passed away recently. Margie had the gift of hospitality, as so many of us can attest. She made others feel at home, relaxed, important. Joining forces with Pat Davidson, Margie was behind the lovely refreshments “spread” and decorations at our meetings. With Pat, Margie made sure we had plenty of donuts, coffee and breakfast treats to “kick start” our Neighborhood Cleanups; she worked to plan and prepare food for our Summer Picnics. Her sandwiches, cookies and zucchini bread were delicious!Margie was steadfast, straightforward, thoughtful and understanding. As we travel through life, we make connections and share the journey with many people - friends, neighbors, family. Margie Hodges was a treasured friend. It was a pleasure to journey through life with her these past eight years, and, along with many others, I will miss getting to spend time with her. Her legacy of friendship and caring will certainly live on.

March 2010 OUR WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 11 Issue 6 Page 14

American Restaurant &Ice Cream Parlor

Established in 2009, Cagney’s is a new dining experience like nothing you ever encountered. You get home style cooking in a movie style setting of the past. Marilyn Monroe, James Cagney and many other stars adorn the walls on this classic but hip restaurant. Open daily for breakfast, lunch & dinner.

1108 East Little Creek cagneysnorfolk.comNorfolk, Virginia 23518. 757-275-9579

“Proud Sponsor of Bayview Civic League”

A flood of home foreclosures across the country is producing a wave of mortgage-related scams and scam artists talk a good game to at-risk homeowners. But, they “do little or nothing to help save their homes,” according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Don’t fall victim to unknown callers, enticing offers or someone offering a deal that sounds too good to be true. The MBA says homeowners need to know “that legal aid groups, financial institutions, and HUD-certified counselors are offering free services to anyone seeking help.” Consumers can obtain information, resources and reporting capabilities at any time by visiting this website: www.LoanScamAlert.org or by calling 1-888-995-HOPE (4673). The Federal Trade Commission offers these tips for identifying potential scams from what they call “rescue” personnel: “If you’re looking for foreclosure prevention help, avoid any business that: • guarantees to stop the foreclosure process – no

matter what your circumstances • instructs you not to contact your lender, lawyer, or

credit or housing counselor

• collects a fee before providing you with any services

• accepts payment only by cashier’s check or wire transfer

• encourages you to lease your home so you can buy it back over time

• tells you to make your mortgage payments directly to it, rather than your lender

• tells you to transfer your property deed or title to it • offers to buy your house for cash at a fixed price

that is not set by the housing market at the time of sale

• offers to fill out paperwork for you • pressures you to sign paperwork you haven’t had a

chance to read thoroughly or that you don’t understand.

• If you’re having trouble paying your mortgage or you have gotten a foreclosure notice, contact your lender immediately

Also, for free information on the president’s plan to help homeowners, visit MakingHomeAffordable.com.The NSO Community Affairs division is available to provide more information and presentations to community groups about mortgage scam prevention. 757-664-4706.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!See you at the Parade!

Homeowners Can Protect Themselves Against Mortgage Scamsby Paula Miller, NSO Public Information Officer

March 2010 OUR WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 11 Issue 6 Page 15

Gardening CornerMarch in the Garden

by Susan JonesFinally, warmer weather! As the weather begins to warm up, we feel the urge to get out into the garden. Knowing what not to do at this time of year is about as important as knowing what you can or should do. For example, winter and spring rains can leave parts--maybe all--of your garden pretty soggy. Resist the urge to walk on or dig up planting beds when they're wet! Each footstep compacts the soil and makes drainage worse. Before digging, try this test: grab a handful of soil and firm it into a ball. Then drop it. If it stays in a ball, the soil is too wet to work. If it crumbles or breaks apart, go ahead and start digging. As you begin to prepare beds for planting, work plenty of organic matter into your soil. Plants growing in healthy, well cultivated soil need less fertilizer and are better able to deal with disease and insects. In our clay soil, adding organic matter creates structure, increases air space, and helps soil retain moisture in dry weather and drain better in soggy weather. Organic matter includes homemade compost, composted cow manure, leaf humus, and shredded pine bark. Now's a good time to clean up your yard--remove downed twigs and branches, and rake up any leaves left on the lawn or caught in ground cover or on flower beds. Cut back ratty looking foliage on perennials that haven't gone completely dormant. Cut back ornamental grasses, including liriope, to several inches above the ground.LAWNSLime your lawn if it needs it. Garden lime lowers the acidity of the soil. If your soil is too acid, it won't be able to use fertilizer as well. If you're not sure whether you should lime, take to a quart-sized jar of soil the Virginia Tech Experimental station and they will test it for you and tell you how much lime you need.Fall is the best time to seed lawns , but if you have thin or bare spots that won't wait til then, March is the next best time. After that, it will be getting too warm for the grass to germinate and get well established before the heat of summer sets in. Avoid the rush-- get lawnmower maintenance done early, before you need to start mowing the lawn. Buy fuel for

your lawnmower and get the blades sharpened. Dull mower blades damage grass blades and leave your lawn more susceptible to disease.SHRUBS AND TREESPrune to remove any broken tree or shrub branches. Don't worry about sap bleeding from pruning cuts on elm, maple, dogwood, beech, walnut, birch and redbud. This bleeding won't hurt the tree. Remove bagworm bags now--they contain hundreds of eggs that will hatch soon. Destroy or throw away the bags--don't just knock them down and leave them on the ground. Prune back forsythias after they finish blooming, cutting off 1/3 of the old canes at the ground. Prune crape myrtles toward the end of month.As long as the ground isn't too soggy--or frozen-- March is a great time to plant shrubs and trees. Planting in early spring gives the plants a chance to get their roots established before the summer heat kicks in. ANNUALS AND PERENNIALS Watch carefully for signs of life in your perennial beds, and remember that each plant has its own timetable--some never disappear, especially in relatively mild winters; some are early to come up; and some may not show signs of life until April or even early May. In your rush to get some early color into the garden or to prepare beds for spring planting, be careful not to dig up a plant that simply hasn't woken up yet. Spring bulbs are emerging. If the weather turns cold (or even snowy) again, new foliage may be burned by very cold temperatures, but flowers should be OK. If you're a new homeowner (or somehow, you didn't get around to labeling all your bulbs when you planted them) now's a good time to map out or label those bulbs. Take inventory of what's blooming when, and make notes of spring flowering bulbs you'd like to add and where. You may think you'll remember this in the fall when it's time to choose and plant bulbs, but you won't. When your daffodils finish blooming, cut back the flower stems, but not the leaves. Don't tie them up in bundles, either! Let them mature naturally--they're storing energy for next year. –Source: www.americanplant.net

March 2010 OUR WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 11 Issue 6 Page 16

Got questions about your garden? Norfolk Botanical Garden could help. Find out what the upcoming season at

the Garden has in store. Think warm! Think spring!See you at the meeting!

It’s your home; it’s your money.

It takes a TeamWhen it comes to your home; whether it is a purchase or a sale, it takes a Team of folks to do the job correctly. Each time Realtor Man (RM) helps folks buy or sell a home, he is not alone. Right by his side is his partner in the transaction, The Lender. Diana Glasier with Towne Mortgage is always ready to qualify a Buyer to purchase a new home. This is always important when working with a Buyer, but when RM works with a Seller it can be equally important. Diana is always available to ensure that the person making an offer on your home truly does qualify for their loan.

Call us if you have any questions.

Realtor Man Says…

Ben Fuller Realtor, Lic in VA

Direct (757) 675-9383 benfuller@williamewood.com

Diana GlasierMortgage Expert

Direct (757) 409-6301teamglasier@townemortgage.us