May 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 10 Issue 8 Page 1

organization, dedicated solely to restoring and protecting the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers. The organization's motto, Save the Bay, defines the organization's mission and commitment to reducing pollution, improving fisheries, and protecting and restoring natural resources such as wetlands, forests, and underwater grasses. To achieve its mission, CBF seeks to educate and engage constituents to take action for the Bay. In January 2009, CBF filed a lawsuit to require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reduce pollution of all kinds enough to remove the nation's largest estuary from the federal impaired waters list. Join us on May 12 as we welcome Christy Everett as our guest speaker.Mark your calendar for Tuesday, May 12th, at 7:30 pm. Bring a dish

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

Remember our Military. They remember you!

• Police Officers visit

• Christy Everett

• Upcoming events

• Networking social

Our Mission:Neighbors helping

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

May 12thMeeting 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)

May Guest SpeakerChristy Everett of the

Chesapeake Bay FoundationThe Chesapeake Bay Foundation is the largest conservation organization, and the only independent non-profit 501(c)(3)

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Free Church Safety and Security Training! pg 4/5 Volunteer at Nauticus pg 6 Tax Holiday for Hurricane Gear pg 7 Home Invasion Report pg 8/9 Clean the Bay Day Reminder pg 11 May Gardening Tips pg 13 and much more....

May 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 10 Issue 8 Page 2

Clean and Safe NeighborhoodNorfolk CARES Assistance Center 644-6510

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

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 Jeannie Wilson. 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.

May 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 10 Issue 8 Page 3

I wish to start off by thanking Sam Maddox for volunteering to chair this years Nominating Committee, and to also thank the full committee, Aaron & Beverly Ellis, Ann Powell, Susan Jones and Gena Goodnough. Their charge, to select a slate of candidates for each elective office, is no small task. But through their involvement they are helping to shape the future of our Civic League, and with that have my utmost respect and appreciation. This committee will present their recommended slate at the May meeting, and the membership will have an opportunity to make additional nominations from the floor. Voting and installation of the new leadership will take place in June.

If you didn’t make it to our April meeting, you missed a good one. City Councilman Randy Wright was our guest speaker. And as Randy always does, he packed the house. The discussion and questions included issues of the city budget, light rail, and SPSA, and much more. We were also pleased to have Sylvia Wagner, mother-in-law and campaign representative for Lieutenant Governor candidate Jody Wagner. Its not often we get a representative for an office of this magnitude, and to be fair, I hereby invite other candidates for this office, and the Governor’s office, to come to Bayview and speak to our members.Lastly, but by all means not the least, is to say so long to an old friend of Bayview, and a friend of mine. Benny Smith and his wife Sharon are moving out of state. Benny has been very active in our community, and in the city, and in the BCL for a long time. His presence and influence has helped shape our civic league into the fine organization it is. We will miss Benny and Sharon, but wish them all the best of luck and happiness in their new home.Dranan Sparks

✬ ✬ ✬ From the President ✬ ✬ ✬

May 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 10 Issue 8 Page 4

The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office presents, “Church Security Solutions.” Violence is on the rise in places of worship across the country, of all sizes and denominations. The disturbing headlines are multiplying: Pastor Slain in Illinois Church Shooting; Jewish Leaders Decry Synagogue Attacks; Church Arson Motivated By Anti-Obama Rage; Mosques Under Attack – and that’s just a few from 2009 alone.The good news is religious leaders can learn from these tragedies to better protect their flock. The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office Community Affairs division is offering a free seminar called Church Security Solutions, specifically for churches, temples, synagogues, mosques and other worship centers. The presentation includes:

Reasons Houses of Worship are Vulnerable Most Likely Areas of Victimization Strategies to Prevent Crime A Comprehensive Security Survey Protecting Funds Developing a Rapport with Local Police

For more information, contact Capt. Roger Stephenson:Phone: 757-664-4979Fax: 757-441-2530E-mail: roger.stephenson@norfolk.gov

Take steps to prevent crime before it happens. We’ll come to you!

May 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 10 Issue 8 Page 5

It’s your home; it’s your money.Your Neighborhood Realtors!!

Ben Fuller, ABR, GRI & Kelly Thompson, ABR, GRIRealtors, Lic in VA

Ben Direct (757) 675-9383 Kelly Direct (757) 286-5355

Realtor Man Says…

I’ve got good news and other news. As of April 1, 2009 whenever a home is appraised the appraisal must also include the Absorption Rate (AR). What is this Absorption Rate you ask? It is the rate in which homes are selling in a specific area. Or, at the current rate, how many months will it take to sell all of the homes currently for sale. If the AR is 6 months then we have a balanced market. More than 6 months then we have a Buyer’s Market, less than 6 months we have a Seller’s Market. In Bayview, for single family homes with at least 3 bedrooms and square footage between 1,200 and

The Real Estate Corner

2,000 we have a 5.85 months’ supply, or a slight shift in the market to a balanced market. For condos the picture is not as rosy as we have a 30 months’ supply.Call me if you have any questions.

williamewood.com/reinftp/benfuller

Notice:It is comforting to know that the Norfolk

Sheriffʼs Office along with other city officials are proactive when it comes to

the safety of our city.

You can pick up a copy of this flyer and

take it to your church leaders. It is available to download from our website,

www.mybclonline.com, in our SACCC area. Or ask any board member to get one for you! Every church throughout

the city could benefit from this program and as a consequence of this training

we all can feel a lot safer.–Ed

May 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 10 Issue 8 Page 6

May Calendar of Events5 Cinco de Mayo10 Mother’s Day12 Bayview Civic League meets24 Big Bands On the Bay Begins25 Memorial Day31 Big Bands On the Bay13,27 Recycling pickup, Week 25,20 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 dates are posted. Bookmark it or ask me, flewj@mac.com, how to subscribe on your computer.

TAG-OUT OUTREACHfrom the Norfolk Civic ConnectionThe Department of Neighborhood Preservation continues its outreach efforts to help residents with information they need to better report and ultimately reduce graffiti in Norfolk. At a recent meeting with the Tidewater Gardens Tenant Management Corporation, Director Freeman and his key staff, met with the community to discuss the program and to encourage the group to take action. As a result of this outreach effort, residents are working with the city to coordinate a clean up event in the Tidewater Gardens community and are more aware of the graffiti abatement process applicable to the area.

Additional TAG-OUT outreach efforts, including projects with Norfolk Public Schools are on the way. Remember to report all graffiti to Norfolk Cares at 664-6510. If you see graffiti in progress call 9-1-1.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESON THE NAUTICUS CAMPUS

from the Norfolk Civic ConnectionThere are many opportunities for volunteers to choose from. This year the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center will welcome the largest number of cruise passengers ever to the city of Norfolk. If you have interesting facts to share about Norfolk and like to interact with people, you could provide a valuable service by greeting cruise visitors. Nauticus also welcomes many schools groups throughout the year for special tours, educational programs and fun activities. If you have the ability to interact positively with young people, we’re always looking for people who love to watch children learn and grow.Special events are another area where Nauticus needs volunteers; as individuals and groups, either on a regular basis or for one time special events. There are many ways for you to become involved and we are always pleased to have you. For more information on how to become a part of this fun and exciting time at Nauticus, please call Juli Manchester or Melissa Swanson at 757-664-1043 or visit our website www.nauticus.org/join.html.

THE HAMPTON ROADSNAVAL MUSEUM

Have you visited the Hampton Roads Naval Museum? This is a great museum full artifacts and exhibits of the regions long and rich naval history. This museum, inside Nauticus, is among the nation’s elite museums and attractions, having received full accreditation from the Association of Museums. (Only about five-percent of the nation’s 17,500 museums have received accreditation from this association.) The museum is owned and operated by the United States Navy, and has its own website at www.hrnm.navy.mil. Admission to both the Hampton Roads Naval Museum and Battleship Wisconsin is free.

Spring Neighborhood CleanupBy Eileen SparksChair Environment and Beautification CommitteeWell, our Spring Neighborhood Cleanup was delayed one week because of wet weather, but then we had a beautiful day on April 4. Everyone that came out agreed it was a perfect spring day to be out in the warm sunshine and doing a good deed for the community. Unfortunately, though, we had the lowest turnout in at least eight years! Where was everyone!?The good news was that in the few areas where we did pickup litter, it did not seem to be as bad as in the past. Maybe this is because the BCL has had good participation in our cleanups, that we have more Adopt-A-Spot participants, and that our consistent effort is paying off. It is true that when you get an area clean, and keep it clean, it tends to stay cleaner. But, we cannot let our guard down and become complacent, because if we do then we’ll loose ground. You don’t have to wait for one of our organized cleanups; you can do it any time you choose.

Don’t forget to get Mom

some flowers!!

May 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 10 Issue 8 Page 7

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 757.855.1567Personal Lines Contact: Brandi Dickinson, Email: brandi.dickinson@ashleyins.com

Commercial Lines Contact: Janis Villela, Email: janis.villela@ashleyins.comLife & Health-Individual or Group Contact: Ryan Pepple, Email: ryan.peeple@ashleyins.com

Website: www.ashleyinsuranceagency.com834 Widgeon Road • Norfolk VA 23513

VIRGINIA’S HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS SALES TAX HOLIDAY

All Virginians should take steps to prepare their families for any emergency by getting an emergency supply kit, making an emergency plan and staying informed about the hazards that could affect their area. Detailed instructions for getting ready for emergencies are online at:

http://www.ReadyVirginia.gov. The General Assembly established an annual sales tax holiday to ease the cost of creating an emergency supply kit. From May 25 through May 31, the purchase of certain items is exempt from the Commonwealth’s sales and use taxes. Customers may use manufacturer’s coupons to lower the price of an item so that it will qualify for the $60 or $1,000 price cap. Items include bottled water, flashlights, battery-powered radios, batteries and first aid kits. The entire list of tax-free items is available at http://www.tax.virginia.gov/site.cfm?alias=HurricanePreparednessEquipmentHoliday RECREATION, PARKS AND OPEN SPACE

City of Norfolk recreational events and opportunities are listed in the Summer 2009 Good Times–now available at the following locations! $ RPOS centers & facilities $ City Hall Information Desk $ Communications Office (3rd floor of City Hall) $ Nauticus $ Norfolk Botanical Garden $ Norfolk Public Libraries $ Virginia Zoo Or visit www.norfolk.gov/goodtimes for the PDF version.

Relay for Life.May 29th at Norview High School.

The Relay for Life is a life changing experience that brings together 3.5 million people across the country each year to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, and remember those who lost that battle. It raises awareness and educates about cancer while raising funds for a cure. Please help Janet Hayden and the Bayview Civic League team with your support and contributions to a worthy cause.

BOTANICAL GARDENNow the Real Fun Begins on the Eagle Cam. All three eaglets have hatched at the Norfolk Botanical Garden (NBG). Providing adequate food to ensure that all three eaglets thrive is a challenge, but this pair of eagles has successfully raised three eaglet broods in the past. The eaglets will eat round the clock and grow very quickly. By mid- June they will be big and strong enough to begin flying from the nest. The eagle cam will provide 24 hour coverage of the eaglets as they are eating, growing, exercising and learning how to fly over the next few months. Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries will continue to update their Blog to keep viewers informed on the eaglet’s developments. Visitors to NBG will be able to watch the adults bringing food to and from the nest on a regular basis. Soon the eaglets will grow large enough to be visible from the top of NATO Tower at the Garden. View the Eagle Cam at www.wvec.com/cams/eagle.html

May 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 10 Issue 8 Page 8

✫✫✫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 BCL-advisory-notice@cox.netMail to: SACCC Watch Program; PO Box 8707, Norfolk, VA 23503

Home Invasion ReportOn Tuesday the 28th of April, something happened in our normally quiet neighborhood that has Norfolk police and local residents on edge. An elderly couple was transported to the hospital after they were found, badly beaten, inside their home in the 1400 block of Sunset Drive. Both have injuries which are considered by Sentara Norfolk General Hospital to be life-threatening.The police realized that this was the second home invasion in the same week. The first was a woman living in the 8400 block of Cape View Ave. The police quickly started warning the neighborhood surrounding the invaded homes (They also contacted the Bayview Civic League) while they were conducting an intense search for the assailant(s). Bayview Civic League, in response, sent out the email shown below to those who were on our BCL Advisory Notice list. In addition to widely distributing a flyer like the one shown on the next page, the Chief of Police, along with a number of his officers, will be attending our May BCL meeting. These officials will be elaborating on the investigation and answering any of your questions or concerns about this matter.Our prayers go out to those who have been injured and we trust that those who perpetrated these hideous acts are brought to swift justice. Meanwhile, be especially vigilant around your own home and keep your doors and windows locked. Anyone with information can call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.Facts are scarce but as of May 2nd two articles with more information are on The Pilot Online website:http://hamptonroads.com/2009/04/elderly-norfolk-couple-assaulted-inside-homehttp://hamptonroads.com/2009/04/norfolk-police-investigating-third-home-invasion-week

Jeannie WilsonCopy: BCL Advisory Notice 4/28/09Dranan has requested this advisory be sent to everyone on the list.  If you have friends not on the list, please advise them.  He advises there was a home invasion on Sunset Drive early this morning (April 28th) where an elderly couple was severely beaten.   Also, a woman who lived on a nearby street was attacked Monday afternoon.PLEASE:  Keep your doors and windows locked.  Look before you open your door to anyone.  Be ready to call 911 if there is a suspicious person on your street or around a neighborʼs home.  If you go walking, try to go with someone and only in “safe” well populated areas.  If you go by yourself, stay very alert to your surroundings and what is going on around you at all times.  Avoid trouble by staying alert and leaving any area where you feel uncomfortable.  Most of all, donʼt try to be a hero.  Donʼt resist and collect as much information as you can, at least get a description and call the cops.I have no more information on either incident.  Watch the news for more information.  If I hear more, I will pass it on.Be Safe!–Ron Wilson

May 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 10 Issue 8 Page 9

A f t e r t h e re c e n t h o m e invasions, this flyer was hand delivered by the Norfolk

Editorʼs Note: May 3, 2009: I woke up this morning thinking that this edition was almost finished. Then I found out about the third news article. Marion Wheeler, age 90, had died from injuries suffered during the brutal attack on April 28th. Marion and his wife, Anna, had been members of the Bayview Civic League. I cannot fathom what kind of individual would do such a thing. However, I am very proud to be a part of an organization which took such swift action in this situation. Hopefully our participation will have been a deterrent to additional incidents. I encourage you to spread the word about the information available via the free BCL Advisory Notice and the News for Bayview RSS Feed, the neighborhood news weblog on our public website. What a wonderful way to multiply the number of “eyes and ears” on the alert and to help keep us ALL a little safer! Keep in mind that any additional information will be made available on the News for Bayview weblog as soon as we get it.Feel free to write me (flewj@mac.com) or any board member. Your thoughts will be posted on our website.

Jeannie WilsonA few quick thoughts regarding the recent incidents: Our neighborhood of Bayview is overall a very safe place to live. But unfortunately, the recent home invasions and brutal attacks show us that no community is immune from violent crime. Most of us cannot comprehend the motive behind someone who preys on those in our society who are more vulnerable, and harm those who cannot fight back. But what we can do is come together as a community en masse to fight back. We can get to know our neighbors, we can look out for each other, and we can show that our neighborhoods do not allow this kind of crime and violence. It’s hard to say that these crimes could have been prevented, but we can let everyone know that the residents of Bayview care and that we look out for each other. Everyone can make a difference by getting involved in their neighborhood and in the community.The Bayview Civic League sends our prayers and thoughts to the victims and their families, and to the community. At times like this we are one, and we all hurt and suffer from such senseless violence.Dranan

Important LinksFlyer Download: 3rd Pilot Online article: http://hamptonroads.com/2009/05/90yearold-norfolk-man-dies-assault-home-invasion Norfolk Crime Line: 1-888-LOCK-U-UP

Police to many residents in our neighborhood. A full page copy of this flyer will be posted in the SACCC downloads page of our website, myBCLonline. Please download a copy and share it with all your friends and neighbors. It might just save a life!

May 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 10 Issue 8 Page 10

Did you find someone for our Scholarship?Read about the qualifications and find the winner, now!

The BCL officers slate for 2009-2010 will be presented at the May meeting. Nominations accepted from the floor, too!

May 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 10 Issue 8 Page 11

Clean the Bay Dayfrom www.cbf.orgLitter pollutes our waterways, kills marine and other wildlife, and degrades our neighborhoods. Shoreline debris is one of the most visible and pervasive reminders that the Chesapeake Bay is in need of restoration and improved stewardship.

Rain that falls on our city streets, roofs, and lawns and runs down storm drains delivers much of the litter that reaches our waters. The removal and disposal of waterway and shoreline litter by volunteers is a service to local communities, the Commonwealth, and the Bay. Clean the Bay Day is a cost effective way for localities to increase environmental stewardship

Join 7,000 fellow Virginians in removing unhealthy debris from cherished waterways throughout the Commonwealth. Show the world that an unhealthy Bay is unacceptable!

By boat or on foot, gather your groups, friends, neighbors, and co-workers for a fun day and a worthwhile way of helping us Save the Bay.

To learn more about the Chesapeake Bay Foundation come hear our speaker from CBF on May 12. To volunteer for Clean the Bay Day, on Saturday June 6, call Keep Norfolk Beautiful at 441-1347.

Help Clean Virginia's WaterwaysClean the Bay Day

Saturday, June 6, 20099 a.m. - 12 Noon www.treasuresfeathersfins.com/

April Refreshment ThanksApril showers couldn’t keep our members from our April meeting. Thanks to all who attended and brought a dish in to share. Thanks to the following members and a guest, Jeanette, who contributed homemade cookies. Yum! Janet Hayden Shirley Hooper Sylvia Ross Karen Hooper Mr & Mrs Brook The Jones Family Jeannie & Linda Gena Goodnough Jeanette Speight Margie Hodges Pat Davidson

Please 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. Give us a call with any ideas! Margie Hodges 587-9527 Pat Davidson 587-3219

Remember, “Bayview is the Place To Be.”

By The WayJanet Hayden also made an Easter Cake that we raffled off

as a door prize at our April meeting! Thanks, Janet!

May 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 10 Issue 8 Page 12

CITY ASSESSOR’S OFFICE BEGINS FIELD REVIEW PLAN

Beginning April 20, the Norfolk Real Estate Assessor’s office will begin a five year field review program that will include a physical inspection of every residential and commercial property in the City of Norfolk.Field reviews will be conducted Monday thru Friday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. The neighborhood inspections will take place from April through July for the next five years. Prior to initiating the inspection of a particular property, the appraiser will make the appropriate introduction at the door. If the owner/occupant is not home, an exterior review will be conducted and a notice will be left informing the owner of the visit. Digital images of each property, including views of assessable improvements will be collected as additional confirmation of the property characteristics.All employees conducting the reviews will wear large, clearly displayed City of Norfolk identification badges. The employees will be driving marked City of Norfolk vehicles. Residents are encouraged to call either the Office of the Real Estate Assessor at (757) 664-4732 or the Police Department Non-Emergency line at (757) 441-5610 if they have any questions as to the validity of the appraiser.‘We recognize that real property characteristics can change over time for a variety of reasons,” states Real Estate Assessor Deborah Bunn “and these reviews by fully qualified City appraisers will ensure an accurate inventory of each property’s attributes.” The field reviews will ensure that the physical description and associated data of all properties are properly identified, collected and inventoried for the sole purpose of generating the most accurate opinion of value.For more information on the five year review plan and updates about what neighborhoods the appraisers a r e i n t h r o u g h o u t t h e p r o g r a m , v i s i t www.norfolk.gov.Note: The planning district of “Capeview” is identified for residential appraisals beginning this year. The Capeview planning district runs from Parkview Ave. north to the bayfront and from Beaumont Street east to 1st Bay St. The planning district of “Oceanview” is identified for commercial appraisals beginning this year. The Oceanview planning district runs from Chesapeake Blvd. to East Beach and from E. Leicester Ave. and Virgilina Ave. north to the bayfront.

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

May 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 10 Issue 8 Page 13

Gardening CornerTips for May

Azaleas are in bloom now, creating a riot of beautiful color. If you want to plant new azaleas in your garden, here are some tips. Azaleas must be grown in an acid soil, with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5. They will not tolerate lime. Many nurseries will test your soil pH for free,, and give you recommendations. As we have said before, having your soil tested is very important to having a great garden. Try to plant azaleas in an area which receives a few hours of morning sun, but receives at least partial shade during the very hottest part of the day. It is best to buy plants which have been grown out of doors locally, which pretty much insures that the plant is hardy in your area. Azaleas resent drying out, so use some kind of mulch to conserve

moisture in the soil. You can use leaves, bark, compost, pine needles, or whatever. The time to prune your existing azaleas is just after they have finished blooming. The buds for next years blooms will be formed this year, so it important that the faded blooms are removed, otherwise you will not get a flower on that stem next year. Rhododendron food should be applied after the plant has finished blooming. Pruning consists mainly of removing the spent flowers, and cutting back longer branches which may spoil the symmetry of the plant.

Early flowering deciduous shrubs such as forsythias, Weigela, and Spiraea should be pruned back when they have finished blooming. Cut back a third of the oldest canes to ground level, then cut back one third of the remaining branches by one third of their height.

Hydrangeas are popular in our area. Hydrangeas need an abundance of water (hydrangea means water tub in Greek), partial to full sun ,and very rich soil. The spent flowers of Hydrangeas should be removed as soon as possible to allow the plant to direct it's strength to growing and producing new buds rather than seeds. Hydrangeas are natures little pH tester)... The blooms will be blue in acid soil, pink in alkaline soil, and white in neutral. The flower colors may sometimes be changed by adding aluminum sulfate to the soil prior to budding to produce or keep blue flowers; or by liming or adding quantities of superphosphate to the soil to produce the pink ones. However, this doesn’t always work so it may be better to buy the color you want.

continues on Page 15

May 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 10 Issue 8 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

May 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 10 Issue 8 Page 15

Dahlias, Gladiolas, tuberous Begonias, Lilies and Cannas and other summer flowering bulbs can be planted this month. Gladiolas bulbs may be planted at 2 week increments until the first of July to provide you with cut flowers until the first frost.

Delphiniums, Phlox, Daylilies, Carnations, Aubrietia, Candytuft, Basket of Gold, Primroses, Coral Bells and Saxifraga and other summer flowering perennials may all be set into the garden any time in May.

Pansies, Snapdragons, Dianthus, Petunias, Geraniums, Fuchsias and Impatiens should be ready to plant by mid month. Toward the end of the month, it should be warm enough to plant out the more tender annuals like Salvia, Zinnias, Marigolds, Lobelia.

If you have English Ivy in your garden it is important to know that ivy is like kudzu, very invasive and lethal to any trees or shrubs that it is on. I saw a beautiful flowering Dogwood on Bayview Blvd. that had ivy covering the trunk and reaching into the lower branches. If that ivy is not removed, it will kill the tree. I am trying to remove the ivy in my yard but it is very difficult, particularly if your neighbors have it. If you can, pull it up by the roots and dispose of it. IF you can’t get rid of all of it, cut it back

severely and make sure you remove 1t from any trees or shrubs that you want to preserve. The March column gave alternative ground covers to replace ivy.May is a good month to repair your lawn. Fill in the bare spots by slightly loosening surface of the soil and sow a good quality lawn seed over the area evenly. Tamp the seed in gently and water. Keep the patch moist by covering with light mulch of lawn clippings. This is the time to eliminate lawn weeds by hand pulling, or the application of a 'weed and feed' fertilizer.... before they go to seed. If you apply fertilizer, use only the amount recommended and water gently to promote its movement into the soil. This is important to prevent runoff which has caused much damage to the Bay. Setting your mower for a higher cut during the spring months will help the grass to grow in fuller and help choke out the weeds. If you are planning a vegetable garden, carrots, lettuce, potatoes, corn, beans, peas and most popular vegetables can be seeded or planted into the vegetable garden at any time now. Wait until mid to late May before planting the warmer weather crops like tomatoes, squash, cucumber, pumpkins and peppers.

http://www.thegardenhelper.com/calendar. I use this website as reference for this column. Check it out for lots more information.

Susan Jones

Editors Note: This article is full of great direct links for many plants. It is worth a trip to our website to get a digital copy of this article as reference material.

Gardening CornerTips for May

continued from Page 13

May 2009 NEW WEBSITE ➔ www.mybclonline.com

Volume 10 Issue 8 Page 16

We have a special opportunity this month! The Norfolk police Department will have a heavy presence, including

the Police Chief, at our meeting. They will provide information and address questions about the recenthome invasions in our area! Be in the know, Join us!

Call: Benny Smith The Man that Lives and Works in Bayview

ABR GRI, Direct line (757) 718-9595Office fax (757) 217-4214

Email: sellahomenow@aol.comWeb: 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