Hello!

My parents live in the Hampton Roads area and I'm starting to think about their Christmas presents. My father is extremely hard to buy for. He's one of those people who has everything he needs and doesn't say what he wants.

I was thinking I could get him an experience as a present. Does anyone have any ideas? He likes science, history, comedy, theater, jazz. He's already been to the aquarium in VA Beach, the Nauticus, and most of the other museums in the area. I've found a few options, but nothing that really strikes me as something my dad would like.

I'm pretty flexible on budget, and if it's a live event, I'd like it to be sometime in 2025.

Thank you! :)

It's exactly what it sounds like. A book club, but for podcasts.

The Podcast Brunch Club is a club where each month a listening list of about 2-5 hours of podcasts centering around a core theme is sent out. For example, this month's theme is about parasocial relationships. Group members would listen to the playlist (if you can't listen to the entire playlist by the time the meeting day happens, that's fine, as long as you are ready to discuss the theme) and meet with the group at an agreed upon location at the end of the month.

If you're interested, please visit the website and sign up. You'll be added to an email listening list where I'll be coordinating with new members.

How much does it cost to join?

Absolutely nothing. At most, just the price of your own drink or meal if you decide to join us for in-person meetings.

When is the first meeting?

This is a new chapter I'm opening so it's dependent on group interest. I understand that we are heading into the holiday season so it's possible we might not be able to hit this month's meetup, but joining the email list means you will be tuned in with me and coordinate for future meetups when we get enough member participation.

As far as where we'll meet? Local coffeeshops or breakfast/brunch restaurants. These details will be ironed out as we get some more members and figure out a place that's going to work best for everyone. Ideally, we'll agree upon as a group for a new spot each month.

I'll try to answer any further questions in the comments when I can.

Potentially moving to this area and think these apartments look neat! However, the reviews have been pretty mixed. Have any of you lived there / would you recommend it? If not, which apartments would you recommend?

Has anyone else seen vehicles that have, "Park Ranger" on them driving around the city?

We have those?

Good evening,

Around noon on Monday, 04 NOV 2024, police arrived at the 1300-block of Hanson Ave in response to being called. There, they found James E. Fortson, Jr., 66 years old, suffering from a gunshot wound. EMS transported him to the hospital, where Mr. Fortson died.

This incident is the green square in the lower-middle of the map, in Huntersville.

https://www.wtkr.com/news/in-the-community/norfolk/man-shot-killed-on-hanson-avenue-in-norfolk-police-say

https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/norfolk/police-man-seriously-hurt-after-shooting-on-hanson-avenue/

A few observations:

- This was the third murder in Norfolk in November and approximately the 28th overall. I say approximately because the police released a slightly greater number in September. I could not verify all of the cases to get to that number, but they almost certainly know better than I.

- It may seem like there have been many shootings lately, and you would be right. There were three murders in three days in the first week of November, which is a "pretty dense set of data points." That being said, we are still six fewer than the end of October last year.

- The average age of the deceased in November, with three data points, is 42.67. The average age overall for 2024 so far is 33.75.

- It has taken us almost the entire year, but there is now a clear cluster of dots/squares around Huntersville. This is in contrast to the other hot spot of last year, Campostella-Berkley, with one murder all year and none since March. I must discount that I have noticed a few murders on the news just over the border in South Norfolk, Chesapeake.

- Men continue to massively outnumber women in the ranks of the deceased. I currently count five women and 23 men out of the 28 overall.

- As usual, this project is meant to inform rather than scare. If you have questions, feel free to ask; maybe I'll know an answer?

Be safe, make good decisions!

We’re trying to get out more. Nothing related to alcohol.

Trying to make burritos and haven’t found any high quality extra large tortillas like they use at restaurants or Chipotle. I’ve checked food lion, Harris teeter, Target and E-mart but they all have the name brand small flour tortillas that break super easy when trying to wrap.

Hi

New to the area. Just wondering if anyone has a doctor they like in Norfolk. It's usually fine but I've had an issue or two in the past finding doctors that were comfortable with my medical needs.

Thanks!

I currently live in Chic's Beach in VB, but have been considering buying a home in Ghent or West Ghent. I'm a 39M and have hung out in downtown/Ghent a ton over the years. I know that hanging out and living in an area are very different things however (especially from my time here in Chic's Beach). I've been looking at West Ghent to buy a home since it's still walkable/bikeable to everything in the area, but I have a better chance of buying a detached single family home as opposed to a condo or townhouse in Ghent proper.

My question from the locals is what would you consider to be pros and cons to be aware of for living in West Ghent. The biggest con I can think of is Hampton Boulevard. Both crossing it to get into Ghent, and the possible traffic backups from the midtown tunnel. Anything else to be aware of? Any feedback is appreciated.

Thanks to the dumb-dumb that spilled cooking oil alllllll the way through the eastbound tunnel.

I think someone asked this already but, does anyone know where I can volunteer at🤨?

Good evening,

Just before midnight on Saturday, 02 NOV 2024, police responded to a call for a shooting at 5800 Curley Dr. Rayvone Foster, 25 years old, was transported to the hospital but died there.

This is roughly the southeast-most murder in Norfolk in 2024.

https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/crime/man-dies-after-late-night-shooting-in-norfolk/291-194c71e9-df0e-44a0-ac93-ad467da48c19

https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/11/03/25-year-old-man-dies-in-norfolk-shooting-police-say/

A few observations:

- This was the second murder in November and approximately the 27th for the year in Norfolk. I must be general due to a discrepancy between my number and the Chief of Police, and I am sure his number is better than mine.

- The average age of those killed in November so far is 31, with two deceased. Overall for 2024, the average age is 32.56.

- 22 of 27 of the people killed in 2024 have been men. This tracks, and then some, with 2023 data.

- A different murder occurred on Monday, which I will post when I get a chance.

- As usual, this project is meant to inform and lightly analyze, rather than strike fear in hearts.

Be safe, make good decisions!

https://preview.redd.it/cp6lxnxopkzd1.jpg?width=617&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=16eb19d002cbef538e096c41efea7fc2acbb1ced

1368 De Bree Ave, Norfolk, was built in 1916 as The Van Wyck Branch of the Norfolk Public Library System.

Henry DuBois Van Wyck was born in 1823 to a wealthy family in Dutchess County, New York. (His family home is a still in existence as the Old Van Wyck Homestead Museum) He left New York as a young adult to head west during the great Gold Rush of the mid 1800s. While in California he discovered what became known as the Great Gold Bluff along the Klamath River. Now even wealthier, he set his eyes on Norfolk where he acquired 3000 acres of farmland.

He quickly became one of Norfolk's most successful businessmen and in the late 1880s leased land in Downtown Norfolk and built a theater known as The Academy of Music. The 500 seat theater was said to be the finest facility south of Washington DC. The theater stood where the Selden Arcade is located.

When Mr Van Wyck passed away in 1901 he left a $15,000 bequest to purchase land for Norfolk's second library which was named in his honor.

This building was one of few that escaped demolition when East Ghent was razed in the early 1970s.

recommendation on where to get the interior of a car detailed please

Two questions: where are all the water front restaurants in Norfolk? (What am I supposed to do on my boat here…..?)

How do you find a helpful (not overly priced) business lawyer?

Hey so given the recent election we decided to change our trajectory from moving to Texas to possibly moving here.

I understand no one here is my realtor and would just appreciate anyone’s advice if they feel like giving it, thanks!

We are 28f and 30m (no children except cats and dogs) looking for a very walkable neighborhood maybe close to bars/breweries, a college campus, and good non-chain restaurant food. Close to a LGBT community, DnD clubs, coffee shops, etc is a bonus as well. Anywhere with great atmosphere, diversity, and culture.

We will probably rent in the meantime but are moving from Mississippi so our budget isn’t amazing right now probably looking under $1400/mo (hopefully not too tall of an order)

Also, if there is another city or town that fits the bill please let me know! Thanks so much 🥹

Hi! I don’t know how else to outreach. I am a queer photographer and if any of you are queer and eloping before January, I would like to offer you my services for free. It should be a happy day with good memories. Please PM me if this applies to you.

Let's talk about events happening in Hampton Roads this weekend! Post upcoming live music, pop-up markets, festivals, community fundraisers, yard/estate sales, group exercise classes, outdoor recreation events, and more.

Please include details about pricing, links to purchase tickets or RSVP your attendance, location addresses, parking information, and anything else that will help the event be successful.

My husband and I bought our first home this year. We live in Norfolk in the Norview area. Our house is an old brick ranch and we love it. But- we have noticed camel crickets in the bathroom and sometimes trying to follow us inside. We have used caulk to seal up the bathroom good and intend to seal the other rooms a little more. I'm originally from FL and I honestly never dealt with many bugs growing up...so this has been stressing me out. I hate that they are silent AND jump high. Evil little critters. Any extra advice on how to keep them away...and is this a south Virginia thing or a Norfolk thing?

So I have been accepted into the NNSY apprenticeship program and I was able to get the machinist job and I was wondering what do they actually do?? They have a small blurb on the website but it’s not very clear what they do exactly.

Looking for local community aid organizations to join/volunteer with.

Any pickleball groups in Norfolk?

I know nothing is changing the outcome of this election but there’s this website called didmyfriendsvote.com or something along those lines where you can see if any registered voter participated in an election. When I checked my name it said mine is still pending. Is there any way I can make sure my vote actually counted? What’s the process of provisional ballots in VA and how long does it take for them to be processed. I had to register to vote in Norfolk on Election Day due to having moved to a new location in the state. I probably should’ve just googled this huh.

I love a place that's not too crowded! It's been difficult for me to find. Any answers are appreciated!