Sharon Martin, senior vice president, private banker with Old Point National Bank, and Sylvia Weinstein Craft, publisher and editor of Oyster Pointer, have been named to the Newport News Regional Committee of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in support of The DeGood Foundation’s work in promoting, growing and sustaining the Imagination Library of Hampton Roads. Kyle DeGood is the foundation’s founder and executive director.
Lackey Clinic launched a new program, Lackey Virtual Care, an online medical diagnosis and treatment service operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, free of charge to all Virginians aged 18 years or older, whether or not they are current patients. The program gives a patient the opportunity to start the process online for a doctor’s visit anytime from anywhere in Virginia, with direct access to a provider without an appointment or waiting in a patient waiting room. Dr. Jill Cottel is Lackey Clinic medical director.
Cynthia Callaway has been selected executive director of NetworkPeninsula, replacing Karen Dutro, the organization’s founder. Callaway served as vice president of institutional advancement at Virginia Peninsula Community College (formerly Thomas Nelson Community College) since 2006. She has served as board chair of VersAbility Resources, is a former board member of the CIVIC Leadership Institute and a past director of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. NetworkPeninsula is a 501c3 organization providing tools and training to help nonprofits effectively fulfill their missions.
Newport News Education Foundation (NNEF) held its annual Golf tournament at Kiln Creek Golf Club in June. Participating in the tournament and seen on the Oyster Pointer-sponsored hole were (from left) golfers Paul Cole, Charlie Manriquez, Dave Martin and Sharon Martin. Financial support of the golf tournament will be used to fund the important work of NNEF, which among other initiatives provides mini-grants to teachers, awards the Wayne D. Lett Scholarship, and fosters relationships between local business partners and the school division. Sponsors of the event included Newport News Shipbuilders, Awnings by Bigley & Hogshire, Oyster Pointer, Michael Leech-Pro Auto, Dusewicz & Soberick Attorneys at Law, Achievable Dream Academies, Rick Brandt–Team Titan Real Estate, Jimmy Fay–State Farm, OVM Financial and Virginia Educators Credit Union.
Participating in Virginia Peninsula Community College’s United for Impact Series in June were Christa Krohn, facilitator and keynote speaker, who led a panel discussion with (from left), Edward Halper, Ian Taylor, Lisa Surles-Law, Reeve Bull and Jeff Corbett. The discussion focused on artificial intelligence, its benefits and risks.
Michelle Alexander, Virginia Peninsula Community College faculty member, has been named dean of the Public Safety, Allied Health, and Human Services (PSAHHS) division. Alexander earned a bachelor’s degree in health science from James Madison University and a master’s degree in public health from the University of South Carolina.
Allan C. Hanrahan, former writer for Oyster Pointer, has published his second book. Black Tuesday: A Novella, is a fictional treatment of the 1929 stock market crash and its causes and effects. It is in distribution and available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble. Hanrahan’s first book, Times & Places: A Glimpse of Life on the Virginia Peninsula, is still in print and has been accepted by the Library of Congress for inclusion in its Local Histories Collection.
Lysandra M. Shaw has been appointed executive director of the Newport News Redevelopment & Housing Authority. With more than 20 years of experience in housing and community development in the region, she has served as deputy director since 2022. Shaw holds a bachelor’s degree from Salem College and an MBA degree from University of Phoenix.
For the first time, Newport News has been recognized by the National Civic League as one of 10 All-America City Award winners. The National Civic League presented this honor to celebrate the city’s work to engage residents in strengthening democracy through local action and innovation. Earlier this year, communities from across the country submitted written applications showcasing their efforts to strengthen democracy, and the field was narrowed to 20 finalists. A jury of nationally recognized civic leaders selected the 10 winning communities. The mission of the National Civic League is to advance civic engagement to create equitable, thriving communities.
N. Scott Millar, president of the Christopher Newport University (CNU) Education Foundation, presented a parting thank you gift to Adelia Thompson, retiring CNU vice president of advancement, external engagement and the arts at a recent meeting of the Education Foundation.
Boys & Girls Club of the Virginia Peninsula (BGCVP) accepted a check of $850,000 from Congressman Bobby Scott (center, front row) at the Greater Hampton Roads Unit for capital improvements to clubs in the 3rd District. The funding will enable the BGCVP to make critical improvements to its facilities, directly benefiting the youth being served. BGCVP has been serving the local community for more than 75 years, offering programs and services designed to promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. This funding will help ensure the organization can continue to fulfill its mission for future years. Shown with Congressman Scott are Curtis D. Bethany, III, Newport News vice mayor (right); Hal Smith, BGCVP president and CEO (right); YCP participants; BGCVP staff members; BGCVP Club kids and board members Maurice Pierce, George Clark (incoming board president), Steve Sigmon (current board president), Glenn Davenport, Chip Trieshmann, Dwight West and Gary Moore.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula (B&GCVP) will host its 17th Annual Smart Smiles 5K on August 17 at Mariners’ Museum & Park. The event is a Peninsula Track Club 5K Grand Prix, Run/Walk Event and is supported by partners, including The Levy Family, Delta Dental VA, Newport News Amateur Communications Team, Body By D Gym, Hampton University Track and Field and the Smart Smiles 5K Committee. The Smart Smiles 5K is a fundraiser supporting initiatives, including the Smart Smiles Dental Care and health and wellness programming. To help participants prepare, B&GCVP has launched the Couch to 5K Facebook Group, offering training tips, motivation and community support. For more information and to register, visit www.bagclub.com.
Federal Credit Union received $5,000 Jean M. Yokum College Scholarships, named after the credit union’s former president and CEO. Recipients showcasing academic excellence and dedication to serving their community are Hannah Chen, graduate of Grafton High School in York County and attending the University of Virginia; Parker Forrest, graduate of Tabb High School in York County and attending Virginia Tech; Christopher Freshwater, graduate of Hampton Roads Academy and attending American University; Megan Killian, graduate of Grafton High School in York County and attending Shenandoah University; Janie Qing, graduate of Tabb High School in York County and attending Duke University; and Audrey Wallin, graduate of Hampton Christian Academy and attending Old Dominion University.
Jessica Hewitt, CPA, has been added as a new partner with the accounting and advisory firm of Brown Edwards. Formerly a director in the Newport News office, she joined DHG (now Forvis Mazars) in 2011 and transitioned to Brown Edwards with the acquisition of the Newport News office in 2018. She has served as a director in the tax services group for the past three years. A life-long resident of the Hampton Roads region, Hewitt is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Lelani Clayton, of Coldwell Banker Traditions’ Peninsula office, was top sales agent for May.
In 2021, United Way of the Virginia Peninsula launched the Community Assistance Network (CAN), an Advocacy and Referral Service to serve as backbone support for a network of diverse community partners working together to keep local people housed, healthy and thriving. CAN was the strategic consolidation of several resource and referral services on the Peninsula. In July, the United Way announced CAN will expand its hours to include evening hours through 6:30pm, resulting from a $100,000 gift from the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation (BFSF). Sister David Ann Niski is executive director of BFSF.
Oasis Salon has relocated to 704 Mariners Row, Suite 104, and has expanded its menu to include additional hair stations, nail services, facials and massage services. Cristina Mohajerin is salon owner.
Top June agents for CENTURY 21 Nachman Realty’s Peninsula office were Chaz Fiscella, top listing and closing agent, and Jamie Coldsnow, top selling and producing agent.
Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (VECF) announced $37,362,656 in grants of state general funds from the Virginia Department of Education to support quality early childhood care and education (ECCE) services for 2,530 children (2,013 three- and four-year-olds and 517 infants, toddlers and two-year-olds) across the Commonwealth. Through Virginia’s MixedDelivery program, administered by VECF, eligible families with young children gain access to high quality, full-day, year-round ECCE services in the settings of their choice so they can work and their children can enter kindergarten ready to learn.
Christopher Newport University’s 42nd Annual Writers Conference, “Virginia is for Writers,” is scheduled for Saturday, September 14, in the Freeman Center. The conference is presented by Christopher Newport University LifeLong Learning Society, English Department and Writers Advisory Council. For additional information, visit cnu.edu/writers or follow the event on Facebook at facebook.com/CNULLS.
The Peninsula SPCA received a $3,500 donation from the Enterprise Mobility Foundation™ to support its ongoing efforts to help animals through adoption services, preventative veterinary care and humane education programs. The mission of the Enterprise Mobility Foundation is to strengthen the communities where team members live and work by supporting a range of charitable causes. Megan Steele, is executive director of the Peninsula SPCA.
