Tidbits – March 2023

Mariners’ Museum has scheduled its March programs with the disclaimer that events are subject to change. March 3, Beyond the Frame, a behind-the-scenes look at the Museum’s world-class art collection with Kyra Duffley, digital content specialist; March 3, Civil War Lecture, featuring Union Wooden Fleet in Hampton Roads on March 7, 1862, with John V. Quarstein, director emeritus of the USS Monitor Center (in-person and livestreamed); March 10, Civil War Lecture, featuring Development of Confederate Ironclads, with John V. Quarstein, (in-person and livestreamed); March 11, Capt. Henry Marx Memorial US Sailing International Safety at Sea Course (in-person program); March 11, Battle of Hampton Roads Commemoration (in-person program); March 12, Friendly Hours (in-person program). For times, registration and fees, visit www.MarinersMuseum.org.


The Newport News Sheriff’s Office has been awarded grant funding by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America to expand its current Project Lifesaver program, which provides safety technology to local families caring for a loved one, adult or child, who is prone to wandering due to a dementia-related illness or other cognitive disorders. This program, in partnership with Project Lifesaver International, allows caregivers to voluntarily register their loved one with dementia to wear a small wrist or ankle transmitter that emits an individualized radio frequency signal. When the transmitter is activated, the frequency allows a trained response team to locate the person and help return that person home safely. There is no charge for families to enroll in the program.


Top selling and listing agent of Coldwell Banker Traditions for the month of December was Angela Lee.


Denep Gonzalez has joined TowneBank as assistant vice president. She is a treasury management advisor based at the TowneBank Oyster Point location. Gonzalez brings 12 years of experience to TowneBank. She received her associate degree in business administration from Miami Dade College and is pursuing her degree at Old Dominion University.


Stephen Abbitt
Kaéra Mims
Susannah Oskarsson

Stephen Abbitt, broker with Abbitt Realty Company, LLC has been appointed to the Virginia Peninsula Realtors (VPAR) board of directors. This is Abbitt’s second time serving on the VPAR board of directors. He is also a past chair of the VPAR property management committee and most recently served as a member of the association’s nominating committee.

Kaéra Mims, associate broker, has moved into the role of supervising broker with Abbitt Realty. Most recently Mims served as success coach with the firm, a role in which she reimagined and leveled up the training, coaching and mentoring programs. Mims is immediate past president of the VPAR as well as 2019 REALTOR® of the Year. She currently serves on the board of directors for Virginia REALTORS®.

Susannah Oskarsson, REALTOR® with Abbitt, has been awarded the Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation. GRI is a nationally recognized designation with in-depth knowledge on technical subjects that include legal liabilities, professional standards, brokerage relationships, contracts and specialized areas, such as appraisals, negotiations and house construction.


Len Heath
Joe Verser
Hunter Old

Len Heath, Joe Verser and Hunter Old have been recognized by CoVaBIZ, the business magazine of Coastal Virginia, among the Top 2023 Lawyers. 


Crusading Outreach Ministries and Faith Living Christian Center, partner agencies of Virginia Peninsula Foodbank (VPF), were the first recipients of new cargo vans, which will allow them to access and distribute more food to families in need across the greater Peninsula. These purchases were some of the first of many vehicle and equipment purchases made possible through a Community Development Block Grant received by Virginia Peninsula Foodbank through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Shown here with VPF staff members (left to right) Nicole Singleton, Renee Figurelle and Karen Joyner are representatives from the two partner agencies.


Newport News Master Gardeners Association is hosting a series of rain barrel workshops. All materials needed to create a rain barrel will be provided and an in-person demonstration on assembling a rain barrel will be included. Rain barrel workshops will take place at 10 a.m. on March 18 at Newport News Recovery Operations Center (520 Atkinson Blvd.); April 22 at CNU Garden Symposium (1 University Pl.); May 27 at Mariners’ Museum and Park (100 Museum Dr.); and September 9 at Brittingham Midtown Community Center (570 McLawhorne Dr.). Transporting completed rain barrels will require a vehicle large enough to accommodate a 55-gallon drum. Advanced registration is required. For fee information, to register or to learn more about workshops, call the Newport News Virginia Cooperative Extension Office at 757-591-4838 or visit www.nnmastergardeners.org. 


Colliers has been awarded leasing and management by the Murphy Property Group of nearly 600,000 square feet in its nine buildings at City Center at Oyster Point. The Murphy Property Group, based out of Florida, purchased its City Center portfolio in 2021. City Center is a 52-acre, high-density, mixed-use development zoned for 250,000 square feet of retail, 1,000,000 square feet of Class A office space, and 600 residences. Colliers’ Perry Frazer, Brian Davidson and Robbie Berndt will handle office leasing; Harrison Hall, Peter Vick, Tyler Brooks, and Maddy Spear will handle retail leasing. Todd Willett and Jessica Poyner will lead full-service property management. Frazer is executive vice president of Colliers.


Kimi Dornan
Jamie Coldsnow
Dee Karlsson

Top Agents for CENTURY 21 Nachman Realty for the month of January are: Kimi Dornan, top listing and closing agent; Jamie Coldsnow, top selling and producing agent; and Dee Karlsson, top referring agent.