The Mariners’ Museum has been named a finalist for The National Medal for Museum and Library Service. This is the highest honor bestowed in the country to libraries and museums significantly impacting their communities. Mariners’ was selected among the narrowed list of 30 institutions nationwide and is the only one in Virginia and the only maritime museum. Winners will be announced toward the end of May. Howard H. Hoege, III is president and CEO of The Mariners’ Museum and Park.
Joycelyn Spight Roache, senior vice president and credit underwriter manager with Old Point National Bank, has been named chair of the board of VersAbility Resources. A longtime member of the board of directors of VersAbility, she also serves on the board for the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities.
Newport News has been selected by Bloomberg Philanthropies as one of 25 U.S. cities to join Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities. Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities is a three-year initiative designed to leverage historic levels of federal funding to incubate and implement transformative local solutions to build low-carbon, resilient and economically thriving communities. The $200 million Bloomberg Philanthropies initiative will provide deep support to selected cities to pursue transformative solutions in the buildings and transportation sectors through partnerships with PolicyLink, Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University, and Natural Resources Defense Council. Newport News will receive a Bloomberg Philanthropies-funded innovation team (i-team) with up to three dedicated staff with expertise in data analysis, insight development, human-centered design, systems thinking and project management to bolster city capacity in driving progress on climate mitigation and promoting equitable outcomes. The city will also receive multi-year, in-depth, customized policy and technical assistance in collaboration with community-based organizations to mobilize public, private, and philanthropic investments.
The Annual Liz Moore Cupcake Wars Fundraiser held in February raised close to $25,000 in just three hours, breaking last year’s company record of $21,000. The event was held in Liz Moore offices, with 5,600 cupcakes baked, donated and sold. This year’s proceeds went to Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity and Smith Point Sea Rescue.
The Peninsula SPCA’s 16th annual Fur Ball gala made history in March by raising more than $370,000 for pets and programs of the Peninsula SPCA. This year’s event, A Walk in the Park, had more than 400 guests with nearly 50 pets joining the celebration. Guests enjoyed browsing silent auction items and having their portraits made by Bob Harper Portraits. Before the pet parade, four-legged guests were treated to tasty treats at the Muttini Bar, made possible by Carol & Frank, Pearson Toyota Scion, Colonial Webb, TowneBank, Old Point and VCA Animal Hospital. Community partners who support Peninsula SPCA work were Pawsome Partners Waste Management and Collins Machine Works. Additional sponsorships were provided by Carol & Frank, TowneBank, Colonial Webb, Pearson Toyota, Old Point Wealth Management, VCA, Carlson Environmental Consultants, Kaufman and Canoles, PetSuites, Care-A-Lot Pet Supply, Cathy McQuade, Bluewater Building Company, Advanced Electrical Service, W.M. Jordan, Medina Cale Group at Morgan Stanley, Animal Emergency Center, COVA Insurance, A.J. White & Associates, Spivey Rentals, Bay Disposal, Total Wine and Finks Jewelers. In-kind support was provided by Big Top Entertainment, Splendid Seating, Bob Harper Portraits, Anne Companion Photography, SLR Imagery LLC and LNDR Photography and Design LLC. Special thanks was also extended to Tiffany Hass, Kyle Hause, Request Station and Closed Curtain.
Kaylee Fortney has joined Newport News Tourism as its new content marketing coordinator. She will be responsible for implementing web-based marketing strategies to promote public awareness of and increase visitation to Newport News. A native of Smithfield, Fortney also will be working toward an associate degree in management. She plans to earn a transfer degree toward a master of arts in business administration from Old Dominion University. Fortney has earned certificates in graphic design and as a Certified Administrative Professional (CAP). In her new position, Fortney will also be managing a new website for Newport News Tourism.
Top March agents for CENTURY 21 Nachman Realty’s Peninsula office were Angelena Hankins, top listing and top producing agent; Patrizia Ridout, top selling agent; and Rose Matthews, top closing agent.
Virginia Peninsula Community College presented its inaugural “Celebrating Women Forging Our Future” event in March, featuring networking and a moderated question-and-answer session led by VPCC President Dr. Towuanna Porter Brannon (center). The panel showcased business executives (from left) Jennifer Smith-Brown, owner of J. Smith McDonald’s; My Lan Tran, executive director of the Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce; Lauren Moore, vice president of communications and programming for the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce; and Gaby Lopez Rengifo, owner of One of a Kind Landscapes and Remodeling and founder of the Hispanic Chamber of Coastal Virginia.
The Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization, has reaccredited Virginia Peninsula Community College’s (VPCC) master automobile service technology program. According to its website, it evaluates and accredits entry-level automotive technology education programs against standards developed by the automotive service industry. Shown here is instructor Mark Burge with current automotive students.
Additionally, VPCC’s online associate program in computer science is ranked in the top 25 in the country, according to TechGuide, which uses data from the National Center for Education Statistics to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its information. According to TechGuide, “By earning a place among the top 25 institutions providing exceptional educational opportunities, VPCC’s program reaffirms its dedication to delivering outstanding education.” Pictured is Mark Goldstein, computer science instructor.
PBMares, LLP has established a new Risk Advisory consulting practice. Combining two stand-alone services, Cybersecurity and Internal Controls, PBMares’ Risk Advisory experts provide a holistic, collaborative approach to risk management. With the addition of a new service offering, Operational Excellence, clients gain access to business process improvement solutions. The Risk Advisory team is led by partners JJ Edmunds, Jr., CPA, CIA, CISA, MSA; Antonina McAvoy, CISA, CISM, QSA, PCIP; and Bronach Branan, CPA, ACMA, CLSSGB, senior manager. Their experience in finance, accounting, cybersecurity and business process improvement enables them to deliver innovative, customized solutions to help clients better respond to and anticipate risk while driving growth.
Newport News is one of 20 communities selected as a finalist for the 75th annual National Civic League’s All-America City Award. The All-America City Award uncovers and celebrates the finest examples of American civic innovation by inviting communities across the country to apply for recognition based on the strength of their civic capital, including the formal and informal relationships, networks and capacities that enable communities to solve problems and thrive. This is the first time Newport News has applied for this award. Finalists were selected after a competitive review based on the criteria of shared vision, civic engagement, inclusiveness and equity, collaboration, innovation and impact. Each finalist submitted an application discussing the strength of its civic capital, providing examples of three community-driven efforts that have adapted and transformed the community. Finalist communities, representing 11 states, range in size from 3,000 residents to more than 700,000. The event and competition will take place June 7-9. Finalist teams will present the story of their work to a jury of nationally recognized civic leaders. Winners will be announced with 10 cities being named All-America Cities.
The Virginia Living Museum (VLM) has been selected as a recipient of a grant from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. Dominion Energy recently revealed $1.3 million in grants through its Environmental Education and Stewardship grants program, with the Virginia Living Museum being among the 45 recipient organizations in Virginia. This grant will bolster the Museum’s “Community Conservation” initiatives in 2024. The funds will be instrumental in supporting various projects aimed at safeguarding and preserving the region’s natural environment. Shown here accepting the check from Crystal Bright, external affairs manager, Dominion Energy (center) are John W. Morgan, museum board member and manager at Dominion Energy; Claudia Kessel, museum grants officer; Kortney Jaworski, herpetology curator; and Rebecca Kleinhample, VLM executive director.
