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Mayor Fraim speaks at DNC Member Briefing
On December 5th, DT100 members had the opportunity to visit the newly renovated Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel and hear Mayor Paul D. Fraim speak about the ever-changing landscape of the City of Norfolk at the December DNC Member Briefing. As they entered the hotel, visitors were welcomed by the smiling faces of the Sheraton’s staff and beautiful holiday decorations, including a bigger-than-life jolly snowman, Cool Jack, the Holidays in the City mascot! Members willing to brave the morning cold and negotiate on-going renovation construction to attend the December DNC Member Briefing were well-rewarded. The Sheraton outdid themselves in serving as hosts, providing a breakfast unlike any seen in the 18-month history of the monthly downtown updates. Under new ownership and anxious to re-build the trust of Norfolk business people, the Sheraton provided a spread that went beyond fresh fruit to including several varieties of breakfast sandwiches and quiches, and -- the real smile getter -- freshly made Italian doughnuts, crepes, AND sticky buns! The festive feel of the gathering was heightened by holiday song as costumed carolers serenaded the crowd. Later, Mayor Fraim spoke about the future of downtown and the need to begin developing a “2020 Plan” for the city, because the “2010 Plan” has nearly expired. He outlined plans for many ongoing downtown projects, including the light rail system, St. Paul’s Quadrant, and the numerous new developments waiting to begin construction. At the end of the briefing, members were given the opportunity to tour the brand-new Sheraton Hotel.
While change and development has been going on in downtown Norfolk for years, the Mayor’s vision doesn’t have it slowing down anytime soon. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunity as a DT100 member to attend DNC member briefings for free by registering to attend the next one scheduled for February 6, 2008.
Contributed by Rebecca Ennis and Kelly Stefanko
One of Downtown Norfolk’s favorite traditions is back again! Restaurant Week is coming January 20 - 27, 2008. For eight nights only, enjoy a 3-course meal for one set price, either $20 or $30, at participating Downtown restaurants. Last July was my first Restaurant Week experience – as part of a “Girls Night Out” at Kincaid’s. This time around, I’m looking forward to trying different restaurants, but I’m still planning on getting together with friends. Whether you’re looking for a romantic night out or a group get-together, Restaurant Week is the perfect excuse to head Downtown for an evening of fun and fabulous food. This year’s participating restaurants include: 456 Fish, Asian Grill, Blackfinn, Bobbywood, Bodega on Granby, Byrd & Baldwin Brothers Steakhouse, City Dock at the Sheraton, Club Soda, Freemason Abbey, Hell's Kitchen, Kincaid's, La Galleria Ristorante, Monastery, Omar's Carriage House, Scotty Quixx Lounge & Grill, Shula's 347, Sirena Cucina Italiana, Sterling's, The 219 Restaurant, Todd Jurich's Bistro, Trilogy, Velvet Lounge, Vintage Kitchen, and Voila! Cuisine Internationale. Enjoy!
Contributed by Jessica Spears
Did you know that there are 6,800 homeless children in Hampton Roads and that there are 17,000 homeless children in Virginia? ForKids knows and has been fighting homelessness in our area since 1988. One of the ways they do so is by offering programs, education, and financial support to homeless children and their families. ForKids provides a network of temporary and permanent housing opportunities, and counseling and education services. Families are offered a safe place to live and are then given the opportunity to work for their housing and daily necessities. The goal of the organization is to offer a stable environment that will lead to responsibility and self-sufficiency. The Downtown 100 is proud to be a part of the volunteer network that makes ForKids programs possible. In addition to participating in Hot Meals & Homework, the after school mentoring and tutoring program, members of the DT100 have the chance to be a part of Career Day. On Monday, January 28th, volunteer to host two children in your workplace from 10am-11am. Teach them about your career and the steps they can take to get there one day. You can help motivate their interest in pursuing education and careers by providing a positive work role model that these kids might never experience otherwise. It’s a great opportunity to dedicate one hour of your time to make an impact on tomorrow’s leaders. For more information about volunteering please contact Jenn Morelen at jenn.morelen@gmail.com or Rob Camlin at rob@abcva.org. Contributed by Jeanne Bollendorf
It’s January -- when dreams of a white Christmas have given way to dreams of a big income tax refund! As you start crafting grand plans to spend your big windfall (if you’re getting one!), be sure to set aside $25 to pay your Downtown 100 annual member dues. Yeah, we know, it may mean the difference of having to make your lunch instead of going out a few times this month or taking a night off from happy hour, but it’s worth it! As MasterCard would say, the value of being a Downtown 100 member is priceless. There are opportunities to learn, meet people, do good things, and best of all – have fun – all in support of the place where we work, live, and play. As an extra bonus, when you renew your membership by paying your dues, you will receive a DT100 T-shirt, great for proudly promoting the organization wherever t-shirts are acceptable attire. Make life easier and save yourself from the onslaught of reminders by paying early. Checks can be made payable to the DNC and dropped off at their office anytime or given to your committee chair at your next meeting. Contributed by Kelly Stefanko Hopping Along in the Holiday Spirit
The turnout was great and the holiday spirit plentiful as DT100 members and their guests enjoyed the hospitality of Sevens', Guadalajara’s, and Baxter’s, also for the pleasure of each other’s company in the latest edition of the holiday hop on December 6th. The Events Committee raised more than $400 for ForKids through a raffle and the lucky winners were Andrew Sinclair, Stephanie Merfalen, and Drewry Tatterson. It’s hard to believe that the six magical weeks of celebrating Holidays in the City are over for another year. Amidst the plethora of festivities, here’s what DT100 members said was their favorite thing about the holidays downtown: “The sense of relief when the Grand Illumination Parade is over.” – Kelly Stefanko “Ice skating at MacArthur.”- Darren Klink “Getting together with friends at the many cool spots along Granby Street to celebrate.” – Arlene Winslow “The lights!” -- Allyzabethe Ramsey “Holiday parking rates at MacArthur ($1 after 6:00 during the holiday season).” - Khalilah LeGrand “Ice skating in downtown Norfolk.” – Kim Miller “The Holiday Hop.” - Serena T. Fuentas “The music.” - Tom Van Benschoten “Seeing the buildings lit at night as you exit from 264.” - Rob Camlin “The Christmas music played downtown.” - Bryan Pennington “The Grand Illumination Parade (it’s great for business!).” - Trey Hannah “The DT 100 holiday hop.” - Bruce Lo “Seeing the Nutcracker at Chrysler Hall followed by the BARRE’s reception at Bobbywood.” - Andrew Sinclair “The nostalgia of childhood from skating in MacArthur.” - Susan Pollock
Contributed by Kelly Stefanko Who will be the DT100 Member of the Year? The nomination form for the DT100 Member of the Year is nearly complete. Start thinking now about someone you feel is an outstanding member of our organization. This person should exhibit true commitment, a willingness to participate in events, and volunteer for various DT100 activities during the year. So if you think you or a fellow Downtown 100 member deserves to be the first to get this honor, be sure to complete a nomination application. Contributed by Khalilah LeGrand
We are so grateful for our readers that we’re giving away FREE stuff! After reading the newsletter, you only have to reply to dt100@downtownnorfolk.org within 24 hours of delivery to be automatically entered into our monthly drawing. Thanks for your continued patronage and good luck!
some of our events or just being around Downtown? Send them to Robert Pursell at robert.t.pursell@gmail.com.
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