Skipjack

May/June 2024

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

President’s Letter

Civic League Meetings

Civic League Membership

July 4th Festivities

Spring Fling Fun

Clean the Bay Day

45th Annual Oyster Roast

Treasurer’s Report

Cape Story Civic League News

Shore Drive News

PRESIDENT'S LETTER

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Welcome to the start of Summer! This is always an active and busy time here in Cape Story, as everyone is out and about enjoying the perks this neighborhood has to offer- quiet tree-lined streets, the path, the park and, of course, the beach (in addition to all the friendly people and pets)! I hope everyone takes a minute out at times to reflect on how fortunate we are to live in this area- on vacation without leaving home! And, as a continued reminder, please be cognizant of all the other people who travel Shore Drive from places near and far to also enjoy the beach- and who might not realize they are bisecting an active neighborhood! This applies to the side streets as well, particularly Sandalwood and Bayberry, near the park and trail.

I can’t believe the year is halfway over already- July 4th is right around the corner, and then we prepare for the annual Oyster Roast that provides funding for the other Civic Association events. The officers and a small core group of volunteers have been arranging, coordinating, and doing the “grunt work” for these occasions for many years now, and we are looking for additional people who want to get actively involved in the organization. There are lots of new families in the neighborhood, which offers the opportunity to bring fresh ideas, energy, and a commitment to help keep things going in the years to come. This isn’t just about putting on special events, but becoming a leader who will speak out and be in-the-know regarding Virginia Beach government-related meetings, decisions and plans, especially those that affect Cape Story and the Shore Drive/Great Neck corridors. If you or someone you know would be willing to step up (I personally detest that phrase, but I guess it fits), please get in touch with me or any of the other officers. The next general Civic Association meeting isn’t until September- please think about this and touch base with me or any of the other current officers in the interim.

Finally, I want to express my condolences to Chris Cohoon (Skipjack editor) and her family. Her husband, Tosh, sadly passed away last month after living in Cape Story nearly his entire life- he was known by many in the area and had lots of stories to tell! Tosh’s presence motoring around in his golf cart will be missed.

Until the next time, take care, and stay safe!

Diana

Membership Online Dues Payment: https://capestory.org/membership/

NextDoor: capestoryva.nextdoor.com

Email: csbts.president@gmail.com
Website: https://capestory.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeStoryByTheSea/

CIVIC LEAGUE MEETINGS--will be suspended over the summer. Please join us in September!

Civic League Meetings are held the 2nd Monday of each Month.

Where: Lynnhaven Colony Congregational, UCC Community Center (2217 W. Great Neck Rd.)

When: 7:30pm

All are welcome. This is a great opportunity to hear and share information about current events that effect our community!

CIVIC LEAGUE MEMBERSHIP

Don't miss out on any of the information! Membership benefits include emails of Cape Story events, fliers, and newsletter; voting rights on neighborhood decisions, and extra goodies at some events. Please take a minute to join the civic league if you haven't already. Your $15 membership supports the many events sponsored by the civic league such as:

Spring Fling
July 4th Parade and Brunch
Oyster Roast
Thanksgiving and Christmas families
Cape Santa in the Park
Cookies for the Troops
Civic League Signs
Civic League December Social

You can join in a variety of ways:

Online Dues Payment: https://capestory.org/membership/
Printing and completing the form in the newsletter and:

mail it to: P. O. Box 700, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451
drop it at any CSBTS officers' house
bring to a monthly civic league meeting.

Look for additional ways (Venmo) to join as we update our membership drive.

AMERICAN FLAGS

Thank you to Gary Forrest for spearheading the purchase and installation of the American flags on Shore Dr. If you are interested in sponsoring a flag ($30) or making a donation , please contact Diana Albis at csbts.president@gmail.com.

JULY 4TH FESTIVITIES--VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED

The annual Cape Story July 4th celebration will be on Thursday, July 4th, starting with a neighborhood parade, followed by an informal brunch in the park between Sandalwood and Bayberry Street. This includes breakfast foods/refreshments, an ice cream truck courtesy of Teri Doddy/Aweigh Realty, and music by Skip Friel.

The theme for the parade this year is “1980’s Movies”- there were quite a few memorable ones from that timeframe! Trophies are awarded for best theme, most original and most patriotic, for individuals, groups and floats. For those new to the area, the parade starts at 10:00 AM, with lineup on Beech Street at the Cape Henry path. The route goes down Beech Street to Poinciana, and then up Bayberry Street to the park. Once everyone arrives, we start with the Pledge of Allegiance, and the fun begins!

NOTE: We are finalizing plans and need a few volunteers to assist with setup, serving, and/or breakdown in the park (between approximately 8:30am and 12:30 pm), plus parade coordinators and judges. If you would like to help, please reply.

A reminder will follow- hope to see you there!

CSBTS Civic Association Officers/Coordinators

SPRING FLING FUN

Thanks to

Kim and Sean LaCroix for organizing the event
Teri Doddy/Aweigh Realty for the sno-cones/cotton candy
Siobhan LaCroix as chef

100 folks attended and enjoyed the activities, and hamburgers and hot dogs.

A good time was had by all!

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Face Painting

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Bounce Castle

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Good Times

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Games

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Games

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Games

CLEAN THE BAY DAY

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A great group of volunteers for Clean the Bay Day. We collected about 100 pounds of litter. Sad that people litter.

45th ANNUAL OYSTER ROAST

Sunday, November 3rd/10th, 2024

Volunteers are needed.

Please contact Diana Albis at csbts.president@gmail.com to help out.

TREASURE'S REPORT

As of June 10, 2024

CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CAC)

Meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7pm at Fire Station #14

BAYFRONT ADVISORY COMMISSION (BAC)

Meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3:30pm at Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue

VIRGINIA BEACH COUNCIL OF CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS (VBCCO)

The Cape Story Civic Association is an official member of the Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations (VBCCO). Under new leadership, the VBCCO’s mission is to educate the city civic leagues and homeowner associations by monitoring the city’s planning and council sessions and resolutions and serving as a voice for the communities. Each group has two voting members (officers) who attend the VBCCO general meetings, but ALL residents are welcome to request to be added to their e-mail list for notifications. The VBCCO website contains a multitude of information on city government happenings- please visit www.vbcco.org for more information.

The next general meeting is on July 16- from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM. VBCCO president R. Boyles will make a presentation called "Taste of Technology, with Q&A about websites, social media, MailChimp and email blasts. Location: Ocean Lakes Community Clubhouse, 881 Old Dam Neck Road.

High intensity Activated crossWalK) pedestrian crossing safety system

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SHORE DRIVE NEWS

ROUTE 35 BUS

The route 35 bus is up and running. $2 one way. A variety of passes are available.

BEACH REPLENISHMENT

· Cape Henry Beach between Jade Street and Seagate Colony – Sand replenishment is expected to start Spring 2024.

· Chic’s Beach – Sand replenishment is expected to start summer 2024.

CHANGE OF USE

Baptist church on DuPont has applied for a change in facilities usage--to a venue. Meeting at the church to discuss.

SHORE DRIVE ROADWAY AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

· Phase 3 – North Great Neck to Lesner Bridge, construction is expected to start summer 2024 and last 3 years.

· Phase 4 – Lesner Bridge to Marlin Bay. City Council removed funding for the complete project. Emergency funding has been secured to make sidewalk and pedestrian safety improvements, construction should start Fall 2024.

NEW HAWK (High intensity Activated crossWalK) pedestrian crossing safety system

· City Traffic and Safety Engineering will be installing a HAWK crosswalk system at the intersection of the Cape Henry Trail and North Great Neck Road. The pushbutton system will stop vehicle traffic both northbound and southbound to allow pedestrians and bicyclists to cross safely.

Event Information

MAYORAL CANDIDATE DEBATE

When?

Monday, Sep 23, 2024, 07:00 PM

Where?

Kellam High School, West Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA, USA

location_on Open maps

OFFICERS FOR 2025

If you are interested in working along side an officer to learn the job and help out, please reach out to Diana Albis at csbts.president@gmail.com. Nominations will be taken through December 2024 for election/installation in 2025. Thanks to Will Oakley for stepping up as the new Treasurer.

NEXT SKIPJACK NEWSLETTER July/August 2024

If you have news, pictures, stories, events, or information that you would like to include in the next Skipjack newsletter, please contact:

Chris Cohoon christencohoon@gmail.com

Skipjack

May/June 2024

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

PRESIDENT'S LETTER PRESIDENT'S LETTER

CIVIC LEAGUE MEETINGS--will be suspended over the summer. Please join us in September!

CIVIC LEAGUE MEMBERSHIP CIVIC LEAGUE MEMBERSHIP

AMERICAN FLAGS AMERICAN FLAGS

JULY 4TH FESTIVITIES--VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED JULY 4TH FESTIVITIES--VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED

SPRING FLING FUN SPRING FLING FUN

Face Painting

Bounce Castle

Good Times

Games

Games

Games

CLEAN THE BAY DAY CLEAN THE BAY DAY

45th ANNUAL OYSTER ROAST 45th ANNUAL OYSTER ROAST

TREASURE'S REPORT TREASURE'S REPORT

CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CAC) CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CAC)

BAYFRONT ADVISORY COMMISSION (BAC) BAYFRONT ADVISORY COMMISSION (BAC)

VIRGINIA BEACH COUNCIL OF CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS (VBCCO) VIRGINIA BEACH COUNCIL OF CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS (VBCCO)

SHORE DRIVE NEWS

MAYORAL CANDIDATE DEBATE

Monday, Sep 23, 2024, 07:00 PM

Kellam High School, West Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA, USA

OFFICERS FOR 2025 OFFICERS FOR 2025

NEXT SKIPJACK NEWSLETTER July/August 2024

PRESIDENT'S LETTER

CIVIC LEAGUE MEMBERSHIP

AMERICAN FLAGS

JULY 4TH FESTIVITIES--VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED

SPRING FLING FUN

CLEAN THE BAY DAY

45th ANNUAL OYSTER ROAST

TREASURE'S REPORT

CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CAC)

BAYFRONT ADVISORY COMMISSION (BAC)

VIRGINIA BEACH COUNCIL OF CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS (VBCCO)

OFFICERS FOR 2025