Skipjack

Spring 2025

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

President’s Letter

Civic League Meetings

Civic League Membership

Spring Fling

July 4th Festivities

46th Annual Oyster Roast

Treasurer’s Report

Cape Story Civic League News

Shore Drive News

PRESIDENT'S LETTER

Hello Cape Story Residents!

I can’t believe we’re reaching the mid-point of 2025 already! Memorial Day, when we remembered and honored our fallen military heroes, was the official indicator that Summer is just around the corner, bringing more visitors, tourists heading to the oceanfront, and residents gathering outdoors. In past letters, I’ve mentioned concerns about the trail, streets, children, and traffic. This time, I’d like to focus on pets, primarily our dog-friends, and share a few items that may apply to you, or to your families and friends.

As of Memorial Day, dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10am-6pm. This rule may be in place due to the increased number of beachgoers, but it also helps ensure the safety and protection of our furry companions. Some people like to soak up the sun all day and bring their dogs with them- but pets with their permanent fur coats can’t possibly be comfortable tethered to a beach chair for hours. During the summer months, the temperature of the sand can be well over 120 degrees- and the pavement can be unbearable as well. If you opt to take your dogs out and about during the day, I urge people to do a temperature check first. When heading out, please test the ground- if it is too hot for your bare feet, it is going to be too hot for the tender pads on your dog’s feet as well.

Some folks have also noticed that others seem to be leaving their dogs alone outside for quite a while, regardless of the weather. Hearing crying howls and endless barking can be heart-wrenching- our pets shouldn’t have to be that unhappy or uncomfortable. If you are a pet owner, please be cognizant of their well-being, and allow them to remain in a safe and comfortable environment when they’re alone. Related to pet safety, Cape Story’s location by the bay, marsh, and state park often brings a variety of wild birds and animals into our shared environment, which is exciting and great to experience. Fences can contain your pets, but not necessarily others passing through, so please be kind to, but aware of, these visitors to ensure the safety of all the animals.

This covers my current thoughts for the Skipjack- please check out the other articles and notices for additional information about Cape Story for this summer and beyond!

Best regards,

Diana

CHECK US OUT:

NextDoor: https://nextdoor.com/neighborhood/capestoryva--virginia-beach--va?utm_source=global_search&query=cape%20story%20by%20the%20sea

Email: csbts.president@gmail.com
Website: https://capestory.org/
Facebook: Cape Story by the Sea | Virginia Beach VA | Facebook

CIVIC LEAGUE MEETINGS

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!

Remaining 2025 Civic Association Meetings:

Resident input and participation is key for any Civic Association to survive and thrive. The Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association meets on the second Monday of each month, except July and August, at 7:30 PM at the Lynnhaven Colony Congregational Church on West Great Neck Road. The remaining 2025 meetings are: June 9, September 8, October 13, November 10, and a combined meeting/social on December 8- location TBD.

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 $20 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.

SPRING FLING 2025

A big thank you to Kim and Sean Lacroix and all the volunteers for another great Spring Fling.

JULY 4TH FESTIVITIES

Cape Story will hold its annual July 4th parade and neighborhood celebration/brunch once again this year on the actual holiday- July 4th. During the Spring Fling family event in April, those who attended presented ideas and voted for the parade theme. This year’s selection was “Rock Stars”, which should generate some very exciting and entertaining parade entries! Keep an eye out for future Civic Association announcements and notices in the park regarding the planned July 4 activities. (Looking ahead, 2026 is our nation’s 250 birthday- a milestone event, so let’s plan for a patriotic theme next year!)

46th ANNUAL OYSTER ROAST

Though it is still several months away, it is not too early to start thinking about the annual Cape Story Oyster Roast, the Civic League event typically held in November that helps us fund other activities throughout the year. The CSBTS Officers and core team of volunteers are looking for new people who are willing to get involved, coordinate, and share fresh ideas for this event and others. If you want to make a difference while supporting our neighborhood, please contact Diana (csbts.president@gmail.com) or any of the other officers!

TREASURE'S REPORT

Shore Drive Median Update

If you’ve paid attention to the Cape Story area median on Shore Drive, you’ll see that the city worked on the vegetation in that area earlier this year. The end-cap sections seemed to have survived, but other plantings never took, leaving barren, mulch-filled areas. The Civic Association has been in touch with the city about this, but it doesn’t look like they can do anything else until later this year. If you would be interested in forming a group to voluntarily spruce up that area, please contact Diana (csbts.president@gmail.com) or any of the other officers, or feel free to present your ideas at the next civic league meeting.

Cape Henry Trail/CSBTS Street Intersections

Those who have followed the Civic Association meetings are aware that we have been working with the city on potential safety improvements at the intersections of the Cape Henry trail and the streets in our neighborhood. The initial concerns are naturally the areas around the neighborhood park- Sandalwood Road and Bayberry Street. The city has studied the options and is willing to submit a request for funding to raise the intersection roadway on those streets to initiate more cautionary actions by those driving on the streets as well as those crossing the path at the intersections. Please be aware that the residents adjacent to those two intersections will be contacted by a Civic Association officer soon, as they must agree in writing that they are on board with this proposal.

Cape Story Park Improvements

Long-time Cape Story resident Gary Forrest is spearheading a neighborhood effort to improve the quality of the Cape Story Neighborhood Park this year. Those who frequent the park know that the (formerly) grassy open area used by residents of all ages is now packed down and covered with exposed roots. The city Parks and Recreation department maintains the area, but does not replenish soil, grass or other groundcover in the neighborhood parks. Cape Story residents who attended recent Civic Association meetings noted that it’s no longer a viable play area for children and families, and offered to voluntarily work on revitalizing the area, with a fund-me account that raised money to assist with this. Planning with the city is still in-progress; updates will be available via Civic Association notices and future meetings.

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.

SHORE DRIVE NEWS

Shore Drive Corridor Improvements Phase III CIP#100381 – N. Great Neck Rd to Lesner Bridge. The project officially started on May 1st. Pedestrian safety improvements, underground utilities, dedicated bike lanes, sidewalks and road resurfacing will all be part of this 3 year long project. Expect delays and rerouting of traffic during the process.

Eastern Shore Drive – Poinciana Pump Station CIP#100599

The project is in final review and will be 100% design complete by July 2025. The main discharge line (52 inch diameter) will follow the existing path down Sandalwood and discharge into Long Creek. The City has agreed to present the final design at fall civic association meeting. Estimated Construction Start Date: Q2 2026, Estimated Construction Completion: Q4 2028

HAWK Pedestrian Crossing Signal – This push button red light system is planned for the Cape Henry Trail crossing at N. Great Neck Road. The system is 90% designed. A public meeting will be held to discuss the system and concerns. The project is scheduled to start Q2 2026 and finish by Q1 2027.

Old and Broken Telephone Boxes Along Cape Henry Trail – The City has been notified of the 15+ dilapidated boxes along the path and is researching who and how the boxes can be removed. They appear to be old C&P, AT&T and Verizon boxes slated for removal.

OFFICERS FOR 2025

President: Diana Albis (757) 496-0304

1st VP: Empsy Munden (757) 481-0482

2nd VP: Cathie Sykes (757) 404-4961

Treasurer: Will Oakley (404) 217-1898

Secretary: Todd Solomon (757) 450-3273

NEXT SKIPJACK NEWSLETTER Summer 2025

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

Spring 2025

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

PRESIDENT'S LETTER PRESIDENT'S LETTER

CIVIC LEAGUE MEETINGS

CIVIC LEAGUE MEMBERSHIP CIVIC LEAGUE MEMBERSHIP

SPRING FLING 2025 SPRING FLING 2025

JULY 4TH FESTIVITIES JULY 4TH FESTIVITIES

46th ANNUAL OYSTER ROAST 46th ANNUAL OYSTER ROAST

TREASURE'S REPORT TREASURE'S REPORT