foxywavy's Blog

This is an email sent to me from Tom McClellon, a Norfolk native, who now lives in India.

 He has spent a lot of time at the Taj hotel that came under fire  when terrorists struck ten different locations in the heart of India’s financial district on Thanksgiving.  He watched international news and surfed various webpages- including www.wavy.com and www.myfoxhamptonroads.com during the chaos.  Tom also emailed me pictures of what those areas looked like before the bombing.  He has stayed there in the past and knows the building well. Tom’s text is in red.

this is really bad and still going on..  i’m watching cnn and bbc and txting frinds in mumbai constantly/  we txt alot here in india.  its how we communicate. all are worried re the lasting effects on internationals.  many international companies are already pulling out of emerging markets due to the economy.  india’s economy has suffered terribly this past year. if u want to ask any questions//  blog me/  also i know those buildings the taj and oberoi very well and the entire hood of ‘colaba’ (the real name for south mumby) is a stomping ground.  cafe leopold too//  . u might say they are a terrorist’s dream//  cafe leopold is completely open to the street and always packed..// the oberoi is built around one central atrium encircled by exposed hallways.. all room doors facing in.  the atrium is  the entire height of the hotel.


the taj is open throughout all the floors as well on the room floors from the 2nd floor (usa 3rd fl) to the 6th floor/ sort of like balconies inside/  but open from the center of all the interior hallways/  quite stunning ut when it was built it was compared to a prison (haha)/ the taj is absolutely massive.  the main tower in front is the grand staircase// i see lots of smoke coming from there from time to time.  it is completely open from ground floor to dome  whyich is known for its sea green ceiling and also for them changing the entire carpets on the staircase to reflect monsoon season or not/  also i used to live in one of those top rooms that burned.  we used to request them cuz they had balconies. now i always stay in room 236 because its near the street and has a small balcony and i can watch teh carriages and all the street mahem at night.  probs stayed there about 10 months total out of my life.   th e last time i was there i rode in the elevator with BLEEP jagger// trivial huh? ;)  buyt cant imagine that area being quiet// its so frenetic/always  also known for the seawall which is where the terrorist came in by small ‘dingy’ raft boats this was def directed at foreign nationals and i think had to do with thanksgiving / TV viewing.. a greater american audience and i worry re india as many times the terrorists attack multiple cities we’ve had more terror deaths here than in afghanistan so im staying out of shopping malls, hotels and airports for a while-low profile was out yesterday morning trying to scrape up a TG meal and there were a noticeably fewer xpats/ as we all frequent the same shops/ nice to hear from u keep in touch and pray x,  tom

What a pleasant surprise to walk through downtown Norfolk on the first day of December and see three guys dressed in Santa suits- playing music on their horns.

They say they are all locals who are doing this with the Downtown Norfolk Council.  What a great way to spread a little cheer and make the holidays a little brighter during this busy time.

http://www.downtownnorfolk.org/dnc/whoweare

So,  the local cities are getting all dolled up with their decorations and lights. Here’s a picture I snapped at Norfolk’s Grand Illumination Parade as it made its way down Granby Street downtown. But now, for many of us, the stress is starting to sink in. What are we going to give our loved ones for the holidays- especially now that the economy is so bad and money is really tight? Some families are drawing names so one person can get a really good gift.  Everyone doesn’t agree with that way of scaling back.  So what can we do?   As I get older,  I really appreciate gifts that represent my family history- articles, pictures or programs matted and framed.  Even some of my own mementos.  I have a lot of stuff in files that would be great in a scrapbook. I love getting pictures of my friends and their children. This is my best friend Stephanie with her son Jackson when they visited Santa a few years ago.  He’s growing so fast- I love looking back on pictures like this! And this is my sister-in-law and niece and nephew from  a Christmas past- too cute!

Another girlfriend’s husband makes the best spice cake ever.  I always tell her to send me a cake for the holidays- that would be the perfect gift! Maybe we can all think of things we want or need that don’t require a lot of money and let our friends and families know it’s okay.   How about baking, house cleaning, painting, babysitting, car washing, clothing alterations, or repairs around the house.  We all have those skills we could jot down in a card and offer as a gift. Don’t rule out auction or selling sites such as Craigslist and Ebay or take your items to a local consignment store and make some extra cash.  If you have something you’re not using- list it… it could be a gem to someone else.  If you can’t afford to pay full price for something, search for it- you may be surprised at what you find. This is supposed to be a glorious time, not a stressful one.   Don’t fall victim to all of the hype.  The season of giving is supposed to be just that.  Do what you can. Please post your suggestions to my blog- I’d love to hear them! Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Hannukah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008. What a night!   I took some pictures of WAVY/Fox 43 employees in the newsroom on the night of the big election.

I think most people are glad that the election is over and ready for the hard work to begin for all political parties to bring change in Washington- and ultimately our country.

For a lack of repeating what everyone else has said about it being historic, I wanted to share these photos I decided to take on this eventful night in a tv newsroom.

We were hitting the national and local elections from all angles- on the air and online.

Thank you for being a part of it!

Thanks to everyone who came out to our Shred-It event on Saturday, November 8, 2008.  It was a rainy gray day, but that didn't stop folks from bringing their bags, boxes and carloads of documents to be securely shredded.

http://www.wavy.com/dpp/community/comm_affairs/comm
unity_wavy_shred_it_november8_20081103

In return, most people brought non-perishable food for the Peninsula Foodbank.  

We really met some generous people.  One man stuck around and helped people lift their  items on the Shred-It trucks.  One woman brought an SUV full of cases of canned and boxed goods.  She told us she and her family are fortunate they don't have to worry about where their next meal is coming from and they want to help others.  Still others donated money to the foodbank.

The weather could've been better- but hey, at least it wasn't snow!! Thanks again to all who stopped by. Stay tuned to WAVY & Fox 43 tv- and online- to find out when the next Shred-It event will be.

Here's some information a dear family friend sent me about a group she thinks everyone in Hampton Roads should know about.

The 369th Veterans Association (South East District) is comprised of men and women who have served honorably in all branches of the military- including Merchant Marines- since World War II.  This includes the Korean, Vietnam, Desert Shield and Desert Storm wars.  The requirement for joining the organization:  you must have been honorably separated and discharged from an enlistment in the U.S. Armed Forces- having served not less than 180 days.  This also applies to active duty personnel.

The group was founded  in 199 to develop and preserve the spirit of fellowship among its memebers and memorialize the patriotic service of those memebers.   They support the ACTSO (Afro Academic Cultural-Technological and Scientific Olympics), the Tom Joyner scholarship fund, collection of clothing and sundries for members of the Armed Forces and an annual picnic for disabled and hospitalized patients at the Hampton Veterans Administration Hospital.  These are pictures from one of their picnics.

The man on the gurney, next to organizer Randy Laurel, must remain in that position- ALWAYS.  He is wheeled to the picnic every year.

They invite the community to participate in their quest to enhance the lives of those who have given so much to our country.   Contact Randy Laurel at (757) 482-9233 or by mail:

369th Veterans Association, Inc., Southeastern District

P.O. Box 15391

Chesapeake, VA 23328-5391

email:  369th-Veterans-SE@cox.net

http://www.va.gov/

The March of Dimes 2008 Signature Chefs Auction was held on Sunday, October 12, at the Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club in Virginia Beach.

The views of the water provided the perfect setting for sampling delicious food from chefs around Hampton Roads.

My favorite dish was the  halibut cheeks. They were prepared by Harbor’s Edge retirement community in Norfolk.  I went back for seconds, and um- thirds! Yum, Yum!!

Eric Harryman and I introduced the chefs to the crowd.

Pete Decker III served as emcee.

Matthew Holiday was the professional auctioneer for the live auction. There was a silent auction, as well. I scored a couple of gift cards in that.

This year’s ambassador recognition went to the Earl Family.

Mr. David Earl talked about how his babies, Zachary and Brynn were so tiny when they were born premature, and required lots of medical attention.  David and his wife Wendy praise the research and support of the March of Dimes for helping their twins to survive.  They are now vibrant 6 year olds!

Against All Odds provided the music.  They are smooth! Together, this event raised an amazing $54,245. Here’s the breakdown: Sponsorship                              $5,000 Tickets & Tables                        14,700 Star Sales                                     950 Fund the Mission                         6,750  triple from last year Live Auction                               23,000 Silent Auction                              3,845 Total                                   $54,245

For more information on the event and the chefs who donated their valuable time and talent, log on to http://www.hrsigchef.com/. Fox 43 is a proud sponsor of the event! Special thanks to photographer  Michael Huizenga for pictures of the event.

And good luck to Cheryl Lee, the Executive Director of the Greater Hampton Roads chapter.   She’s retiring from the March of Dimes, but says she will continue to serve as a volunteer.

Tags: http://www.hrsigchef.com

         Chicks in Charge!
           That's just one phrase that describes the women who gathered in Virginia Beach on Thursday, October 2.
 I was honored to serve as emcee of the United Way's Women's Initiative Luncheon at the convention center. 

          The group recognized those who have donated $1,000 or more to the cause, but also encouraged others to donate what they can.
       The women's initiative endowment fund provides grants for programs aimed at helping women and their families.  Some of those organizations include Seton House, Career Start, Forkids and VA Social Ventures.
       Two people who have benefited from United Way agencies shared their stories with  the large crowd. 
       Gretchen Allen, Director of the United Way's Women's Initiative said, "the people that benefit from this are the ones that are working hard everyday some of these people have two and three jobs. its a tough decision whether they're gonna buy food or gas and they have to do both."
   Today's keynote speaker was Patricia J. (P.J.) Mitchell, Vice President global Sales Operations, IBM Global Technologies and the 2008 National Chair for Women's Leadership from United Way of America.

(P.J. Mitchell, Me, Women's Initiative chair, Stephanie Adler Calliott)

    The United Way Women's Initiative Endowment Fund is now just over one-million dollars.  
   The United Way campaign is underway in workplaces across Hampton Roads.  Won't you do your part to help those in need?
(special thanks to photographer Joan Grippo)
http://www.unitedwayshr.org/index.php

September is National Ice Cream Month and Cold Stone Creamery is celebrating and helping Make-A-Wish at the same time.

The stormy weather didn't keep ice cream lovers home tonight.  They came out for a good cause.

Tonight, Eric Harryman, Katie Collett and I volunteered at the Cold Stone in Harbourview in Suffolk.

    We sold raffle tickets and collected donations for the Make-A-Wish foundation- which will help children with life-threatening medical conditions fulfill their wishes.

I ate way too much ice cream, but we all had a good time.

Special shout out to Make A Wish kids Ryan, Ben and K.C.   Thanks for making us smile!!!

Join us for the March of Dimes "Black Tie & Boots" Chefs Auction on Sunday, October 12, 2008. It runs from 5-8:30pm. Eric Harryman and I will announce the winners of different categories in the chef's competition. This will be my 7th year and it's always a lot of fun. This year it's at the Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club in Virginia Beach. There will be soups, entree food and desserts. See some of the pictures from last year.


 


You can sample the best of Hampton Roads restaurants. There's also a silent and live auction! For More information- visit www.hrsigchef.com or call (757) 361-0000 Cya there!

The City of Chesapeake recognized its dedicated employees on June 24th with the 2008 Service Awards Luncheon. It was held at the Chesapeake Conference Center and I served as the emcee. Hundreds of city workers were recognized for their years of service- in departments ranging from Public Works- to Police and Fire.

Two were even acknowledged for giving 45 years of service!
Mayor Dalton Edge says the city prides itself on retaining employees- and moving them through the ranks, in Chesapeake.

---

Congratulations to all of the employees of the City of Chesapeake. Your dedication is honorable!

The week of May 12th was National Tourism Week. And some of us here at WAVY and Fox43 helped salute the hospitality and tourism workers in Norfolk.

Eric Harryman, Kerri Furey and Bruce Rader joined me on the judge's panel.  Norfolk mayor Paul Fraim judged with us.

We had to pick the group with the most spirit.  It wasn't an easy task.  Representatives from Norfolk hotels and other facilities dressed up, cheered loudly - and gave us bribes such as cookies. 

Booker T. Washington's band performed for us... there were even mascots!

 The rally was held at the Half Moon cruise terminal.

The Norfolk Radisson took the spirit award. 

 Several other prizes were awarded.  Here's a complete list of the winners.

OVERALL HOSPITALITY WINNER Gerald Martin Admission/ Box office Abby Dotson with Nauticus Banquets Linda Pearson with Norfolk Waterside Marriott Bartender Janet Fittro with Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel Bellman Ronald Morgan with Hilton Norfolk Airport Hotel Concierge/Docent/Tour Guide Otha Dunn with the Chrysler Museum of Art Custodian/Maintenance Gerald Martin with City of Norfolk (Seven Venues) Front Desk (Hospitality) Debra Berry with the Radisson Hotel Norfolk Front Desk (Commercial ) Anise Conner with Decker, Cardon, Thomas,
Weintraub, & Neskis Friend of the NCVB- Front Desk Joyce Gibbs with the Doubletree Hotel Norfolk Airport Housekeeper Ronnie Bailey with Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Kitchen Marlon “Hollywood” Manyweather with D’egg Diner Parking attendant Keisha Williams with City of Norfolk Parking Division Public Safety Ambassador Deborah Moyler with the Downtown Norfolk Council Retail Kelly Bracilano with the Market at Harbor Heights Transportation John Reid (Bus Operator) with HRT Valet

 

Thanks to the Norfolk Convention And Visitors Bureau for inviting us to join in on the fun!

 

Vincent Navarre with Central
Parking System at MacArthur Center

Volunteer Groups Norfolk International Airport Volunteer Ambassadors Waiter/Waitress Catherine “Cat” Kaisler with 456 FISH Zoo Ambassadors Honorable Mention Neka and Granby (Lion cubs) with the Virginia Zoo

Five Hampton Roads high school seniors are getting some help with their upcoming college costs. The Ronald McDonald House Foundation is giving $4500 scholarships to the bright students who are also active in the their community.  They were chosen from 178 applicants.  They have grade point averages between 3.5 and 4.6!

The recipients are:

Shantia Allen- Heritage High School , Christina Hayes- I.C. Norcom High School, Chandalae Walton- Nanesmond River High School , Tina Wang- Yorktown High School , and Joseph Wilson- Alliance Christian School.

 

I was happy to accept McDonald's invitation to serve as emcee of the luncheon on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at the Ted Constant Center at ODU. Even Ronald McDonald was there!

Congrats to these fine students- and their parents- for a job well done! There are plenty more pictures in my photo gallery, so check them out!

 

Talk about school spirit!!  Students at Newtown Elementary School in Virginia Beach were getting pumped up for their S.O.L. tests.  

 I was honored to be their guest speaker on Friday, May 16th.  

 I talked to them about the importance of getting a good night's sleep and eating a good breakfast to make sure their brains are in tip top shape for the big test day.  Also to use the process of elimination to get the right answers.

 Their teachers put on a skit that drove those same points home.  The second graders held posters and said cheers of encouragement for the third graders. This is the first year the S.O.L's were held in their new building that is part of the tri-campus- so it was extra special.    

Thanks again to Newtown Elementary school, the teachers, students and staff.

Be sure to check out all of the pictures from that day from my album.

A big thank you to the folks who came out Sunday morning, April 27th to walk in the March of Dimes walk for healthy babies.
We walked a little over four miles on the boardwalk at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. The clouds were threatening us- but it was actually a perfect day to take a walk at the beach- not too cold, not too warm... and best of all, it didn't rain!!
Here are some pictures I tried to take while walking backwards. I handed my camera to someone to take this shot of me.

WAVY & Fox43 had a great team of folks. We had several people from the news and promotions departments- and also friends and family members.

Thanks to all who donated. We raised close to $3000 at the tv station alone. The local March of Dimes raised about $475,000. The money raised goes towards research to help premature babies. Thanks again for helping us!