Heads up, college kids: If you’re looking for in-school or post-grad employment in the area, you’ll be pleased to know that many Peninsula businesses would be happy to have you — provided you want to give back to the community. Intrigued? Check out the DP’s report on a recent young professionals conference in Hampton for details.
Category Archives: Get Involved
Natural solutions to natural issues become popular in York County
York County has experienced erosion issues for some time now, but county officials are making efforts to provide ecofriendly solutions to the problems in the form of natural bulkheads, breakwaters and the like. Read here about measures you can take and apply for a construction permit to preserve your property.
#GivingTuesday could be big in Gloucester this year with your help
First Thanksgiving Thursday, then Black Friday, then Shop Local Saturday, then Cyber Monday –and now “Giving Tuesday“? At least we get Sunday off, and #GivingTuesday, which Gloucester businesses are picking up this year, is all about supporting charities after the commercial craze; find local causes here, or patronize local businesses that pledge to give on that day.
Mathews’ Thrifty Spot puts your spending toward a good cause
Small Business Saturday may have come and gone, but there are still plenty of local deals to be found. Example: Mathews County’s Thrifty Spot offers all the charm and cheap deals of a thrift shop with the added bonus of supporting a good cause. The store employs special education students from Mathews High School, giving them useful job experience; read their mission here.
Help Norfolk Canyon get the protection it deserves
If you’ve never heard of Norfolk Canyon — or if you’ve only heard of the tasty beer — that’s probably because it’s almost a mile below the ocean’s surface off Virginia’s coast. But the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is trying to get the ecologically unique site some much-needed federal protection as a National Marine Sanctuary; read more here, and sign their petition here.
7-Eleven, Krispy Kreme offering free treats to voters on Election Day
Come Election Day, the land of the free will get some freebies. Make sure that you go out and vote this Tuesday! If you do so — and you really should — make sure to drop by 7-Eleven for any-size free coffee, and then run over to Krispy Kreme for a free doughnut! The Daily Press has the skinny on Election Day freebies.
Free Krispy Kreme doughnut will make voters feel better
Hopefully you plan to hit the polls next Tuesday anyway — you know, because democracy — but if you needed to sweeten the deal, Krispy Kreme is promising free donuts of your choice to everyone with an “I voted” sticker. Peninsula voters can make the trek to locations in Hampton and Newport News between 6 a.m. (incidentally when the polls open) and 11 p.m. — after voting, of course.
Virginia voter registration spikes in October
October was a good month for democracy in the Old Dominion. More than 350,000 Virginians registered to vote in 2016, and almost a third of those new voters jumped on in the last month before the election. Hampton Roads didn’t see gains as big as some other cities, but Virginia Beach, Newport News and Portsmouth all saw increases.
Peninsula SPCA wants your pumps to help pets
Do three good deeds in one by donating any new or gently used shoes to the Peninsula SPCA’s shoe drive. This will raise money for the animal shelter, provide free footwear for the needy through this partner organization and clean out your closet at the same time. Donate by Nov. 5 — get details here. No shoes to spare? Download the Wooftrax app to measure miles walked with your pet and earn more money for the PSPCA.
Chivalry isn’t dead — at least at this weekend’s Harvest Faire
Offer your two cents on a new Peninsula-Southside crossing
VDOT is seeking input from Hampton Roads dwellers on upcoming traffic projects, including the possible construction of a third crossing between Southside and the Peninsula. The overall objective is to ease excessive traffic burdens. Got a strong opinion on the matter? Offer your input here before the Sept. 19 deadline.
Experts: Curbing carnivorous cravings will save the Chesapeake Bay
Environmental officials across Virginia agree that if bayside dwellers ate less meat and thereby reduced the demand, this could significantly reduce nitrogen emissions that harm the Chesapeake Bay’s ecosystem. You don’t have to go full vegetarian, but you could read up on numerous ways to calculate and reduce your own bay footprint.
Hate Hampton Roads tunnel traffic? Not all hope is lost.
For anyone who’s ever had their day ruined by traffic traveling between the Peninsula and Southside, now’s your chance to make things better for posterity. September will see not just one, but two, public hearings on a recent study about ways to improve the flow. There you’ll have the chance to weigh in on and hear more about the proposals.
Mathews Hotel site is getting ready for a big dig
Remember the Mathews Hotel? Well, history may be uncovered at the hotel’s site. Artifacts dating back to 300 years ago have been found at the site, and archaeologists will soon be digging for more finds. Community members are welcome to participate in the search. To volunteer for the Sept. 9-10 dig, email fairfield@fairfieldfoundation.org.
Going ham: Smithfield feeds Baton Rouge
Sea-level buddies stick together. hrScene reports Smithfield Foods donated 25,000 pounds of meat to the flood victims in Baton Rouge. Operation BBQ Relief, a nonprofit organization that provides hot meals in the wake of a disaster, put together the meals. Want to help? Join the Smithfield-created Helping Hungry Homes.
Help the Portsmouth Seawall Art Show give back
hrScene reports that the 46th annual Seawall Art Show will set up its juried showcases along the Portsmouth Waterfront once again this Saturday and Sunday (Aug. 27-28). The volunteer-run show is put on by Portsmouth Museum and Fine Arts Commission, and all proceeds benefit the arts of Portsmouth. More info here.
Soak up your own solar power with this new Peninsula co-op
If you’ve followed stories about a solar-powered peninsula, check out this new opportunity for residents to take action. VA SUN is sponsoring a solar co-op for Middle Peninsula homeowners looking to go green (and save green in the process). Interested? Register here, or attend an info. meeting on Sept. 12 in Saluda.
#Getinvolved757: Donate school supplies
It’s no secret that teachers often spend a lot of their own money on supplies for their students. Help them out by donating to local schools. The Daily Press has details on the Back to School Bash in Newport News Saturday. Families will be able to donate and pick up supplies.
#Getinvolved757: Donate dog toys to PETA
PETA, whose headquarters is in Norfolk, is looking for toy donations for area dogs. The group is focused on providing relief for dogs who are left chained outside in the summer heat and without social interaction, according to a post in Alt Daily. Check the article for collection sites.
Enter your funniest #PokemonGo screen capture for a chance to win movie tickets!
Snag a Snorlax at a local pizza joint? Catch a Pikachu at a pet store? If you’re playing #PokemonGo, we know you’ve had some of these funny augmented-reality-meets-real-world moments, we know you took screen grabs — and we want to see ’em. A pair of Paragon movie tickets are at stake!
Here’s the deal: Beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 15, Head to Blend757’s Facebook page, like us and post your funny screen capture as a comment on the page. You’ll have until noon Wednesday, Aug. 17, to post your screen capture on our Facebook page.
Once the submission window closes Wednesday, we’ll create a Facebook album of all the images we received as quickly as we can. A voting period will be open Wednesday afternoon through Friday at noon. Your “like” counts as a vote. Feel free to vote for as many images as you want.
Once the voting period ends at noon Friday, we’ll tally up all the likes. We’ll award a pair of Paragon movie tickets to the two trainers whose images garnered the most votes! They’ll be notified by private message on Facebook.
And that’s a wrap! If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to email me at bbuchanan@dailypress.com! Happy hunting!
Now here are the rules and stuff:
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Starts August 15, 2016 at 9AM and ends August 19, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. Open only to residents of Hampton, Newport News, York, Poquoson, Williamsburg, James City, Gloucester, Isle of Wight, Mathews, Surry, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Suffolk, Chesapeake and Portsmouth counties, 18+ as of 8/15/16. Excludes Sponsor’s employees & their hshld/immed fam mbrs. To enter, complete form at facebook.com/blend757. Prizes (2): Two (2) tix to Paragon Theaters. Approx. Retail Value (“ARV”): $22 per pair. Odds of winning depend on number of entries and number of votes (Facebook “Likes”.) Further restrictions apply. Click here for full version of Official Rules. Email bbuchanan@dailypress.com for Winners’ List after 8/19/16. Void where prohibited. Sponsored by The Daily Press, LLC.
#Getinvolved757: Tell the world what you think about #HRVA
Millennials in Hampton Roads have a unique chance to give the world a piece of their mind. The World Economic Forum selected the area for its annual survey measuring how the largest generation feels about their homes and the world. If you need an incentive, they’re also giving away gift cards for O’Connor Brewing Co. …
Raise dough while you play #PokemonGo
While you’re out there catching ’em all, you could be raising money for a furry friend. Wooftrax is an app that tracks/logs your walks. Third-party sponsors donate to Wooftrax depending on the walk’s frequency and duration, and Wooftrax then donates to local shelters. Visit this site for the full details.
How to help Nice victims
If you would like to help the victims of the attack in Nice, France, there are a couple of options for you. Text “NICE” to 20222 to donate $10, or you can donate to French Catholic Relief on their website, WAVY reports.
Help build a brighter future at Isle of Wight’s new solar farm
Delightfully distorted (and charitable) Broadway show hits the 757
Williamsburg Players’ one-night only July 16 show “Backwards Broadway” is like “Freaky Friday” meets “Hamilton.” The Gazette reports the repertoire will feature songs from “Wicked,” “Lion King,” “The Producers” and the like, but all sung by the wrong characters. Proceeds of the show benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, so get tickets!
#Getinvolved757: Cat Team 7
Naval Station Norfolk is the largest naval base in the world. It also has more than its share of stray cats. The Norfolk ASPCA has partnered with Cat Team 7 to capture, spay/neuter and relocate the feral cats. Check out this group’s article in Alt Daily to donate, volunteer or foster a cat.
#Getinvolved757: Help protect police dogs
When Anderson Cooper spoke in Norfolk in January, he donated his speaking fee to get police dogs ballistic vests. You may not have that kind of money, but you can still help the Atlantic K-9 Vest Fund by volunteering and getting the word out. The organization has an upcoming event on Saturday.
.@RedCross really needs your help, #HRVA
People of Hampton Roads, if you have a few drops of blood and some time to spare, the @RedCross would love your help. The Red Cross is facing a shortage in donations this week due to the holiday and has extended its hours so more people would be able to donate. If you’re interested, check out a location near you here.
This could be the face of your new best friend
You’ll have to act fast, but if you’re looking for a cute canine companion to cuddle, Patty the beagle needs a loving home and she’s up for adoption. The once-abandoned dog who just had a crazy-huge tumor removed is currently making a speedy recovery at a Virginia Beach shelter; read her story here (and then go for the adoption information here.)
Help hungry kids get a few square meals a day
The Virginia Peninsula Foodbank is now providing free breakfasts and lunches to disadvantaged children throughout the area as part of the federal Summer Food Service Program. The DP’s got a list of locations for those in need, and those looking to learn more about the program or contribute can look here.