A Haystack Book Festival Discussion of One Poet’s Insights into Music and Poetry

By Leila Javitch In early July, the Haystack Book Festival hosted a talk on the musical interests of the distinguished American poet John Ashbery. Karin Roffman, author of “The Songs We Know Best: John Ashbery’s Early Life” and currently completing a full biography of Ashbery, was accompanied by Melvin Chen, director of the Norfolk Chamber […]

Training Shelter Dogs to Become Stage Stars

By Patricia Platt If your idea of a celebrity sighting is petting Toto (The Wiz), Sandy (Annie) or Bruiser (Legally Blonde)—or if you’re simply interested in how dogs are trained to act in Broadway shows—head to the Norfolk Music Festival’s open house at the Art Barn on Sunday, Aug. 6, at 3 p.m., for “Broadway […]

Bakery Pop-Up a Sweet New Addition to Downtown

By Andra MossNorfolk will soon have a new destination for those in search of homemade cookies, pastries and other fresh baked goods. Dawn Muzzulin is the baker behind Dawnie’s Delights, soon to open as a pop-up bakery in downtown Norfolk’s Royal Arcanum Building, in the former space of the Healing Nest. “I’ve been baking basically […]

EDC Sponsors New Forum for Norfolk Businesses

Seeking common solutions to common problems By Ruth Melville At the invitation of the Economic Development Commission, over 25 Norfolk business owners gathered at the Hub on June 27 to explore new ways of supporting town stores and businesses. Interviews with some of the attendees indicate that the general response to the meeting has been […]

Norfolk Salutes Its Volunteers: Spotlight on Botelle School

Lisa Bazzano When I was growing up in Norfolk, I had a Norman Rockwell childhood, and I wanted the same for my five children. That’s why I chose to raise them in Norfolk, and it’s why I want to give back as much as I can through volunteering. My first child to enter Botelle School […]

WIN Weekend Has Something for Everyone, Kids Included

By Janet Serra Weekend in Norfolk, Aug. 4, 5 and 6, is a three-day, town-wide art, music and nature festival. This year, WIN has a large selection of things that kids and their families will especially enjoy. The fun starts Friday with bocce at the court behind 10 Station Place. The court, complete with equipment, will […]

Lady Bird Johnson’s Beauty Strip Still Shielding Unsightly Views

By David Beers In 1965, First Lady Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson worked the halls of Congress to help pass the Federal Highway Beautification Act (HBA). This act created regulations for the size and location of billboards along federal and interstate highways. It also created annual federal funding for projects that enhance the beauty and enjoyability […]

Festive Party to Lead Off Annual Book Sale

By Ruth Melville The Norfolk Library’s annual book sale will be held the weekend of Aug. 26 and 27, under a large tent set up next to the library. The sale will have slightly longer hours this year, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. With 16,000 books in 30 categories—including art, gardening, history, music, film, […]

Upcoming Musical Events on Robertson Plaza

The completion this spring of the expansion of Robertson Plaza in downtown Norfolk has created a unique new space to draw visitors to the town’s commercial center. Sited above and offering easy access to City Meadow, the plaza now has substantial space for events, as well as seating, tables and an unobstructed view of Haystack […]

Norfolk Chamber Music Festival Ushers in New Musical Programs in a Renovated Facility 

2023 Season Begins By Patricia Platt The Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, running from July 7 until Aug. 19, offers exciting changes to its facility and programming this season. Nearing completion is a $10 million renovation of the Music Shed, which includes air-conditioning, a remodeled entry, new restrooms, a small store and a new green room. […]