Another year, another spirit filled day in Norfolk!

Thousands of  hospitality workers were honored at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center on the downtown Norfolk waterfront on May 8, 2012.

Its all part of National Travel and Tourism Week.

Stephanie Harris, Bruce Rader, Tom Schaad and I, along with O-D-U Football coach Bobby Wilder, judged the most spirited organizations.

Visit Norfolk and the Norfolk Tourism Research Foundation organized the event to honor the best hospitality associates in the mermaid city.

Once again, the band and cheerleaders from
Booker T. Washington High School entertained us.

Erin Filarecki from Visit Norfolk told us: “We have over 7,000 employees in the travel and tourism industry.This is there special day to honor them…everything that they do behind the scenes that visitors don’t necessarily see.”

But something was clearly missing this year, lawyer and philanthropist, Peter Decker, Jr.

“Uncle Pete” as he was affectionately known by many passed away in February.He had served as emcee of this event for several years.  This year’s event served as a special tribute to him. A special video highlighted his contributions to the rally over the years.

His three sons- Pete, Paul, and Phil took over those duties.
The Downtown Norfolk Council won for most spirited small group.

The Norfolk Airport Hilton won for large group.  They wrote and performed special songs in memory of Uncle Pete.  That caused many of us to tear up.

Here’s the complete list of winners:

Admissions: Gay Jones, Norfolk Scope

Assistant: Mary Ellen Fournier Virginia Arts Festival

Audio Visual: Mike Villare with Ted Constant Convocation Center

Banquets: Sheneda Latham-Hollis with Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Norfolk

Bartender & Overall Winner: Joe Allen with Norfolk Airport Hilton

Corporate Liaison: Rita Super with Norfolk Southern Corp.

Docent: Hunt Lewis with the Hampton Roads Naval Museum

Driver: Mark Lett with Orange Peel Transportation

Front Desk: Cheryl Mathis with Residence Inn by Marriott – Norfolk Airport

Hostess: Tierra Jones with Shula’s 347 Norfolk Waterside Marriott

Housekeeper Aimee Vidal with Navy Gateway Inns & Suites

Maintenance (co-winners): Orlando Baskfield with Navy Lodge Norfolk
Red Harris with Quality Inn Norfolk Naval Station

Mascot: Rip Tide (Bill Caruso) Norfolk Tides Baseball Club

Parking Attendant: Bee Sutton with MacArthur Center

Public Service Ambassador: Dave Walker with Downtown Norfolk

Reservations: Sabrina Thomas Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel

Retail: Patricia Dunn Nauticus

Server: Chris John with Byrd & Baldwin Bros Steakhouse

Tour Operator: Amanda Wells with Norfolk Botanical Garden

Valet: Yar Khan with Norfolk Plaza Hotel

Volunteer: Carolyn Papafil with The Norfolk Grille

Zoo Ambassador: Chai and Thai with Virginia Zoological Park

For more pictures, check out The Norfolk Tourism Research Foundation’s Facebook page.

Newport News celebrated Hospitality Day as part of National Travel and Tourism Week.

Various contests were held outside near the fountain at City Center at Oyster Point.

I was honored to serve as a judge for the cheering-singing competition.

The Point Plaza Suites won this one.

The Newport News Hospitality Association also hosted a relay race and bed-making and towel-folding competitions.

Several hotel and restaurant employees came out and showed their talents.

Here’s a list of the winners:
· Bed-making competition – Hampton Inn & Suites
· Towel-folding competition – Hilton Garden Inn
· Cheering/Singing competition – Point Plaza Suites
· Relay Race – Hilton Garden Inn

We have a big problem in Hampton Roads… child abuse! According to Betty Fitte with Prevent Child Abuse Hampton Roads, there were 72 deaths from child abuse in our area just last year.  That’s why the organization holds this annual fundraiser at various restaurants.

Ali Lucia, David Culver and Nicole Livas at 456Fish

My co-workers and friends Ali Lucia and David Culver joined me at 456 Fish in downtown Norfolk.

Prevent Child Abuse event a success: wavy.com

Our colleague, Anne McNamara helped out at Baker’s Crust in Ghent.  We sold raffle tickets, tee shirts, bags, aprons, mugs and more at the event. We raised $30,000 at all of the restaurants combined.

Norfolk Sheriff Bob McCabe bartending at 456 Fish

Some of us even helped out the wait staff. This is the 11th year I’ve volunteered for the event.

Nicole with members of "4Shore"

The money raised goes to research and education. Remember, it shouldn’t hurt to be a child!

Dozens of Virginia Beach children took a pledge today, to stay drug-free. Bayside Elementary School invited me to be the guest speaker for its fourth grade D.A.R.E. graduation.

Students take D.A.R.E. pledge

D.A.R.E. stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. The program is available for children in kindergarten through 12th grade. It’s a collaborative effort between school and law enforcement personnel.

Over the past few months, the students learned about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

Families of the D.A.R.E. grads

Many of the kids had family members there for today’s event. I spoke to the group about peer pressure and shared stories about athletes, entertainers- even a family friend- who fought addiction.

When I posted a picture and a word about my visit on Facebook, a few people posted comments opposing the program.

Deputies Foy & Driscoll leading the D.A.R.E. pledge

Curtis posted, “No one wants kids doing drugs but DARE is a useless project that just spends taxpayer dollars in an attempt to forge support for the unconstitutional prison industrial complex and its pet project the bloody war on drugs and ethnic minorities.”  Maggie added, “Good on the kids for completing the program, but there are some sobering statistics about D.A.R.E.; ”Scientific evaluation studies have consistently shown that DARE is ineffective in reducing the use of alcohol and drugs and is sometimes even counterproductive — worse than doing nothing. That’s the conclusion of the U.S. General Accounting Office, the U.S. Surgeon General, the National Academy of Sciences, and the U.S. Department of Education, among many others’. She cited this link: http://alcoholfacts.org/DARE.html

We know people are human and sometimes have to learn lessons on their own. We can only hope by citing real life examples and explaining that everyone’s body chemistry is different and addiction is hard to shake once you get caught up in it, it will keep kids from ever trying and or abusing drugs.  I shared these quotes from singers Kurt Cobain and Billie Holiday and the sad stories about their deaths which can be attributed to their substance abuse and addiction:

“Drugs are a waste of time. They destroy your memory and your self-respect and everything that goes along with with your self esteem.”
– Kurt Cobain, Grunge Musician, who struggled with drug abuse and depression and died at 27.

“Dope never helped anybody sing better or play music better or do anything better. All dope can do for you is kill you – and kill you the long, slow, hard way.”
– Billie Holiday, Singer who struggled with drug and alcohol abuse and died at 44.

February is a busy month for those of us who work in television news. It’s one of four major ratings/sweeps months, but it’s also a busy month for speaking engagements.  I visited two different schools in the first two weeks of the month.

Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach invited me back to speak to students for its Founder’s Week celebration on Wednesday, February 8. This year’s theme is embracing differences.

Speaking at Ocean Lakes' Founder's Week event

I spoke to the teens about how they could learn a lot from people who come from different backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs. They had a lot of great questions about my career path and the stories I’ve covered and the people I’ve met.

This is at least my fourth visit to Ocean Lakes. I have a soft spot for the Dolphins because my youngest brother Nick is a proud grad and he’s gone on to do wonderful things and I know these students will, too.

I also visited Regent University in Virginia Beach on Thursday, February 16. The staff of the school newspaper, The Daily Runner  invited me to speak to a group of students about journalism.  They also asked great questions.

I told them about my career path and  talked to them about the importance of learning digital and multimedia tools- since the journalism field is evolving to include all forms of media.

They have a lot of great equipment in their broadcast lab and they are hungry to learn more. It makes me smile with pride to know they’ll be successful professional journalists someday soon!

Families at several local shelters got a special early Valentine’s gift!

Volunteers from across Hampton Roads gathered Saturday, February 11,  at the Judeo Christian Outreach Center at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront for the “Stone Soup” project.

The United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council and their families prepared meals for various agencies.

I brought my niece and nephew and we helped put together casseroles, soup, and hot chocolate mixes.

We also made Valentine’s cards with encouraging words for the recipients.

75 people registered for the group project and United Way officials say it’s one of their biggest aside from the Day of Caring. I was glad my niece and nephew wanted to help out. Even at 11 and 14, they understand how lucky they are to have a roof over their head and food to eat.

My nephew was so excited, he read the book Stone Soup to us in the car during the ride to the center.

It’s an old story about creating soup from a stone to feed the hungry. Each of us had an assignment to bring in ingredients for our various meals. We brought mushrooms, ground beef and shredded cheese.

We made a casserole with rice, peas, cream of mushroom soup, chicken and milk.

The meals will feed families at the YWCA, PARC, The Dwelling Place, Samaritan House, and Seton Youth shelters.

It was a fun day!  We met a lot of nice people and got a lot done in an hour and a half! Teamwork and volunteerism- what’s better than that?

“What you give ought to be in direct relationship to what you’ve received.  If you have been blessed with a great deal, then you have a lot of giving to do.”Johnnetta B. Cole

Today, we said goodbye to Peter Decker, Jr., Norfolk’s biggest cheerleader. He lost his four year battle with cancer on February 3. There’s no way to list all of the wonderful things he did during his 76 years on earth.

Chillin' with Uncle Pete at an ODU football game

Those of us who knew him well- and even those who just knew him in passing- affectionately called him Uncle Pete.Uncle Pete and his family have been friends with my family for years- way back when my mom was a television hostess on WTAR-TV. When I moved back to the area 11 years ago, I ran into  Uncle Pete at various community service events, sporting events,  his law office, the coffee shop or various restaurants. I always got a kiss on both cheeks and a big hug and an “Love ya, kid!”. This is a blog from my last event I did with Uncle Pete, the Champions of Hospitality Rally in May, 2011 honoring downtown Norfolk service employees.  Last year’s event actually honored Uncle Pete.

Champions of Hospitality Rally, May 2011

We had these neat fans with his picture on them and we cheered and waved for him!   I last saw Uncle Pete during the holidays. I took my mom out to dinner in downtown Norfolk. He and his wife Bess and another couple were walking down Granby Street. I ran out to flag them down. He came in, gave us hugs and kisses, chatted, then tried to pay our bill (it was too late, I had already paid).

Mayor Paul Fraim speaking at Uncle Pete's Memorial Service

That’s the type of guy he was. Genuinely concerned… always positive… always a symbol of love and light. That’s why thousands crammed into the Norfolk Waterside Marriott to share their stories about Uncle Pete, listen to tributes and watch pictures of his life flash across the big screens. One of the most touching moments- when his son Paul sang a few lines from Gladys Knight & The Pips’ “Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me” to his mom, Bess, Pete’s wife of nearly 50 years. (That was his dad’s request)

Uncle Pete's memorial service at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott

Uncle Pete was a perfect example of what we should all try to be:  peaceful, loving, accepting- even with those who make peace, love, and acceptance difficult.  Uncle Pete will be missed by many, but his spirit and legacy will live on through many!

NSU's band playing outside Uncle Pete's memorial service

**UPDATE** Michelle Thrift, from Circle of The Bridge, emailed me on January 18 to say they raised $5,700!

I had a great time bowling at  AMF Lynnhaven Lanes in Virginia Beach Saturday.

Our team was made up of WAVY & Fox 43′s Liz Palka and Stephanie Harris, Liz’s boyfriend Mike and Stephanie’s sons.  The other local t.v. stations had teams, too and we all had a great time interacting with each other and folks who came out to support the cause.

I hadn’t been bowling in a few years and my skills certainly didn’t get better during that stretch.

Chesapeake native and New York Mets star David Wright was the main attraction (for many reasons).

He is a huge supporter of Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters in Norfolk.  He has donated a lot of money and equipment for the kids who spend time there for medical treatment.  This bowling event was organized by  the “Circle in the Bridge” of The King’s Daughters.

Circle In The Bridge (from their Facebook page)

They are career women who raise money and awareness for CHKD. The group is made up of the most caring folks. The smiles on their faces and willingness to help was really evident. They had a silent auction and sold raffle tickets to help raise money. I have seen first hand how CHKD helps local sick children and their families.

Nijel hanging out with Alvin from The Chipmunks

A dear family friend named Nijel was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2010. Doctors successfully removed most of it and treated Nijel for a few months and when I visited him, his spirits were good and he received great care and attention. I spent time with him in the play room on his hospital wing. The toys, games, and electronics were amazing. I made sure I told David Wright about it when I met him. Folks were tugging on him for pictures and to chat (and he was actually bowling, too) but he made time for all of us with a gracious smile.    That’s what I’m talking about!

“It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.” — John Cassis

What a night at the 18th Annual Signature Chefs Auction at the Founder’s Inn and Spa in Virginia Beach on Sunday, October 16, 2011.

The March of Dimes exceeded its  goal. Not only did they set a record for the Live Auction thanks to the generous chefs, they broke records with the Fund the Mission portion of the auction where guests raised their paddles to donate $50 or more. They raised more than $63,000 total!

The money benefits the March of Dimes research and programs for healthy babies.

Ariane Aramburo and I served as emcees. We tasted some delicious soups, entrees and desserts.

Many of the chefs who participated have personal stories about premature babies.  The March of Dimes shared the stories of a few ambassador families who watched their preemies grow into strong productive young children and adults.

Chef Matt Knack from Croc’s 19th Street Bistro in  Virginia Beach, won the Dish of Hampton Roads for his shrimp and grits and pork butt. He and his recipe will be featured as the cover story of the annual food issue of Hampton Roads Magazine in January.

Here are the other winners:
Best Booth – Eric Doarnberger, Atlantic Shores
People’s Choice – Scott Simpson, Founders Inn
Best Presentation – Kevin Chang, Zushi
Chef’s Choice – Eric Doarnberger, Atlantic Shores
Best Dessert – Leon Buenviaje, Smithfield Gourmet Bakery and Cafe
SOL Food – Mike Farrell, Still

Check out many more pictures of the chefs, the food, the guests and the auction on my Facebook page. If you missed it this year, come join us next year! You can still make a donation to the March of Dimes anytime and check out the activities it has planned throughout the year.

Friday, September 9, 2011 was the kickoff for WAVY-TV’s  Friday Night Flights.

It was the first week of school so students, teachers and staff were still getting settled in. That made it a little difficult to try to find quirky stories to do when I visited the schools. Another difficulty, Chopper 10 had a technical failure that caused it to stay grounded after Bruce Rader’s 6pm liveshot from Darling Stadium in Hampton with the Phoebus High School marching band. No worries… it took longer to visit our schools, but we were determined to check out the action so photojournalist Chris Omahen and I  hopped in the car and headed to Bayside High School in Virginia Beach.

The Marlins were on my list last year when I did FNF and again, they had a red out. Students showed their school spirit by wearing the team color and I got a hug from their mascot, The Marlin!

Nicole with the Bayside Marlin mascot

They played Green Run.

Second stop, my alma mater, Kempsville. Although it’s been a while since I was a student there, the stadium hasn’t changed much. Felt like yesterday walking into the game.

Although, when I was a student at KHS, I was in a band uniform with the Kempsville Marching Chiefs! I saw one of my classmates at the game with his daughter. Everyone treated me like family. It’s always good to go back.

Kempsville took on Princess Anne. The cheerleaders helped me toss those blue WAVY/FNF footballs into the stands.

They also showed me and gave me a pin the staff was wearing to commemorate the upcoming 10 year anniversary of the September 11th attacks.

It says “Never Forget 9-11-2001″.

From there, we left Virginia Beach and headed to Chesapeake.

Oscar Smith hosted rival Great Bridge.

The band got everyone amped up. I actually ran into my Biology teacher from Kempsville, Mr. Baine,  at the Smith game.

His wife is a longtime teacher there.

It was a beautiful night and even though our “chariot” was grounded, we made it back just in the nick of time to pull our segments together for Friday Night Flights.

If you’re hanging out at high school football games this season, take some pictures and send them to us to Reportit@wavy.com.  We’ll put them together in a slideshow. I was posting pix on Facebook and Twitter during the evening.

It’s always fun- especially when I get to go back to my school and run into old friends and meet new ones!  Keep watching. You’ll see other WAVY personalities head to games all season long and bring you stories from various schools. Check out our schedule here.