Another year of celebrating hospitality workers in Norfolk and another great (and loud) rally at Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center downtown.

The Booker T. Washington High School band provided the welcoming beats and the area mascots gave hugs and put smiles on our faces.

The Champions of Hospitality Rally is put on by VisitNorfolk as part of National Travel And Tourism Week.

We never forget our dear Uncle Pete Decker who was one of Norfolk’s biggest cheerleaders and the star of this show for years. His sons Paul, Peter and Phillip have taken over for the late great local legend who died last year.

Norfolk Airport Hilton won for large group most spirited. They’re employees put on a quite a skit with a boxing theme.  The Downtown Norfolk Council won for small group. They consist of those always helpful ambassadors who greet visitors to the city and guide us all in the right direction. The competition was fierce and one thing is  certain, there are a lot of hospitality workers in Norfolk who absolutely love what they do!

My  co-workers Bruce Rader, Tom Schaad and Stephanie Harris joined me on the judging panel for most spirited – along with Old Dominion University’s football coach , Bobby Wilder.

 

   

Here’s the complete list of winners:

Admissions/Box Office – Megan Gullickson of the Virginia Stage Company & Virginia Arts Festival

Audio Visual – Everett White of Norfolk Special Events

 Banquets – Lenora Southall of Norfolk Waterisde Marriott

Bartender – John Queen of Kincaid’s

Concierge– Ellie Porambo of Hilton Norfolk Airport

Front Desk – Amelita Avendano of Navy Gateway Inn & Suites and Loleta McGary of Navy Lodge

Host – Mikah Haydu of Shula’s

 Housekeepers – Quenella Somerville of Courtyard by Marriott Downtown and Mary Matthews of Residence Inn Downtown

 Kitchen – Mary Hearvey of Holiday Inn Airport and David Moore of Sheraton Norfolk Waterside

 Maintenance – Rafael Rosado of the Ted Constant Convocation Center

 Military Tourism Ambassador – Gregory Bell of USN

 Parking Attendant – Ruth Jones of MacArthur Center

 Public Service Ambassador – Marcia Oubre of Norfolk Botanical Garden

 Receptionist – Sarah Gilbert of Ted Constant Convocation Center

 Retail – Elizabeth Joseph of Nauticus

 Server – Mark Montgomery of 219 An American Bistro

 Valet – Marcus Watterson of Byrd & Baldwin

 Volunteer – Don Pipes of Nauticus

 Zoo Keepers – Aubry Hall of Virginia Zoo

 Zoo Ambassador – Oscar the Red Panda

 

 

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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).

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 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!

 

 

Chris Hill is a local chef at 3 Way Cafe and Baxter’s in Hampton Roads , but he’s also a graduate of the University of Alabama and he believes in giving back.

That’s why he’s serving up  a “Taste of the South” gourmet tapas to raise money for the American Red Cross to help recent victims of tornadoes and flooding disasters over the past few months.

The big event is being held on Friday, June 17 at the Granby Theater in downtown Norfolk. Tickets cost $40 in advance and $45 at the door.

In addition to the proceeds from the ticket sales, there will be a silent auction and an opportunity to donate directly to the Red Cross. In addition to the cuisine, there will be music and dancing. The event goes from 7 to 10pm.

Chef Chris is a friend. I think this is a wonderful way for him to give back to his friends down south and now we can, too! Check out his blog and recipes.

When you visit a restaurant, hotel or tourist attraction, make sure you say thanks to the workers who put in the extra effort to make your experience a good one! That’s what we did today at the Norfolk Convention And Visitor’s Bureau’s Champions of Hospitality Rally at Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in downtown Norfolk.

My WAVY colleagues Bruce Rader, Stephanie Harris and Tom Schaad joined ODU Football Coach Bobby Wilder on the judging panel for most spirited large and small organization. The organizations always bribe us with food, drink and cool knick knacks that reflect their organizations. We could barely carry all of the goodies out of there! DJ B*Ryte from 103 JAMZ (Boodah Brothers Morning Show) helped engage the crowd.

Once again, Booker T. Washington’s marching band and cheerleaders got the crowd amped up! Norfolk’s one and only philanthropist, Attorney “Uncle Pete” Decker served as emcee and got lots of hugs and kisses, cheers and praise from the crowd once again.

This year, we had the added touch of fans with Uncle Pete’s beautiful face on them!

The big winners were:  Sheraton Waterside Hotel in the large organization category; and DNC (Downtown Norfolk Council) in the small organization category.

Here’s a look at the other winners:

Norfolk’s 2011 Champions of Hospitality

2011 Overall Winner & Driver: Frank Brooks with Black & White Cabs

Admissions: Ricky White with Nauticus (Guest Relations)

Assistant: Chris Russell with Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel (Sales Assistant)

Banquets: CJ Newton with Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel (Banquet Captain)

Bartender – Fine Dining: Kristen Crowley with Byrd & Baldwin

Bartender – Casual Dining:  Brynn Larsen with 219

Front Desk – Hotel: Rachelle Viar with the Norfolk Waterside Marriott

Front Desk – Restaurant: Kat Curtin with 3-Way Café

Hostess: Tierra Jones with Shula’s

Housekeeper: Shandesa Simmons with the Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown

Houseman: William Vincent with the Hilton Norfolk Airport

Kitchen: Ronald Taylor with Lake Wright Quality Suites & Sleep Inn

Maintenance: Susan Rogers with MacArthur Center (Facilities Admin Coordinator)

Military/Government: Jackie Washington with the MWR

Parking Attendant: Garcia Ortiz with the City of Norfolk

Public Service Ambassador: Rudy Walker with the Downtown Norfolk Council

Receptionist: Mellina Talamantes with the Norfolk Airport Authority

Reservations: Casey Williams, Navy Gateway Inn & Suites

Retail: Ladymar McClintic with Cora’s Beauty Connection

Server: Frances Pettus with the Navy Lodge Norfolk

Tour Guide: Angela Springer with the Chrysler Museum of Art

Valet: Josh Schweitzer with the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown

Volunteer: Welland (Doc) Shoop with the Hampton Roads Naval Museum

Virginia Zoo Ambassador: Rhima

As a proud Norfolk resident, it’s always great to participate in this event and see some longtime friends who work in the service industry and to meet new ones. We need to remember those who make our lives easier all the time, not just during  National Travel and Tourism Week so don’t forget to say thanks to that bartender, ambassador, waitress, receptionist, cab driver, housekeeper,parking attendant, bellman, assistant and others who go above and beyond to make sure we have a great experience. Thanks to all in the service industry for a job well done! Cya again next year!

**Thanks to photographer Kristi Schneider who took the best looking pictures in this blog!**

 

It shouldn’t hurt to be a child, but in Hampton Roads and the state of Virginia, child abuse is a huge problem. On Thursday, April 7, I volunteered at 456Fish Restaurant in downtown Norfolk for Prevent Child Abuse Hampton Roads’ Celebrity Night.

WAVY & Fox 43′s newest Sports team member, Ali Lucia, joined me. We talked to guests and sold raffle tickets for iPads and restaurant gift certificates – as well as tee shirts, aprons and other goodies.

We had Norfolk city politicians with us including Mayor Paul Fraim, Vice Mayor Anthony Burfoot and Councilman Barclay Winn.

Bishop Courtney McBath from Calvary Revival Church had a bunch of guests there to support the cause.  Betty Wade Coyle, Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Hampton Roads told me the total raised from this year’s event is
$26,312. That  surpassed their goal of $25,000.

Thanks to everyone who came out to participating restaurants in Hampton Roads. It’s a worthy event that provides money for research and training. Some money goes to helping families and supporting projects such as the (800) CHILDREN helpline, First Steps for new parents and the kidspriorityone  family resource center.  Remember,  it shouldn’t hurt to be a child. See you next year!

 

It was a dreamy showcase of possibilities for brides to be and their friends and families. I’m talking about the Uniquely Yours Bridal Showcase 2011 at Norfolk Scope.

In addition to all of the samples a bride to be could enjoy such as cupcakes, cakes, music, ice sculptures, dresses, music, decorations and more… those who stayed for the fashion show got to hear from celebrity party planner and host of “My Fair Wedding”, David Tutera. He served as Master of Ceremonies.

What a nice guy! He has a couple of books out now and he says he wants to empower women of all shapes, sizes, ethnic and financial backgrounds.  He knows how to work with the biggest budgets from stars like Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Lopez, to the budgets of everyday folks.

I had the pleasure of introducing him to the huge crowd gathered for the fashion show. How do you like my turquoise dress? Maya Couture let me borrow the one-shoulder bridesmaid’s gown. I love it!

I even snapped pictures of them when I first walked down the runway.

Tutera had to catch a plane back to New York so I also got to announce the winners of the amazing prize packages that included hair and makeup, flowers, lighting, personal training, and more. The grand prize included a honeymoon, wedding rings, gown, tuxedo, reception, and more.  The best part about this show, Pearl Taylor donates money to the Susan G. Komen fund for breast cancer research.

She always dedicates the show to her dear friends who are survivors and always has breast cancer survivors model in the fabulous bridal fashion show produced by Isha Foss Events.

If you’re getting married and looking for ideas, this is a good place to spend a few hours and take in everything under one roof!

By the way, David Tutera may be shooting a segment of “My Fair Wedding” here in Hampton Roads. Wouldn’t that be fab?

So December started with temps in the 60′s in Hampton Roads, but they’re dropping quickly. It’s always nice to see the Swinging Santas playing Christmas carols in downtown Norfolk. They avoided the morning downpour before they hit Granby Street.

The weather conditions and the days on the calendar remind us that time is ticking for the holiday rush. Hanukkah starts at sundown today. Christmas is 24 days away. We bought our Christmas tree on Sunday, but it stands undecorated in our living room.

The house sure smells good from that fresh pine! During my Thanksgiving travels, I scoped out some awesome decorations at the The Gaylord Hotel in Maryland and the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond.

It must be so fun putting up all of the fancy trees, wreaths, bows, lights and more.

So, do you think you have the best decorations? Make sure you enter our WAVY Holiday Lights Contest. Just fill out the application here. The winner’s house will be shown live on our broadcast. How do you cope with the craziness of the holidays? Leave your comments below or on my Facebook page. I’ll make sure to get my gym time in. I’m only taking a couple of days off work this month so I’ll treasure the quiet moments and of course the time spent with family and friends. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa! Be safe!

Either I’m old and time is flying by more quickly as my grandparents told me it one day would, or the Christmas holiday season is starting wayyyyy too early! I think it’s a little bit of both.

Santa Claus made his debut at MacArthur Center in Norfolk Friday, November 12. That’s 10 days after Election Day and two weeks before Thanksgiving.

I posted his picture on my Facebook page and a lot of folks had a lot to say.

David said this: “I liked the good old days when Christmas decorations didn’t appear until after Thanksgiving, and Santa showed up in the igloo at Mid City Shopping Center (now Wal Mart) in Portsmouth around December 10. Now the glitter is hanging off the jack-o-lanterns and the day to give thanks is just the kick-off for a spending frenzy.”

Jessica posted:  “O my gosh! Already?? I’m not ready for him yet I’m running behind this year. I think I’m still trying to hold on to the 4th of july! LOL”

Maggie wrote: “Santa came strolling thru Patrick Henry mall tonight. I’m sorry but it’s way too early for Santa in the mall!”

The next day in downtown Norfolk, temps rose up into the 60′s and  I noticed the light poles dressed up in holiday decor and the mermaids adorned with a wreath and a bow.

Don’t get me wrong,  I love the excitement of the holidays, the tradition, the good food, the time with friends and family, and the gifts… but wow!  It really does seem to come earlier and earlier. Apparently the Black Friday deals are also coming earlier which is great during a down economy. I’m trying to sign up for email lists of my favorite stores and follow them on Facebook and Twitter  so I can get the best prices. I found these tips in another blog. What are your holiday traditions? How do you catch the best deals? Please leave your comments and share with all of us.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!