Love Letters to Virginia

LAVA Presents Concert Promoter founder, Josh Coplon has been booking shows since the tender age of 17. 16 years later, his love of music has touched so many and has really helped to grow the community of Norfolk into the thriving arts community it is today. My boyfriend and I are huge fans of live music and we have enjoyed many Lava Presents shows together. You may have even spotted us at a few in the last two years. Coplon is also the owner of Norfolk Kayak Rentals which celebrated its third year this past September. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveletterstovirginia/message

Writer, Director & Actor Adam Lapallo is also an editor with Homes.com. Adam’s voice is distinct in his ability to tell complex yet relatable stories from dramas to horror. I have had some really awesome experiences working with him and I feel like I’ve had the opportunity to grow as an artist because of those short films we have worked on together. Adam has deep roots in Virginia, his maternal grandmother’s side of the family settled in Jamestown and there survived the “Starving Time”, his mother, Connie wrote a trilogy series on their family history that Adam has turned into a treatment for a larger project. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveletterstovirginia/message

HUMANITIES BEHIND BARS, A grassroots abolitionist collective of teachers, students, activists, and artists committed to creating networks of care in the larger movement to end systems of punishment. https://humanitiesbehindbars.org/ Our pen-pal program offers an opportunity for folks on the outside to get matched with incarcerated comrades and learn about how the letter-writing operates as an abolitionist act of solidarity that builds networks of care in our community. All materials are provided and everyone is welcome! We meet regularly on the last Thursday of every month at Eleanor’s, Norfolk’s local intersectional feminist book shop, from 7PM – 8PM. If you can’t make it to our in-person sessions, you can always contact us via email to get matched with someone on the inside!" *PO Box 11142Norfolk, VA 23517 USA humanitiesbehindbars@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveletterstovirginia/message

Chrysler Museum Gallery Hosts, Nina Casillas and Kathryn Williams share their musings on the art at Chrysler museum and things they love about Norfolk! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveletterstovirginia/message

Actress Kyle Humphrey has been one of my most supportive listeners since the inception of this podcast! She is incredible and has been in some of my favorite TV shows from the last few years from AMC’s MADMEN to NETFLIX’S GLOW. She started as a broadcast journalist and out of sheer curiosity made her way to Hollywood. Kyle is a multi talented powerhouse and one of the most down to earth people I have had the pleasure of speaking with. We have been chatting about this interview for close to three years now and we are finally able to share our conversation with you all this Saturday! Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts! https://shoptheatrik.com/blogs/call-board/q-a-with-one-of-hollywoods-most-in-demand-stand-ins?fbclid=IwAR1WAQ1NNkxuh1YUgfRh7x0e9XdQJ2-RSsZt5lYKXMO1RJrYYqBVY8y1NIo --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveletterstovirginia/message

Vanessa and Maks ask Jessi about the Artist Member Program at Zeiders and what it takes to bring *your original work* to the local stage. Local Playwright Jean The Artist Member Program also offers member benefits to visual artists as well with an application process to exhibit in the beautiful lobby areas. This theater offers bi-monthly Open Mic nights to writers and performers, to learn more or catch a show go to: --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveletterstovirginia/message

https://www.cake4kids.org/ "Cake4Kids Mission Statement We bake and deliver free birthday cakes for underserved children who might not otherwise receive one. In a world where the basics of a positive childhood are often out of reach and youth have little to call their own, the seemingly simple gift of a birthday cake can make a huge impact by raising their self-esteem and confidence. We partner with human and social services agencies to accomplish this mission. How Does It Work? Cake4Kids is powered by an amazing and compassionate group of volunteers who donate all the ingredients and supplies to bake cakes for the youth in their own homes and then deliver them to our partner agencies who support the youth. We have no minimum commitment — volunteers choose how often and which cakes they want to bake! Our volunteers never meet the children we support, but every cake is custom-made for each child and an enormous amount of love is baked into each one. We partner with agencies and organizations throughout the country who serve the youth. Our partners request a cake on behalf of the youth, and Cake4Kids volunteers deliver directly to the agencies." --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveletterstovirginia/message

Amanda Bennet with Melody & Co Entertainment as “DJ Mander” On February 4th, Smithfield Winery will be hosting this area’s first all female vendor showcase for some of the best women owned businesses in the area. We are raising money for GROW Foundation, a local organization dedicated to connect individuals and families affected by domestic violence with the resources needed to lead a safe and productive life free from abuse. Their mission is to end domestic violence through advocacy, education and community outreach. Please join us on February 4, 2023 from 1-6pm at Smithfield Winery or please consider donating with one of our sponsorship packages. Buy tickets here: www.theladybossexpo.com Interested in sponsorship? Call (757)759-7594 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveletterstovirginia/message

Local band Pearloid consists of Drew Armstrong, Tyler Yost, Nick Rayfield, and Craig Poling. Armstrong and Yost are cousins and roommates, it seems that music runs in the family as Armstrong is involved with side project, Center Positive with his brother Brady. https://open.spotify.com/artist/4F32B5UaLIUQAP2UKBGdfM?si=q4-VGg2YRkS-ZVRsXw-NHA https://open.spotify.com/artist/2bkkuVEffsWDKMfaL65XJS?si=KWqH9A0zShqtyClm_dansg --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveletterstovirginia/message

Will Smith was recently selected for the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art's, "More Than Shelter". He was paired with the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center (JCOC) and Todd Walker, we discussed his plans to work with the JCOC. Remember to check bywillmith.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveletterstovirginia/message

Simply First Class Podcast & Productions CEO --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveletterstovirginia/message

Trina Love is a single mother "born into {Human Services}", Trina continues to care for her siblings. Ms. Love is a representative for the Virginia Beach City Workers Unions efforts have been recently rewarded, thanks to "Union Power". The Workers Union relies on continued support of our community and are eagerly anticipating newcomers to the cause. "Virginia Beach City Workers Struggle & Win LARGEST RAISE in 20 YEARS! Mass action shows we have Union Power!" https://locals.ueunion.org/111/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/06/VB-City-Worker-May-2022-Newsletter.pdf https://locals.ueunion.org/111/  Video credits:  VB City Workers & Faith Allies Rally for Collective Bargaining Jan 24, 2022 On January 18, 2022, members of the newly formed Virginia Beach City Workers Union, UE Local 111 rallied, with support of faith and community allies, at the city council meeting demanding collective bargaining. The day after MLK holiday, workers reckoned back to Dr. King's true legacy standing with striking sanitation workers in Memphis.    #MLKDay2022 #CollectiveBargaining #OrganizetheSouth Music License ID: MB01CHJWREDWE6W https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lyiWf_8GLo&t=206s "16 Advantages and Disadvantages of Collective Bargaining" by Louise Gaille https://vittana.org/16-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-collective-bargaining --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveletterstovirginia/message

"At the age of eight, Spencer Tinkham (b. 1992) discovered the exhilaration that few people achieve in a lifetime. A simple pocketknife, given to him by his grandfather, launched both his passion for creating and his future as an artist. Enthralled by the rich biodiversity that inhabited the water’s edge in Norfolk, Virginia, Spencer’s love for nature was also sparked early on. He realized that through sculpture, he could create lasting mementos of fleeting encounters. Spencer sculpted many readily available household materials- mostly soap bars and wood scraps. His tools were limited and primitive- a pocketknife, a hacksaw, and a pencil. Before Spencer graduated high school, he had already twice-won the Danner Frazer Youth Decorative Wildfowl World Championship.  Spencer has no formal art training and is entirely self-taught. He continues to use primitive tools and mixes his oil paints from pigment powders. Most of his sculptures are still made out of found materials and are wildlife focused. Spencer’s sculptures draw influence from literature, folk art, Modern art, and contemporary art. Spencer is intrigued by the repetition of human behavior over history and uses animal sculpture to help people ponder their impact on the environment and each other. Most recently, Spencer was inducted into the National Sculpture Society as an Associate Member. “Colaptes auratus auratus” was juried into the prestigious Leigh Yawkey Woodson “Birds in Art 2022” museum exhibition. He has work in the Dollar Tree, Inc. corporate art collection, and has sent his sculptures to many private art collections worldwide." https://www.spencertinkhamart.com/about-spencer-tinkham.html --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveletterstovirginia/message

Benjamin Banks is a self made powerhouse, half of the Golden Pinky Society and the Host of the Self titled podcast: Leveling Up with Benjamin Banks, he is a tireless creator and fearsome adversary. Drawn to performance and cosplay, Banks can be found chatting up locals and celebrities alike at conventions as well as bumping his opponents in the ring. Listen to the Hero in his own words here on the Love Letters to Virginia Podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveletterstovirginia/message

Entertainment Commentator, Editor & Journalist. Kevin moved across the country to pursue his dreams, the pandemic added a few twists to his journey but he is committed to his goals. Thanks for the heads up with the “Golden Birthday”, (turning the same age as the date of your birthday)! I’ll be celebrating in style as per your recommendation! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveletterstovirginia/message

The evolution of the 757's wildest barber. The show ends with our first candy review. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveletterstovirginia/message

Chef, creator of M.A.D. seasoning. This rugged content creator is an all heat family man. Every bottle of his M.A.D. Seasoning is packaged with 10 reminders of ways you can make a small but positive impact on the people around you. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveletterstovirginia/message

April 17, 10-4pm, closing brunch with a community listening event hosted by Heard Productions Norfolk’s first official arts district, NEON (New Energy of Norfolk), is home to long-time cultural institutions like the Chrysler Museum of Art and Harrison Opera House as well as studio-based ventures like d’Art Center and the Rutter Family Art Foundation, all providing artists a place to make, create and show. Within a few short blocks you can see a muralist at work, take in an improv comedy performance at Push Comedy Theater, watch a live glass-working demonstration, shop for unique home goods, get a tattoo or dine out at an eclectic restaurant. Learn more at www.NEONNFK.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @neonnfk. Awarding Judge: Mark Matel serves as the senior project manager with the City of Norfolk for Housing and Community Development. Matel has also served as the Enterprise Rose Architectural Fellowship Director; speaker for Reverberations 2018 The Roots and Relevance of Community Design; and received multiple design awards from Auburn and Hampton Universities. The Neon District’s annual exhibition is juried by a group or rotating members of the district’s Public Art Committee: Janelle Burchfield, Downtown Norfolk Council Events Chair Richard Andre Love, Teens with a Purpose Rachel McCall, Downtown Norfolk Council Kathryn Murphy, Chrysler Museum Glass Studio Jesse Neece, Commune NFK & Downtown Norfolk Council Gallery Assistant Nancy Rogan, WHRO Karen Rudd, Norfolk Arts --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveletterstovirginia/message

This pair of friends discuss mental health issues each week and have begun doing a recurring “Dude, Heal” segment to destigmatize men’s mental health journey. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveletterstovirginia/message

757 Foodie Influencer, #stormchasers  & matchmaker! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loveletterstovirginia/message