October Newsletter and Events

• Upcoming Events
• Saturday, October 18: Adopt-A-Park at Indian River Park - Native Plant Garden
• Saturday, October 25: Field Trip to the Brock Environmental Center, located at Pleasure House Point, Virginia Beach
• News
• Indian River Facade Improvement Grants
• September Recap
• Upcoming Volunteer Schedule
  
  

Upcoming Events

Saturday, October 18, 2025: Adopt-A-Park at Indian River Park - Native Plant Garden

• 
  9 am to Noon
• Location: Indian River Park 2003 Rokeby Ave. 
• It is time for our fall gardening at Indian River Park.  We'll be tending to the native plant garden at the park entrance, including weeding, mulching and preparing the garden for the winter.  We may also do some trail work, pruning, weeding, and cleanup.
• Please wear closed-toe shoes, a hat and bring work gloves.  Long pants are recommended.  If you can, bring shovels, rakes, pruners, saws and other gardening tools.  We'll have water and snacks available.  We also always encourage folks to bring their own water in reusable bottles to minimize use of plastic bottles and cans. 
• Participants under 18 years of age must have adult supervision.
• Please pre-register at https://forms.gle/UngHnV3Q9Jvk2fnR6 (suggested but not required)

Saturday, October 25, 2025: Field Trip to the Brock Environmental Center, located at Pleasure House Point, Virginia Beach

• 
  12:45 pm at Brock Environmental Center located at Pleasure House Point, Virginia Beach. 
• Our annual field trip will be a tour of the Brock Environmental Center, local headquarters for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Lynnhaven River Now.  The building has  achieved one of the toughest building standards in the world—a Living Building Challenge™ certification, which looks at construction techniques, material standards, energy and water self-sufficiency, and more.  Come discover what makes this one of the greenest building in the nation.
• Afterwards, those who are interested can join us at Bubba's Seafood Restaurant and Crabhouse for an optional late lunch (“going Dutch”).  
• The tour is limited to 15 persons,  Please pre-register at https://forms.gle/yCQpkCtcUCCDBaCKA and we will coordinate meeting times, transportation, etc.  

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News

Elections

Have you made your plan to vote?  On the ballot are the Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Delegate, Commonwealth Attorney, Sheriff (a major party write-in candidate is also running), Commissioner of Revenue, Treasurer, and a Special Election for one School Board position. 

Early Voting is currently underway in Chesapeake at the Voter Registrar's Office at 411 Cedar Rd.  Early Voting at satellite locations at including the Indian River Library and Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee Community Center begins on October 20.  The last day for early voting is November 1st.  October 24 is the last day to register to vote, update your address, or request that an absentee ballot be mailed to you.  The last day to vote is Election Day, Tuesday, November 4, and would be at your regular polling place from 6 am to 7 pm that day.  Get all the official election information, including How to Vote (including Early Voting, Absentee Voting, and Where to Vote), Election Information (including Sample Ballots), and how to Register to Vote at Voter Registrar | Chesapeake, VA.

Ballotpedia - Virginia election, 2025 is a source for candidate information and profiles.

Indian River Façade Improvement Grant

The City is now taking applications for funding through the Indian River Façade Improvement Grant program.  The Indian River Façade Improvement Grant is a competitive program that aims to support impactful exterior improvements to privately owned, non-residential properties within the Indian River Road Character Corridor.   Improvements may include, but are not limited to, the following: façade improvements, landscaping and hardscape improvements, signage improvements, outdoor eating areas, and pedestrian enhancements.  Businesses can apply and get more info at https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/3694/Indian-River-Faade-Improvement-Grant

September Recap

We had 14 volunteers out for our Clean Virginia Waterways/International Coastal Cleanup in September around the Oaklette Bridge, Blue Heron Landing Park, and Indian River Road.  Our volunteers collected about 150 lbs of litter and debris, including over 250 bottles and cans and hundreds of food wrappers, cup lids, straws, and one complete toilet.   A big thank you to everyone who helped out.

Christina Trapani, Executive Director for Clean Virginia Waterways, was the guest speaker at our September meeting.  We discussed efforts to reduce plastic pollution in Virginia, including collecting statistics at cleanups, the Clean Swell App, and getting rid of plastic bags.  We also got in some EcoManiac shopping!

The City Council approved the start of construction for the new indoor swimming pool at Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee Community Center in South Norfolk.  Construction is expected to start as soon as this month.

Upcoming Volunteer Schedule

Please mark your calendar for our winter, early spring volunteer events:

• Saturday, Nov 15, 9 am - 11:30 am: Adopt-A-Park- Invasive Species Workshop @ Indian River Park
  
  
• Saturday, Dec 6, 9 am - 11:30 am, Adopt-A-Road Cleanup along Indian River Road and Blue Heron Landing Park
  
  
• Saturday, Jan 17, 9 am - 11:30 am, Adopt-A-Park- Invasive Species Workshop @ Indian River Park
  
  
• Weed Warrior Wednesdays, Feb 4, Feb 11, and Feb 25, 1pm - 3 pm @ Indian River Park in conjunction with Parks, Recreation and Tourism
  
  
• Saturday, Mar 21, 9 am - 11:30 am, Adopt-A-Road Cleanup along Indian River Road and Blue Heron Landing Park
  
  
• Saturday, Apr 18, 9 am – 11:30 am, Adopt-a-Park – Native Plant Garden @ Indian River Park

Have an idea for an article for our newsletter?  Send your submission, max 250 words, to us at info@friendsofindianriver.org along with a photo and we'll consider it for our next edition.