STEM Bootcamp for High School Juniors & Seniors

High school students are invited to participate in an exciting two-day STEM Bootcamp designed to introduce them to real-world careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Hosted by the Coastal Virginia STEM Ecosystem and Community Outreach Coalition, the program will provide hands-on learning experiences and direct exposure to industry professionals.

The bootcamp will take place on April 6–7 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Calvert Square EnVision Center, 975 Bagnell Road in Norfolk.

During the program, students will receive training with industry professionals in fields such as healthcare, engineering, computer science, and STEM-focused skilled trades. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in job shadowing experiences, visiting industry sites and observing professionals in real working environments.

Lunch, snacks, giveaways, and raffle prizes will be provided for participants. This event offers students a valuable opportunity to explore career pathways, gain hands-on experience, and connect with STEM professionals.

Students interested in attending can register by scanning the QR code on the event flyer. For additional information, questions can be directed to Sherrilyn Castet at scastet@cocoutreach.org.

A Taste of Norfolk – Food Truck Extravaganza

Renny’s Chicken & Seafood proudly invites the community to A Taste of Norfolk, a three-day food truck and vendor event celebrating local flavors, music, and community spirit.

From May 1 through May 3, 2026, guests will have the opportunity to explore a variety of food trucks, enjoy delicious meals, shop with local vendors, and experience live entertainment in a welcoming outdoor environment.

Whether you’re craving chicken, seafood, or something new from one of Norfolk’s many talented food vendors, this event offers something for everyone. Bring your friends and family and enjoy a relaxing afternoon filled with great food and great company.

Event Details

Dates: May 1 – May 3, 2026
Start Time: Afternoon
Location: 528 E Indian River Road, Norfolk, VA

Vendor Opportunities

Food vendors and local businesses are invited to participate in this exciting community event. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, please contact us to register.

Vendor Registration Contact:
757-937-3736
804-664-4957

Join us for a weekend celebration of food, culture, and community at A Taste of Norfolk.

March 6, Wear Blue for Colorectal Awareness Month

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the deadliest cancer in adults under 50. Enough.
Colorectal cancer is now the deadliest cancer in people under 50, yet it remains underfunded and underdiscussed while rates continue to rise. Enough.
How you can get involved during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month:
Wear blue for Dress in Blue Day on March 6 to promote Colorectal Cancer Awareness!

VDH 4th Quarter Beach Award

Public Health Nurses Regina Kaldahl and Theia Wilborn are the recipients of the VDH 4th Quarter Beacon Award! 🌟

This award recognizes nurses who go above and beyond with a positive attitude, a spirit of service, and dedication to our community, peers, and leadership. Regina and Theia embody these qualities every day, and we are grateful for their exceptional contributions.

Congratulations to both of you for shining so brightly and inspiring us all!

Volunteer & Community Day at Purpose Park – March 28

My Block is Beautiful

Volunteer & Community Day at Purpose Park

On March 28, 2026, Teens With a Purpose (TWP) invites the community to come together for My Block is Beautiful, a volunteer day dedicated to uplifting and sustaining Purpose Park in Norfolk.

About Purpose Park

Purpose Park was born in 2013 when a TWP teenager requested a raised garden bed for the community. That single idea blossomed into a vibrant community space featuring:

  • Over 20 vegetable-filled raised garden beds

  • 11+ native trees

  • A rain garden with 860 plants

  • A system that absorbs 33,000 gallons of stormwater monthly

  • A gathering place for learning, healing, arts, and connection

Today, Purpose Park stands as a living example of what happens when youth leadership and community support come together.

Event Details

Date: March 28, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: 700 E Olney Road, Norfolk, VA 23504
Who: All ages welcome

Volunteer Opportunities

Community members, families, and corporate partners are invited to participate in:

  • Tree plantings

  • Rain garden maintenance

  • Garden workdays

  • Learning and service days

  • Community cleanups

  • Art and performances

Whether you’re planting, cleaning, learning, or creating — your hands help make the block beautiful.

Join us in supporting Norfolk’s people and environment. Together, we grow stronger.

757 Sober Ride Program, powered by Lyft, 5pm November 26- 3am November 27, 2025

Kick off Thanksgiving safely! 🚗🦃
Drive Safe Hampton Roads and NHTSA remind everyone that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving, especially on Thanksgiving Eve—also known as “Drinksgiving,” one of the most dangerous nights for impaired driving.

To help keep Hampton Roads safe, Drive Safe Hampton Roads is offering the 757 Sober Ride program, powered by Lyft, from 5 PM Nov. 26 to 3 AM Nov. 27, 2025. Adults 21+ can get a sober ride home (up to $15) by visiting DriveSafeHR.org/757-sober-ride for the promo code when it goes live at 5 PM on Nov. 26.

Plan ahead, never drive impaired, and don’t let friends drive under the influence. Every impaired driving crash is 100% preventable. Make a safe choice—and a safe holiday—by choosing a sober ride.

Take Action Against Hand, Food, Mouth Disease (HFMD)

A common viral illness, HFMD usually affects infants and children younger than five years old. However, it can sometimes occur in older children and adults. HFMD is spread from person to person by close contact with an infected person or contact with virus-contaminated surfaces. Infected persons are most contagious during the first week of illness.

Symptoms of HFMD include:

  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Painful mouth sores that blister
  • Rash commonly found on the hands and feet
  • Poor appetite
  • A general feeling of being unwell

To prevent spreading to others, children with HFMD should not go to school or childcare for at least 24 hours after fever is gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine and they have no uncontrolled drooling due to mouth sores.

Prevention Tips!

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your face.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared items.
  • Avoid close contact with people who have HFMD.
  • Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.

Most people get better on their own in seven to 10 days with minimal or no medical treatment. If you have questions about HFMD, contact your healthcare provider.