Norfolk residents have three notable community updates this week. The Salvation Army Kroc Center has reopened its Heartstrings and Valves After‑School Program, offering nutritious evening meals, homework help, social time and music instruction for children in first through sixth grade. “There is a really big need in the community for children to have nutritious meals and for them to have somewhere to go after school,” said Josie Showers, director of the Kroc Center. The program, funded by federal dollars and local partnerships, welcomes late registrations and aims to serve families beyond those in the most dire circumstances.
Meanwhile, Nauticus’ annual Winterfest is set to shine brighter than ever. The maritime museum’s holiday light display, now in its sixth year, will feature more than 2 million lights draped across a World War II‑era Iowa‑class battleship on the Wisconsin. The exhibition opens Friday, Nov. 14, with tickets starting at $14. Executive director Stephen Kirkland said the team is “absolutely thrilled” to compete in the ABC‑aired Great Christmas Light Fight, facing displays in California and New Mexico. The televised showdown airs Thursday, Dec. 18 at 9:00 p.m., with a $50,000 prize for the winner.
In a moment of remembrance, former U.S. Representative George William “Bill” Whitehurst, a Norfolk native, died at age 101 on Saturday. Born in Norfolk in 1925, Whitehurst graduated from Maury High School in 1942, served in the Navy during World War II, and earned degrees from Washington and Lee University, the University of Virginia and West Virginia University. He taught history at the Norfolk Division of William and Mary (now ODU), became Dean of Students in 1963, and was elected to Congress in 1968, serving until 1987. After retirement, he returned to ODU as the Kaufman Lecturer, teaching over 8,000 students in a 40‑year academic career. Rep. Elaine Luria posted on X, expressing heartbreak and praising Whitehurst’s honor and integrity. Memorial services were held Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Norfolk Chapel of H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments.
What’s next: Families can still register for the Kroc Center after‑school program as the school year progresses. Winterfest will remain open through the holiday season, culminating in the national light‑fight broadcast on Dec. 18. Norfolk residents are invited to honor Whitehurst’s legacy by reflecting on his contributions to education and public service.
Sources: wtkr.com, wtkr.com, wtkr.com
