Good morning, Newport News! Quick St. Patrick’s Day trivia: many people say St. Patty’s Day, but it’s actually St. Paddy’s Day because Paddy is the traditional nickname for Patrick.

Now you’re ready to impress someone with random trivia this weekend.🍀

In today’s Newport Newser:

🚓 Good Neighbor Patrol vehicle

🎤 NOODLE Thinkers Convention

🍅 spring gardening tips

🌳 Rooted Together” tree initiative

🗳️ Early Voting Starts Friday

Here’s what’s up.

Christopher Newport University’s teams are known as the what?

Meet SherriAnn Harris, Army Veteran and founder of Craft 2 You LLC. What started as a creative space for children with different abilities has grown into a welcoming community for all ages.

Through sewing and hands-on crafts, participants build confidence, strengthen skills, and connect with others in a supportive environment. SherriAnn blends her mental health background, military discipline, and love of crafting as a proud “Therapeutic Craft Professional.”

Now offering sewing classes and Cricut workshops for youth and adults.

Learn more at Downing-Gross.org

Newport News has rolled out a new Good Neighbor Patrol vehicle to help keep neighborhoods clean and safe. Equipped with cameras, the truck spots visible property issues like overgrown lawns, debris, peeling paint, and abandoned vehicles.

When something’s flagged, the Codes Compliance team reviews it. If there’s a violation, owners get 30 days to fix it before enforcement steps in.

Residents can report concerns through 311 at 757-933-2311.

Newport News will host the first-ever NOODLE – The Thinkers Convention on May 22–23, 2026, bringing tech, business, and music together at Victory Landing Park and The Yard District.

The lineup includes Chance the Rapper, Daymond John, Aloe Blacc, CeeLo Green, and more, with interactive talks and live performances.

🎟️ Tickets go on sale March 12 at 10 a.m.

City leaders say the event could help put Newport News on the map for innovation, creativity, and culture.

🍅Local Gardeners Share Eco-Friendly Tips for Spring Planting

The Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners are offering a series of hands-on workshops this spring focused on sustainable gardening and conservation practices.

The sessions will share practical, eco-friendly gardening tips for gardeners of all skill levels. Workshops will be held at the Brittingham Midtown Community Center on three Saturdays: March 21, April 9, and April 11.

Residents interested in attending can register online through the Master Gardeners website.

Newport News is growing its urban tree canopy through a new effort called Rooted Together, supported by the Virginia Department of Forestry’s Community Forestry Revitalization Program.

Instead of funding, the city will receive planning support from the nonprofit Green Infrastructure Center to map tree coverage, identify planting areas, and create a long-term canopy plan.

Residents can grab free trees this spring at events including Spring Eggstravaganza (March 28), Grow Your Own Food Day (April 25), and the Children’s Festival of Friends (May 2).

Trees are first-come, first-served with proof of Newport News residency.

Register to attend the workshop.

In the Thimble Shoals area of Newport News, Rosa Butcher, founder of Second Breath LLC, is helping people gain the skills and confidence to save lives.

Rosa began her career as a CNA in 2002 and has spent more than two decades working in helping professions. Along the way, she earned an Associate’s degree (2016), a Bachelor’s degree (2018), and a Master’s degree (2020). Today, she serves the community as a 988 crisis responder, substitute teacher, and Mental Health First Aid instructor.

Her mission is personal.

After losing family members to cardiac arrest, Rosa says she wants participants to leave with more than just a certification card. She wants them to have the confidence to step in and act when someone needs help.

Second Breath LLC offers training and services, including:

• CPR, First Aid, and Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Red Cross

• Mental health and suicide prevention training, including ACES, safeTALK, and Lock & Talk • Babysitting certification training for youth and young caregivers

• Notary Public services for convenient document support

Second Breath also offers mobile training, bringing certification classes directly to local businesses, healthcare providers, and community groups across the Peninsula.

📍733 Thimble Shoals Blvd, Suite 170

Your Newport News Forecast

📆 Newport News Weekend Events

Looking to switch up your usual dinner plans? Aago Restaurant in Newport News serves up bold Indian flavors like butter chicken, tikka masala, fresh naan, and fragrant biryani. The warm spices and cozy atmosphere make it a great place to slow down and enjoy a meal together.

Why it’s a great date spot: Unique flavors and shareable dishes that turn dinner into an experience. 🌶️🍛

Local tip: Order a couple of dishes and share them family-style for the full experience.

🗳️ Early Voting in Newport News

Early voting has started in Newport News. Residents can vote early in person or drop off absentee ballots at three locations across the city.

City Hall – 2400 Washington Ave. (6th Floor)

📅 March 6 – April 18

🕘 Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

City Center – Fountain Plaza II, 700 Town Center Dr.

📅 Starting March 10

🕘 Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Denbigh Community Center – 15198 Warwick Blvd.

📅 Starting April 6

🕘 Mondays & Wednesdays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

All three locations will also be open Saturday, April 11 and Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Key Dates:

• April 10 – Last day to request an absentee ballot

• April 14 – Last day to register to vote

• April 18 – Final day of early voting

• April 21 – Election Day (polls open 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.)

View Voting Details

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