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Good morning, Newport News! Sometimes I wonder what it’d be like to live in a place where you wake up one day and it’s spring and there’s no fear of going right back to winter two days later.😁

In today’s Newport Newser:

🎨 Downing-Gross seeks local artists

👩‍🏫 New teacher support program launches

🏠 Free tenant rights workshop coming

Here’s what’s up.

What famous Civil War naval battle took place near Newport News?

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

👩‍🎨Downing-Gross Seeks Newport News Artists for Special Love Showcase

The Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center is calling for submissions from local artists for a special exhibition themed around love.

Artists are asked to draw inspiration from Ella Fitzgerald's "Speak Love" album and Bell Hooks's book "All About Love." Submissions in any medium are due by Thursday, March 26.

Selected works will be recognized at a closing reception on Saturday, April 25. The exhibition aims to explore love as an active, transformative force. Full details are available on the Downing-Gross website.

Here’s some good news for Newport News schools. A program backed by the BayPort Foundation is helping keep teachers in the classroom, and it’s working. Turnover among newer teachers dropped from 36% to 16% in just one year. The New Teacher Institute provides mentorship, training, and real support from day one. When teachers feel supported, they stay longer, and that consistency makes a real difference for students.

🏠 Know Your Rights: Free Tenant Workshop Coming to Newport News

Renting in Newport News? This is worth your time. THRIVE Peninsula is hosting a free “Your Rights as a Tenant” class on April 8 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. It covers repairs, lease issues, evictions, and protections for public and Section 8 housing. The session is led by the Urban League of Hampton Roads and Legal Aid. If you rent now or plan to, this is one of those better to know before you need it moments.

Residents can register for the class online.

For more information or questions, call 757-866-3910 or email barbara@thrivepeninsula.org

Sign Up Here...

Tucked in Newport News, Frank & Spoon is quickly becoming a favorite for locals looking for simple food done right and a place that feels welcoming.

Owner Sharan Hada says his love for cooking started early while growing up in a large family where the kitchen was always busy. As a kid, he helped with small tasks like peeling vegetables and preparing ingredients, and that early exposure slowly turned into a lifelong passion for food.

That passion eventually led him to study Hospitality Management at City Tech College in New York, where he learned cooking, baking, and the fundamentals of running a business.

After working in several restaurants, Sharan decided it was time to open a place of his own.

Today, Frank & Spoon is known for its signature chili dogs, handmade beef dumplings, and comforting homemade soups. But the food is only part of the experience. Customers often mention the friendly service and relaxed atmosphere that make the restaurant feel like a true neighborhood spot.

For Sharan, the goal is simple: serve great food and make every guest feel welcome.

📍880 J Clyde Morris Blvd

Your Newport News Forecast

🚑 Main Event: CPR & First Aid Class

You never think you’ll need CPR… until you do.

Second Breath, LLC is offering Adult & Pediatric First Aid, AED, and CPR training skills that could save a life.

📅 Sat, April 4 | 9 AM – 1 PM

📅 Mon, April 13 | 3 PM – 7 PM

💲 $110 | ⚠️ Limited spots

Here’s what’s happening this weekend 👇

Why it’s a great date spot: Consistent food, great drinks, and an atmosphere that works for almost any kind of date. 🍽️🍷

Local tip: Make a reservation on weekends, it fills up fast, especially for dinner.

🗳️ 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

Battle of Hampton Roads

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