What’s happening in Hampton Roads and on the Outer Banks in February

NORFOLK

F.R.E.D. returns

Downtown Norfolk Council this week celebrated the return of its “Free Ride Every Day” service, also known as F.R.E.D., back to downtown Norfolk.

Since F.R.E.D.’s launch in 2009, “he” has transported more than 80,000 passengers over 60,000 miles in and around the 50-block downtown district, the council said in a news release.

This newest iteration of F.R.E.D., a GEM e6, will be the fourth electric vehicle offering the free service, with some new upgrades including an added luggage rack for cruise passengers, convention goers and other visitors to downtown Norfolk.

There are also cushier bucket seats with more legroom, an improved suspension for a smoother ride and windows that open all the way.

The city unveiled the new F.R.E.D. with a ceremony Wednesday at Townebank Fountain Park.

For more information, see www.downtownnorfolk.org/go/fred.

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VIRGINIA BEACH

Virginia Chorale presents a throwback to the ’60s

The Virginia Chorale presents songs from “The Three Bs” — the Beatles, Beach Boys and Burt Bacharach Feb. 4 in Portsmouth. The concert is the third of four programs in the chorale’s 2023-24 subscription series. The shows will be Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Virginia Wesleyan University in Virginia Beach, and Feb. 4 at 4 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Portsmouth.

Tickets are $30 for adults; $20 for military and groups of 10 or more; and $10 for students. For tickets or further information, visit www.vachorale.org or call 757-627-8375.

Love bites!

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center has launched its non-traditional Valentine’s Day fundraiser called Love Bites to lift the heart-broken and jilted souls.

When love stings like a jelly, make it a cathartic experience by symbolically feeding your ex, corporate rival or one-time friend to one of the aquarium’s resident animals.

Participants can choose from a menu of feeder animals that may remind them of their ex, including a dead rat or fish, creepy crawly cockroach, a slimy worm, or dull vegetable. The symbolically named feeders will be offered to the jaws of one of the aquarium’s animal residents — the Komodo dragons, sharks, otters, a toad and more.

The fundraiser will run until Feb. 14 at noon. Feeder prices will range from $5 to $25, and purchasers will receive a video of their chosen feeder and a festive customizable card for sharing on social media and give to their Valentine. For a little extra self love, one can buy a personalized feeding option for $100 to receive a custom video experience; the last day to purchase the upgraded option is Feb. 6.

The fundraiser also includes another way to “seal” your love with the chance to bid and win either a Valentine’s-Day-themed seal painting, the naming rights for the aquarium’s newest Animal Ambassador, an Eastern indigo snake; or a personalized Komodo dragon behind-the scenes feeding.

All the proceeds support the Virginia Aquarium Foundation, which provides care for hundreds of animals, provides educational offerings, conducts research and conservation activities, and operates the aquarium’s nationally-recognized stranding response program.

See virginiaaquarium.com for details.

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CHESAPEAKE

Celebrate a cross section of Haitian art that is rich in culture, rooted in African traditions, and informed by Europe and America at the Chesapeake Public Library at 801 Poindexter St., Chesapeake. Art will be displayed on the library Art Wall all day during opening hours through Feb. 29.

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OUTER BANKS

New phone numbers

Telephone numbers have changed at the Division of Coastal Management office in Elizabeth City. The new main number is 252-621-6450.

Direct lines for individual staff have also changed. The public should refer to the contacts page on the DCM website for updated numbers or call the main number and ask to be transferred.

All former phone numbers will be temporarily forwarded to the new numbers, but callers should note the changes for future reference.

The phone numbers changed because a new phone system was installed at the office located at 401 S. Griffin St., Suite 300 in Elizabeth City.

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PORTSMOUTH

Black history series

Grammy-winning Home Studios, in collaboration with the city of Portsmouth and Portsmouth Museums, presents “Black History Now! Art is Revolutionary” over the next several weeks throughout the area.

The series kicked off Friday and its next event will be Feb. 9 and 10 with “Art that Changes the World.” Join award-winning Artivist Nikkolas Smith at four local Portsmouth schools, and the Children’s Museum of Virginia as he shares how his art sparks change. Nikkolas is a concept artist, children’s books author, film illustrator and movie poster designer.

On Feb. 16 and Feb. 17, the series continues with a screening of the award-winning documentary, “Bad Things Happen in Philadelphia.” The film tackles the heartbreaking issue of gun violence in Philadelphia, where over 500 lives were lost in 2021 alone.

There will also be a kids’ filmmaking and screening event at The Children’s Museum.

The series also features music with local Portsmouth musicians, a children’s beat making workshop at The Children’s Museum and a fashion showcase by Virginia designer Hamilton Perkins.

For more information on all the events, see www.blkhistorynow.com.

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JAMESTOWN

Black artist showcase

Jamestown Settlement will exhibit its 2024 Black Artist Showcase through Feb. 29. Throughout the year, the settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown feature gallery exhibits, artifacts and films that recount the experiences of Africans and African Americans in early America.

The Black Artist Showcase is on extended view during Black History Month in February, with contemporary art and 17th-century history on display.

Using the theme “the beauty of our lives,” the showcase features 22 Virginia-based artists presenting more than 30 original interpretations and reflections of family, faith, music and social justice.

For information, visit jyfmuseums.org.