Hampton Roads Community News
Community Happenings: Vol. 122, No. 18, May 5 – May 11, 2022
MEAC Recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month
NORFOLK
The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) recently announced plans to recognize May as Mental Heath Awareness Month in supporting those with mental health struggles and helping to remove the stigma surrounding mental health.
“Mental health has increasingly been in the spotlight these last few years, particularly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of mental health can no longer be ignored,” MEAC Commissioner Sonja Stills said.
Throughout the month of May, the MEAC plans to promote mental health wellness to student-athletes and fans by engaging in dialogue and supplying a channel of networks and resources, with efforts shared on the conference’s digital platforms – including MEACSports.com and the MEAC’s social media channels.
Community Supporters Salute Sanderlin’s Coaching Career
Coach Sanderlin and Mrs. Deidre Sanderlin Photo By Glen Mason
By Glen Mason
Special to New Journal and Guide
CHESAPEAKE, VA
Here’s to Darren Sanderlin’s 20th year in coaching basketball. Here’s to 20 more.
Family, players, former players, coaches, and colleagues gathered last Saturday at the Clarence Cuffee Community Center in Chesapeake to thank the Kempsville High School coach for his service to the community and for using the sport of basketball to help students excel in the life.
It was a surprise, stirring tribute hosted by his wife, Mrs. Deidre Sanderlin.
“Darren has matured at each level of basketball from being an excellent player to being an excellent coach,” said hall of fame coach emeritus Malcolm “Zeke” Avery, who coached Sanderlin at Booker T. Washington High School.
As a player at Booker T. Washington, Sanderlin hit the game-winning shot in the Bookers’ 1985 State Championship triumph over Petersburg, 54-52, in double-overtime.
As coach of the Bookers, Sanderlin’s teams finished above
.500 for eight straight seasons from 2004-12.
“Darren Sanderlin, a young man with humble beginnings. Who has given so much to young people? With his compassion, his love for people, love for winning, and his love for basketball,” said Cynthia Watson, the principal who selected him from hundreds of applicants.
Coach Sanderlin compiled a record of 228-183 overall at BTW. That performance was highlighted by the school’s Group AAA State Championship victory, 55-51 Herndon High, in 2006. The Bookers also reached the State Tournament in 2007 when they defeated Nansemond River in a classic Eastern Region title game before bowing to GW-Danville in the State Semis in 2009, where they were ousted in the State Quarterfinals.
In his third year at Kempsville, the court culture has level-upped the Kempsville Chiefs basketball team.
TCC/Rivers Casino Expand Partnership
PORTSMOUTH
Rivers Casino Portsmouth, developed and operated by Rush Street Gaming, recently announced plans to lease office space on the Portsmouth Campus of Tidewater Community College (TCC)—effective April 26. Rivers Casino’s TCC offices will provide a base of operations for casino staff until the new casino opens early 2023.
City of Norfolk Launches Vacant Property Online Auction Program
NORFOLK, VA
The City of Norfolk’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) recently launched its Vacant Property Online Auction, a new program offering neighbors, developers, builders, and investors equal access and opportunity to invest in the City by purchasing and redeveloping vacant residential lots.
Designed for equity and efficiency, the Vacant Property Online Auction program provides a detailed application and qualification process that is the same for all participants, from individuals interested in developing an empty lot in their neighborhoods to builders looking for the next project. Property purchases will be awarded to the highest bidder meeting alignment with City housing priorities and goals to transform underutilized properties, increase economic inclusion, strengthen neighborhoods and communities with quality, affordable housing options.
Potential bidders are encouraged to visit www.norfolk.gov/PropertyAuction to learn more about the process, complete preliminary registration, submit applications, documentation and deposits required for participation while browsing properties available for sale.
