THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 27, 1995 TAG: 9508250198
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Janelle La Bouve and Eric Feber
LENGTH: Medium: 87 lines
Adoption has new meaning for some in folks in Campostella's Peaceful Village.
On Saturday, the Virginia Beach-based Rock Church joined hands with the Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority to hold the city's first ever Adopt-A-Block party.
Using the theme ``Taking back our city block by block,'' volunteers provided assistance and entertainment to residents of the area.
``I'll bet we fed over 2,000 people, including children,'' said Tim Jackson, director of social ministries at the church.
Children went home with new school clothes and the first 250 lucky kids were given a new toy. Puppets, clowns and singers provided fun and entertainment throughout the afternoon.
The adopt-a-block party was patterned after similar events held in Baltimore, Md.
Jackson could not hide the pleasure in his voice a full three days later. ``It was wonderful, unbelievable,'' he said. ``The weather was perfect, cool with a breeze.''
But he was most moved by the gratitude of the recipients.
``The people in the community were really encouraged,'' he said. ``The involvement of the churches was terrific.''
About 150 people from various congregations were on hand for the block party.
Former drug addicts talked to listeners about making the area drug free. They emphasized the importance of taking care of their children and offered suggestions that would improve parenting skills.
``We tried to deal with every aspect that destroys neighborhoods,'' Jackson said. ``This is not just a one-day event. We have couples who will follow up with people in the neighborhood and try to help in specific areas of need. We will also start Bible studies in the area. We'll run buses to take them to our church or a church which is right near Campostella.
``The Campostella community was really blessed. It would just make you cry. You could tell that for some of the families, buying school clothes would be difficult.'' A century young
Congratulate Chesapeake's newest centenarian.
She's Vivian Barrow Brooks, who celebrated her 100th birthday this past Friday at her residence, the Sentara Nursing Center of Chesapeake on Oak Grove Road.
Mrs. Brooks was born on Aug. 25, 1895, in Brunswick County. She lived there most of her life, having raised three children. She now has eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Her family and friends along with the residents and staff of her nursing residence were scheduled to throw her a big party yesterday at the Oak Grove Road facility.
About 30 members of her immediate family had planned to hold a small private party. Then later in the day, the entire nursing residence would wish Mrs. Brooks a happy day.
Planned festivities were to include a cake, songs, favors and music by the Merry Haymaker Band and the Hayrides, a local country group that's a favorite of the nursing center residents, said Donna Millis, activity director.
``We're all happy for her,'' Millis said. ``She's a quiet, dignified lady who plays the piano occasionally with some encouragement.''
Mrs. Brooks' daughter, Nancy Blevins agreed.
``She still tries to play sometimes,'' Blevins said. ``But when she can't she just says she's out of tune.''
During her life, though, Blevins said her mother was in tune with other people.
Mrs. Brooks played piano for her church, she was active in her congregation and community and she took care of her mother until she died in 1965. She taught school in her hometown, usually as a substitute teacher.
``She taught for years,'' Blevins said. ``She was a substitute teacher up until she was 84.''
Mrs. Brooks was also known for her prowess in the kitchen. The bread she baked was a source of family pride.
``Everything she made was excellent,'' Blevins said. ``Everybody really loved her rolls. They were always the hit of her dinners.''
Mrs. Brooks is still active for her age and she's still able to recognize family and friends.
And she still possesses a good sense of humor.
``Ask her how old she is and she'll tell you, `I'm sweet 16,' then she'll chuckle and say, `Well then, 100,' '' Blevins said. by CNB