THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 31, 1996 TAG: 9603290218
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 08 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY NANCY LEWIS, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 82 lines
Bloodlines don't carry any weight in this mock monarchy, nor do political connections enter into the selection of its ruler.
Instead, the choice of the man who would be king for a year is based solely on demonstrated commitment to the community.
It was no great surprise, then, that the eyes of the kingmakers fell on Thomas R. Krantz when it came time to name an honorary monarch for this year's 23rd annual Neptune Festival. By tradition, the king is chosen by a secret vote of former kings.
The 48-year-old Virginia Beach lawyer is committed to helping youngsters grow successfully into adulthood, and it is his long devotion to making the city a better place for its youth that led to his selection.
Krantz, the father of two daughters and a son, was crowned King Neptune XXIII in ceremonies fit for a king Sunday at the Cavalier Hotel. His coronation was attended by numerous dignitaries of the realm, and His Royal Highness' entourage included six princesses, three princesses royale and six tritons - the mermen of mythology.
Krantz's contributions to his community include serving as chairman for the Virginia Beach Foundation, a group of business and professional leaders who work to raise the quality of life for city residents by helping support a long list of local charities.
Krantz is especially proud of the foundation's current role in helping The Virginia Beach Soccer Task Force develop an 80-acre plot of land for use as playing fields.
Perhaps nothing else is so effective in helping kids grow into adulthood as are organized sports activities, Krantz said.
``It's important as kids are trying to find out who they are . . . the self-discipline, the ability to commit oneself as a young teen, to focus, translate into the ability to make life choices,'' said Krantz. The goal is to help children learn to do fewer things, but do them well.
He has coached various sports teams in Virginia Beach for more than 20 years.
Growing up is much different for kids today than it was in decades past, said Krantz, whose youth was spent in Waynesboro, Pa.
The soccer park project had gotten beyond the ability of the city to handle, and the task force and foundation efforts to see the plan to fruition represent a unique blend, he said. He pointed out that foundation members are, by and large, older business leaders, while the task force comprises young movers and shakers.
In a day when neighborhood camaraderie has become the exception rather than the rule, the playing fields soon to be developed also will provide a setting and venue to bring together adults in the community, Krantz said.
The new King Neptune practices law with the Virginia Beach firm of Clark and Stant, and his wife, Diane Krantz, is a part-time physical therapist at Virginia Beach General Hospital. The couple live in the Birdneck Point community, and their children attend Cape Henry Collegiate School.
Krantz also devotes his considerable energies to helping raise funds for Cape Henry and the Virginia Marine Science Museum. MEMO: NEPTUNE NEWS
The 23rd annual Neptune Festival will take place Sept. 15-29.
The theme will be ``Neptune's Red, White-Hot & Blue Blast - A
Military Tribute,'' a salute to the city's military heritage.
The festival, which boasts a wide range of cultural and sporting
activities for young and old, now ranks as one of the top 10 in the
Southeast United States and one of the top 100 in the country. It
attracts more than a half-million participants and spectators yearly and
brings more than $15 million to the local economy.
Activities include Boardwalk Weekend Sept. 27-29, a juried art show,
sports competitions, fireworks, a country fair day and a grand ball and
parade.
Coming, as it does, on the heels of a summer of tourism, the festival
is aimed at letting locals ``take back the beach,'' said Nancy Creech,
chairwoman. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Thomas R. Krantz, 48, a Virginia Beach lawyer, is King Neptune
XXIII.
by CNB