Congratulations to Michael Gray, of 242 Constitution Ave, who was selected as this year’s “Holiday Lights” winner. So many neighbors took advantage of the holiday this year, and took to decorating the exterior of their homes in festive lights and ornaments. Take a look below at all the participants, and the terrific light displays they created.

If you are interested in attending a City Council Meeting in 2026, or want to know what your council is up to, we are providing their calendar of events for 2026 here.

We hope this will be useful to you in the months to come.

To download a copy, CLICK HERE.

Come out on Saturday, November 8th to help! A little effort goes a long, long way.

The sad news of the recent fire in Olde Towne has the community rallying around the surviving sister, Andrea, who lost her sister, her dog, her car, and all her possessions. St. John’s Episcopal Church, in Olde Towne, is taking monetary donations to assist Andrea as she bravely battles both physical injuries she sustained in the fire, and the emotional devastation of such a great and personal loss.

The fire, which took place this past Tuesday, completely gutted this historic home in Olde Towne, but with the brave and tireless efforts of the Portsmouth Fire Department, no other homes were damaged.

We hope you will consider helping a longtime fellow neighbor in her time of need.

Click here to be taken directly to St. John’s donation site.

A very special thanks to Jonie Harris and Laz Patrado for their incredible efforts on enhancing our neighborhood entrance. The new signage is beautifully showcased.

If you are a senior age 62 or older, we have a $100 gift card incentive to thank you for fighting the spread of COVID-19 and to offer financial relief. Applications will be accepted May 8, 2023 – May 22, 2023.

How do I qualify?

• Must be age 62 or older (born on or before May 22, 1961)
• Must be a City of Portsmouth resident.
• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (No Boosters Needed)

How do I Apply?

• Complete an application and return it to the City of Portsmouth for approval.
• Applications will be located at the following:

Social Services,
1701 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23704

Portsmouth Senior Station
3500 Clifford St, Portsmouth, VA 23707

Portsmouth City Hall
801 Crawford St, Portsmouth, VA 23704

City of Portsmouth website: www.portsmouthva.gov/seniorgiftcard 

Any City of Portsmouth Library – The Library Staff will assist as follows:

Print a hard copy of the form:  https://www.portsmouthva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14067/senior-application

Where do I return my application?

Social Services Drop Box at 1701 High Street

Portsmouth City Hall at 801 Crawford Street – 6th Floor – City Manager’s Office

Any City of Portsmouth Library

Apply directly online at www.portsmouthva.gov/seniorgiftcard

Postal mail: 

Attention: City Manager’s Office ARPA $100 Gift Card
P O Box 820
Portsmouth VA 23705

How do I get my gift card?

Once approved, the City Manager’s office will contact you with the time and convenient location for pickup.

Seniors must provide proof of Portsmouth residency, a copy of their vaccine card, and a copy of their state-issued identification card or driver’s license.

Each Qualified Senior will receive a $100 gift card.  Fees may apply.

For additional Information, please contact Stacy Porter at:  Stacy.porter@portsmouthva.gov

Click the following link for a message about this program from Interim City Manager Mimi Terry:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxRDVTbaXhE

Thanks.

Bernadette L. Hogge
City Ombudsman
City of Portsmouth
801 Crawford Street
Portsmouth, VA  23704

(757) 393-5143 Ext. 4129
hoggeb@portsmouthva.gov