Music of many genres filled the air on a late December night in Colonial Place as Porchella 2022 finally kicked off. After a reschedule—from a frigidly forecasted original date that would have impacted attendance and musicians’ vocal chords—the event got underway at 6:30 pm on December 30, 2022.
The brainchild of community organizer, artist, and former landscape designer, Cristina Fletcher, the event was a follow-on of the highly successful Ghent Porchella during COVID. She explains, “Richmond had one that I’d heard about, and I thought it would work in Norfolk. It was the end of 2020, as COVID was easing up, and things seemed safe for outdoor events. People were starting to do things again.” She thought her musician friends, and other area musicians, would appreciate the opportunity to play live music again after the lockdown. Cristina happened to live in a house with a great party porch, so she started spreading the word. That eventually evolved into Ghent Porchella, which included musicians Skye Zentz and Paper Aliens. The event spread throughout Ghent and met with tremendous success.
When Cristina’s parents moved to Colonial Place last summer, she knew it would be a perfect neighborhood for a second Porchella. She contacted the Civic League in November, and the board embraced the idea. The request went out for musicians, and host porches, and the neighborhood was soon on board. A schedule started to come together, and Porchella 2022 was born.
The music ranged from acoustic to rock, improvisational jazz, EDM, and more. Musicians included Allegra Duchaine, Rebecca Schultz, duo Nick Werner, and Tom Tompkins, and the band Times New Roman. Set against a backdrop of festive holiday lights and a variety of porches, attendees enjoyed 30-minute mini-concerts for over two hours.
On the CPRV FB page, Elise Ramos Krepcho wrote:
Check out pictures of the event collected from Facebook and attendees.
Photo credit: Nancy Rogan, Stephanie Clark, Andie Gabor, Erica Howell, Shannon Bowman, and Ellen Abbey Sacks.
This month’s CPRV newsletter kicks off in January 2026 with reflections on recent neighborhood wins, a look ahead to upcoming projects and events, highlights from community gatherings, updates on the Mayflower shoreline path, and features celebrating the people, pets, and shared efforts shaping our neighborhood’s next chapter together.
Join us for another amazing community Happy Hour Hangout, this time at Fellini’s (3910 Colley Ave, Norfolk, VA 23508).
We can’t wait to see you there, and we love being your neighbor.
THIS IS A 21* EVENT, AND EACH PARTICIPANT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN TAB.
This month’s CPRV newsletter recaps November’s community highlights, celebrates new board leadership, spotlights the 2026 Pets of CPRV Calendar, and shares updates on the Mayflower shoreline path, upcoming events, holiday gatherings, contests, and more—all the ways our neighborhood continues to grow, connect, and thrive.
Preorder Your 2026 Pets of CPRV Calendar Today! Each $20 preorder includes an 11×17 spiral-bound calendar and covers 2026 civic league dues for one CPRV resident. Every single pet made the cover 🤩 — and each one is featured again inside! Get to know the beloved dogs, cats, hamsters, turtles, and lizards of CPRV, and maybe even spark a few new conversations with the neighbors who walk, cuddle, and care for them.
Join us for another amazing community Happy Hour Hangout, this time at Fellini’s (3910 Colley Ave, Norfolk, VA 23508).
We can’t wait to see you there, and we love being your neighbor.
THIS IS A 21* EVENT, AND EACH PARTICIPANT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN TAB.
Our November Civic League meeting brought together more than 30 neighbors at Kingdom Embassy Ministries for an evening of community updates, celebration, and connection. From welcoming new attendees and electing Riverview’s new representative, Terry Reading, to hearing from Brian N. Friedman on the future of Lambert’s Point Park, the night was filled with great energy and momentum. Residents also heard updates on neighborhood safety, upcoming social events, and exciting initiatives like the Pets of CPRV 2026 Calendar and Elizabeth River Project Shoreline Planting. As the holidays approach, CPRV continues to grow in both spirit and participation—thank you to everyone who helps make this neighborhood thrive!
