Good morning, Scoopers!

Today Suffolk honors Juneteenth, a day of freedom, reflection, and community. City offices are closed but trash and recycling run as normal so get those bins to the curb by 7 a.m. Wishing Suffolk a meaningful Juneteenth.

🌦️ Weather
⛪ Suffolk's oldest church gets a historical marker
👮 Suffolk Police welcomes 17 new officers
🚧 Wilroy Road closes June 22
📅 Local Events

Let’s get into 👇

The News: Cypress Chapel Christian Church in Suffolk has received an official Virginia State Historical Highway Marker. The church was founded in 1746, with its first building completed in 1750, long before the United States became a country.

Why It Matters: The marker recognizes the church’s long role in Suffolk’s early religious and community life. It is also part of Virginia 250, the statewide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.

👉 The Move: Take a drive to 1891 Cypress Chapel Road and see a piece of Suffolk history that predates America itself.

Learn More…

The News: Suffolk Police Department just welcomed 17 new police officers and 6 emergency communications operators after graduation from the Hampton Roads Criminal Justice Training Academy.

The new officers are T. Allison, R. Gardner, C. Godwin, S. Harrison, U. Hilario, C. Kane, J. Karol, G. Laughery, C. Middleton, H. Pirzad, T. Sanderlin, G. Smith, H. Smith, O. Soprano, J. Spainhour, E. Weems, and A. Zachary.

The emergency communications operators are J. Johnson, T. Lockett, H. Rountree, S. Stephens, T. Terry, and S. Grady-Williams.

Why It Matters: These graduates will help serve Suffolk both on the streets and behind the scenes, from emergency response to the calls that start it all.

👉 The Move: Congratulations to the new officers and emergency communications operators. Suffolk is proud of you.

The News: A section of Wilroy Road between Constance Road and Elm Street will be fully closed 24 hours a day starting Monday, June 22 through July 10. The closure is part of an HRSD Pump Station Replacement project.

Why It Matters: If you drive this stretch of Wilroy Road, you'll need to find another route for nearly three weeks. A signed detour will be in place the whole time.

👉 The Move: Plan ahead, give yourself extra travel time, and follow the posted detour signs. For more info visit suffolkva.us

Learn More…

Suffolk Scoop is a growing community newsletter featuring local news, events, and stories from around Suffolk. We’re inviting local businesses, organizations, and groups to be featured and share their story with local readers. Don’t own a business? That’s okay. Know one we should feature? Click here to fill out our Feature Request Form.

Know Your History: The Facts on Juneteenth – North Suffolk Library – 6:00 PM

TGIF Summer Concert Series: RaJazz – Downtown Festival Park – 6:00 PM

CHKD Walmart Charity Car Show – Walmart (College Drive) – 10:00 AM

Celebrating National Pollinator Month – Sleepy Hole Park – 11:00 AM

Grill & Chill Event – N. Main-Suffolk Grocery Outlet – 11:00 AM

The Daniel Jordan Band Live – Decoys Seafood – 6:00 PM

The 11th Annual Amazing Peanut Chase – Morgan Memorial Library – 1:00 PM

Adult Recess: Line Dancing, Zumba & Musical Games – Downtown Festival Park – 6:00 PM–9:30 PM

Human Trafficking Awareness Forum – King's Fork High School – 9:00 AM

Little Explorers: Scream for Ice Cream – Bennett's Creek Recreation Center – 10:30 AM–11:15 AM

Adult Recess: Kickball – Wellons Park – 6:00 PM–9:30 PM

Suffolk Parks & Recreation’s TGIF Summer Concert Series kicks off Friday, June 12 at Downtown Festival Park, 215 W. Washington St.

✅ Festivities start at 6 p.m.
✅ Live music runs from 6:30–9:30 p.m.
✅ Admission is free for all ages
✅ Food, concessions, and adult beverages for guests 21+ will be available for purchase
✅ Concerts will be held at Downtown Festival Park and Bennett’s Creek Park
✅ Bring a chair or blanket
✅ No tents or outside alcohol
✅ Free parking is available in nearby public lots

This summer’s lineup includes Island Boy, RaJazz, Slapnation, The Deloreans, The Steals, Anthony Rosano & The Conqueroos, and The Band Monarch.

For weather updates, follow Suffolk Parks & Recreation on Facebook or call 757-514-7250 ext. 5.

Celebrate culture, community, and freedom at Suffolk’s 2nd Annual Juneteenth Festival. Enjoy arts and crafts, vendors, entertainment, a gaming bus, and family fun at Downtown Festival Park.

Suffolk Parks & Recreation is joining Play All Day VA from Sunday, June 21 through Saturday, June 27, with a full week of free summer fun across the city.

Each day from noon to 2 p.m., Parks & Rec will pop up at a different park with free popsicles, giveaways, and activities.

Follow Suffolk Parks & Recreation on Facebook or Instagram for the daily park schedule.

Join Sheriff David Miles and the Suffolk Sheriff’s Office for the 2nd Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Forum on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Kings Fork High School.

✅ Doors open at 9 a.m.
✅ Open to adults and teens 13+
✅ Learn how to recognize the signs of trafficking
✅ Hear from local agencies, advocates, and keynote speaker Tanya Gould
✅ Get resources focused on prevention, support, and saving lives

The forum will include voices from the Suffolk Police Department, Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, Department of Social Services, and other community partners.

Please share this event. Your share could reach someone who needs help.

Suffolk will commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the First Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Downtown Festival Park.

📍 Downtown Festival Park
🕔 5–8 p.m.
🎟️ Free and open to the public

The evening will include:

⭐ Official Reading of the Declaration of Independence
⭐ Civil Air Patrol Presentation of Colors
⭐ National Anthem by Dr. Joleen Neighbours
⭐ The Second Ending Brass Quintet
⭐ Yorktown Fife & Drum
⭐ Living history reenactors
⭐ Merchants and exhibitors
⭐ All-American picnic food

Learn more at SuffolkVA250.com.

Meet Choo Choo, an 8-month-old, 10-pound puppy with a scruffy coat, a playful spirit, and a whole lot of charm. He can be a little shy at first, but once he starts to warm up, this sweet boy loves carrying around his tiny stuffed animals and showing off his playful side. Choo Choo is looking for an active family, a securely fenced yard, and a patient person who can help guide his puppy training. He would likely do best with another small dog to help build his confidence. Apply here: https://suffolkhumanesociety.com/adoption-application/

Pearl is a gorgeous Siamese mix who came into care from Suffolk Animal Care. She is calm, gentle, and ready for a quiet home where she can be someone’s sweet companion.

✅ About 1 year old
✅ Spayed
✅ Microchipped with an AKC Reunite microchip
✅ Up-to-date on vaccinations
✅ Up-to-date on preventatives
✅ Tested negative for FIV/FeLV
✅ Fed a premium diet
✅ Fecal exam negative for parasites

Interested in adopting Pearl? Complete an application today: https://suffolkhumanesociety.com/adoption-application/

Dilly is a sweet 2-year-old, 10-pound Chihuahua looking for a fresh start. She can be very shy at first, so she needs a patient home with a calm routine to help her feel safe and blossom.

Because regular home life is new to her, Dilly would do best in a quiet home with no children under 10. With time, love, and consistency, this little girl is ready to get the spotlight she deserves.

Interested in adopting Dilly? Complete an application today: https://suffolkhumanesociety.com/adoption-application/