IN THIS ISSUE
Prioritize brain health with a delicious peanut-packed menu You’ll enjoy these recipes for Crunchy, Creamy Cold Green Pea and Peanut Salad, Flourless Blueberry Muffins, and Peanut Butter Protein Balls. Page 5
Rendering of The Garden of Tomorrow project with views of the Batten Sky Meadow, Sentara Plaza, Brock Entry Pavilion, Kay & Al Abiouness Skywalk and the Perry Conservatory. (RENDERING BY DILLS ARCHITECHTS)
Norfolk Botanical Garden’s highly anticipated ‘The Garden of Tomorrow’ to open September 12, 2026 Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk Botanical Garden (NBG) will open an ambitious new chapter with the debut of The Garden of Tomorrow on Sept. 12, 2026 — a new kind of botanical destination that blends world-renowned art by artist Dale Chihuly, rare plant conservation and immersive design into one of the most distinctive garden experiences in the United States. CHIHULY: The Perry Collection is one of the nation’s most significant permanent collections of Chihuly work and includes the Chiffon and Sangria Azalea Chandelier (2024), created for the Garden to honor the 220 African American Works Progress Administration workers who shaped NBG by transforming the land and planting its iconic azaleas. The Garden recognizes these individuals as its orig-
inal gardeners. The Tidewater Teal Chandelier (2024), also created specifically for NBG, draws inspiration from the Garden’s waterways and coastal Virginia landscape, reflecting the Garden’s focus on water ecology and conservation. “Norfolk Botanical Garden is such a beautiful location. It’s a pleasure to not only present my work there, but to see it become a part of the Garden’s permanent collection and its history—particularly the Chiffon and Sangria Azalea Chandelier. I’m honored that future visitors will have the chance to see it for themselves,” said renowned artist Dale Chihuly. At the heart of the project is the 26,000-square-foot conservatory, a unique
Dale Chihuly’s Chiffon and Sangria Azalea Chandelier (detail) is one of several of his pieces on display in The Garden of Tomorrow. (© 2024 CHIHULY STUDIO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)
See GARDEN on Page A3
Deployed U.S. Marine calls his dog every day while waiting for the day they’re finally reunited – Paws of War launches mission to reunite
beloved dog with her Marine in Japan after international regulations delayed their reunion Press Release
NESCONSET, N.Y. — Every day, U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Michael Casillas calls home to talk to someone he misses dearly: his dog, Margaery. Stationed in Okinawa, Japan, Casillas has been separated from his beloved companion for months while navigating the lengthy international requirements needed to bring her overseas. Now, Paws of War is stepping in to help reunite them. “When our service members are deployed thousands of miles from home, the companionship of a beloved pet can provide comfort, stability, and a sense of home during one of the most challenging times of their lives,” said Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War. “Unfortunately, international regulations can make these reunions incredibly complicated and expensive. We’re committed to helping Michael and Margaery get back together as quickly as possible.” Casillas, who is from Victorville, California, has been stationed in Okinawa while Margaery remains in the United States with a temporary foster family until she can safely travel overseas. International import requirements including: vaccinations, testing, documentation, and mandatory waiting periods have delayed the reunion despite months of planning.
her has been one of the hardest parts of this deployment. Knowing Paws of War is helping bring us back together means everything to me.” Paws of War has made it its mission to support active-duty military members, veterans, and their beloved pets, helping at both ends of the leash. The organization works to navigate the often-complex international transportation process while helping cover the significant costs associated with veterinary care, documentation, travel requirements, and transportation so military families can be reunited with the animals that provide them comfort and companionship. “This mission represents everything Paws of War stands for,” Misseri said. “Our military members sacrifice so much in service to our country. If we can help reunite Michael with Margaery and give them the opportunity to be together again, it’s one small way we can give back to someone who serves all of us.” Paws of War is currently raising support to help cover the expenses required to safely transport Margaery to Japan. Those interU.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Michael Casillas and his dog, Margaery. (COURTESY PHOTO) ested in following the journey can watch videos of Casillas and his wife sharing their Although separated by thousands of miles, her and is doing everything possible to bring story on the organization’s Facebook page at Casillas makes it a point to call Margaery her home to Japan. www.facebook.com/PawsOfWar and www. “Margaery has always been part of my every day, speaking to her over the phone and reminding her that he loves and misses family,” Casillas said. “Being separated from See GARDEN on Page A3
The Virginia Aquarium celebrates first successful lesser Madagascar tenrec birth Page 2
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