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Aragona Village Civic LeagueAragona VillageCivic League

Neighbors • Community • Pride

A vibrant community with deep roots.

Bringing neighbors together through civic engagement, community events, local information and service in Aragona Village and eligible areas of Pembroke Manor.

Explore the Candidate ForumCheck Membership Eligibility
1969Civic League established
4,300+Homes in our neighboring communities
All welcomeCommunity events remain open to everyone
Aragona Village Civic League emblem

Discover our neighborhood

Rooted in history. Growing together.

Explore the story of Aragona Village, learn what your Civic League does, and follow an important neighborhood park initiative.

1955

Our history

From dairy farm to a Tidewater landmark.

Aragona Village began on 900 acres of former dairy farmland in Princess Anne County. Groundbreaking started in 1955, residents began arriving in 1956, and the community grew to approximately 3,200 families by 1960.

Read the neighborhood story

The neighborhood was named for developer John Aragona, who came to the United States from Cerenzia, Italy, at age 17. Homebuyers traveled unpaved, muddy roads to choose their lot and one of the duck-named home models, including the Mallard, Teal and Canvasback. A $100 down payment reserved a lot and home.

Aragona Village helped shape Virginia Beach history. It organized the city’s first Little League, welcomed more than 1,000 people for its 1959 opening season, and established the city’s first Garden Club. Nearly 200 residents formed the Civic League in 1969 in response to increased sewer fees.

The homes may have deep roots, but the neighborhood remains vibrant—close to schools, libraries, shopping and Town Center while retaining a strong community identity.

What is a civic league?

Your neighborhood’s organized voice.

A civic league is a nonprofit neighborhood organization that brings residents together to improve quality of life and work constructively with local government.

  • Connect residents with city services and decision-makers
  • Address public safety, traffic, zoning and infrastructure
  • Share reliable community information
  • Organize meetings, events, service and beautification

When a community speaks together, its voice becomes more powerful.

Neighborhood priority

Jericho–Bayside property

A permanent neighborhood park.

For years, residents have advocated to preserve the former Bayside Sixth Grade property as public open space rather than residential development.

August 12, 2025The School Board unanimously supported transferring the property to the City specifically for a neighborhood park.

The Civic League continues following the next phase and working toward an accessible park and recreation area for Aragona Village and neighboring communities.

Request project updates →
Community advocates and School Board supporters celebrating progress on the Jericho Road neighborhood park proposal
Latest update • August 2026

A decade-long effort moves forward

Agreement advances the former Bayside Sixth Grade Campus park plan.

The Virginia Beach School Board has approved an agreement advancing the effort to redevelop the former school property on Jericho Road into public green space for the community.

The milestone builds on the Board’s August 12, 2025 resolution supporting transfer of the property to the City for use as an Aragona Village neighborhood park and its August 12, 2026 unanimous approval of the final term-sheet draft. The project now moves into its next City approval and implementation steps.

With appreciation: School Board members Carolyn Weems and Dr. Alveta Green, School Board Chair Kathleen Brown, and City Council representatives Joash Schulman and Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond have consistently supported the neighborhood’s park effort.

After roughly ten years of community advocacy, the neighborhood is another step closer to a permanent public park.

Read the Full Story on WTKRView the latest Facebook update →
Honoring Lorraine Samko for 19 years of service and 15 years as president

Leadership legacy

Honoring 19 Years of Dedication to Aragona Village

The Aragona Village Civic League extends its deepest gratitude to Lorraine Samko for her extraordinary service to our neighborhood.

Lorraine became a Civic League member 19 years ago. During that time, she served 18 years as an officer—including an incredible 15 years as president. In May 2026, she passed the torch to the next generation of leadership, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of advocacy, service and community spirit.

During Lorraine’s years of leadership, she:

  • Helped refresh the park at Christ Presbyterian Church
  • Helped preserve the Romney Lane park
  • Helped stop a proposed flyover from coming down Lavender Lane
  • Helped bring residents together through events such as the Spooktacular
  • Dedicated 10 years to advocating for the former Jericho Road school property to become a permanent neighborhood park

Lorraine’s leadership was never simply about holding an office. It was about showing up, listening to neighbors, protecting our community and refusing to give up on projects that could make Aragona Village stronger.

Although she has stepped down as president, Lorraine’s service continues. She remains a member of the Civic League Board and will continue serving as director of the Jericho Road park project—helping guide a decade-long community effort toward the finish line.

Lorraine, thank you for the countless hours, difficult meetings, neighborhood celebrations and years of persistence you have given to Aragona Village. Your work has made a lasting difference, and your legacy can be seen throughout our community.

It has been our honor and privilege to have you serve as president.

Meet your Civic League leaders

Neighbors serving neighbors.

Get to know the people helping Aragona Village stay connected, informed and heard throughout Virginia Beach.

Michael Mike Halvorsen

President | Aragona Village Civic League

Michael “Mike” Halvorsen

Michael Halvorsen serves as President of the Aragona Village Civic League and has deep roots in the community he proudly calls home. Michael moved to Aragona Village in 1984 and is a graduate of Bayside High School. Having lived in the area for more than four decades, he has watched the community grow and change while developing a strong appreciation for the people and neighborhoods that make Aragona Village special.

A proud United States Navy veteran and small business owner, Michael brings a strong sense of service, leadership, and community responsibility to his role as Civic League President. His decision to become more involved with the Civic League grew from a desire to take an active role in shaping the future of the community that has been such an important part of his life.

As President, Michael is committed to strengthening neighborhood involvement, improving communication, and ensuring residents have a voice on issues affecting Aragona Village. He works alongside fellow Civic League officers and trustees, residents, local businesses, public safety agencies, City of Virginia Beach departments, and elected representatives to address community concerns and create opportunities for neighbors to become more involved.

Michael is passionate about bringing people together through community meetings, neighborhood initiatives, and events such as National Night Out. He believes strong communities are built when neighbors know one another, communicate openly, and work together toward common goals.

After calling Aragona Village home since 1984, Michael’s commitment to the neighborhood is deeply personal. His goal as President is to honor Aragona Village’s history while taking an active role in shaping its future—building community pride, encouraging involvement, and helping ensure Aragona Village remains a great place to call home for generations to come.

Dawn Halvorsen

Vice President | Aragona Village Civic League

Dawn Halvorsen

Dawn Halvorsen serves as Vice President of the Aragona Village Civic League and has a lifelong connection to the neighborhood. Born and raised in Aragona Village, Dawn has lived in the same family home since 1976. Her deep roots in the community have given her a strong appreciation for its history, its residents and the generations of families who have called Aragona home.

For more than 32 years, Dawn has been involved with nonprofit and community organizations. She and her family have always believed in giving back to the people and places that have supported them. As Dawn often says, “You always give back to those who gave to you.”

As Vice President, Dawn is committed to encouraging greater neighborhood involvement and creating opportunities for residents to connect, volunteer and contribute their talents. She would especially like to see more members of the younger generation step forward, become involved and help carry community service into the future.

Dawn also loves organizing a good event. Whether she is coordinating a neighborhood gathering, civic program or large community celebration, she enjoys bringing people together and creating experiences that make residents feel welcomed, connected and proud to be part of Aragona Village.

After spending her entire life in the neighborhood, Dawn’s commitment to Aragona Village is deeply personal. She hopes to help preserve the community’s strong traditions while encouraging new ideas, new volunteers and the next generation of neighborhood leadership.

Lianne Potter Smith

Trustee

Lianne Potter Smith

Lianne Potter Smith has proudly called Aragona home for nearly 20 years. She works as a department manager for a local finance company and serves as a Virginia Beach poll worker—so, as she likes to say, “You’ll see me if you get out and vote!”

Community-minded and civically engaged, Lianne originally joined the Civic League because of her commitment to serving others. She is an advocate for social justice and volunteers with several local organizations.

Lianne would like to see Aragona become an even stronger, more connected community with a meaningful voice throughout Virginia Beach.

Rebecca Becky Norway

Recording Secretary

Rebecca “Becky” Norway

Becky grew up in Kempsville and has called Aragona home since 1998. With the exception of three years spent in Maine while her husband was stationed there, Becky has remained deeply rooted in the neighborhood and was happy to return to her “little home” in Aragona.

In her free time, Becky enjoys being outside in her yard, visiting estate sales, thrifting and reading.

Lorraine E. Samko

Former President | Director, Jericho Road Project

Lorraine E. Samko

Lorraine has called Aragona Village home since 1989. An accountant by degree and a real estate broker by tradition, she owns Samko Accounting and Samko Real Estate.

Her family includes one son, her boyfriend and a caboodle of kitty cats. Lorraine enjoys gardening, supporting animal welfare, fishing, creating “stuff,” breaking bread—and occasionally breaking bad—with good music and good friends.

Lorraine’s involvement with the Aragona Village Civic League began around Christmas 2006. After living in the neighborhood for years and passing the Civic League meeting sign more than a hundred times, she finally decided to see what it was all about. She liked the people she met and believed in the Civic League’s objectives.

She has now served the Civic League for nearly 20 years, including 18 years as an officer and an incredible 15 years as president.

Lorraine’s greatest remaining hope is to see the former Bayside Sixth Grade property on Jericho Road become a permanent neighborhood park serving Aragona Village and its sister Bayside communities. After 10 years of walking this path, she believes the community is finally approaching what she calls its “promised land.”

More leadership profiles will be added as biographies and approved photographs become available.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC — ALL VIRGINIA BEACH RESIDENTS WELCOME

A nonpartisan Virginia Beach community candidate forum

Unmask the Candidates 2026

Look beyond the ballot. Meet the people behind the names.

Join neighbors for candidate forums, voter information and a welcoming community conversation about the offices and issues closest to home.

DateSaturday
October 17, 2026
LocationChrist Presbyterian Church
709 Aragona Boulevard
School Board FocusDistricts 4 & 9
Meet & Greet begins at 10:15 a.m.

Plan your visit

October 17 Schedule

School Board Candidate Meet & Greet
School Board Districts 4 & 9 Forums
City Council Candidate Meet & Greet
City Council Districts 4 & 9 Forums
Federal Participation, Voter Information & Engagement

School Board Districts 4 & 9

Meet the School Board Candidates

District 4Alveta J. GreenMelisa D. Herum
District 9Carolyn D. WeemsSuzanne F. Berman

More than a traditional forum

What to Expect at Unmask the Candidates

  • Meet the candidates
  • Hear the candidate forums
  • Passport to the Polls
  • Unmask Your Question
  • Community information stations
  • “I Unmasked My Ballot” photo experience
  • Ballot Bites, Candidate Cider, Spooky Sweets & Civic Crunch

Come for the candidates. Stay for the conversation. Leave more informed.

Official voter resources

View Your Virginia Beach Sample Ballot

Open the official sample ballot for your City Council and School Board district.

District 4 Sample BallotDistrict 9 Sample Ballot
GOAL500Bags of Candy

Community collection

No Tricks. Just Treats. Candy Drive

Help us collect 500 unopened bags of candy to support fall activities across our community.

  • Luxford Elementary School
  • Pembroke Elementary School
  • Bayside High School Track or Treat
  • Virginia Beach Police Third Precinct officers attending Trunk or Treat events
  • Virginia Beach Mounted Patrol’s Trunk or Treat

To arrange a donation before October 17:
avcivicleague@gmail.com • 757-816-8547

The Aragona Village Civic League does not endorse or oppose candidates. Invitations, candidate presentation and forum procedures are designed to be fair and impartial.

View Facebook EventGet Forum Updates

Gather with your neighbors

Community happens here.

Our events are open to residents and guests—even if you live outside the membership boundary.

OCT12

Next Civic League meeting • Virtual

Monday, October 12, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

Join us on Zoom • Meeting ID: 824 4574 0800 • Passcode: 791697

Join Zoom Meeting
Regular meeting scheduleFebruary–June & August–October
FEBMARAPRMAYJUNAUGSEPOCT
Coming next

OCT 3–4

Village-to-Manor Treasure Hunt

A neighborhood-wide yard sale across Aragona Village and Pembroke Manor. Participating homes set their own hours.

Register your sale →
Feb–June • Aug–Oct

Civic League Meetings

Hear neighborhood updates, meet local leaders and help shape the projects that matter to our community.

Ask about the next meeting →
Partners welcome

Community Events

Informational booths are free. Vendor booths for those selling goods generally range from $20–$30.

Participate in an event →

Community resource hub

Find the right help—without hunting for it.

Quick access to local government, schools, services, safety information and neighborhood destinations. Official directories are linked so names and contact information stay current.

Emergency911
Police • non-emergency757-385-5000
Virginia Beach services311 / 757-385-3111
🏛️

City Council

Find current representatives, district contacts, agendas and meeting information.

Open official directory →🎓

School Board

Aragona Village includes Districts 4 and 9. View current members and contact information.

Open official directory →📞

Who Do I Call?

City services, water and sewer, waste collection, street concerns and general assistance.

Visit VB311 →🏫

Schools

Nearby public schools include Luxford and Pembroke Elementary, Bayside and Independence Middle, and Bayside High.

Explore VBCPS →📚

Libraries

Bayside Area, Central and Kempsville Area libraries are all convenient to the neighborhood.

Find a library →
⛪

Houses of Worship

Our area is served by Christ Presbyterian, Calvary Virginia Beach, Aragona Church of Christ, SonRise, Haygood UMC, Old Donation and other faith communities.

Neighbors of many faiths are welcome.
🛡️

Safety Tips

View checklist +

Use the 9 p.m. routine: remove valuables and keys from vehicles, lock doors and windows, close garage doors and turn on outside lights.

Keep packages out of street view, use secure delivery options, park in well-lit areas and stay aware when entering or leaving your vehicle. Call 911 for emergencies or crimes in progress.

🌧️

Flood Preparation

View guidance +

Know your flood risk, review insurance coverage, protect important papers, elevate utilities where appropriate, keep gutters and storm drains clear, and plan before severe weather.

Virginia Beach floodplain resources →
Local contactsPublic safety and elected representativesView current list +

Public Safety

Police non-emergency757-385-5000

Third Precinct Captain James GordonJJGordon@vbgov.com

Liaison Officer David SchoenbachDShoenba@vbgov.com

City Council

District 4 • Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammondarosshammond@vbgov.com757-840-0735

District 9 • Joash Schulmanjschulman@vbgov.com757-840-1291

School Board

District 4 • Dr. Alveta GreenAlveta.Green@vbcpsboard.com

District 9 • Carolyn WeemsCarolyn.Weems@vbcpsboard.com757-464-6674

Virginia General Assembly

Senate District 20 • Bill DeStephsenatordesteph@senate.virginia.gov757-321-8180

Senate District 22 • Aaron Rousesenatorrouse@senate.virginia.gov804-698-7507

House District 95 • Alex AskewDelAAskew@house.virginia.gov757-574-0637

Dominion Energy
888-667-3000Virginia Natural Gas
877-572-3342Water & Sewer
757-385-4631Voter Information
Virginia Elections

Membership

Put down deeper roots.

Membership helps support neighborhood programs, strengthens our collective voice and keeps you connected.

  • Community news and meeting notices
  • Opportunities to volunteer, serve and lead
  • Direct support for local events and neighborhood improvements
Membership information is being updated.Please contact the Civic League with membership questions while the Board completes its review.
Membership questions →

Check my address

Am I in the membership area?

Aragona Village residents are eligible. Certain neighboring Pembroke Manor streets are also included.

View eligible Pembroke Manor streets

Tory Rd, Ticonderoga Rd, Declaration Rd, Patriot Ln, Crowne Point Ln, Valley Forge Ln, Williamsburg Rd & Ct, Minute Men Rd, Breeds Hill Rd, Hinsdale St & Ct, Adler Ave, and Kellam Rd.

Membership eligibility is separate from event attendance. Everyone is welcome at public community events.

Stay connected

Have a question or a neighborhood idea?

avcivicleague@gmail.com