These are the top stories in Suffolk 33 years ago:

Virginia Beach prepared for total eclipse of the sun

On March 7, Virginia Beach would experience a once-every-360-years event; a total eclipse of the sun. For roughly three minutes, sometime between noon and 3 p.m., day would become night as the sun would become completely blotted out. The moon’s cone would pass directly across Virginia Beach, one of the few sites nationwide to experience such an event.

Duke named Women’s Club top member

Mrs. Joseph H. Duke Jr. was named the Suffolk Junior Women’s Club’s Outstanding Member. Since joining the club in 1968, Duke quickly became chairman of the health, mental health and safety department o the Club. Along with working over 250 hours a year for the club, she donated 21 pints of blood throughout the year. A member of First Baptist Church, Duke was the mother of sons Keith and Robin.

Pulaski youth named Virginia East Seal Child

10-year-old Ricky Mitchell of Pulaski was named the 1970 Virginia Easter Seal Child. Born with cerebral palsy, Ricky used leg braces to walk, run, dance, and participate in other physical activities. He was elected the child of the year after attending the camp for the second time, and participating in all the activities. He was an above-average third grader.

Winter Consort to play March 5

The Winter Consort announced that it would perform on March 5 in Courtland. The Consort’s music did not conform to any particular classification, said leader Paul Winter. &uot;What we are trying to do on our instruments is sing,&uot; Winter said. &uot;Most of the pieces that we play are based on one song or another, rather than technical instrumental writing. The group used a combination of folk drums and small percussion instruments.

Seven Franklin students make all A’s

Seven Franklin High School students made all A’s for the third six weeks of the school year. Seniors Ria Winstead and Janet Burrow, junior Tim Duck, sophomore Stewart Dentler and Shea Lowe, and freshmen David Sawyer and Nancy Pixey.