"Meet Your Publisher"

- By Christina Parker

Tamara Wetherbee, a resident of the Hampton Roads area for more than 20 years, is an enthusiastic fan of all things OV. Tamara was born and raised in picturesque Idaho, far from the shores of Chesapeake Bay. Her upbringing instilled her with a deep sense of community and passion that she brings to every part of her life. An avid equestrian, she’s been riding and training horses since she was young, including currently riding and judging shows here in Virginia. Tamara also competed while she sought her Bachelor of Arts in English at Oregon State University, and was eventually named captain of the school’s equestrian team.

Happily married to an active duty officer in the Navy for twenty-five years and counting, Tamara spent some time moving around the U.S. to places like California and Texas before finally settling down here with her husband. Together, they raised three amazing children - Hal (21), Sammy (18), and Alex (16). With a variety of interests ranging from varsity lacrosse and building computers, to horseback riding and international debate, the Wetherbee family always have something to keep them busy.

More recently, however, things at home have been slowing down. In the fall of 2024, she tearfully saw off two of her kids to colleges that were rather far away. Tamara and Hal, an aspiring engineer, drove all the way across the country to the breathtaking University of Idaho campus just as the leaves began to change; only a few weeks later, she shared a sentimental goodbye with budding marine scientist Sammy at her alma mater, Oregon State University. Tamara admits she’s “preparing to become an empty nester,” but not quite yet!

While Alex, a junior at Cape Henry Collegiate, still keeps her on her toes, Tamara is also the proud mother of four adorable canines. The Wetherbees have two large Rhodesian Ridgebacks–Ruby, an empathetic , sweet old lady, and Rollo, goofy, sensitive, and scared of his own shadow–as well as two French Bulldogs–Moira, fierce, full of love, and somewhat overprotective, and Finn, the playful, mischievous new addition. Their four-legged family members are an essential part of the Wetherbee household, bringing Tamara and her family happiness, adventure, and a never-ending supply of cute puppy pics. You can find them roughhousing on local beaches, living the high life on the Wetherbees’ boat, or taking one of their frequent daily snoozes.

Tamara is committed to supporting the local community and is passionate about helping out wherever she can. “As long as I’m giving back, contributing something that benefits someone else, I’m happy,” she says, before adding, “and life’s too short to not be joyful.” Currently, Tamara volunteers with several local military charities, and serves as the interim Secretary for the rapidly-growing Ocean View Business Association. However, her favorite charity is Compassion for Canines, the local canine rescue and shelter that brought foster-failure Moira into the Wetherbee family as a permanent member.

In addition to volunteering, she’s a lifelong entrepreneur and has established several businesses, including her own hundred-acre equestrian training facility, a skin care consulting firm, and publishing Ocean View Living, her most recent venture.As her children grew more independent, Tamara was looking to get involved outside of the house. Searching for something that utilized her degree in English and her experience with client-based businesses, she interviewed with Best Version Media (BVM) to be a local publisher’s assistant. Instead, she was offered a position on one of BVM’s expansion teams, and she enthusiastically chose Ocean View, never looking back. Tamara loves working and spending time in such a wonderful community. “Ocean View is a vibrant, eclectic resort community, and getting to be part of that is extremely rewarding.” Her favorite aspect of her job as publisher is getting to know the people of OV–the residents, local business owners, and families are definitely the best part.

If you see Tamara around the community, stop and say hi! She’d love to hear what you think about Ocean View Living or what you want to see in your local publication, and encourages you to chat with her about OVL and Ocean View.