Staff report

GRANITE QUARRY — Brenda Costantino makes what her husband, Jim, calls a mean lasagna.

Translated, her delicious dish went down easy Wednesday evening as part of an appreciation dinner for police officers and their families.

“To me, Police Appreciation Week is special,” Brenda said. “I have a soft place in my heart for police.”

Brenda Costantino’s father, the late Earlie Vernon, served 24 years with the Virginia Beach Police Department, including stints as a field training and K-9 officer.

Jim Costantino, an alderman for Granite Quarry, said the dinner was her brainstorm.

“We wanted to do something special,” he said.

The dinner was held at the American Legion building. Three long tables were decorated. Garry Mattingly, owner of  Slice of Heaven pizza, provided the salad, and Amber Fowler of Knead Sweets contributed the rolls and a specially made cake, displaying a police shield in colored icing.

The Costantino’s granddaughter, Reese, helped with place settings and drinks, and staffers, including Granite Quarry Town Clerk Tanya Ward and Deputy Clerk Aubrey Smith, also assisted.

Mayor Bill Feather said a few words of appreciation for Chief Mark Cook and his Granite Quarry/Faith Police Authority, offered up a prayer, and everyone dug in, grateful for men and women in blue.