western tidewater living - spring 2012

Easter dinnerCooking for 45 guests

House TourA look at how the Camps lived

Catching up with ...Judge Daniel Balfour

SPRING 2012 • vol. 3, no. 1

Remember the way it used to be?When you felt taken care of by a hometown business? That’s the way it’s been at Bronco Federal Credit Union for over 70 years. And today, that firm commitment to our members hasn’t changed one bit. We are a well-capitalized financial cooperative offering strong financial services—including auto loans, credit cards, mortgages and home equity products—and we are dedicated to looking out for our members…yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Contact us today and take advantage of Bronco’s 71 years of experience.

757.569.6000 • www.broncofcu.com

member NCUA iNstitUtioN

Remember the way it used to be?When you felt taken care of by a hometown business? That’s the way it’s been at Bronco Federal Credit Union for over 70 years. And today, that firm commitment to our members hasn’t changed one bit. We are a well-capitalized financial cooperative offering strong financial services—including auto loans, credit cards, mortgages and home equity products—and we are dedicated to looking out for our members…yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Contact us today and take advantage of Bronco’s 71 years of experience.

757.569.6000 • www.broncofcu.com

member NCUA iNstitUtioN

Nothing is more important than family. That’s our guiding principle at The Village, and it’s why folks feel our community is simply one big family. It’s why you’ll be greeted with warm smiles at The Village, whether they’re from residents or our friendly, helpful staff members. Families enrich each other’s lives, and that’s what everyone at The Village does every day.

To learn more about The Village at Woods Edge, please visit us on the web at www.VillageAtWoodsEdge.com or call (757) 562-3100.

The Village at Woods Edge

Small town charm. Engaging senior living.

Small town charm. Engaging senior living.

1401 North High Street • Franklin, VA 23851 • www.VillageAtWoodsEdge.com • (757) 562-3100 • fax: (757) 562-0051

Age 6: Mom was always there to make the monsters go away.

Age 13: My biggest cheerleader made sure I was never late

to cheerleading practice.

Age 18: She could still always tell when something was wrong.

Age 27: Tears of joy when I told her she was going to be a grandma.

Age 29:

We found that warding off monsters is even easier as a team.

Winter? What winter?At the risk of jinxing us at the time of this writing in early

March (anyone remember the “Circus Blizzard” of 1980?), Winter 2011-12 will be remembered for its wimpiness.

Few in Western Tidewater are complaining – not after a prior winter that was considerably less kind.

Spring sprung early this year, evidenced by the daffodil blooms outside Ruth Camp Campbell Memorial Library in late February.

Within weeks, the signs were abundant: the ding of bats hitting balls on baseball diamonds; businessmen sneaking away from the office for a round of weekday golf; and busier parking lots at area lawn-and-garden centers.

The greatest fear after a mild winter is Mother Nature’s payback: a brutal summer. We’ll find out soon enough.

For now, we’ll savor springtime and its many delights, including the Franklin Garden Club’s home tour during Historic Garden Week. Catch a sneak preview on the pages that follow.

Sincerely,Steve Stewart

letter from the publisher

4 western tidewater living

96%customers would recommend usto a friend

of our

Our customers are saying good things about us. And we believe in saying "thank you" for it, too. Whether you call, visit a branch or connect with our online services, we want our thanks to show in every aspect of your personal or business banking experience. Look us up online @ farmersbankva.com or give us a call at 757-242-6111.

courteous

C o u r t e o u s | P r o m p t | R e l i a b l e | S e c u r e

Contents | spring 2012

InsIde thIs edItIon

Marguerite Leathers keeps commitment to cycle

PeDAling Along40

Steve StewartPublisher

Tony ClarkGeneral Manager

Gwen AlbersManaging editor

Dale LieschStaff writer

Rex AlphinColumnist

Merle MonahanContributing writer

Troy CooperDesigner

Ryan Outlaw

Designer

Loretta LomaxEditorial assistant

Mitzi Lusk

Marketing consultant

Kate ArcherMarketing consultant

Michelle Stainback

Office manager

Western Tidewater Living is published four times a year by Tidewater Publications, LLC

P.O. Box 497, Franklin, VA 23851757-562-3187

Advertising rates and informa-tion available upon request to

[email protected]. Subscriptions are $20 annually

in-state; $24 annually out of state; and $30 annually overseas.

PArty PixFrom Franklin’s 50th Anniversary Gala to the Jameer Woodley Benefit, Western Tidewater had a busy winter celebrating.6

FrienDs ForeverJames Riddick, Jack Camp shared special bond32

tour oF HomesFranklin Garden Club’s tour of homes will feature three Camp homes. 26

Easter dinnerCooking for 45

House Tour

A look at how the Camps lived

Catching up with ...Judge Daniel Balfour

SPRING 2012 • vol. 3, no. 1

column and photo by Rex Alphin

Hold it. Cut the television off. Silence your cell phone. Better yet, stash it in the top drawer. Put distance be-

tween you and your computer and flee the tablet. Come with me! The world awaits!

Come, sit by my side. Watch! Look! The earth is warming! Can you feel it?

Close your eyes. Tilt your face upwards. Let your cheeks bask in the rays! Now look about. Can you sense the restlessness? The earth is expecting, is it not? No longer can it be de-nied! No longer can its crust contain the life underneath!

Just watch. Watch with me. There! Do you see it! There! It is bursting forth! A sliver, a tiny sword of green bursting through that crack! Right from the soil it comes! Out of bare ground! How can that be? How can such

a thing happen?Before our very eyes! And look! Over

there! Yellow! Yellow, I tell you! It is coming alive in our presence! Exploding forth! And purple! Now orange! Red, am-ber, pink, white! Striped, streaked, dotted! What variety! What assortment! What random diversity!

Why, the ground is now covered with life! Painting its own picture, producing its own show! And what sculptures, what captivat-ing works of art! Fingers thrusting to the sky! Embroidery weaving its own designs! As if it

was all planned and devised! How can this be? Why are we so privileged to see it, to touch it, to smell it? To revel in it!

Ah, it’s spring, I tell you! Let the earth burst forth and wrap us in its arms! Smell the hon-eysuckle and let the fescue tickle your toes! Curtsy to the daffodils and bow to the Brad-ford pear. Take a knee to the great oak as he stretches his arms over your shingles. For you are a chosen audience, I tell you! To you were given sight and senses! A witness to splen-dor!

Ah, it’s spring! Ring the bells! Proclaim its entrance in the public square! Announce its arrival from the hilltop! The curtain has parted! The grand, intoxicating season of life is unfolding before our very eyes!

Let the show begin! ←

expectant earth



cooking with

Story by Merle MonahanPhotography by Don Bridgers

Debra Alphin’s husband, Rex, says she has kitchen sense.

“Well I don’t know about that, but I’ve never been intimidated by the kitchen,” she said with a laugh. “I’ve been cooking, it seems, all my life. In fact, I don’t ever remember not being able to cook.”

The 54-year-old former elementary school teacher, who also has a degree in nursing which she earned when she was 50, is the mother of three adult children, Judson, Leah and Amanda. Despite the commitments of family and education, Alphin has also become a gourmet cook and is well known in her community for her culinary tal-ents.

When she is not volunteering at the Western Tidewater Free Clinic in Suffolk, where she often takes home-baked snacks to the staff, she can most likely be found in the kitchen on the family farm or at her church, preparing one of her award-winning dishes.

The York County native began cooking by helping with the family meals.

gourmet & more

See ALPHIN page 21

Cover photographby Frank A. davis

nuPtiAlsCynthia Pegram and Moses Wyche marry 34

In each edition, our magazine staff provides a challenge of sorts for readers, testing how much of Western Tidewater you really know. We photograph a scene in Western Tidewater that is visible to motorists or pedestrians.

Whoever can identify the locations of the most houses will be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to any one of our partner advertisers.

So, if you know where this is, let us know. If you’re right, you could be a winner. E-mail your answers to [email protected]

Go out and enjoy Western Tidewater!

where am I?western tidewater living 37

37Tell us where our photographer took this photo and get a chance to win a gift certificate.

46Colmunist Rex Alphin shares thoughts on spring.

22Each quarter our magazine features a local cook. See what Debra Alphin’s cooking up for the Easter holiday.

ON THE COVER: Marguerite Leathers rides 8,849 miles over 363 days in 2011.


party pix

50th AnniversAry GAlATop, Warren Beale, from left, Texie Marks, Walker Gillette, Rhonda Stewart, and Phil and Marcie Wright attend the Franklin 50th Anniversary Gala at Paul D. Camp Community College Regional Workforce Development Center on Feb. 17; above left, Arwen and Will Councill; above middle, Chantal Roemer and Tim Dalton; above right, Nancy Cornwell, from left, Stan Rich and Irma Brown; at right, Bob and Margaret Mackan.

Photos by Don briDgers

western tidewater living 7

American Standard is redefining smart energy use with the Heritage Hybrid™ Comfort System. When winter’s at its worst, it warms your home with the cozy heat of a high-efficiency natural gas furnace. In cooler weather, an ultra-efficient two-stage heat pump gives slow, steady warmth. Then, when the weather warms up, the system operates as an energy-efficient air conditioner. It’s built to keep you comfortable and save you money. And since it’s built by American Standard, you know it’s built to last. Contact your local independent American Standard dealer for more. And less.

We start with the most efficient furnace on the market. Then we get serious.

© 2010 American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning All rights reserved

When your home comfort system fails, the whole house feels miserable. Luckily, fast relief is available from your local independent American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning dealer. He or she is a true professional with the training and skill to fix nearly any system, and the expertise to know when it’s time to replace your equipment with an ultra reliable, highly efficient American Standard home comfort system. For superior service and honest answers, call your local independent American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning dealer. Any time at all.

If you find yourself in need of some serious help, you just found a serious solution.

Henderson Heat & Air, Inc. Franklin, VA

757-569-0885www.improveyourcomfort.com© 2010 American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning All rights reserved

When your home comfort system fails, the whole house feels miserable. Luckily, fast relief is available from your local independent American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning dealer. He or she is a true professional with the training and skill to fix nearly any system, and the expertise to know when it’s time to replace your equipment with an ultra reliable, highly efficient American Standard home comfort system. For superior service and honest answers, call your local independent American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning dealer. Any time at all.

If you find yourself in need of some serious help, you just found a serious solution.

Henderson Heat & Air, Inc. Franklin, VA

757-569-0885www.improveyourcomfort.com


Henderson Heat & Air, Inc.757-569-0885




© 2007 American Standard All rights reserved

105 2nd Avenue, Franklin VA (757) 562-3175email: [email protected] • www.smithdiamondjewelers.com

He has his.Now you have yours!


party pix

the ‘70s At Full Gospel KinGdom ChurChTop right, Kiliyah Clarke, from left, Keliyah Childs, Asia Powell and Laniyah Hunter wear fashions from the 1970s during a January program at Full Gospel Kingdom Church in Franklin; at right, from left in front are Asia Johnson and Courtney Britt; and in back, Talisha Wilson, Tevin Sumblin, Desiree Elliott, Sara Lyons and Bruce Odom; below, Carlye Artis, left, James Artis Jr. and Kylee Artis.

submitteD Photos


[email protected]

T&A Repairs, LLC22189 Main Street, Courtland

Next to the Post Office757-653-2336

We Make Farm Service

Calls!

We’ll Take Care of All Your Automotive Needs!Our highly trained ASE Certified Technicians are here to help!

party pix10 western tidewater living

hiGh street seniorsAbove, High Street seniors attending a meeting in January in Franklin are Ilene Koenig, left, and Beulah Williams; at left, Shirley Drake, from left, Lucille Brock and Geneva Sessoms; below, Jane Branch, left, and Helen Nurney.

Photos by stePhen Cowles


Franklin City Public SchoolsBuilding High Expectations for Success!

Health and Medical Science

students at state conference

New Beginnings in Richmond

Kindergarten students in

“Little Red Hen”

Robotics students in the 1st Cardboard Regatta


party pixJAmeer Woodley BeneFitAt right, John and Virginia Scott of Ivor, from left, and Earnell Winfield of Court-land attend the Jameer Woodley Reading Foundation Benefit and Silent Auction at Paul D. Camp Community College on Jan. 14; below left, Heather Simmons, from left, and Peggy Simmons, both of Courtland; Wayne Williams of Newsoms; and Lynn and Mary Burgess of Sedley; below right, in front from left, Jacqueline Rose of Clarks-burg, Md., and Dionne Rose-Edmond of Leesburg, and in back, Michael Rose of Hampton and Yvonne Rose of Courtland, at bottom, Jack Wright, from left, and Blake Phillips, both of Franklin; Tim Lowe of Sed-ley; and Ben Lane of Franklin.

Photos by gwen Albers


YOU STORE ITYOU LOCK IT

YOU KEEP THE KEY

Key Pad, Access Code7 Days a Week 8am-10pm

We SellBoxes & Locks

562-7070or 562-7272

1440 Armory DriveFranklin, VA (next to walmart)

[email protected]

www.StorageFront.com/ABCSelfStorage

www.bsvnet.com

Smithfield115 Main St

757-357-4381

Franklin1310 Armory Dr

757-562-6722

Capron23003 Main St

434-658-4121

Boykins18207 Virginia Ave

757-654-6121

Wakefield630 County Dr

757-899-7310

What gives you financial peace of mind?

The Bank of Southside Virginia

Is it having lots of choices for checking, savings and loans?We have them.

Or is it security for your family such as retirement accounts and education IRAs,

plus the benefit of having an expert financial planning specialist on staff?

We have those, too.

How about 24/7 access to your accounts online, at ATMs and on your mobile phone? And a local bank with a strong reputation for safety and soundness?

BSV has it all.

Come and bank with BSV!


party pix

neWsoms ruritAn CluB AuCtionAbove, Emma Drake of Newsoms, left, and Sarah Williams of Courtland at the Newsoms Ruritan Club Auction in February; below, Lynda Updike of Statesville, left, Virginia Brett of Como, N.C., and Nannette Brett of Williamsburg.

Photos by DAle liesCh


1.800.889.7688 toll free www.hubspeanuts.com

Summer’s coming, butuntil then…

think Warm!

Hubs.WTL2.12.pdf 1 2/28/12 9:55 AM

Physician’s ChoicePhysical �erapist’s Choice

Healthcare Consumer Choice

Since 1986Tidewater Physical �erapy

Your recovery is our sole priority. Period.We believe that your trust and confidence in our care is something that must be earned and valued – one physician, one physical therapist, and one healthcare consumer at a time.

Tidewater Physical Therapy. It’s your choice. Call today to experience the difference that is

Why?

Tidewater Physical �erapy - 31 locations throughout SouthEastern Virginia. www.tpti.com

Regional Director - Kevin Schrack, PT, OCSFRANKLIN1580 Armory Drive, Ste. B Franklin, VA 23851 Ph: (757) 562-0990

WINDSOR70-E Windsor Blvd., Ste. F Windsor, VA 23487 Ph: (757) 242-4236

Immediate scheduling is available. We participate with most health insurance carriers.


party pix

relAy For liFe FundrAiserAt left, Gladys Edwards of Newsoms attends a Relay for Life fundraiser for the Sojourners at Bethel United Methodist Church on Feb. 4 with her daughter-in-law Wanda Edwards of Newsoms and great-granddaughter, Bailey Edwards, 16 months, of Sedley; below left, Sharon Gryder of Sunbeam, from left, Emma Gryder of Chesterfield and Susan Kaplan of Emporia; below right, Wayne White, from left, Irving and Gracie Malcolm and Linda White, all of Sedley; at bottom, Sojourners Relay for Life team members helping in the kitchen, from left, are Pat Gardner, Ginny Outland, Hilda Drake, Beverly Steward, Linda Drake and Alice Mason.

Photos by gwen Albers


Why don’t you do something you’ve always dreamed of doing? START - OR GROW - YOUR OWN BUSINESS!

The Franklin Business Incubator has everything you need to jump start a new business or to help grow a young business. You will � nd this professional program has just what you need to start and grow your business.

FRANKLIN BUSINESS INCUBATORLocated in Historic Downtown Franklin601 N. Mechanic Street • Franklin, VA

Contact Nancy Parrish: 757-562-1958 • [email protected]

Come See Our Newest Addition - 24 NEW OFFICES!

Let us help you your business!

We can make THIS...

...into THIS!

105 2nd Avenue, Franklin VA (757) 562-3175email: [email protected] • www.smithdiamondjewelers.com

Turning ‘out of style’into ‘THE style!’ since 1958


party pix

toAst A teACherAt right, attending the Toast A Teacher for Southampton Academy on March 1 at the Rawls Museum Arts were, from left, Anne Ray, Kim Drewry and Ann Marie Vinson; below, Mary Addie Flowers, left, Temple Glenn, Barry Glenn; bottom left, Rachel Pope, from left, Kim Pope and Julia Owens; bottom right, Nina Whitley, left, Leona and Lewis Davis.

Photo by Don briDgers


sentara.com/westerntidewater Your community, not-for-profit health partner

Quality healthcare in Western

Tidewater is better than ever

because it’s better connected.

Whether at Sentara Obici Hospital,

Sentara BelleHarbour or Sentara St.

Luke’s, your care is enhanced by

Sentara eCare®. This advanced elec-

tronic medical record system gives

your Sentara doctors immediate

access to your health information via

a secure network. With Sentara eCare®,

wherever you are – in Western Tidewater

or anywhere in the Sentara system – your

medical record is right there with you.

Sentara BelleHarbour | 3920-A Bridge Rd., Suite 100, Suffolk, (757) 983-0000

Sentara St. Luke’s | 20209 Sentara Way, Suite 108, Carrollton, (757) 542-1000 • Sentara Obici Hospital | 2800 Godwin Blvd., Suffolk, (757) 934-4000

Sentara eCare: Your ElectronicMedical Record Is Where You Are.

Learn more aboutSentara eCare®To view video, scan the barcodeusing your smart phone andany QR Reader app.

sen-7514 western tide ad75x10:Layout 1 3/4/12 12:01 PM Page 1

party pix

sedley WomAn’s CluB vAlentine’s dAnCeAt right, attending the Sedley Woman’s Club Valentine’s Dance at the Southampton County Fairgrounds on Feb. 11 were, from left, Mary and Jerry Winningham, and Bobbie and Jeff Butler; below left, Sedley Woman’s Club members, from left, Marti Clark, Cindy Darden and June Dunlow; below right, Carolyn Cook, from left, Terry and Wayne White-head; bottom left, Heather and Rusty Dunlow; bottom right, couples from left, Bob and Dot McDonald, Matt and Donna Bernocco and Joey and Gina Arzola.

Photos by Don briDgers



24478 New Market Rd. Courtland, VA

Storage Solutions757-516-8887

East Coast Buildings757-516-6990

Portable Buildings & Storage Units Available

(757) 569-0000 • www.airmechanix4u.com11050 Carrsville Hwy• Franklin, VA

Sleep well knowing you’ve madethe right choice!

We want to be your service company with free second opinions, free estimates and

100% satisfaction guaranteed!

No gimmicks, just honest

solutions and real value.

We are never out of our customers’ reach.We are never out of our customers’ reach.We are never out of our customers’ reach.We are never out of our customers’ reach.We are never out of our customers’ reach.We are never out of our customers’ reach.

OUTHSIDE GAS SERVICE, INC.

You Can Count On Us.

South & Main St.Franklin, VA 23851 757-562-3918

tidewaternewsdotcom

Your Key to the Latest News


cooking with

Story by Merle MonahanPhotography by Don Bridgers

debra Alphin’s husband, Rex, says she has kitchen sense.

“Well I don’t know about that, but I’ve never been intimidated by the kitchen,” she said with a laugh. “I’ve been cooking, it seems, all my life. In fact, I don’t ever remember not being able to cook.”

The 54-year-old former elementary school teacher, who also has a degree in nursing which she earned when she was 50, is the mother of three adult children, Judson, Leah and Amanda. Despite the commitments of family and education, Alphin has also become a gourmet cook and is well known in her community for her culinary tal-ents.

When she is not volunteering at the Western Tidewater Free Clinic in Suffolk, where she often takes home-baked snacks to the staff, she can most likely be found in the kitchen on the family farm or at her church, preparing one of her award-winning dishes.

The York County native began cooking by helping with the family meals.

gourmet & more

See ALPHIN page 23


“When I was really young, my mother, Hilda Hogge, was gracious enough to let me help her in the kitchen,” Alphin said. “I learned a lot from her. But surprising-ly, I also learned a lot at summer camp.” When she was in high school, Alphin annually attended a four-week Chris-tian summer camp in Lenexa for teen-agers, where she helped prepare three meals a day for about 60 people.

“I really enjoyed it,” Alphin said. “Cooking just seems to come natural to me. I don’t mind using a new recipe, but I don’t have to. I sometimes experi-ment, take something out, or put some-thing different in. So far, things have turned out well.”

Cooking is indeed Alphin’s passion. On Easter and Christmas, the Alphins invite 45 members from Debra’s ex-tended family for dinner.

“The cooking is my department, of course, and I like to mix things up a bit,” she said. “For instance, we don’t have the traditional foods that most people have for these holidays. In the meat line, we can have anything from grilled pork tenderloin to steak or sea-food. We usually have two meats.”

The vegetables vary except for corn pudding.

“We always have that because of the fresh corn from our garden,” Alphin said. “Desserts, of which there are several, are not the same either. The exception here are two pies — always a French apple for Easter and a black bottom for Christmas.”

Alphin also makes her own bread on occasion.

“My children have all shown an in-terest in cooking,” she said. “Even Jud-son, who is going to school in England, sometimes emails me to ask how to cook a certain thing. Once when he was in the States, he called me from the grocery store.”

Alphin acknowledges cooking isn’t for everyone.

“For some, though, it is an art,” she said. “I like nothing better than to dec-orate a pretty cake for a special occa-sion — like for my children’s birthdays, or for a sick friend.” ←

deBrA Alphin’s reCipes:

orAnGe-pineApple puddinG CAKeIngredients1 box butter cake mix15-ounce can mandarin oranges with juice4 eggs½ cup vegetable oil

FROSTING Ingredients9-ounce carton frozen whipped topping, thawed20-ounce can crushed pineapple with juice1 large box instant vanilla pudding

DirectionsPreheat oven to 350 degrees.Grease and flour three, 9-inch cake pans. In mixing bowl, combine cake mix, mandarin oranges, mandarin orange juice, eggs and oil. Beat two minutes with electric mixer. Pour into pans and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until cake tester comes out clean. Cool in pans for five minutes, turn out of pans and finish cooling on wire racks. Mix frosting and frost cake. Keep cake refrigerated.

strAWBerry dessertIngredientsCrust2 cups crushed graham crackers¾ cup melted butter3 tsp. sugarMix together and press crumb mixture in bottom of 9- by 13-inch baking pan. Bake eight minutes at 400 degrees. do not over bake.

Filling8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature1 cup sugar8 ounces whipped toppingMix well and spread on top of graham cracker crust. Refrigerate until chilled.

Topping2 small boxes strawberry gelatin2 cups boiling water2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen strawberries.Place gelatin in bowl and add boiling water. stir until gelatin is dissolved. Add strawberries and let stand 10 minutes. Break strawberries apart with fork and pour mixture evenly over filling. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

Cheesy sAusAGe QuiCheIngredients2 pounds pork sausage (1 mild and 1 Italian)1 cup chopped onion2/3 cup chopped green pepper3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese2 tbsp flour2 unbaked deep-dish, piecrusts4 eggs, beaten2 cups evaporated canned milk1 tbsp parsley flakes1½ tsp. salt½ tsp. garlic powder½ tsp. black pepper

DirectionsIn skillet, fry sausage until no longer pink. Remove sausage from skillet and dry on paper towels.Reserve 4 tbsp. drippings and sauté onions and peppers in drippings. Combine cheese and flour and stir in sausage, onions and peppers. spread in piecrusts. Mix remaining ingredients and pour into piecrusts over sausage mixture. Bake on cookie sheet for 35 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees until browned and filling is set.

ChiCKen And spinACh pAstA BAKeIngredients8 ounces uncooked rigatoni1 tbsp. olive oil1 cup finely chopped onion (about 1 medium)1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed3 cups cubed cooked chicken breasts1 (14.5-ounce) can Italian-style diced tomatoes1 (8-ounce) container chive-and-onion cream cheese½ tsp salt½ tsp black pepper1½ cups (6 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese

DirectionsPrepare rigatoni according to package directions. Meanwhile, spread oil on bottom of 11- by 7-inch baking dish. Add onion in a single layer. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes, or until just tender. transfer onion to a large bowl and set aside. drain chopped spinach well, pressing between layers of paper towels. stir rigatoni, spinach, chicken and next four ingredients into onion bowl. spoon mixture into baking dish and sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake covered at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 more minutes until bubbly.

ALPHIN continued from page 22

DaVinci BeadsBUY 4

beads at $6.99 GET

1 FREE! Now carrying DaVinci beads!

Each bead is a small work of art; hand-craft designs and each crystal is hand set. DaVinci Beads, let them tell your

story at a fraction of the cost. We carry bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Stop

by and see our new collection atDesigns by Sandra 757-562-6455

111 N. Main St.

It’s in Downtown Franklin

Southern Taste. Southern Hospitality.It’s the simple things in life like great conversations & delicious foods that one should enjoy. Step in and check out our newest selections of Italian meats and gourmet cheeses perfect for entertaining. For a taste of the south visitSimply Divine! 757.516.8557 - 102 N. Main St.

Kitchen and Bath RemodelingWe bring your dreams to life! Let our design expert create a fresh new look for one of the most important rooms in your home! Specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodeling:Floor to Ceiling, 201 N. Main St.Franklin, VA - 757.569.8152

Most Comfy Flip Flops!When comfort meets style you’ll get Corky’s®

Flip Flops! Our style � opsare uniquely designed to take you from beachy to dressy in a slip! Come see our newest collection at Hair Design, 95

Fifth Ave., (757) 562-7072

Antiques and CollectiblesUp and down the East Coast clients shop Southampton Antiques for rare and hard to � nd antique, period furniture, primitives and collectibles. We carry jewelry, glassware, vintage signs. We carry more than the eyes can see!Southampton Antiques115 S. Main St., 757-647-8700

Special AnnouncementPlease do not GIVE your coins away for the gold or silver content! There are thousands of coins worth $50 to $50,000 each! Before you sell, come in to check the value of your coins!Liberty Coins, 217 N. Main St.Downtown Franklin, 757-562-7034

For the Little Adventurers!New for 2012! The Carlisle Saber.

A great paddle for kids! Short and sweet, lightweight paddle

is easy to maneuver and handle. Kid-proof and designed for fun,

the Saber is the perfect choice for little kayakers! Call 757-56WATER

for Kayak and Canoe Rentals, Sales & Guided Tours!

Blackwater Out� tters,240 S. Main St.,

www.blackwaterout� ttersva.com

Settle Into Your ZoneEnjoy a quiet afternoon in our elegant tea room with a variety of teas and delicious entrees.Pam’s Tea Room - 757.516.6400107 E. Third Ave. And make sure to call Dot’s Kitchen for all your catering needs! 757.562.4434

We Make You Look Good!Call us to � nd out how.7575.562.3299www.RichwoodGraphics.com213. N. Main St.Franklin, VA 23851


A look at historyCamp family homes to be featured on tourStory by Merle MonahanPhotography by Don Bridgers

the closing of Franklin’s International Paper Mill in 2010 brought to end a more than 100-year era of prosperity

with the formation of IP’s predecessor, the Camp Manufacturing Co.

Established by P.D. Camp and his brothers, the small lumber mill grew into an interna-

tional manufacturer of fine paper, providing jobs for families in the region.

Known for its generosity and philanthropy, the Camp family has always felt a sense of responsibility for the well-being of the area, funding various public safety and non-profit organizations. The family support continues

through its foundations.The Franklin Garden Club for its annual

spring tour on Saturday, April 21, will feature four of the early Franklin homes built during this era, three by the Camp brothers and an-other by Dr. J.F. Bryant, Franklin’s first mayor.

Homes on the tour will include:

the mAples216 meAdoW lAne

Built in 1895 by James L. Camp Sr. and his wife, Carrie Savage Camp, the original ar-chitecture was Victorian and appeared very much as it does today.

James Camp’s brother, Paul D. Camp, liked the house so much that he built the Elms in a similar fashion. In 1942, the home was passed on to James’ son, William “Bill” Camp Sr.,

and in 1977, it went to Bill Camp Jr. and his brother, Clay. It was sold out of the Camp family in 1978.

The interior of the home has custom millwork, raised panel-ing, arched doorways, an eleva-tor, hardwood floors and rare black cypress paneling in the den.

The home, which is getting an interior facelift, is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Walter Everette Story.

James L. Camp Sr. and his wife, Carrie Savage Camp, built this home at 216 Meadow Lane, Franklin, in 1895.

A look at history

the elms717 ClAy st.

Paul D. Camp and his wife, Ella, built the home in 1897. The Camps’ eight children lived

there until they married.The Elms today is the administrative

quarters for all the Camp Foundations.The interior of the six-bedroom home,

which has space for two additional bed-rooms on the third floor, is maintained as it was during Ella Camp’s life. It fea-

tures North Carolina shortleaf curly pine prized for its beautiful grain and so rare that it took Paul D. Camp 25 years to col-lect enough for the interior trim.

The Elms has a remarkable collection of Doughty birds and a wall-size oil painting given to P.D. Camp, an avid fox hunter, when the home was built.The home is probably best known in

Franklin as the Santa Claus House. Since 1935, large painted cutouts of Santa and his reindeer have been placed on the roof each December.

Above, the Elms at 717 Clay St., Franklin, serves as the administrative offices for the Camp Foundations. Below, this oil painting was given to P.D. Camp, an avid fox hunter, after the home was built.



the rylAnd CAmp house724 ClAy st.

Ryland Camp, the son of P.D. Camp, purchased this Ameri-can Foursquare home shortly after it was built in 1916.

The house was sold in 1980 and underwent several renova-tions before its current owners purchased it in 2005.

The home has a wide front entrance hall, a game room with a fireplace wall, wainscoting, two walls of cabinetry and book-cases made from hand-carved oak.

The four-year-old remodeled kitchen includes an island with granite counter, three Italian wall mosaics and refurbished cab-inets.

Numerous oil paintings throughout the home were painted by friends of the owners, Bryan Harshall and Michele Tono.


the BryAnt house205 n. hiGh st.

Dr. J.F. Bryant and his wife, Maggie, built the home in 1890.

J.F. Bryant was Franklin’s first mayor, the superinten-dent of Southampton Coun-ty Schools for 35 years and a Confederate veteran of the Southampton Cavalry.

The two-story, post and beam construction home with a wrap-around front porch and an upstairs porch has a view of Franklin Bap-tist Church. The double front doors are original and feature a twist bell.

The hallway walnut banister is original and unusual because no two turnings are the same.

Owned by Ron Cornwell, the house will be open to the public for the first time.

Above, Franklin’s first mayor, Dr. J.F. Bryant, built this home at 205 N. High St. in 1890. At right, a sitting area in the home.


During the tour, lunch will be served for $15 at the

High Street Method-ist Church on Camp

Parkway.Other activities

will include two-hour Riverkeeper boat tours, leaving

from the public boat ramp off Main Street in Franklin.

Tickets are $20 for a full tour and $10 for single-site admission. Children 6-12 will be admitted at half price.Tickets may be pur-

chased at any of the homes on the tour.

Advance tickets may be pur-chased by calling Gayle Urquhart at 562-0915 or Judy Livesay at 562-2600. ←

Above left, An interior shot of the Elms. Above right, A staircase at the Elms. Below, an interior shot of the Camp home at 724 Clay St., Franklin.

©2011 Anheuser-Busch, Budweiser® Beer, St. Louis, MO

Ad Name: New Packaging Item #: PBW201110188

Job/Order #:232591

Trim: 10.25 x 10.5

Bleed: NONE

Live: 10 x 10.25

Closing Date: 8.12.11

QC: LD

Pub: Tidewater News


Friends ‘til

the end

James Andrew Riddick Jr. is a Southampton County native, as was his African-American father, who lived near Sycamore Church.

His mother, Lula Faulcon Riddick, was a Na-tive America who was raised on a family farm in Southampton County.

Eleven years after the local family-owned busi-ness Camp Manufacturing Co. merged with the Union Bag and Paper Co. of Savannah, James Rid-dick began working there on Dec. 21, 1967.

Founded in 1887, Camp Manufacturing was processing 50 million board feet of lumber an-

James Riddick, Jack Camp shared special bond

Story by Susan Taylor BlockPhotography submitted

See FRIENDS page 33

Above, James Riddick, left, and Jack Camp


FRIENDS continued from page 32

Friends ‘til

the end

nually by 1948, and the number just kept growing. The 1956 merger helped turn the thriving mill into a small town within the city.

A recent graduate of Hayden High School, Riddick stood out among the small army of forklift operators. Supervisor Mel-vin “Cookie” Williams noticed the even pace at which Riddick worked and the care with which he regarded company equip-ment.

He soon became a straddle carrier opera-tor. Aptly named, the bulky vehicle carried 2,000-foot units of rough lumber to the planing mill, storage, or sales areas. Riddick was the youngest man ever at the mill to operate the vehicle.

“It was a large piece of equipment for the small man I was,” he said. “It stood about 14 feet high. So I climbed up in that thing, knees shaking, because it was so tall.”

“It seemed like that if you went to the right, or the left, the whole thing would turn right over,” Riddick continued. “The steering wheel turned all four wheels at the same time, and you had to drive it in a zig-zag pattern.”

It took him a couple of days to get the hang of it and Riddick spent the next 10 years as the smooth captain of his carrier. It was during that time — from a distance — that he got to know John M. Camp Jr.

By 1983, Jack Camp, a grandson of founding president Paul D. Camp, man-aged the Virginia Division of Union-Camp, including the Seaboard, N.C., sawmill and the particle board mill.

Though Jack could seem a bit aloof at times, he was usually friendly to the em-ployees, greeting one after another and of-ten asking about their families.

“I can see Mr. Camp now,” Riddick remi-nisced. “He would drive up in his Jaguar, and he’d be dressed in those fine clothes he wore.”

“Then, he would come over to greet the employees,” Riddick continued. “I had met him before I ever went to work at the mill because I did chores at Franklin Baptist Church when I was a teenager. He was a very active member there. So we had been greeting each other for many years.”

One day in 1983, Melvin Williams told

Riddick to report immediately to Jack Camp’s office.

“It came out of the blue,” Riddick said. “I thought to myself that I might be about to lose my job. I just couldn’t imagine why Mr. Camp wanted to see me.”

Much to the contrary. Camp was offering Riddick a new job.

Camp’s wife, Jean Stafford Camp, was quite ill and not responding well to medi-cal treatment. Jack Camp was a few months from retirement, so he chose Riddick to leave the mill and go to work at 217 Mead-ow Lane as Jean Camp’s driver. The job in-cluded numerous other responsibilities.

Though it seemed abrupt to Riddick, the offer was well thought out. Camp had been watching Riddick for years. Camp admired the way Riddick worked, and he especially liked his even-tempered personality, opti-mism and easy smile.

Though poignant and short-lived, Rid-dick found pleasure in knowing Jean Camp.

“Miss Jean was one of the most beauti-ful and most wonderful ladies that I’ve ever met,” Riddick said. “She had a bright smile and personality. I enjoyed being with her so much.”

Jean Camp died just six months after Riddick took the job.

“It hurt me, and it hurt the whole com-munity,” he said. “She was much loved. I felt so bad for Mr. Camp and his children — daughters Sharon (Carter) and Jean (Har-rell), and his two boys, John and Robert. I got to know all of them, and they felt like family to me.”

Prepared to return to the mill, Riddick received another surprise. Jack Camp want-ed Riddick to stick around and offered him a private retirement plan.

At age 64, Camp was ready to leave Union Camp, and there would be plenty in his new life for Riddick. Some of it truly was work. Maintaining the expansive grounds at 217 Meadow Lane, grooming the horses and keeping things running inside and out fell within the definition, but then there was a delightful hazy area.

Riddick also had the good fortune of call-ing decades of marvelous fishing, hunting and sightseeing trips with Camp “work.”

Riddick flew in Camp’s propeller planes and had frequent use of whatever Jaguar Camp owned. Other interesting duties presented themselves with regularity.

Riddick’s employment lasted from 1983 until Camp’s children sold their father’s magnificent home following his death on Aug. 11. Certainly, the biggest perk was get-ting to know, and know well, the inimitable Jack Camp.

“We got along just fine,” Riddick said. “We disagreed on some things, but we al-ways worked it out between us.”

Becoming more inseparable over time, the two were a very familiar sight together in Franklin. In later years, they sat together at Camp’s church and occasionally were spotted in Wilmington, N.C., after Camp married port city native Rachel Cameron in 1988.

“She was beautiful, too,” Riddick said. “I enjoyed working with her.”

Through Camp, Riddick became friends with his boss’ friends.

“Do you know my friend, James Rid-dick,” Jack would always say during intro-ductions.

Some of Camp’s favorite people became Riddick’s, including the Rev. Dr. Ray Spence, the Rev. Ben Duffey, Franklin Police Chief Phil Hardison, pilots Jimmy Howell and Everett Williams, and the late Jim Wyatt. Riddick was touched by the love Camp had for these men, and they had for him.

“Mr. Camp taught me many things,” Rid-dick said. “I didn’t even know how to tie a tie when I met him, and I had never even thought of saving money. He taught me other deeper things, too. He was like a fa-ther to me.”

Riddick’s words illustrate what Dr. Spence said of his friend of 40 years.

“Jack had a passion for wanting to make things better and constantly sought, in all areas, to improve the lives of those around him.”

Riddick was not only “around him.” He had a special place in Camp’s heart.

Like many of us, Riddick as Camp’s em-ployee, confidant and friend is still grieving over his death.

“I miss him dearly,” Riddick said. “I loved him and he loved me.” ←


nuptials

Cynthia Renee Pegram of Stony Creek and Moses Wyche of Capron married at 4 p.m. Dec. 18, 2011, at

St. John Baptist Church in Stony Creek.The Rev. Herbert Holly officiated with

the Rev. Daniel Crump assisting.The bride’s father, Glover Pegram, gave

away his daughter.Matron of honor was Angelia Booker,

cousin of the bride.Maid of honor was Shavonta McKeever-

Harris, daughter of the bride.Bridesmaids were Terry Massenburg,

sister of the bride; Renata Evans, friend of the bride; Cathy Stith, cousin of the bride; and Loretta Stokes and Jacqueline Sledge, daughters of the groom.

Flower girls were Reese Elder and Jaylan

Photography by Don Bridgers

See WEDDING page 35

man& wife

The new Mr. and Mrs. Moses Wyche

Forbes, family friends, and Shaundra Sturdifen, the groom’s great-niece.

Best men were David Price, friend of the groom, and Cornelius Wyche, brother of the groom.

Groomsmen were Anthony and Moses Wyche, sons of the groom; Larry Stith and Marvin Good Sr., cousins of the bride; and Nathaniel Key, friend.

Ushers were Antwain Briggs, god-son to the bride; and Willie West-brook, Woodrow Wilson and Chris Everette, all friends of the groom.

Ring bearer was Kevonta Brown, grandson of the groom.

A reception was held at Golden Leaf Commons in Emporia.

The couple spent three days at a bed and breakfast in Williamsburg and will take a cruise to Mexico. They live in Capron.

The new Mrs. Wyche is a registered nurse supervisor for Southside Virgin-ia Training Center in Petersburg.

Her husband is retired from J.T. Barham and employed by Southamp-ton County Public Schools and En-gram Funeral Home in Franklin. ←


At left, Moses Wyche with his best man and younger brother, Cornelius Wyche. Below, bridal party members were, from left in front, Reese Elder, Shaundra Sturdifen and Jaylan Forbes, and in back, Jacqueline Sledge, Loretta Stokes, Shavonta Harris, Cathy Stith, bride Cynthia Wyche, Angelia Booker, Renata Evans and Terry Massenburg.

WEDDING continued from page 34


We are committed to improving this area’s record on colorectal cancer. The Sentara CancerNetwork is the only accredited network of its kind in Virginia, giving you the comprehensiveresources you need, from screening colonoscopy to advanced surgery and treatment.

Colorectal cancer – cancer that forms in the colon or rectum – is among the leading causesof cancer deaths in the U.S. for both men and women. Closer to home, several localities in HamptonRoads are among the hardest hit in Virginia when ranked among the state’s 35 health districts.*

The good news is that colorectal cancer can often be cured if diagnosed early. For both menand women, screenings should start at age 50, or 45 if you are African-American.

Download a risk factor card at sentara.com/ColonCancer to complete and share withyour physician. Many other educational resources are available, including video profiles ofcolon cancer survivors, board-certified colorectal surgeons and other members of the Sentara Cancer Network team.

sentara.com/ColonCancer Your community, not-for-profit health partner

*Virginia Department of Health, Health District Cancer Incidence, Morbidity, and Mortality Data 2009

Scan this code to go to the risk factor screeningtool online.

The Sentara Cancer Network is working to change that.Call your doctor

and schedule yourcolonoscopy today;

or talk with one of our nurse

navigators for aphysician referral

and to learn more about risk factors and prevention:

888-220-2214

Don’t Sit On Colon Cancer. Some of the worst colorectal cancer rates in

Virginia are right here in Hampton Roads.*

sen-7509 Colorectal Cancer ad_7.5x10:Layout 1 3/2/12 2:29 PM Page 1

In each edition, our magazine staff provides a challenge of sorts for readers, testing how much of Western Tidewater you really know. We photograph a scene in Western Tidewater that is visible to motorists or pedestrians.

Whoever can identify this structure will be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to any one of our partner advertisers.

So, if you know where this is, let us know. If you’re right, you could be a winner. E-mail your answers to [email protected]

Go out and enjoy Western Tidewater!

where am I?western tidewater living 37


CAlendAr oF events3/31—southAmpton ACAdemy GAlA-run For the rosesLocation: Paul D. Camp Community College Regional Development Workforce CenterDinner, live and silent auctions at 6 p.m.

4/14—4th AnnuAl CourtlAnd renAissAnCe FAireLocation: Walter Cecil Rawls LibraryEvent runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 653-2821 for information.

4/14—doWn home dAyLocation: Heritage Village CourtlandA family day full of heritage activities will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Check out the petting zoo and sheep shearing. Come watch logs being sawn on a 1928 sawmill. Corn will be ground into cornmeal on the replica gristmill. Cornbread patties will be cooked for a free tasting. Cornmeal will be available for a donation. Local printers will demonstrate the 1880s printing press. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children. For more information, call 653-9554

4/15—shAGGin on the BeAChLocation: Franklin-Southampton FairgroundsThe Band of Oz, Hip Pocket Band and Steve Owens and the Summertime Band will play from 3 to 7 p.m.

4/18—shAd plAnKinGLocation: Wakefield Sportsmen’s Club, 12205 Brittles Mill RoadThe 64th Shad Planking sponsored by Wakefield

Ruritan Club will take place 2 to 6:30 p.m., rain or shine. For more details, contact Robert Bain at 757-641-8060.

4/21—FrAnKlin erA oF the CAmp FAmily GArden tourLocation: FranklinTour three Camp homes and the new High Street United Methodist Church on Camp Parkway, where lunch will be served for $15. Tour tickets are $20

Marshall Rabil comes across a rusty car behind the City of Franklin Garage during Clean Rivers Day in 2011. This year’s event is April 28.

Gov. Bob McDonnell greets visitors as he arrives at the 63rd annual Wakefield Ruritan Shad Planking in April 2011.

western tidewater living 39and $15 in advance. Riverkeeper boat tours are $10.

4/28—CleAn rivers dAy Location: FranklinSpend the day cleaning up trash along the Nottoway and Blackwater rivers. Contact Riverkeeper Jeff Turner at 562-5173 for information.

5/12—seCond AnnuAl CArdBoArd roBo-reGAttALocation: Barrett’s Landing in FranklinEvent is a fundraiser for the Franklin High School Robotics Team. Call Liz Burgess at 641-8341 for information.

5/12—southAmpton AGriCulture museum BeeF BArBeCueLocation: Courtland Ruritan ClubFundraiser will run from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets are available from museum members.

5/14—ChAmBer’s 20th AnnuAl GolF tournAmentLocation: Cypress Cove Country ClubFor details call Southampton-Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce at 562-4900.

5/14—2nd AnnuAl GAil pArKer memoriAl GolF tournAmentLocation: Sleepy Hole Golf Course, SuffolkSocial with the Parker family begins at 11 a.m. followed by a complimentary lunch at noon and shotgun start at 1 p.m. Cost is $80 per person and $320 for a team. Proceeds will fund Franklin City Educational Foundation. Register by May 1 by contacting Jim Jervey at [email protected].

5/12—CeCil proFFit’s World oF Wheels internAtionAl Custom Auto shoWLocation: Heritage Park, WindsorColosse collector Cecil Proffit and Isle of Wight County Fair officials will host this auto, car, truck, van, motorcycle and farm equipment show from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To register, call 365-6325 or send an e-mail to [email protected].

5/31-8/30—We Be JAmmin’Location: Barrett’s Landing at 300 S. Main St., Franklin. Join us 6 to 10 p.m. every Thursday for free concerts featuring local and regional bands,

refreshments and concessions. Dance or just relax and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and entertainment. Downtown Franklin Association sponsors the events.

6/24—pAtriotism in the pArKLocation: Barrett’s Landing at 300 S. Main St. The U.S. Fleet Forces Band will perform a patriotic celebration. Highlights include a tribute to all branches of the armed forces. As the band performs a medley of tunes representing each branch, all military in attendance — active or retired — are asked to stand for recognition and appreciation.

Subscriptions are $20 annually in-state; $24

annually out of state; and $30 annually overseas.

Get Western Tidewater anywhere.Subscribe today.

A car is reflected in a chrome hubcap during the Cecil Proffit World of Wheels International Custom Auto Show at Heritage Park in Windsor last year.

40 western tidewater livingHAPPY continued from page 39

Marguerite Leathers vowed to ride her bicycle every day in 2011; the 58-year-old Courtland woman missed her goal by two days, despite riding 8,849 miles.

Story by Dale LieschPhotography by Frank A. Davis, submitted

just pedaling along

See BIKING page 42


Marguerite Leathers rides on a bike trail in Florida.


An Aug. 13 bike crash while in Maine for a family reunion resulted in a bro-ken collarbone. Leathers was told she couldn’t ride for six weeks.

That wasn’t an option.She converted her Madone Trek into

a stationary bike and continued “her ride” two days later. Riding indoors, she did about half of her normal, 30-mile daily ride while healing.

A recent retiree, Leathers has been an avid cyclist since attending Mars Hill College in North Carolina.

She knows where every dog in South-ampton County lives, and once made headlines after hitting an ostrich that darted in front of her from an exotic-animal farm near Emporia.

Leathers was well on her way to reaching her 2011 goal when mayhem struck.

While in Maine, she went for a ride. When the driver of a car attempted to turn into a driveway in front of Leath-ers’ path, Leathers reacted quickly.

“I swerved to avoid her and wrecked,” she said.

Cyclist Dave Chirayath came upon the accident and remained with Leath-ers until the ambulance arrived.

“The 13th was one of the worst days of my life,” she said.

“I wasn’t as concerned about the streak as she was,” said Paul Leathers, who is Marguerite’s husband. “I was worried about her. It was a sad thing be-cause cycling is such a big thing to her.”

Chirayath lent Marguerite Leathers the device to convert her bicycle into a stationary bike. She still keeps in touch with Chirayath, whom she and her hus-band call a “good Samaritan.”

Paul Leathers, 77, traded in his bike for a motorized scooter. That was before the husband and wife each completed 100,000 miles on their bikes three years go. They have ridden bikes in every county in Virginia.

Marguerite Leathers said Southamp-ton County is her favorite place to ride.

“Southampton County is a great place for biking,” she said. “There are so many quiet country back roads.” ←

BIKING continued from page 40


WE’VE GOT YOU COVEREDTHIS SPRING

Breakfast & Lunch DailyFishing License & Bait

Non-Ethanol Gas for your Small EnginesPicnic and Grocery Items

1. 8 0 0 . 5 9 8 .9 8 5 4w w w . p c p g o n l i n e . c o m

Personal Touch home care

moore home care

souThern Touch healTh care

With offices in colonial heights, emporia, Franklin, lawrenceville, stony creek & Waverly

Member of the BBB, VA Dept. of Medical Assistance Services & VA Personal Care Providers Assoc. Bonded & Insured.

Mom and dad were always there for

you when you needed them most. Now

it’s their turn to need help. Shouldn’t

you be there for them? Personal Care

Preferred Group can help. From meal

preparation and light cleaning to

transportation or 24-hour live-in care.

We know you’d like to take care of

them yourself. But when you can’t,

there’s Personal Care Preferred Group.. medicaTion assisTance . ViTal sign moniToring . resPiTe care . comPanionshiP. daily liVing acTiViTies . Personal care. household mainTenance

private pay, long-term insurance, workman’s compensation & medicaid accepted.

now it’s turn to need

help.their


Is a judge’s work ever really done?At the end of January, Judge Dan-

iel T. Balfour retired from Henrico County Circuit Court.

The Franklin native’s reason was sim-ple and understandable.

“The state has a mandatory retire-ment at 70 years of age,” he said. “I was going on 71.”

But there’s still a need for his exper-tise.

“I’m now a substitute judge,” Balfour said. “The courts are short of judges, and I’ll probably do some mediations. I enjoyed trying cases on the circuit.”

An attorney in Richmond for 35 years, he closed out his career with a judge-ship, which was presented in 2004.

“I liked law and politics and admired some of the lawyers in the area. John C. Parker being one,” Balfour said. “He was a man of integrity, admired by the com-munity and helpful to young people like me.”

Traveling with his wife, Jane, would be part of his retirement. The couple’s daughter Jane “Jill” Gillette Balfour is an elementary school teacher. Amy Bal-four followed in her father’s footsteps as an attorney, but became a travel writer.

“She’s a freelancer for Lonely Planet,” said Daniel Balfour.

The son of Richard and Dorothy Gil-lette Balfour, the judge still has cousins in Franklin.

He’s descended from Confederate Maj. Joseph Gillette in Southampton County.

“I’m active in the Southampton His-torical Society,” said Balfour, who served as vice president.

“I wrote several books related to that area,” he said. “One was a pictorial his-tory of the city and county. Another about both areas during the Civil War, and a third about the 13th Virginia Cal-vary.”

Balfour is former trustee for the Mu-seum of the Confederacy, the Stonewall Jackson House in Lexington and the Civil War Trust. ←

JudgeDaniel T. Balfour

Story and photography by Stephen H. Cowles

catching up with

column and photo by Rex Alphin

hold it. Cut the television off. Silence your cell phone. Better yet, stash it in the top drawer. Put distance be-

tween you and your computer and flee the tablet. Come with me! The world awaits!

Come, sit by my side. Watch! Look! The earth is warming! Can you feel it?

Close your eyes. Tilt your face upwards. Let your cheeks bask in the rays! Now look about. Can you sense the restlessness? The earth is expecting, is it not? No longer can it be de-nied! No longer can its crust contain the life underneath!

Just watch. Watch with me. There! Do you see it! There! It is bursting forth! A sliver, a tiny sword of green bursting through that crack! Right from the soil it comes! Out of bare ground! How can that be? How can such

a thing happen?Before our very eyes! And look! Over

there! Yellow! Yellow, I tell you! It is coming alive in our presence! Exploding forth! And purple! Now orange! Red, am-ber, pink, white! Striped, streaked, dotted! What variety! What assortment! What random diversity!

Why, the ground is now covered with life! Painting its own picture, producing its own show! And what sculptures, what captivat-ing works of art! Fingers thrusting to the sky! Embroidery weaving its own designs! As if it

was all planned and devised! How can this be? Why are we so privileged to see it, to touch it, to smell it? To revel in it!

Ah, it’s spring, I tell you! Let the earth burst forth and wrap us in its arms! Smell the hon-eysuckle and let the fescue tickle your toes! Curtsy to the daffodils and bow to the Brad-ford pear. Take a knee to the great oak as he stretches his arms over your shingles. For you are a chosen audience, I tell you! To you were given sight and senses! A witness to splen-dor!

Ah, it’s spring! Ring the bells! Proclaim its entrance in the public square! Announce its arrival from the hilltop! The curtain has parted! The grand, intoxicating season of life is unfolding before our very eyes!

Let the show begin! ←

expectant earth


Find yours today at

208 South Street, Franklin, VA 23851 • 757-562-6084 www.parkerbattery.com

Southampton Memorial Hospital is ranked highest in Hampton Roads for the 2nd year in a row on in-patient satisfaction scores (HCAPHS). Results compiled by HealthStream, an independent nationally recognized group.

Southampton Memorial Hospital o� ers a full line of both in-patient and out-patient rehabilitation services; speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy

East Pavilion’s Skilled Care Unit is an on-campus full-service rehabilitation center.

RANKED HIGHEST IN HAMPTON ROADS

Southampton Memorial Hospital experienced a growth of over 390 patients in 2011 in patient visits to the Emergency Department. At the same time, wait times for exams decreased 10 minutes and their length of stay times decreased by 15 minutes. SMH initiated their 30 minute wait time campaign pledge in May 2011.

decreased 10 minutes

2010Total Visits: ...............................................

...................13,412

Average wait time to an exam: ..................30 minutes

Average length of stay in ED: ....2 hours, 30 minutes

2011Total Visits: ...............................................

...................13,805

Average wait time to an exam: ..................20 minutes

Average length of stay in ED: ....2 hours, 15 minutes

Emergency Department

w w w . s m h f r a n k l i n . c o m

757-569-6100

western tidewater living - spring 2012

Documents